Kaela's head throbbed as she rose from the warmth of her bed, reaching out for the stone wall to steady herself as her legs shook beneath her. She felt as if she had drunk a dozen flagons of wine, her vision swimming with every step she took. With a groan, she reached for a cloak to wrap around her shoulders, covering her smallclothes up, knowing her insistent visitor would be back at any moment. Nor, could she blame him. She knew talk was spreading through the castle of the Stark's handmaiden who had succumbed to a strange fit, her eyes rolled into the back of her head, murmuring under her breath as if she was possessed. A young lady having a fit was not necessarily strange...but suffering such an affliction whilst standing on one's feet certainly was. Kaela could imagine what Jon had seen as he approached her the previous night, having seen it enough times with Melisandre.
When the Lord of Light spoke to her.
All those years Kaela thought Melisandre was half mad, speaking of the things she saw in the flames. And now? Perhaps that madness had finally reached her own mind. What else could it be—
"What are you doing?" A stern voice called out to her.
"Walking. It's this fascinating motion where I put one foot in front of the other" Kaela retorted, as Jon raised an eyebrow at her from where he stood in the doorway of her chambers.
"You should be resting" Jon insisted, marching over to her.
"I should be dressing Arya for her lessons—" Kaela began but was cut off as Jon's arm snaked around her waist and began tugging her back towards the bed.
She laughed as he all but threw her down on the bed, crossing his arms over his chest when he was done. With a roll of her eyes, Kaela pulled herself up to the top of her small wooden bed, wrapping the cloak further over her shoulders.
"Happy?" Kaela mocked, as his lips twitched into a smile.
"I'll be happy when the King leaves my father alone" Jon murmured, sitting down on the bed, causing it to creak.
"He'll have asked Lord Stark to be his Hand by now. Do you really think your father will refuse him? To spit on the great honour of serving a man such as Robert Baratheon?" Kaela scoffed, leaning back against the stone wall.
Sometimes she found it hard to keep the bitterness out of her voice, but luckily Jon suspected nothing. He still saw her as a sweet refuge from a faraway land. A friend. Not the assassin she had always hoped to be.
"I suppose not" Jon sighed, looking down at his hands.
"You should not be here, you know. What will Lady Catelyn think if she hears you visiting a handmaiden's chambers?" Kaela teased, nudging his thigh with her bare foot.
"It matters not. I am a bastard, after all" Jon mused, as Kaela kicked him with her foot, far harder this time.
" Āeksio tepagon nyke kustikāne. That's your answer for everything. Oh, I can't do this because I am a bastard. I can't speak to that Lady because I am a bastard. Next, you'll be saying you can't wipe your own arse due to your bastardy" Kaela scolded, as Jon's forehead wrinkled.
" Seven Hells , Kaela. Do not be afraid to speak your mind" Jon huffed, his shoulders rigid.
Feeling a slither of guilt at seeing the downtrodden look on her friend's face, Kaela pushed herself upwards and wiggled closer to him. She tentatively placed her hand on his leather-clad shoulder, causing him to turn to her with wide, sullen eyes.
"Don't look at me like that, Snow. I might just swoon into your arms" Kaela teased, before twisting around and flopping down onto Jon's lap, as a hearty laugh left the man's lips.
"Like last night?" Jon pointed out, causing Kaela's cheeks to redden.
"The less we speak of those events, the better" Kaela muttered but made no move to pull away from Jon.
"Does Maester Luwin still not know what caused your fit?" Jon asked, as Kaela looked away from him.
"He believes it will have no lasting effect. That is all that matters, is it not?" Kaela retorted, reaching up to play with the fraying end of his leather tunic.
"But what if it happens again?" Jon insisted, the concern clear in his tone.
Kaela's brow furrowed at the suggestion, her blood running cold at the thought of losing control of herself again. And what of the visions she had seen? She had never stepped foot in King's Landing, let alone the Red Keep, but now she could see the Iron Throne so vividly...
"It won't" Kaela told him, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt.
The sound of floorboards creaking had Kaela's head snapping up, only to find none other than the Kingslayer standing outside the doorway to her chambers. She and Jon sprung apart in the blink of an eye, with Kaela almost rolling onto the floorboards in her haste. She ran a hand through her messy hair, as the pair stood to their feet, offering the Kingsguard a bow and curtsey. It was a dangerous thing to be found in such a compromising position for both of them.
