~Podrick~

There was something different about Elena. I wasn't sure quite what it was, but it was definitely something.

" You shouldn't frown so. People will think you are not happy for their king." She jest as she tapped my cheek, a grin plastered on her face. It was a ruse. The smile was forced and her eyes didn't sparkle like they usually did when she was truly happy. What's happening to you? I wondered as I patted her hand that firmly clasped my arm.

"The king is married to a kind lady. Perhaps it will bode well for all." I tried as I spotted Sansa and Tyrion up ahead, neither one bothering to talk or even acknowledge the other's presence. Though I couldn't really blame Sansa. She's been through quite a few great ordeals since coming to King's Landing. At least she has Elena to protect her. Or at least I hoped.

"The king is still a child. No amount of bedroom fun will change that." Elena grunted as her eyes grew weary. "But better Lady Margaery than Lady Sansa." I nodded in agreement as we neared the courtyard where the entertainment would take place. Lord Tyrion had expressed his concern for this event, but I saw nothing out of place.

"We could leave you know. I doubt anyone would know we were missing." Elena spoke softly as she looked up me with large icy eyes. I wished that were true, because spending this time alone with her sounded perfect, but as Lord Tyrion's squire, it was my duty to be close at hand.

"Don't you want to make sure nothing happens to Lady Sansa?" She sighed, shoulders slumped as she looked ahead again.

"Sansa will be fine. There are hundreds of guards around, and even more people. I doubt anything would happen to her if I weren't here." Which was out of character for Elena, and I wondered what had happened to change her so much. What had finally broken the unbreakable girl?

"Maybe tonight, we can visit. Take a bottle of wine to the gardens." I offered, hoping the thought of a trip to her favorite place would life her spirits. She smiled at me, this one actually glistening in her eyes.

"Make it two bottles and you've got a deal." She laughed before we arrived amongst the teams of people.

"I must go see to Lord Tyrion." I spoke regrettably, spotting the small lord standing beside a group of jugglers speaking to Bronn. Elena smiled, stretching to place a tender kiss on my cheek.

"Until we meet again Pod." She spoke in farewell before she turned and disappeared. Until we meet again.