Thankfully the queen had been far too busy securing her son's throne to actually pay much attention to Rhaena. After being presented to the queen, Cersei merely dismissed her to be locked up in her old quarters, the converted storage room in one of the isolated towers where she was to remain until her fate was decided. Already Rhaena began to think of several plans and means to get herself out of danger as she was locked away without even being able to see Sansa. Although the Hound had said that she was unharmed, Rhaena knew how frightened and confused Sansa must have been feeling, especially with the rumours circulating that her father Lord Stark was a traitor and had attempted to seize the throne for himself. Now Rhaena was alone. Well…not completely alone. Little birds came to visit her and passed messages under her door from Varys, explaining exactly what had happened and why the former Hand's residence had been ransacked and slaughtered.
According to Lord Stark, Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella were not the true children of Robert Baratheon but the offspring of an incestual relationship between Cersei and Jaime Lannister. At first Rhaena had laughed at the absurdity of it all but then as she thought, she began to think that perhaps there was some validity to these rumours. After all, the children all did take after the Lannister image of golden haired and blue eyed whereas Robert was known to have thick black hair. Moreso, Cersei had always been close to her brother Jaime, and it was clear that Joffrey was a spoiled, narcissistic, vicious and cruel boy just like his mother. Whatever evidence Lord Stark had uncovered, it must have been more than enough to convince him that Joffrey had no true claim to the throne and had attempted to arrest the queen and take away her children in order to pass the throne over to Stannis, Robert's rightful heir. Lord Stark had attempted to take control with the assistance of the Gold Cloaks but they had turned on him and betrayed his trust, because who would refuse Lannister gold in their pockets? Now Eddard Stark was branded a traitor, Robb had called the banners of the North and was marching South in order to make war on King's Landing whilst everything seemed to utterly fall apart. Rhaena almost felt guilty for murdering the former king, but reasoned with herself that this would have happened whether or not she had killed him or not. Now the Lannisters ruled in all but name and everyone who was not one of them would either have to bow their heads and kiss their feet or be cut down to clear the path which lead to ultimate power and riches. The realm was doomed.
There was nothing for Rhaena to do other than wait, alternating between sitting, sleeping and occasionally eating when someone remembered to feed her and bring water. Once again, she had returned to the way it used to be, so she conserved her water and slept for as long as she were able in order to pass the long stretches of time and avoid boredom. Sometimes she would fantasise that Robb would arrive with his army, crush the Lannisters and free her from her prison to sweep her off her feet and carry her home to Winterfell where they would be wed directly. A silly little dream, but it was these dreams which helped her to keep from despair as she counted the days. Finally, after an unbearable amount of time being trapped with nothing to do and nowhere to go, Rhaena was collected from her room. The Hound blinked when he saw her as she stepped into the light and looked up at him. She was frail looking once again, her face gaunt from the lack of food and her skin pale from little sunlight. The bruising and breaking of her skin had grown dark and remained swollen, her lip crusted with dried blood and looked rather painful as she winced occasionally even from the smallest of facial expressions. "You look like hell." He told her curtly.
"I know. Please, tell me what is happening."
"You have been summoned. The king wants you present to witness today's court." Rhaena frowned at this, her mind not processing what the Hound meant as she was internally weak from hunger.
"The king is dead."
"Aye, that's the thing about kings. The moment one of them dies another one just as stupid takes his place." The Hound growled then stepped back, nodding for her to move. Releasing a slow breath, she began to move forwards to accept her fate, wondering if Joffrey would choose to have her tortured to death for his own amusement or simply executed outright. He had always liked killing things, ever since he was small. Rhaena considered how the power of kingship might make his head swell now that he had the right to command anyone to do as he willed and very few people had the right to refuse him. Or the courage. She all but drifted with the Hound at her heels, his hand occasionally rising to push her to move faster which she would do so for a few steps before slowing down again. She was in no rush to see whatever it was Cersei and Joffrey wanted her to see. Despite this, they arrived at the throne room where court was being held, slipping inside quietly where Sandor clasped her shoulder and stopped her as he bowed his head to her ear and hissed quietly. "Don't draw attention to yourself. Just stand still and be invisible."