"I hope I am not interrupting" Jaime Lannister spoke up, needing to duck his head to enter her chambers.
"Of course not, Ser. How may I assist you?" Kaela questioned, watching as he tilted his head, an amused smirk growing on his lips.
She realised a moment later he was likely there to speak to Jon, what would a Lannister want with a handmaiden after all? Kaela allowed her eyes to roam over his figure for a moment, finding he still appeared to be wearing the same clothes as the previous night, but as always, his hair was combed back to perfection. The golden hilt of his sword glistened in the sunlight, drawing her gaze away from his handsome face.
"I was hoping to speak to you. In private" Jaime replied, as his own eyes surveyed her cramped quarters.
He didn't appear impressed by what he found, as there was little more room than for her bed. There was a washing rack to one side of the room, and a few of Arya's gowns above them, having needed sewing over the last weeks. Jaime's eyes soon fell on the brazier fire on the other end of the room, the flames being kept high by the wood burning away. It seemed an odd thing to find in the small room.
"Kaela was taken ill last night, Ser. She needs to rest" Jon exclaimed.
"And that is exactly why I wish to speak to her, bastard" Jaime murmured, not even bothering to cast his gaze on Jon.
Kaela saw how Jon tensed out of the corner of her eye, his hands balling into fists at his side. He was far too easy to rile. Before a needless fight could break out, Kaela nodded toward Jaime, pushing herself in between the two men.
"Jon needs to seek out his sister to ready her for lessons" Kaela suggested, watching the muscles in Jon's jaw jump.
"It is not proper for a man to be left alone unchaperoned in a Lady's bedchambers" Jon stated, as Kaela's eyebrows shot up.
"Forgive me, but I was under the impression that this was a servant's chamber. Quite the difference, don't you think?" Jaime pushed, as Jon all but snarled at him.
"...I will wait down the hall. Call out if I am needed" Jon mumbled to Kaela, sensing the Kingslayer had no plans on leaving.
"I am sure she will scream loudly" Jaime mocked, as Jon went to storm past him, having to push down the urge to strike the older man.
The moment that Jon left the room, Kaela realised the precarious situation she had found herself in. The Kingsguard could do with her as he wished, and she would be defenceless to stop him. Even if she complained to Ned Stark, what could he do? Her mind drifted back to her vision, remembering the look in Jaime's eyes as he stared down at Aery's corpse. The pain. The guilt. There were no signs of such emotions of the man's face, only amusement. Had he really managed to disregard those feelings after the last seventeen years?
"I would have dressed if I knew you were to call on me, Ser" Kaela commented, as Jaime's eyes drifted down the thin cloak she wore, causing her to pull it tighter over her body.
"Your state of undress does not offend me, girl" Jaime disregarded, walking toward the small opening in the stone wall of her chambers, which had probably housed a glass window years before her arrival.
"What a relief" Kaela mumbled, the sarcasm clear in her voice.
"I hear there was quite a commotion last night in the courtyard. My little brother tells me you had the strangest fit" Jaime explained, looking out of the opening.
"I am glad he found it an amusing sight" Kaela huffed, as another wave of dizziness hit her.
Her hand flew to her head as her vision blurred once again, and she had no choice but to sit back down on her bed. Jaime heard the ruffle of fabric from behind him, twisting around to find Kaela's face contorted in pain, massaging her temple. It seemed her antics last night had not been an act, he realised. If he were a better man, he might have felt guilt for calling upon her while she was still in her sickbed.
"He didn't. In fact, there are rumours growing that you might be infected with some new disease. The squires are beside themselves with fear" Jaime went on.
"It is nothing, I assure you, Ser. An unfortunate effect from drinking too much ale" Kaela muttered.
"You did not drink last night" Jaime pointed out, as her eyes flickered up to his.
Did that mean he had been watching her last night? The Lannister knight had that look in his eyes again. As if he was trying to figure something out. Trying to figure her out, she realised. Āeksio , what if her mother had been prone to such fits? Or her father, perhaps? She had heard Tyrion Lannister had the mind, and Jaime the brawn, but now it seemed as if that too was wrong.
The man in question found himself unable to hold her gaze any longer, feeling as if her bright blue eyes were able to look right through him. Instead, he allowed his gaze to drift down her pleasing figure once again, finding something of interest quickly.
