Chapter Thirteen
Kailyah walked through the damp, dark dungeon, a torch lighting her way. Ser Daemon walked close behind her, tenser than usual, his hand over his sword, watching her pause to glance into each cell.
"You shouldn't be here, Princess." He warned her, and Kailyah smiled slightly. Daemon had always been her favorite Kingsguard, after her Uncle, of course. She'd even had a slight crush on him when she was two and ten, when he'd first sworn his vows to her Father, a fact Jasper never let her forget. He was fond of her as well, and bold enough to speak up to her, though he never put much effort into stopping her when she was getting herself into trouble.
"Jasper wouldn't bar me from anywhere in the castle."
"Your Mother would, as would your Uncle. That is why you requested me today, yes?" He asked pointedly, and Kailyah smiled at him over her shoulder.
"Nonsense, Ser, I simply enjoy your company." Daemon raised an eyebrow at her sardonically, and Kailyah turned, continuing deeper into the Black Cells, pausing to look into each of them. Finally, she stopped, making a small noise of satisfaction. "Leave us, Ser Daemon."
"No."
"Ser Daemon."
"No."
"Fifty paces, that way." Kailyah compromised. "I'll stay on this side of the bars." Daemon glared at her, but Kailyah met his eyes steadily, making it clear she wasn't backing down. They stared each other down, until Daemon finally sighed, taking her arm and pulling her three steps back from the bars of the cell.
"Stay." He ordered firmly, before walking, marching maybe thirty paces away, turning to meet her eyes challengingly. Lips twisting up in amusement, Kailyah turned, peering into the cell at the hooded figure chained by his wrists to the far wall.
"What is a Faceless Man doing in Westeros?" Kailyah asked, keeping her voice low enough so that Daemon wouldn't be able to make out her words. He hadn't been moving before, but there was a sudden stillness to his body that screamed danger to Kailyah. "And how did you manage to get caught?" He didn't answer, and Kailyah tilted her head to the side. "If the rumors of your people's skills are to be believed, I can't imagine the Guards of the City Watch would've been able to arrest you… unless you wanted to be caught." Slowly, his head lifted, and his hood fell backwards, revealing the face of a handsome man in his late thirties, with dark eyes and hair curling down past his jawline.
"A girl knows many secrets. More than she should." Jaquen H'ghar said lowly, and Kailyah smirked.
"You have no idea."
"What brings a girl to a place like this?" He asked, not answering her own question.
"I've never met a faceless man."
"You have."
"Perhaps. I suppose I wouldn't know." Kailyah tilted her head to the side. "Curiosity. They say a faceless man can kill anyone, anywhere."
"A faceless man can do many things."
"Could a faceless man kill a monster?"
"A man kills monsters every day."
"Not that kind of monster. A creature of nightmares. A creature of magic."
"A girl wishes for a man to kill a dragon?"
"No. Not a dragon." Kailyah met his eyes steadily. "The Night King." Her torch flickered, an icy chill blew through the dungeons, and Jaquen went still.
"A White Walker."
"The White Walker. Could you do it?"
"A Faceless Man offers up life to the Red God. A man cannot kill that which is not alive."
"Define alive. They move, they kill, and they can be killed, with fire, or the right weapon."
"Perhaps."
"What would it cost to try?"
"More than the entirety of a girl's treasury."
"Ah, I had been told that the service of a faceless man is outrageously expensive. Which again, begs the question, what brought you here. There are only a handful of men who could afford you, and I know most of them." Jaqen didn't respond, beyond smirking, and Kailyah sighed.
"Well, I assume you'll escape whenever you wish, or leave with the next batch of men from the Night's Watch and escape from them instead, so I can't bribe you with your freedom, and I certainly can't afford your skillset. I will ask you this, after he kills the lot of us and turns his attention to the South, will you try to kill him then or try to hide among his army of the dead?"
"A girl thinks she can manipulate a man to her will."
"A girl didn't think it would work, but thought it couldn't hurt to try. A girl is trying to find a way to kill someone who is supposedly unkillable, and is a bit desperate."
"And a girls only idea was to find a faceless man."
"Not my only idea. But I must admit I'm curious as to who would win that fight."
"A Man is also curious."
"But not enough to attempt it."
"No."
"Afraid?"
"A Faceless Man does not fear death. The Red God comes for us all."
"Yes, but not today."
TLR
It was a hectic week, preparing for Ned and his daughters to leave, but there was one thing she had to do before they left. Kailyah had been attending to the Starks all week, making sure to share a meal with the children each day, sparing with Arya and Bran under Syrios instruction, even convincing Sansa to practice her archery a few times, though the younger girl preferred it when Kailyah joined her for embroidery instead. She made sure not to hover to closely, but made sure they were provided with anything they asked for (within reason), allowing guards to escort them to see Ned whenever he asked, and, per Neds request, provided Jory an escort into Flea Bottom to a more obscure Ravenry to send letters from Ned and his children. Ned didn't provide a reason he didn't wish to use the castles, and Kailyah didn't ask. She had a young boy working at the Ravenry anyhow, and he sent her copies of the letters. (A more detailed version of what had happened, and assurances from the children that they were being treated well, as well as pleas to convince their Father to let them stay (so Sansa could marry her truest love Joffrey and Arya could continue her lessons with Syrio and stay with Kailee.)
The day before the Starks were set to leave, there was only one thing left to do. After going over her plans with Jasper one last time, she made sure everything was ready and left for the Tower of the Hand, Jaime trailing behind her. She spent the morning as she usually did, with Arya and Bran, sparing under Syrios watchful eye. She joined them for breakfast, which Sansa skipped, as she had taken to doing in the past few days since Lord Stark broke the news that his daughters would be returning North with him.
