They had been preparing for the journey to The Weeping Town for days when Robert returned from carousing in the docks and castle town with intriguing news. He had been drinking with the captain of a cog out of King's Landing last night, and naturally a topic of small talk was the goings-on in the capital.

"Prince Maekar was in the capital as of the Lyseni Lady's departure from the capital," Robert announced, prompting a moment of confusion from his father. Clearly, Lyseni Lady was the ship's name. At least, he hoped.

Lyonel frowned, seated upon his chair. "Why should we believe the word of a drunk ship captain?"

"Well, his crew saw the Prince's procession through the capital," Robert replied. "It is not one witness but a ship full of witnesses."

How strange that one can be in Dorne and King's Landing simultaneously, Lyonel thought wryly. It seemed likely something had delayed the Prince's departure, but courtesy would dictate that he alert his host of the delay or the change in plans. He thought it would be prudent to write to the Crown Prince to seek clarification.

"Thank you, son," Lyonel said after several moments' silent thought. He gestured to Branston, the Maester of Storm's End, who produced from his robes paper and inkwell and quill. A writing desk existed alongside the seat for a reason, and it was behind this wooden structure that Branston seated himself.

In a few minutes' time the letter was dictated and Lord Baratheon sealed it with gold wax. Branston took it up the stairs-- a fair few stairs that kept the old maester spritely-- and the raven was away to the north within the hour.