A Doe in a Lion's Den
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 21: The Battle of Blackwater Bay
The sound of the bell tower awoken me. There is four reason the bells would ring for: weddings, royal births, the Gods festivals, the death of a king, and a city under siege. Immediately I got out of bed changing out of my nightclothes into proper attire. As I put on leather boots, a yellow woven dress, and a chainmail tunic. Aurora entered, as she went to the chest by the corner to take a harden leather bodice. She came over, helping me put it on, fastening the back. Since the war started, Wensington recommended I be fitted for battle. So, he hired an armor-smith to make me a heavy leather-bound bodice to protect my vital organs. Next was the bracers, made of leather decorated with brass accents and etched plate and side lacing. The bracer is lined with soft leather. Afterward, my hair put in a braid.
There was knocking on the door. Aurora answered it, letting my three loyal stags in. I gazed at all three men, Wensington, Lamar, and Forrester, they have protected me over a year now. Ser Wensington, almost all my life. All dressed in their Stag armor, their sigils carved into their Padron.
"I will not hold you back from battle," I told them. "The choice is yours to fight with your brothers or stay by my side."
Ser Wensington nodded, "Lamar will stand by your side while Forrester and I join our brothers."
I placed my hand on his shoulder, "My dear friend, be safe."
"Thank you, my princess," Wensington said.
If I had my courage, I would have peck them on the cheek. It's too much to ask, as my body still feels intimidation in the presence of men. Forrester bowed in respect, and I gave my prayers for him and Wensington. Afterward, the left to join their brothers to protect the kingdom. As much as I care for my uncle Stannis, he has betrayed the faith and burned innocent people because of it. Let alone the rumor he killed Renly. The Stag received a message I was not to be harm, Stannis men were given an order to not harm the women, and to not attack a girl wearing an armor. I placed my hand on the leather bodice feeling the engraving of the stag.
We left my chambers heading to the Great Hall. A quiver with arrows strapped to my back, a bow in my hand, and the dagger strapped to my belt. Knights and servants preparing for battle. A calculating system moving around, avoiding a collision.
"Your Grace, we should go to the nest," Aurora said.
"I want to wish Lord Tyrion well," I told her.
Aurora nodded, adjusting her chainmail that I told her to wear. A Lannister she was, she is my cousin and Lady in Waiting. I noticed Sansa was there with Shae. We walked over to them.
"Lady Sansa, Shae," I greeted.
They gave a slight curtsey as Sansa said, "Your Grace, Lady Aurora."
"Ser Wensington and Ser Forrester will be joining the battle," I told her. "Ser Lamar will be by our side."
Lamar gave a slight bow.
"I much appreciate it," Sansa said.
"I made a vow to protect you," I said. "I know the last few months I have failed due to circumstance-"
"Your Grace, I wandered off when in the castle and what happened in the streets is not your fault," Sansa said.
I nodded.
"My niece," Tyrion called out as he walked over. "Lady Sansa and Sheila."
"Shae," the handmaiden said sternly.
I suppress the chuckled in the act they have.
"Shae, yes," Tyrion replied. "Surely my sister has asked you to join the other highborn ladies in Maegor's holdfast."
"She has, my lord," Sansa confirmed. "but king Joffrey sent for me to see him off."
Speak of the devil, I thought.
As Joffrey entered the Throne room with the hound and two of his guards. He wore a red tunic, along with decorative armor detailing the lion. I held back a scowl, for that was not the armor King Robert provided him. Last, I recall, the one, my father, gave him was black, with golden insignis of a stag, followed by a helm with antlers on it. Basic but durable armor.
"Sansa!" Joffrey called out.
"Always been a great romantic, my nephew," Tyrion noted.
I gave a snort like a laugh.
"Sansa, come here," Joffrey called happily.
Sansa started to make her way over then stop to face Tyrion, "I will pray for your safe return, my lord."
Tyrion was taken by surprise, "Will you?"
"Just as I pray for the king's," Sansa assure, then made for Joffrey.
Tyrion gazed at Shae with a caring look, "Stay safe, my lady."