(Kailyah had noted in Winterfell that Sansa tended to refuse meals when she was upset, and though she had made a point of encouraging the girl to eat, she'd hoped Sansa would do the same that morning so Kailyah could get to her alone.)
Kailyah excused herself as their Septa called the youngest Stark children for their lessons, making a plate and knocking on Sansa and Arya's door, shutting herself in with the thirteen year old girl. Sansa was dressed but in her bed, red eyed and weeping, and Kailyah kept her words gentle and voice soft as she comforted the girl, letting her weep on her shoulder as she sang sweet lies about how Joffery would surely miss her too, as would she and Marcella, promising letters and gifts and prayers for the Gods to bring them all together again someday soon. When Kailyah had her calmed down and pushed the girl into eating a light breakfast, she pulled back with a small smile.
"I have a surprise for you. Would you feel up to going to the castle with me?"
"Just us? What about Arya and Bran?" Sans asked hesitantly, although her eyes brightened hopefully. She hadn't yet lost her slight hero worship over Kailyah, or her jealousy over Kailyah's closeness with Arya.
"Just us, for now. I've noticed you've been upset lately, I thought I could cheer you up."
"Okay." Sansa smiled brightly, wiping her watery eyes and taking Kailyah's hand, letting the older girl link their arms together. Kailyah opened the door, smiling brightly at Jory and Jaime, who stood silently several feet away from each other. Jory was obviously uncomfortable, while Jaime seemed indifferent, if slightly bored. Both men straightened when the girls stepped out.
"Ser Jory, Sansa and I are going to the castle for a bit, would you like to join us?" Kailyah offered, and Jory hesitated, glancing into the solar where Bran and Arya sat with their Septa.
"The children arent coming?"
"Not today. I can leave extra guards, if you'd prefer, or you could stay. We'll only be out for a couple hours." Kailyah promised, and Jory struggled, obviously torn, until Syrio cleared his throat.
"Go. The little ones will not leave my sight. They are well guarded." He ordered, and Jory relaxed slightly, nodding. They'd obviously built a sense of trust in the past few days, and Kailyah set aside her unease at the thought. Syrio had a way of seeing through her that she didn't appreciate, but there was nothing she could do for it now.
"Perfect!" Kailyah smiled brightly at Sansa, who returned it, and steered her towards the door as Jaime and Jory fell into place behind her. "Come, we'll have to sneak out before they notice, or we won't be able to leave at all."
"They'll be mad when we get back." Sansa giggled.
"Taken care of." Kailyah waved her worries away. "I intend to bribe them for forgiveness." Jaime chuckled behind her, and Kailyah dismissed Sansa's questions, distracting her with small talk as they left the Tower and made their way to the Keep, heading towards the family wing.
"Where are we?" Sansa finally asked as Kailyah pushed open a door with a flourish, revealing a moderately sized kitchen, with a cozy fireplace and sitting area.
"My kitchen." Kailyah boasted, and Sansa looked at her with wide eyes.
"You have a kitchen?"
"A gift, from my Father." Kailyah explained. "When I was younger, we had this cook, Amina. A wonderful woman, she was always so kind to me. She'd always pretend she didn't see when Jasper and I snuck into the kitchen for treats, even hid us a few times, when we got in trouble. She told us so many stories, the scary ones that most adults refused to tell us. And she made the best cinnamon cakes I've ever had, they were my favorite in the whole world. I begged for them, constantly. And I was absolutely inconsolable when I found out she was going to retire."
"You have no idea." Jaime murmured under his breath to Jory, who chuckled, relaxing slightly.
"I was a mess." She swore to Sansa, who giggled quietly. "I begged her to stay, but she was in her late seventies, and she was having trouble making the walk up to the Red Keep everyday. I even begged my Mother to give her a room here, and her family, so she wouldn't have to leave." Kailyah smiled, thinking of the kind old woman she hadn't thought of in some time. "She was so patient with me, bless her. She introduced me to the new baker, assured me she'd teach him to make my cakes, even wrote down several copies of the recipe for me, but it wasn't enough for me, and finally, she brought me down to the kitchen and taught me how to make them myself, so I wouldn't have to worry about someone messing it up. She taught me a few other recipes as well, and one day, when my Mother was sad-" (when she'd refused to leave her room because of the massive bruise marrying half her lovely face) "I took over the kitchen and made her peach cobbler, her favorite. From there, it became a tradition. I make treats for my family on special occasions. I still adore Cinnamon Cakes, Jasper likes Pumpkin Cookies, Joff likes Berry Tarts, Marcella likes Baklava, and Tommen likes Honey Cakes. My Father had this made for me on my ninth birthday, so I'd stop getting in the way in the kitchen.
"Anyway, I remembered that lemon cakes were your favorite." Kailyah pulled a sheet off the counter with a flourish, revealing a set of ingredients and tools waiting. "I was going to make them for you, but I've always felt a sense of accomplishment when I make something myself. I thought it'd take your mind off of things, at least for a while, and it gets you out of the Tower for a bit. Plus, I love my siblings, but everyone needs a break sometimes, and you've been stuck with yours for almost a week." Sansa smiled, but hesitated.
"I- I've never cooked before."
"I'll help you. I've never made lemon cakes before-" That was a lie, she'd made five batches this week in preparation. (Kailyah was a bit of a perfectionist, she had to make sure they looked and tasted right) The children at the orphanages were very appreciative. "-we can learn together. I even tracked down a Northern recipe for it, hopefully it's not too different from what you have at home." Kailyah showed Sansa the recipe card and led her to the counter, pointing out various ingredients and how to measure each. They got to work, chattering away the whole time, and Jaime and Jory settled down at the table near the fireplace, reminiscing about the Ironborn Rebellion they'd fought together and swapping war stories.