"A beautiful necklace you wear" Jaime announced, his fingers running along the hollow of his neck, before gesturing toward her.
Kaela cursed inwardly as she looked down at the jewellery Jaime commented on. An emblem of R'hllor. A fiery heart. Only metal, but the point of the heart was sharp, purposely so. Melisandre had always wanted her to have a weapon on her person. She was careful to hide the necklace usually, but in her state of undress, she had been forgetful.
"Have you been a follower of the Lord of Light for long?" Jaime inquired, causing her to frown.
"Not many from these lands recognise the emblem" Kaela stated.
"I had to look upon that blessed symbol every day for far longer than I wished serving under Aerys. He had glass domes covering the fires of the Red Keep, all with that fiery heart on them. He enjoyed the way the flames reflected on the glass. Like blood, he'd say..." Jaime trailed off, a haunted look in his eyes.
"Most followers do not harbour such violent tendencies" Kaela pointed out.
"I doubt that" Jaime muttered, in a bitter tone.
"I beg your pardon, Ser, but you still have not explained why you have called upon me this morn. It hardly seems a task required of a member of the Kingsguard" Kaela inquired, with narrowed eyes.
"And as such a knight, it is my duty to seek out any threats to good King Robert. Our talks have been quite...illuminating" Jaime told her, his eyes flickering down to her necklace once again.
Kaela grimaced at the suggestion. She no longer had any doubt in her mind that the Kingslayer knew more than he should. Perhaps he was simply suspicious of a follower of R'hllor but something told Kaela it was more than that. Yet, he had not informed anyone of his inklings. If he had, Robert would have her head on a spike already.
"Did he ever make you believe?" Kaela questioned, as confusion grew on Jaime's features.
"Who?" He asked.
"The Mad King. Was there anything he ever said that made you believe, even for a second, that the Red God was real?" Kaela pushed.
Jaime's face paled in a matter of moments, his green eyes growing glassy and unfocused. Kaela almost jumped back in fright as Jaime marched forward to loom over her, his hand flying to the hilt of his sword. She thought about calling out for Jon, but she doubted he would make it to the room before the Lannister knight had split her in two.
"Whatever it was that spoke to Aerys Targaryen...it was no God" Jaime spat out, through gritted teeth.
He was charging out of the room before Kaela had the chance to reply, her heart beating wildly in her chest. It was not the first time she had heard that Aerys had supposedly had his own visions, but something about the way Jaime had spoken about it sent ice running up her spine. What if what happened to her last night was only the beginning...what if the voices began to speak to her too?
Kaela did not have long to dwell on her fears, as only a few hours later, Arya was racing into her chambers, tears rolling down her red cheeks. She instantly crawled up onto Kaela's bed and flung herself at her, sobbing uncontrollably. Kaela knew something awful must have happened, but upon hearing that young Bran had fallen, all the breath left her body. He was only ten. And now it seemed as if he would never awake. Arya loved her brother. She would never heal from the hole he would leave in her heart; Kaela knew that far too well.
Maester Luwin ordered her to stay abed for the rest of the day, but as soon as first light shone into her chambers, Kaela was on her feet. The haze that had plagued her was finally beginning to lift, and her legs felt steady once again. She planned to make haste to Arya's chambers, knowing the little Lady's quarters would already be in disarray, but instead, she found herself outside Bran's sickroom. There was only silence from inside, leading Kaela to assume the boy was alone. She knocked on the door, and when she received no reply, she pushed the wooden door open, surprised to find Lady Stark sleeping at her son's bedside. Her red hair was a mess, her pale hand still clutching Bran's. Kaela made to turn and leave the room when a voice called out to her, stopping her in her tracks.
"I told my husband I was in no need of a meal" Catelyn murmured, as Kaela twisted around with a sheepish expression.
"I beg your pardon, my Lady, your Lord husband did not send me. I was on my way to wake Lady Arya and wished to know of her brother's condition. I should have not been so bold" Kaela explained, as Catelyn pursed her lips.
"No, you should not. But, you are here now. And as you can see, my boy still does not wake" Catelyn muttered.
"May I pray for Lord Bran?" Kaela asked, leaving Catelyn taken aback for a moment.
