Kaela's hands shook as she placed her dagger to a few locks of Bran's hair, making a slicing motion as his dark hair fell onto her waiting palm. She looked up nervously at Lady Stark, whose suspicious gaze was enough to have her blood running cold. Kaela was quick to sheath her dagger and brought Bran's hair over toward the brazier fire that had been moved into his bedchambers on her orders. She had poured over the holy books of R'hllor for the remainder of the morn until her eyes burned from reading. The teachings and spells were confusing to her, some words being lost in translation, and even more not making sense. She prayed that the ritual would work. For her sake as much as Bran's. She feared what Lady Catelyn would do if her boy did not wake.

" Īlon epagon se āeksio naejot jehikagon zȳhon ōños, se jemagon iā soul hen hen sȳndror. R'hllor, share aōha perzys se ōños iā qēlītsos bona ēza gone hen. Hen sȳndror, ōños. Hen ñuqir, perzys. Hen morghon, ābrar. (We ask the Lord to shine his light, and lead a soul out of darkness. R'hllor, share your fire and light a candle that has gone out. From darkness, light. From ashes, fire. From death, life)" Kaela exclaimed, before dropping Bran's hair into the flames, which burnt in a matter of seconds.

"Iā ābrar syt iā ābrar. Dārys's ānogar syt iā valītsossa. Dārilaros Īofrey Barāthēon syt āeksio Brāndon Stārke. (A life for a life. King's blood for a boy. Prince Joffrey Baratheon for Lord Brandon Stark) " Kaela continued, reaching for the handkerchief with Joffrey's blood on it.

She looked to Catelyn once last time, hoping the woman would speak up, command her to stop such madness. Instead, Lady Stark looked up at her with desperate, red-rimmed eyes, still clutching Bran's hand. She looked at Kaela as if she was her last hope.

"Syt Bantis zōbrie issa se ossȳngnoti lēdys (For the night is dark, and full of terrors)" Kaela prayed, before throwing the handkerchief into the flames.

She flinched as the flames sparked for a moment, growing in size as the handkerchief sizzled on the brazier fire. Kaela's heart pounded as she stared into the flames, a strange feeling coming over her as if the air in Bran's chambers were suddenly too thick. She felt as if she couldn't breathe. She stumbled back a few paces, having to lean back against the wall as she tried to catch her breath.

"Your...your nose..." Catelyn stuttered, her eyes doubling in size.

Kaela reached down as she felt something dripping down from her nose, finding her fingertips stained with blood. Panic clawed away at her as she wondered if she had completed the ritual wrong. Had she unwillingly given her own life for Bran's somehow?

"How long will it take to work? When will he awake?" Catelyn questioned.

"Only R'hllor knows. We must wait for his answer and mercy" Kaela murmured, closing her eyes.

"But he will...wake?" Catelyn pushed, as Kaela let out a long sigh.

"I do not know, my Lady. R'hllor does not answer every prayer" Kaela explained, as Catelyn's jaw clenched.

"You had done what I asked of you. Now, I think it is time for you to leave" Catelyn ordered, as Kaela had to bite down a bitter laugh that threatened to leave her lips.

She had put her life in danger to retrieve the necessary objects for the ritual, prayed to a God she wasn't sure if she believed, perhaps even sacrificed the life of a boy...and yet Catelyn still looked at her with the same disdain she always had. Because she was only a servant. And that was all she would ever be to a woman like Lady Stark. With a quick curtsey, Kaela marched toward the door, not trusting herself to speak another word.

"If you ever breathe a word of what happened in these chambers..." Catelyn trailed off, her threat clear.

"I would never. For Bran's sake" Kaela mumbled, before opening the chamber doors and walking down the corridor without turning back.

Kaela's head spun as she made her way down the winding steps leading away from Bran's chambers, the air still feeling strange around her. She felt as if she had done some forbidden. Something wrong. She suddenly wished Melisandre was close by, she would know what to do. She had always kept her safe. And Kaela had stupidly sent her away. Too disturbed by her own thoughts, she missed her footing and collided with a warm body that was ascending the steps. She grimaced when she realised, she had almost sent none other than Robb Stark flying down the staircase.