"And you, my lion," Shae murmured, then joined her lady.
I faced Tyrion as he met me.
"Wensington and Forrester will be joining you on the wall," I said.
"Much appreciated," he said.
I place my hand on his shoulder. "May the Warrior give you courage. May the Crone give you wisdom. May the Smith provide you Craft. And may the Mother give her mercy."
Tyrion gingerly places his hand over mine, "Your faith gives me comfort."
"And I know you are a smart man," I said. "I shall let you be."
With a nod, we went our separate ways. I headed over to my Brother to make sure no trouble he ensures. By the time I got there, he had drawn out his sword presenting it to Sansa.
"My new blade," Joffrey said proudly. It was definitely a Baratheon sword, as the handle was etched with antlers. "Hearteater, I named it. Kiss it."
Sansa hesitated for a moment before she knelt down and kissed the blade. Joffrey grinned as he sheathed the sword, "You'll kiss it again when I return and taste my uncle's blood."
"Will you slay himself?" Sansa asked.
The king was put off, "If Stannis is a fool enough to come near me."
"So, you'll be outside the gates fighting in the vanguard?" Sansa asked.
"A king doesn't discuss battle plans with stupid girls," Joffrey sneered.
Sansa quickly corrected herself, "I'm sorry, Your Grace. You're right, I'm stupid. Of course, you'll be in the vanguard. They say my brother Robb always goes where the fighting is thickest. And he is only a pretender."
"Your brother's turn will come," Joffrey promised. "Then you can lick his blood off Hearteater, too."
Furious, he stormed off. I called out to him, keeping the show of peace, "May the Seven watch over you."
Joffrey gave a wave-like gesture as he and his men continue onward.
I gave a scoff, then gazed at Sansa who was paled from that threat. I wrapped an arm around her, "Dear Sansa, you have amazed me yet again."
"How is that?" she asked.
"Only three people can baffle my brother, and you challenging him added to the list," I answered.
"He'll punish me for my words," she mumbled.
"He cannot punish you, not without the risk of my fury that will harm his men and give humiliation to him," I assured.
"They said to be watched out for a humiliated man," Sansa said.
"Ah, but they also said to be afraid of a scornful woman," I reminded.
Sansa nodded, joining our ladies. We watched as many men and young soldiers heading out.
"Some of those boys will never come back," Shae murmured.
Sansa watched Joffrey with caution, "Joffrey will. The worst ones always live."
I shush her, "Come, we must go to Maegor's holdfast."
Shae nodded, taking Sansa's hand escorting the girl. Aurora, Ser Lamar, and I followed. It was quite a climb of the steps, until reaching the holdfast. By now, women and children of the city should be in the sanctuary houses. The Septor of Baelor also filled with citizens for protection. No one would dare attack holy ground. The Gods will punish those who dare harm a guest in their name. By the time we reach Maegor's holdfast, it was filled with Highborn ladies, their daughters, young sons, personal handmaiden's and Septas. The moment I enter, the ladies addressed me with respect, giving a curtsey. Some were surprised by my appearance, seeing a bow in my hand.
I will rather be armed than open, I thought.
Sansa and Shae went to one of the bunks. I walked around the quarters seeing windows were checked, the fireplace warmed, and provisions provided. They were the Queen's guest, so it was expected to give hospitality. Lamar waited by the entrance, not wanting his appearance to scare the ladies.
It wasn't long before Cersei came in, along with Tommen and Ser Ilyn. Cersei wore a red gown, accented with gold, followed by a golden armored corset around her vitals. Tommen had a more padded gambeson. The highborn gave their curtsey until reaching the small platform where a royal chair and lounge was set.
"Everything has been assembled?" Cersei asked.
"Yes," I said. "Windows are secured, and men are at every door."
"Good," Cersei said, as she carefully cradled my cheek.
I winced, feeling pain since a bruised still linger. I may have gained the strength of my voice, but my injuries are still recovering, even with rare ice and salves. She gestured me to join her on the lounge as she grabbed two chalices. She handed one to me and took the other one. One of her handmaidens grabbed some wine and pour it. I declined, requesting for water. The handmaiden nodded, fetching a pitcher of water.
