Chapter 5
"I've heard whispers" said Varys, pulling down his hood as soon as he made it into her chambers
Sansa checked the corridor before closing the door. They weren't doing anything wrong; if anyone asked the spider was merely going through the plans for the upcoming war.
She gestured the eunuch to a seat, settling in across from him.
"Are these whispers going to help?" she asked
"Perhaps" he said, leaning forwards "it would appear some of the Lannister forces are uneasy with Cersei's treatment of our mutual friend"
"Why?"
"With Ser Jamie's death many see Tyrion as the true lord of Casterly Rock"
Sansa furrowed her brow "He was found guilty of regicide and he killed his father - surely he has no claim to the Lannister titles?"
"He was never formally disinherited as no royal decree was issued even after he fled to Essos. Aside from that, Cersei is guilty of far worse crimes. It's common knowledge she orchestrated the explosion at the Sept of Baelor that killed Queen Margaery, though people avoid mentioning it"
"Are there any other Lannister's left with a claim?"
Varys shook his head "All dead. Cersei killed their uncle Kevan and his son Lancel in the Sept explosion"
Sansa turned the information in her mind. It did make sense. As a child she may have seen all Lannister soldiers as evil but it was entirely possible some were uncomfortable serving a Queen as cruel as Cersei.
"If Tyrion is their lord shouldn't they be helping him?" she asked
"Fear of sharing his fate keeps them away" he confided "but if it was clear Cersei would be defeated, I believe it's likely the Lannister forces would give her up in favour of Tywin Lannister's last son"
"And Tyrion should suddenly accept that these men who hurt him are now loyal to him?"
Varys shrugged "That would be an issue for lord Tyrion, but given our priority is rescuing him it is helpful to know some guards may be sympathetic to our cause"
Sansa nodded, looking for any way to use the information. Varys gave her updates on Tyrion but she knew he kept the worst from her. Knowing that he was being hurt was enough to haunt her dreams. Just yesterday Varys had shut down one of their ideas of a covert rescue.
'From what my little birds say Tyrion will be unable to leave the Red Keep under his own power'
He'd refused to elaborate but the message was clear enough. Tyrion was hurt to the point where he would need to be carried and likely need immediate care. A stealthy escape up and down ladders and hidden passages was no longer possible. Sansa pushed the thought from her mind focusing on the task before her. Time was running short before Daenerys attacked Kings Landing and they needed to reach Tyrion before then - a task which was becoming increasingly impossible.
A whimper fell from Tyrion as he tried to curl up in the corner of his cell.
Everything hurt.
Of all the ways he'd thought Cersei would punish him for his escape attempt he'd never imagined what would actually happen. A shudder went through him at the memory of Qyburn's inhuman eyes alight with fascination as he mutilated him. When Qyburn had forced some sort of potion down his throat he'd feared it was more poison but the truth was so much worse. His whole body had shut down, refusing to so much as twitch. All he'd been able to do was groan in agony as his hand was cut open.
Tyrion screwed his eyes shut as nausea rolled through him. He'd felt everything, and been unable to escape any of it. Cersei had been watching of course, mocking his weakness and promising more pain to come.
It hadn't taken long.
When Qyburn had satisfied his curiosity and Cersei was satisfied with the punishment he'd been thrown back in his cell with his ruined arm. The paralysis of his body had gradually worn off, though his arm alternated between burning agony and nothing. Desperate to escape his hell even for a little while, he'd tried to sleep in the corner of the dank cell. No sooner had he closed his eyes did the cell door bang open and two Lannister guards came into the cramped space.
'The Queen sent us'
That was all they said before the violence began. Boots and fists had thudded into him in a flurry of violence, his body creaking and shaking under the abuse. There was no chance to escape. He was far too weak, his arm was crippled – all he could do was hope death would finally come.
When it was done the guards left as suddenly as they came, leaving him bleeding and shaking in the darkness.
It had been a few hours since then and he hadn't stopped shaking. He daren't close his eyes in case they came back; not that he could protect himself if they did.
Tyrion dropped his head back against the wall as tears raced down his face. What had he done to deserve this? His whole life had been unending cruelty and he wouldn't have any dignity in death either.