"Thank you, Sandor." She had not meant to but as she spoke, she had turned her head and caused her lips to brush against his cheek, making the Hound quickly jerk away from her with a sharp expression arising in his face. "My apologies…" Mumbling quietly, Rhaena bowed her head and scurried herself away somewhere she would not be easily seen but could view everything clearly. For this she knew all the best places so elected to go up onto the balcony and hide behind one of the pillars and saw Joffrey for the first time sitting upon the Iron Throne with a rather smug expression on his face, his mother sitting by his side as beautiful and regal as ever. A vile twist formed in her gut rising from her hatred of them. If she could transform herself into a dragon, she would have breathed fire over the lot of them and laughed as they screamed and melted so deep was her loathing. In the back of her mind, she considered that perhaps these were the thoughts of a madwoman, the same thoughts that her father used to have when he chose to burn his victims to death with wildfire, but she did not care. Beat a dragon long enough and it will despise you with everything it possessed until it found a way to burn you alive in retribution. Lifting her eyes back to the theatrics before her, Rhaena listened as Grand Maester Pycelle read from his scroll, listing off the rewards that were to be bestowed upon the faithful and loyal.
"It is also the wish of His Grace that his loyal servant, Janos Slynt, Commander of the City Watch, be at once raised to the rank of Lord and be granted the ancient seat of Harrenhal and that his sons and grandsons shall hold this honour until the end of time." Maester Pycelle's voice was old and rather infuriating, the way he rasped for breath at every interval. It grated against Rheana's nerves as she listened and watched. Janos Slynt bowed to the king then walked away, his steps echoing in the silent hall as he savoured his newfound title and lands. "In the place of the traitor, Eddard Stark, it is the wish of His Grace that Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West, be appointed Hand of the king." This came as no surprise at all. Soon enough the crowned stags adorning the flags would vanish and be replaced by the golden lions. Catching sight of movement, Rhaena saw the distinctive auburn hair of Sansa moving through the crowds and to the front in view of Cersei and King Joffrey, causing Rhaena to take a slight step forwards. Sansa. Thank the gods. "And lastly, in these times of treason and turmoil, it is the view of the council that the life and safety of King Joffrey be of paramount importance." Finishing his part, Pycelle took a step back and shuffled away whilst rolling up his parchment so that Cersei could then speak.
"Ser Barristan Selmy." Rising from her chair Rhaena felt her heart sink. A cold dread now crept upon her as she pressed her hands against the pillar which was her only shield, looking down upon the proceedings as they unfolded before her. The commander of the Kingsguard took a few paces forwards before turning and sinking to one knew, bowing his helmed head before his king and the Queen Regent.
"Your Grace, I am yours to command."
"Rise, Ser Barristan." Obeying, Ser Barristan arose back to his feet as Cersei smiled with all sweetness and innocence, the epitome of a gracious and loving queen. It made Rhaena want to vomit in disgust. "You may remove your helm." There was a long pause before Ser Barristan reached up and removed his helmet to reveal his face so that all could see his quizzical expression as he looked up at the Queen Regent who only continued to smile. "You have served the realm long and faithfully, every man and woman in the Seven Kingdoms owes you thanks." She told him sweetly as her voice carried forwards, many nodding their head in agreement for who could argue? Ser Barristan was the pinnacle of true knighthood. "But now it is time to put aside your armour and your sword. It is time to rest and look back upon your years of service with pride." To this many began to whisper and murmur, Rhaena noticing many shocked expressions within the court as it became Cersei's goal became clear and Rhaena felt her heart twist and almost melt in anguish. Ser Barristan was to be dismissed, leaving her with no one left to defend or protect her. Her last lifeline was being taken away.
"Your Grace, the Kingsguard is a sworn brotherhood. Our vows are taken for life." Ser Barristan reminded her solemnly. "Only death can relive us of our sacred trust."
"Whose death, Ser Barristan? Yours or your king's?" Cersei countered with all previous sweetness now absent from her expression and tone to be replaced with mocking and scorn.
