Chapter 34: Steffon's final letters

A/N: Hey guys,

I decided to write another chapter. So, here's your gift.

Also, thanks to those who supported me.

Thanks, Zelx for becoming my Pàtreon.

Thanks to everyone who supported me.

The kingdom building chapters are already on my Pàtreon

https://www.pàtreon.com/Gnanaa

For the next mass releases, If we reached 40 Pàtreons, there would be a mass release with 6 new chapters. If we reached 50, we would have another release of 5 new chapters.

Enjoy.

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"What is wrong, Edward? Why are you laughing so hard? Did you do something wrong to Stannis?" Said Cassana, who cared a lot about her children and did not want to see them fight. Edward always wondered what she would do if she knew that her sons would kill each other in the future.

"Nothing, Mother. Stannis is just behaving pitifully." Said Edward while laughing harder. He could not stop himself from thinking about the content of the letter. And the moment Steffon's words appeared in his mind, Edward would laugh uncontrollably.

Everyone in the hall looked at him weirdly. It was the first time Edward behaved like that. Cassana could not help looking at Stannis to check if Edward did anything to him. Stannis could only shake his head. What was he going to tell Cassana? That Edward bullied him. He would be the laughing stock in front of everyone, especially his brothers. And if a word of it leaked outside, he would not have the face to see anyone.

"Fine, Let's read your father's message." Said Cassana. She had just woken up after an hour's rest. She was about to ask Stannis if there were any news from Steffon when he told her that they just received his message.

Cassana was surprised but got relieved at the same time. Was not that what she wanted? She wanted to hear that her husband was doing well and his letter was the best proof. Of course, she had to read his words to make sure that everything was doing ok.

That was why she did not mind her sons' behavior much and was in a hurry to read the letter. They had to wait for Edward as he was the castellan of Storm's End. Steffon also addressed the letter to Edward.

"Alright. Hand it to me." Said Edward as he finally managed to stop his laughter or was preparing himself for another round after reading the letter.

Cassana nodded and handed the letter to Edward, who broke the seal and started reading the letter. It did not take long before Edward started; to laugh again, and this time, it was much harder.

"What is wrong, Edward? Stop laughing and answer me." Ordered, Cassana when she saw that Edward did not intend to let them hear what was inside later.

"Father sa..id. haha..." Edward was not able to complete the sentence before starting to laugh again. He could only hand the letter to his mother to read. As he would not able to complete the letter without laughing.

When Cassana read the letter, she could not help herself when a giggle escaped his mouth. Now, Everyone was wondering what was inside the letter. If Edward laughed alone, It might be because of the situation earlier with Stannis. But now, their lady started laughing as well.

Stannis could see that something was wrong after seeing his uncle, Heldon, laughing while looking in his direction after reading the letter. Moments later, Renly did the same. That was it, Stannis took it from Renly and started reading.

After reading it, his face was red after hearing another comment from Edward. Stannis's personality was still dour and always had a gloomy expression like the show. But there were some small changes in his character due to Edward's interaction with him. Like he could be angered easily by Edward, a little shift in his dour expression from time to time.

"Although Father did not find a bride for Rhaegar, at least he had found something. I hope it is to your liking, Stannis. I hope that the fool that father found would be funny enough to make you laugh." Said Edward while still laughing as he started to mock Stannis more. Everyone started laughing after hearing Edward's comment.

Stannis could not hold it anymore and decided to excuse himself, or he was going to kill his brother himself. But when he was leaving the hall, a small shift in expression appeared on Stannis's face. He had a small smile.

After talking with everyone for a while, it was finally time for everyone to leave. Edward spent the rest of the day training with his men while Cassana started doing her work with a light heart. She was finally relieved after hearing about her husband's situation. Now, he was coming back, and there was nothing more to worry her.

A month passed fast, Edward spent it reviewing the financial situation of Stormsland, studying the geography of the land to determine the best locations to start his projects, and allocating some lands to build forts. He was preparing for something huge. He was only waiting to hear about Steffon's death anytime now.

Edward had received a letter the day before from Steffon. Steffon told him that they reached Tarth and would return to Storm's End the next day. There was a large storm outside, and Edward was praying for Steffon while looking towards the rain. The man was his father, after all. Although he was cruel and everything, the man still took care of him all this time. So he had to, at least, pay his respect to the man before he died.

Cassana was standing beside Edward. She was worried like hell. The bad feeling did not leave her but instead did not let her sleep the night before. She had a bad feeling about the storm. She had a horrible thought since she saw the storm. She thought that her husband might die under such intensive weather.

Edward could only sigh after seeing her trembling like that. He could only hug her shoulder to comfort her. His feeling for Steffon was not much compared to Cassana. That was why he decided to save Cassana and not Steffon. Edward sacrificed Steffon for his own goal. If he thought of saving Steffon, that would be only for Cassana, but that was impossible. In fact, Edward was ready to kill Steffon himself for his goal.

"Don't worry. Father is going to be ok. They would return soon." Lied Edward without giving a shit about it. What was he going to say in such a situation? Edward knew Steffon was going to die, either way. So better for the sea to kill him rather than he did.

Cassana could only nod her head. She was trembling, and Edward had to take her to her room to rest.