"Sansa," Cersei called out. Sansa got up from the bunks and came over. She continued, "I was wondering where our Little Dove had flown. You look pale, child. Is your red flower still blooming?"
"Yes," Sansa quietly said.
"Fitting, isn't it?" Cersei said. "The men will bleed out there, and you will bleed in here."
"Mother," I warned.
"Pour Lady Sansa some wine," she ignored, handing the child a glass.
"I'm not thirsty, Your Grace." Sansa kindly declined.
"So? I didn't offer you water." Cersei said.
Sansa gazed at Ser Ilyn. "What's he doing here?"
"Ser Ilyn. He's here to defend us. "Cersei answered. "When the axes smash down those doors, you may be glad to have him."
"But we have guards to defend us," I told her.
"Guards we have paid," Cersei said. "Should the city fall, they'll be the first ones out of doors."
She took a sip of her wine. The doors opened, entering a few soldiers. A king's guard came over giving a bow to the queen.
"The lads caught a groom and two maids trying to sneak away with a stolen horse and some gold cups."
"The battle's first traitors," Cersei murmured. "Have ser Ilyn see to them. Put their heads on spikes outside the stables as a warning."
"Mother, is that really necessary?" I asked. "Put them in the black cells."
"No, Ser Ilyn will take care of it," Cersei answered.
The Kings guard nodded walking over to Ser Ilyn to take care of the traitors. I clenched my fist, for killing people who are afraid should not be punishable by death. How is it, she is fine if paid guards would abandon her when the enemy is at the door but is not if servants who take what is needed and go.
"The only way to keep the smallfolk loyal is to make certain they fear you more than they do the enemy. Remember that if you ever hope to become a queen." Cersei explained to Sansa and me, taking another sip of wine.
There was a slight fear in Sansa's eyes, "You said he was here to protect us."
Cersei took another sip of wine, "He is. Traitors are a danger to us all. More wine."
The maid did so.
Cersei gestured Sansa to sit. The girl did so, sitting on the platform. I got up, walking over towards the window to see what was going on. Upon the Blackwater, many ships were in service to Stannis. I honestly wonder if my uncle sent word, that if he did win the Iron Throne, that I would become his ward. Those were the words he told the Royal Stags through raven scrolls. He is the true heir to the Iron Throne, for House Baratheon, but can he show mercy to those who are not in the Game?
Another thought came to mind, how is Tyrion going to defeat Stannis Fleet?
There were two hundred ships and last I recalled the Crown has only twenty. A ration of ten to one. So how is Tyrion going to solve this? Suddenly a lone black ship was making way through the harbor sailing towards the enemy. I watched, wondering a one ship fleet could take down a hundred ship. As time went on, the unthinkable happens. A burst of green light consumed the Blackwater, follow by the erupting down of fire. My eyes widen seeing countless ships engrossed in green flames exploding any ships in its wake.
"Wildfire," I whispered in shock.
Wildfire is a flammable liquid which is created and controlled by the Alchemists' Guild. The Guild settled in Kings Landing since the Mad King's reign, burning his subjects which, he considers traitors on a stake. A substance one lit can never be extinguished. My tutor once said the wildfire is so hot, not even water can put it out. Some would say the wildfire is the closest thing we have to dragon's flame. Let alone, the Mad King using the dangerous liquid to burn down the city in retaliation towards Robert's Rebellion. There are times I have to be thankful for Ser Jaime to put an end towards his madness, preventing the genocide of half a million citizens. He may have broken his oath but was more valuable one soul though anointed is consumed by madness or the half a million innocent souls who have no say.
