Game Of Thrones : Merchant of Two Worlds

Jason Liu's troubles seemed endless. Winterfell was bustling like a well-oiled machine, preparing to welcome the princes of the North. The entire castle was alive with activity, as everyone worked tirelessly to get ready for the grand occasion.

Merchants from the Riverlands arrived with carts loaded with vegetables and wheat, eager to sell their goods. Traders from the western lands brought jewelry, bacon, and fresh fish from Lannisport. Meanwhile, the fleet from the island of Tarth docked at White Harbor, unloading barrels of wine. These barrels were then transported to Winterfell by merchants eager to profit from the coming celebration.

News had spread quickly—Winterfell was hosting a grand banquet for the nobles of the North. This was a rare opportunity for merchants to make a fortune, especially with the success of products from the Eastern store just outside Winterfell. Items like paper, pens, and soap were selling fast, and everyone wanted a piece of the action.

However, the smaller traders knew better than to aim for the big cities, which were dominated by powerful merchants with deep pockets. Instead, they planned to take their goods to smaller towns and villages, hoping to make steady profits.

While Winterfell buzzed with excitement, far to the south in King's Landing, another piece of news caused a stir.

The King, Robert Baratheon, had announced his plan to personally travel north. His goal was to invite his old friend, Eddard Stark, the Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell, to come to King's Landing and serve as Hand of the King. This decision sent shockwaves through the Red Keep, as rumors spread like wildfire among the courtiers.

In his office as Master of Laws, Renly Baratheon sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "I knew it," he muttered. "Between my two brothers, Stannis and Robert, His Majesty always puts more trust in the people he's fought beside—like Jon Arryn and our good friend Eddard Stark."

Standing nearby was Ser Loras Tyrell, the Knight of Flowers. Hearing Renly's complaint, he couldn't help but smile. His handsome face lit up as he said, "My lord, I mean no offense, but I have to say this—you're not the most disappointed man in the kingdom about the King's choice for Hand of the King."

Renly scowled at Loras, knowing full well that he wasn't in contention for the position. "You don't have to rub it in," he grumbled. "Even if Robert hadn't chosen Eddard Stark, he wouldn't have picked me. Compared to Tywin Lannister or Stannis, I don't stand a chance."

Loras chuckled, clearly unbothered by Renly's annoyance. Their relationship was close enough that such bluntness didn't cause offense. Walking over to Renly, Loras began massaging his shoulders, speaking softly. "Instead of worrying about things beyond your control, my lord, you should think about how to deal with your new boss. Lord Stark has quite the reputation for being stern and unyielding. Even in the Reach, people say he's not the easiest man to work with."

Renly sighed, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the massage. "I know all about Eddard Stark," he murmured. "He's an honorable and noble man, but his personality is as rigid as a cold stone. Honestly, he reminds me of my unpleasant brother, Stannis." He paused, shaking his head. "Working with someone so stubborn is going to be exhausting. Life is about to get incredibly dull."

Despite Renly's complaints, he knew that his elder brother's choice wasn't surprising. Stannis, who commanded the royal fleet from Dragonstone, was also furious about the decision.

Stannis Baratheon had long felt unappreciated by Robert. His contributions during the Rebellion were significant—he had held Storm's End against a long siege by the Reach armies, keeping them occupied while Robert claimed victory at King's Landing. For over a year, Stannis and his men had suffered terribly, enduring starvation and disease. Some were so desperate that they resorted to eating rats.

In the end, Stannis' sacrifice had allowed Robert to seize the throne. But what had Stannis received in return?

Instead of inheriting Storm's End, as was his right, Robert had given it to their youngest brother, Renly. Stannis, meanwhile, was sent to Dragonstone, a cold and desolate island, to serve as Master of Ships. The humiliation stung deeply, especially when he compared his contributions to Renly's.

Even now, years later, Stannis couldn't shake the bitterness. He had remained loyal, serving as commander of the royal fleet and carrying out his duties with diligence. Yet Robert seemed to value him less than anyone else.

When Jon Arryn died, Stannis had thought this was his chance to finally gain the recognition he deserved. He was qualified, experienced, and capable—surely he would be chosen as Hand of the King. But once again, Robert overlooked him, choosing Eddard Stark instead.

The decision enraged Stannis. He knew his brother disliked his stern and rigid nature, often calling him "a hard and stony rock." But to be dismissed so easily, after everything he had done, felt like a betrayal.

Sitting in his cold, drafty castle on Dragonstone, Stannis brooded over the injustice. His anger burned bright, fueled by years of neglect and resentment. Robert, it seemed, had forgotten everything—the sacrifices Stannis had made, the loyalty he had shown, and the victories he had won. All Robert remembered was that Stannis was the brother he liked the least.

The sea winds howled outside, carrying the salty sting of the ocean. Stannis sat silently, his face grim. The Iron Throne was Robert's now, but the crown had come at a cost—a cost Stannis had paid dearly.

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