Kailyah showed Sansa how to grease the baking tins and they placed a candied lemon slice (prepared the day before by Kailyah, as they needed a night to set) in each tin, before beginning the batter. She showed Sansa how to zest the lemon and scrape out seeds from a vanilla bean, how to crack an egg (They shattered two before Sansa got the hang of it) and measured out ingredients. In no time at all they were pouring batter into the tins, overtop the candied lemons and set them into the oven to bake. While it did, Kailyah got a pot of water boiling and showed Sansa how to make candied lemon slices, assuring her that they'd be ready by tomorrow morning, something for her and her siblings to share on the way home. When the cakes were done, they removed the tins from the oven and set out four, insisting that Jory and Jaime try one with them. By then, Sansa was smiling widely, not a care in the world, and even Jory had relaxed. When he turned to answer a question from Sansa, Kailyah caught Jaime's eye. She reached up, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, and tapped her fourth finger with her thumb twice before her hands returned to her lap and she refocused on their guests, asking Jory a followup question about his training. Jaimes eyes narrowed, before his face smoothed out.
When Kailyah was young, there was a night that Robert had been drunk and roaring and reminiscing over war stories while towing Kailyah around the room with him, his meaty hand clamped around her arm well into the night. He hadn't released her until Jaime had practically thrown a serving girl into Robert's path, and the moment the drunken King was distracted, he'd scooped Kailyah up and into his arms, disappearing into the crowd and taking her off to her rooms. To distract her, they'd sat down and come up with a code, something only they knew, to use when they'd need help but couldn't outright ask for it (although only Kailyah had ever used it). Tapping her thumb with her first finger meant get Mother, her second meant Jasper. Her third meant get her out by any means necessary, and her fourth meant to distract them so she could sneak out. They hadn't had to use it in years, as Kailyah had long since learned ways to see herself out of uncomfortable situations.
But Jaime never let her down. In an instant, he turned to Jory and Sansa and engaged, subtly but surely turning up his charm, enthralling them with some of his best stories, namely a fight between Ser Barriston and Simon Toyne, a leader of an Outlaw group he'd seen when he was only a squire. Kailyah stood partway through the story, making her way to the counter and beginning to pack up the remaining cakes into a basket, separating each with a piece of wax paper. Sansa and Jory were so engaged they didn't notice, nor did they notice when she slipped a small vial from her sleeve, opening it and flipping a cake over, pouring a small amount of clear liquid onto the bottom, watching it soak into the cake before flipping it upright and stacking it onto two bits of wax paper, placing it directly at the front, closest to the clasp that would keep the basket sealed, and closed the lid, latching the top. She slipped the vial back into her sleeve before taking the basket and returning to the table, setting it down in front of Sansa just as Jaime finished.
"Oh." Sansa blinked when the basket appeared before her, before flushing. "I'm so sorry, Kailyah, I could've helped-"
"Please, I don't mind. That was one of Jasper's favorite stories when we were children, I've heard it a thousand times."
"I can see why." Jory chuckled, far more relaxed around Jaime than he had been.
"Besides, our two hours are almost over, and I thought you might like a walk in the gardens before we return." Sansa agreed eagerly, picking up the basket and taking Kailyah's arm, and Jaime and Jory followed behind them, still swapping war stories, Jaime now asking over the Blackfish, who Jory had spent some time with in the Riverlands. They wound their way leisurely through the gardens, Kailyah and Sansa talking easily and soaking up the sun, til they neared the end, and 'happened upon' Jasper and Petyr Baelish, her brothers Kingsguard trailing behind. Kailyah smiled. Jasper never lets her down.
"Jasper!" Kailyah greeted, stepping forward to kiss his cheek as Sansa dropped into a curtsy.
"Your Grace." She greeted, blush painting the tops of her cheeks.
"Sister. Lady Stark. What do I owe for pleasure?" Jasper asked with a kind smile, hands clasped behind his back.
"We made lemon cakes. Would you like to try them?"
"I'm always happy to try your bakes, sister." Sansa quickly presented the box, and Jasper stepped forward, grabbing two and offering one to Lord Baelish, smoothly removing the two pieces of wax paper stuck to the bottom as he did and tucking them into a pocket. He met Kailyah's eyes, smiling as he took a bite of his own cake, and Kailyah returned it.
"Thank you, Your Grace, Lady Sansa." Baelish didn't thank her, but Kailyah didn't mind, not when he finished his small cake in two bites and reached forward, taking a second from Sansa's basket. Jasper watched with a viscous sort of satisfaction. He hadn't forgiven Baelish for his part in Jon Arryn's death, and had suggested their use of Tears of Lys in his name. "Delicious, what's the occasion?" Baelish said with a grin he must have thought charming, taking a large bite of the tart dessert.
"Just something for the ride home." Sansa said with a sweet grin, clutching her basket to her chest. "I should share some with my siblings. Do you- do you think you could give one to my Father for me?" She asked, turning to Kailyah.
"You can give her one yourself, Lady Sansa. Lord Stark and his men are to be released today, to pack their belongings." Jasper said with a kind smile. Lord Baelish's face blackened before he pasted on a smile, turning to the King.
"Your Grace, I was under the impression that Lord Stark and his men were to stay in the dungeon until we can hold a trial."
"Lord Stark and I have reached an agreement, I see no reason to hold a trial for a simple misunderstanding."
"Your Grace-"
"And I would hope you aren't pushing for a trial either Baelish, seeing as your intentions would also be called into question." Kailyah smiled lightly, proud of the steel in her kindhearted brother's tone. "Lord Stark and his House will leave for Winterfell on the morrow, Brandon will stay in King's Landing to continue his squire-ship."
"And Lady Sansa? I believe she should stay as well, given her and Prince Joffrey's engagement."
