~Elena~
"Chains?" I scoffed as I picked up the heavy golden chains with two trembling fingers. My body was tired and my emotions drained from practice. Tyrion had been waiting for me when I arrived, face open with a box in his hand.
"Solid gold from the mines outside Lannisburg. Smithed in Casterly Rock." He declared as he looked down at them with a soft smile. I wanted to smack him.
"Golden chains?" I resisted the urge to strangle him with said golden chains.
"You could buy a ship with those." A frown pulled at my lips as I crossed my arms, fixing him with a cool gaze.
"And I need a ship? Am I taking a trip that I am not aware of?" I would kill him if he tried to have me sent away. I wouldn't have a choice.
"Of course not. You're not going anywhere." He assured as he made to touch my arm, but decided against it.
"What is this about? Your marriage to the Stark girl? Have I forgotten to say my well wishes?" I laughed coldly, unable to stop the ice that froze every word.
"I didn't ask for this marriage. I didn't want it." I rolled my eyes, tired of everyone always lying to me.
"You don't want to marry a beautiful girl? A fact that you've noted yourself."
"That doesn't mean anything. This is duty. Not desire." I knew he was trying to make me see reason, but I was not feeling reasonable.
"Is that what you'll tell yourself when you finally take her?" I'd gone to far. I knew that when the tears burned my eyes and I couldn't stand to look at him anymore.
"I don't have a choice. My father-" Broken laughter fell from my lips as I turned walking away from him.
"Your father does not rule the world, and he most certainly does not rule you. We could still go away together to Dorne." His hands slapped the back of a chair, gripping the wood tightly as he looked at me, face filled with frustration.
"And what would I do there? Juggle? I am a Lannister of Casterly Rock." The finality of it hit then, and somewhere between overwhelming grief and rage, I'd become blissfully numb.
"And I am Elena. Whore and Sansa's handmaid."
"My feelings for you have not changed, but I will marry Sansa Stark and do my duty by her."
"While I what? Empty her chamber pot, bathe her, and warm your bed when you're bored?"
"I swear to you it will not be like that."
"Please, my lord, tell me how it will be?" He looked at me with pleading eyes, but I had no mercy left for him.
"I will buy you a good home in the city. You will have fine clothes. Guards to keep you safe. Servants. Your sister will have the best tutor, and any children we might have, will be well provided for." My mouth fell at the audacity of this would-be man.
"Children? You think I want children who will grow up bastards? Not knowing who their father is, like I did? Children who may be killed in their sleep if your father, sister, or anyone found out about them?" The very idea had bile churning in my throat.
"Yes. Yes I do my lady." His voice was soft as he took my hands. I wanted to fall into his arms and beg for him to make it right. I have never been weak. I will not start now.
"I am not your lady, you-"
"You are. You will always be my lady." The tears came back as I recalled sitting near the gardens; our first kiss.
"I told you once that this would happen. I said you will marry a beautiful lady, and there would be no room for me. Please, just let me disappear." I whispered as I withdrew my hands and marched from the room without another word, heart shattering.