'Be brave for me; I'll come back for you - I promise' whispered Daenerys voice
"Liar" he said, his voice scratchy and weak "I was nothing to you – to anyone"
What would Daenerys think if she saw him now? Would she pity him like she did the beggars in Mereen, or would she be satisfied? She had Jon now; she didn't need him anymore. She had Missandei, Grey Worm – an army of people who were her friends, who would risk anything for her. They were probably all laughing about his fate. Had they all known she wouldn't come for him? He thought he'd found a place with Daenerys; that he had friends – that he was part of something. Everything had been a lie.
Tyrion had only one true friend in the world; and Daenerys had killed him.
He could almost imagine the glee in her lilac eyes as she killed Jamie. The image of Daenerys sent a crushing pain through his chest that threatened to rip him apart. He'd trusted her – believed in her.
'You're my friend Tyrion'
Sansa's words sang through his mind, pulling him back to Winterfell that seemed a lifetime ago.
"You've no need to worry about Jamie. He's here to keep his promise to fight against the dead - he's not a threat" he said, laying his hand on Sansa's arm as they worked
"He attacked my father in Kings Landing, and killed our men" she said, a frown on her face "he's a known oath-breaker and Cersei's twin brother. I can't trust Lannister's"
"Oh…of course" he said, something twisting in his chest.
Tyrion went to withdraw his hand, only for Sansa's hand to close around his – her blue eyes pleading.
"I didn't mean you" she said "I'm sorry – it's easy to forget you're a Lannister. You're not like the rest of your family"
He smiled at her "Good. I don't want to be like them"
"You're my friend Tyrion. I trust you"
Sansa's friendship meant the world to him. She had every reason to hate him; from their forced marriage to her family's deaths – but instead she trusted him. What Sansa had endured since fleeing Kings Landing was nothing short of horrifying, and he'd only heard pieces of it. The lady of Winterfell trusted so few people; that he was one of them had filled him with pride.
The sound of the door scraping open washed away the warmth of the memory and the feel of Sansa's hand around his. Fear gripped his heart as the guards hauled him to his feet and led him out of the cell.
Cersei said Sansa had joined Daenerys. His heart slammed against his chest as guilt swelled in him. He'd tried to convince Sansa to trust Daenerys. Sansa trusted him.
No.
Tyrion struggled feebly against the guards, a sob breaking in his throat. Not Sansa. Daenerys hadn't trusted Sansa from the start. Daenerys betrayed him; she would hurt Sansa.
It was all his fault.
Sansa had offered him a friendship he didn't deserve and he'd repaid her trust by bringing a vicious Queen to her home.
As the door to Qyburn's rooms came into view, Tyrion sagged in the guards hold. Whatever hell awaited him was nothing to the one in his mind.
"Do you think you can do it?" asked Sansa
Bran's face was pulled into a grimace as he observed Drogon in the distance. Her brother's chambers at Dragonstone looked out across cliffs where the dragon was lying in the afternoon sun.
"I don't know" he admitted "Wolves and ravens are the easiest for me. Controlling Drogon might not be possible"
Sansa bit her lip, observing the huge dragon. Daenerys had become increasingly paranoid, even over the few days they'd been here she'd gotten worse. She couldn't be allowed to attack Kings Landing with her dragon - it would be a slaughter.
"If Daenerys attacks Kings Landing and wins the throne, what will happen?"
"You know I can't see the future Sansa"
"You get glimpses" she pressed
Bran sighed "I have visions of how things might happen; but it's not guaranteed. Choices change the future every second"
"She can't sit the Iron Throne - she's unstable" said Sansa, stepping back from the window
Frustration wound through the lady of Winterfell. It was painfully obvious Daenerys wasn't fit to rule, but she had too much support. Sansa's troops couldn't take Kings Landing alone and opposing Daenerys would likely see her joining Jamie Lannister as ashes. It was an infuriating deadlock without a clear way through the mess. Daenerys would attack in three days time and if nothing changed she would have to join her or die.
Every moment they wasted here was another moment lost.
Sansa wanted nothing more than to rescue Tyrion and take her family home. Instead she was caught between two mad Queens, both desperate for an ugly metal chair. A knock on the door drew Sansa from her musings.
"Come in" called Bran, continuing to watch Drogon out the window
The door creaked open and Missandei slipped inside - her eyes darting worriedly around the room "I hope I'm not disturbing you?"