"Their betrothal was considered by my Father, but never finalized. Due to recent events, their possible engagement had been put aside, for the time being." Kailyah said, lips quirking up despite herself at the barely contained rage in Littlefinger's eyes. "Though, of course, it may be reconsidered in the future." She assured Sansa, before turning back to her brother and excusing them with a curtsy. Sansa quickly copied her, and Kailyahleft her brother with a seething Baelish, returning Sansa and Jory to their Tower. Once the youngest Stark children were bribed out of their pouting with a lemon cake and Sansa was happily settled, they left the Tower, and Kailyah turned to Jaime.
"I want extra guards at the tower tonight, with the Starks. Trusted guards."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"I am not the Queen, Uncle Jaime." Kailyah wrinkled her nose at the title, and Jaime smiled slightly.
"Not officially." Jaime's eyes danced in amusement. "As Tyrion would say, you are our little Shadow Queen."
"Queen or no, you are my uncle, I have no need for formalities with you." Jaime's smile became fond, and he shook his head.
"Very well, Kailee." The princess rewarded him with a wide smile, taking his arm as they made their way to the castle. "Want to tell me?" He asked lightly, and Kailyah hesitated, but shook her head.
"It's better that you don't know."
"So long as you're safe." He conceded, not prying, and Kailyah squeezed his bicep in thanks. "It's been a while since we sparred last." He drawled, grinning when Kailyah lit up.
"Let me get changed first, I'll meet you there." She beamed, taking off into her room, hearing him chuckle. She arrived at her room, closed the door behind her, and leant against it for a moment, shoulders sagging.
She'd spent the past week preparing for today, and it was over in an instant. And everything had gone exactly right. She'd experimented with ways to mark the cake intended for Baelish, but had ultimately decided not to risk it, beyond using two sheets of wax paper to make sure it couldn't contaminate the others. Instead she'd chosen a spot in the basket and forced Jasper to memorize it, filling that same basket she'd given Sansa with treats and making him pick the correct one out of it over and over until there was no hesitation or lag in conversation, making sure the movement was completely smooth.
They'd debated the idea of having Sansa give him the cake herself, knowing Baelish wasn't likely to question anything from the girl who looked so much like 'his Catelynn', but quickly realized there was no way to guarantee she'd give him the right one, without tipping off either Baelish or Jory. But Baelish couldn't very well refuse one from his King, not when he was so desperate to get back into his good graces, and he didn't even hesitate when the dessert came from Sansa's basket.
And Jaime had been perfect, distracting Jory and Sansa, coaxing the extremely distrustful Northern Captain of the Guard into a sense of security and maintaining a comrade afterwards. The only person Jory had been suspicious of in the gardens was Baelish, which was exactly what Kailyah had wanted.
Kailyah stood, making her way to the fireplace, and Pulled the vial from her sleeve, pulling out the stopper and dumping the small bit of liquid left into the fire before dropping it in, watching the glass shatter against the bottom, shards scattering among the coals. She turned, making her way towards her wardrobe and changing into training clothes.
Baelish couldn't have been allowed to stay in the game for long. Once he realized putting the Starks and Lannisters against each other, he'd do something far more drastic, something Kailyah wouldn't be able to prevent.
He had to go.
TLR
Pounding on her door woke her up, late in the night, Kailyah threw off her blankets and pulled a crimson silk robe over her shift before opening the door.
"Princess." A Redcloak bowed, glancing nervously over at the guard stationed outside her door. "A man was caught trying to break into the Tower of the Hand, His Grace called for you when he was told."
"Was anyone hurt?" Kailyah asked, putting on her slippers and following the Redcloak towards the Tower, her guard falling into place behind her.
"A White Cloak was wounded, but he was stopped at the door. It seemed he didn't expect the extra guards. No one has entered or left the Stark rooms."
"Is Lord Stark aware?"
"Not yet, my Lady. We sent word to the King, and to you, first."
"Good." They reached the base of the Tower, where Jasper waited, two Kingsguard at his side.
"Sister." Jasper yawned, swiping a stray curl from his eyes. He wore a loose red tunic and his black sleeping pants, and Kailyah smiled slightly, reaching up to fix his hair.
"Brother."
"I sent someone to wake Ned, he'll be here soon." Kailyah nodded, and Jasper met her eyes. "We knew he'd try something."
"He wasn't going to let Sansa go without a fight." Kailyah agreed as Ned emerged from the Tower, Jory behind him, both dressed and armed. "But this was desperate, sloppy. He had no time to plan this, he could've left a trail."
"It won't matter for much longer."
"No, but it'll appease the Starks when they find out."
"Your Grace, Princess." Ned greeted as he grew close, and Jasper nodded tiredly.
"Sorry to wake you, Ned. Jory."
"What happened?"
"A man attacked the guard at the back door. Luckily the guards patrolling weren't far, and heard the struggle. They came to help, and caught him as he tried to get into the Tower. He's been taken to the dungeon, would you like to join us for his interrogation?" Ned hesitated, then nodded, turning back to Jory.
"Wake some men, I want them guarding my children."
"Yes, my Lord." Jory bowed, turning and marching back into the Tower. Kailyah turned to her guard.
"Call some extra guards to patrol the Tower, and send some to the Family Wing as well. No one should have gotten this far into the Keep unnoticed."
"Yes Princess." Her guard bowed, striding away, and Jasper offered her his arm as they made their way to the dungeons, Ned walking on his other side.
"How did they get this far? No one should've been allowed in this late at night, and we've upped security since Fathers passing. Someone would've noticed." Jasper mused.
"He had to have had help." They descended into the dungeon, torches lighting their way, and were quickly escorted to a cell.
"He's not talking, your Grace." A Guard informed them.
"So we have nothing?"
"We found a map of the Tower on him, your Grace, with rooms marked." He handed it over, and Kailyah leaned over to examine it, as did Ned.
