Chapter 9

Unfortunate situation

"Good morning," Tyrion greeted Elyse. She looked just as dignified as always, but she also looked somehow lost walking across the long cold hallways of Winterfell.

"I am afraid the morning is long gone," she replied smiling.

"Well, I just woke up, so this is morning to me," he replied and paused for a moment before continuing. "How are you, my dear girl?"

"Fine, thank you."

Her voice was calm as usual, but he picked up her fatigue.

"Are you sure?" he asked carefully.

She sighed tiredly.

"Everything is as fine as it can be I suppose."

"Have you seen the King?"

She nodded.

"I have, but he made it clear that he has no intention to speak to me. Not today anyway."

"Yes, he can be... stubborn," Tyrion stated, although that wasn't the word he would have liked to use. "And your husband?"

"I have not seen him today," she replied a bit tensely.

Tyrion hesitated before continuing. He had always liked the little Elyse and he had known that her marriage with Darius Arryn had been everything but happy. She didn't deserve another miserable marriage, especially since Cersei was responsible for the poor girl's unfortunate situation.

"Everything went well, I trust?"

"Yes," she replied simply. "And I had a lovely chat with your sister this morning. She seems to be enjoying her victory."

"Unfortunately, I'm not surprised," he sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Why should you be, you have not done anything."

"I know, but she is my sister."

"And Robert is my brother. Such a lovely families we have."

"Indeed," Tyrion replied dryly. "I truly hope that you can find happiness in this new marriage. Just think about how much that would infuriate Cersei."

Elyse smiled.

"I believe you are right. Thank you for your kindness, I won't forget it."

"No need to thank me, my dear girl. Just take care of yourself."

"You too."

"Of course," Tyrion replied smiling. "I always do."

Jon looked at his father disbelievingly.

"What?"

"It belongs to you now," Lord Stark confirmed.

Jon still couldn't believe it. Moat Cailin belonged to him...

"I am truly grateful, father, but... Forgive me, but is it a proper place for a lady?"

Jon remembered the degraded castle, cold and almost barren land, constant mist, darkness... No, he certainly couldn't imagine taking Lady Elyse to a place like that.

"That was the King's decision," Lord Stark sighed.

That sounded nothing but cruel to Jon.

"Father..."

"I have already sent men to make the castle as comfortable as possible," Lord Stark assured. "Of course, the renovation will take some time, but I believe it can be made a suitable home for you and Lady Elyse."

Jon wasn't so sure about that, the place was very isolated, but obviously he didn't want to be disrespectful. If he would have been alone, he would have rejoiced for such an opportunity, but he also needed to think about his wife. She had grown up in King's Landing, in the middle of wealth, lavishing feasts and who knew what else. How could he take her to a place like Moat Cailin and expect her to be happy there?

"I am concerned that she won't have much company there," Jon stated.

"Yes, of course she needs maids and a handmaiden or two. I assume you will let her make those choices herself?"

For a moment Jon couldn't understand what his father was talking about. Let her? Then he remembered. Her property was now his property. That didn't sound right at all.

"Of course," he murmured.

Lord Stark looked at him sympathetically and placed his hand on Jon's shoulder.

"I understand your concerns and to be honest, I agree with you. Unfortunately, the King made his decision and he is not willing to change it. I did point out the same worries than you, but he thinks that his sister will be fine at Moat Cailin. However, I do think that manning it again is not a bad idea."

Jon agreed and he couldn't deny that a part of him was excited for this opportunity.

"Of course, you are welcome to stay here until you have suitable living quarters at Moat Cailin. I doubt that the King has anything against that."

"Thank you, father, I won't let you down."

Lord Stark smiled.

"I know you won't."

"Moat Cailin?" Jaime repeated.

"Yes, a suitable place for her, isn't it?" Cersei hummed smiling.

She was more than pleased with herself for getting rid of the arrogant little whore. If the girl would have kept her mouth shut this morning, then perhaps Cersei wouldn't have suggested Moat Cailin to Robert. The place was absolutely perfect. Like a tomb. She would stay there for the rest of her miserable life and Cersei would never have to hear from her again.

"No one has lived there for ages," Jaime stated.

"Yes, well, at least she won't be bored. There will be plenty of work for her to do."

Jaime didn't reply, but his look told Cersei that he wasn't pleased.

"What is wrong?" she asked softly.

"She doesn't deserve this," he murmured. "I didn't want to ruin her whole life."

Cersei's eyes narrowed. Did Jaime actually care about the little whore?

"It's done," she replied coolly. "We did what we had to do."

Again, Jaime didn't reply. Cersei sighed and touched his shoulder.

"She is a grown woman, perfectly capable of taking care of herself. You mustn't think about her anymore."

Jaime's heart had always been too soft for his own good. Cersei's wasn't. She had learned quickly what it took to survive in King's Landing. She had learned that mercy was nothing but weakness and she wasn't weak. Jaime belonged to her and only to her. He loved her unlike any other man. Unlike Robert. Cersei didn't know how she would have survived all those years married to Robert without Jaime. He was hers and no little whore would ever take him from her.