A/N: Hello everyone! Back again… I hope you are not all still mad at me for killing off Oberyn… Haha!
Thanks for all the new follows, favorites and especially the reviews, it really helps me in my writing but just remember that I am still learning as well: this is my first fanfic after all.
Before I start: my new fanfic co-written with DarylDixon'sLover is online now: Storm of Fire. You should check it out
For now: Enjoy!
…..
Alyssa
Alyssa woke up from the worst night sleep she ever had. She felt like she hadn't slept at all because she was thinking all night about how she could save Tyrion now. One theory was more unlikely than the other and in the end she concluded that there was nothing she could do to help him out of this situation: by the end of this day her brother would be dead. After she had realized that, her thoughts made room for tears and loud sobs filled the room.
She hated them all: her father, sister, Shae… Alyssa knew they wanted Tyrion dead because his knowledge was a big threat to them. This wasn't because of Lady Joanna anymore. This was purely because her sweet sister couldn't stand that Tyrion was smarter and more capable of ruling the Seven Kingdoms than she was. And her father.. Well maybe her father hated Tyrion for what he did to his first wife, which wasn't even his fault but she also knew it irritated her father that Tyrion grew up to be a smart man, not easily deceived by his cunning words.
She sat on the edge of her bed as she found it hard to open her eyes because they were so swollen. She heard some soft footsteps behind her and when she turned her head she saw vaguely that Eleonor walked up to her.
"Oh, m'lady. I heard you were sobbing this night." Eleonor sat down next to Alyssa and put an arm around her.
Alyssa was never comforted by Eleonor before, more the other way around, but she was happy that there was someone else she could talk to apart from her family.
"There is nothing I can do, Eleonor. And that makes me feel so weak and stupid. If it was for me that was being locked up and threatened by dead, Tyrion would have come up with a genius plan to save me and I would be free as a bird soon enough.. I feel like I have letting him down." She said as tears filled her eyes again.
"You did everything you possibly could, m'lady. You have tried to talk to your father and everyone knows he is a hard one to talk over. I am sure Tyrion will be thankful and proud of you." She hugged Alyssa tightly as she stroked her golden hair.
"I just wish he never demanded a trial by combat. Maybe then things would have turned out okay." Alyssa growled. She was still quite angry of Tyrion's stupid plan.
Eleonor sighed: "Forgive me m'lady but I think that wouldn't have made much of a difference. I think your father and sister planned this from the moment your nephew King Joffrey was lying dead on the floor.
Alyssa sighed as well: "Yeah. I guess you're right. Thank you Eleonor, I really appreciate your honesty and comfort."
"I am always here if you have need of me. Even in troubled times." She gave her a warm smile and continued: "M'lady, I have run a bath for you so you could relax. Your sister the Queen has inquired you to share breakfast with her and your brother Ser Jaime."
Alyssa sighed again: the last thing she wanted was to share breakfast with her sister. "Do I really have to go?" She asked Eleonor.
"It is not in my place to say so, m'lady, but I think it's most wise that you do. I will leave you for now so that you can prepare yourself. I have left you your favorite red dress with the golden myrish lace on it." Eleonor stood up and wanted to leave.
"Wait," Alyssa thought, "Could you please bring me another dress? I am not in a Lannister-mood today." She admitted.
Eleonor looked confused: "Of course, m'lady. What dress do you want to wear today?"
"The blackest you can get." She answered as she made her way to the bath.
She undid her nightgown and stepped into the hot water as she began to wash the salt water off her face. She decided that she would not let Cersei and her father getting the best of her and that she would stay strong. If not for herself, then for her brother Tyrion.
She got out of the water after a few moments and dried herself. Eleonor did get her a black dress: not the one she wore at the funeral of Joffrey, Eleonor knew better, but one that she had never wore before. She had several black dresses, for funerals and other less festive gatherings, but until now she was very lucky that she didn't have to wear them often.
It was a simple, all-black dress made of cotton with long sleeves. On the sides there were pieces of lace with a pattern of flowers on it. She combed her hair but did nothing more with it and when she saw the reflection in the mirror she looked totally different than she used to, which she wanted it to be. She put on a heavy scent of lavender and cinnamon and walked towards the door to go to breakfast with her siblings.
Alyssa walked into the room where Jaime and Cersei already sat. Jaime looked confused at her, for he didn't know her like this, but Cersei looked like she already expected something like this. A nasty smirk was on her face.
