(Third Person POV)
Days have passed, perhaps a fortnight, Percy was not quite sure anymore, to him it felt like an eternity. So far nothing has happened. He was constantly at Ned's side, looking over his shoulder and behind his back to make sure that he did not overstep the imaginary lines of court. Other than that, if he was not at Ned's side, he watched Arya as she trained with Syrio, or joined in her mischiefs, which often led them to parts of the castle that they should not be in.
As for Sansa, their relationship has taken a strain. She treated coldly at best, a scum bastard at worse. She spent her days with her prince or the queen, at times Septa Mordane, but rarely with her own family. It pained him, but if he confronted her about it, it would instigate Arya to wage war on her sister, which is something he would prefer to avoid. They were civil enough with each other, and that was the best he could ask for as of now.
In the current moment, he rode alongside Ned as they followed Petyr Baelish, who claims that Cat was with him. Percy did not recognize the structure, but as Baelish claimed it to be one of his establishments, it dawned upon Percy and Ned where exactly Baelish brought them to. Ned's hands were instantly upon his throat, and he gritted out, "You're a funny man, huh? A very funny many."
Percy smirked. He didn't care for the little worm. All he knew was that the man was still in love with his good cousin, and he did not like that one bit. Percy commented, "I think he can still breathe, Ned, squeeze harder."
Suddenly, above them, someone yelled in whisper, "Ned! Percy!"
They both looked up, and there, they found the red hair of Cat. Ned shoved Baelish to the side, then continued on to the establishment. Before Percy followed him, he commented to no one in particular, "All these women, and still…"
He left it hanging, but both he and Baelish knew what he meant. And he followed after Ned. When he got there, they were sharing a tender kiss, and Percy cleared his throat, an amused smile hidden behind his fist. Cat separated from Ned, giving Percy a hug, "Percy."
He returned the hug, "Cat, why have you come here? Is everything alright? Is it Bran? How is he?"
Cat nodded, then took Percy's face in her hand, and gave him a tender kiss on his cheek, "I must thank you Percy, Bran, he has gotten better."
Ned and Percy looked at her, confusion on their faces. Ned placed a hand on Cat's shoulder, "What do ya mean?"
"He is only crippled in one of his legs."
Percy and Ned looked at her, disbelief written all over their faces, and yet, hope. Percy whispered, "You jest."
Cat smiled, "No, Percy. Maester Luwin said it was impossible, but, Bran walks. With difficulty, yes, but he walks."
Ned kissed Cat joyously, taking her into his arms, and lifting her, "Thank the gods."
Percy had a grin so wide that it seemed it would split his face, but he was joyous. If he had to serve the gods for the rest of his life just so that his nieces and nephews would have a better fate than him, then so be it. But something else was bothering him, "Cat, you did not come all the way to Kingslanding just to tell us that, did you?"
Ned realized that what Percy said was true, and he released Cat, a serious look was once more upon his face, "Cat, why did you come here?"
"Ned, it's the Lannisters, they've tried to kill Bran." Cat accused, her voice dripping with hatred and passion that it surprised both Ned and Percy.
"What do you mean?" Percy asked, confused as to how she came up with this conclusion,
Then, she produced a dagger, "An assassin tried to kill Bran while he was yet to be awaken from his fall. They started a fire so that we would be drawn away, then a man tried to kill him. If it weren't for his wolf-"
Cat trailed off, and Percy took the dagger from her hand, unsheathing it so that he can examine the blade. Valyrian steel. Rare. Expensive. Highborn. Ned looked at Cat, "Bran is alright?"
Cat nodded, then pleaded with Ned, "Ned, you must take this up with Robert-"
Suddenly, Baelish came from the door, "Accusing the queen's brother of having your boy killed is treason."
"We have proof, we have the blade." Cat argued
"Which Lord Tyrion will say was stolen from him." Baelish argued
"Tyrion?!" Percy asked incredulously. He looked from Cat to Baelish, the blade still in his hand, "Why would Tyrion have Bran killed? Why do you think that it was Tyrion of all people?"