"You let my father die." Joffrey accused sharply as he prolonged Ser Barristan's humiliation. "You're too old to protect anybody." The air became stagnant as Ser Barristan's pride took the blows. To witness the man whom she had idolised and viewed as a father figure having his honour brutalised and trampled upon in front of so many witnesses was a shame Rhaena could barely bring herself to contain, but what could she do? She was powerless here. No longer did she have the protection of Lord Stark and now her last defence was being sent away. It was Cersei's doing, of that she was certain, and she would never forgive that conniving cow for it. Ser Barristan attempted to address the king, to defend himself or attempt to express some reason against the fallacy that had been woven by the queen against him that he was now weak and unable to protect his liege lord.
"The council has decided that Jaime Lannister shall take your place as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard." Cersei announced not just to Ser Barristan but to the entire court. Anyone with half a brain would now understand the situation. Cersei as Queen Regent. Tywin Lannister as the King's Hand. Jaime Lannister as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard…the Lannisters ruled the Seven Kingdoms now, and there was nothing to be done about it. The only person who outwardly declared his outrage and protest against such a man taking up the position he had held for numerous years was of course Ser Barristan, who noted that Ser Jaime was unworthy of the position of Lord Commander. A man who, in truth, was not only the father of three children but had forsaken his oaths to his previous king by betraying him with his own blade. Rhaena's father.
"The man who profaned his blade with the blood of a king he had sworn to defend!"
"Careful ser." A darkness clouded Cersei's face at the insult to her brother, staring coldly down at Ser Barristan who did not look away. It was this moment Lord Varys chose to step forwards in an attempt to ease the tension in the hall and pacify Ser Barristan with his practiced words.
"We have nothing but gratitude for your long service, good ser." He promised softly and graciously. In Rhaena's mind Varys meant these words as whenever she had heard Varys speak of Ser Barristan or even converse with him directly, it had always been with a level of unclouded and genuine respect he reserved for very few people. "You shall be given a stout keep beside the sea with servants to look after your every need." This however did not satisfy a man such as Ser Barristan who lived his life expecting to live and die by the sword.
"A hall to die in and men to bury me." He scoffed vehemently before begging to strip himself of his white cloak, releasing it from his shoulders and flinging it to the ground before him. "I am a knight." Soon followed his helmet and his gloves as they too were flung to the ground. "I shall die a knight." As bold as this display was with a command of respect, it was ruined by Lord Baelish who spoke with mockery at a man who should be honoured as a legend.
"A naked knight, apparently." Rhaena had never liked Littlefinger and had long since decided that were she ever in a position to tear him down from his high perch and pluck each of his proud feathers to leave him utterly naked and with nothing to protect him then she would do so gladly and enjoy every moment of the experience. The collection of laughter drove Ser Barristan to draw his sword from his side and point it to the boy king who instantly shifted nervously in his seat even as the remainder of the Kingsguard responded by drawing their own blades in the king's defence. All laughter went silent, the hall empty of sound save for the echoing ring of metal. Unafraid of the five who stood against him, Ser Barristan allowed the tip of his sword to glide over each of them in turn as he spoke.
"Even now I could cut through the five of you like carving a cake!" Turning his attention to Joffrey, Ser Barristan's expression twisted into one of anger and defiance. "Here boy!" With a sharp bark Ser Barristan flung his sword to the ground before the throne, discarding it as if it were nothing more than a rusted nail. "Melt it down and add it to the others." It was clear now that Ser Barristan had no intention of taking orders from Cersei or Joffrey any longer, and would most certainly not submit to being shut away in some dark, dusty keep to rot and be forgotten. As Ser Barristan turned and stormed from the throne room, Rhaena saw her last protector vanish from sight as tears began to drip down her face. Almost instinctively she looked back towards the throne and at the queen, finding Cersei to be looking directly at her. The queen held her gaze then, ever so slowly, smirked in victory. Cersei had won. Rhaena had nothing left now.
Drawing away Rhaena pressed her back against the wall so that she was out of sight of the queen, pulse racing and her breaths quickening as the realisation settled upon her. She heard Sansa speak out below in order to request an audience with the king, the steward announcing her as Joffery invited her to speak, but Rhaena could not remain in that hall a moment longer. Cersei had shown her exactly who now held all the power and had displayed it in such a way which shattered Rhaena's hopes. She and Sansa were done for, even if Sansa did not yet know it. Fleeing from the throne room, Rhaena passed a pair of guards, but they did not stop her as she ran, seeking to find Ser Barristan before he could leave her. She had to say goodbye. At the very least, she could not bear it if the last image of her beloved knight was of him being humiliated in front of the masses by a boy king and his deranged mother. Perhaps the Targaryen madness existed in more than one family. "Ser Barristan!" Racing onwards, Rhaena was relieved to see the knight still striding away but managed to reach him and upon hearing her voice, stopped and turned around.
