Story Collector Stash

Robert agreed and said he would announce the tournament at the tourney later that day. 

Andorra was with Sansa while getting ready. Andorra promised Sansa to put up her hair in a Polina style as she promised and Andorra was right. The hair style complimented Sansa red hair and gave her a more mature look. 

Andorra smiled at the girls enthusiasm when she saw her face in the mirror. 

“It looks wonderful! you must teach my handmaidens to do this!” Sansa says admiring her hair

“I can have my friends teach them. It may look simple but when you first learn it can be a challenge.” Andorra explains as she pulls out a hair pin from when she was Sansas age. 

“Here, you can wear this too.” Andorra says showing Sansa the small but beautiful hair pin. 

It was in the shape of a blooming rose and had small little jewels embedding the outside giving it a ethereal effect. 

“It’s so beautiful. You should wear it, after all I’m not the one looking for a husband” Sansa teased as the princess rolled her eyes. 

“Yes, your right, however.” Andorra paused bringing out a golden hair stick with pearl white flowers and light turquoise stones hanging off the end 

“I will be wearing this. My mother wore it when she and my father got betrothed. I consider it good luck to wear it if i ever had to find love.” Andorra told as he girl gushed at the small story 

“Well then i guess if i must, i can wear the pin” Sansa says sarcastically as Andorra gave a small laugh and told the girl to turn around 

She pinned the rose right at the curve of her braid giving it the illusion that the pin is holding everything together.

A knock at the door was heard, 

“My ladies, it is time,” Sansa handmaiden says as the girls exited the doors and head out to the tourney. Edward and Andorra had seats near the King and Sansa was in front view of the jousts. 

King Robert stood up and raised his mug. 

“Today we celebrate a new hand to the Kingdom!” He says as everyone cheered and went quiet again 

“But, I have a very important announcement!” He says gesturing for Andorra to stand 

“In a months time, Princess of Andorra is giving her hand in marriage to solidify the alliance between Westeros and Polina. Her hand will be won by a tournament of arms looked over by Prince Edward.” Roberts says as everyone began to mutter about 

“One more thing, they must be from a prominent house that has pledged loyalty to the main houses of our land from the Starks of Winterfell to the Tyrells of High Garden. So prepare yourselves and let the jousts begin!” He shouted as the tourney was now in full swing. 

Knight after knight would go against each other in a sometimes gruesome scene. 

Many would be looking at Andorra too distracted to notice they had lost. It both annoyed and amused the princess. But her eyes would often look at Sandor stoic gaze after the jousts to see if he would have any reaction. So far nothing until the proclaimed ‘flower knight’ Sansa has raved about was going against the Mountain. Sandor brother. 

He was a large man even bigger than his brother. Andorra hoped he wouldn’t be in the tournament. She heard of his brutality on and off the battlefield. Something felt off about the battle. 

The mountains horse was acting erratic before the joust and when they had the signal to go the horse was the reason to his defeat. 

Outraged he took a sword to the horses neck ending its life. Andorra had to close her eyes at the picture and when she heard a cry she saw the man going after Ser Loras. The men man a round trip around the jousting field until Robert called for it to stop. Sandor quickly jumped in front of Gregory’s blade and blocked it, saving the knights life. The 2 battled as Andorra watched in both horror and anticipation. She prayed to any god to hope Sandor would survive the fight. 

“That’s enough!” The king cried as Sandor quickly knelt as Gregory’s sword barley missed his head making Andorra jump out of her seat. 

“Gregor, you have lost! Off with you. Let’s return to the jousting this fighting is a bore” The King says as everyone cheered and the tourney started up once again. 

“Now that we have that settled bring out the next round!” The king shouted as Sandor got off his knee as Ser Loras approached the man 

“I owe you my life Ser” He says putting his hand on Sandors shoulder 

“I’m no Ser” he gruffly says to the ‘flower night’ 

“You should be, what is your name?” He asked as Sandor rolled his eyes 

“Call me The Hound” He says not wanting the knight to shout his name

“I thank you, To The Hound!” He says raising his arm as the crowd cheered, Sansa stood up and clapped as Andorra looked at Sandors face of annoyance and clapped at he made eye contact. 