"That's the girls room, and Bran's." She noted, and Ned's jaw tightened.
"He also had this." The guard presented an ornate gold dagger, and Kailyahs eyes narrowed. She recognized that knife.
"That's no commoner's knife." Jasper noted, tilting his head to the side. "This looks familiar." Kailyah bit back a curse as Ned's eyes glinted suspiciously. Jasper turned the dagger in his hands, eyes catching on a small mark on the hilt of the blade. "This maker's mark, it's from Lannisport…" He mused, before catching himself. Kailyah jumped in quickly.
"It's Uncle Tyrions!" She 'realized'. "He wagered it at Fathers name day tourney, when Uncle Jaime rode against Loras."
"It's your Uncles'?" Ned asked, trying for nonchalance and failing entirely.
"It was." Kailyah corrected. "Tyrion bet on Uncle Jaime, as always, but Loras won that round. Tyrion lost that bet."
"To who?" Ned demanded, and Kailyah and Jasper shared a look.
"Petyr Baelish." Jasper said cautiously
"I want him arrested." The twins shared another look. "What?"
"It's not enough, Ned." Kailyah said gently. "He could claim the dagger was lost, or stolen, or sold, or gambled off. We need a witness, or a confession."
"We could bring him in, ask about his whereabouts, ask over the dagger. But us knowing the dagger was in his possession half a year ago isn't enough." Jasper added.
"So what? We do nothing?" Ned demanded, furious.
"What would you do?" Kailyah asked, making him falter. "Jasper just started his rule, and we've never encountered anything like this before. You've been lord of Winterfell for almost eighteen years. What do you do when one of your lords is accused of a crime with little to no proof."
"We've begun looking into his records and found proof of embezzlement from the crown, but I'm not even halfway through his ledgers, I'd hoped to finish them before bringing him in for that."
"You need a reliable eyewitness, or a confession." Ned sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. "Even then, crimes of noble families tend to…slip through the cracks. But this isn't just any crime, it's the intended assassination of the children of a Noble family."
"We could hold a trial." Jasper offered. "But you'd have to stay in Kings Landing until it was over, and the children. We'll of course have extra guards posted at the Tower, and with Bran, but I'm worried about giving him an opportunity to try again."
"If you could get a confession out of the man, that'd be something. He might give up whoever hired him in exchange for a lighter sentence."
"I can certainly try." Ned agreed after a moment, turning and stepping into the cell, where a filthy, far too thin man was strung up in chains.
TLR
It was a sunny morning the day the Starks left. Ned and his guards had gone before the court the night before, offering an apology to the royal family and bending the knee, swearing fealty to Jasper along with his House, his children doing the same behind him. Joff had barely hidden his rage behind a cool mask, but he'd done well, and Kailyah made sure to tell him that after, soothing his ruffled feathers.
Kailyah wasn't foolish enough to believe Ned had dropped his suspicions over her sibling's legitimacy, but she knew he'd at least keep his mouth shut about them while Bran was in the Capitol. But he was fond of Jasper, and there was little doubt of his legitimacy, at the least. Kailyah hoped once he'd married and had an heir, Ned would be placated at the thought that Robert's lineage would remain in the throne, not Cerseis.
Maya had handed her a dozen reports from Baelish's brothel, apparently the man had been in an absolutely foul mood, trashing his office and even putting his hands on one of his girls. Baelish usually hated getting his hands dirty himself, he tended to sell off his employees to more violent clients as punishment instead. Kailyah had ordered him to be watched closely, as well as anyone seen coming or going from his office.
Ned hadn't managed to get much out of the would-be assassin last night, beyond his name, and a confession that he'd been hired to break into the Tower and slit the throat of one of the Stark children. He couldn't name or identify the man who hired him, insisting that he wore a worn cloak with the hood up, that he'd never seen his face. Only that he was tall, and thin. After much debate, Ned had decided to go North with his daughters, after Jasper had assured him they would keep investigating and keep him updated. He was more placated when Jasper assured him that he would be arrested for embezzlement of millions of dragons from the Crown, and wasn't likely to come out of it without a death sentence or one way trip to the wall. He'd agreed to leave Jory to guard Bran, and to move the two of them into the Family Wing of the Red Keep, where the security was better.
Now, it was just after sunrise, and Kailyah had made sure they had a hearty breakfast before leaving. She was buzzing around, every bit the 'sweet princess' she pretended to be, asking the men who'd spent the last week in a cell if they were well enough to ride and making sure everything was ready. Lord Stark had agreed last night to a small escort that would guard them for the two week trek to the Riverlands, but insisted he'd manage from there, and his godfather would provide a guard to Winterfell, if needed. Kailyah doubted it would, as she'd received a letter from Ros the night before, warning her that Robb Stark and Theon Greyjoy had left early that morning with ten men, intending to meet Ned at Riverrun.
Her family and the Starks arrived at the same time, an unhappy twist to her mother and Joffrey's lips and tears in Marcellas eyes. Tommen held her hand, trying to comfort her, and Jasper stood tall at the front, looking every bit the King he was meant to be in his black and gold leathers.
Ned Stark appeared in his riding clothes, clutching his son to his side. Arya and Sansa followed, both with red, teary eyes. Lord Stark approached the Royal family to say his goodbyes, Arya and Sansa behind him.
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Grace."
"Safe travels, Ned. May we meet again soon."Jasper said kindly, shaking his hand. Lord Stark gave all of them formal goodbyes, still clutching his son's shoulder like it would physically pain him to release the boy. Sansa curtsied to her mother and Jasper, keeping her composure up until she reached Kailyah, and Joffrey next to her.
