Asoiaf: I Have a Wolverine Template

Chapter 61: The Summit

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Third POV

A moon later, in Neméos, the afternoon sun filtered through the dense canopy of a mountainous forest east of Castamere.

Along a winding stream, two riders ascended the mountain path at a steady, unhurried pace, their horses moving side by side in rhythm.

One of the riders, Richard, sat tall on Lancelot, a sleek black stallion. 

Richard's appearance, as always, was sharp and commanding—he wore a black tunic with intricate gold accents, paired with fitted black trousers and sturdy leather boots. 

Resting on his shoulder was a young golden eagle, Odin, its feathers a striking blend of burnished brown and gold that hinted at the regal creature it would grow to become.

Beside him rode Alicent on a graceful white mare, Guinevere. 

Her attire mirrored Richard's in elegance and practicality: a black and gold long-sleeved tunic that fit snugly, complemented by black leather gloves, tailored trousers, and polished boots. 

Together, they cut an imposing and harmonious figure against the untamed beauty of the forested mountain trail.

Alicent stole a glance at Richard, warmth radiating from her gaze. She savored the rare opportunity to ride beside him in the serenity of the wilds. 

Ever since Richard became lord, their days had been consumed by the demands of leadership—meetings, alliances, and improving their territory. 

These peaceful moments had become scarce, making them all the more precious.

When Richard had unexpectedly suggested they traverse a mountain together, Alicent had agreed without hesitation. 

She felt a swell of gratitude for this reprieve, a chance to be alone with him away from the pressures of their station.

Her thoughts wandered as they rode. She reminisced about Richard's triumphant return a moon ago. 

Victorious and unscathed, he had led his men to crush the Stilwoods in just three days—a feat whispered in awe by those who had witnessed it.

Not long after the operation, Richard had presided over a marriage ceremony, uniting his knight, Erwin, with Elayne Stilwood, the daughter of the fallen enemy. 

The union had been a strategic triumph, securing the northern borders of Neméos and solidifying Richard's control over the region.

Thinking of weddings brought Alicent to her own. Though it was still two years away, she had already begun planning it with meticulous care. 

She was determined to make it perfect, confident that with enough time and effort, she could create an occasion worthy of Richard—a celebration befitting the man she owed everything to.

Alicent was pulled from her thoughts when she heard Richard's voice, smooth and teasing.

"What's with the faraway gaze? Are you daydreaming about me?" he asked, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Caught off guard, Alicent nodded without hesitation, a light blush creeping onto her cheeks. 

"Can't I daydream about my husband-to-be?" she replied with a hint of playful defiance.

With a smile, Richard maneuvered Lancelot closer to Guinevere, their horses nearly brushing as they rode side by side. 

With a deft movement, he reached over, his fingers tilting Alicent's chin upward. The gentle touch sent a shiver through her, and the world around them seemed to blur into nothingness.

His gaze, intense and unyielding, dropped to her lips as he leaned closer, his golden hair catching the sunlight like a halo. 

Alicent's breath hitched, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it with his abilities.

Her heart began to race as she prepared herself for a kiss, closing her eyes in anticipation.

But the kiss never came. Instead, she felt a warm suction on her neck—a tickling sensation that made her gasp. 

Her eyes flew open to find Richard pulling away with a mischievous grin.

"Were you expecting a kiss?" he asked, his white teeth gleaming.

Alicent pouted, her lips forming a perfect line of disappointment.

Richard chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. "Patience, Alice," he said, his tone softening. "It's not time for a romantic kiss just yet."

Before Alicent could respond, the trail ahead grew steeper, the way forward blocked by a cluster of large boulders. 

The horses could go no further.

Richard dismounted Lancelot with practiced ease and turned to Odin, who perched silently on his shoulder. 

"Go on ahead," he instructed the eagle. Odin let out a sharp screech and spread its wings, taking flight toward the summit.

Richard then strode over to Alicent, his hand extended. "Come on," he said warmly.

Alicent took his hand and allowed him to help her down, but before her feet could touch the ground, she found herself swept up into his arms, cradled like a princess.