After receiving a curt nod from Lady Stark, Kaela made her way to one of the candles in the room and picked it up. She then went to kneel by the boy's bedside, placing her palm close to the flame, closing her eyes and beginning to recite a prayer.
" Āeksiot Ōño, jemagon bisa valītsos hen hen sȳndror. Jehikagon aōha ōños va zirȳla, se maghagon zirȳla arlī naejot zȳhon mandia. Nyke beg bisa hen ao, hae iā pazavor... (Lord of Light, lead this boy out of the darkness. Shine your light upon him and bring him back to his sister. I beg this of you, as a loyal...)" Kaela trailed off, opening her eyes which remained on the candle.
"Why did you stop?" Catelyn frowned.
"I have not prayed in many years, my Lady. I fear my God will no longer listen to my words" Kaela admitted.
"Which Gods do you pray to? The Old or the New?" Catelyn inquired, as Kaela kept her eyes firmly on the flame in her hands.
"Neither" She answered, before pulling herself to her feet and placing the candle back where she had found it.
"...I wanted him to stay here with me. I prayed for it. He was my special boy. I went to the sept and prayed seven times to the seven faces of God that Ned would change his mind and leave him here with me. Sometimes prayers are answered" Catelyn exclaimed, with watery eyes.
"Then I will call upon the Red God at dusk and dawn until Bran awakes" Kaela nodded, bowing to Lady Stark, ready to leave the room.
"I have heard stories about the foreign lands you hail from. The blood magic that is used there" Catelyn spoke up suddenly, in a pleading tone.
"Such a thing is more dangerous than you could imagine, my Lady. It calls for a great price" Kaela pointed out.
"One I would gladly make if it meant being reunited with my son" Catelyn insisted, jumping to her feet.
"Blood magic can only be used by a Red Priestess, of which I am not" Kaela retorted, as Catelyn approached her, with wild eyes.
"But you know the spells? You could still use such magic?" Catelyn pushed.
"Lady Stark, before yesterday my faith in the Red God had all but dwindled away, and now...now I do not know what to think. I am not the right—" Kaela began, when Catelyn grabbed onto her arms, her long fingernails biting into her skin.
"You will do as I command!" Catelyn screeched, her grip strong enough to draw blood.
"I would need King's blood. The price for the ritual is a life for a life. If you truly want your son back, you would need to sacrifice one with such blood" Kaela explained, thinking that would be enough to stop Catelyn's madness.
"...As you wish" Catelyn murmured, after a few moments of silence.
Kaela's eyes doubled in size as she realised what Catelyn was agreeing to. What she was asking her to do. But...it could perfect. She could sacrifice Robert's life for Bran. Kill two birds with one stone. She would avenge her mother and save a boy's life. A fitting end to the Baratheon's reign.
"His boy. Joffrey. The Royal party will remain here for some days to gather supplies. How...how much blood would be needed for the spell?" Catelyn continued, as Kaela stared at her in horror.
"He is six and ten, my Lady. A child. Surely there would be a better way. Someone more...suitable" Kaela replied, hoping her intentions did not seem too obvious.
"Like who? Robert? No, it would send the country into chaos. But the King has more than one son..." Catelyn trailed off, as Kaela pulled herself free of the older woman's grip.
"This is treason, my Lady. You are not in your right mind; grief has clouded your judgement" Kaela shook her head, knowing they could both be executed for even speaking of such a thing.
"If you truly have any love for my daughter and our family...you will do this for me, girl" Catelyn told her.
Jon raised his sword high in the air, before bringing the blade down on the hay-filled bag in front of him. It cut through the thin cloth keeping the hay in, but he knew it would not be deep enough to penetrate armour. He was taking a step to the side, ready to land another blow when he heard a familiar laugh from across the courtyard. He twisted around to find Kaela approaching him, with Arya in tow, both girls looking thoroughly amused.
"You almost had him that time" Kaela teased, watching as he rolled his eyes.
"You should be in bed, little lady" Jon told Arya.
"So should you" Arya retorted, sticking her tongue out at him.
"She has you there, Jon" Kaela exclaimed, lifting Arya up and sitting her on the wooden frame surrounding the training ground.
"I think you need some better competition" Kaela murmured, drawing her dagger out from underneath her gown.
"Someone could see" Jon pointed out, as she leaned in close to whisper in his ear.
