Arthur had to admit, when he imagined a man gaining Ashara’s attention, he never would have guessed that it’d be a Northerner. And the Quiet Wolf, at that. He would have thought she’d be more attracted to the man’s far more outspoken older brother, but then, Ashara did love to surprise him. And really, he was glad she was being courted by the younger Stark rather than the elder. He’d heard rumors about how flirtatious the Wild Wolf was, not to mention the fact he was already betrothed, and would really rather not have to beat someone up for his sister’s honor. She’d be irritated at him for doing it and he’d probably get in trouble. So really, Eddard Stark, quiet, polite, and by all accounts, kind, was far preferable.
Still, that hardly meant he’d allow her the freedom to court the man as she wished without first coming to know the man himself. It’s why he made certain to interrupt their little stroll, personally.
“Ashara! I see you’re hoarding our guest all to yourself.” Arthur tsked, sidling up beside the Northerner, “And walking alone with an unmarried man? What would our dear septa say?” Oh, the glare Ashara was giving him. Priceless. Interrupting whatever she was about to say, he hooked an arm around Eddard’s shoulders, pulling him away from her. “I’m sure my sister has been playing a fine hostess since your arrival, my Lord, but I can’t imagine she’s shown you the training yard yet. Come along.” Leaving the other man no option besides following him, Arthur lead him along, away from Ashara.
He was a knight and a warrior, well known for his maturity and stoicism despite his young age, but before he was any of that, first and foremost, he was a brother. So, when he glanced over his shoulder to stick his tongue out at Ashara, it wasn’t all too out of character. And oh, if looks could kill he’d have dropped dead on the spot.
Expression relaxed despite the threat in his sister’s eyes, he returned his gaze to Eddard, “So, my Lord, how have you been enjoying Starfall so far? I can’t imagine it’s anything like Winterfell.” No reason to jump immediately into threatening bodily harm. After all, Ashara hadn’t complained about the man yet. In fact, it almost seemed like she’d be the one causing Arthur bodily harm if he touched so much as a hair on her Northman’s head.