"My dear lady…" His voice cracked as he bowed his head, but Rhaena would have none of it, taking his hand in hers and looked to the empty scabbard upon his belt. His hands were now gloveless, allowing her to feel the rough callouses of his fingers and palms which had been built over many years of sword practice and battle. They still felt strong, not at all frail, and it was in these hands she had placed her life and safety into for the past seventeen years of her existence. Who now would she turn to if he was not there? "Little dragon…" Hearing such feebleness in his voice seemed unnatural to Rhaena as she tried to breathe away her tears, clutching onto her precious friend and knight. "Come with me." Her head shot up, staring into his face as her mouth dropped open. "I shall help you escape. We'll board a ship and go east to find your sister. Together, you may have a chance to take back what is yours by right of birth." Ser Barristan now grasped Rhaena's hands so fiercely she thought they might break.
"I cannot." She spoke before she could succumb to weakness by dwelling on the possibility of freedom, though it pained her to say it. "I cannot leave Sansa. She has no one now, no one but me to help her."
"Rhaena." Starting with surprise, Rhaena stared once again at Ser Barristan. She could not recall the last time he had spoken to her by name. "You will die here unless you come with me now. Whilst they are distracted. I can protect you, little dragon. I will protect you. It is my duty." Knowing how sincerely Ser Barristan meant these words, Rhaena wanted nothing more than to agree and let her knight take her away from King's Landing just as Lord Stark had promised he would. Yet, she could not agree to it, for if nothing else, she had learned how to think rationally. There had been no thought put into this, no planning. If they tried to run, they would be hunted down and the first person to recognise them would gladly hand them over for Lannister gold. Ser Barristan would be killed and so would Rhaena. It was not possible, not even with Ser Barristan fighting as valiantly as she knew he would just to protect her.
"Go to my sister, Ser Barristan. Find her in the East and tell her of me. I can do nothing for her as I am now and, in any case, my place is here. Here is where I can try to do some good, and at the very least I can try to protect Sansa. I owe it to her and her father and her mother for all the kindness they have shown me. I must honour them. You understand, Ser Barristan. You are the most honourable man I know. You understand that I must stay behind. At least for now." His face contorted with grief and uncertainty, so Rhaena sought to ease his suffering and promptly kissed his hands then rose onto her toes in order to kiss his cheek also. "Safe travels…my beloved knight. My champion. Do not forget me."
"Never." He vowed firmly as he then lowered himself to one knee and bowed his head over Rhaena's hand which he held in his. "I pray we meet again…my princess." This caused a tender smile to flush Rhaena's features and almost burst into tears. He had done it to remind her of who she was, no matter what anyone else said or did, she was a Targaryen princess. It was in her blood, and no one could take that away from her. It hurt Rhaena deeply to let Ser Barristan go and to watch him leave but she did so without a further word. Even when he looked back to her, she refused to cry and instead offered him a smile and lifted her hand in farewell, remaining composed until he was gone from sight. Alone. Now she was truly alone, and to make matters more difficult she was tasked with protecting Sansa, a girl who was sometimes incredibly stupid and immature. All Rhaena could hope was that Sansa learned quickly and did nothing to provoke anyone's fury. These hopes hung low in her heart, but Rhaena was determined to try, so when she turned to go back where she had come from, she waited until Sansa left the throne room amongst the throng of courtiers and highborn nobles.
Catching sight of her almost instantly, Rhaena slipped into the crowd and grasped hold of Sansa's hand, causing her to gasp fearfully but feel at ease when she caught sight of Rhaena who pressed her finger to her lips and gently pulled her away. They slipped to the side and through a passageway away from the crowds to where seemingly no one was about, offering them a little privacy but still Rhaena did not speak. "Rhae, where are we going?" Sansa whispered as she hurriedly walked beside her friend, following wherever she led though she could not fathom where she was trying to go. Eventually however they found their way into the gardens, taking numerous twists and turns and sudden changes of direction in a manner that Sansa found utterly bizarre. "Rhae…what is wrong?" But Rhaena did not answer until they had found a shaded spot in an alcove underneath the keep where Rhaena knew that so long as they kept their voices low, they would not be overheard.
