Snippet #1468088

Raban tensed when he saw Lionel enter the throne room. He could see from his brother's face that his irritation over the upcoming marriage had lessened not a jot. When Lionel was in one of his moods, he quarrelled with Father and made life miserable for the whole family, which Raban hated. He knew that at times like this it was best to keep his head down and pray that nothing bad would happen. He smiled when his mother asked him about slaying the Others. It was an embarrassing, childish game, but his mother had seen him playing it since he was old enough to stand on his two feet and hold a wooden sword, so he felt no shame in speaking of it with her. When his mother reassured him that he would ride in the tourney soon, he felt his thoughts turn towards the future.

One day he would ride in the tourneys as a brave and gallant knight. He would be as strong and swift as Lionel, but unlike his brother he would act as a true knight should, upholding his vows of chivalry taken in the sacred sept. He would swear to defend the helpess, love honour and uphold virtue. He would treat his parents and sister with respect and kindness, and challenge anybody who offended their dignity. He would put down rebels and bandits and turn back pirates from the Narrow Sea. He would even defeat his brother Lionel at joust after a hard-fought bout. And perhaps then Lionel would respect him, and his lord father would look at him with pride in his eyes.

Adelaide made quite a sight when she entered the room, clothed in all her finery, marching up to the throne and curtsying to their father somewhat stiffly. She was unhappy with the festivities as well, and Raban knew why. Once Lionel was wed, she would be next in line. And after her... perhaps Raban. He was young, but it was not uncommon for princes his age or even much younger to be married off for strategic purposes. It was a thought he didn't care for, so he pushed it away.

Ada smiled when she saw him and ruffled his hair, saying that he would be competing against Leo next.

"Stop calling me Leo, you prat," Lionel spat. He went on a tirade, abusing his mother and sister, the Winsler and Greyhardt princes, and finished by insulting Raban and mocking his squiring capabilities. Raban lowered his gaze to the floor, anger, fear and hatred seething through his veins at his brother's outburst, but there was nothing he could do. There was never anything he could do against Lionel.