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The feast was another great surprise for Tori, no matter how much she mentally prepared herself for it.
There was a lot of awkward eating in the beginning, a tension in the air that she couldn't pin down. Lord Stark clearly didn't like the Lannisters, but she didn't know why. From all the information she gathered, they were rich snobs that founded Robert's rebellion in his last years of war to secure a spot besides the victor. Lyanna was long dead when Cercei married the king so there couldn't be any bad blood there. Seeing how the king treated his wife, she supposed Lyanna dodged a bullet, though quite drastically. It was a bit comical to watch Lord Stark trying so hard to play nice and smile at the queen. But he didn't bother at all to pretend around the queen's brother. The two men exchanged some words, the knight with a wide smile, the lord with a grim expression. Tori turned towards her companion at the table, whispering just loud enough her him to hear.
"Hey, Theon, why does Lord Stark look so pained to be talking to Ser Jamie?"
"Because he's the Kingslayer." There it was again, Theon playing Mr. Smarty-pants, half answering her questions and not lifting a finger to explain what she clearly didn't understand. She took a long breath in and decided it was not the time nor place to show him to his place.
"What's that? He kills kings for a living?" Pretty inconvenient seeing as his sister was married to one... Theon blinked at her a few times, taken aback by her preposterous supposition.
"Do you know nothing about the Kingsguard?"
"Hmmm, they are knights? Good at sword fighting and... killing?" Theon shook his head and frowned. She felt like a little kid who disappointing her teacher by not reading her lesson in time, despite the fact that the little Greyjoy ward never acted particularly interested in her assimilation of their world.
"The Kingsguard is a sworn brotherhood, they give their lives in service for the king." Seeing as he wasn't making his point across, he added. "They take a holy vow to serve and protect the king. Upon swearing the oath, they agree not to hold lands, sire children, marry, or have any worldly allegiance except to his monarch. They are living exampled of virtue and therefore should not break their words."
"And Jamie kills kings? He's like an exception?"
"He killed the last king, thus breaking his vow. It's a mockery to the whole principle of the Kingsguard that he was allowed to live, yet alone still be part of it."
"So Lord Stark is not worried he might kill the king. He just doesn't like the man because he's a deviation from the pattern?"
"The Kingslayer is more than an exception. He's proof of what enough money can buy. He is an Oathbreaker, but because his father's gold won the rebellion, the king had to pardon him." So the king's will was not so final and absolute as she initially thought; the Lannisters were also pulling the strings. He was constrained by money; seven kingdoms were not cheap to sustain. The idea that there was an intricate political battle underneath the image of the throne was not so surprising. Tori's own world had enough monarch's that were more or less figureheads, and being witness to the silly fat man that was King Robert she supposed it could be the case with him as well. She wanted to ask more about the relationship between King Robert and Ser Jamie, but Theon downed his cup of ale and sprung from the table to dance with a girl. It was still the longest conversation she had with the boy and a helpful one at that, no backhanded compliments or flat out insults. It was progress, maybe it was as Sansa said and he was not so bad after all.
Without Greyjoy to poke at, she was left alone at a long table of strangers, sitting far from the Stark family. They stole glances at her with the mix of curiosity and weariness she was so used to. She scanned the room with her eyes in search of familiar faces but both Sansa and Robb were dancing, one with Joffrey the other with a young Myrcella, entertaining the royal children. There was no way in hell she was going anywhere near the table with the king and queen, so talking to the lord and lady was out of the question. Jon, the lucky bastard, was doing whatever the hell he wanted since he wasn't stuck at the damn feast. Bran and Arya were nowhere to be seen and since the youngest Baratheon and Rickon were missing as well, she guessed the youngsters were sent to bed. Had it gotten that late already?
Taking a closer look at the king's table, she noticed he was no longer there, but dancing with a woman, probably a serving girl. When he made a scene kissing her, Tori's eyes turned to the queen. She wore a perfectly polished mask of indifference, but the hatred was obvious in her emerald eyes. Tori wondered again how she was able to stand being with a man like Robert. She wasn't completely sure about the laws, but if they were anything like the ones from when kings ruled in her home world, men could fuck whoever they wanted, but if women did the same they'd be branded as whores, their children named bastards. She could see why the queen, a proud Lannister lady, was harboring some ill will to the drunk who took the Ion Throne.
Moving her gaze over the crowd that seemed to have loosed up, she drank a little more from her cup, wondering how she never finished it; she'd been sipping from it the whole night, but the damn thing was forever half-full. She didn't indulge in drinking back home, but she was proud to say she could hold her liquor. Yet whatever that ale was made of was going straight to her head, making her sleepy. She tried to suppress the yawns, but a few escaped despite her efforts. Just as she was covering her mouth for another unwanted, unladylike yawn, she spotted a couple of young men looking her way and talking between themselves, just before one made his way towards her. She almost chocked with the realization. She drank the remaining ale in one swing and darted from the table like a bullet from the barrel.