"Certainly not" said Bran, turning to appraise his guest
Sansa had nothing against Missandei, but she was the dragon Queen's closest friend.
"Shall I leave?" asked Sansa
"No, please" said Missandei, darting over to join them "it was you I hoped to find. Varys said you might be here"
Wariness crept through Sansa, even as she forced a smile "Of course. What can I do for you?"
"Lady Sansa…I know you're close with lord Tyrion"
"So the Queen thinks"
The young woman raised an eyebrow "He always spoke highly of you"
Sansa's stomach twisted "To his detriment apparently"
"I'd have never asked him to sacrifice himself for me" she said, lowering her eyes "When the exchange was made, Grey Worm had the Unsullied ready to rescue him that night"
"Daenerys won't rescue him" said Bran "she wants him to die"
Ice slipped down Sansa's spine at the words. That couldn't happen; no matter what it couldn't happen.
"I know…what she did to him was cruel" said Missandei "Tyrion is our friend too. We don't want him to suffer"
"Who is we?" asked Sansa
"Grey Worm and I"
"You're the Queen's closest friends - I don't believe you'd choose Tyrion over her"
The woman shifted uneasily, her voice dropping to a whisper "Since we came to Westeros, Daenerys…hasn't been the same. This talk of fire and blood, betraying Tyrion - it's not like her"
Sansa forced her tone to remain neutral "She's our Queen. Her decision stands"
"So you don't plan to rescue Tyrion?"
"It would be treason, wouldn't it?"
"I suppose it would"
Missandei stepped back, her shoulders slumping "Apologies for bothering you"
Indecision warred within Sansa as the young woman left, the door to Bran's chambers closing softly behind her.
"Did I do the right thing?" she asked
Bran shrugged "You led the North here Sansa - the decisions are yours"
The weight of responsibility fell heavily over her shoulders. She'd never been taught how to lead or make decisions; she'd been taught to obey. It was entirely possible Missandei had come to offer help in rescuing Tyrion - the guilt for his situation had been evident in her dark eyes. It was also possible Daenerys had sent her to investigate any whispers of treason. The dragon Queen had grown increasingly distrustful of Varys after all.
To trust or not to trust Missandei could have huge ramifications either way, and Sansa had made what she believed to be the right choice. Jon was brooding, Bran offered only vague insights when asked for an opinion and Arya was keen to kill Daenerys and be done with it.
There was only one other person whose advice she trusted, and he was being tortured by his own sister.
"Be careful in Kings Landing" she said as they made their way into the Winterfell courtyard where Daenerys troops were readying to leave "I'd rather you not die"
Tyrion grinned up at her "Lady Stark, it almost sounds like you'll miss me"
She did.
As much as she wanted to deny it, Winterfell had been far lonelier when he left. They were friends, it was normal to miss his company - to want to help him.
'You miss more than his company' taunted her mind.
No, that wasn't true. She didn't miss his smile, the way he made her laugh or the warmth in his green eyes that made her feel safe. She didn't miss working beside him or telling him the things she told no-one else.
Sansa drew in a deep breath, fighting against the feelings clawing for freedom in her heart. There wasn't time for this. Emotion was dangerous, and right now Sansa was surrounded by enemies.
The throne at Dragonstone was far from comfortable. It didn't matter to Daenerys; she'd have a new throne soon enough. The day after next they would attack Kings Landing. Her destiny was so close she could almost reach out and grasp it.
It was late in the evening and the throne room was empty as she sat there. It should have been silent, but she could hear them – the whispers in the walls of her ancestral home. There should be no whispers, she was Queen.
'Are you?'
Yes. She was Daenerys Stormborn of house Targaryen.
'If you're Queen, why was everyone looking at Sansa Stark?'
Her hands curled around the arms of the throne. There'd been a meeting earlier discussing the plan for taking the Iron Throne. As Queen she'd set out the plan, the tactics - she'd been in control.
'They were looking to Sansa for the decisions, not you'
She couldn't deny it entirely - she'd seen them all glancing at Sansa. As if the wolf was somehow mightier than the dragon. Daenerys had Varys, Missandei and Grey Worm with her at the meeting - and she had Jon. Ser Davos and lord Royce had been present as had lord Glover. The wolves were there too; Arya, Bran and Sansa.
Daenerys didn't trust them.
