Chapter 14
Even that Xelia tried her best to figure how many times had her escort turned from hallway to hallway and whether he had turned left or right, it was merely impossible! She had lost the account and all she could do was following the young guard, who walked in front of her carrying her traveling sack, looking around confusingly. That confusion of her didn't go unnoticed, the guard tuned back to her and smiled.
-Is there something wrong my Lady?
-Except from that this place is more like a maze that a keep? No, nothing!
-Oh, I understand. I live here for almost a year and I still sometimes get lost when I don't pay attention to where I'm going.
-Really? Thanks for the warning!
-Don't worry Lady Xelia, we are almost there!
Indeed, at the end of the corridor, the guard stop and opened a door. He pointed Xelia inside. Xelia thanked him again and took her sack as she was entering the room.
Now that was a place! Xelia took a look around and whistled with excitement. Even her old chambers in Storm's End wasn't that luxurious, let alone the one she kept in Tyrosh or the rooms in the various inns where she stayed from times to times.
At first, it was huge. Except from the bed, that was laid out with silken covers, and a table with four chairs carved from fine wood, there was a desk in the left corner, a closer in the size of a small room ,a big mirror that covered the biggest part of the wall next to the closet and a smaller one with a smaller table and a water basin on it. The most beautiful part though, was the balcony. Big enough to fit another table and chairs set and with a lovely view to the gardens. In a separate part there was a bath-tub. Xelia noticed a door at the end of the right wall, which she assumed that led to the privy.
Without any more delay, she took of her boots. As she was about to remove her armory, she heard steps behind her. Someone was in the room but she could not see as she stood next the bed with back at the door. Pretending that she dropped something, she leaned and took the blade that was strapped on her leg. Abruptly, she turned with the blade in her hand. The young girl that she faced gasped in fear and took a step back.
-Who are you? Ho did you came in?
-I...I am...I was hear before you came in...Please my Lady forgive me…I'm your handmaiden and…
-My handmaiden? Oh, sorry I didn't mean to scare you. I just didn't know I was supposed to have one.
Seeing the poor girl getting pale from fear, Xelia left the dagger on the bed and tried to compose herself.
-No, no it's my fault, I should have show myself when you came in.
-Don't worry, it's just that I'm not used to…you know…Did the queen send you here?
-Oh, yes! I was one Her Grace's handmaidens and she assigned me to you for whatever you need!
''Whatever I need...And spying a little of course!'' The girl wouldn't be more that sixteen or seventeen, innocent and naive like the most girls in her age. Xelia felt more pity than anger with her.
-Well it was very kind from Her Grace to give one of her own handmaidens!
-Is there something that I could do for you, Lady Xelia?
-Ah, what about a warm bath?
-Of course My Lady, I will prepare one for you right away! But… I think there is a problem…
-What problem?
-Oh, I'm afraid that I don't know how to help you to remove your armory, I'm so sorry..
-It seems that I need a squire more than a handmaiden! But don't worry about it! I've been used to wear and remove my armory by myself all these years, you don't have to help me with that!
About fifteen minutes later, Xelia was already in the tub, covered with warm water and foam flavored with essential oils. She had left herself relax and she almost fell asleep while her handmaiden was rubbing her back with a soft sponge..
-Would you like me to wash your hair too, My Lady?
-Yes please, it would be nice.
-Luckily for me, your hair are short and I won't have to spent so much time brushing and braiding them!
-By the way, you didn't tell me our name.
-Oh forgive me My Lady, the name is Tyta! Tyta Payne!
-Payne? Are you related to Sir Illyn Pyne?
A shiver came across her spine as she thought about the mute knight who served as the king's justice, namely the royal executioner.
-Just a cousin… a distant one!
Covered with a big towel, Xelia headed to the main room while thinking what to wear. She barely had something appropriate for a meeting with a queen. In her surprise, there was a dress spread on the bed. That seemed weird since she didn't own that dress. In fact, she owned no dresses!
-Um, what is this, Tyta?
