Since being in King's Landing, Iona had gained two more ladies. They were passed off as a welcome gift from the King, but she knew very well that they were sent by the Queen to spy on her. When they were around, she had always made sure to say positive things about the Queen, whenever she could, though she was inconspicuous about it - for if it was too over the top, they would become suspicious. Thankfully though, even if she was too obvious, they would have been too dim-witted to realise.

It had been a while since Iona had let Joffrey kiss her. She did not know whether he meant what he had said, or whether he had just said it in the moment of passion - and she hated not knowing. Today, she would walk with him in the Gardens, which was the only place in public where they could be alone. That was except for the guards who followed them, Though they always stayed out of hearings distance. Iona met him where she always did - at the back entrance.
The only setback was, that Joffrey expected her affection whenever he so wished. To start with it had been tedious and she had denied him, but as if happened more often, she found herself enjoying it. She grinned at him , and it was in no way feigned. Today she was genuinely pleased to walk with him, due to the fact that the Queen's spies would not cease with their unintelligent and frivolous gossip. Joffrey offered her arm and she graciously took it.
"I have worked hard my love, to ensure you have a good name, and I am pleased to tell you that it has worked. The people sing your praises." "Good, though let us not speak of that. I long to claim you as mine - to not have to hide my affection for you. I shall discuss with my father a date for our wedding."
She tried not to grin as she so wanted too. Iona was growing impatient. The sooner she married him, the easier it would be to claim the title of Queen when the King died - which would be undoubtedly soon, with the Gods blessing.
"If it is your wish, my love."
"It is."
"I only have one request - that it be a very quiet affair, that can be done soon. That way, we can marry soon and any big celebrations can happen later - and we can show of to the world."
"A good plan." Turning from her he sneered at a servant who's look lingered to long and snapped at him to leave.
Thankfully, even though now he was now bearable to the public, he still remained the uncharismatic, insufferable person that he had always been behind closed doors. On one occasion, she had risked herself again, to return to the dungeons. However, this time, she had taken the Prince with her - but made sure that he kept his face hidden, as she did.
He had waited in the tunnels whilst she knocked out the weasel, and when he came out, the look of adoration and amazement on his face was enough to keep her going for a few days. Her face had most definitely broken out into a smirk.

She scarcely had time to smile at his behaviour before she was called for my Rane who had come scampering down the gravel path.
"M'lady! M'lady!" She cried, crushing her skirts in her hand as she held them up to run.
"What is it?"
"It's your father, m'lady. He's been injured."
Dropping Joffrey's arm, she cried,
"I'm sorry, my prince, but I must attend my father. We will resume later?"
She did not wait for an answer as she sprinted off, leaving him standing there looking utterly bewildered. Iona urged her handmaiden to take her to her father immediately.
"Do you know what happened?"
"No, my lady. I was just sent to fetch you."
Holding her skirts, she sprinted down the path as fast as she could, ignoring the gravel that dug into the soles of her feet through her shoes.
As she ran past crowds of people, she noticed the lack of panic. Her father had just been injured and there was no panic! Why was there no panic? Her father was hurt!
Her father did not matter to anyone other than the small group that included herself.

Until this moment, she had never actually considered the mortality of her father - or his importance to her.
Though his honour would kill him one day, and he possessed many other fatal flaws, he was her father and she adored him. He had always given her the best advice, though most of it she ignored because it was to 'righteous'.
The door burst open, and Iona saw the Maester by the father. It was his leg, which had been wrapped in many bandages, though was still drenched in blood. Slowly, she made her way to his other side and asked for a wet cloth. Gently. she wiped the sweat off his forehead and lightly kissed his cheek.
"Iona,"
"Father, don't speak. Do not waste your energy."
Turning to the Maester, and one of her father's guard, who sat in the corner, she asked, "What happened?"
"He was attacked my lady, by Jaime Lannister."
"What?" She spat, "On what grounds?!"
"Lady Catelyn has taken Lord Tyrion as prisoner, accusing him of the attempted murder of Bran, my lady. He wanted him released."
"That is not the case! Of course it was not Lord Tyrion - he would not be able to do such a thing!" Iona cried, having to remove her hand from her father's face as she was starting to shake with anger. Of course, she knew for a fact that Tyrion had nothing to do with it.
"Where is Jory?" She demanded,
The guard slumped at the question, "Dead, my lady." He murmured, defeatedly.
Iona choked.
Ser Jaime could not be punished for this, but the guards could be. Unless they were a world away by now, they would not stand a chance against a vengeful Iona Stark.
Clenching her jaw, she raised herself up, with a look of fury on her face.
"Pycelle, look after my father." She commanded, and addressing the guard she asked, "Did you recognise any of the guards?"
"Only one, my lady - Hargrave, he killed Jory, my lady. I am so sorry, my lady."
"Do not be."
With that, she stormed out of the room.
How she would enjoy watching the light fade from his eyes.

Iona was not particularly fond of her family - only of it's reputation. How dare someone try to ruin it? They would pay - with their life.