The fingertips that saved us, were they not? Your dedication to your so-named duty is both admirable and worrisome, it is true. [ He shakes his head. ] Worthy he might be, but respected? Not so much. There is a reason he is your Onion Knight, brother, and not so named Lord or given the graces he may come to expect. He is still a pirate, nothing more.

[ Renly is curious, however, about why Stannis is so fond of the man. It is startling to find that he cares about anything more than duty and his lordship, to be sure. ]

I merely speak the truth, Stannis, try not to be so droll. You find everyone difficult to speak with, man or woman or child. I am shocked that you consider your desire at all.

[ He sighs; Renly is more than aware that his brother would never truly understand his relationship with Loras, no matter how he might dare to try. ]

I love Loras. I would wed him, Tyrell or not. Perhaps that is difficult for you to understand, with duty your only love and your heart as cold as Dragonstone, but I would have him for life if I had only the chance. He is mine and I am his.