Chapter 3
Brienne's heart stopped and her throat went dry when Sansa pushed open the door and discovered her after she and Jaime had just made love for the first time. But when Brienne followed Sansa's gaze over to her bed to face the incriminating scene before them nothing was there but a pile of bedding that had somehow made its way to the floor. Suspecting what was under that bedding she cleared her throat uncomfortably.
"I hope I am not disturbing you too late," replied Sansa once she was inside the room.
"No my Lady, you could never disturb me. Is everything alright?" Brienne questioned with concern. She watched the corner of her bed out of the side of her eye.
Sansa glanced around the room and paused for a moment. The suspense was killing Brienne and she met the young beauty's gaze in question.
"I think there was a spy at the banquet tonight."
"A spy? Did you see someone?" Brienne asked curiously trying to keep the hitch out of her voice.
"There was a man, his face was obscured by one of those big fur cloaks, but he didn't appear to belong."
"This is serious," replied Brienne and Sansa gave a nod.
"Would you mind doing a sweep tonight?"
"Of course my Lady. I will do a thorough search and report back to you in the morning."
"Actually, I spoke with my brother and he thinks you should move to my quarters for security reasons. Would that work for you?"
"You needn't ask my Lady. I'll take care of the issue at hand and then move my things."
"Thank you Lady Brienne."
Brienne nodded expecting Sansa to turn and leave but as she twisted back to the door she paused for a moment and then returned to Brienne.
"I did not have the opportunity to compliment you on your gown this evening. It was lovely. I suspect Tormund Giantsbane thought so as well." Sansa's eyes twinkled and Brienne's cheeks flushed pink.
"Thank you my Lady, you are too kind."
"He is a bit rough around the edges but I think underneath his Wildling outer layer, he is a good man."
"I agree," replied Brienne with a soft smile. In that moment she thought she heard a thud and Sansa glanced over towards the bed.
"Did you hear that?" She asked.
"I think there is a critter in here somewhere."
"I will get someone in here to kill it."
"Oh do not trouble anyone. I shall take care of the problem. With one swing of my sword it will be expelled within seconds."
Sansa appeared quite repulsed by the thought but Brienne assured her. "You should get some rest my Lady. I will ensure your safety."
She gave a polite nod, thanked Brienne and then finally left. Once the door was closed Brienne turned around to uncover her evening caller but he had shoved the blankets aside and was already on his feet.
"You are unbelievable do you know that?" Jaime spat already pacing the floor clearly distraught by Brienne's conversation with Sansa. "One moment we are pounding flesh together screaming each other's names and the next you are confessing to Lady Sansa how much you pine for that Oaf?"
"I never said I pined for him."
Jaime huffed and folded his arms.
"Did what we shared together tonight mean nothing to you?" Jaime questioned stepping closer and placing a hand on her shoulder seemingly quite upset over Brienne's actions or lack of action.
"It meant something and then you ruined it." Brienne answered sharply stepping away from his grasp.
Jaime's face fell. Whenever Brienne was on the defense she did not hold back, and the few words she did express cut him deeply.
"Brienne—"
But the Lady of Tarth did not want to hear any more of Jaime's excuses.
"You show up out of nowhere and confess to me that you killed your sister, the woman you loved who you were eternally devoted to and now all of the sudden you lust for me and want my help to cover up your indiscretions. How dare you!"
"Brienne, the last thing I ever wished for was to hurt you. And I-"
"I do not want to hear it. Every new word you spout brings me more grief."
Her face was hard and Jaime was unsure if all hope was lost when.
"I need to do a pass around Winterfell. You must go." She looked at him pointedly.
Jaime was certain she meant for him to understand her unsaid words with that pointed look and he did. Her message was loud and clear. She didn't love him. His heart sunk when Jaime realized then that it was over. He couldn't bear to face her anymore. It hurt too much.
Brienne stepped into her trousers and then threw on her tunic. Jaime's gaze wandered aimlessly about the room scrambling to think of something he could say to fix his errors this evening. If Brienne truly wanted him cast him out he had nothing left to live for. How had things gotten so bad? Jaime wished he knew of a way to go back and time and delay his confession. He should never have burdened Brienne with this. He should have faced trial and accepted his punishment, even if it meant he would never get to see her face again.
