Between the music and the laughter of a hundred men and women, Makaria could barely hear herself think at the Stark's feast.
Lannister handmaids and ladies giggled and chatted excitedly on either side of her. Across the table sat ladies from the Stark household, equally as high-pitched, equally as annoying. A little ways down she noticed the blonde Karstark girl who had been staring at her when they arrived. She was huddled closely with her friends, whispering and shooting furtive glances at Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer. Makaria rolled her eyes.
They're obviously daft, she thought.
Anyone with eyes and any sense knew the golden lion wasn't interested in any ladies of the court. As far as Makaria knew, he never really had been.
She did find it funny though that the girls whispers and stares had also attracted the attention of Robb Stark and the Greyjoy boy. The two boys' heads were swiveling between looks of concern for the girls and glowering at the Kingslayer.
Their reactions may have gone unnoticed by most, but Makaria was nothing if not observant. It was probably the singular most important trait that had kept her alive this long.
By now the celebration was in full force. The news had spread that Ned Stark would be the new Hand of the King, and his daughter Sansa would be betrothed to the prince, Joffrey.
Sansa Stark was positively glowing with happiness, and Makaria actually felt her heart break for the naive girl. She had been in King's Landing long enough to know exactly what kind of boy Joffrey was growing up to be, and it wasn't the Prince Charming that Sansa was hoping for.
Robust laughter and a high-pitched squeal drew her attention across the large hall. King Robert was kissing and manhandling one of the Stark's servant girls, who was apparently enjoying the attention.
Makaria clenched her jaw. She knew the King was a pig, but this flagrant display of bawdy affection was worsened by the fact that his wife sat mere feet away, forced to watch.
She looked up at the queen who sitting at the high table with Lord and Lady Stark. Her back was rigid and straight. Her smile was taut and strained.
She tried to feel sympathetic. She was all for empathizing with the plights of women, but she had seen first hand the horrible things Cersei Lannister was capable of. The woman was selfish and cruel, and Makaria just couldn't find it within herself to feel bad for her.
These thoughts were interrupted a moment later when Arya Stark flung a forkful of her dinner at her sister. The little girl was quickly escorted to bed by the pretty Targaryen girl, who looked relieved to have an excuse to escape the room. Makaria watched as the oldest Stark boy followed close behind. Even more interesting though, was how the Stark bastard, (she vaguely remembered him being named Jon,) stared hopelessly after them.
As the feast finally winded down and men and women began to exit the hall, Makaria was at full attention. It was time for her to do the job she was meant to do. She straightened the high collar of her silky silver gown, and smoothed her hair down around her intricate top-knot.
She watched as Lady Catelyn Stark walked through the large main doors. After letting a few seconds pass, she followed.
The older woman made her way up the dark and winding staircase, surrounded on either side by a Stark guard. Makaria made sure not to follow too closely, so as to not attract any unwanted attention from passersby.
At the top of the stairs and at the end of the hall, was Lord and Lady Stark's bed chambers. Makaria waited in a shadowy corner for Lady Catelyn to enter the room. After ensuring the hall was clear besides the two guards at the door, Makaria approached.
"I have a message for Lady Stark," she stated firmly.
"Lady Stark has gone to bed for the evening," one of the guards responded.
"I think she would agree that this is a very urgent matter," Makaria pressed again.
The two guards glanced at each other. Finally, one shrugged and lightly knocked on the wooden door.
Makaria heard a delicate voice call from inside. "Come in!"
The guard opened the door and let Makaria pass through. The older woman looked surprised. She clearly didn't recognize the dark-haired girl.
"I have a message for you," Makaria said.
Lady Stark waited expectantly.
She looked at the guards pointedly, trying to make her need for privacy understood.
"Ah," Lady Stark said. She hesitated for a moment, trying to decide if it was wise to be left alone with a secretive stranger. She looked into Makaria's dark eyes. Eventually, it seemed she found what she wanted in them, because she waved the guards away.
When the door had closed, Makaria pulled the small scroll out of her sleeve. She handed it to the other women and quickly went to open the door.
"Wait," Lady Stark commanded. "This is from my sister, Lysa." Makaria paused.
"I really must be getting back to my room," she said.
"You've taken the time to bring me a message. You can wait for me to read it."
Makaria's outstretched arm was so close to the door handle. She let it drop, and turned back to face Lady Stark. The older woman unfolded the note and began to read.
A moment passed, and Makaria watched as Catelyn Stark's face turned white and her eyes widened. She pushed Makaria aside and quickly tossed the note into the flames of the burning fireplace.
This was not part of the plan, Makaria thought. She was supposed to have left by now.
"She's fled the Capital," Lady Stark said. Makaria wasn't sure if it was a statement or a question, so she remained silent. Lady Stark continued.
"She says Jon Arryn was murdered by the Lannisters." Again Makaria stayed quiet.
"She says the King is in danger." Silence.
"Lysa's head would be on a spike right now if the wrong people had found that letter," she said. Her voice was shaking now, and Makaria knew what she would ask next.
"Who are you?"
Makaria didn't answer immediately. She needed to choose her words carefully.
"A trusted friend," she said finally.
Lady Stark looked like she wanted to strike her. Makaria could tell she was panicking.
"They murdered the last Hand of the King," she said. "And now they want Ned to take the job?"
Makaria swallowed loudly. Ned Stark needed to go to King's Landing. He was the key to the entire plan unfolding.
"If this news is true, and the Lannisters conspire against the throne, who but Ned could protect the King?"
Now she thought Catelyn might actually strike her. She quickly continued.
"He rode for a month to ask for Lord Stark's help. He's the only one he trusts."
The woman opposite her still looked livid, but Makaria saw her face soften a bit. She pressed on.
"He swore the king an oath, my lady." Lady Stark looked up at her.
"He's spent half his life fighting Robert's wars. He owes him nothing. His father and brother rode south once on a king's demand."
Makaria knew this well. Ned Stark's brother and father had been called to the capital by the Mad King Aerys, only to be burned to death in the throne room.
She straightened her shoulders and raised her chin, looking Lady Stark directly in the eyes.
"A different time. A different king."
With that, she curtseyed deeply and walked out the door.