~Elena~

Blacksmith hammer's pounded against my skull as I awoke to the taste of something bitter against my dry tongue. My face ached with one thousand needles and my arm stung, but the world was no longer spinning and my stomach remained tamed.

"My lady." A voice called, the words oozing relief as I slowly sat up, feeling a bit light headed for a moment from the movement as I found myself in a room that was not my own.

"You shouldn't move just yet. You've been asleep for a whole day. Here, drink." I turned slowly to find Tyrion handing me a cup, relief etched onto his face as he offered me a small smile. I took the cup carefully, grateful that it contained water instead of wine as I drained it quickly, taking in my lavish surroundings.

"Where am I?" I croaked, frowning as I cleared my throat.

"I had Bronn bring you to my chambers, where I could watch over you." Tyrion shrugged as he took a step away from the bed, eyes cast towards the floor.

"Yes, I seem to remember you wanted more than just a look." A flash of anger set the hammers into motion again.

"Yes. I wanted to apologize for that my lady. What I did was lacking in honor and I give my word that it will never happen again." He apologized as he bowed, hands gripping his pants. He stayed like that for a minute as if waiting for me to speak.

"Stop bowing please, it is unbecoming." I pat the empty spot next to me on the bed. A spark of something shone in his eyes as he pushed a stool over and climbed up, leaning against the headboard, legs crossed as he looked anywhere but at me.

"Did you change me?" I looked down and realized I was no longer in my hand maiden's dress, but now donned a cream night dress that was rather small and hugged my full chest tightly. His cheeks flushed an attractive shade of scarlet as he looked away.

"Lady Sansa helped. There was blood on your dress." He explained bashfully, though something told me he was usually anything but bashful.

"Well, that's a change. How is she?" I remembered the full event, the anger at how Joffery had treated her surging again.

"She is good, a few bruises and a battered dignity, but fine otherwise. She asked me to give you her many thanks for standing up for her. Though she advises you to not do so again in the future." He spoke around a soft chuckle as he leaned his head back. He was unconventionally handsome, I'd decided as I watched him. Blonde hair curling along his forehead, crimson attire suiting him well. Stubble grew along his strong jaw line and his lips were stained red with wine. How long has he been awake watching over me? I mused as I noted the dark circles under his eyes.

"You should sleep." I spoke softly as I took his hand. He jumped, startled, as if he hadn't expected the contact before flashing me a weary smile.

"I have to be awake to protect you." He reasoned, causing a laugh to spill from my lips.

"Come, lay your head down and I will keep guard. I shall wake you if anything stirs." I laughed as I held my arms out to him. He gave me a look of uncertainty before laying his head on my chest, arms circling my waist before sighing deeply.

"Will you tell me a story?" He asked suddenly as I ran my finger through his silky hair. A smile pulled at my lips as I looked down at the small man who looked up at me with shimmering eyes.

"If you'll sleep." I promised thinking of a tale as he nodded and settled once more.

"A lion once fell in love with a beautiful maiden, and proposed marriage to her parents." I began as I took in his smell of leather, musk, and sweet wine. I paused as I looked down at the lion clinging to my waist and smiled once more. "The old people did not know what to say. They did not like to give their daughter away to the Lion, yet they did not wish to enrage the King of Beasts."

"I am the King of Beasts." Tyrion sighed, his voice filled with sadness. I shushed him as I held him close.

"You are no Beast, nor are you a monster. You are lost. Many a weary soul can become lost. Now sleep my lion." I spoke softly as I continued to run my fingers through his hair. Recounting how the people tricked the love struck lion, though Tyrion slumbered peacefully before I reached the end of my short tale.

"I forgive you, for you are lost, and I will guide you back." I promised as I placed a kiss on his forehead, deciding that I could do with a few more hours myself.