Chapter 12
Secrets reveal nothing but the Truth
-298 AC-
"A lion doesn't concern itself with the opinion of sheep."
Once Robert and Ned left for the crypts to pay their respect, Elenys turned her attention to the waves of Lannister hair that seemed to stretch till no end. Furrowing her brows, she picked her dress up and opened her mouth to address Cersei, but someone else beat her to it.
"Ah, Elenys, you grow more beautiful each day and dare I say, even the most beautiful woman in the entire realm."
Elenys was left bewildered when she locked eyes with familiar emerald-green eyes, "Gerion?!"
"The one and only, my fair princess." He dismounted his horse and walked towards her gracefully, eyes sweeping over her form, "I've missed you."
Her lips twitched upwards, "You fool, why didn't you reply to my letter?" She engulfed her arms around him, smiling softly, "I was worried."
Gerion pulled back and snaked an arm around her waist, "I'll explain everything later on. For now, introduce me to everyone here."
Elenys chuckled softly, shaking her head, "Very well." Once she introduced everyone to Gerion, even the glowering Robb, she moved her attention back to Cersei. She didn't seem all too pleased with Gerion's behaviour but there was nothing she could do. Gerion would chew her out in front of these people.
"Cersei, my lovely good-sister. It's lovely to see you again," was her dry reply, "Let me meet my nephews and niece." Brushing Cersei aside, she locked eyes with Joffrey, the Crown Prince. The boy, no, man seemed to be as old as Robb and a few years younger than her. She stared at his golden locks and then to his eerie emerald eyes, all Lannister and not a drop of Baratheon, "Joffrey, it's lovely to meet you. Come and give your aunt a hug." Something about those words felt wrong, but she had no idea what it was. She pushed it aside for later and engulfed her nephew into a loving embrace, kissing him on his forehead, "You look handsome, nephew."
His cheeks tinted with red, "Thank you, aunt Elenys."
Elenys had heard some nasty rumours about Joffrey, but right now, she couldn't see anything evil with him. Thoughts for later... She moved her attention to Myrcella and little Tommen, "Now, come here and give your auntie a welcoming hug!" Crouching on her knees, she urged the little rascals forward and laughed brightly when they tackled her with surprising might. "Last time I saw you both was when you were crawling and babbling nonsensical words."
Pleased with the introduction, she snaked an arm around Joffrey and pulled the little ones with her, "Cersei, your children are absolutely adorable. You have done a very good job. I'm sure that my brother was pleased, I know I am." Smiling softly at Steffon, she beckoned him forwards, "Steffon, come and meet your nephews and niece."
Cersei jerked her head back towards her, eyes slightly wide, "..son?"
Elenys nodded in confirmation, not wanting her to know about Robert's bastard. "My cute nephews and niece, meet Steffon Dragonwood." She watched with fondness as Joffrey grabbed Steffon's hand tightly, welcoming him, followed by Myrcella and then Tommen.
All the while ignoring Cersei's imploring gaze. She braced herself for Robert's anger, thinking that she was doing it for Steffon's sake. If Cersei knew that this was Robert's bastard then there would be hell to pay. She was even sure that she would send someone to kill him.
.
.
"What?!" Elenys flinched at his angry shouts, "Out! All of you!"
She watched with tired eyes as everyone left the room and the door closed. Elenys moved her attention to her furious brother who seemed to struggle with his composure, anger bubbling within him.
His stormy eyes swirled with shock, disgust and anger, "Elenys, explain, before I drag you with your hair to marry this bastard who dishonoured you!"
"Wait one second." She walked to the door and opened it briskly, staring with unimpressed eyes at the stumbling servant, "Begone before I rip out your throat." The little boy scrambled away and she waited until there was no one left. Satisfied, she closed the door behind her and walked to her brother, who still eyed her with revulsion. She shivered at that look, feeling dirty but embraced herself. All for Steffon.
"Before you scream about my chasteness, he's not my real son. He's yours." Elenys crossed her arms and eyed him sternly, "You left a present in my city after the feast I had organised for you." Narrowing her eyes angrily, "You never think, do you Robert?!"
Robert gaped at her, "He's mine?"
"Of course, he is! Do you really think I would spam children on my path, like you do?!" Her voice rose higher as her fury increased, "And now you dare to scream at me because of the same facts? Have you no shame, brother?! Mother would have been ashamed of you?!"