"I will miss you Kailee." Sansa sniffled, and Kailyah gave her a kind smile and pulled her in for a quick embrace, despite her annoyance at the girl using her nickname she hadn't permitted her to use. The Baratheon Princess tried, she really did, but she wasn't nearly as close to the eldest Stark girl as Sansa believed her to be. It wasn't Sansa's fault, her parents had sent her down to Kings Landing woefully unprepared, and her naïveté frustrated Kailyah more than it really should. But Kailyah had seen how brilliant the Stark girl could be, and waiting for her to get there bored her.
She'd debated taking the eldest Stark girl under her wing, but for now, her gullibility suited Kailyah, and Kailyah didn't have the time between her own family, her duty's, and the Starks she was already cultivating.
Instead the princess resolved to suggest the Stark girl as a match for Willas, the heir of the Tyrells. There was a slight age difference, but Sansa would flourish in the Reach, under Lady Olenna's careful guidance.
For now, Kailyah dried Sansas tears, bid her goodbye, and sent her to Joffrey. She had some time before Arya came to her, the girl was too busy trying to convince Jasper to let Bran go home with them, or to let Arya stay, so she kept her eye on Joffrey.
"Goodbye, my prince," Sansa whispered, tears trickling down her cheek once more. "Perhaps the gods will allow us to meet again soon." She pleaded as she dipped into a curtsy, looking up at Joffrey hopefully.
"Farewell, my Lady. I pray for your safe travels." Joff said gallantly. He put on a good show, but Kailyah could tell he was trying desperately not to roll his eyes at the simpering girl. Sansa moved on, eventually, apparently giving up on whatever fantasy she had of Joff declaring his undying love for her and Jasper allowing them to stay, and Kailyah lost sight of her when a scowling Arya stepped in front of her.
"Hello Arya." Kailyah abandoned formalities, face softening to a far more genuine smile as she bent slightly to meet her eyes. The silver doe eyes were filled with tears, stubbornly held back at the girl she had grown to idolize, the sister she chose. Kailyah had focused much of her attention on Arya, finding a kinship with the girl and growing closer every day. Arya loved having someone who always supported her, who listened and offered advice and encouraged her dreams, who accepted her as is and didn't want her to change and never laughed at her, not once. Everything she wanted her family, her sister to do, but knew most of them never would.
"Do I have to go?"
"I'm afraid so, little wolf." Kailyah sighed, brushing a tear from the little girl's cheek. "It is not safe for you to stay any longer."
"Bran is staying."
"Bran is going to be with the King, most of the time, surrounded by the Kingsguard. There is no safer place in the city."
"I could squire for the King. He would let me, if you asked him." Arya begged.
"That may get in the way of your 'dancing lessons'." Arya looked down and she sighed. "Hey. Syrio is going with you, to continue your lessons. Bran will be home before you know it, and you can spar against him whenever you like, he may even be knighted by then."
"But I won't get to see you."
"No. Not for a while."
"I'm going to miss you." Arya whispered, hugging her tightly around the waist.
"I am too." Kailyah admitted, closing her eyes. Gods above, what was it about the Starks that grew on her so fast? She had always planned to become as close to as many Starks as she could, to make them love her, to make them trust her. How did her fondness for Arya become so real for her, so quickly? "When the war is over, when my family is safe, I will go North again. I might even be convinced to stay." Arya sniffled against her shoulder.
"Can't you just marry Robb now?" She whined.
"Not yet." Kailyah chuckled, reluctantly releasing her. "Write to me often. I want to hear of your progress with Syrio, and all about Winterfell."
"I will." Arya promised. Goodbyes went quickly after that, and after a long, emotional goodbye between Brandon and the Starks, the girls climbed into their wagon, and Lord Stark climbed onto his horse.
"I still don't understand why we're letting them go." Joffery grumbled. "He should be beheaded for what he said."
"If it were anyone else, they would've been." Kailyah murmured. "We can't risk a civil war now, Joff. Not with Stannis calling his army's and declaring himself the rightful King." Kailyah whispered, before stepping forward and placing her hands on Brandon's shoulders as the caravan began to depart. Bran leaned into her, watching his family ride away. The Starks were out of the city before the hour was over. Not long after a message came to the castle. Lord Baelish was gravely ill.
TLR
"May I have a moment alone with him, Maester Pycelle?"
"I should give him more milk of the poppy, Princess. He won't last long."
"When you're done then." Kailyah agreed easily. Lord Baelish was brought to the castle infirmary and laid in the sick bed. His condition seemed to worsen moment by moment, nothing the Maesters did seemed to help, and Pycelle had finally declared he would likely be dead by morning. It was painfully reminiscent of Jon Arryn's last days.
Kailyah waited patiently while Pycelle finished with him and left the room, then stayed silent for a few more moments, just watching. He was feverish and restless, staring at the ceiling with glazed eyes and muttering. Kailyah couldn't make most of it out, except for one word, repeated over and over. 'Catelynn. Catelynn."
"Was she worth it, Baelish?" Kailyah asked, walking forward to stand over the man. Baelish went quiet, staring up at her with bleary eyes, struggling to focus. "Catelynn Stark. Was she worth it? Dying?"
"You." Baelish slurred, glaring up at her accusingly.
"Me." She smiled down at him. "All those plans. All that scheming, betraying, longing, for a woman who wouldn't even consider you as anything other than a brother, even if you were the king. I know what you did, what you were planning to do. I want you to know, I stopped it. The Starks and the Lannisters will never go to war, and my brother will have a long, peaceful reign after we clean up the mess Ned Stark made. All your plots will be for nothing, and you will be forgotten."
"No. no." Baelish moaned, thrashing lightly.
"You will not hurt my family. Not you, or anyone else." She uncorked Pycelle's large vial of Milk of the Poppy, tipping it into a weakly struggling Baelish's mouth. He tried to fight the sedative, but soon enough his eyes slipped closed and his raspy breathing evening out. Kailyah watched for a while, just to be sure, before leaving to retrieve Pycelle, informing him that he was resting before taking her leave.