"Beg your pardon, my Lord" Kaela murmured, in a shaky tone.

"Where were you headed in such a rush?" Robb frowned.

"I visited Bran's sickbed. I...I needed to gather myself" Kaela confessed, as sympathy flashed over Robb's features.

"And put some much-needed distance between yourself and my mother?" Robb guessed, as Kaela had the sense to not answer his question directly.

"Lady Catelyn is a grieving mother, I bear her no ill will" Kaela responded, only partly lying.

"Bran will not die. I know it" Robb insisted.

"I pray you are right, my Lord" Kaela nodded.

"You are to travel with my sister to King's Landing?" Robb questioned.

"My place is by Lady Arya's side. Though I doubt she would appreciate being called such a title" Kaela murmured, as Robb huffed out a laugh.

"Aye, she would not. You have been a loyal servant to my sister. She will need a protector in the capital. One that would give their life for her" Robb went on.

"No harm will come to Arya whilst I am in her service. That I can assure you" Kaela told him.

"Then I owe you a great debt. I will not forget it" Robb exclaimed, reaching out to clasp his hand over her shoulder.

He squeezed her shoulder for a moment, nodding solemnly at her, in a way she had seen him do with many of his comrades. It was a sign of trust...of respect. Kaela couldn't stop the smile from spreading over her lips as Robb left her to continue his ascent up the stairs to Bran. She would miss the wolves they were leaving behind.


Kaela walked through the courtyard of the castle, enjoying the cold breeze on her face, feeling as if she could finally breathe easy again. Not long ago she would have thought the ritual she had performed was nothing but fanciful words and a trick of the light but now...she wasn't so sure. Something had shown her images in the flames. And she had prayed to that same being to bring a boy back to life.

"We've guarded the kingdoms for eight thousand years" A familiar voice called out from across the courtyard.

Kaela's eyes narrowed as she spotted Jon speaking with none other than Jaime Lannister, his shoulders rigid, anger burning behind his brown eyes. Jaime, on the other hand, was looming over the shorter boy with a smug expression, clearly enjoying being able to rile up Ned Stark's bastard son so easily. What had her friend got himself into now?

"Is it "we" already? Have you taken your vows then?" Jaime retorted.

"Soon enough" Jon muttered.

"Give my regards to the Night's Watch. I'm sure it will be thrilling to serve in such an elite force. And if not? It's only for life" Jaime exclaimed, in a mocking tone.

Jaime seemed a little taken aback as he turned on his heel to find Kaela standing directly behind him, having been able to sneak up on him too easily for his liking. She didn't wear the heavy boots, or loud armour that men wore, nor did she appear concerned about approaching a member of the Kingsguard at her own behest. Her sharp blue eyes bore into his, as she tilted her head to the side.

"The same could be said for the Kingsguard. You both swear to take no wife, sire no children. One protects the realm from madmen, and the other...serves the madmen?" Kaela suggested, quirking an eyebrow.

"You seem quite interested in Aerys Targaryen for a servant girl" Jaime pointed out, as Kaela pursed her lips.

"I never said I was talking about the Mad King" Kaela replied, watching as Jaime's lips twitched into a smirk for just a moment.

He missed how Jon shot her a panicked glance, his mouth gone slack. He could hardly believe she was speaking in such a way to a member of the Kingsguard. The Queen's brother, for that matter. Nor, did he need her protection.

"I trust you found what you were searching for in the library" Jaime murmured, as he moved passed her, not bothering to turn back to her.

Kaela realised the Lannister knight expected her to follow after him, like a dog following its master's heels. With a clench of her jaw, she reluctantly stomped after him, pushing down her anger at his lack of respect. Her eyes flickered back to Jon for a moment, who was giving her a questioning look, before turning away with a huff. She stayed just a pace behind Jaime, knowing how it would look to see a servant walking by the side of a knight.