The wolves watched her like prey. Lord Royce and lord Glover were Sansa's pets and Ser Davos served the wolves too, even if he was closer to Jon.
She'd never trusted Varys, but Missandei and Grey Worm were her closest friends.
'Wake the dragon'
They'd betrayed her. She'd heard them whispering; heard that Missandei had spoken with Sansa.
Fire ignited in her veins at the thought of Sansa Stark.
She was like a siren whispering a song, luring her allies away. First Tyrion; then Missandei and Grey Worm.
'Kill the wolves'
They weren't to be trusted. She'd seen Arya following Jon, like a ghostly reminder the Starks were watching him. It wasn't right. Jon was a dragon like her, and they'd made him a wolf. He needed to wake the dragon.
The faint clinking of wheels rolling over stone echoed in the empty chamber as Bran Stark was wheeled before her, pushed by Podrick Payne. Tyrion had mentioned him – he'd been loyal to him and was now loyal to the Starks.
"Your Grace" greeted Bran "you wished to speak with me?"
"I did" she said "alone if I may"
Bran nodded to Podrick and the young man reluctantly left the room, leaving just Daenerys and the three-eyed raven. Jon had made a vague attempt at explaining what Bran could do at Winterfell, but Daenerys had always found him unsettling. Even at the tactical meeting earlier he'd sat observing her, never contributing anything. Despite her unease, part of her was curious. She had a destiny to fulfil and it was possible Bran would have insight to offer.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you" she said
"Not at all" said Bran, folding his hands in his lap
"Are you enjoying Dragonstone?"
"Very much. My room offers a great view of Drogon"
Unease coiled in her stomach at his expressionless face. Everything he said had the same tone.
"I'm aware you have certain powers that come from the old Gods" she said
"I'm the three-eyed raven. I'm the world's memory"
The Queen nodded "I understand your powers are based in the past, but you must have some idea of the future. You knew where the Night King would come for you"
"What is it you're asking your Grace?"
Daenerys straightened on her throne. There was no point being subtle about it. Bran Stark didn't seem to care for idle conversation any more than she did.
"I want to know about the battle to come. Will the throne be mine?"
Bran tilted his head to one side observing her "I fear I cannot see the future so clearly. The Night King and I shared a connection that made him easier to sense. All I see of the future are glimpses that change with every decision made"
"Is there anything you can tell me?"
"I see fire and blood" he said "I see Cersei Lannister dead at the true Queen's hand"
Pride flooded Daenerys. This was excellent news; it was exactly as she wanted.
"Thank you" she said, a smile curving over her face "It's reassuring to know I'm on the right path"
The Stark boy's face was grim "The path you're on has only one conclusion, your Grace"
It's funny the way one's mind works when you're in agony. Tyrion's body throbbed as he lay strapped to the table and he felt every jab from Qyburn as the man added another mark of shame to him - yet his focus was on Cersei's flat stomach. His sister was watching as always, a smirk on her face.
"You're not pregnant" he said, his voice barely a whisper
Almost instantly the smile dropped from her face "What did you say imp?"
"There's no baby"
Her hand cracked across his face, snapping his head to one side. Blood filled his mouth from the force of the blow as her furious green eyes bore into his.
"Aren't you clever?" she sneered "How long did it take you to notice?"
Cersei had been pregnant at the Dragon Pit meeting all those weeks ago - it should have been visible now. She hadn't lied about the pregnancy; if she had she'd have taunted him for believing her. There had been a baby, but she must have lost it. Why had he only just noticed?
"I lost my baby soon after Jamie left" she said, her voice dropping to an icy whisper "Now they're all gone. My beautiful children, Jamie…nothing else matters anymore"
A chill gripped the back of his neck. Why had he said anything? This would hurt, whatever came next. He'd angered Cersei - he would pay the price.
"Sorry…" he tried, as Qyburn restarted the jabbing at his side. He was sorry; that he'd said anything, that she'd lost the baby - he was sorry he'd ever been born.
Cersei froze at his words, before a laugh fell from her. Tyrion squirmed against the restraints but they wouldn't budge. Cersei was laughing but there was no humour - her eyes glinted cruelly as she leaned over him. He was dimly aware that Qyburn was still working on him, but all his focus was on his sister.