" Arya needs a distraction. She cannot sleep " Kaela informed him, before sending an expectant look his way.
Jon's eyes darted to Arya's for a moment, noticing the dark circles underneath her eyes. He knew the reason sleep evaded her. It was the same for him too. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Bran falling from the tower. With a shake of his head, he pushed away the dark thoughts and regarded the girl in front of him.
"Don't worry, I'll go easy on you" Jon announced, making Kaela snort.
"Do not expect the same treatment" Kaela grinned, raising her dagger out toward his throat.
Jon was quick to use his sword to force the blade away from his face, leaving him defenceless to the hard kick Kaela sent toward his chest. He was left winded for a moment, allowing Kaela to strike him in the face with her elbow, sending him stumbling back a few steps. In the blink of an eye, she had her dagger at his throat, a smug grin on her face as she pulled him close.
"As I said...do not be afraid to hold back, Snow" She mocked, as Jon's eyes glinted with amusement.
"As you command, my lady" Jon teased, kicking out at her, his heel connecting with her knee, sending her off balance.
He sent his sword flying out, but Kaela ducked easily, missing the blow. She raised her hand out, her dagger inches away from his stomach, but before it could get too close, Jon had grabbed her wrist with his other hand. With a harsh tug, he sent Kaela flying toward the ground, landing in a heap a few feet away. Raising his sword out, he was about to place the sword on her back when her hand moved, grabbing a handful of gravel beneath her, and sending it toward his face. Momentarily blinded, it allowed Kaela to push herself to her feet, sending a quick wink to Arya who was now clapping. Before Jon knew what was happening, his legs were being swept out from under him and he was falling onto his back.
"You cheated" Jon groaned, rubbing at his aching back.
"I still won, did I not?" Kaela pointed out, as Jon huffed out a laugh.
"You don't fight with honour" Jon replied, as she gave a slight shrug.
"Neither will the Wildlings north of the wall" She muttered.
There was a sudden tension in the air, one which Jon realised he should have been expecting. Kaela had oft told him of her dislike of his plans to take the Black. They had both been avoiding all talk of the Wall, but it seemed his friend was losing her patience.
"Arya, fetch me a pail of water from the well. Someone appears to have dirtied my face" Jon exclaimed, wiping a hand down his cheek, finding grime on his fingers.
"Fetch it yourself" Arya scoffed, as Kaela turned to her, with an eyebrow raised.
" Arya " She repeated, in a stern tone.
Muttering a curse under her breath, Arya jumped off the wooden fence and began marching toward the well, expecting shouts to echo over the courtyard soon enough. Jon shook his head as he picked up his sword, turning back to the hay-filled bag, suddenly feeling the urge to hit something once again.
"You won't change my mind," Jon told her.
"Then perhaps I will cry. You've always hated that" Kaela mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I do not expect you to understand why I have to—" Jon began, but she cut him off quickly.
"Throw your life away? Find yourself dead in some wintery hell far from anyone who ever cared about you? You're right, I don't" Kaela hissed.
"What other choice do I make? Do I stay here, under the hateful gaze of Lady Stark for the rest of my life? Travel South with my father to a place that treats bastards like dirt on their shoe?" Jon explained, as Kaela's eyes softened somewhat.
"And you think the Wall will give you a better life? Do you know what sort of men join the Watch?" Kaela insisted, taking a step closer to him.
"There is nothing here for me to stay for" Jon retorted, watching as hurt flashed across Kaela's face for a moment.
She swallowed down her frustration at his words and made to leave, not wanting to hear what else he had to say. She didn't get very far, as Jon's hand was lunging forward to grab her wrist. Kaela stared up at him in confusion as he kept his grip on her tight, his eyes boring into hers.
".. .Is there? " Jon asked, his hand shaking a little.
Before Kaela had the chance to reply, water was suddenly drenching the pair from head to toe, causing them both to screech. Kaela whipped around in disbelief to find Arya holding an empty bucket, clutching at her stomach as she fell into a fit of laughter.
" Arya! " Kaela and Jon cried, wiping at their faces.
"You said your face needed cleansing" Arya giggled, as Jon shook his head, ruefully.