So, to see Tyrion take a rare but deadly strategy surprised me. But…the agonizing pain those men who were following orders for Stannis must be feeling. Was it a quick death or a slow agonizing one? Is Lord Stannis alive or have I lost more family? The flames hypnotized me in a deep trance. Seeing things that do not make sense. Clash in green and red burning silk, dancing around showing a vision close to blue. Something tall and gaunt, with flesh pale as milk. An appearance that of a man, but cold blue eyes that have been described as burning like ice or being as bright as blue stars. Not a trace of hair, but around its head stood horns of ice forming a crown. It gazed at me, expressing no emotion. Coldness filled my veins, a doe trapped in its blue light. It moved its arms to reach when three dragons appeared shifting to three humans. Apparitions I could not make out, only two dark heads and one white as silver.
A hand placed on my shoulder snapping me out of the trance. I jumped, grabbing the offender then stop to see it was Aurora. She was shaken from my outburst. I apologized, letting go of her hand returning to the platform.
What in Seven hells was that? I thought to myself, rubbing my eyes.
Once the strain was gone, I gazed around the room seeing women having conversations. Mothers holding their babes. On my right, Tommen had fallen asleep do the soft murmurs. On my right, Cersei was still drinking her wine. She was eyeing the prayer circle.
"Sansa, come here, little dove.' Cersei called out.
Sansa, who was at the praying circle finished her pray and stood up. She made her way over giving respect saying, "My Queen."
"What are you doing?" Cersei asked.
"Praying," Sansa answered.
"You're perfect, aren't you?" Cersei murmured, a hint of sarcasm. "Praying? What are you praying for?"
"For the gods to have mercy on us all," Sansa replied.
"Oh," The queen exasperated, stirring her wine. "On all of us?"
"Yes, Your Grace," Sansa assured.
"Even me?" Cersei asked, playfully taking a sip of wine.
"Of course, your grace," Sansa answered.
"Even Joffrey?" Cersei murmured.
Sansa became solemn, "Joffrey is my…"
"Oh, shut up, you little fool. Praying to the gods to have mercy on us all." Cersei interrupted. The wine was clouding her senses, her censorship and demeanor dwindled. "The gods have no mercy. That's why they're gods."
"Mother," I spoke.
"My father told me that when he caught me praying." Cersei continued. "My mother had just died, you see. I didn't really understand the concept of death, the finality of it. I thought that if I prayed very, very hard, the gods would return my mother to me. I was four. "
"Your father doesn't believe in the gods?" Sansa asked, dumbfounded by this.
"He believes in them, he just doesn't like them very much," Cersei answered, sipping her wine. She set the glass on the table and grabbed two new goblets. "Two for them."
The maid quickly pours the wine in both glasses. Cersei handed them to Sansa and me. She grabbed a pillow and tossed it on the ground. "Sit." Sansa obliged as she sat on the pillow. "Drink." The girl did so, taking a small sip. Cersei shook her head, "Not like that. Drink, girl."
Sansa took an actual gulp, her face cringed from the burning affects of alcohol.
Cersei lingers on her spiel. "I should have been born a man. I'd rather face a thousand swords than be shut up inside with this flock of frightened hens."
"They are your guest under your protection." Sansa reminded. "You asked them here."
"It was expected of me, as it will be of you if you ever become Joffrey's queen," Cersei exclaimed. "If my wretched brother should somehow prevail, these hens will return to their cocks and crow of my courage inspired them, lifted their spirits."
"And if the city should fall?" Sansa asked.
Cersei paused analyzing the girl with a Cheshire grin, "You'd like that, wouldn't you? The Red Keep should hold for a time, long enough for me to go to the walls and yield to Lord Stannis in person. If it were anyone else outside those gates, I might have hoped for a private audience, but this is Stannis Baratheon. I'd have a better chance of seducing his horse. "
Sansa and I were shocked by her candor words.
"Have I shocked you, Little dove and sweet daughter?" she asked gulping down her drink. "Tears aren't a woman's only weapon. The best one's between your legs. Learn how to use it. Drink."
Sansa and I did so.
"Do you have any notion of what happens when a city is sacked?" Cersei asked. Sansa didn't respond. So, Mother continued, "No, you wouldn't, would you? If the city falls, these fine women…" she took a deep breath, "Should be in for a bit of a rape." All eyes landed on the queen. "Half of them will have bastards in their bellies come the morning. You'll be glad of your red flower then."