"Come and sit, my love." She told Alyssa as she waved a hand to a chair next to Jaime. She sipped out of her goblet that was filled with arbor gold.
"I see you are already dressed for the execution this evening? Or is it because you mourn for Prince Oberyn? I have heard that you were very close." She ended.
Alyssa gave her a sweet smile. She knew Cersei didn't show interest in her personal life, she just wanted to mock Alyssa with her own victory.
"Yes, we were. A great loss. He fought so well. And as for the dress: I thought I would dress in the same color like how I feel on the inside."
Cersei smiled to her as well: "You're a clever girl. A pity you should leave us so soon."
"The North will be grateful to have a lady like you." Jaime said to her and gave her a warm smile, and she saw that he meant it.
"Oh please," she spat. "There are not enough black dresses in the Realm to take with me to the North." She didn't meant to sound like that to Jaime, for he was sincerely being nice to her, but she just couldn't control herself. Jaime just laughed nervously at her remark.
Cersei turned her gaze to Jaime: "I have heard you visited Tommen this morning. What was it about?"
Jaime thought for a moment: "King's Guard stuff. He finds it annoying that Ser Meryn follows him everywhere he goes so I replaced him with Ser Loras." He smiled to Alyssa and she knew that was not all he talked about with Tommen.
"And may I ask you why you replaced him with Ser Loras? You know I don't trust the Tyrell's and neither should you." Cersei whispered.
"Because Tommen is very fond of Ser Loras. And a better companion than Ser Meryn." Jaime shrugged. "Don't you agree, Lys?" He asked Alyssa.
"Totally. Now, where is our food? I am famished." She said as she looked around to see that three servants came into the room with platters of food in their hands. They left them on the table and bowed to them as they walked out again.
Jaime, Cersei and Alyssa broke their fast in silence. The tension was high, but no one tried to break it. When the servants cleaned the table, Cersei stood up.
"I have to go and see Ser Ilyn to talk about the execution." She waited for an answer, but both Jaime and Alyssa didn't give her one. Cersei didn't show her disappointment and walked out of the room.
When Jaime didn't hear any footsteps anymore, he decided he could speak to Alyssa.
"There was something else I talked to Tommen about." He whispered.
"Like I didn't know that. What was it about?" Alyssa asked curiously.
Jaime looked around to inspect the room. "We shouldn't discuss it here. Take me back to your chambers and we'll talk over there." He whispered.
He took Alyssa by the arm with his good hand as they walked out of the room, back to Alyssa's chambers. They were both silence as they walked, only nodding now and then when someone greeted them.
When they were at her chambers, he opened the door for her and let her in.
"Oh my gallant Ser!" Alyssa exclaimed dramatically and Jaime smirked to her.
He inspected the room to see if someone was there. "Is Eleonor here? Or will she be here?"
"No and she won't be until I ask her. Now, enough with the mysteries. What's going on?" Alyssa was very curious by now because she never saw Jaime this way: her eldest brother was a man of action, not of well-thought plans.
Jaime sighed: "I have seen Tyrion right after the trial yesterday. He informed me about a great deal of your personal life." He looked questionly at her with one eyebrow up.
Alyssa was shocked: what did Tyrion tell him? And why? She didn't answer Jaime until he spoke again.
"You never told me you were that fond of bastards, little cub." He teased her and Alyssa knew Tyrion must have told him about Jon, although she didn't show her speculations.
"Indeed I am. That's why father betrothed me to one, remember?" She answered his facial expression and also lifted one eyebrow up.
"Oh come on you know what I'm talking about. Stop playing games. " He said impatiently before he continued: "He talked to me about the most boring visit I've ever made to Winterfell. He told me you enjoyed it very much on the other hand."
Jaime chuckled as Alyssa blushed.
"You are not going to tell Cersei or father, are you?" She asked him.
"What? No, of course not! Those two are the last persons on earth I would discuss this with." He said.
Alyssa thought for a moment: why did Tyrion tell Jaime? He promised her he would never tell anyone.
"Why did Tyrion tell you all this?" She said suspiciously.
"Because he thought it would be too late if he didn't. He wanted to help you. I want to help you." He emphasized the word 'I'.
She narrowed her eyes and looked at him: "How?"