This was the last drop- she saw Robert rise and towering over her petite form, "Mother is dead." He slapped her harshly on the cheek and snarled at her as she fell on the ground.
Elenys felt tears prickle her eyes as she touched her cheek with trembling fingers, her mind jumbled and shocked as she looked at her brother, "...you slapped me..."
Her brother blinked his eyes several times and she watched as his eyes widened in equal shock, reality punching him in his gut, "Elenys, I-I'm sorry-" "Save it for someone who cares, brother." She spat out in disgust as she stood on shaky legs, whirling around and leaving her brother.
"Elenys, get back here! Now!"
Forcing her sobs down, she ran in panic and tried to look for her son, "Steffon!" Her eyes moved from person to person until she found her son, along with Joffrey and the rest.
"Aunt Elenys?" Joffrey spoke in a concerned tone.
She forced herself to smile prettily but instead tears dripped down, "I'm fine, Joffrey dear." Flickering her attention back to Steffon, "Steffon, my love, we're leaving."
Her son grabbed her hands, looking at her with worry in his stormy blue eyes, "Mother, what happened?"
Shaking her head, she led him back to their room, ignoring everyone else around her, "Not now, Stef." With each movement, her breathing became hard until she nearly collapsed in front of her door. Once she was behind the door, she pulled Steffon towards her and stumbled to her bed. "I'm so sorry Stef. I know you wanted to meet your real father and because of my stupidity I blew up all your chances."
Steffon cupped his mother's cheeks, eyes widening at the harsh imprint that seemed to throb, "Mother, who did this to you?"
"Don't worr-" "Was it king Robert, my biological father?"
She inhaled sharply and shook her head, "No, it wasn't h- Steffon?! Where are you going?!" She shrieked loudly, getting up and tripped on her long, overflowing dress. Picking up her dress, she ran outside, following her son as he stomped angrily, eyes blazing with vengeance. "Steffon! Get back!"
Her heart thundered and somewhere far away, she heard the roar of a furious dragon. To her relief, she saw Jon appear in front of her, "Jon, grab Steffon for me!"
Bewildered and confused, he looked at the black-haired boy of nine and picked him like a sack of potatoes. "No, Jon, let go! King Robert hurt Elenys, I need to avenge my mother!" He kicked and screamed ferociously, "He hurt my mother, Jon..." The boy sniffed and Jon pitied him, feeling bad for doing this but if he released his grip on the boy, things would become even more disastrous.
When Jon locked eyes with Elenys, his breath seemed to stop and he regarded her red cheek with worry, "Elenys, are you alright?"
"Let's get inside, Jon."
He nodded in compliance and walked in her luxurious chambers, the fragrance of winter roses invading his nostrils.
"Put Steffon on my bed, please." He did as asked and watched with wide eyes as she released the laces on her bodice, allowing the beautiful gown to drop down her body. Thankfully, she had a lighter, thin gown under it or he would've declared her mad. Though now he had a clear view of all her curves. Jon felt bad for eyeing her like that when she was mad with grief.
He watched her walk towards them, her hair a mess, and dried tear tracks marked on her cheeks, "Thank you for the help, Jon..."
You still look as beautiful, he thought as dark thoughts swirled in his head. "I will leave you two to it." He stood up and smiled gently at the silver-haired woman, "Take care, Elenys."
Before he closed the door, he heard her breathy reply, almost a whisper.
.
.
Robb knocked on the door and listened intently, "Elenys, are you alright?"
He heard someone shuffle and then a quiet curse, "A moment, please." After some minutes where he felt awkward for standing in front of her door, Elenys appeared in front of him, still an enchanting vision with the messy hair and tired eyes, "How are you?"
He heard the vicious rumours from Cersei and her handmaiden when he passed them. That woman didn't even care about her good-sister and that had disgusted him beyond words. To be honest, he had been shocked when he had heard that Robert had hit his little sister. That was something that neither father nor mother had ever done. Not even he himself had hit his sisters. He loved them too much to hurt them like that.
After his shock came his boiling anger, he had wanted to punch that man in the face and make him regret his aggressive actions. It was a good thing that the king had looked miserable. If he had been pleased then there would be no one to stop him from lunging at the fat man and kill his father's best friend. King or not, hitting your sister was a big no for him.