"I apologise Sansa, I needed a place to talk to you where we wouldn't be overheard." Nodding her head, Sansa managed to maintain her composure for a few moments longer before it crumbled before her and left her a withering bloom of tears and sorrow. She buried herself against Rhaena who embraced here securely and let her have her cry, rubbing her back and hushing her gently whilst continually watching for anyone's approach. "I am so sorry Sansa. Sorry for you father, for you…this must be hell for you."
"They say father is a traitor but it can't be true." Sansa insisted a little too loudly so Rhaena quickly hushed her and glanced around once more, placing a finger to her lips in order to warn her to be quiet so Sansa gulped and quickly wiped at her face to remove her tears, speaking in a quieter tone from then on. "Father would never do anything like this, you know he wouldn't Rhae. I just cannot understand why everyone won't believe me. There has to be a mistake, I know there must."
"Your father put his faith in the wrong people, sweet Sansa, he was betrayed. Now he is paying the price for it. I do not think there is anything you or I can do for him now other than pray your brother can rescue you both before anything else happens." Stroking at Sansa's hair, Rhaena sighed wearily and pinched the bridge of her nose. "You have to understand Sansa, you must think, speak and act very differently from now on. Your life depends upon it. No, do not interrupt, you must listen to me." Sansa had begun to protest with any number of excuses, ones that the queen had no doubt put into her head that she was in no danger here, but Rhaena was determined to try and make her see the truth. "You must act like the pitiful, pious and precious young girl you are and more. Give them no reason to suspect you and no hint of your weaknesses. Pretend all you must to be on their side until they believe your lies, but never, never, become one of them or trust in anything that they tell you."
"But the queen…"
"Is the worst of them all, Sansa. Don't you see? This is all her doing. Everything that has happened to your father, to your household, to your family, it was all done because she commanded it." Taking Sansa by the shoulders Rhaena began to shake her, desperate to put the fear of gods into her because she needed to be afraid. Being afraid would make her wary, cautious. Perhaps it would be enough to keep her alive. "Sing whatever song they want you to sing. You're harmless enough that they may just leave you in peace, at least until I can find a way for us to escape…"
"Escape? No I cannot do that. I have to stay here, my father…I have to remain here so I can persuade Joffrey to have mercy on him." Sansa protested, shrinking back from Rhaena whilst shaking her head adamantly, still sniffling from her tears. "And I am still to marry Joffrey, I'll be his queen and once we're married, perhaps I can…" Rhaena wanted nothing more than to take Sansa by the hair and shake her until her teeth rattled as she clung to the delusion that Joffrey still loved her and was going to spare her father and marry her. Realising that the only way Sansa would learn was through hardship, Rhaena wondered if there was anything she could actually do to convince her to run away with her before something terrible happened. She could not drag her kicking and screaming to the tunnel to make their escape because she would give them both away before they could even make it out of King's Landing. Other than knocking her out and tying her up in a sack, Rhaena did not know what to do. The only person she could possibly turn to for help was Varys, but he was not a brave man. He would not risk being caught and found out helping both Sansa and Rhaena escape.
"Alright, fine. We shall stay, but Sansa. Promise me you will not trust anyone." Entreating her friend with everything she had, Rhaena grasped her hands and held them securely before her. "But believe me when I say this. Eventually…they will turn on you. You are worth more to them alive than dead because of your brother Robb and his army. The moment you cease to be of use to them. They will kill you." Rhaena was glad to see Sansa pale visibly and her expression become filled with dread. It meant that she was listening. "The moment you are ready to escape, tell me so. We'll get out of this place together. I'll find us a way somehow." Then a bitter smile twisted upon Rhaena's lips as she gradually lowered her hands to her side. "If I live that long, that is." Turning aside, she pulled Sansa's hand through to rest upon her arm so that they could walk together in the gardens, both unable to speak another word to one another for the overshadowing tension of fear and apprehension for what lay before them in their futures. Most likely, it was death, and there was little they could do to escape it.