Chapter Three: The Pastry
Unable to help her now, he didn't allow his personal emotions to overcome him at the table. Starring at the servant girl he observed how many men was with Gregor. Eight men, all infantry, all muscle. He would never be able to overcome him.
Damn this food. Everything in his middle had gone sour. He wouldn't be able to fight the way he was sweating and the wine had too much of a stronghold on him. It was a futile mess. Still, there was one bit of knowledge that brought him comfort. He knew Gregor's usual abuse had a cycle. As a young man he observed Gregor's usual role with servants...he would take a woman, beat the woman, fuck the woman, and discard her in the morning.
She will survive. He hadn't beaten her so badly- he likes her pretty. After bedding her tonight he will get bored of her and let her go…I will be there to pick up the pieces.
The word "coward" crossed his mind but he didn't entertain it. Not a coward. Just not damn stupid. I'm done with this…had she gone with me in the very beginning, had she kissed me back…none of this would have happened. She would have saved her own skin. I wouldn't have beaten her; I am the better Clegane. She didn't appreciate him. She brought this upon herself. I even warned her. With new perspective he glanced at the crowd of soldiers. She was still sitting on the Mountains lap but he was leaving her alone. With one arm trapping her against his waist it sent a clear message: 'this-one-is-mine'.
Maybe he'll drink too much and pass out. He hoped for her sake.
The Hound wanted to avoid the Mountain at all costs. With the food out of him and no hope of taking in any more he got up from the table and made his way out of the hall.
"Hound!" A soldiers voice called out to him. Bronn, Tyrion's sell-sword, made his way towards him.
Reluctantly he stayed still so the idiot could catch up to him. "What do you want?" He leaned up against the wall to steady himself. He was so close to leaving, just outside of the hall. Glancing to his left he could see Gregor getting up. Bronn started talking drunkenly about some bullocks or another but he didn't bother to pay attention. The Mountain handled the servant girl less than gentle. He grabbed her wrist as he led her through the hall, fast approaching their stance.
"Furthermore don't you agree that-"Bronn kept drunkenly rambling as the Mountain moved closer. Gregor switched from taking her wrist to grabbing the front bodice of her dress. His immense grip lowered the fabric exposing her breasts. Gregor only had one thing in mind it seemed and didn't take much notice of his little brother. She made eye contact with him in passing.
She was pleading. Her eyebrows furrowed in pain as she was manually dragged, resisting the giant with what little strength she had. Pathetic. Within an arms reach she silently mouthed 'help me'.
"No." He answered back coldly. He was tired and he wanted to look out for himself. The way he was meant to, the way he was used to.
"Exactly!" Bronn threw up his arms believing Sandor was talking to him. "I'm so glad someone agrees! Even if it's you!"
He walked away from the sell-sword. "Hey where ya going?" Bronn called after him.
"Fuck you sweet whore. I'm going to fuck you raw." He could hear Gregor sing threats into her hair down the hallway. The servant looked back to see him walking behind.
"Please." She mouthed to Sandor frenzied. She reached back with a free arm wanting him to grab her. He observed how distressed she looked. It was the same kind of distressful confusion she had after he had kissed her at the tourney.
He nodded no.
Tears welled up into her eyes and a deep part of him felt relieved. He finally felt like himself again- hard inside enough that he didn't care about the girl's fate. He wanted her to feel rejected. He wanted her to feel how alone she was, how horrible the world was. He wanted his brother break her into a thousand pieces just like he had done to him. He wanted to make her understand how things were and how sorry she should have been to not listen to him. That she hadn't chosen to be with him instead.
Gregor threw her into a room that Sandor guessed was his for the night. Quietly he passed them and saw his brother glare at the younger sibling. Sandor only nodded knowing their fight was for another day. Gregor slammed the door behind him ready for his night of taking her.
Sandor awoke early. Light poured into the window beating on his head and he found that he was very sweaty. Getting ill was a dangerous business but he admitted he felt a lot better than last night. Lifting his arm he smelled himself. "Stinks." He growled. He would have to wash his body and maybe his clothes too. He took in a deep breath through his nose. Definitely needed to wash his clothes.