"I did, Ser. It's a shame you were not so considerate when speaking to Jon" Kaela blurted out, despite her better judgment.

"I was simply trying to bestow some wisdom on the boy before he throws his life away" Jaime retorted, sharply.

"Starks have been joining the Wall for hundreds of years" Kaela pointed out.

"They've also been getting pushed off the edge of it for just as long" Jaime stated, as Kaela pursed her lips.

"You appear rather dour this morn, Ser. Do you find the cold so maddening?" Kaela suggested, noticing how Jaime tapped his fingers over his sword, in a subconscious motion.

"My brother is to join the Snow boy on his journey to the Wall" Jaime told her, causing her forehead to wrinkle.

She wasn't sure what she found more confusing...why Tyrion Lannister would want to travel further north, or his older brother was confiding in a handmaiden he hardly knew? While she debated on how to reply, she noticed the looks of disgust that were being thrown toward Jaime, from Northerners and Southerners alike. It seemed there was one thing they could all agree on. Their revulsion toward the Kingslayer.

"Are you worried he may freeze to death in that icy dwelling?" Kaela asked.

"I find myself more concerned with the murderers, rapists and thieves that he will meet there" Jaime huffed.

"Even the simple-minded fool would know better than to kill a Lannister" Kaela explained, as Jaime's eyes flickered over to her for just a moment, before looking away again.

"It sounds as if you've given such a task some thought" Jaime accused, earning an unladylike snort from Kaela.

"If you find yourself so troubled by your brother's plans, why not simply tell him that?" Kaela theorised.

"Clearly you have not met my brother" Jaime responded, as Kaela chose not to inform him that was wrong.

"Then who would he listen to?" Kaela questioned, as Jaime mulled this over.

"My father" He mumbled.

"Then you have your solution" Kaela said, with a slight shrug, as Jaime gave her a look of disbelief.

"You mean to suggest I write a letter to my brother and forge my Lord Father's seal?" Jaime huffed.

"You proposed such a plan, not I" Kaela smirked.

"You're rather devious for a handmaiden" Jaime murmured, in an amused tone, as they arrived at an archway leading to the castle.

Kaela found a question on her lips, knowing the Lannister knight's behaviour around her was more than a little odd. He spoke to her as if he knew her. One thing was for sure, Jaime knew more than he should have.

"...You said a Lannister always pays their debts in the library. But you never said who the debt is owed to" Kaela stated, as Jaime tilted his head to the side, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I suppose I did not" Jaime exclaimed, before shooting her a crooked smirk and walking through the archway.


Kaela stepped into Arya's bedroom later that eve, to find the room in disarray. Clothes were strewn across the floor, trunks open and overflowing, with Arya lying on the edge of the bed, her head upside down. The young girl grimaced when she spotted Kaela approaching, watching as her handmaiden placed her hands on her hips.

" Qogralbar. What happened in here?" Kaela complained.

"Septa Mordane said I have to do it again. My things weren't properly folded" Arya muttered, as she turned over, resting her chin on her hands.

"So, instead you decided to fling your clothes around the room and expected me to tidy them away?" Kaela guessed.

"No. I have tasked Nymeria with that" Arya grinned, jumping up to stand on top of her bed as she waved her direwolf over.

"Nymeria. Gloves" Arya commanded, pointing toward the nearest trunk.

The direwolf immediately rushed toward the leather gloves, but instead of placing them in the trunk, she began chewing on the material, ripping it apart within a matter of moments. Kaela's eyes widened as she watched Nymeria's sharp teeth rip into the leather.

"I think you need to work on your commands, little lady" Kaela teased, walking over to the bed and seating herself beside Arya.

"I don't want to go to King's Landing. It will be too hot. And smelly. And I don't like the King or his children. They're all so golden-haired and perfect" Arya complained, as Kaela grabbed her wrist and tugged her arm to sit down beside her.

