Evening was falling over King's Landing, painting the sky red and gold. Hundreds of candles burned in the Great Hall of the Red Keep, illuminating a massive oak table laden with plates and goblets. Robert Barat..., King of the Seven Kingdoms, sat at the head of the table, waving his hand and laughing loudly at yet another joke. His booming laughter echoed through the hall, but his wine-clouded eyes betrayed an unquenchable weariness.

"This is the life, eh?" he thundered, raising his goblet and spilling wine over the edge of the table. "We win battles, sit on the throne, surrounded by the finest warriors and the most beautiful women. Isn't that how a king should live?"

His gaze darted to Nadd Sta.., who sat next to him. He was looking at Robert with his usual mixture of patience and mild reproach.

"Why are you frowning so, old wolf? Look around you!" Thousands of warriors had died for this crown, so why not enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice?

He took a long sip, wiping his lips with the back of his hand. Then he leaned back in his throne, looking around the banquet hall. Something heavy was gnawing at him deep inside, but he knew how to drive those thoughts away with wine and the noise of the feast.

“Louder music!” Robert shouted, slapping his palm on the table. “Today the king wishes for joy!”

But even amid the laughter and music, his eyes glazed over for a moment. Somewhere deep inside, he remembered another Robert - young, unstoppable, daring. The one who rushed into battle with a hammer in his hand and a heart burning with vengeance. The one who had truly loved only one woman - and lost her.

The king took another sip. Tonight he was determined to forget the past, even if only for one night.