She didn't get far.
"A dance, my lady?" She turned with horror to see Ser Jamie fucking Lannister was holding his hand out for her to take. She froze and she could swear the whole Great Hall had stopped to look at them, even the music turning to a low hum. It was most likely only her anxiety playing tricks on her, but she didn't dare look for fear they were really watching, waiting for her to make a mistake. "It's not polite to leave a man waiting." His smile never left his face as he brought his hand even closer to her. What could she do? Bolt out the door? He seemed nice enough not to take offense of her hesitation; maybe he wouldn't mind her refusing. "Even less so to turn him down." He took her hand in his and softly pulled her along on the dance floor. Her mouth opened and closed a few times, words forming in her head, but refusing to leave her tongue. So many eyes on them and she didn't know how to dance! He placed one of her hands on his shoulder and she saw what she already knew - it was trembling. Her knees weren't doing much better either.
Gods, she was going to trip and fall on her face!
As the music started again, or maybe just a new song began playing, he pulled her body with his and for a split second Tori thought it wasn't so bad.
Then she stepped on his foot.
"Oh god, I'm so sorry. I really don't know what I'm doing. It's a miracle I'm still even on my feet at this point." Words came poring out of her mouth in a sad attempt to mask how utterly embarrassed she was. Her face was burning and she was surely blushing to the tip of her ears. Why hadn't she asked one of the Starks to show her the steps at lest once? Jamie on the other hand looked in his element: dressed in the the colors of his house, bold and charming, the spotlight bright on him. He had probably suffered through a thousand feast; what was one more?
"Ah, so she speaks." He flashed her another smile and she almost wished she could punch it off his face. There was no need to add more fuel to the internal fire that was consuming her.
"Of course I speak." But then again, he was an important person and she didn't want to anger anyone. His comment might have also been an encouragement for her to just talk to him. "I'm sorry, Ser. I seem to be quite dizzy." He made no offer to stop the spinning like she had hoped. Instead, his thumb brushed the hand he was holding in a lazy manner. She wasn't sure if the gesture was meant to sooth her or warm her hand, but it had neither of the effects.
"I would think so, after how much the Greyjoy boy kept refilling your cup." She gasped loudly, puling herself further from him and stepping on the helm of her dress, but Jamie's hand on the small of her back kept her in place. If it were not for her current predicament keeping most of her thoughts focused on what she was saying and doing, some very imaginative curses would have been shouted towards Theon. She sighed instead, closing her eyes to calm down both her anger and unease.
"Why am I even surprised?" The knight chucked, the sound vibrating in his chest. She opened her eyes only to meet his peering gaze, and this time she almost looked away. Up close, his orbs were vibrant green, almost like a cat's. They were mesmerizing, the shades shifting with the light as they spun.
"Rivalry between wards?"
"Uh, I don't think so. At least not from my behalf." The rhythm of the dance changed to a more upbeat tune. The terror must have been so clear on her face that her dance partner lost some of the mirth in his smile. She hoped he'd let her go, but instead the started giving instructions.
"Don't worry, it's easy." People kept telling her that, but she wished she'd see them learn trigonometry or how to drive a car. "You go under my arm now with a twirl and another one as you come back." Though he was explaining the moves, his hands were the ones really leading her with gentle nudges in the right direction. She forgot about the people surrounding them and even about Jamie himself, only hearing his voice and focusing on the steps and music. She was startled by his sudden question.
"So how does one become Lord Stark's ward?" He looked at her expectantly, but what could she reply? 'It's quite simple, just come from for a different world and he'll take you in out of the kindness of his heart.'
"Well, Theon Greyjoy was-"
"I know the ironborn's tale, everyone does. I was asking about yours." He highlighted the last phrase, making it sound as if he was expecting a grand adventure, an epic journey of the sorts. Or maybe she had read on too many stories about dragon riders. But she was convinced he had already heard the tale, either from the Starks or the servants. He had already known who she was so surely he had heard about the tragic death of her father and the friendship he shared with the lord of Winterfell.
"My tale? It's but a series of unfortunate events, Ser." It was technically the truth, was it not? He didn't seem pleased with her answer, the corner of his mouth slightly pulled down, eyebrow lifted. "As unfortunate as my dancing skills I'm afraid." Her little attempt at a joke seemed to lighten the mood.
"You're a fast learner, my lady." He set her up for another spin which she managed without fault, but came towards him a little too fast, bumping into him. He chuckled lightly, big warm hands steadying herself for what might have been the hundredth time. She knew she was blushing so she held her head down, suddenly fascinated with the golden embroidery of his coat. Was it actual gold?
