...Brother.

[ because doing this face to face is going to be a little awkward. ]

....Yes, Stannis?

We need to talk to Robert.

--Must we?

Yes.

We have kept the truth of it long enough from him as it is.

He will not be pleased.

I do not expect him to be, yet he will find out sooner or later, especially with Melisandre as present as she is.

I am though with half truths and deceptions.

[This is very nearly icy.] I am well aware of her presence.

Fine.

And what do you intend to do?

[ much and more had changed since his death. ]

I am not yet certain.

Do not do anything rash.

Do not order me, Stannis.

Do not act like a child, then.

You know the laws of this land, and she poses no threat to you.

She took me from everything I loved.

I do not condone her methods, but what else did you expect from treason?

[ ...Things had changed between the two of them here, but the law was still absolute. ]

[ ...too bad you'll never truly escape the judging gaze of your older brother.

And sometime later... ]

We speak to him as soon as we can.

A word, Renly?

[ It's been a while, has it not? ]

What is it?

You wished to borrow my daughter?

I wished to take her into the woods, yes. Do not worry, there will be nothing ...frightening about it.

And I can trust you with my daughter this time?

I did just say as much, Stannis.

...And how would I know that when you have barely spoken to me since Melisandre arrived?

No harm will come to your daughter.

Perhaps. Yet are you and I to carry on in this manner, Renly?

If you wish it.

Now you are just being infuriating.

Perhaps.

Are you going to continue to vex me, brother?

What if I am?

It is... only slightly less bothersome then utter avoidance.

[ a pause. ]

You may take my daughter out with you.

...Thank you.