"You should be" she said "because of you Jamie is dead. The Lannister name is all but dead"
Tyrion clamped his mouth shut, not daring to speak. He'd seen Cersei angry so many times over the years, but this controlled fury was even worse. She was a monster and the last of her humanity had died with Jamie.
Her eyes trailed down his battered body to his private area. Not that it was private anymore. Qyburn had examined it more than once and Cersei wouldn't allow him to wear clothes. He'd become so used to his nakedness the humiliation barely registered anymore.
"I had three beautiful children - perfect lions with pure Lannister blood" she said, grief twisting her otherwise ruthless face "they're dead because of you"
"No…wouldn't hurt them"
"Liar" she said "You shouldn't tell lies little brother, you'll need to be punished"
A whimper escaped him as Cersei grasped hold of his cock, her nails digging into the sensitive skin.
"You're the only male Lannister left" she said, twisting him painfully "the only Lannister seed left"
"Please stop…"
Cersei merely tightened her grip, pulling roughly at him. Prince Oberyn had once told him she'd done the same when he was a baby - until Jamie made her stop. Only Jamie wasn't here to stop her; no-one else would.
"I was father's true heir" she said "the only one capable of continuing his legacy. I'd do almost anything to ensure the Lannister name lives on"
Tyrion's heart hammered in his chest as Cersei abused him. When he thought she would actually succeed in ripping his cock off she stopped, letting his aching manhood drop back to the table.
"Some things even I can't do. Not a piece of you will live on, no matter how much I want a child" she said, looming over him "I'd have you castrated but Qyburn thinks that might prove your breaking point. I won't do that yet - not until I've truly ground you down to nothing. Perhaps when the dragon whore is dead I'll have it done"
Tears slipped down his face as his cock throbbed in pain, joining the agony in his ruined arm and the ache that enveloped his body. Why wouldn't she just kill him? Why did she have to touch him like that? He'd never felt so dirty - so used in all his life.
"Won't you drink with me?" asked Daenerys, sipping her wine across from him
Jon eyed his untouched cup sat on the table between them. Never had he felt less like a drink. Somehow everything had gone wrong. He thought he knew Daenerys - that she was a good person. It was hard to pinpoint when things changed but he suspected it started with the loss of Viserion. No matter what anyone said she'd come to the North's aid. Without her army and her dragons the Night King would have won. She sacrificed half her army defending the people of Westeros.
The people who rejected her.
The Northerners were wary of outsiders - too proud to bend the knee to the Dragon Queen. He'd done what he could to show them she was a good person; that she deserved their trust. There was grudging respect for her in the end, if no loyalty. Accepting they would have lost the war for the living without her was hard to swallow for many of the Northerners.
Things had been difficult at Winterfell but when they finally marched south it got worse. Jorah's death had clearly hurt her and the loss of Rhaegal had been the final straw. The Daenerys sat opposite him and the one who'd came North to save him were hardly the same person.
"Some would say it's rude to refuse a Queen's invitation to drink" she said, lifting an eyebrow
"If you wanted a drinking partner maybe you shouldn't have sold Tyrion"
She rolled her eyes "For the last time I didn't sell him; he agreed to go"
Jon shook his head, searching her face for any way to get through to her. That she'd tossed Tyrion aside so easily didn't sit well with anyone - least of all with Sansa. His sisters didn't trust Daenerys. Jon had trusted her completely, but the woman watching him with lilac eyes had changed rapidly.
Arya's words whispered through his mind 'She can't sit the throne Jon, she'd mad – she's a danger to the family'
There had to be some way to make this right. He hadn't agreed with her decision to kill Jamie Lannister but the man was on his way to Cersei – to join the enemy. Daenerys wasn't her father; there had to be a way to reason with her.
"Your Grace, can we talk about Kings Landing?"
"If you like" she said, her eyes burning into his "though I'm not sure what's left to discuss"
"You'll attack Euron's fleet with Drogon?"
"Yes. They'll burn for killing Rhaegal"
Jon nodded "How will you join us at the gates?"
"With Drogon as discussed. We will burn the Red Keep to the ground" she said, her brow furrowing "you know the plan Jon, why are we going over it?"
"Is it the best idea to bring Drogon so close to the civilians?"
"They've chosen their side"
"Cersei's using them as human shields. She's brought them inside the castle gates promising protection"
"They're fools for trusting her"
Jon grit his teeth "You can't mean to burn innocent people?"
