Ok guys, I decided to give this a go. Ok, warning, spoilers about the Red Wedding ahead. But if you haven't heard about it yet I'm not sure if you would want to read this story at all. I always liked Robb Stark and even though I think that what George R. R. Martin did was amazing for the story, I was kind of sad that my favorite character didn't get a happy ending. Yes, I know, happy ending in Game of Thrones, ha-ha-ha. I had imagined this completely different story mixed with the one that was going on in the TV show (I've just started reading A song of ice and fire, give me a break :D ) so I created an completely new character, Elena Lannister, youngest daughter of Tywin Lannister. Give it a go, I think you might like it. Well, especially if you like the Starks. Please, I live and breathe for constructive criticism, so don't be shy, and tell me what you think. English isn't my first language, so I am terribly sorry if you catch some mistakes that will annoy you. And now, let us go to the land of Westeros.
Enjoy :)
I took in a deep breath as I walked over to the mirror. Another day, another act to play. I would rather be anywhere else. Somewhere as far away from here as possible. South, beyond the sea, or North, beyond the cold. Well, probably beyond the sea. I never really was a fan of the cold.
Sadly enough, I'm stuck right here where I am now, at Kings Landing. I suppose that I could lead a much worse life, and that I should be happy for what I have now, and what I had while I was growing up. But when you wish for freedom, there isn't enough gold in the world that could keep you satisfied.
Braid or loose curls? And the dress? Red or golden? Cleavage or no cleavage? Heavens forbid that I look like a normal girl of my age. Oh no, I have a reputation to uphold. Always and forever, be a true Lannister, a lioness, no matter the challenges before you. Like I ever cared about that!
A knock on the door had brought me back to reality.
-Come in.-I said, still staring at my reflection.
-Good morning my lady.-said Elisa, my hand maiden.-What would you like to wear today? And what would you like for me to do with your hair?-she asked as she approached me. I could see in the mirror before me, she had a big smile on her face. She is usually all smiles and happiness. I guess it could be said that I envy here for that. I use sarcasm quite frequently, but I do not smile that often.
-Whatever works Elisa, you know I don't really give a damn about such trivial things.-I told her.
-Because that is my job.-she said with a smile. I couldn't help myself, so I smiled back at her.-Now, sit, and let me do my work. The faster we finish, the faster I can bring you your breakfast.-she said, and I did not argue with her anymore on that topic. In this land of snakes, she was the closest thing I had to a friend. Well, she and Gendry. If a friendship is sneaking out of the castle in the middle of the night just so that I could talk to him. My sister wasn't very fond of the two of us spending so much time together and when I was barely ten name days old, she had forbidden me to even talk to Gendry. And I have been defying her ever since.
Eventually, I was dressed in a light blue dress and my hair was pulled back in two braids. As soon as Elisa was done, I turned away from the mirror. I couldn't bear to look at myself any longer.
She brought me fruit and wine. And it is not even mid-day. She must have confused me with several other members of my family. But I did not complain. I never really liked the idea of demanding perfection from the people who work for me. Well, for my family. Sometimes, even if I wasn't happy with the way they did something, I wouldn't complain. I do not want to be called a needy Lady.
I was reading a book when I heard another knock on my door.
-Come in.-I said, my eyes still on the page.-Do you mind bringing me some water Elisa?-I asked.
-Well, I'm not Elisa, but I guess I could be trusted with that task.-I heard a voice and I smiled, knowing who it was even before I looked at him. Tyrion.-Hello sister.-he said, with a small smile on his face, and I jumped off my chair. I ran over towards him, fell on my knees and hugged him as strong as I could.-It's nice to see that you missed me as much as I missed you.-he said, and I smiled.
-Of course I missed you Tyrion, you're one of the rare persons around here that I don't detest.-I said as I was pulling away from the hug, and getting back on my feet, not wanting to hurt his feelings in any possible way.-Besides, you're my big brother. Of course I missed you.-I told him, and he smiled.
-Well, I'm not exactly sure Big is the word. I'm more often known as The Imp.-he said.
-Oh stop it.-I sad, only slightly annoyed. I was used to it by now.
-But it is the truth. You think it still bothers me?-he asked, and I shook my head.
-I know it doesn't. But it bothers me.-I said, determination present in every word I spoke, and he smiled. He may not me troubled by the fact that he was a dwarf, and he did not give much thought about what people said to him, but I did. He is what he is, and that doesn't make him any less honorable or kind. Of course, some of his lifestyle choices do, but I never was the one for judging.-Come, I'm sure you won't be able to say no to some fine, Dornish wine.-I said, and he followed me to the table on the terrace.