"Come inside, Robb. I have asked for some relaxing herb tea, along with some lemon cake. They should arrive any moment."
He followed her inside and saw the curled up form of Steffon underneath the sheets. "How is Steffon?"
"He had never seen me cry or getting hurt." She sighed tiredly as she dropped her cloak, sitting on her chair and beckoning for him to do the same, "He won't talk to me because I stopped him from marching towards my brother." A sad smile appeared on her face, "I'd rather get slapped thousands times instead of letting him suffer Robert's wrath."
Before he could open his mouth, there came a soft knock on the door, followed by the entrance of a servant. She placed two cups of herbal tea on the table between them, along with the freshly-baked lemon cake.
"Thank you, my dear." Elenys smiled softly to the girl, who squeaked out a quiet reply and left the room.
"Just give him some time, Elenys. He is young and reckless."
She chuckled warmly "Like all of us." Picking her tea cup, she inhaled the aroma and relaxed instantly, "Try the tea, Robb, it's really good."
"Alright, let's see what got you so hypnotised."
She laughed quietly, her eyes glimmering slightly, "Thank you for coming."
"Anytime," was all he said, but there were so many more words that he wished to say, but he didn't dare to.
.
.
.
"Saffyre, dear, is it alright if Steffon rides with us?" She approached her beautiful dragon, caressing her scales with nothing but love, "I know that you don't allow anyone on your back. But could you make an exception, my love?"
Her dragon regarded her with icy blue eyes until she raised her eyebrow at her obvious defiance, "Saffyre?"
Finally, after ten minutes of staring Saffyre begrudgingly lowered her neck, giving them permission for Steffon's request. Turning around, she smiled radiantly to her astonished son, who had thought that Saffyre would never allow him to ride her. Fortunately for him, the dragon had granted them her consent after some long staring between dragonrider and dragon.
"Thank you, Saffyre!"
Her dragon huffed at her, narrowing her eyes into dangerous slits. Was it him or did Saffyre roll her eyes at them?
Elenys grabbed her son's hand and cautiously moved forwards until he was standing in front of the dragon- he could feel the heat Saffyre gave out, sending shivers of excitement ad thrill to his spine. Licking his lips, he swallowed loudly and touched the dragon's scale with he help of his mother and listened to the contented rumble of Saffyre. Only after showering the dragon with affection and care did Elenys help her son mount the humongous dragon whose growth never seemed to stop.
"For a dragon to grow there are only two things needed; freedom and food." His mother's words echoed in his mind.
His seat was comfortable and the heat was a welcoming thing in the harsh cold of the North. He felt his mother's arms encircle him and grabbed her hands tightly as Saffyre began her flight swiftly. His throat constricted and he couldn't scream anymore when huge wings opened gracefully and with one mighty swing, Steffon was up in the air. Enraptured with the magnificent sight, he turned his head and looked at his mother who was staring at her twinkling violet eyes.
Steffon could see a horde of people saddled on their horse, probably ready for the royal hunt in the Wolfswood. That had been the reason that Elenys had wanted to to take a ride- to prevent the death of her brother by her dear dragon and to clear her head while spending some time with her son. After having declared the want to leave, the king had forbidden it. He had heard her shrill screams and the booming voice of the king. He, along with Bran were eavesdropping, but only for a good cause. His mother despised those people who sneaked and snooped around like a thief in the middle of the night.
All the time he had been a shivering mess, flinching with each scream and curse. His mother had never cursed in front of him and to hear all those words leave her lips scared the living hell out of him. Her unleashed fury was like her dragon, she didn't back down, not even from the king, brother or not. They had been at it until the late morning. Finally, in the early afternoon he heard the quiet cries of his mother, along with the soothing words of his brother, his father.
When they had walked outside, it was to the sight of them laughing and hugging each other.
His mind was befuddled. Did siblings act like that?
Even after getting an affirmative from Bran, he had still been creeped out by such mood swings.
Shaking his confused thoughts out of the way, he shouted in delight when Saffyre dived down, frightening the horses into a stupor. He had heard the king ramble out curses and shouts at his sister, but Elenys only laughed in response, enjoying the way the wind played with her locks and the touch of the harsh cold.