"You should be thankful your father is not forcing you to marry one of those golden-haired children" Kaela pointed out, as Arya's nose shrivelled up.

"I never want to get married" Arya muttered, as Kaela ran a hand down Arya's soft hair.

"What do you want to do?" Kaela asked, as Arya seemed surprised at the question.

"I...I want to be a knight. To ride into battle. With swords, and crossbows and—" Arya began when Kaela cut her off.

"And lose an arm or a leg? Because that is the truth of war, Arya. Not that your father would ever let you join a real battle" Kaela explained.

"...Do you really think Father will want me to marry soon?" Arya questioned, with wide eyes.

"Not for some time. You're only young. And he will want to find you a good match" Kaela said, as Arya's face crumbled.

"But that doesn't mean you cannot train with a sword. I hear you might have earnt quite the present from your brother" Kaela added, with a grin.

"Jon told you about needle?" Arya gaped, making Kaela snort.

"Whose idea do you think it was to give you a weapon?" Kaela mumbled, ruffling her lady's hair once again.

"But you just said fighting with swords was dangerous" Arya frowned.

"Arya...your father won't tell you this because he does not want to scare you but...King's Landing is the most dangerous place in the realm. There will be spies everywhere, who will wish to lead to your father's downfall" Kaela warned her.

"Why?" Arya inquired, innocently.

"Because he has power. And that is what every man and woman yearns for. You must be mindful on this journey. Do not put yourself or your family in danger. Speak only when spoken to, do as you are asked and most of all...no hitting your sister" Kaela went on.

"Seven Hells" Arya grumbled, as Kaela nudged her with her elbow.

"And certainly no swearing" She teased.


The next morning, Kaela watched from the doorway of Bran's chambers as the young boy's chest rose and fall slowly. Soft huffs of breath echoed throughout the room, but it was the only sign of life. Bran did not stir. It had been a day since the ritual, and nothing had changed. Kaela racked her mind for what could have gone wrong, perhaps she had not gained enough blood from Joffrey? Without King's blood, the holy books said the ritual could have troubling consequences. Kaela hoped she wouldn't have to find out what that meant. She went to leave before Catelyn noticed her, but a creaking floorboard gave her away, as Lady Stark's eyes snapped up to hers.

"I have met many people in my years. Good and bad...but I have never met one as cruel as you" Catelyn spat out, instantly rising to her feet.

"My Lady, I...I thought it would work. It should have worked" Kaela murmured.

"You gave me false hope! You made me believe my boy would wake!" Catelyn shouted, storming over to the younger woman.

"He still could. Perhaps the ritual needs more time to—" Kaela began, but was cut off as Catelyn's palm struck her across the cheek.

Kaela's head spun from the force, as Catelyn put all her pent-up anger behind the hit. Kaela bit her inner cheek to stop herself from saying anything that would cause her to lose an appendage. She opted to glare at Lady Stark instead, her hands balled into fists by her side.

"I see how you sniff around Ned's bastard. A pathetic display. It should have been him. Do you hear me? It should have been him " Catelyn snapped, as anger coursed through Kaela's veins.

"Neither of our Gods would appear to agree with you" Kaela stated, as Catelyn raised her hand once more.

She saw the attack coming, her own hand shooting out to grab Lady Stark's wrist before she could be hit again. Catelyn appeared taken aback by Kaela's reaction, her eyes darting between the hand still clutching her wrist and the hateful look on Kaela's face. She attempted to pull her arm away, but Kaela kept her grip strong, refusing to let Catelyn retreat now.

" Unhand me this instant! " Catelyn shouted, tugging at her arm repeatedly.

"That ritual is not the only one I learnt in Volantis, my Lady. I grew up in the Red Temple. I have seen things you would cower in fear from. I suggest you do not test me" Kaela warned, before finally releasing her grip on Catelyn.

"You are mad. Once I tell my Lord husband of your actions, he will—" Catelyn began, but this time it was Kaela who cut her off.