-Because I didn't drink enough of it while I was in Dorne?-he asked, but I filled the cup for him anyway. I know him.-You look beautiful Elena. But I must say, you need to cover yourself up a little bit unless you want to catch the eye of every single man in Kings Landing with a working penis.-he said with a smile.
-Do you hear that?-I asked quietly, pretending to be listening to something. He listened as well.-Oh, I know what it is. That's the sound of Dornish whores, crying their eyes out because the young Tyrion Lannister has returned to Kings Landing.-I sad with a smile, and Tyrion was laughing.
-Oh, how I missed you.-he said while wiping the tears from his face.-The only person in our horrible family that I love and respect.-he said. Yes, and he never fails to mention that in front of the family.
-You are the only one I respect, but I do care for Jaime.-I said with a smile, and Tyrion rolled his eyes. The two of them are the only reason I have managed to remain in Kings Landing for as long as I did. My dear, lovely sister, never was the caring kind, not when it came to me. I think that pure hate is the term that describes her feelings for me. And, of course, nerves of steel, because that is what it takes for you to be nice to the person you hate. Cersei might not love me, but she will be damned if anyone other than our closest family will learn of it. I might have a reputation, but so does she.
Unlike her, my father never really tried to hide his hate towards me. The only reason he even talks to me is probably because Tyrion is an even bigger embarrassment to him than I am! But, I was the one that killed mother. Those were the words Cersei used. Other people said that she died while giving birth to me. Father wasted no time sending me away as soon as he could. When Cersei gave birth to the heir of the throne, Joffrey, father sent me to Kings Landing, to live with her, her husband, the King, Robert, and my two brothers. I've only been to Casterly Rock, my true home, three times in my entire life. I guess that father didn't want a reminder to the death of his beloved.
And with all honesty, I never complained about that arrangement. My sister never cared for me, but my brothers always did. As did the King. His feelings for me, in his own words, are a mixture of respect and regret that I wasn't the older sister. He might be the King, but I did not ever want to switch places with my sister. I'm perfectly happy as being just the Queens younger sister. If I could have a say in it, I would be downgraded. Never the Queen.
Life away from father had its benefits, no doubt. I was more free here than I could ever be in Casterly Rock. I grew up with my niece and nephews who I love dearly. With the exception of Joffrey. He's a prick. And if I was in Casterly Rock, I would have already been married, or at least betrothed. Here it was different. King Robert didn't yet have the need to push me into someone's arms, and I was more than happy about that. People do tend to think that I am surprisingly smart, for a Lady at least, but when it comes to marriage, I'm as stupid as it gets. Yes, I still firmly believed that I should love my husband, that I should marry out of love, not because an arrangement was made without me having a say in it. Sadly enough, I never did feel the power of love. And now, when I'm 19 name days old, I was starting to get used to the idea that my marriage will highly likely be just an arrangement. My only hope was that Robert cares enough for me to give me a freedom of choice. Sometimes, a girl can only hope.
-Well, at least we can agree on hating father.-Tyrion said, and took a sip of wine while I was laughing.
My thoughts were still on my future marriage arrangements, not in the present. I suppose that if I do want to fall in love, I should move around a bit more than I do. I should be talkative and friendly, like any Queen's sister should be. But not me. I always preferred reading in patience, or doing unladylike things like practicing sword fighting and archery. Come to think of it, no wonder Cersei is ashamed of me.
-So, tell me about your stay in Dorne.-I said with a smile when I came back to the present.-It's been years since I've been there, I can't even remember it. And please, I would like to hear about Dorne, not of Dorne's finest whore houses.-I added, knowing all too well where Tyrion spend most of his time.
-I might visit whore houses more than frequently, but I never really had a wish to talk about that with my baby sister, Elena.-he said, and I laughed.-And Dorne? Dorne is beautiful, breathtaking, as it always was. Actually, I have some news for you from Dorne.-he added, and I frowned. News for me?
-What kind of news?-I asked, not sure if I wanted an answer. As far as I know, I don't have any friends in Dorne. I was there only once, and I was a child then, I doubt I was even 10 name days old at the time.
-Prince Oberyn.-Tyrion said, and I frowned. I have heard of him before.-He asked me whether you were to be married, are you betrothed to someone.-he said and I am sure he could see the color was leaving my face with his words.-You were still a child when you met him, but I could have seen the way he looked at you. He had assumed you would grow into a very beautiful woman, which you did. And now he just confirmed my suspicions of his interest.-Tyrion said with a small smile on his face. Gods, no!
-Prince Oberyn Martell wants me to be his wife?-I asked, amazed that I was even able to say the words that came to my mind. Never before was I shocked by some news like I was now.