"I don't – I mean to burn my enemies"
The dragon Queen was watching him with pity, as if he was the one not making any sense.
"I don't understand" he admitted "You say you don't want to be Queen of the ashes, or become your father but you're willing to kill innocents for a throne?"
Jon watched as she tilted her head, as if listening to something only she could hear. The sight stirred his stomach as Varys voice whispered in his ear 'the signs are there'
The Queen straightened in her seat, smiling softly at him "It's alright that you don't understand. Finding out who you are must have been a shock. Our words are fire and blood – it'll make sense when you wake the dragon"
"Wake the dragon?"
"You've been made into a wolf when you're not. You're a dragon Aegon; it's time to embrace it"
The name he'd been given at birth hit him like an arrow. How many years had he spent wishing he was more than a bastard?
"My name is Jon Snow"
"Your true name is Aegon Targaryen" she said, leaning forwards "it's alright – I'll help you understand what it means to be a dragon. The death of Rhaegal must have hurt you. I'm Drogon's rider but you should spend time with him too. We're the last dragons; we must stand together against those who would tear us down. When I sit the Iron Throne I'll make your name official. You bent the knee to me as Queen – it won't matter if your claim is better as long as you support me"
Daenerys' lilac eyes were as bright as dragon fire, burning with conviction as she spoke. This wasn't what he wanted. Arya had said he needed to choose, and he'd told her repeatedly he would always choose his family. Daenerys was giving him no such choice – she'd made the decision for him. In her eyes Jon Snow was dead.
A question burned on the tip of his tongue but he wasn't sure he wanted the answer.
Various thoughts drifted in and out of Tyrion's mind as he slumped against the wall of his cell.
Everything hurt.
He'd tried to pinpoint the source of the pain but there was so much of it now it all merged into one unending agony. He'd lost track of all the ways he'd been hurt, not that it mattered - Qyburn wrote it all down anyway.
Tyrion forced his eyes to stay open. He had to remain alert - pain and fear never left him for long. It would be here soon in one form or another.
Was it night or day?
He didn't know anymore. He didn't know how long he'd been here but it couldn't be anything less than a lifetime. Remembering a time before the pain and humiliation was difficult but if he was lucky a small glimpse would come to him. He thought he might have been proud once; a real lion. That couldn't be true though - Cersei said he'd never been a lion. He was an imp. How could he forget?
His skin crawled at the thought of his sister. She'd touched him there - like all those people who'd groped him in the streets. Shame burned through him, like flames licking the shards of his soul. It had only been once but it was enough to shatter whatever pride he had left. It wouldn't be long now and there'd be nothing there anyway. His sister was going to castrate him and turn him into a fool. She was already planning the motely that would forever cover his face.
The cell was in total darkness but as Tyrion turned his head he saw her; lilac eyes burning into him.
"You're nothing to me" said Daenerys, her silver hair glinting in the darkness
"We were friends" he said, his voice breaking "I'd have done anything for you"
"Fool. You deserve this"
Tyrion curled up tighter in the threadbare blanket he'd been given, willing the dragon Queen to leave him be. He hated when she visited him. How could he be so stupid? Daenerys never cared for him, no-one did. She was enjoying this; enjoying his pain.
His stomach rolled as bile clawed up his throat once more. There was something funny in the water he'd been drinking. Some days it was bitter, other days sour. He didn't like it, but if he didn't drink and eat the few scraps he was given the guards would pin him down and force it down his throat. Tyrion knew - he'd tried to starve himself. Unable to contain it any longer he leaned to the side, the vomit burning up his throat as it spilled into the pile already on the floor. The guards said the smell in here was awful but Tyrion didn't notice anymore.
His eyes were refusing to stay open, but Tyrion couldn't sleep. Who knew when the pain would start again? Last time he'd slept he'd woken to Qyburn leaning over him - scribbling in that black book of horrors.
"Subject appears confused following exposure to modified Greycap administered through drink…" said Qyburn, writing down his observations
"No…" groaned Tyrion "enough"
The failed Maester shook his head "You're a learned man Tyrion - your sacrifice is giving me invaluable insight into your kind. My research may one day help another dwarf"
That was all he was - an object. Something for Cersei to abuse, Qyburn to experiment on and everyone else to mock. His whole life had been unfair; was a little kindness too much to hope for? Everyone who looked at him either hated him or wanted to use him - their eyes said it all. Cersei's green eyes full of cruelty. Qyburn's dead eyed stare as he cut him open. Tyrion had once thought Daenerys kind - how had he missed the madness in her lilac eyes?