"If you praise me, I'm bound to mess it up..." She uttered the words as the song came to an end and was thankful he hooked her arm with his and walked off the dance floor. She wasn't sure how much more embarrassment her heart could take. Stealing a glance at their surroundings she was endlessly happy no one actually seemed to pay them much attention like she feared.
"It only takes practice. Our next dance will run much smoother." She didn't quite like the way he said it, like it was guaranteed they were to have another dance, like there was no way she would refuse. He was handsome, sure, but she only accepted because he caught her off guard and didn't know how to say no properly to the brother of the queen. Her eyes narrowed as she chose her next words.
"We'll have to see about that next time. Until then, I wish you a good night, Ser."
"Good night, my lady." She slipped from his reach and made her way towards her chamber. The dark halls of Winterfell at night were as unwelcoming as ever, the additional torches making little difference. She rushed in her room, feeling safe only when the hinge on the door was locked. What a crazy night! The Lannister-Stark tension, Theon, that slimy eel, trying to make a drunken fool of her, the queen's twin offering her an impromptu dance lesson. Madness! How ever had she gotten through it all without a scene was pure miracle. She sighed, letting out some of the tension in her body and prepared for the night, hoping her fatigue would top the nightmares for once. The gods knew she needed some shut eye.
Jamie entered his room after the feast, taking off the crimson and gold tunic he wore and finally relaxed. He had actually ended up enjoying the whole affair; between jabbing at the Lord Stark and pulling words out of newest Stark ward's mouth, he barely felt time pass. When Cercei had asked him to see what he could find about the girl, he dreaded the task. He was a simple man who loved the glory of battle and had little interest in the plotting and scheming of lords. Besides, could a man as noble as Eddard Stark truly be up to no good? The man had been happy to stay in the North, far from the throne, when he could have set himself on a higher position after the rebellion and the fall of the Targaryens. He didn't.
But the girl was hiding something.
At first, when they danced and her body trembled like a leaf, he thought she might be scared of him, the vile Kingslayer, man without honor. Her frail, cold hand in his made him wonder if she was perhaps shivery. But wasn't she, as northerner, supposed to be used to the cold? As the chill was taking over his flesh, he brushed his fingers on her hand more to warm his own than in regard to her discomfort and he doubted the action was noted by anyone.
His sister was no just anyone though.
"I saw you were getting quite close to Lord Stark's ward." He turned towards her in disbelief, just as she was closing the door behind her. He was surprised too see her, but the sight was always welcomed. Her accusing words less so.
"You told me to."
"I said 'find out who she really is' not 'get between her thighs'!" The queen spat the words at him as if he had bedded the girl, not merely shared a dance. He knew his sister was not questioning his loyalty; as she could not betray him, he would never wrong her. But Cercei liked being told she was the only one. It was unfair at times how she kept requiring proof of his affection after all their years together, yet he never asked anything from her in return. He just loved her that much. He reached out, pulling her in a warm embrace, whispering in her ear.
"Don't you already know I have eyes only you?" She smiled and his heart tingled with joy. He placed a kiss on her shoulder, arms tightening around her lean body.
"Jamie, not here!" She pushed him away, carefully setting her hair in place, despite him barely touching it. She was right though; one never knew which walls had eyes and ears in Winterfell. Sometimes he wished he could just kill Robert and run away with his beloved twin. Unfortunately, she wanted to be queen more. "What did you find out about the little whore?"
"She's hiding something, but I doubt is has anything to do with usurping the throne and bringing the Lannisterd down. She's just a silly little orphan who's probably just scared of this new life she was thrown into." Cercei's lips pursed, her brows furrowed as she looked at him with judging eyes. It was not his fault he didn't see betrayal in every corner.
"I don't like it. No one seems to know a thing about her family or where exactly she's come from. And have you heard the rumors?"
"I assure you I've looked into her eyes and my souls is intact. They're not even pretty eyes, such a dull shad of muddy brown."
"Very well, but keep your eyes open for anything suspicious." With that she turned and left his room. He was hoping for at least another kiss, but she was still pissed about his dance from earlier that night. His thought turned back to the raven haired girl. Truth be told, he was a little curious about her. And though he doubted she was hiding something of value, he could entertain himself for the next couple of days in Winterfell with her reactions and maybe even uncover the mystery and set his sister's mind at ease. He fell into a dreamless sleep, waking up several times that night and wishing his beloved could be there in his arms.
On the other side of the keep, Tori couldn't sleep at all that night. Not because of nightmare of any kind, just because her mind refused to quiet. She replayed the day's events in her head, analyzing her every move and noting all the times her head could have fallen. When there was nothing more to prod over, she just became depressed. She had no time for feasts and running around the bush with these people! She wanted to go home. Her friends and family were worried and looking for her, with no clue that she was further out of reach that they could ever imagine. Her poor mother would be sick with worry and it broke her heart to think about it.