Baelish was dead before the sun set that night.
TLR
Lord Stark,
My Lord, I hope you are faring well on your journey home. I regret to inform you that shortly after you left, a report came to the palace that Petyr Baelish fell ill. He was brought to the Red Keep to be treated, but died within a night. Maester Pycelle did the best he could to ensure he left this world painlessly, though we suspect foul play and have ordered the City Watch to launch an investigation. We will inform you of any findings, but I wanted to speak to you personally.
On his deathbed, Baelish was rambling about 'the boy' and your Ladywife, Catelynn Stark. He said it over and over again, 'the boy had to die' and 'Catelynn will come.' We thought it was a simple fever dream, but I'd thought it best to inform you, given the events of your last night in King's Landing. We are questioning his employees, and I will keep you informed of any of our findings.
For now, we've moved Bran and Jory into connecting rooms in the family wing of the Red Keep.
-King Jasper Baratheon
TLR
Life went on. Brandon was upset for a time, but over the next four weeks, they slowly but surely fell into a routine. Jasper was kind and allowed the little Lord much of his attention, keeping him busy and entertained. When he couldn't be with him, he had the boy training with the squires, with a white cloak close by keeping an eye on him. Kailyah had also encouraged Tommen to befriend the boy, and the two of them spent quite a bit of time playing with Tommen pets and exploring the gardens. Kailyah made sure to share a meal with him and Jory every other day, and spent time practicing her archery with Bran. When he was missing his family, she brought the little Lord to her kitchen, where they'd try to recreate his favorite recipes while Bran rambled about his training or his family and everything in between.
She'd made sure to occasionally mention her strange dreams while in front of Jory, since the man had cautiously (and rather unsubtly) asked if she'd had any strange dreams. Kailyah had been confused at first, before remembering the 'odd dream' about the White Walkers she'd told the Starks about on the Kingsroad.
Kailyah was rather busy between her family, court, and preparing for her Uncle and Grandfather's arrival in King's Landing. As well as Robbs. They'd received word from Ned a few days ago, After meeting his Father and sisters in Riverrun, Robb and his party had left in the night, against Ned's wishes ( as he'd emphasized in his letter more than once), to check on his brother himself.
Robb had also sent a short missive informing them of his arrival in three days. He hadn't responded to Kailyahs letter, nor her brothers, and if rumor was to believe, he ignored a letter from his Father demanding he turn around and come home.
Bran however had received a flurry of letters from each of his siblings. Kailyah didn't attempt to read them or Brandon's replies. Jory took the letters to the cities' Ravenry to send to the North, but he'd begun to linger, making small talk and watching closely until the letter had been sent, so her little bird wasn't able to read or make copies of their letters, and Kailyah had decided not to risk opening the Stark letters that arrived. She wasn't sure if it was just Northern paranoia that had invited the change, but she wasn't willing to encourage it. Instead, Kailyah simply listened to Bran's rambling about his letters and tried not to worry.
The Starks had arrived safely in Winterfell, and Ned sent them a letter assuring them that he had explained the situation to his bannermen, and they would receive no trouble from them. She also received a letter from Catelynn Stark, inquiring about the manner of Baelish's death. Kailyah was drafting a letter back to her, saying it was rather sudden and they suspected foul play. She assured her that an investigation was in progress, and shared her 'suspicions' of him being poisoned by one of his own employee's, when her brother barged her way into her solar, a history book in hand and a wide smile on his face.
"Did you see it?"
"See what?" Kailyah asked, glancing up.
"The comet!" He grabbed her hand, yanking her from her chair and towards the window, pointing at the skyline above Kings Landing. A red star blazed and Kailyah tilted her head to the side, humming curiously. "Honestly, Kai, have you looked up from your letters once today?"
"I've been busy!" Kailyah protested, returning to her desk, which was littered with scrolls and parchment and quills and ink pots. Jasper laughed at her, throwing himself onto a couch near the windows, opening his book.
"That comet has only appeared once in written history, on the Day Aegon and his sisters arrived in Westeros. They say it means the beginning of a dynasty, though that could've just been Pyscelle kissing up to me." Jasper chuckled. "I've also heard it means the beginning of war, or great bloodshed. What do you think it means?"
"Dragons."
"Funny." Jasper chuckled. His smile faded when Kailyah just met his eyes steadily. "Kai? Tell me you're kidding."
"At sunset today, Khal Drogo will die, and Daenyres will place three fossilized dragon eggs on his funeral pyre, and then walk out, unburnt, with three infant dragons." Kailyah smirked slightly as her twin stared at her, mouth open.
"Kai!" Kailyah's smile faded instantly and she straightened in her chair at the sharp reprimand.
"What-"
"How could you not tell me that?!"
"I-"
"Dragons! I'm meant to deal with Dragons, and you didn't think to warn me?!" Jasper paused, narrowing his eyes at her and sitting up from his sprawl. "Wait- you told me once that the city burned, did they-" Kailyah hesitated, wary of his sudden anger, but nodded. "Kailyah! You have to tell me these things!"
"Jas, you barely believed me when I told you there was to be a war, do you think you would've believed me if I told you dragons were coming!"
"I believed you by the time Marcella was born! You should have told me, you should have trusted me!"
"Jasper, it'll be okay! The dragons-"
"This isn't about the damn dragons!" He finally yelled, making her freeze. Jasper never yelled at her. She couldn't remember the last time he was truly angry with her. He took a deep breath, running his fingers through his blonde curls, trying to calm down. "I have followed you since we were born. I have always been there for you, and I have never let you down. I helped you prepare for a war ten years in the future with no proof it was coming but your word. Why won't you trust me?"