Gathering himself he opted for the a small washing courtyard. It most likely wouldn't be occupied this time of day. Everyone washed at night in the cloak of darkness. Going down the stairs he was led to a private garden . A large tub of water and soap fat had been left for those who needed it. Taking the last step down the stairs he paused. He was not alone.
Leaning over the tub she scrubbed herself vigorously although only her torso was nude. A large bruise on her side as big as his fist he thought maybe Gregor had broken a rib. He approached her softly so he wouldn't startle her. Her back curved away from him and he found his hand reaching to touch her gently on the shoulder. Frightened she turned around sharply to meet her intruder. He froze into position as recognition washed over her and she slowly turned her back to him in shame. Gathering her dress that was around her waist she tied it so her front was no longer naked. She lifted herself off he ground and curtsied at him.
"M'lord." She said softly. Even through her abuse she was still pretty. The curves of her neck and her strong features were intact just as he hoped they would remain.
"He's done a lot worse, little flower." He blocked the way of her exit. She didn't say anything but he saw her scan the courtyard for an alternative way out. "So quick to leave, small one? Have I lifted an arm towards you? Was it me that forced myself in you?" He could feel his fury build as he took a couple steps towards her. She backed up being pinned between the Hound and the tub.
"Please…sir…" Her voice faulted. "I-I just want to-"
"Do you have a hard time looking at my face? Is that what it is? Did it make your nose turn up when I kissed you back? Did you tell all your friends how funny it was when the Hound kissed you- how you tricked the Dog into giving you a present?" He grabbed her bruised jaw and she winced. "Look at me- ANSWER ME!" He yelled.
"I-I would never laugh at you-" She put her hands on his to get him off her face. He didn't relent.
"Did he do everything I told you he would? Did he pour his cum inside you all night? Did you like it?"
"N-no." Her bottom lip shuddered prettily and he strong-armed her to the ground on his left. She fell hard to the floor and slowly tried to crawl away towards the exit. He rubbed his neck and started to undo his clothing, getting ready for the task he had set down to do in the first place.
"Wash my clothes servant." He barked at her making it known she couldn't leave. He tossed his dirty shirt on her and she grabbed it with red knuckles. "And give back that necklace." Sourly he spat throwing another piece of clothing on the ground. Almost nude except for a cloth around his groin he picked up a soap bar began to wash his chest and arms as she worked in the corner of the gigantic tub scraping and dipping his clothes in the water.
She bent over and grinded his clothes against the washboard ignoring the water splashing on herself. Her long strands of hair cried droplets on her neck and chest as she worked soaking through the sheer dress. He tried to ignore her nakedness as he could make out every curve, every crevice in her body that had been touched by the water. Gods. He cursed as he felt himself go hard and wondered if his undergarment was adequate given the circumstances. He turned his back to her to hide his excitement and tried to splash some cool water on himself to make the arousal go down. Gregor just had her. He reminded himself.
"M'lord, your clothing." She interrupted holding out the garments to his back. He didn't turn around but looked over his shoulder.
"Put it over there then." He nodded by a dry fixture.
"Your necklace, too, good sir." She said putting the clothing in a pile and placing the trinket on top. Making a quick glace he caught her smiling at it in spite of herself. She arose and walked towards him. "Thank you-uh- thank you for letting me wear it." She said rather quickly to his back.
He turned around to face her, not caring about his nakedness. Not moving as he took a pace forward, she closed her eyes trying to focus on her words to him. "It-it was very kind. I-never meant- meant to offend..." Her chest heaved with the words.
He felt the sickness return back into his stomach but it was more dread than physical. After all this she's thanking me for a jewel. "Stupid girl! Do you learn nothing?" he questioned her crossly. He pushed her aside as he picked up his clothes.
"I-I'm so s-sorry-" She tried to fix her answer.
Even when she's broken she's still trying to please me. "Stop apologizing like a blithering idiot. I don't give two fucks about what servants think."
She bit her lip and curtsied taking his jarring reply as a sign to leave. "Yes, yes sir." She made her way up the stairs leaving him be.