Arya let out a yelp as Jon raced toward her, a mischievous look in his eyes. Kaela couldn't stop the laugh that left her lips as she watched Jon chasing Arya around the courtyard, only seeming to amuse Arya further. Once he finally caught up with his sister, he grabbed her and pulled her off her feet, spinning her around in the air. A strange feeling of being watched came over Kaela all of a sudden, as her eyes darted around the courtyard, finding it empty. She looked up then, finding movement at the top window of the abandoned tower Bran had fallen from. Had someone been watching them?
In only a matter of days they would be leaving to ride for King's Landing, leading Kaela to do what she had done every morning that week. Watch the King. He never had less than two Kingsguard by his side, usually, Ser Jaime being one such man. Robert would make his way to the kitchens in the morning, drinking before the sun rose before taking Ned from his bed and forcing him on a hunt. She heard many say the King appeared happier than he had in years. It made her feel sick. Every time she saw him, she debated about throwing her dagger his way, but her mind won out against such urges. What if she missed? She had to make sure there was no way the King could escape her wrath. Travelling along the King's Road for the next month would make it easier. Her attention was brought away from the King, who was struggling to hoist himself atop his horse, toward the young Prince Joffrey, who was conversing with his Uncle. Her mouth hung agape as Tyrion suddenly struck the Prince, causing the blond to let out a howl of pain.
"One word and I'll hit you again" Tyrion warned Joffrey.
"I'm telling mother!" Joffrey cried, before earning a slap to his other cheek.
"Go! Tell her. But first, you will get to Lord and Lady Stark and you will fall on your knees in front of them and tell them how very sorry you are, that you are at their service, and that all your prayers are with them. Do you understand?" Tyrion ordered, as Joffrey shook his head vehemently.
"You can't—" Joffrey's words were cut off as Tyrion's hand struck his cheek once more.
Kaela's eyes widened as she saw he had split the Prince's lip, who was clutching at his wounded skin. Tyrion's fingertips were stained with a few droplets of Joffrey's blood, as an idea formed in Kaela's mind. Melisandre would say the Red God had presented her with an opportunity she could not turn away from.
"Do you understand?" Tyrion insisted, as Joffrey blinked a few times, looking as if he would cry, before racing off across the courtyard.
Kaela bit her lip to stop herself from laughing at the pathetic sight, pushing away from the wall she had been leaning against. She made her way toward the short man, a handkerchief in her hand, curtseying as she came to a halt in front of him.
"For your hand, my Lord" She greeted, thrusting the handkerchief toward him.
Tyrion observed her closely for a few moments, his bright eyes narrowing before taking the gift. He wiped his hands on the white cloth, nodding gratefully to her. Kaela pushed down the urge to rip the handkerchief back from his hands now she had what she wanted.
"Are all Lord Stark's servants so attentive?" Tyrion inquired.
"I aim to please, my Lord" Kaela murmured, making the Lannister chuckle.
"Come, girl. I have a task for you" Tyrion exclaimed, ushering her to walk with him.
Kaela's brow furrowed as she went to follow him, having to slow her steps to keep in line with his short legs. She began to worry about what she might have gotten herself into. Lord Tyrion's proclivities had been the talk of Winterfell in recent days.
"I think you may find the ladies in the brothel outside the castle walls will surpass my skills" Kaela told him.
"Fear not, I do not have such a thing in mind for you. I only seek out the abandoned tower where young Brandon Stark fell" Tyrion explained, as Kaela breathed a sigh of relief.
"Why the interest, my Lord?" Kaela asked, turning a corner and bringing them out of the courtyard.
"Which noble house do you hail from?" Tyrion quipped back, confusing Kaela.
"None. I was born in Volantis, my mother was a slave" Kaela lied, as Tyrion regarded her once again.
"Only noble girls say 'my Lord'. The smallfolk say 'm'lord'. You should learn that before you ride to King's Landing" Tyrion informed her.
"Perhaps that is the way in your land, but here in the North, all boys and girls are taught to speak properly" Kaela responded, as Tyrion's lips pulled back into a grin.
"You're a smart girl, aren't you? Is that why my brother spoke to you at the feast?" Tyrion questioned, leaving her taken aback.
"...As you asked, Lord Tyrion, this is the abandoned tower" Kaela announced, looking up at the great crumbling structure only a few feet away.
"You were abed when the boy fell, correct?" Tyrion murmured, earning a quick nod from her.