-This a the dress that Her Grace sends to you as a welcome present! I took the initiative to prepare this for you. I just thought that it would be nice to wear it for you audience with the queen. It is a wonderful dress!
Indeed it was. A yellow dress with black details on the neckline, the sleeves and the hem, a black waistband was being tied on the waist; a dress on the colors of House Baratheon. The only problem for Xelia was that she hadn't worn a dress since forever. Then again, Tyta might have been right, it would make a good impression to Cersei.
-If My Lady to wants to wear a dress of her own I could-
-The thing Tyta is that I don't have any dresses of my own so...I guess I'll follow your advise and I will wear this one. Could you help me though? The last time I had put on one of those I might had been younger than you!
-But of course Lady Xelia, that's why I am here!
The mirror was in front of her but Xelia kept her eyes closed. She was a little scared about what she would outface. She took a deep breathed and opened her eyes. Her carves had never been her main strength. This dress though, was emphasizing them perfectly. And she didn't look like a scarecrow as she thought at first.
-Well…It doesn't look bad, does it?
-Oh, you look marvelous Lady Xelia! You should wear dresses more often!
-We will see...Shouldn't I still wear a chain mail underneath?
-Please don't My Lady! It will ruin the fitting of the dress! Besides, why wearing any armory when you are in the Red Keep? You wouldn't need it, the place is safe enough with so many armored guards to protect us!
Xelia looked at the young girl in disbelief. Did she actually believe all she said or she she just repeated what she was taught to say? In any case, she didn't wear that chain mail but she still kept a a couple of daggers with her.
After she had just took a last look of her reflection in the mirror, she heard a knock on the door. Tyta was about to go and open the door but Xelia stopped.
-Who could that be? Who know I'm here?
-Don't worry My Lady, it's probably your escort!
As the door opened, Xelia could hear a man's voice asking Tyta something, but she couldn't tell what. She could hear Tyta's voice answering the man though.
-Oh yes! My Lady ready to meet the Queen! Lady Xelia, your escort is here!
At the door, stood a middle aged man with white hair. He was wearing the white cloak, the distinctive feature of the King's Guard. Xelia hoped that not all the members were assholes. The elder man smiled politely and gave her small bow.
-Lady Xelia! It is a pleasure to meet you. May I introduce myself: I am Sir Baristan Selmy the Lord Commander of the King's Guard and I will escort you to your audience with Her Grace.
-Wait, the Sir Baristan Selmy? The one who fought against the Kingswood Brotherhood and slayed Simon Toyne in single battle? Then, the pleasure is all mine! I dare to say that I am one of your biggest fans, if not the biggest! I never had enough listening tales and songs of your heroism when I was little!
-Thank you so much for our nice words, My Lady! Though, it has been so many years since then!
-Many years or not, your heroism is unquestionable Sir Baristan!
-Thank you again, now if you may follow me? Her Grace is waiting
Under different circumstances, Xelia wouldn't have lost the opportunity to ask the role model of her childhood all these questions that she had about his achievements. At the moment though, she knew that the audience with the queen was in priority. All she could do was following the man in silence. Sir Baristan turned his head every a few minutes to look at her and make sure that she could catch up with him. Xelia was smiling at him reassuringly.
-Excuse me sir, is the queen going to have me auditioned in the throne room?
-No, Her Grace thought that the king's solar would be more suitable for the occasion. She said that the throne room was to formal and unfriendly to welcome a family member.
''Family member?'' All Xelia wanted was to chuckle but she curbed herself out of respect to Sir Baristan. She was sure though that Cersei Lanister did not call her that for no reason. There was definitely something she wanted to achieve.
-Here we are, My Lady! I will ask the guard to announce you and then you may enter.