"Do nothing. Because you will not tell him. I have the protection of a God on my side, Lady Stark. What do you have?" Kaela threatened.

"Your God is not real! Or Bran would have awoken!" Catelyn retorted, not noticing how Kaela's hand had delved between the folds of her gown, to touch the dagger hidden there.

The jewel encrusted onto the handle of the dagger could be pushed inwards, allowing the owner to hide a small object inside. Kaela was not sure what the original purpose was, but long ago, Melisandre had placed a much-needed substance inside the dagger before it had been given to Kaela. Something she used for many of her tricks to turn people to the faith of the Red God.

"R'hllor is real. He simply does not listen to you" Kaela muttered, before gathering the substance between her fingers and flinging her hand toward the nearby brazier fire still in Bran's room.

The flames suddenly rose high in the air, turning a red tint for a few moments as the gritty substance Kaela had thrown into the fire reacted with the flames. Catelyn staggered back in fear, a gasp leaving her lips as she almost tripped over her own feet. The fire crackled and licked at the ceiling of Bran's chambers for a few more moments before it began to lessen, the substance having been burnt away. Kaela stood tall as Catelyn retreated to press herself up against the wall, cowering as if she expected the younger girl to attack her. Kaela inwardly thanked R'hllor for allowing her trick to work so well.

"As I said...I think we should keep this our secret, Lady Stark" Kaela told her, before twisting around to walk out of the room.

Her hands were shaking as she all but ran away from Bran's chambers, her heart hammering in her chest. From the look of terror on Catelyn's face, she believed the Lady would keep their talks to herself. But Kaela had been foolish. She had allowed her Targaryen rage to get the better of her. And then who would be left to avenge her family?


Kaela watched as the King's party slowly rode off in the distance, before turning to see Benjen Stark and his recruits pulling their horses in the other direction. She had refused to say goodbye to Jon at Winterfell, stating they still had a full hour's ride to spend with each other before they had to go their separate ways. She wanted to spend as much time as she could with him. A feeling of dread had been upon her since the sun rose in the sky that morning. Kaela knew it would be a long time since she would see Jon again.

"I should not keep my uncle waiting" Jon pointed out, jumping off from his horse, as Kaela did the same.

"He is taking you away from your family. He can wait as long as is needed" Kaela grumbled, making Jon laugh.

"Don't let him hear you saying that" Jon teased, as Kaela reached out to lie the laces that had been sewn onto his fur cloak a little tighter.

"You'll catch your death if you do not dress properly" Kaela muttered, pulling the cloak further around his shoulders.

"I think that will be the least of my problems" Jon admitted, looking over his shoulder toward the two men who rode on horseback behind his uncle, their hands bound together.

"I know that look. Don't even think about it. You just...you need to keep your head down at Castle Black. Do what your uncle tells you, even when it pisses you off" Kaela ordered, as Jon's lips twitched into a smile.

"You know that's not me, Kaela" Jon stated.

"You're right. Your trouble, Snow. You always have been" Kaela replied, amusing Jon further.

"I think I will miss you the most" Jon confessed, his happy expression crumbling all of a sudden.

"I would hope so" Kaela stated, with a sad smile.

The next moment, she all but jumped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, as he circled his own arms around her waist. He embraced her tightly, pulling her off her feet, his eyes closing as he tried to lock the memory away in her mind. Kaela clutched onto his fur cloak, blinking rapidly as she tried to stop the tears that welled in her eyes. She needed to at least appear strong for Jon's sake. She rest her chin against his shoulder for a little while longer, warmth spreading through her chest before she reluctantly released her grip on him. Kaela didn't trust herself to speak as they pulled away, simply giving him one last smile before turning away. The dread coursing within her only got worse with every step.


Kaela couldn't stop the smile that grew on her lips as she watched Nymeria racing after a herd of wild horses, her tongue wagging in the wind. Arya giggled beside her, watching as her direwolf ran circles around the horses who appeared surprisingly calm despite the wolf close on their hoofs. Kaela realised it was the first genuine smile she had since leaving Jon. It had been a difficult few days, making their way through bogs and crooked roads that their horses could barely make through.