"We don't know Percy, but Petyr said that he lost this blade to Tyrion-"
"What would Tyrion Lannister want with a blade in the first place? And even if he did win it, this is Valyrian steel. Why would he have an assassin use Valyrian steel out of all things? It's incredibly stupid because of the rarity of the metal, and if I know one thing, is that Tyrion Lannister is not stupid." Percy asked, an accusing glare pointed at Baelish.
Percy was advancing upon him, but a hand stopped him. Cat looked at him, then at Ned, "Petyr has promised to help us find the truth."
She removed her hand, and though Percy did stop advancing on the little worm, his glare did not lessen. Cat continued, "He's like a little brother to me Ned, Percy. He would never betray my trust."
At that, Percy smirked as he continued to look at Baelish, "Little brother."
Baelish broke eye contact from him, then looked at Ned, "I'll try to keep you alive, for her sake. A fool's task, admittedly, but I've never been able to refuse your wife anything."
Cat looked at Baelish, "I won't forget this, you're a true friend."
Percy chuckled, but Cat sent him a look to silence him. Baelish smiled at Cat, "Don't tell anyone, I have a reputation to uphold."
Ned called his wife's attention, "Cat, you must go now, our enemies must not find out that you are here."
Baelish agreed with him, "For once, he's right, you aren't safe here, Cat. Go at the back, in the alleyway, I can have my men see you safely out of Kingslanding."
Percy hugged Cat, and whispered, "I will see their safety here, Cat. Do the same for my boys, and give them my love."
She kissed his cheek, "I will. You should take care of yourself as well."
He winked at her, "Don't I always?"
Cat rolled her eyes at him, and as Ned smiled at the both of them, he laid a hand on his wife's shoulder, "I will see you out, love."
He looked at Percy, "See to the girls."
Percy nodded, and with one last look at Cat, he turned to leave, but not before looking at Baelish, "Little brother, make sure your big sister gets safely out of the shithole."
Percy smirked, and as Baelish smiled tightly at him. He left before the worm can say another word. Piece of shit.
(Let's skip to the other Brothel scene)
"Are you really surprised? Your dear friend frequents in whores more so than attending matters of the kingdom. He was bound to get some of them pregnant." Percy said as they headed out of the worm's brothel.
"Do not speak ill of the king, Percy." Ned warned.
Percy scoffed. "I do not speak ill of the king, Ned. I speak truths about the king. Just because the statements do not please your ears does not make them untrue."
"Then do not speak of the king at all, Percy. He is still the king." Ned said. He could not deny what Percy said, for it was not false, though he wishes for it not so. They finally got out of the brothel, and they stopped. Red cloaks.
Percy placed a hand on the pummel of his sword, then shared a look with Jory. Suddenly, out of the corner of their eye, came the golden haired Lannister upon his white steed. "Such a small pack of wolves."
Jaime hopped of of his horse as Jory warned him, "Stay back, Ser. This is the hand of the king."
"Was the hand of the king. Now I'm not sure what he is. The lord of somewhere far away." Jaime rebutted
Baelish came out if his brothel, a look of surprise drawn upon his face. "What's the meaning of this, Lannister."
"Get back inside, where it's safe." Jaime replied. "I'm looking for my brother. You remember my brother, don't you, Lord Stark? Blonde hair, sharp tongue, short man."
"I remember him well." Ned replied back calmly.
Percy sighed. He told Cat that Tyrion would have never made such an idiotic move. She did not listen. Now look where they are.
Jaime said, "It seems he had some troubles on the road, you wouldn't know what happened to him, would you?"
"He was taken at my command." Ned replied.
Percy kept a neutral face. He cannot put Cat in any more danger that she put herself in. At least here, he can protect Ned. Ned continued, "To answer for his crimes-"
Jaime had enough, and pulled out his sword, his men were quick to follow him. Baelish said, "I'll bring the City Watch."