She nodded her head as he was brought back up to stand behind the king and herself. 

After the eventful day Everyone was back in the castle enjoying a feast with all the participants of the joust. Andorra and Edward were conversing with a few of the winners, no doubt trying to talk to the eligible princess but to meet the possible King of Polina. Andorra noticed Sandor brooding with a cup of wine in the corner watching all the knights and ladies flirt and chat amongst themselves. 

“Pardon me, I wish to congratulate the Hound, its been a pleasure to talk with you both” Andorra says smoothly as she made her way across the hall to the tall man. 

Leaning against the wall with him she saw him side eye her as he took a long drink of his cup until it was empty 

“I believe a congratulations is in order hm?” Andorra asked as Sandor remained silent 

“I mean after all you saved ‘The Prince of Flowers’. What an accomplishment,” Andorra sarcastically says causing a smirk to break on Sandors face. 

“Well it wasn’t the only eventful thing today. How are the knights of Kingslanding treating the most eligible princess in a hundred miles” Sandor retorts back causing Andorra to smile and laugh a bit 

“Oh just grand! You know every lady loves when men talk to you and are looking at everything but your face” She says seeing a few knights in a group looking at her and smiling. 

“That’s what happens when the King announces your possibility of being married off” Sandor says grabbing the pitcher of wine from a passing maid and another glass off of a near by table.

“Here, wine will make half these pricks look somewhat decent” He says pouring Andorra a cup of dark wine. This caused Andorra to laugh

“So, is that why King is always drunk when he goes to bed?” Andorra shot back causing Sandor to choke on his wine. He quickly recovered and swallowed it as he wiped his face. He grinned at the woman. 

“So not only can you fight with a sword, your good a jokes as well?” He asks as she slyly grinned at Sandor 

“Hey, we all have our secrets, You have the story behind the scar, and I have my dark sense of humor” Andorra says as Edward waved her over. Gulping down the rest of the wine she winked at Sandor before departing 

“Duty calls” She says as she made her way back to her brother as Sandor watched her figure walk away.

“Hey, Just because its a powerful weapon doesn’t mean I have you use it to get my way. A man is easily more fooled with the mystery behind a powerful woman who I’ve been told has the beauty of the late Lyanna Stark. I was told she was a great beauty in Winterfell and the heart of King Roberts desires during the war” Andorra says as Tyrion looked stunned at the information 

“You knew of Lyanna Stark and Robert? Even we barely know and my father had witnessed the war” Podrick spoke 

“Yes, but I have become great friends with the Stark sisters and we have exchanged many stories between each other.” Andorra says grabbing a grape off the table popping it into her mouth as it gave a loud crunch to her bite.

“So, what do you plan on doing with the keeps land? Farm land is valuable but it can get nasty once winter arrives.” Bronn asks while sharpening his small blade in his hand 

“Well, hopefully by then, I will use a small village and have some Polina citizens come to the land and see what the great waters have to offer. I see this as a benefit for my people to see how not everything in this world can be forgiving. I have learned how you view many normal things as almost taboo in my land.” Andorra explained as Tyrion nodded 

“Well sounds exciting. How do you plan on building this village? The king I have heard has already given more than enough for a Keep but for a full village that could take more” Tyrion says sipping on wine after his sentence 

“Well I can use my coin here. I just need approval is can be put into the currency flow and be used at the same cost as one of your coins here” Andorra says crossing her hand on her belly and looking out into the garden as a small breeze drifted into the space.  

“But we have one tiny thing that must happened in order for Polina to be completely accepted…” Tyrion trailed off as Andorra looked at the short man,who clearly didn’t want to break the news to her 

“What is it? Spit it out so we can get past this awkwardness” Andorra states causing Bronn to give a short chuckle at her forwardness 

“Well in order for proper relations to begin you or one of your family must marry a house in Westeros. It doesn’t need to be one so prominent  but one at least affiliated with the main Westeros houses.” Tyrion quickly explained as he watched Andorras face slowly go blank at the information. 