Sansa was traumatized.
"When a man's blood is up, anything with tits looks good. A precious thing like you will look very, very good. A slice of cake, just waiting to be eaten."
All three of us took a drink.
I closed my eyes trying to ignore the dark memories of being raped. Trying to avoid Talbot penis in me, the painful tearing, the suffocation along my neck. Unable to breathe, unable to see. Trapped, pinned to the ground as I felt a man take advantage of my sacred place. A lone tear fell from the horrible memory. I pray to the gods that I do not bare his bastard. Cersei asked if I felt warm liquid, the semen in my cavern? She even slid her fingers inside me to be sure, do to my shock. All she found on her hand was my virgin blood, no white substance of the rapist seeds. But the tonic I took as a precaution and praying for my next red flower. Now with this battle, I beg once more to never be raped again.
Cersei lingers on old memories, telling Sansa and me of her childhood. She was getting drunk by each glass she drank. Majority of the highborn were asleep.
"When we were young, Jaime and I, we looked so much alike even our father couldn't tell us apart. I could never understand why they treated us differently. Jaime was taught to fight with sword and lance and mace, and I was taught to smile and sing and please. He was heir to Casterly Rock, and I was sold to some stranger like a horse to be ridden whenever he desired."
I clenched my fist since she was talking about my father. "You were Robert's queen."
"And Sansa will be Joffrey's. Enjoy," as she looked at the girl as if staring at a mare.
I gave Sansa an apologetic look.
Cersei then noticed something in her reign of crude. Her emerald eyes targeted Shae, who was watching us. Making sure Sansa was safe, even from a distance. "I don't think I know this one. She got up, walking over to the handmaiden. I followed her along with Sansa. Shae stood up, standing tall with her hands together.
"Pretty," Cersei noted.
Shae gave a bow. I bit my tongue since men give a bow and handmaidens and ladies give curtsy.
Cersei chuckled from this, "That's the worst curtsy I've ever seen. Here, it's not difficult. I mastered it when I was four." She explained it, and doing so, "Straighten your back and bend."
Shae opened her arms and gave a curtsy from Cersei's demonstration.
"Better," Cersei praised raising a glass. "You learn fast." She went back to the lounge. "How long have you been in Lady Sansa's service?"
"A few weeks, Your Grace," Shae answered. Her accent heavily noted.
"When did you leave Lorath?" Cersei asked taking a seat. Shae smiled a little. Not many people would notice a difference of a Lorathi accent from other free cities. The queen smiled in memory, "I had a Lorathi handmaiden once. But she was a nobleman's daughter. You're not."
Shae's smiled dropped.
"When did you come to Westeros?" Cersei asked.
"Ten years ago, Your Grace," Shae answered.
"From Lorathi commoner to the Red Keep in ten years, all without learning how to curtsy," Cersei commented. "I imagine that's a very interesting story. What's your name?"
"Shae, your grace," the handmaiden replied.
"And how did you come to court?"
"I hired her," I told my mother. "She was one of Lady Zuriff's maids. You told me about your Lorathi handmaiden, I thought Shae would be suitable for Sansa."
"You truly care for Lady Sansa," Cersei murmured.
"She is to be my sister-in-law, I want to make sure she has been the best experience in King's Landing unless you expect her to return the same hospitality towards us."
"Clever," Cersei complimented, before facing Shae. "Tell us a story, Shae."
Shae took a moment to think of a story, "When I was thirteen, I…"
The doors burst opened as revealing Lancel in armor. He was holding his side, rushing in, "Your Grace!"
"What news?" Cersei asked, standing up.
"The Imp has set the river afire. Hundreds of ships are burning, maybe more. Stannis' fleet destroyed, but…" Lancel paused leaning closer to Cersei. "But his troops have handed outside the city walls."
"Where is my brother?" I asked quietly.
"On the battlement with Lord Tyrion," Lancel answered.
"Bring him back inside at once," Cersei ordered quietly.
