~Tyrion~

I should have been in the dining hall with my 'family', listening to Joffery speak more nonsense into existence all while tormenting the poor Stark girl, but I found myself wondering the halls with a bottle of wine, washing down sorrow and regret, not prepared to take anymore verbal abuse from my sister or endure the stares of all those that would be there. Normally, I would seek out the company of Bronn, but he was currently investing his gold in women at Littlefinger's brothel, having taken to a certain whore in particular that he visited often. "But can't I stay with you? It's lonely in that room by myself." A soft feminine voice whined as I rounded the corner towards my chambers. I came up short, seeing Elena talking to a younger girl with long coal colored hair. Elena was frowning at the girl, her hands on shapely hips as she shook her head, curls swishing about her face.

"It's not safe Lucia. Anyone could walk into my chambers at any moment, and I can't risk the Lannisters finding out that you're my sister. I can only visit with you now because they are in the dining hall." Elena explained before she knelt and hugged the girl tightly, smoothing down the girl's hair with a trembling hand, before standing and walking with her. I shouldn't have followed them, for their business was not my own, but I found my feet moving of their own regard as I drank deeply.

"How is the kitchen? Is everyone being kind to you?" Elena asked as they walked in the direction of the gardens. I followed as quietly as possible, my heart pounding harder the closer I approached them.

"Yes." Lucia replied happily, nodding her head vigorously. "Rosette is teaching me to cook pigeon pie, which is my favorite, and I help her bake the breads. They have a cat named Potato, which is funny, and he likes to sleep at my feet while I work." Elena laughed at her sister's enthusiasm, a fondness lightening her features.

"Rosette says that Joffery is an evil King." Lucia spoke suddenly as she tugged on her sister's arm, worrying her lip. "Is that true?" Elena looked at a loss for words, looking out into the distance, eyes glistening as she searched for something to reassure her sister.

"Some people are lost in this world. They traveled down a path that leads them to do hurtful things. Joffery has traveled down that path." Elena spoke softly, her frown returning.

"What about Sansa? Rosette says she's a good girl." Lucia asked her expression matching Elena's.

"I'm going to make sure she doesn't go down the wrong path for as long as I can." She reassured before my head picked that moment to knock a low hanging candle from the wall, the clatter echoing against the dimly lit walkway. Elena's head shot up, eyes wide and alert as she pushed her sister forward.

"Go back to the kitchen. Wait there until I send word. Go Lucia." Elena urged her sister who immediately took off at a run while Elena removed something shiny from beneath her dress.

"Who's there?" She called out, her voice cold and hostile. I prided myself on not being a complete coward, but something about her voice had me running away. I could hear her running after me, foreign words spewing from her lips, though by the tone I could tell they were curses as I rounded the corner leading to my chambers. I'd just opened the door when she pounced, sending us to the floor as my wine bottle shattered, spilling precious red liquid on my rugs. Her breathing was ragged with anger as a metal blade kissed my neck, before she seemed to come back to herself.

"Oh my Gods. I'm so sorry my lord. I- I didn't realize." She gasped as she leapt from me, quickly stashing the knife away again. I should have been angry, I mean she put a knife to my throat, but there was such fear in her eyes.

"So, that's your sister?" I asked as I picked myself up off the floor, heart still pounding as I walked over and snatched up my spare bottle of wine. She was silent for a moment as she stood there staring at me.

"Her name is Lucia." Elena spoke with a deep sigh as she walked over slowly, taking a seat at my table. I nodded as I took a deep swig, enjoying the tingling that took ahold of my body.

"So, what are you really doing here?" I asked, not knowing if I honestly cared or not.
"I can't.. I'm sorry.. Please, don't tell anyone about Lucia. Do what you will with me, but leave her out of this." Her voice wavered and her eyes glistened against the candlelight, as she fiddled with the hem of her dress. I watched her, the wine loosening my inhibitions as I walked over, taking the seat in front of her.

"Take off your dress." I slurred before taking another deep swig. Her eyes grew wide again as she looked at me in disbelief.

"What?" She questioned as fear tinted her eyes.

"Take off your dress. You want me to be silent. I believe payment is due." She hesitated, shifting uncomfortably in her seat before standing, reaching back to unclasp her dress.

"Please." She whispered as she held it to her chest, hesitant to let it fall. Is she-

"Have you not been with a man before?" I questioned as she began trembling. Tears glistened in her eyes, trickling down flushed cheeks as she shook her head. What am I doing?

"You may leave." I spoke, feeling disgusted with myself. I am a Lannister. A monster. Her gasping cry echoed in my head as she ran from my room, footsteps fading in the distance. How could I?