He smiled: "Ah, that's where Tommen comes in. You know how that little fellow is very fond of you. He wouldn't deny anything if it concerns you. Tyrion asked me to help you to find your way back to the man you really belong to. So I asked, well, advised Tommen that he should send you to the Wall to inspect it because they are in need of men. And as for your marriage to Ramsay, father annulled it."
Alyssa couldn't believe what she was hearing: her father knew about this too?
"Why did father do that?"
He sighed: "Petyr Baelish found another girl who seemed more qualified. Jeyne Poole, remember her? She was Sansa Stark's friend. She will marry him under the name of 'Arya Stark' because the Bolton's will have a firmer grip in the North. I feel bad for the girl though. So please visit Winterfell sometime to see if she's being treated well. Actually I am glad that it won't be you anymore."
She felt glad as well and for the first time this day she smiled and she meant it.
"But what if Jon is dead? The Wildlings attacked the Wall.." She worried.
"Lys, if Eddard Stark's bastard had been killed at the attack the words would have reached us by now. Now we really have to hurry before Cersei or father gets word of this. This is our little secret. Well, and Tyrion's. Here." He handed her a letter and she wanted to open it. "No, don't open it. It is sealed by Tommen and it would be worthless if you broke it. Only open it if you are in trouble during your journey. Ser Bronn will escort you. Not a man more because it will only draw attention. Ask for Eleonor and pack your things as soon as you can. Eleonor can come as well, they will start asking her questions when they found out that you are gone. I will wait for you at the stables and you'll be free to go."
"I am not leaving before Tyrion's execution." Alyssa growled.
Jaime sighed impatiently: "Lys, do you actually think I will leave our brother to die? Once I have sent you away, I will free him from his cell and Varys arranged a ship for him to go to Pentos."
Tears filled Alyssa her eyes because of happiness. She walked over to Jaime and hugged him tightly. "Thank you. Thank you so much." She said and she kissed his cheek. "I first need to send a raven to the Wall to tell him that I'm coming."
Jaime smirked: "I already did that. Hope he will be able to read it." He said and he let his golden hand up. "Can't write with this one. Now, hurry."
He walked over to the door when he reminded something: "Oh and Lys, please take that ridiculous dress off. Although it would look good at the Wall but I think you look awful in it."
She smiled: "Jaime?" She asked and he turned around. "Why do you do all this?"
He smiled back at her: "The things I do for love." He walked out of the door and closed it behind him.
When he was gone Alyssa changed into a blue gown and summoned Eleonor straight away and they start packing the things they mostly needed. They needed to travel light, so she only took one spare dress and underclothes, a small bottle of scented water, a brush and some golden dragons. She put everything in a small bag which she could buckle up at her horse and she put a cloak on, so no one would recognize her while she was leaving and during the journey.
Like Jaime said he should, he was already waiting at the stables with Bronn. They were in a serious conversation when they looked up at her.
"Do you have everything?" Jaime asked her.
"Yes. I cannot thank you enough for everything." Alyssa answered.
"It's alright. Bronn, please take good care of her." He turned to Bronn.
"I won' let anyone hurt her, Ser." Bronn nodded.
Jaime smiled and walked away. After a few moments he came back with two stallions: a grey one and a white one. He handed the grey one to Eleonor and the white one to Alyssa.
"Here. It's yours. Take it." He handed her the reins. "I think you have enough time during your journey to think of a name."
She looked her brother in the eye which were so similar to hers. "I already know one. Snow." She stated.
Jaime laughed: "Of course." He gave her one last hug and kissed her on her forehead. "I love you, Lys."
She smiled and she felt the tears sting in her eyes again: she would miss Jaime. And Tommen, and Tyrion… "I love you to Jaim. Please, tell Tommen and Tyrion that I love them as well and that I will think of them."
He smiled and Alyssa could see he was emotional as well: "I will." He helped Eleonor and Alyssa on their horse and nodded to them. Alyssa gave Snow a small kick and the stallion started to run out of the gates from King's Landing. When she looked back, she saw that Jaime still stood there but he was only a tiny dot. She wondered when she would see him again.
Jon
Jon was down at the courtyard of the Wall, training some of the men when he saw the Red Priestess in front of him.
"The King wants a word." She turned and walked away without waiting for an answer.
He was in two minds if he would follow her, for he wasn't sure to trust the Priestess, but decided to do so.
