Hey guys, sorry for the hiatus. I had a baby and life has ben rush, rusg, rush. I hope to update once a week, so fingers crossed. As always, I love feedback, so let me know what you think. I do not own Game of Thrones.

~Elena~

Where am I? Darkness fell a heavy shroud, smothered with silence, as my heart beat brass thunder in my ears. A guttural groan fell from my lips as I tried to move, chains clinking against stone stirring something in the ebony void. Brother. The thought was filled with sorrow as I tried to tug against the heavy metal collar, pain searing as old wounds reopened against my throat. What did we do to deserve this? I could hear him tugging against his own collar, pained breath panting in the dark so close I could almost feel the heat, but it was in vain. He would never reach me. Please, stop. You won't make it. Fire twinkled blindingly as I stamped in warning. My heart shattered as his roar pierced my ears. He was coming to the realization. Kill them. The thought seared my mind as my surroundings blurred. Free us.

I awoke shattered. Fragments held together with haunted memories and too many regrets. Volantis was to my back, baring the shedded remains of Elena, the girl down-trod. My new skin was made for heartbreak and betrayal. For a war that would never cease, while my thoughts were made of dark fire and a thirst for something forbidden.

"Elena, are you quite alright?" Varys' eyes searched my face for hidden truths. For the tears in my armor as I rocked inside our carriage prison, eyes to the vast everlasting sky, thankful that the trip was nearly over.

"The sun is shining." I answered simply, he peered through squinted eyes, mouth open around a heavy sigh.

"You know, he was going to be our ticket to winning this whole thing. He had the heart and mind to turn this war around, but in his absence, you could be his replacement." Eyes rolled and a humorless laugh fell from parched lips.

"I have no intention of being the queen's advisor and second hand liar. I'm going to see what I can, and move on."

"I do wish you'd reconsider. Once words gets to Cersei that you were there the night Tywin died. Your life will be forfeit. Even in Dorne you will not be safe." I thought of Lucia, heart aching as I pictured our last moment together. Of the look in her eyes when she realized I would not be able to stay with her. Tears burned as I buried the memory. I had to believe she was safe in Dorne or I would crumble.

"What would you have me do Varys? Continue to be your little bird? It was not so long ago that you were trying to push me away with diamonds." His gaze fell upon the floor as cheeks flushed scarlet, hands clasped firmly in his lap.

"I was trying to keep you and Tyrion safe. I could come up with no other way than to send you home." I turned from him to gaze out of the window, anger heaving in my chest as fist clenched.

"Perhaps I should have left." I'd often wondered what I would be like if I'd left when I had the chance. Would I still be the Elena of old, or had fate decided the outcome of my life long ago?

"There is nothing we can do about the past Elena. The safest place for you now is at the side of our future queen." I scoffed as the sound of civilization hummed in my ears.

"If you believe some girl in a crown is the key to your salvation, you are fooling yourself." His face hardened, fist clenching as his neck flushed.

"You will stay with us Elena. You are to useful for me to let you wander free." Darkness surged as images of his blood along my skin flashed before my eyes. Breathe. Just Breathe.

"Am I your prisoner now Varys?" I asked as I met his gaze cooly. He seemed unsure then, as if he knew he'd crossed a line.

"If that is how you see it. Your new queen awaits you just beyond that wall. I suggest you get yourself together." I sneered at his order. He will regret this day.