Percy sighed once more. "Don't do this, Lannister."
Jaime only scoffed at him, "I was not speaking to you, bastard." Then he reverted his attention back to Ned. "Come, Stark. Die with sword in hand."
Jory spoke up, "If you threaten milord again-"
Jaime cut him off, "Threaten? As in, I'm going to open your lord from balls to brain and see what Starks are made off."
Ned replied, "You kill me, your brother is good as dead."
"You're right." He looked towards his men, "Take him alive, kill his men."
The red cloaks began to throw their spears, hitting some of their men, but before one could hit Percy, he dodged slightly to the right, catching the spear as the tip passed him, and spinning it around to throw it back at the man who hurled it to him.
He, Ned, and Jory unsheathed their weapons, and began duelling with the red cloaks. They were easy enough to kill. Suddenly, Jory went after Lannister, who parried his attack, then produced a dagger from his belt and stabbed Jory in the eye.
Percy felt dread in the pit of his stomach. Jory. "NO!"
He should have done better. Percy stared at his fallen friend. He should have done better. Jory, you stupid fool.
Ned looked to the sky as grey clouds began to cover the sky. The wind picked up, and it seems as if the breath of winter decided to grace them. "Percy." He tried calling his cousin, but Percy, Percy was far gone.
"Take care of the guards." Percy commanded. He did not wait for Ned's approval, and instantly, set himself upon Jaime Lannister.
Percy was quick, quicker than Jaime expected, so when he charged him, Jaime was barely able to block that sword that tried to spill his innards. Percy quickly drove his sword upwards, the tip of his sword grazing Jaime's cheek before Jaime jumped backwards. Jaime placed a hand on his cheek, looking in disbelief at the blood that smeared his hand. He looked back up at Percy, but the man only glared at him with darkened eyes. Jaime placed his hands back on his sword, and though Percy did give pause to let him see his wound, he did not give him the time to plan out his next move.
Jaime and Percy fought, and it was a glorious sight. Whenever one striked, the other either blocked or parried, both were quick and agile, and both proved to be strong. The difference between the two of them was that Percy has gone against monsters, gods, titans, and primordials, and he was only toying with Jaime. Granted, he was a decent swordsman, but Percy was a master swordsman who bested the god of war when he was only ten and two.
Suddenly, there was a yelp, and Percy turned to see that the guards have overwhelmed Ned and one had impaled his leg with a spear. Percy reverted his attention back to Jaime. Jaime lunged at Percy, but he quickly parried his sword, and brought his sword up while it was still touching his, then he wrapped his sword around Jaime's, and pointed the tip down suddenly. He then slid his sword down, and jerked in towards him, and Jaime's sword flew out of his hands and flew into Percy's hand.
Percy then grabbed Jaime by his tunic, smashing his head against his, and allowing Jaime to fall ungraciously on the floor. Percy advanced upon the red cloaks, his and Jaime's sword in hand, and when they saw what happened to their lord, they looked to Percy with uncertainty. "Leave, take your lord, or I swear upon whatever fucking god you worship, I will kill all of you."
Percy did not pay them any more heed, he sheathed his sword, held onto Jaime's sword in case any of the red cloaks followed him, then attended Ned. He hoisted him on Blackjack before jumping on himself. He looked to the aftermath of what happened, his eyes lingering on his dead friend longer, before ripping away his sight. The red cloaks have retreated, taking Jaime with them, and Percy turned the other way, riding for the Red Keep.
Along the way, he took a flagon filled with water from Blackjack's satchel and poured it over Ned's leg. He can still save it.
(Time Skip to when Ned wakes up)
Ned stirred. He was tired, his skin felt clammy, and he was parched. He slowly opened his eyes. It was blurry at first, and all he saw were golden locks, then the face of the queen, and then Robert. Ned attempted to rise, but dizziness quickly hit him. "Pardon me, your grace, I would rise, but-"
"Do you know what your wife has done?" The queen asked
"She did nothing I did not command." Ned defended her.