"What are you doing?" she asked shyly, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink.

"I'm carrying you the rest of the way," Richard said with a grin, his voice laced with humor. "We wouldn't want you tiring yourself out, would we?"

Alicent's blush deepened, but she didn't protest.

Turning to the horses, Richard gave a final command. "You two stay here. We'll be back soon." 

Lancelot and Guinevere both snorted softly, as if acknowledging his words.

With Alicent securely in his arms, Richard leaped over the boulders with ease, his superhuman strength making the effort look effortless. 

Then, with deliberate speed, he began ascending the mountain trail. 

Alicent felt the wind rush past her as the cold air of the heights bit gently at her cheeks, but in Richard's arms, she felt nothing but warmth and safety.

Not long after they reached the summit of the mountain, a sharp screech cut through the still air. Alicent turned her gaze upward, startled, only to see Odin perched on a nearby outcropping. 

The eagle spread his magnificent wings, his golden-brown feathers glinting in the sunlight, and regarded them with piercing eyes that seemed to see through everything.

Richard inclined his head toward the bird, a subtle nod as if exchanging unspoken words. Odin tilted his head in response, almost as though he understood. 

With a powerful thrust of his wings, the eagle launched into the sky, his shadow gliding over the rocky ground as he ascended into the blue expanse above.

Alicent watched in awe as Odin circled high above, his keen eyes never leaving the summit.

With Odin keeping watch from above, Richard and Alicent were left alone on the peak, the silence of the heights broken only by the occasional rustle of the wind. 

It was as though the mountain had granted them its solitude, a sanctuary far removed from the world below.

Richard slowly set Alicent down, his hands lingering for a moment as though reluctant to let go. 

Alicent's breath caught as she turned to take in the view.

From the mountain's peak, the beautiful scenery was revealed—rolling hills and vast plains stretched out before her, their greens and golds kissed by the warm glow of the afternoon light.

In the distance, Castamere shimmered faintly, its stone walls a thin silver thread against the landscape. 

Nemosport nestled snugly along the winding streams, its rooftops glinting like scattered jewels. 

Beyond it all, the sea stretched endlessly, an unbroken expanse of shimmering steel beneath the sun's watchful gaze.

Alicent felt her chest tighten as she absorbed the sight, overwhelmed by its beauty and enormity. 

From so high above, everything looked impossibly small, like delicate pieces on a board.

"All of this is ours. It's beautiful, isn't it?" Richard's voice broke the silence, soft yet firm as he looked at her.

Alicent turned to him, her eyes bright as they shone with wonder. She nodded. "The more I think about it, the harder it is to believe," she said, her voice filled with awe. "That you were able to gain all of this… that you became a lord."

Richard smiled faintly but said nothing at first, his gaze shifting back to the distant horizon. For a moment, his expression turned wistful, his eyes shadowed with a quiet melancholy.

Noticing the change, Alicent stepped closer, her voice soft with concern. "What's wrong?"

Richard took a deep breath and turned to face her. His gaze held hers, steady and unwavering. 

"Truthfully, all of this means nothing to me…" He raised his hand, pointing out over his territory, his tone resolute. "Because, in the end, the most important person to me is standing right here."

His hand shifted, and his right hand gently touched Alicent's chest.

Alicent felt a warmth bloom deep inside her, a soft glow that spread through her like sunlight breaking through clouds. 

It filled her with a quiet, unshakable happiness, unlike anything she had ever known.

With a warm smile, she glanced down at Richard's hand resting on her chest. Gently, she lifted it, cradling it between both of her own as if holding something fragile yet infinitely precious. Her touch lingered, tender and deliberate.

"The most important person is in front of me too," she said, her voice soft, a whisper carried in the wind. Her eyes shone as she looked up at him, her smile radiant with emotion.

Richard stepped closer, his hand lifting her chin with a gentle yet firm touch. Their eyes met for a brief, timeless moment before he leaned in and kissed her.

This moment, shared atop the mountain with the vast world at their feet, would be etched into their hearts forever.

…

Author Note: Just a romantic chapter to soothe the mind. Next chapter Melisandre POV and Ragnar POV.