“So despite my status, reputation and my loyalty to this alliance we are still forced to marry?” Andorra asks calmly looking a little too calm about the situation 

“Yes, My Lady” Podrick says as the princess quietly stands up and goes out to the garden balcony. 

“Are you alright, Andorra?” Tyrion asks walking up to the girl

Andorra too a deep breath and closed here eyes 

“I will do it.” She says as Tyrion looked at the girl in shock 

“Do what?” Tyrion asks to scared of the answer 

“I will marry. It’s the only solution.” Andorra started 

“I’m the eldest in my family with no one courting me, my sister wouldn’t be accepted as she is a ‘bastard’ and even if that wasn’t in the way she is much to young for marriage.” she finished looking around the gardens 

“But what of your brother? A strapping lad such as himself can get any ladies if he wished” Tyrion says 

The man honestly didn’t want the girl to marry in Westeros. He has seen how one false marriage can ruin ones spirit and he didn’t want to see hers burned away

“It cannot, if I marry then Edward will be the one to take my place as the new King. I have made my decision quickly, but i have given this thought if it had ever come to pass. It is final I am going to marry to ensure the future of my kingdom” Andorra states as she gracefully leaves the meeting leaving them men in shock. 

“Well since we come from a much hotter place our clothes are lighter and often a little shorter too. We wear out hair high and in intricate braids to keep the seas winds from tangling them.” She told the red-haired girl. “You would look beautiful in any dress my tailors would make me” 

“Really? I would love to have a dress like yours.” Sansa gushed but got quiet for a moment 

“Do girls also learn needlepoint and lady duties?” She asked as Andorra took a moment to think

“Some yes, but not all. I did learn how when I was about Arya's age but it didn’t hold my interest for long. Anyone can learn any craft they wish. Born a commoner or royalty. I switched to swordsmanship and archery about your age.” Andorra explained as Sansa was stunned to hear such a thing

“You went to learning needlepoint to swords? Why wouldn’t you need to learn how to properly rule your kingdom?” She questioned 

“Yes, as important as some of those are, my father believes that everyone must learn to defend one's self. I thought the best way was to learn how to fight. Others prefer to use words rather than physical strength. Sometimes words can cut deeper than swords. So I learned both to ensure I’m prepared for what lies ahead of me” Andorra says as the prince, Joffrey called Sansa over to take a walk.

Andorra was sitting on her little balcony enjoying the breeze of the sea air, thinking of her home. 

‘I wonder how Bella is doing. It has been almost a year since we last spoke.’ Andorra thought she heard a knock at her door. 

She opened it to see Tyrion and someone she didn’t recognize 

“Ah, Tyrion what a welcome surprise, what brings you to my chambers?” Andorra asks the dwarf 

“Nothing too important, I simply wish to invite you for some tea, or for my wine, as we discuss further your family's upcoming keep” He explained as Andorra smiled 

“Of course, when will this be?” She asks 

“In about an hour, enough time for you to change if you wish,” he says as Andorra shakes her head. 

“What I’m wearing is fine, but I do have one issue,” Andorra says as Tyrions heart dropped a bit

“Has something happened? What is the matter?” Tyrion quickly questions the princess 

“You haven’t introduced me to the man who has become your shadow” Andorra laughed seeing Tyrion's figure relax 

“Ah, forgive me. This is Bronn I have hired him as my guard in shorter terms” Tyrion introduces and gestures to the brooding man. Andorra held out her hand 

“It’s a pleasure princess, Tyrion speaks highly of you. Good to see a face to a name” Bronn says as Anodorra looked at a red-faced Tyrion 

“Well, Bronn, Tyrion I will meet you in an hour, the normal spot in the gardens correct?” The princess asks 

“Exactly,” Tyrion says as they took their leave down the hall. 

“Well, I know exactly how I’ll be spending that hour,” Andorra says as she made her way to the courtyard where she could see Sansa and Joffery talking to one another. She could place it but that blonde-haired brat had a screw loose or something but she always got a bad feeling whenever his being King was mentioned. It honestly unsettled the girl. 