"Your Grace…" Lancel tried to reason.
"What?" Cersei challenged.
"The king's presence is good for morale."
"Bring him back to his chambers now."
"Not here?"
"With the women and children?" Cersei chastised. "Do you want him to be mocked as a coward for the rest of his life?"
"No, but I …" Lancel argued.
"Now!" Cersei barked.
He nodded and left. Aurora rushed to her brother, giving him a hug. He gave a quick hug before leaving. I stared at my mother wondering what she was doing. We need all the men who can provide. Joffrey is supposed to be the son of Robert Baratheon; the people will have an expectation for their new king to be battle ready and robust as the previous. Not carried away like a coward. This act would chip his reputation.
She came over to Sansa and me with a calm expression, "When I told you about Ser Ilyn earlier, I lied. Do you want to hear the truth? Do you want to know why he's really here? He's here for us. Stannis may take the city, he may take the throne, but he will not take us alive. "
Our eyes widen then gazed at the corner where the King's Justice resides. He stared at us, a man keeping to his oath, but at the same time, there was a hint of water in his eyes. He has sworn to kill those who wrong the King and Queen, by punishing them or execution. Now he is in a room filled with women and children. If Stannis men take the kingdom, all of us were dead.
I shook my head not accepting it. I set my glass down and casually walked over to Lamar who stood with two Lannister soldiers. I gestured him over, in which he complied.
"We have a problem," I whispered.
"What is it?" Lamar asked quietly.
"Ser Ilyn not here to protect us," I whispered. "He's here to kill us if the castle been a siege."
Lamar's eyes widen.
"Stand by my side and make sure, Tommen, Sansa, and I are safe. In your power protect us and as many of the women and children in here as possible."
"Of course," Lamar vowed.
Now I wished I had all of my Stag's here.
.o0o.
We could hear the battle now. The screaming of men fighting against one another. Baratheon against Baratheon. Everyone was awake. Even Tommen awoke, as he sat between Cersei and I. Cersei had her hand combing through his golden mane, while I held one of his hands.
Lancel had returned, though he was overwhelmed by everything that is happening. He was bleeding, being struck by an arrow. Stannis troops are on the vanguard.
"The battle is lost, your grace," Lancel reported.
Cersei took a large of wine.
"Stannis' troops are at the gates," He continued. "When the gold cloaks saw the king leaving, they lost all heart."
"Where is my son?" Cersei asked.
"I want to escort him back to the battle," Lancel growled, ignoring the question.
"Why do I care what you want?" Cersei replied. "Bring me…"
"Now you listen to me…"
Cersei stood up and shoved Lancel to the ground. Practically stabbing him with her nails into his open wound. The women were shocked, as the man cried out, landing on his injury. Aurora gasped, rushing to her brother's aid, trying to stop the bleeding. Cersei grabbed Tommen forcing him out. In my selfless act, I rushed to Lancel, not caring about the blood. I ripped the end of my shirt and balled up the cloth to press against the wound. He cried, but we had to keep the pressure on the wound. Any more exposure could make it worse.
"Don't be afraid," Sansa said, trying to calm the women. "The queen has raised the drawbridge. This is the safest place we can be. Joffrey's not hurt. He's fighting bravely. His knights have rallied behind him. They will save the city. Shall we sing a hymn?"
The women nodded as Sansa started the hymn.
Gentle Mother, font of mercy,
Save our sons from war, we pray.
Stay the swords and stay the arrows,
Let them know a better day.
I looked up and realized Cersei and Tommen were gone. Also, another individual was missing…Ser Ilyn. Remembering what Cersei said of ser Ilyn obligation I gasped. No, she wouldn't dare kill Tommen off early. Fearing for my younger brother, I told Aurora to keep the pressure until a healer or maester arrives. Getting up, I grabbed my bow and rushed out of the chambers.
I ran with Ser Lamar right next to me. Desperate in searching for Tommen. He was too young to die. If I have an audience with Stannis, I'm sure he would hear my request to spare my youngest brother's life.