"Who would have thought she had it in her." Robert said.
"What dare you right to lay hands on my blood?" Cersei snapped.
"I am the king's hand." Ned said.
"You were the king's hand." Cersei said
They argued more, speak over each other that no one actually knew what was being said. Robert spoke up, "Enough of this. Catelyn will release Tyrion and you will make peace with Jaime."
"He butchered my men." Ned argued
"Lord Stark was returning drunk from a brothel when his men attacked Jaime," Cersei said.
Before anyone could say more, the door opened, and Percy came in. He barely glanced at the king and queen, "Your graces." Then made his way to Ned.
He poured the pitcher of water into a cup, then helped Ned sit up on the bed and placing the cup in his hands. "I have sent Jory and the rest of the dead to the Silent Sisters. After they have prepared them, I have arranged for them to be sent back to the North."
Then he retrieved something from Ned's beside, and threw it at the foot of the bed, barely missing Ned's foot. The king and queen looked at it, then back at him. Percy replied, "Your brother's sword, your grace. He was not able to retrieve it after I knocked him unconscious and his men dragged him away. I just thought he might want it back should he ever decide to show face again."
Cersei's eyes widened in rage. "You disrespect my family?"
"I disrespect no one, your grace. I am a servant of the House Stark, I only defend my lord." Percy replied without blinking an eye. Though he did not show it, Ned smirked, if only a little.
Ned turned his gaze back to Robert. "Jaime has fled the city, give me leave to bring him back to justice."
When Robert said nothing, Cersei was quick to insult him. "I took you for a king."
"Hold your tongue." Robert warned her.
"He's attacked one of my brothers and abducted the other. I should wear the armor, and you the gown." Cersei snapped.
Robert turned to look at her with a glare, and suddenly, struck her. Percy and Ned look on with shock. Percy turned to Robert, an incredulous look on his face. "What the Seven Fucking hells is wrong with you?"
"Percy-" Ned warned.
But Percy was not done. "Are you so fragile that words shatter you so?"
"Hold your tongue, bastard. And remember your place." Robert warned.
Percy scoffed, but again, Ned warned him, "Percy, we will speak later. Take your leave."
"Very well." Percy moved to leave, but not before sarcastically properly addressing the king and queen first. "Your graces."
Percy stormed to his chambers. Arya was still in her dancing lessons, and Sansa was with Septa Mordane. They have yet to learn of Jory, and he will leave Ned to that. For now, he must prepare for his journey.
Suddenly, a voice spoke up. "I cannot decide if you a simply stupid, or conflicted."
Percy turned around to see the queen standing by his doorway. "Perhaps both. What do you want, your grace?"
"You attacked my brother." She said.
"He killed my friend, and attempted my life as well. Let us not waste of words and pretend otherwise." Percy replied as he dug around his trunk to place things in his travelling pack. Suddenly, he turned around and walked towards Cersei. To her benefit, she did not even flinch. He handed her a kerchief. "Wipe the blood from your lip less you want others to question you about it."
Though she took it, she coldly said, "I do not need your help."
"Nor do you need it. I am not helping you. If I were, I would have wiped the blood away myself and struck your husband. But you are capable of doing that yourself." He said as he checked if he needed anything else.
When she did not say anything, he looked up to see if she was still there. She was, but she only looked onto him. He explained himself, "In my father's lands, both men and women have fought with me, and against me. A lot of women have tried to kill me. You are not a damsel in distress. You do not need any saving."
There was a moment of silence as Cersei said nothing, but then changed the topic. "I never thought you to desert your nieces in the Red Keep."
"I am not. I will return in a fortnight for them." Percy responded
"Where are you planning to go?" She asked
"To rescue your brother from my good cousin." Percy said. "If I ride all day and night, I will perhaps reach them within three days. Then I can put a stop to this madness before it turns into complete utter chaos."
"You believe your family to be wrong in taking my brother?" She asked
"Yes. Only because I know your brother, and if he took the time enough to stop whoring, it's to drink himself into a stupor or to read some book or another. I also know your father." Percy said as he closed his satchel.