Just as she passed the young couple she spotted her brother Edward. 

“Edward, what are you doing here? I thought you would be preparing for that Hunt with the King” Andorra asks her younger brother. 

“No I told them I wished to stay behind, I was going to write to mother and father. I haven’t heard from either of them since we have been here. I hope our crops have helped them” Edward stated as the siblings began to walk with each other 

“I was thinking a similar thought. I was going to write to Bella. I hope she is doing well with her studies. I know she was having trouble with her sword fighting.” Andorra expressed her concern to her brother 

“I'll write one page and you can write another and will send them together,” Edward suggested as Andorra took only a brief moment to think and accepted her brother's offer. 

The Siblings split just before the training yard for all the knights and guards in Kingslanding. 

Andorra spotted Sandor battling 3 men at once. They were pretty scrawny in her opinion so she was worried, more fascinated by how it would play out. 

She climbed the stairs to oversee the training yard and sat quietly on the wall with her eyes only on Sandor. Other knights noticed her presence and tried different moves and exercises to try and catch even a glimpse of Andorra's gaze, but she didn’t notice. And even if she did she had ignored their efforts. 

At this point, Sandor had only 1 left. The boy was determined shell give him that but he was lacking some energy and by the looks of it his breath too. He made one final attempt and foolishly charged at the Hound. 

All Sandor did was put his arm out and the boy immediately dropped alongside his friends. They all looked like flies dropping dead, it made Andorra laugh at the metaphor. 

Sandor stopped and slowly turned around to meet the Princess's gaze. Although he was tired and worn out from his training with the squires he felt enough energy to walk up the stairs to see what the princess was there for. 

“Your Grace,” he said taking off his thick gloves and setting his sword aside against the wall. 

“Your Grace? Sandor you know better, call me Andorra. The titles can be so long and we have known one another long enough to forget those titles.” She playfully scolded one of the most feared men in the city. All the knights and kings guard were stunned that the hound of all people was making the famed Polina Princess laugh and smile. 

“Polina Whore, looking for attention,” a guard failing to keep his voice down says 

Andorra's smile quickly turned into a frown. Sandor noticed and set himself with his back to the training yard before asking her a question.

“Are you ok Andorra?” Sandor whispers but she shook her head and quietly walked down the stairs as all the guards watch as the Hound follows the Princess. She grabbed a wooden sparing sword from a squire's hand as he looked shocked at her action. 

Andorra immediately marches up to the guard and with his back to her, she charged and used the sword and knocked him onto his knees. 

The man quickly flips around, enraged at the attack but his expression dropped seeing the glare of the Polina Royal.

“Care to repeat your self ser?” She says between her teeth as she shoved the wooden sword under his chin forcing him to look directly into her angered eyes. 

He looked at her and glared back just as meanly.

“I said you’re a Polina whore! You all are! Trying to fuck your way onto the Iron Throne. Disgusts me” He spat at her. Andorra's face turned as the spit hit her cheek. 

Sandor was about to step on but Andorra wiped her face before she swung the sword across the Kingsguards face, causing the man to cry out as blood splattered across the ground. 

She had broken his nose. 

“I have no care for your Iron Throne. Next time watch your tounge, or I’ll break your jaw next.” Andorra threatened as he back away and ran out of the court yard

“Does anyone have anything else to say?” Andorra smiled sweetly looking at all the terrified men.

All of them shook their heads and responded in unison 

“No, your majesty” 

“Good, now you can all go back to training, enjoy” She says as she gave back the wooden sword to the squire as he flinches 

Sandor followed the brave girl in disbelief 

“He’ll say things you know.” Sandor says as Andorra stopped and looked at the towering man. 

“And? I know my place in this world and when one offends my homeland I will do anything to remind them of the fact that they guard, and I rule. Some men are easy only need a few words to persuade them. Others….well you saw what can happen to the others” She explains and continues to walk off to her meeting with Tyrion.