We ran looking every room. I was shouting for Tommen, beseeching the gods to have mercy on my brother's life. It was later on, if what felt like forever when we enter the throne room by the side door. We stopped to see Cersei sitting on the Iron Throne with Tommen in her arms. No Ser Ilyn, I sighed in relief. I enter quietly, then stopped hearing her speak to Tommen.
"Be calm, my sweet." She murmured, combing his hair.
"They're still fighting," Tommen noted.
"No one's going to hurt you," She promised, rubbing his shoulder, both gazing at the door. "I'll tell you a story. You know the one about the mother lion and her little cub? They lived in the woods."
"The Kingswood?" Tommen asked to be sure.
"Yes, my love," Cersei smile. "In the Kingswood, there lived a mother and her cub. She loved him very much. But other things lived in the woods. Evil things."
"Like what?" he asked.
Cersei paused thinking of those things. "Like stags."
"Stags aren't evil," Tommen disagreed. "They only eat grass."
"And wolves," she continued with her story. "He could hear them howling in the night. The little cub was frightened. His mother said, 'You are a lion, my son. You mustn't be afraid. For one day, all the beast will bow to you. You will be king. All the stags will bow. All the wolves will bow. The bears in the north and the foxes of the south, all the birds in the sky and the beasts in the sea they will all come to you, little lion, to rest a crown upon your head."
She caressed his cheek. She held so much love, holding Tommen close in her arms.
"And the cub said, 'Will I be strong and fierce like my father?'" Cersei choked on her words. "'Yes,' said his mother. 'You will be strong and fierce just like your father. I will keep you safe, my love. I promise you.' "
Something was in her hand. I didn't realize it, entranced by the story. As she moved something in her hand, then realized it was a small vial. I shouted no, running over and yanking the vial away from Tommen. The small cylinder of glass shattered upon the floor. Cersei's eyes widen staring at me in shock, not realizing I was there. Just as I was about to speak, she slapped me across the face.
I gasped, dumbfounded that she slapped me.
We stared at each other till interrupted by the pounding of the door. Immediately, I grabbed an arrow knocking it on the bow's drawstring and aimed at the door. Lamar came overtaking the other side of the Throne. We stood ready to attack.
The doors burst open, men holding swords and shields. In the center marched a man in bronze armor, on his helm was antlers. Stannis was who I thought, keeping my bow at the ready to attack. Prepared to protect my little brother by all means necessary.
The leader came in and stopped to reveal his face. Ready to see my uncle and bargain with him to spare my family's life. Slowly the helm came up, till brown curls slipped out, wait a minute, Stannis was shaven head. Suddenly, it was not the face of Stannis Baratheon we were greeted, but Loras Tyrell.
The next person came to Grandfather, Lord Tywin Lannister, in his black Lannister armor with a red sash across his chest. He was battle worn, his helm in arms. He stopped seeing Cersei holding Tommen in her arms, by the Iron Throne, with Lamar and I having our weapons at the ready.
"You can lower your weapon, granddaughter," Tywin said amused.
Lamar sheathed his sword while I lowered my bow and placed the arrow back in the quiver.
Tywin came over, "The battle is over. We have won."
Cersei praised kissing the top of Tommen's head. I stood there, seeing the soldiers at the door of Tyrell's and Lannister. A hand rested on my shoulder, instantly by reflect I smacked it away. Not realizing it was my grandfather. He stared into my eyes and being open he saw something has happened to me. Let alone my action to refuse his rare gesture.
Shit, I thought.
The elder lion examined the doe before him. Seeing the damage on my face. This will be one conversation that Cersei, Tyrion, nor I will like to discuss.
"Princess Elain," He addressed.
"Grandfather," I replied.
He nodded in approval tilting his head towards Cersei and Tommen. Seeing I stood near possible death to protect the family. Even when it is not my place. Tywin went over to Cersei, and I turned my gaze towards Lora's.
Why is he here?
Wow, this chapter took me all day to wright
Elain's armor and dress is inspired by Susan Pevensie in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian in the Battle of Aslan Howl. Only a different color skirt.
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