-He didn't use those exact words, but it wasn't that hard to guess.-Tyrion corrected me.
-I, to be married, to a Dornishman?-I asked, completely shocked, and Tyrion raised his brows.-No, Tyrion, I do not say that because I think I deserve better and that marrying a Martell would be an insult to my heritage!-I said, slightly mad at him. Why would he even think something like that? And here I thought that he knows me better than anyone else.-I'm saying that because I'm not exactly glad that the man who wants to marry me already has 8 illegitimate daughters with his paramours! That is very… fertile. And I am very… inexperienced.-I added, almost sure I was blushing. That man would probably tear me in two on our wedding night. My fear was very much understandable.
-Well, if you two do marry, it would be on you to destroy the myth that the daughters of Casterly Rock, and Kings Landing, considering where you grew up, are nothing more than dead frogs between the sheets.-Tyrion said with a smile. Sadly, I've heard worse.
-Oh, fuck you.-I sad coldly and he started laughing. After a few moments, I was laughing along with him. He knew that if I curs at him, I never actually mean it.-I have to ask you for a favor. I beg of you, do not mention this to the King. I have no doubt that Oberyn Martell is a man who could please me in many, many ways, but I'm still a child compared to him. I don't wish for the King to think of us as an option, especially if the offer isn't yet set to stone. Maybe it was just a thought, not an idea.-I said.
-I'm sorry, what exactly you don't want me to mention to the King? I forgot what we were talking about.-he said, and I smiled. Of course, I could always count on Tyrion.-Now, you, my dear sister, need to tell me something. What happened while I was away? And what do you think actually happened while I was away?-he asked, staring at me, and I knew what he meant. Unlike many others, Tyrion did care to hear my opinion, especially when it comes to some important things. As he said himself, he always found me incredibly insightful. I never agreed, and I never denied it, either. I might notice things that other people don't, but that is because I watch, not because I'm incredibly intelligent like he says.
-Well, Jon Arryn's dead. I'm guessing you already knew that. If they didn't send you a raven, I'm sure you didn't miss his body in the hall.-I said, and he nodded.-They say that the fever took him. Since you're asking me what I think of it, I'm sure you have your doubts about that. As do I. There is no doubt in my mind that Jon Arryn was murdered, killed, poisoned. I have no idea who could do such a thing, but I wish I did. I would love of them to get a taste of their own medicine.-I added coldly. I always had much love and respect for Jon Arryn. In many ways, he was like a father I never really had. An guardian in a way.
-And what of his family?-Tyrion asked.
-His wife and son fled Kings Landing as soon as they could. I can't really blame them. Anyone in their right mind would want to get away from here as soon as possible. Too many snakes if you ask me.-I said.
-The most important now question is who will Robert appoint as the new Hand of the King.-Tyrion said.
-No, the most important question is who would be foolish and stupid enough to except the offer.-I said, and Tyrion laughed.-One Hand of the Kings is dead, and I'm guessing so will the second be. Probably before Jon's body becomes cold as ice.-I added. Sadly, I can already guess how it will end. Whoever gets asked to be the next Hand will have to expect. It's almost impossible to say No to the King.
-I don't know my dear sister, but I suppose it will be interesting to watch. And you and I both have front row seats.-he said. I barely smiled. It's not something to be happy about, at least not for me.
-I do not know, but…-I started, but as soon as I spoke, I was interrupted by a knock on the door.-Come in.-I said, loud enough so that the person who was knocking could hear me. It was Elisa.
-My Lord, My Lady.-she said while bowing.-My Lady, The King has asked for your presence.-she said.
-Yes, of course.-I said. Yes indeed, it is very difficult to say no to the King.-Brother, you will have to forgive me, the King needs me.-I said, a bit to formal, but he knew it was because of Elisa.
-Do not worry. I need to speak to him as well, I will wait until you finish.-he said, and together we walked out of my chambers and went to the Kings chambers. I knocked on the door and did not enter until he gave me permission. Then, I walked in, with my head bowed down.
-Your Grace, you wanted to see me?-I said, and as soon as I looked up, he nodded.
-Yes, please sit Elena.-he told me, and I did as I was told, siting in one of the chairs on the other side of the desk he was leaning on.-I wanted to tell you personally that your sister, our children and myself are heading North. And you and your brothers will be joining us.-he said. I did not expect to hear that. As far as I know of, no trip to the North was being planned, but again, I do not know everything.
-If that is what you wish Your Grace.-I said, not asking my questions out loud.
-Winterfell. To visit my friend, Eddard Stark.-he said, knowing at least what one of my questions was. As soon as I heard the name of his friend, Lord of Winterfell, I knew what was the point of this trip.