"She's not so frightening when she's not snapping at your face" Mycah, the butcher's boy that Arya had befriended the previous day, mumbled.

"She thought you were going to hurt me. Besides, she only nipped at your arm a little" Arya retorted, making Kaela scoff.

"You were very brave, Mycah. You could hardly tell you were about to shit yourself" Kaela teased, as the boy's cheeks reddened.

"Such unladylike language in front of a highborn" A familiar voice exclaimed, as Kaela twisted around to find Jaime Lannister marching toward them, now wearing his Kingsguard armour.

"I like the way Kaela speaks" Arya retorted, defensively.

"Would your father?" Jaime pointed out.

"He would like it more than how you speak. He says you are a—" Arya started, but was cut off as Kaela slammed her heel down on Arya's foot.

"Respectable knight" Kaela finished, sending Arya a warning look.

"Not a Kingslayer?" Jaime huffed, his fingers tapping against his sword again.

Kaela was grateful when Nymeria suddenly came bounding over to them, jumping up at Jaime, her teeth snapping loudly. Kaela was quick to call out the direwolf's name, grabbing her by the scruff of her neck and hauling Nymeria off him before the Lannister knight drew his sword out. Jaime stumbled back a pace, one strand of his perfect golden hair finally out of place as he brushed off his armour, cursing under his breath.

"You should learn to keep your wolf under control" Jaime muttered, as Nymeria snapped at him once more, causing him to pale.

"Nymeria only attacks when she sees a threat" Arya stated, stroking Nymeria's head.

"You approached her lady with a sword by your side. Why do you think she tried to take your fingers off?" Kaela pointed out, as Jaime pursed his lips.

"Because she's a wild animal" Jaime insisted.

"I would think she is more loyal than any person you have encountered" Kaela went on, as Nymeria finally started to calm herself.

"Have you seen a dragon?" Arya suddenly questioned, as Jaime's brows knitted together.

"I beg your pardon?" Jaime replied.

"Dragons. Father said their skulls used to decorate the Red Keep. But did you ever see any living dragons?" Arya pushed.

"No. Dragons have been dead for hundreds of years. Do they not educate children so far north?" Jaime scoffed, as Arya scowled at him.

"Father says you are a fool. A cowardly fool" Arya retorted, as Jaime refrained from rolling his eyes.

"I'm sure your father has much to say about me" Jaime mumbled, bitterly.

"Is it true you stabbed the Mad King in the back?" Arya asked, as Jaime suddenly went still.

Kaela watched as his eyes glazed over for a moment, before he swallowed thickly, glaring at the young girl. Even after so many years, the memory still had an effect on him. Something which Kaela could tell Jaime hated, as she felt a slither of sympathy for him.

"The King has commanded me to bring you back to your father. The riding party is to leave soon" Jaime responded, in a cold tone.

"Run along, Arya. Do not make your father fret further" Kaela commanded, as Arya pouted but did as she was told, with Mycah following close behind her.

"The beast appears rather loyal to you as well as Lady Stark" Jaime stated, gesturing to where Nymeria was sitting close to Kaela's side.

"Who do you think is the one that feeds her?" Kaela smirked, as she gestured for Nymeria to stand, as the three began to follow after Arya.

They walked in silence for some time, as the sun began to set, making Kaela realise how far she had led Arya away from the riding party. Another foolish move. They were bandits everywhere along the Kings Road, and all she had to defend herself was a dagger and parlour tricks. She suddenly felt grateful for the Kingsguard's presence.

"I was taught from a young age there is a great difference between killing a good man and a bad man. Aerys Targaryen was not the former" Kaela suggested, watching as Jaime's jaw clenched.

"And you would know that how?" Jaime snapped.

"Forgive me, Ser. I did not mean to speak out of turn" Kaela apologised.