Somewhere in the darkest depths of his mind another pair of eyes came to him. These weren't like the others. They were soft and kind and so very blue. Sometimes he saw those eyes in the darkness; if he was lucky he saw a gentle smile too. Once he thought he saw long hair - red and warm.
Tyrion clung onto the image, willing it not to leave him.
It couldn't possibly be real; no-one had ever looked at him like that. He was an imp, a monster. His mind was playing tricks on him again, but for once he didn't mind. It didn't matter if it wasn't real, as long as the image stayed with him for a little while. Not for long…just so he wasn't alone.
"Why is she calling a meeting?" whispered Sansa as the Unsullied marched them into the throne room.
Arya shrugged beside her, her grey eyes alert as the doors shut behind them.
They were to attack Kings Landing tomorrow, but Daenerys had called a sudden meeting in the throne room. Glancing at the other occupants Sansa found lord Royce, lord Glover and Ser Davos stood to one side as was Varys with Bran and Pod stood along from them. Unsullied lined the room, sending a trickle of unease down her spine. Grey worm and Missandei stood in their usual positions beside the throne though both looked uneasy – as if they didn't know what was happening.
Daenerys didn't seem bothered by the tension in the room, if she was even aware of it. It was Jon who drew Sansa's focus. Unlike the Queen he did feel the unease in the air and it was written in every line of his tired face.
The eyes of the lords and siblings fell on Sansa, waiting for her to take the lead. Every instinct told Sansa this was a dangerous meeting, but she was a Stark – the wolf wouldn't cower before the dragon.
"Your Grace" she said "is there a problem?"
"Several - but I'll be free of them soon enough"
Sansa's throat constricted. None of their plans to prevent Daenerys attacking Kings Landing were viable. Bran couldn't control Drogon and her army vastly outnumbered Sansa's men. As things stood they would join the attack on Kings Landing if only to prevent a slaughter - but it occurred to Sansa they might never leave the room. Despair fought for control of Sansa as her eyes drifted over the unsullied lining the room. If they died here, Daenerys would burn Kings Landing to the ground.
'People underestimated you - most of them are dead now'
Her heart twisted at the memory of Tyrion's deep voice and the hint of pride in his eyes when he said it.
She couldn't die here.
If she died her men would be slaughtered. Arya and Bran would die. Tyrion would be left to suffer.
"What problems do you speak of?" said Sansa, stepping towards the throne. This woman did not scare her. A wolf cowered to no-one.
"Treason" she said. Before Sansa could counter, Daenerys turned to Grey Worm and Missandei "You both betrayed me"
"Khaleesi, no…" said Missandei, as Grey Worm moved in front of her
"My Queen, we loyal to you" he said
Daenerys shook her head and two unsullied guards stepped forwards, lowering their spears to point at the Queen's closest allies. Grey Worm wasn't armed but looked ready to fight until Missandei took his shoulder urging him back as the guards jabbed forwards. The two retreated until they were level with Sansa.
Satisfied with their new position, the guards returned to their place around the hall.
"Missandei of Naath, Grey Worm captain of the Unsullied - you are both found guilty of treason"
"Please, let us explain" said Missandei
"You both plotted behind my back to rescue Tyrion Lannister tonight"
"It my fault" said Grey Worm, shielding Missandei
"You're both to blame" said Daenerys simply "Why would you go against my orders"
"You're not yourself Khaleesi" pleaded Missandei "Tyrion was your friend - we're your friends"
"Friends who betrayed me"
"Please, you know Cersei is hurting him. The Queen we believe in wouldn't allow him to suffer"
"I am Queen and you disobeyed my order. You went behind my back"
Sansa caught Missandei's eye. The woman was biting her lip, guilt hanging heavily over her face. When Missandei had come to see her Sansa had believed her concern for Tyrion was a trick, but it now appeared to have been genuine.