-Your Grace, pardon my indiscretion, but are you planning of appointing Lord Stark as the new Hand of the King?-I asked. I could not stop myself. Eddard Stark was his close friend, and I could not understand why would he ask him to do such a thing. I knew I wasn't wrong, I knew it when Robert stared at me.
-Elena, you know very well I respect your opinion.-he said, and I nodded. He never failed to mention it, and I suppose that is just one more reason for Cersei to hate me.-Please, tell me, why do you think that that is not a good decision?-he asked. It bothered him that I didn't agree, I could see that much.
-No one doubts Lord Stark's capability Your Grace. He's been in charge of The North ever since you became King, and in my humble opinion, he is doing it very well. But, Your Grace, Jon Arryn is dead. And under suspicious circumstances, you cannot deny it. Do you really wish to put your closest friend in that position Your Grace?-I asked, hoping that I wasn't stepping over some sorts of invisible line. I'm sure he won't listen to me, but I can only hope that he does. I might not know Lord Stark personally, but from what I've heard, he is a very good man, an honorable one. Just like Jon Arryn was. And look at him now.
-I trust him more than anyone.-said Robert after he considered my words for a few moments. I can actually understand. As a King, Robert fears for his life. And Lord Stark is possibly the only person who can be put to that position and not do anything to harm Robert.-The decision is made. We leave for Winterfell tomorrow morning. Order your maids to pack you up.-he said, and I nodded. Lovely. Not only am I sentenced to sharing a carriage with my loving sister, but we're heading to the cold, freezing North. I need to prepare myself in every possible way for this month's long journey.-One more thing Elena.-Robert said, and I froze as I was about to stand up. I sat back down again. I could see that he is choosing his words more carefully now. He never chooses his words carefully.-I think that we should start looking for a husband for you soon enough. You're 19. It is time.-he said. I could just feel my throat dry up. I was afraid this day will come soon, and here it is, just after Tyrion informed me about Oberyn Martell.
-If that is what you wish Your Grace.-I said quietly, using the words I have used before.
-Lena, let's just quiet screwing around.-he said, and I was surprised. I have heard him cursing, to many times to count. But never while he was speaking to me. And he used the name only my brothers use, and Gendry. Not everyone can call me Lena, not if I have any say in it.-You do not want to get married, do you?-King Robert asked. Well, if he can guess, I might as well be truthful.
-No, Your Grace.-I answered.-At least not yet. My father is not interested in that, so my marriage is only your decision. I would prefer not to rush, to wait, to marry out of love, not because of some deal. It's not like we don't have allies.-I said with a small smile on my face, and he started laughing.
-True.-he said with a smile.-You always were more of a Baratheon than a Lannister.-he said. That is also something he never fails to mention. And I suppose he is right. It's not a surprise, considering that I was raised here.-Gods, how I wish you were your older sister. Or a little less moral.-he said, and I smiled, even if I was feeling very uncomfortable.-I will give you some time.-he said, and I nodded, relieved.-But if too much time passes, I will take the matter in my own hands. I will find you a husband. And do not worry, I will not give you up to just anyone, you can be sure of that.-he said. I do not know why, but I trusted him. I honestly do not know why. I was a witness of the way he treated Cersei, and it is not how I wish to be treated by my future husband. But him and Cersei did not love each other. I think that he never really forgot his lost love, Lord Starks sister, Lyanna. The whole reason war started years ago, and the reason that Robert sits on the Iron Throne. I guess that if my future husband will love me, he would never treat me like Robert treated my sister. If two people love each other, I believe that things such as wine and whores cannot come in-between.
-Thank you Your Grace.-I said with a small smile.-If I do not find love myself, I will be more than happy to marry a man you find acceptable. If you allow me, I shall go and pack for the trip.-I said, and he nodded. I got up, and bowed.-Enjoy the rest of the day Your Grace.-I said and I left his chambers.
-What happened?-Tyrion asked me as soon as I closed the door behind me. I guess he could see.
-We're going to Winterfell.-I said, and I took a deep breath.-And Oberyn Martell may eventually take me to Dorne.-I said in a very cold tone. I did not wait for his response, I just headed towards my chambers.
Some things I will never understand. Why was it so worrying that I am 19 years old, and not yet married? Just because Cersei married Robert when she was very young, doesn't mean that that should be what I do too. At this point, I have at least 15 to 20 good years for giving birth to babies of my future husband. Why do we need to rush into this? Like I said, some things I shall never understand, and marriage is probably one of them.
So, this was the first chapter. Please, don't be shy and tell me what you think! :)