"Can you see why I would rather spend time up in the air instead of down there?" She shouted in his ear, her fingers tightening around his stomach, afraid that he would vanish any moment.
.
.
Elenys watched with a displeased frown as Bran climbed the tower, Steffon shouting for Bran to come down but the stubborn boy refused to listen. Growling in annoyance, she waited with bated breath as he climbed higher. Her frayed nerves created many different images of Bran collapsing on the ground. She tightened her hold on her bow and cursed Bran again for his foolishness. Summer was whining in fear for his master, aimlessly staring upwards.
"Get your ass down here or I'll call Saffyre for you."
Steffon bit his lips worriedly, concern shining in his sapphire orbs. "Mother, should I get Lady Catel-No, Bran!"
Elenys felt her eyes widen at the sight of Bran plunging to his death. Without thinking she grabbed four of her ironwood arrows and shot them towards Bran, aiming for his clothes. Her first four only ripped his clothes. Ignoring her thundering heart and the alarmed shouts of her son, she focused her arrows on Bran and waited until he got close to the mess of tangled ivy plants and released the strings. With wide, frightened eyes she watched as one of her arrows was deflected and fell down. But to her immense relief, she watched her other three hit jackpot.
"Bran! Don't move!" She shouted worriedly as she looked at the dangling form of Bran, but not reply came.
She started climbing the tower, ignoring the new voices that came from below her. "Fuck my life," Elenys cursed when the arrows seemed to snap in two from Bran's heavy weight. Increasing her speed, she reached out for Bran, only to see her fucking arrows snap in pieces. Curses left her mouth and with one hand she grabbed his tunic, feeling her muscles strain from the unexpected burden, coupled with gravity. "You stupid boy," She bit out through gritted teeth and cursed his stupidity when her fingers uncurled one by one before she plummeted downwards, shrieks leaving her lips.
Her mind buzzed loudly and with her one hand, she pulled Bran's unconscious body towards her. With her free hand, she pulled out her dagger and pushed it against the wall, hoping to God that her fall would be stopped. Alas, it was too good to be true. Her dagger broke and she closed her eyes, thinking of one more solution.
"Saffyre!"
Hope burned within her when she heard the loud rumbles of her dragon and before her body collided with the hard ground, claws pierced her skin. Hysteric laughter escaped her lips as she saw how close she had been to death. Everything became muffled and she could think no more as darkness engulfed her.
.
.
.
When she woke up groggily, exhausted eyes replayed the previous events and with that her mind scrambled to work, alert and focused. She looked around her and saw her son sleeping next to her, dried tear stains visible on his cheek.
She heaved out a big breath and picked up her son, placing him next to her. Her poor Steffon was too tired to even move his arms. Smiling weakly, she tucked him in next to her and hugged him close to her. She had never been that afraid of dying, her mind refusing to let the nightmare go. Rubbing her temples gently, she froze when the door opened quietly.
Without thinking, she grabbed her dagger and breathed in relief when distressed emerald-green eyes looked at her.
"Elenys, how are you feeling?" Gerion's soothing voice reached her ears, followed by Tyrion's greeting.
She dropped herself on the bed and pinched her nose, "As great as I can be after flirting with death."
Gerion chuckled weakly, "I'm glad nothing happened to you. But that had been very foolish of you."
"I know, I know. But I couldn't watch while an innocent boy of eight dropped to his death." She clenched her trembling fists, "Steffon would have thought me a coward for not doing anything."
Tyrion eyed her with warm affection, "You were lucky Saffyre was close by."
"Aye, very lucky..."
Gerion shook his head, "Why do strange things always happen around you?"
"I attract all sorts of attention, milord."
The two Lannisters grinned in amusement. Ever since she had allowed Tyrion permission to visit Dragonwood, her connection with them had improved by heaps and bounds. Even Arthur and Rhaenys had warmed up to their presence and that was quite an accomplishment, for those two were wary of everyone. They were the only two Lannisters she liked, with the exception of her brother's children.
.
.
After the two Lannisters' visit, Ned and Catelyn came next. She had never seen the two like that, their eyes shining with never-ending gratitude. Ned kept repeating that he was indebted to her for rescuing the life of his son, even at the cost of her own. She had told him that such words were unbecoming of her friend. She did what he would do in her situation. Catelyn's gratefulness almost teared her up and she had hugged the woman, comforting her with the thought that her boy was safe.