When it was obvious she wouldn't be sleeping, she got up and draped the heavy cloak around her shoulders. She let her hair run free, not bothering to braid it in any way. She wasn't sure where exactly she was heading with such determination, but she needed to do something productive to her goal. Passing by the small reading room she noticed all the candles were lit, a little man huddled in furs turning a page of a leather bound book.
The Imp! His eyes abandoned his lecture and stopped on her, sending Tori in another panic rush. Was it safe to just assume his identity? From Arya's excitement at his arrival, it was likely there were not many men like him in Westeros.
"Lord Tyrion." She bowed her head, heart racing, wondering if she was supposed to curtsy or something else of the sort. The lord took another big gulp of his cup and studied her up and down with a bored gaze. There was something different about him, not quite as arrogant as his siblings. Yet the resemblance was there: pale blond hair and light green eyes.
"You have me at a disadvantage I'm afraid. What shall I call you, my lady?"
"Victoria, my lord. Victoria Carter." His demeanor changed almost instantly in a jovial one, book closed and set on the table before him.
"So you are the girl everyone is asking about." She sighed and shook her head, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. She was sure it was far from proper.
"If only they'd realize sooner there's nothing interesting about me."
"If half the things they say about you are true then I'd wager you quite fascinating."
"What do they say about me?" Whoever these 'they' were, hadn't they anything better to do than spout lies about strangers?
"One rumor says you're a witch who has the eldest Stark boy spellbound to her will."
"Robb? He barely pays me any attention. Where would a rumor like that even come from?" The lord's tone turned grave as he leaned forward for effect, but his eyes sparked with amusement.
"I've also heard you stalk the halls at night and drink the blood of innocent passerby." She snorted, her anger at her fellow ward still raging inside her chest.
"Theon probably stared this one..."
"Ah yes, the Greyjoy ward. There's also talk that the two of you are plotting to overthrow the Starks and take the North for yourselves." She stopped herself before calling him out loud a liar and opted instead to ask. She crossed her arms in protest, brows furrowed.
"Are you just making these up as you go, my lord?"
"I would never do such a foul thing, my lady. I'm actually surprised you weren't aware of any of them." Tori supposed no one was actually going to whisper these atrocities to the family that took her in. Or maybe the Stark were protecting her from the bad mouths of vile people. In the end, she was sure the gossip was not ill intended; people feared what they couldn't understand. To them, a lone woman, poorly dressed and half dead was a bad omen or something. Nevertheless, the rumors were ridiculous, even for the backwards beliefs in Westeros. Almost as the ones about the infamous imp.
"Well, I've heard a big deal of things about you as well."
"Pray tell, my lady." She bit her lip wondering how much could she say without insulting him.
"They say you have a tail, for once. A monstrous huge head, thick black hair and lion's claws, with teeth so long you were not able to close your mouth." She paused, his poker face worrying her. Had she just signed her death wish? "All of witch I see if false."
"Well, maybe gossip shouldn't be heeded after all."
"I've also hard you were not all what it seems. Your wit is supposed to be as sharp as any knight's blade."
"Lies. I'm nothing but a drunken fool." As if to make a point, he took another big gulp of his cup, but there was a playfulness in his eyes that made her go on.
"A fool thinks himself wise, but a wise man knows he is a fool."
"Ha! I like you, girl. Victoria, was it?"
"People call me Tori, my lord."
"Very well Tori, why don't you sit down and tell me more about yourself, hm?" She took the chair besides him, carefully setting the cloak around her. Perhaps she should have dressed better, but she wasn't expecting to meet any lords in the dead of night.
"There isn't much to tell I'm afraid. Perhaps you could share some stories with me?"
Oh wow, I've been watching the first episodes of season 1 and I gotta say, Jamie was a huge dick :))) I didn't remember him quite so O_O
Also, the most heart breaking scene has gotta be Arya telling Nymeria to leave *tears flowing*
BehbaLovesTea OMG you read that oneshot as well *_* I'm so happy you liked it since it's the first thing I've ever written *hearts* And yes! Go write! I'll be sure to read everything ^^
Bella-swan11 As for her figuring out Jon's parenting, i don't know. I was thinking of making her come across the same passage Gilly did, but not sure if she'd actually connect all the dots.
Also, it's still a Jamie centered fic :P No matter how satisfying uncovering the truth about Jon's parents might be, i don't know how that would move the plot of her finding out why she is in Westeros or helping her (future) relationship with the love interest (Jamie)
But we'll see :)) I'd kinda like to make Catelyn realize tho... that'd be fun to play with
Anyways, hope you guys like this chapter :D