The big double door opened and after Xelia had heard her name and title, made a few steps and entered the room. Queen Cersei was there, standing in front of her. Xelia was amazed, she had traveled so much in her life, but as much as she tried, she couldn't recall seeing a woman more beautiful and stunning than her. ''Robert, lucky you!'' Her long blonde hair were braided highly on her head in a fancy bun that was showing off her perfect facial features. Her gown, green like her eyes with pretty yellow details, was fitting flawlessly in her curving figure. ''OK Lannister, let's play your game, just to see what are you seeking''.
-Your Grace!
Xelia bowed by bending her knee while keeping her back straight and holding the hem of her dress. Cersei seemed to notice and smiled approvingly.
-Lady Xelia, I'm happy to see that you didn't forget your courtesies after all these ears of absence!
-Well, it seems that when you are being taught something since the age of three, you are unable to forget it!
-So true! Lady Xelia, welcome to the Red Keep. It is an honor to have in my house and I hope that you will consider it also yours by the time.
-Thank you, Your Grace! And I also thank you for the dress and the handmaiden. And the chambers of course, it is so beautiful. It was so nice of you.
-Please, it was the least I could do for my good-sister! But, why don't we take a seat? Shall we?
-Of course!
In Xelia's puzzlement, Cersei didn't seat on the other site of the desk, but on the chair next to her. Like she was old friend of hers or something and not the queen. It was clear what she was trying to achieve: Make her feel intimacy with her. The question though remained: Which was her motivations? Taking Xelia to her site, maybe?
-Would you like to have some wine?
-Yes, thank you!
She beckoned the servant and he filled their cubs with red wine. Xelia took a small sip while Cersei emptied her cup and refilled it. Xelia was to anxious to notice, though.
-So, first things first. As Joffrey might had informed you, his grace is away in a hunting trip. I had already asked the grand meister to send a raven to the King's Wood and as I know he already had. I am sure that he is heading off to return as soon as he gets the message. In that case, Ι reckon on him being here by tomorrow afternoon. It is really unfortunate for him to be absent the day of your return!
-Indeed, but there was no way for him to know it. It doesn't make feel upset or disappointed, I know that Rob..I mean his grace loves hunting!
-He does, doesn't he? Anyway, I am sure that you are reuniting with your brother very soon. Another matter, there will be a dinner tonight, a semi-formal one, where I hope you will honor us with your presence. There will be Lords and Ladies from the court, the Hand of the King Lord Jon Arryn. It will be a great opportunity for them to meet and greet their king's sister. And of course my children and I. You have already met my firstborn and now you are to meet Myrcella and Tommen.
-This is great, I am really looking forward to meet them!
-And so do they, believe me! They haven't stop asking about you since they were told that you are here. As I said this dinner is nothing special. But, of course there will be organized a feast in honor of you as his grace is coming back.
-Oh thank you Your Grace, but seriously you don't have to get in so much trouble-
-Nonsense, the king's sister is back after so many years and there will be no celebrations? And I can assure you that your brother will agree to that. He is really fond to those kind of...events!
The nervousness she was feeling since the beginning of that meeting, it was growing bigger now. What did that woman really wanted from her, when she was referring to Robert, there was always a some kind of...sarcasm, like she was trying to imply something. What was she supposed to say now?
-Um, the wine is really good…
-Dornish red my dear, full and strong! See, I went with the classics since I didn't know your tastes. And the last but not least, maybe your older brother have been away but your younger brother is right here! Lord Renly arrived early this morning, since he is going to undertake the place of the Master of Law in the Small Council!
Now that was something! Xelia could barely believe in her ears! Renly? Her baby brother was somewhere in there? She was so close to him all this time and she no idea!
-Gods, Renly, my Renly is here? Where is he, can I see him now? Please Your Grace…I haven't seen him since he was a little boy...please allow me to see him!
-Of course you will see him! He is already informed about your arrival and I am sure that he yearns to see you as much as you do! Sir Baristan will escort you to your brother's chambers right away if you wish so.
-Yes, yes please! And forgive for being so impatient, it has been so much time since…
-No need to apologize my dear, I also have a brother and I can share those feelings.
Cersei smiled kindly at her and patted her hand, ''A brother? Doesn't she have two?