"...What is done, is done. It matters not why, only the act itself" Jaime muttered, more to himself than her.

"I do not think life is so black and white" Kaela admitted, as Jaime regarded her closely for a few moments.

"Then you are a rare soul" Jaime told her, as they noticed torches coming up ahead, belonging to the riding party.

Before Kaela could answer, a sharp scream had both their heads turning, finding the sound did not belong to a person. A foal appeared to have wandered away from the rest of the herd and was collapsed against the grass, crying out in pain as the prince and a group of squires poked at the foal with sticks. Kaela crept closer to find the animal's front leg seemed injured, wondering if the foal had been abandoned by the herd as it could not run. With its leg twisted at such an angle, it was clear the foal would not live long, and was in a great amount of pain, only made worse by how Joffrey was now hitting the animal with a stick. Kaela took a step forward, ready to shout at the prince to stop, even if it did lead to her own demise. Suddenly, a hand shot out to stop her, causing the words to die on her tongue. She looked down to see the hand belonged to Jaime, whose palm brushed against her arm for just a moment, before he pulled back, seemingly surprised by the gesture himself. He was then striding forward, pushing the laughing squires aside.

"The animal needs to be put out of its misery" Jaime announced, as Joffrey barely glanced at him.

"I will have my fun with the foal first" Joffrey grinned, poking at the animal's leg this time, causing its cries to grow louder.

Kaela's eyes widened when Jaime unsheathed his sword, the sound echoing over the valley as all eyes turned to him. Even Joffrey seemed frightened for a moment as if expecting the knight to strike him. With a stony expression on his face, Jaime raised his sword up in the air, before bringing it down onto the foal's head, killing it instantly before the prince could subject it to more pain.

"It was mine to torment" Joffrey insisted, childishly.

"I believe you have enough creatures already to torment, Joffrey" Jaime retorted, causing the blond boy to scowl before he stormed away.

The small crowd that had formed around the pair was quick to disperse when Jaime sent them a glare. His eyes flickered over to Kaela's, holding her gaze for a short time before he followed in Joffrey's footsteps. Kaela looked down at the dead foal with a sullen expression, wondering what they planned to do with the animal. Would they just leave it in the grass to rot?

"The boy does not act kingly at the best of times, does he?" A new voice called out to her, as she twisted around to find Tyrion walking toward her.

"It is not my place to question a Prince" Kaela pointed out.

"Yet, your face tells me all I need to know" Tyrion smirked.

"Then I must insist that you are mistaken. The prince acts in ways I would expect from his father" Kaela explained, as a laugh left Tyrion's lips.

"Did I say something humorous, my Lord?" Kaela frowned.

"No. Ironic, perhaps. Believe me, girl, Joffrey is very different from his father" Tyrion told her.

"Do you believe the King was not cruel when he commanded for children to be butchered in front of their mother?" Kaela muttered, as Tyrion raised an eyebrow.

"I do. But I know better than to say such things so openly" Tyrion stated, as Kaela averted her eyes to the ground.

"I beg your pardon, my Lord" Kaela grimaced, giving a small curtsey.

"...If I was so brazen, I would say that I will rue the day my repulsive nephew becomes King" Tyrion whispered, as Kaela's lips twitched into a smile.

"Ah, so berating the prince is acceptable, but not his father?" Kaela all but teased.

"I quite like his father" Tyrion replied, with a grin, leaving Kaela more confused than before.

Her forehead wrinkled as something clicked in her mind, as pieces of a puzzle slowly came together. Tyrion seemed to speak of the King and Joffrey's father as if they were different. Arya's words from the week before suddenly came to the front of her mind, causing her eyes to double in size.

They're all so golden-haired and perfect.

None of the King's children looked even the slightest bit like Robert. They had their mother's hair and favourable looks. But what if...they took after their father too?

Kaela's hand flew to her mouth as she realised the truth once and for all. She had completed the ritual to save Bran correctly. It would have worked.

But Joffrey was not Robert's son. He had no King's blood. He was a bastard.