"Do you now?" Cersei asked bemusedly.
"Yes. Why do you think I let your Jaime live even when he killed my people?" Percy asked, a look of expectation written on his face as he looked at the queen.
There was a brief moment of pause as her face continued to look blank, then she looked at him. "Do as you please. But if you ever lay a hand on my family again, I will have you executed myself."
"Worry not, your grace. Once this is all over, I will distance myself from your family as far as I can. Farewell, your grace." Percy slightly bowed to her, then made his way out, turning sideways so that he did not collide with her.
Cersei was left in Percy's chambers, and as she looked at the handkerchief that was now stained with her blood, she found herself contemplating its owner. He did know her father. Of course, everyone knew to never harm Tywin Lannister's golden son, but none have ever come close to doing so. Her brother was a fool, even more so for being bested by a bastard. To think, the shame that will be brought upon her family. The greatest sword of Westeros, the golden lion. Defeated by some mutt from the North.
Cersei laughed to herself. If she were the man, she would have been infinitely better than Jaime. Her sweet, stupid other half.
(With Percy)
Percy finished loading his things on Blackjack, but suddenly, someone yelled out, "Uncle!" And a force collided with his legs and held on tight.
Percy sighed. He was hoping he could leave without his nieces knowing. Well, Arya. Sansa still hated him at the moment. Percy looked down, and he was met by her teary eyes. "Is it true? Jory?"
Percy sighed and nodded. "Yes."
Percy kneeled down, and Arya buried her head on his neck. "Arya, it's alright. It will all be alright soon enough."
"Take me with you, Uncle." She pleaded. She it here. It was hot, Sansa ignored her and treated her cruelly when she finally did notice her, and her father was always busy. She missed the North. She missed her mother, Robb, Bran, Rickon, Jon, and Nymeria. She wanted to go home. The only things that made this place tolerable was her uncle and Syrio, but she did not want her uncle to leave.
"I can't, Arya. I do not even have your father's permission to leave, he will be infuriated if he learns that I took you with me as well." Percy explained.
Arya wiped the tears from her eyes. "Then stay. Don't leave me."
"Arya, I have to fix this before it turns into a bigger mess."
"You promised that you would never leave me." She stared at him with her big grey eyes. He sighed. He could not refuse her. How utterly stupid.
He sighed, "Very well."
She hugged him once more, "Thank you."
"Go back to your lessons. I have to send a letter to arrange some things." Percy commanded her.
She nodded. "I will see you at supper?"
"Yes, Arya."
She grinned before running off, and Percy cursed. He walked Blackjack back to the stables, and after making sure that no one was around, he spoke to Blackjack. "Blackjack, when night falls, head for the Riverlands. That is where I last heard Cat was. Save Tyrion, and bring him back here. Knock him unconscious if you have to."
Blackjack neighed, "Why can you not do it, milord? It would be easy enough to be back within three days."
"We do not know where Cat is taking Tyrion. They could be headed north, or the Vale, and I cannot run the risks of leaving Ned and my nieces unprotected. If I need you, I will call for you, but for now, you have your task. I have an uneasy feeling inside of me, and I cannot get rid of it." Percy explained.
Blackjack looked upon his master. He looked disheveled, conflicted, and even he felt it. Trouble was coming. He could feel it on his spine. That is why Arya probably convinced his master so easily. As of now, Percy was where he was needed most. The fates were cruel in that way. Generous, yet cruel in the same time.
Blackjack nodded. "Be safe, milord."
A/N:
Isn't this odd? I actually updated. Granted, I'm a little rusty, but bear with me. I might actually update again in the following weeks. Who knows? Anyways, how did you guys like the chapter? And worry not, this story will take a different path from the actual story soon enough. So watch out for that.
Anyways, I hope you guys have been having a wonderful life, and if not, I hope it starts turning up.
I'll see you guys soon. Or perhaps in a few years. Have a good one
