Chapter 586: Duel

"I've never liked Stannis. Not one bit," Robert Baratheon declared, his voice resonant, as if the armor and the warhammer in his hand reminded him of the glory days of yore. "He's as stubborn as a rock in a ditch. Stinky and hard."

"Especially after hearing that he killed Renly. I wanted nothing more than to crush his skull."

Robert stood in the center of the Throne Room, warhammer in hand, as the surrounding lords of the Seven Kingdoms stepped back, creating a vast clearing for the two duelists. Barron Swann, gripping his spear warily, maintained a cautious distance. Regardless of his own confidence, he was up against a legend who had personally defeated Rhaegar Targaryen on the battlefield.

Yet, Robert seemed oblivious to Barron's caution. He strolled casually in the hall, his hair and beard unkempt, and his eyes, though bloodshot, blazed with a fire like a lion surveying its territory, ready to unleash its pent-up fury.

"But!"

Suddenly, Robert halted, his voice escalating, catching Barron off-guard.

"Boy!"

"You should never have used such despicable means to kill Stannis!"

Robert's face was a mask of fury, his unarmored head glaring with eyes that seemed ready to consume anyone in their path. With a roar, he swung his warhammer down.

The sight of Robert Baratheon charging forward, his massive warhammer creating a gust of wind, forced Barron Swann to act. The sound of metal clashing echoed throughout the room as Barron deflected the blow, barely evading the mighty swing.

Robert's warhammer smashed into the floor with such force that the lavish tiles of the Throne Room shattered, eliciting gasps from the watching nobles.

"The strength of King Robert is immense," murmured Illyrio Mopatis, the Master of Coin, from the balcony above.

Varys, standing beside him, sighed, "It's always like this, Illyrio. The high lords indulge in their whims, regardless of the consequences. Our king is on vacation, and 'His Grace' here is smashing up the Throne Room. Those tiles are worth a fortune. I suppose it will be up to the Master of Coin to foot the bill."

Back in the fray, Barron's spear was broken by another of Robert's ferocious attacks. Catching a new spear from an attendant, Barron parried yet another of Robert's blows, keeping a distance. His strategy was clear – to wear out the older, more powerful king with his agility.

Expert fighters both, their duel was a spectacle of skill and power. Barron, confident in his youth and vigor, taunted Robert, "Tired already? Just a few rounds and you're winded? Maybe the brothels of King's Landing have drained you too much."

Robert, panting slightly but undeterred, growled back, "Enough chatter, boy! We're just getting started. I'm only warming up!"