Unfortunately, Bran had lost his memories prior to his fall and couldn't remember how he had fallen. He had even sworn off climbing, too traumatised to even consider it anymore. She didn't blame him, he had almost died or perhaps even become a crippled boy with lost dreams of knighthood.
"Steffon, dear, wake up..." She shook her son awake, smiling softly when he fluttered his eyes open. Then realisation hit him square in the chest and he tackled his mother in a fierce hug, babbling and crying that he had almost lost her.
She kissed him everywhere, whispering words of comfort and promising him that she would never leave him.
.
.
Robert had been enraged, a chaotic fury that scared most people into submission.
"Elenys, you almost died!" He spat in uncontrollable anger, his eyes wide and concerned.
She felt her heart soften at that sight and embraced him like mother used to, "I couldn't let a child die, brother."
He choked on his words, tears glistening in his eyes as he cupped her cheek with gentle care, trying to memorise her face. "...you stubborn girl, you're the reason I have nothing but grey hair."
"I thought that was all Cersei's doings?"
He guffawed in laughter, "Cheeky brat." His entire demeanour changed completely and he became serious, a rare expression on the usual cheerful king. "Tell me what happened."
So, she recounted the story from the beginning, "...and then Bran was pushed out from the tower window by someone-" "Wait, he was pushed out?"
Elenys blinked her eyes in confusion and furrowed her eyebrows, "Yes, he was pushed out." Pursing her lips, she continued, not knowing where these words were coming from but they rang with nothing but honesty, "He had seen something, but what, I don't know..."
Robert's eyes became sharp and knowing, "Are you sure?"
"Positive, brother, someone wanted Bran to die." No matter how uncertain she felt, her words came out fluently, not a sign of lies were spotted. Her mind was convinced of her own words and she went with her instinct. "Robert, are you sure it's safe for Ned to come? He wouldn't last a day in that pit of snakes..."
The king frowned at her dark words, "Which is why I'll name you the Hand's adviser. You're one of the few people that I trust with my entire life."
Elenys sighed in defeat and nodded in compliance, "For now, I'll go and investigate the tower myself to see if I can find something."
He jerked his head, "Take a guard with you. I'll feel safer with it."
Rolling her eyes, she accepted his stubborn demand, "Aye, aye. Don't forget that you will take Steffon out for a walk in the Wolfswood."
Robert grunted in understanding. "You've said it a thousand times woman. I promised, didn't I?"
She would have to explain everything to Ned and his wife, cautioning them to be quiet about this new revelation. There was something fishy about all of this and she would be damned if she didn't investigate it thoroughly.
.
.
Robb and Jon had joined her investigation, along with their direwolves. She narrowed her eyes when she saw nothing but dust in the abandoned castle tower, "So, this tower hand't been used for a long time, right?" Suspicious eyes focused on a clean spot, devoid of any dirt. Her nose scrunched up when she smelled arousal and sweat.
"Aye. Why do you ask?"
Elenys crouched in front of the dust-free spot, "This is why." She looked at Jon with pursed lips, "This place smells like sex and sweat." Ignoring the slight blush on the young men, she leaned closer and picked out a long strand of blonde hair. "One long blonde strand of hair." Standing up swiftly, she turned to face them, "Bran saw two people having sex, one with long blonde hair, probably female, and to hide their secret, he was pushed out of the tower window." She bit her lips, glaring at the spot, "They'll probably try to kill Bran for fear that he would reveal their secret."
Robb's eyes widened, "How did you find that out so quickly?"
"I used my brains," Elenys told him flatly, eyes unimpressed with his shock. She whirled around and left the tower, the two young man on her heels, "I need to speak with Ned. I think I may know who the female culprit may be."
"Who?" Jon asked in poorly-hidden anger.
She eyed him warily, his fists clenched and pale, "Relax Jon, I'm not certain, which is why we need to collect more evidence. I'll tell you in a second, but first we need to find your father." They didn't ask anymore questions and she walked towards the feast hall with the intent to find the Quiet Wolf. Once she arrived there, she saw the Lannister siblings, Gerion, along with the children and her Steffon.