She waited for him in the wooden elevator and he nodded towards the man to lift it up. He felt very uncomfortable in her presence and they both stood in silence. Jon was the first to speak:
"Are you not cold my lady?" He asked.
"Never." She answered. "The Lord's fire lives within me Jon Snow." She said and she took his hand. She took his glove off and rested his hand at her cheek. "Feel."
He felt that she was indeed very warm. Het let go of her hand and put his glove back on.
"Are you a virgin?" She asked.
He immediately thought of Alyssa and Ygritte and decided to answer the weird question truthfully: "No."
She stared at him: "Good." She simply said which made him feel even more uncomfortable.
When the elevator was up, they both stepped out on top of the Wall. He could see King Stannis and Ser Davos Seaworth were watching the view towards North of the Wall. Melisandre and Jon walked over towards them.
"Your Grace," Melisandre said as Stannis and Davos turned around. "The bastard of Winterfell."
Jon bowed out of courtesy. Stannis walked over to him.
"You know who rules at Winterfell now?" He asked Jon.
Jon looked down to the icy ground: "Roose Bolton." He simply said.
Stannis growled: "The traitor who planted a dagger in Robb Stark's heart. Don't you want to avenge him?"
Jon sighed: "I want great many things, Your Grace. But I am a sworn brother of the Night's Watch now."
"I have been talking to those brothers of yours." Davos Seaworth spoke. "Many of them love ya."
Jon nodded: "There are good men."
"And many of them don't." Davos continued. "You were seen taking the body of a Wildling girl North of the Wall. Why?" He demanded.
Jon looked away: "It was where she belonged."
"Some of the Night's Watch feel like you have too many affections towards the Wildings." Davos stated.
"They were born on the wrong side of the Wall. That doesn't make them monsters." Jon said while looking at Davos.
"No matter." Stannis smirked. "I will take back the North from the thieves who stole it. Tywin Lannister's dead and he can't protect them now. I shall mount Roose Bolton's head on a spike. But if I am to take Winterfell I will need more men."
"The men of the Night's Watch have sworn to take no part…" Jon started but King Stannis interrupted him.
"I am not talking about the damn Night's Watch. I am talking about the Wildlings." He smirked as he could see that Jon was confused. Stannis walked away as Davos and Melisandre followed him.
Jon followed them as well and walked over to Stannis: "Your Grace.. You want the Wildlings to march in your army?"
Stannis still had his smirk on his face: "If they swear to follow me, I'll pardon them. We'll take Winterfell once the North is won I'll declare them as citizens of the Realm. I'll give them lands to live on."
"It's a fair offer. More than fair." Davos stated once more and Jon knew he was right, although he knew Mance would never accept those terms.
"I'll offer them their life's and their freedom. If Mance kneels before me and swears his loyalty." Stannis continued.
"I don't think that's likely." Jon told him true.
Stannis smirked at him and he walked away again. This time, Jon followed him first.
"You admire him, don't you?" Stannis asked while they walked.
"I respect him."
"He likes you." Stannis stated. "Convince him to bend the knee."
Jon sighed: "Your Grace…"
"Or he burns." Stannis finished as he knew that Jon would do anything to not make that happen. Stannis, Melisandre and Davos walked away as Jon stood still.
"How much time do I have?" He yelled.
"Nightfall." Stannis yelled back. "Sun drops fast this time of year. Hurry, Jon Snow." He finished and walked away with his party.
Jon thought for a moment. He would talk to Mance as soon as possible to convince him. But how could he? He was only a man of the Night's Watch. A man who betrayed him and ruined his trust. He never thought it would be possible.
He could hear loud footsteps from behind him as he saw Samwell running over to him. He looked exhausted.
"Jon! There was a raven! For you! Here!" Samwell handed him a little piece of parchment which was sealed with the Baratheon stag and the Lannister lion.
'King's Landing.' He thought.
He broke the seal and opened the letter. It had only a few words on it and was written quickly and sloppy:
'She's coming.'
A/N: I bet I don't have to tell you who sent the letter? ;-) Told you that I would make it up to you.
Oh and Stannis told Jon that Tywin is already dead: the raven would never reach him in one day, the day that Alyssa left, so there is a bit of a time lap between the two parts.
Hint for next chapter: Alyssa finds out about the death of her father, Cersei finds out that she's gone and Jon's reaction to the letter of Jaime!
Please let me know what you thought! See you next week