"I hope you enjoyed your tryst with a real knight, my lady." He called up the stairs taunting her. Putting the last bit of clothing on he put his hand on his pocket to feel the necklace. A new sensation imprinted on him.
Jealousy.
The court days were long and boring. Mostly Joffrey sat upon the iron throne making noise and Sandor would imagine his hands and legs being cut by the swords that provided his seat. Once in a while there was an issue worth hearing about but Cersei would interject and pretend to be much cleverer than everyone knew she was. At the moment Joffrey was hearing the courts problems- asking requests to do menial things with its money. Lord Byron wanted permission to import new cloth from a foreign port which he had to agree on a tax… It was a boring business but necessary. It is a very good thing I never learned to sleep standing up.
"Ser Gregor Clegane asks permission to speak to you, your Grace!" the announcer shouted to the boy ceremoniously. The Hound kept his peace but silently wished the Mountain would just keel over and die already.
"Bring him in." Joffrey waved a hand, already too bored to care about pleasantries.
Gregor shuffled from the back of the main hall towards the throne and gave a low bow. "Your Grace." His deep voice penetrated the air.
"What can I do for you, Ser knight?" Joffrey shifted back into his chair.
"I am requesting to leave. Your grandfather, the Hand of the King, asked that I lead a campaign on the North to split what small allegiances lie with Robert Stark."
"You are permitted to do his bidding then." Joffrey waved.
"I want to bring a servant with me that is from your house."
The Hound stood still but felt his heart grip in fear. It was an odd request, but not unheard of. Calm down, Dog. It could be any one.
"I don't see why I would care about a servant." Joffrey laughed incredulously looking at the faces of his court for approval.
"My love, all people-even the low borns - are under your rule and care. You are their Protector." Cersei tenderly corrected. Joffrey huffed annoyed.
"Fine then. If it is your wish take him. Make him a squire for all I care."
"It's a girl." Gregor explained. "I wish to use her, and possibly have her as a wife."
"NO-" The Hound clenched his teeth snarling out loud but the real sin was that he had spoken out of turn. Gregor along with the rest of the court immediately focused on the Hound with new interest.
"QUIET, Dog!" Joffrey scolded. The Hound shook looking towards the ground. His head began to spin but he dare not take a step to steady himself.
"You are a knight, Ser Gregor. You can't marry a servant. Surely you know this." Cersei interjected. Her cruel mouth turned slightly upward and she was enjoying every minute of the attention.
"I don't care what she is, my lady. Her hips are wide for bearing children. I want to further the Clegane line."
"Marrying you would mean she would inherit land. Something not worthy of her status." Cersei explained she leaned over to glare at Sandor. Shaking with animosity he did his best to stay still and not give her the satisfaction of seeing his pain. "There are very pretty ladies I can match you to."
"I prefer to make my own choices. If land is the problem I will sign them to what male children we have. If I pass in battle or have no heir take the land back for the Lannisters and leave the line to die."
"It's a fair solution. You can never introduce her as a lady to the court, Ser Gregor." Cersei reminded him.
"Her uses don't require me to have her in the court, my Lady." Gregor grinned meeting Sandor's gaze. Murderously he grimaced back wondering if he was mad enough to attack him on the floor.
"Is there a problem Hound?" Cersei cooed. Damn her.
"It's a bad idea-" He said forcibly trying to choose his words carefully. "To bring a woman to battle. A servant girl- a low born, to further the House Clegane is insulting-"
"She probably has a Clegane babe in her right now." Gregor smirked showing all his foul teeth. "You've always been too weak to take a wife."
"I've never had the pleasure of going through two already!" Sandor spat.
"ENOUGH." Joffrey demanded. "Gregor take her as you please, but not on the battle field. Take her to your house and do with her what you want. Marry her for all I care."
"Thank you, your Grace." He pronounced every word.
One day I will kill you. Sandor growled as the giant kneeled and made his way out the court. I will take her from under you before you lay with her again…
A/N: It's a weird thing to be writing this and saying to yourself "OMG is this really happening? SHIT'S gettin' REAL!" And you know what? It is. What will Sandor do? Will he convince the servant girl he loves her? Will he show her that love? TUNE IN for next chapter!