Wanting to test Cersei, she walked gracefully towards them, "Ah, my lovely nephews and niece. Steffon, my dear," She smirked playfully at Gerion, "Gerion, you look ravishing, as do you Tyrion." She smiled at their replies and focused on her good-sister, "Cersei, love, how are you feeling?" Leaning forwards to embrace her good-sister, her nose picked up the lingering smell of sex and sweat, hidden with tons of perfume. Tightening her fingers on her shoulders, she looked at her with sharp, knowing eyes, "Don't you think it's terrible that Bran got pushed out?"
Elenys narrowed her eyes when Cersei jerked at hearing those words. Bingo.
"Pushed?" The slight tremor in her voice gave her all the answers she needed and when Cersei locked eyes with her twin, she was done. Her mind was reeling at the many outcomes but she wasn't sure if Jaime was a culprit as well. That would be wrong on so many levels. It would mean that Cersei and Jaime fucked each other.
Shivering in disgust, she stepped back, eyeing Cersei with a fierce glare, "Yes, pushed, good-sister." Her glare darkened and she grabbed Cersei's beautiful locks in her hair, almost threatening to pull it out as her anger sparked and growled, "I found blonde locks in the abandoned tower. Convenient, don't you think?"
Gerion and Tyrion locked eyes with each other, but she didn't miss that. Her attention moved to Jaime who seemed slightly uncomfortable but was ready to intervene. Only his vow to protect the royal family forced him to stay put and essentially Robert had let the entire realm know that Elenys was a princess and under protection of the Crown.
"What are you implying, Elenys?" Cersei narrowed her eyes and glared viciously at her, but Elenys could see the hidden secrets swirling in her eyes.
She curled the blonde locks around her fingers and pulled playfully, "Nothing much, my blonde dove," Her lips curled upwards, her eyes gleaming dangerously, "I wouldn't want my good-sister to be accused of possible murder. What an outrage it would be. So, I came here to rectify that quickly by asking some innocent questions." Her smile became feral and she enjoyed the way Cersei shivered slightly but kept her composure regal like a queen should do. "Where were you this morning?"
Her eyes flickered to Jaime and she narrowed her piercing violet eyes on his person, "Could it be that you were with your twin, my dear?"
Cersei tightened her fists and gritted an affirmative through her teeth.
Elenys beamed positively, "What a reliable alibi you have, Cersei!" Inside she was boiling with anger, her mind screaming that she was the one fucking Jaime and that Jaime had been forced to push Bran out.
"The things I do for love." Jaime's voice swirled inside her mind and she eyed the Kingslayer with sharp eyes, her eyes widening slightly. Jon Arryn didn't die, he was poisoned. Poison in his system. Tear of Lys.
"The seed is strong... exception..."
Disgust and revulsion swirled in her eyes. She felt sick and her head throbbed merciless. Not uttering another word, she turned around, her cloak bellowing behind her as she left, calling Steffon towards her for fear of losing him.
"Jon, Robb, come with me."
.
.
Cersei felt her heart hammer inside her ribcage, her thoughts filled with nothing but fear for her secret. Gulping quietly, she forced herself to keep her composure in check as Gerion and Tyrion eyed her with suspicious eyes. Her children were confused and Jaime's hand was trembling slightly.
That bitch will ruin everything she had worked for. She needs to die.
She hid her shivering hands under the table, speaking up with nothing but contempt, "That woman is a fool."
Gerion arched his elegant eyebrows, grimacing, "No fool would be able to speak like that. I hope for your sake, Cersei, that you or Jaime had nothing to do with this."
Tyrion kept silent, eyeing her with those monstrous, mismatched orbs. She didn't need his filthy presence to corrupt her golden-haired lions. "Come children, you don't need to be with such filth," She eyed her monster brat with such disdain as she ushered her children out.
Once she left, Tyrion turned towards his brother, "Brother, I love you but you're a fool. Elenys already knows and you're a dead man walking."
Jaime rolled his eyes, excluding nothing but confidence but on the inside he was shivering and trembling with fear and anger. "I have nothing to fear, brother. Uncle, good day to you both." With that, Jaime stood up and left the two remaining Lannisters.
"Robert would believe her immediately." Gerion muttered quietly, looking at his dear nephew, "She could destroy our house with only a few words."
Tyrion sighed tiredly and downed his cup of wine, "That, uncle, I have no doubt about that. Let's pray that it wouldn't come to that."
.
...