~Tyrion~
There was a peaceful etherealness about Elena as she slept. Her breathing soft and unlabored, dark curls a contrast to the white of her pillow. Deep purple bruising had blossomed along her cheek bone, and a cut marred her full lips, but Sansa had assured me she held her own, though the bandage around her left arm did nothing to sooth my worries.
"She'll be alright." Bronn spoke up as he poured us each a cup of wine, his hand clasping my shoulder as he handed me a gauntlet.
"I was horrible to her Bronn. She had shown me kindness and I repayed her with monstrosity. Maybe I am a true Lannister after all." I sighed as I looked up at my sellsword friend. He grunted before downing his glass, taking the time to pour another before speaking again.
"She'll forgive you or she won't. No point worrying about that now until she wakes up. That damn cunt gave her a right walloping the way Sansa tells it. Maybe it knocked the event right out of her." I laughed before I could stop myself, shaking my head at my friend's humor before downing my own cup.
"I got some business to take care of in town. Try not to worry none. She'll pull through alright." Bronn spoke in farewell before he left me alone with the battered girl.
"I'm sorry. I should have never done that to you." I whispered as I pushed a stray curl from her face, a sigh easing past her lips as my hand touched her unhurt cheek. The stirring in my stomach came again as I pictured what Sir Meryn could have done to her. The torture she could have endured because she stood up to my nephew.
"I won't let anyone hurt you again." I added as I forced myself away from her, scared that my emotions would get the best of me as I walked over to the table and sat there, nursing my cup of wine.
I stared at her for hours, skipping meals to watch over her, afraid Joffery would send one of his men to finish the job. My worry grew so much that I spilt my wine when someone knocked softly on the door.
"Come in." I called before they awoke the sleeping beauty. The door opened with a soft shriek, allowing a girl to hurry through with a tray of covered food.
"This is from the kitchen. Rosette says-" The girl paused, quickly setting the tray down before rushing to Elena's bedside. It was only then that I noticed the small girl was Elena's sister.
"What happened to her?" She asked softly, her voice wavering with unshed tears. I set my glass down, walking over to join the small girl who was only a bit taller than I. Her amber eyes wide and glistening with tears.
"She protected Lady Stark. She was very brave." I replied, my heart aching for the girl as she took her sister's hand, placing it against her face.
"You're Elena's sister correct?" I asked. She froze, body rigid as she placed her sister's hand gently back onto the bed.
"No." She lied, her voice trembling as her eyes focused on the door.
"I already know. There's no need to be afraid." I soothed as I held out my hands to her. She watched me for a moment, side stepping my hands and heading over to the table.
"What's your name? I am Tyrion Lannister." I spoke softly so as not to frighten her anymore than she already was.
"Elena says not to trust Lannisters." She spoke with a huff as she crossed her arms over her undeveloped chest. A chuckle fell from my lips at her defiant look.
"She would be right. I'm afraid I haven't been that kind to her as of late." I explained around a sigh as I cast my gaze upon the sleeping girl once more.
"So, you're the one she was so angry with?" The young girl giggled as she fidgeted with an inky lock of hair.
"I suppose I am." I admitted with a heavy heart, watching as the girl looked me over, head cocked to the side.
"Well, if you're alive then she must be about to forgive you. She just doesn't know it yet. I've stayed by her for a long time. She'll be angry for a bit, but she always comes around. Her anger will probably be directed at whoever did that to her now." She explained as she gestured towards the battered state of her sister who was still slumbering peacefully. Hope sparked in my heart at the mention of forgiveness. If I could only make her see that I am truly sorry.
"I'm Lucia. I probably shouldn't be telling you my name, but if you're here with her, then you can't be all bad." She reasoned as she held out her small hand. I took it gratefully, smiling at her as she reached into the pocket of her simple brown dress, removing a rolled parchment held together with a piece of twine.
"Can you give this to her when she wakes back up? Rosette needs me back in the kitchen." She spoke with a roll of her eyes as she held the letter out to me.
"I would be honored." To which she giggled.
"Until next time." She called softly before walking back out the door with a wave of her hand. I could not stop the smile that spread across my face as I pocketed the letter and settled in for the wait until she awoke.