Sansa sensed that something had changed after the group had discussed being followed by Lord Varys's sparrows. She'd noticed the distrustful glances from the other men, Enjolras's frowns as she caught him looking over at her as she worked behind the counter.

They don't trust me. They think it is my fault they're being followed. Perhaps it is...I should have known the Lannisters would not let me go so easily. If I have to leave here swiftly and strike out on my own...

Don't be a fool Sansa, you wouldn't even make it to the gates of King's Landing, let alone the many leagues back to Winterfell.

She was surprised how much their distrust hurt her. She shouldn't care what they thought of her, but deep down she did. Every suspicious glance from Enjolras's stern marble countenance was like a blow to the heart. She plunged herself into her work, scrubbing surfaces and taking coins from the patrons with a strained smile, trying not to care about the situation.

I wish Eponine was here, she'd understand. I could talk to her and explain what is going on. If only I could make them understand that I keep silent for their sake too. The less they know about me, the less the group would be incriminated in my escape attempt.

Perhaps she should return to captivity at the palace... even as the thought entered her mind she knew that she couldn't willingly do it. To place her head meekly back into the yoke as if she'd never had the taste of freedom.

How do you expect them to trust you if you can't even tell them the truth? No wonder they suspect that you might be a spy. She heartily wished she hadn't been so forthcoming about the Master of Whispers and his network of spies.

I'm not upset. I will deal with this as I have dealt with every setback I have faced since I left Winterfell - with grace.

Sansa pasted a smile onto her face, even though being sweet and friendly was the last thing she felt like being at the moment.

One of the group was at the bar, getting a pint- Jehan the bard with his delicate features and flowers in his hair. She remembered his kindness and admiration of her beauty, how he had called her a Northern Rose and thrilled her by kissing her hand, just like in the tales.

"Can I get you anything, Ser?"

He gave a her a friendly smile, trying to get her to trust him a little. "Musichetta told me that you've been slaving away all morning."

"I have so much to do-" demurred Sansa. "I need to earn my keep, I can't afford to slack-"

"We're the only ones in the tavern at the moment." pointed out Jehan, "- besides, Combeferre and I would like to talk to you for a bit, if you wouldn't mind."

"Go on lass, I can hold the fort here." Musichetta encouraged. "Jehan and Combeferre are good lads, wouldn't hurt a flea."

Sansa bit her lip looking unsure, but since Musichetta gave her a push towards him she could hardly refuse.

They walked past the rest of the group on the way to the alcove. Sansa tried to catch Enjolras's attention but he gave a deliberate distrustful look and turned from her.

For a moment she blinked, eyes suspiciously bright and then she lifted her chin and walked straight past him, proud and imperious as a queen despite her humble clothes and occupation. She didn't even notice his sideways glance of regret but Jehan certainly did.

"He doesn't trust me-" she told him. "He thinks...you all think that just because I knew about Lord Varys and his spy network that I am one of them."

"I'm sorry- I really am...and now I've put you all in danger. I did not mean for any of this to happen. All I wanted was to give you what I had in exchange for what you've all done for me."

Jehan was struck by the sadness in her voice, how her eyes lingered on Enjolras's golden beauty, even though he had turned away from her. He almost wanted to warn her off, to spare her the heartache of being entranced by him, when he wouldn't be able to give her the love and tenderness that she needed, but it was too late, judging by the hand-holding and the deliberate snubbing they were both doing to each other.

And to think dear Combeferre would give his right hand for her to look upon him in that way, but the girl falls for the unattainable demi-god instead... he thought, shaking his head.

"You must admit, it did seem very strange that you knew so much about these 'little sparrows'?"

"Everyone knew about them at court, though they dared not speak openly. 'Twas hardly a secret, ser-"

Jehan and Combeferre exchanged a look.

"You knew that you were being spied upon?" Jehan asked, leaning curiously forward. "How could you have lived like that?"

Like a songbird in a golden cage. No wonder the lass had taken her chance and ran.

"At court, we knew better than to speak out of turn. The little birds would know what you spoke of before you had even opened your mouth. You can't underestimate them, do you see?"

"Yes, I think I do understand-" Jehan said slowly considering her words. "I think there has been misunderstandings on both sides here."

Show the girl a bit of kindness and she blossoms just like one of my flowers, thought Jehan. See how she shut down when she thought we were snubbing her. How upset she was when Enjolras turned his back on her. We have to be wise here and gain the lass's trust.

"But I have to ask, why do they want you so badly if you're just a serving-maid?-" Combeferre asked.

"It's not that I'm lying – it's just that there are things it's not safe for you to know." she said earnestly. "All I need is some help to leave the city and get to Riverrun and you'll never see me again."

Did she not know of the war being waged in the Riverlands by the Young Wolf and Tywin Lannister's troops, burning pillaging and raping as they went? Or was she so desperate to get away that she cared not about plunging from one dangerous situation into another?

"'Tis dreadfully dangerous out there. Are you sure that is what you want?"

"Yes.

As Sansa went back to work Combeferre and Jehan conferred between themselves in hushed voices.

"So what do you think? Is she a spy?" Combeferre asked. "-because I will not lie to you, Enjolras is very concerned-"

And I'd warrant he is even more distrustful because he is entranced by the girl and does not dare admit it, even to himself.

Jehan shook his head. "No. I think she's even more keen to get away from the court and King's Landing than we are. She's in hiding. I don't think the 'sparrows' are looking for us."

Combeferre found that hard to believe.

"- I think they're looking for her."

"Hiding from what though? Who is she?" Combeferre frowned, trying to work it all out. "If she's just a serving maid, why has she got spies searching for her? Royal spies?"

"Perhaps she knows something-"

"Lord Eddard was executed as a traitor, or so the Lannisters claimed. But perhaps he knew something- something explosive about the regime- and they think the girl knows it too?"

"Twould be easily done. If she was a member of the household and she overheard something she was not meant to-"

"So you think she is telling the truth?"

"I think she is keeping something from us, but the girl is sincere. She's no spy, but she could be pretty useful for us."

"Really, Jehan?"

He nodded. "Definitely. She's an insider. She has knowledge of the court and the regime and for some reason they want her back, to silence her. If she trusted us enough to tell us that secret."

"Treat her with a bit of kindness. Get her to trust the group. She was starting to, until this situation with the spies came up. she'll talk eventually, you'll see."

"So are you going to persuade Enjolras, or shall I?"

Combeferre sighed. Much as he didn't like it, he was firmly involved now. "We'll both do it, Jehan. He trusts me, for what it's worth."

Gods, help him he hoped he and Jehan were making the right decision!