~Elena~

I stared in awe as we entered a vast room lined with silent guards. Trying to ignore the fact that every eye was trained on us. Varys quick stepped to move up beside me, as we came before a unique platform made up of stone stairs, with a throne perched atop a plateau. A girl, with a halo of dark hair, stepped forward, hands raised in greeting.

"You stand in the presence of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne, rightful Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains." Impressive titles for a child. I thought with mild amusement as she stepped aside to reveal the Targaryen queen. Pearl hair with a silver sheen fell about slender shoulders,tendrils trailing along a painted face glossed with youth, as unusual violet eyes regarded us with distrust.

"State your names and your purpose for being here." She called down, leaning forward to get a better look at us. I remained silent as I regarded the mercenary at her side, chestnut brown beard outlining a chiseled jaw, as he looked at me with dark quizzical eyes. Sculpted body draped in leather. Kill them. My mind chanted. Free us.

"My name is Vary, hailing from King's Landing. I bring news of Joffery Lannister's death and humbly ask for a place at your side. I think you'll find that I am quite useful." He spoke as he kneeled before her, head bowed. If she heard him, she did not show it as she met my stare,eyes squinting with anger.

"Why does this one not kneel before her queen?" She addressed Varys as if I had no tongue to speak. A fact that burned with irritation.

"I bow to no one. Not now, not ever." I spoke softly, keeping the mercenary in my sights as he reached for his sword. Kill him. Free us.

"You will bow before the true queen. Have you no respect?" The dark haired girl demanded as she stepped forward. A smile pulled at the corner of my mouth, as I took a step forward. The mercenary matched my movements, coming slowly down the stairs, posture bordering on arrogant.

"With respect, I watched one child break a kingdom and a people. I am in no rush to do so again."

"Watch your tongue." The mercenary growled, eyes hardening as his grip on his sword's hilt tightened. I'm just getting started.

"I can see it. The same fear I left behind is in the eyes of your people. Protector of the Seven Kingdoms? If this continues, you will be their downfall." Pain laced my arm as blood trickled along tanned skin, fire dancing in the mercenary's eyes as he moved in to smack me with his sword. Kill them.

"Elena, don't." Varys' voice was a distant echo as I shed the skin of Elena. Reborn into violence and rage. My blade became yet another limb, as I twirled out of the way, using the risky move to gain more distance. He was a viper, strikes quick and precise, as he struck rapid fire. My arm aching under each blow, as he tried to knock me to the floor. An angry hiss passed parched lips as he managed to knick my leg. You're getting slow with your fatigue. You have to always remain quick. Always vigil. My uncle's voice echoed in my mind as I waited for his next strike, blinking away sweat as my eyes burned.

"You will bow today girl. Even if I have to cut your legs from under you " He growled, though as he lifted his sword with both hand, he aimed at my head. My knife raised to meet the blow, his blade sliding along mine, grazing my shoulder as I stepped in close, slamming my head into his nose as my knee met his groin. A loud whoosh of air warmed my face as my fist worked to open his fresh wound wider.

"Bitch." He growled lowly, hands trapping mine against my side. I snapped, teeth biting deeply into his shoulder, blood pooling in my mouth as he yelling in pain. My head reeled, lighting striking a sickening blow as bile rose in my throat.

"My queen, I ask you to show mercy. Stop this fight." Varys begged as he came before the queen once more. I swayed on unsteady feet, spitting the mercenary's blood onto the stone.

"Shut up fool. I'm winning." I panted as the mercenary tried to mop up the blood steadily flowing down his arm. His sword arm, I noted with mild interest. Varys muttered something under his breath, but did not speak again.

"End this little girl. Bow before your superior."

"Say a prayer to the Gods sellsword. You will soon be meeting them." I was renewed, strength coming from the darkness as it's ebony void swallowed all remaining thought. Kill them. He tried to steady himself as I attacked, vision red and blood boiling, but he knew nothing of what I'd become. The monster that I'd unleashed. Kill them. There was a gasp of fear and a cry of outrage as I pounced, his sword skidding across the floor as I rode him down, knees crashing with bruising force. His eyes fluttered, expression dazed as I held my knife high in the air. Kill them! Free us! A wild scream, like that of an animal, broke free from my lips as my blade fell, hands trembling as I watched my enemy fall further into that daze, blood pooling about him as the dark haired girl rushed down the stairs. It was then that I looked down at my work. His once handsome chiseled face was cracked, blood rendering him almost faceless. His eye was beginning to swell, while there was much work to be done on the bite gleaming on his shoulder. What have I done?

"Elena?" Varys called softly, approaching me with hands out, like I was a rabid dog he was trying to calm.

"I… He just.." I expect to see disgust and fear in the child ruler's face, but there was only awe and respect.

"Vary of King's Landing. I will grant you a seat at my table, if she will join you." I laughed before I could help myself, the sound near hysterical as tears trickled down flushed cheeks.

"Me? A monster at your table? How thoughtful." She considered me, silently, head tilted as if I were a puzzle she couldn't quite figure out.

"If you won't sit at my table, then I would like you at my back. Help protect me where my mercenary couldn't." Varys cleared his throat, eyes wide and pleading. Free us! Teeth grit as pain flared in my skull, nearly driving me to my knees.

"Please Elena." Varys whispered, sweat dripping along his forehead. Tears gathered in my eyes as I thought of all the bodies that have fallen before me and all the lives I have yet to take.

"Of course, my lady." She frowned, but seemed content with the answer as she waved two guards over.

"See that he makes it to our healers. Missandei, please show our guest to their chambers. We'll meet again once you're rested and looked after."

"Thank you, my queen." Varys hurriedly spoke, before I could. Though he needn't have worried, I had no more words to speak. "Come along Elena." I cast one last look to assure myself the mercenary was still breathing, before I followed silently behind. What have I become?