~Elena~

I felt violently ill as I leaned against the stone wall, gulping deep breaths of air as I waited out Tyrion's trial. There had been so many there to testify against him, and so many who were certain of his guilt. And I am going to add to it. Bile churned in my throat as I thought of my sister. I'd searched all night for her, destroying my room in a fit of rage when I'd come up empty handed. Rosette had disappeared as well, and I couldn't help but wonder if she'd been playing me for a fool this whole time. A guard came out to retrieve me once the recess was over, his face menacing as he came to stand before me.

"You remember your duty girl. Or I'll be the first in line for your sister." I wanted to tear his throat out, paint the walls with his blood.

"I remember." I uttered quietly as I walked through the doors, every eye on me. His eyes. I couldn't bare to look at him. His expression one of a man who'd finally lost everything. You have to stay strong. I reminded myself as I hurried to the front, head held high as Oberyn looked down upon me with a tilted head. How I wish you could help me uncle. The thought pained me as I came to stand on the platform, hands clasped tightly before me.

"State your name." Tywin instructed as he fixed me with a cool stare mouth pulled tight.

"Elena." The word rasped past a parched throat as Tyrion's gaze burned with intensity.

"And do you swear by all the Gods that your testimony will be true and honest?" No, and I will likely go to a place of fire for this.

"I swear." Because my sister should not have to pay for my mistakes. Tywin's smile grew as he sat up straighter.

"Do you know this man?" I forced myself to meet Tyrion's gaze for the first time and almost lost it. I wish I could make you understand.

"Yes. Tyrion Lannister."

"And how do you know him?"

"I worked for his wife, Sansa, I was her handmaiden."

"This man stands accused of murdering King Joffery. What do you know of this?" It was a test. He was seeing just where my loyalty stood. Tears burned in my eyes and the words clung to my tongue.

"Sansa and Tyrion planned to kill Joffery. I overheard them talking." Gasps rippled across the room as I felt the lie coat me like a black sludge.

"Silence. Continue." I prayed for his slow death as I met Tywin's gaze.

"She wanted revenge for her father, mother, and brother. She blamed the king for their deaths. She was inconsolable. Tyrion insisted he help. He hated Joffery so very much. He hated the queen. He even hated you. He stole poison from the Grand Maester to put in Joffery's wine." What an elaborate tale I could weave. A spider sitting upon her web spun with lies.

"How could you possibly know all this?" The question was raised from Sir Loras who looked at me with doubting eyes.

"Why would he reveal secrets to his wife's maid?" Oberyn asked. Tywin quirked a brow as I felt myself shrinking under my uncle's steady gaze. Now to release my sister.

"I was more than just his wife's maid. I was his whore." The words choked as I spat them out, gasped rippling once more.

"I beg your pardon? You said you were his whore?" Lord Tyrell seemed mortified at my false confession, and my cheeks flooded with heat under his judging gaze.

"Yes."

"And how did you come to be in his service?" It was another question we hadn't discussed, but I knew the deadly look in his eyes. He wanted me to seal Tyrion's fate.

"I met him while caring for Sansa. He paid well. Told me to fuck him like he would die tomorrow." Laughter erupted as Tyrion bowed his head in shame. I wanted the floor to swallow me up, to be done with the madness of this place. Tywin called for silence as I nibbled on my lip.

"And did you?" My uncle asked as he frowned at me. Obviously wondering at my change of heart.

"I did everything he wanted. No matter how I felt about it. He wanted to feel loved, and as his property it was my duty to play along."

"Elena." My heart stopped as I looked at Tyrion's fallen face. "Please don't." I'm so sorry.

"That was all before he married Sansa. Afterwards, all he wanted was her, but she wouldn't let him in her bed. So he promised he would kill King Joffery for her." It was a secret Sansa had whispered in confidence, and the sludge coating began to smother me.

"Father, I wish to confess." Tyrion's voice was dark and tinted with lethal intent.

"You wish to confess?" Twin's shock rivaled my own as I wondered what it was he was going to do. Please don't do anything stupid. I plead silently. You still have a chance to get out of this alive.

"I saved you." He growled as he turned to look at all who surrounded him. "I saved this city. All your worthless lives. I should have let Stannis kill you all." Oh no. Tyrion. Please.

"Tyrion!" Tywin called down, his voice demanding obedience. "Do you wish to confess?" Tyrion turned with a mad man's smile.

"Yes, father, I'm guilty. Guilty. Is that what you want to hear?" Tyrion was slowly making his way towards the throne and I feared he'd be struck down.

"You admit you poisoned the king?"

"No, of that I'm innocent." Thank the Gods. "I'm guilty of a far more monstrous crime. I'm guilty of being a dwarf." Tywin chuckled as I tried to figure out where this was heading.

"You're not on trial for being a dwarf."

"I've been on trial for that my entire life."

"Have you nothing to say in your defense?" Tywin asked as he sat on the edge of the throne, eyes hungry for the kill.

"Nothing but this. I did not do it. I did not kill Joffery, but I wish that I had." The ground shook beneath my feet and I stumbled, catching myself on the banister as Oberyn met my gaze. "Watching your spoiled bastard die gave me more relief than a thousand lying whores." I wanted to explain. I wanted to kiss him silent, but he'd already signed his death warrant. "I wish I was the monster you all think I am. I wish I had enough poison for the whole pack of you. I would glady give my life to watch you all swallow it." Screams of freight and distress echoed about the room as Tywin called for his knight.

"I will not give my life for Joffery's murder, and I know I'll get no justice here. I will let the gods decide my fate. I demand a trial by combat."