As Stannis's carriage drew near, everyone could clearly see the golden crown glinting in the sunlight. Ryman and Stevron Frey were frantically smoothing their clothes, looking like they wished they could smooth the wrinkles on their faces, too.
They were nervous. After all, House Frey had been among the houses that supported Robert's rebellion, but now that they had "turned," they were still uneasy. They had heard about Littlefinger losing a hand, and it made them anxious.
In their eyes, once Stannis took the throne, life was going to be tough for a lot of lords.
So, for the sake of their family, they needed an extra layer of insurance. And among everyone present, the person with the most unbreakable "golden armor" was Jon Snow.
Coming south to avenge his father? Absolute justice.
Opposing Robb's crown? Justice beyond measure.
Taking King's Landing and slaying the false king? A heroic feat that bards would sing about for a thousand years.
Plus, he kept insisting he wanted to go back to the Wall to be a Night's Watchman. Even though most people only half-believed him, the old Frey brothers felt safest standing next to Jon.
Ideally, they wanted to finalize Roslin's marriage to Jon. That would be the best protective charm for House Frey.
But because they had arrived in such a rush, they hadn't found the right moment to bring it up. So the moment Varys left, they had practically glued themselves to Jon.
According to protocol, the highest-ranking noble should stand at the front and center to welcome the King.
But everyone agreed that Jon should be the one in that spot. Even the worldly Grand Maester Pycelle thought it was most appropriate.
Beric Dondarrion, a lord himself with battle merits, agreed as well.
"It's good to be young, Jon," Stevron said with a hint of envy, standing beside him.
At fifteen, Jon wasn't the tallest person there, but he stood tall and athletic, his eyes bright and determined. Sansa had personally chosen his clothes and even altered some parts herself, so he looked sharp.
Youth is the most expensive luxury, and Jon's age drew more attention than his position in the line.
Jon smiled faintly, agreeing silently. For him, the greatest luck was being young twice.
Soon, Stannis arrived with his Queen and courtiers.
Selyse stepped down from the carriage, supported by her handmaids, and joined Stannis. However, they kept at least half an arm's length between them.
Though Selyse was dressed in finery, she was completely outshone by Melisandre in her simple red robes. The Red Woman radiated a mysterious, captivating aura.
Even Sansa, seeing Melisandre, marveled at how beautiful her hair was—and Sansa had always been proud of her own auburn locks inherited from her mother.
Behind Stannis and Selyse stood the Queen's Men—mostly Florents. With their prominent jug ears, seeing a group of them together was almost comical.
Arya, in particular, stared at the Florents' rather "expressive" ears and instinctively reached for her "Needle."
It was like an archer spotting a perfect target.
Jon also spotted the familiar face of Penny, but he didn't see Davos or Littlefinger. As Varys had mentioned, they were likely off negotiating peace terms and the marriage alliance with the Tyrells.
Jon figured that even if a marriage alliance happened, the bride probably wouldn't be Margaery.
House Tyrell would likely offer a girl from a cadet branch.
After all, if he married Margaery, Mace Tyrell would become his father-in-law. Who curses out their future father-in-law and brother-in-law before marrying into the family?
If he really had to marry Margaery, Jon couldn't even imagine how awkward the wedding would be.
There were two other notable nobles in Stannis's retinue, standing near the front. One bore a banner with a pierced heart, and the other a red crab.
Jon recognized the red crab banner—House Celtigar. Like the Velaryons, they were a Valyrian house that had come to Westeros with the Targaryens before the Conquest.
Their seat was Claw Isle, and they were wealthy from trade across the Narrow Sea.
They hadn't been seen earlier because they were captured by the Tyrells. With the peace talks underway, they must have been "returned"—likely saving them a hefty ransom.
Soon, Stannis's group was about ten paces away. Ryman Frey whispered in Jon's ear, "Jon, we should bow to the King now."
"Mm."
Led by Jon, everyone dropped to one knee.
Stannis looked at the people bowing before him. Though his face remained expressionless, his puffed-out chest and the slight tremor in his hand resting on his sword hilt betrayed him.
He had waited too long for this moment. The only discordant note, in his eyes, was the Stark banner. He would have felt much more comfortable if Jon had used his own personal sigil to welcome him.
Soon, his gaze landed on Jon at the front. He studied the young man with his cold blue eyes.
After a long pause, he spoke. "Rise, my lords. Jon, walk with me."
Jon walked side-by-side with Stannis at the front of the procession. Naturally, this sparked envy among the King's Men, Queen's Men, and the formerly captured lords.
"Look at that Snow. Rising straight to the top," someone muttered sourly in the ranks.
His voice wasn't loud, but it was audible to those nearby. Beric Dondarrion frowned but said nothing.
He knew that defending Jon right now would do him more harm than good.
Martin and Mund were unhappy too, but they understood the game and kept quiet.
But someone did dare to speak up—Arya.
"He's not Snow! He's my brother Jon!" Arya couldn't see who made the comment because of her height, but she fired back in the general direction of the voice.
"Where did this brat come from? Since when do you have a right to speak?"
This time Arya saw who it was—a stocky fellow named Axel Florent.
"I'm a girl!" Being mistaken for a boy again made Arya stomp her foot in anger. She was about to confront him, but Sansa quickly stepped in front of her, apologizing to Axel.
Axel wasn't going to make a scene right now, so he mounted his horse and followed the procession.
Just then, a guard with jug ears approached Sansa and Arya. "My ladies, the Queen invites you to join her in her carriage."
Hearing the word "Queen," Sansa flinched instinctively. But remembering this Queen wasn't Cersei, she took Arya and Jeyne Poole and went along.
Stannis seemed intent on creating distance between himself and his followers, so he and Jon walked briskly.
Although the commoners lined the streets respectfully, guards still used their bodies to keep the crowds back.
Jon spotted a familiar face in the crowd—Sandor "The Hound" Clegane.
Jon telling him he was going back to the Wall had depressed Sandor greatly. He wanted to repay Jon for killing his brother, but he couldn't quite bring himself to go to the Wall.
Seeing Jon walking with Stannis, Sandor prayed silently that Jon would change his mind.
Soon, they were out of earshot of everyone but the guards. Stannis finally asked the question on his mind.
"Jon, why do you fly the Stark banner? I have not received word that Robb has bent the knee."