"Did you see anyone entering this tower in the days before or after?" Tyrion went on.
"You believe someone pushed Bran?" Kaela realised, paling at the thought.
"I simply have a suspicious mind. Only heightened by all the ale I drink" Tyrion answered, vaguely.
"Bran's direwolf was present when he fell. If someone truly did push him, I would think the beast would react quite badly to them" Kaela explained, as Tyrion turned to face her fully.
"Are you to join us on the Kingsroad?" He asked, with a hopeful tone.
"I am Lady Arya's handmaiden, my place is by her side" Kaela stated, appearing to amuse Tyrion.
"May I ask for my handkerchief back, my Lord?" Kaela spoke up, a moment later.
"Of course. What did you say your name was, girl?" Tyrion questioned, as he returned her gift.
" Kaela. I will bid you farewell, I must return to my Lady" Kaela mumbled, giving a quick curtseying before turning away, staring at the handkerchief in her hand.
Kaela rushed in haste toward the Library Tower, having stuffed the handkerchief back within the folds of her gown. The library was silent as she entered, most of the servants busy packing for the lords and ladies, just as she knew she should have been doing. She made her way toward the books on the Faith of the Seven, running her fingers down the spines of the book. The entire shelf was laid with books on the Seven, a few underneath about the Drowned God. Her eyes stopped on a book on the Old Gods of Valyria, taking the book out off the shelf, hoping it would speak on R'hllor. She scanned the pages, only finding a few vague mentions of the Lord of Light, nothing that could help her. Perhaps that was a good thing, she thought to herself. Blood magic never led to anything good. Melisandre spoke of the spell she was to concoct often, but the details were lost on her. Did she even have enough blood—
"You seem to have lost something, Priestess" A voice called out from behind her.
Kaela's heart hammered painfully in her chest as she spun around to find Jaime Lannister standing close by. She wasn't sure if she was relieved to find the Kingsguard was the one who had snuck up on her or not. She was quick to place the book back into the space on the bookshelf, hoping he had not seen what she had been reading.
"Forgive me, Ser, but I fear I may have given you the wrong impression. I am not a Priestess, not even close" Kaela explained, as Jaime pursed his lips.
"Then why is it you seek out the religions of Old Valyria?" Jaime pointed out, confirming her fear.
"Have I committed a crime?" Kaela responded as Jaime tilted his head.
"Not one that I am aware of" Jaime murmured, as Kaela quirked an eyebrow.
"Then you should pursue your King. He has little love in the North, he will need his beloved Kingsguard close" Kaela all but mocked, as a snide smile grew on Jaime's lips.
"You have a clever tongue...it will get you killed in Kings Landing," Jaime told her.
His words seemed less like a threat, and more like a warning. Kaela regarded him closely as she wondered how he had found her alone in the library. He had been watching her at the feast, and now she found him seeking her out once again...
"Then I will endeavour to keep my mouth shut. I am quite fond of my head being attached to my shoulders" Kaela stated, earning a huff of a laugh from the older man.
"What do you hope these old books will tell you?" Jaime inquired.
"I was only curious, Ser. Nothing more" Kaela lied, as Jaime sauntered toward her, his armour clinking as he moved.
"Tell me the truth and I may point out the book you seek," Jaime told her.
The knight had put her in quite the position. Something about the smug look on his face suggested he really did know how to find what she was looking for, but she could never tell him the truth. For all she knew, the spell she wanted to complete could kill his nephew. Melisandre had spoken once about how the ritual drew its power from the life force of the blood that was gifted to R'hllor. How much would be left behind?
"I would rather not be indebted to a Lannister" Kaelan said, as Jaime made an agreeable noise.
"...The books on R'hllor will be kept in the history shelf, not the Faith. None in Westeros would see the Red God as a legitimate religion" Jaime explained, as Kaela tilted her head to the side.
"You would give me such knowledge without anything in return? I fear the North may be growing on you" Kaela exclaimed, in an almost teasing tone, before she could stop herself.
"A Lannister always pays their debts" Jaime spoke, his tone suddenly serious, only confusing her further.
"Debt to who?" Kaela frowned.
He gave her a crooked smirk, before turning on his heel, and walking away, his white cloak swaying behind him. Jaime Lannister was undoubtedly a mystery to her. One she found herself wanting to solve.