Absently as she slipped on her boots, Brienne spoke, "There is a room at the top of the east tower. No one goes up there. You will be safe for the time being."
Jaime lifted his head and met her blue gaze. For the first time Jaime noticed the flecks of dark blue mixed with light blue in her eyes and revealing potential in her gaze. Not all had been lost, he thought to himself with great relief. He had a burst of energy he could only assume was caused by true elation and Jaime finished dressing and then he moved towards Brienne to thank her and kiss her to demonstrate his gratitude. Only when Jaime leaned in Brienne backed away.
"You need to be invisible Jaime. I mean it."
Now that they had established their impassioned and deep connection Jaime felt it a challenge to keep his distance from Brienne but he knew this time he had to play by her rules. She was the reason he came here. For once Jaime wanted to be a good person and he knew the only one who could ensure that was Brienne. Obliging her Jaime gave a nod and offered, "I will do whatever it takes to protect your honor Brienne, I know how much it means to you."
"It's too late for that," replied Brienne shortly taking her Stark crested sword with her on her way out of the room.
xxx
Brienne had checked in with Podrick to enlist his assistance with the security sweep and they agreed to split up and take opposite sides of the castle even though she was almost positive the spy in question was the man she had just had sexual relations with who was presently vacating her bed chamber.
She thought about Jaime and why he had come to Winterfell of all places. The only thing that made sense was that the Starks and Lannister's were enemies so none would come looking for him. That theory would have held water if Cersei was still alive but there were no Lannister's left, except him and his missing brother. Having spent all those weeks with Jaime as captors she never knew him to be a coward, but if he was running away from his crimes then he had to be brought to justice. It seemed simple enough but there was something in his eyes that told Brienne there was more to it—he seemed so desolate and forlorn, especially when she told him he had to leave. It felt as if he thought she was his last hope.
Brienne shook off her thoughts still unsure about how to handle Jaime's presence here when she bumped into someone on her sweep through the great hall.
"It's a grand room but a little drafty for my taste," confessed Littlefinger who was seated in shadow by the back entrance.
"Lord Baelish, I did not see you over there."
"Sometimes there are advantages to being unseen," he remarked with a careful smile and Brienne watched him shrewdly.
"Yes." Brienne never had occasion to speak with Littlefinger nor did she desire to at this juncture and she concluded, "If you will excuse me."
"Are you hunting for the Spy?" He asked. Brienne's ears piqued and she met his gaze tentatively.
"Yes, did you see him?" she questioned carefully.
"I did in fact. He was posing as a Wildling at the Banquet."
"Would you be able to describe his appearance and did you see what direction he went?" Brienne added with attempt to keep a straight face and not show her cards.
"I didn't see which direction he went but it was obvious he knew his way around."
"What makes you say that?"
"He walked with confidence. There were no wrong turns or interest in the lavish culinary treats or Wildlings around him for that matter."
Brienne tried her best not to allow her gaze to falter. She was not used to playing games with people. Part of her was resentful of Jaime for putting her in this position, cursing him for deciding to attend dinner this evening, but the other part, the more determined part intended to protect him at all costs.
"So you think he worked for the Bolton's?" She asked thoughtfully.
"I am not certain."
Brienne gave a nod and walked a half circle around the hall as if surveying it from new angles. Baelish stood and watched her smugly. Unsure she should trust this man Brienne decided it would be best to dismiss him instead. "Thank you Lord Baelish. Your observations have been very helpful."
"I am happy to help any time Lady Brienne," Littlefinger smiled eerily and then Brienne turned to leave, but before she could he stopped her.
"There was one thing I did notice that was quite unusual about him however."
"And what was that?" Brienne questioned with tight jaw prepared to acknowledge his final statement as a means to finishing this conversation.
"The spy seemed quite fixated on you Lady Brienne. In fact he was watching you all evening. Would you happen to know why that might be?"
Brienne's face fell and her stomach dropped realizing at this point that she had just walked into a trap.