"Tyrion will die" said Daenerys "and you will both join him"
At her words the unsullied lowered their spears, keeping them all grouped in the centre of the room - like lambs to the slaughter. Grey Worm had Missandei behind him, and Arya's hand was on needle. If it came to a fight they wouldn't stand a chance. The lords were armed as were Pod, Ser Davos and Arya but it wouldn't be enough.
The lady of Winterfell stepped forwards, drawing the Queen's attention "Have you considered why your closest friends would turn against you?"
"I don't need to consider - I know it was you"
Sansa bristled at the remark "I had nothing to do with it"
"Missandei met with you" she sneered "they were plotting against me"
"Don't blame me for your mistakes. It was your actions that turned your people against you"
"You think I don't know my own armies are whispering against me? Betrayal will not be tolerated"
At her words several of the unsullied exchanged looks, and it was all the incentive Sansa needed. Arya and Varys had both reported mutterings in the ranks; there was a chance she could use it.
"What will you do then?" asked Sansa "Burn everyone who dares to disagree with you?"
"If that's what it takes"
"You'll be Queen of nothing; you'll lose everything"
"I'm a dragon, and the rightful Queen" she said, a smile pulling at her mouth "I will take the Iron Throne with Aegon at my side and start a new dynasty for house Targaryen"
"Aegon?" snapped Arya from behind her.
Sansa forced her eyes from Daenerys smug face to Jon stood beside her. His face was twisted in a grimace and he wouldn't look at them.
"I'm sorry" he said softly
Daenerys smile widened "Lions, wolves - all insignificant compared to a dragon. Any who oppose me will die"
"You're mad" said Sansa, cold fury spreading through her chest "you don't deserve the throne. You're not a Queen - you're a conqueror"
"The throne is mine" she snapped, her violet eyes blazing "you will not take it from me"
It was as they locked eyes Sansa saw it - the madness that had simmered below the surface now burned bright and free.
Sansa swallowed thickly, forcing her voice to be firm "I withdraw my support of you. The North will not help you to murder innocents - you are not my Queen"
Daenerys looked past Sansa, to her allies assembled behind her "Bend the knee or die"
"Never" said Arya, grasping her sword hilt
"You're no Queen of mine" said lord Royce
"Aye" added lord Glover "my men will not fight for you"
"Westeros doesn't want you" said Sansa "if you win the Iron Throne you'll be a tyrant no better than Cersei"
The smaller woman glared down at her, a fire dancing in her eyes. Sansa met her gaze with her own. This was what it came down to; ice and fire.
"You can't win" said Sansa "Surrender or we will oppose you"
A smile spread across Daenerys face "I've already won. I beat you Sansa Stark"
"From where I stand you've just lost half your support"
"You think you're so clever, but I beat you. I took away what you wanted the most"
"What I want is my family and the North to be safe from monsters like you"
"Liar" said Daenerys "you wanted Tyrion and now you can't have him - I won"
The words ripped through Sansa's icy demeanour. Daenerys had claimed she got rid of Tyrion because of his divided loyalties, but now Sansa could see the ugly truth. The dragon Queen may have lost faith in him, but she'd traded him to Cersei to hurt Sansa - to put him somewhere beyond her reach.
"I've heard he screams all day and cries all night" said Daenerys, satisfaction curling across her face.
It wasn't wise to provoke a wolf.
"I'll kill you" said Sansa, her voice as cold as winter
"No, you won't" said Daenerys, standing from her throne "Your sister and brother, the lords who stand here now and the traitors who I called friend - I will burn them all. I won't kill you though"
Sansa was dimly aware that Pod and Arya had drawn their weapons as the unsullied guards stepped in with their spears lowered, but nothing else mattered to Sansa in that moment than the so-called Queen.
Daenerys stopped half-way down the stairs, giving her extra height over Sansa "I'll take everything from you. When I kill Cersei and take the throne I'll make sure you're there to watch. Whatever remains of Tyrion Lannister will be brought before the throne and you will watch as I burn him alive. When the North is burning and you've lost everything - only then will I allow you to die"
"You're a monster"
"I'm a Queen" she said "I-"
The dragon Queen's eyes widened in surprise as her words cut off.
Sansa's eyes swept over the Queen's surprised face to the sword sticking through her stomach and the pool of red rapidly spreading around it. It was only then she noticed Jon standing behind Daenerys, his face twisted in pain as he looked at the woman he loved "You're my Queen - now and forever"