"I do!" Kailyah insisted, anxiously twisting her skirt in her hands and desperately pushing back the tears in her emerald eyes. "I trust you more than anyone! I just-" Her teeth sank into her lip, drawing blood when her voice broke, and she forced herself to take a deep breath. "I saw everyone I loved die, Jasper. I was four, and alone, and terrified, and the- the thing that showed me- it told me no one would believe me-" Tears finally spilled, and Kailyah scrubbed them away, furious. She hated crying. A moment later, Jasper was there, pulling her up and into his arms, tucking her head under his chin. Kailyah hid her face in his tunic. "I'm sorry. You're right, I should have told you. I just- I'm so used to keeping secrets, and the things I've seen- this is something I've never wanted to share with you. I never want you to have to see the things I saw."
"Kai, I'm here. I believe you, I want to help you. Let me help you." Kailyah rested her head on his shoulder for a while, quiet.
"We weren't there, in that world. I never existed, and you died of a fever, not long after you were born." Jasper went rigid, and his hands tightened around her, but Kailyah pushed through. "Joff was the oldest. Father neglected him, and Mother spoiled him. He was cruel, to animals and people and his siblings. No one stopped him, and he only grew worse. Baelish started a conflict with the Starks and the Lannisters, he said that the Lannisters were responsible for Jon Arryn's death, and Jaime pushed Bran out the window, and Baelish sent an assassin after Bran and told the Starks we did it. Mother had Sansa's wolf killed. Catelynn took Uncle Tyrion hostage, Uncle Jaime attacked Lord Stark and rode off to join Grandfather in a war against the Starks. Father died, and Lord Stark accused Joffrey. His men were killed, and he was sent to the dungeons. Joffery took his head, and Robb captured Uncle Jaime as a prisoner of war. Everything unraveled into war and everyone died, and then the dead rose to kill any survivors. At the end of it all, Daenyres burned King's Landing and everyone in it before she was murdered by her lover in front of the Iron Throne. It was pointless, all of it."
"Tell me more." Finally, for the First time ever, she told him everything, and they spent the night in her solar. Ser Barriston found them fast asleep on the couch, Jasper's arm wrapped around his twins shoulders and Kailyahs head resting on his chest. He gently shook them both awake, smiling slightly as the children he'd watched grow up acted younger than they had in years, Jasper stretching with a wide yawn cracking his jaw while Kailyah rubbed her eyes and whined about her room being too far away. Jasper stopped her before she went stumbling off towards her bedroom, pulling her into a tight embrace and tucking her head under his chin.
"I don't want to live in a world where you don't exist, Kailyee. I couldn't imagine it." Jasper whispered in her ear, and Kailyah smiled, holding him just as tight and pressing a kiss over his heart, the one she believed to be the best in the Seven Kingdoms.
"I love you Jas. I'll keep you safe."
"I'll keep you safe. Whatever you need, I'll take care of it." He promised. He pulled back slightly, tilting her chin up, so she would meet his eyes. "We're in this together, right?"
"Always."
TLR
Kailee,
I miss you already. I'm still mad you didn't come with us, and that I couldn't stay, but I'll forgive you when you come North. I did make a friend though! His name is Gendry, he's a blacksmith! He's from Kings Landing too, but my Father liked his work and offered for him to come apprentice in Winterfell! He's funny, and he didn't know I was a Lady, at first. Then Sansa ruined it. But he's still my friend.
I got to meet my Grandfather, and my Uncle, and my Mothers Uncle, Brynden Tully! He's a knight. They call him the Blackfish, he's one of the greatest knights in the land! I told Syrio all about him, and they sparred. It was a tie, and a bloody brilliant fight! My lessons are going well, I almost got a hit on Syrio yesterday! Uncle Brynden told me next time I was in the Riverlands he'd teach me a few things, so I can 'knock that damned water dancer on his ass.' Don't tell my father I said that. I was so close today though! He said I was quick on my feet, like a cat!
We're back at Winterfell, and Mother and Father are arguing. Father is mad that Mother let Robb and Theon go South, but Mother said he was right to check on his brother. Sansa is less moody, now that she's with Lady again, and since she got you and Marcellas last letter. She still wants one from 'her beloved Joffrey' though. I've been spending time with Summer, but I miss my Nymeria. And Bran. But mostly Nymeria. I've been having dreams about her, that she's been stealing chickens from a little village on the Kingsroad. I wish she was here
You have to keep writing me back, okay? You promised.
I miss you, Kailee. I wish you were here.
-Arya S.
Kailyah smiled slightly, starting a letter back to the youngest Stark daughter, when Jasper threw open the door of her solar, striding in with a scroll held in his hand.
"You could learn to knock, Jas-"
"I thought you told me everything!" He interrupted, agitated, and Kailyah frowned, straightening in her chair.
"I did. Did something happen?" Jasper held out a scroll, and Kailyah stood, walking over to take it from him. She stepped back as she unraveled it, giving him room to pace.
"Yes! Kai, you didn't tell me about the Vale! I could've gotten spies into the Vale, or reached out to their Lords, built some kind of relationship with them. Lord Royce has a son, I would've taken him on as a squire, if I'd known…" Jasper kept going, but Kailyah heard none of it, his voice falling to a dull roar as she read Lysa Arryn's letter.
You flea bitten Bastard!
I've looked over your family's crimes, ignored your reigning tyranny and bias, the corruption running rampant through the streets like the blood you spill. But you've gone too far, Lannister. You've killed my love, my reason for living, and I will see you bleed for it. I will make you watch as I force your family through the moon door, one by one, I will ensure you feel the agony I suffer before I remove your head from your shoulders.
I saw the way you looked at him, the hatred in your eyes, the poorly hidden disdain. You couldn't begin to imagine his brilliance, his perseverance, his ingenuity. My love had to claw his way out of poverty, out of irrelevance, to stand among the greats, to rise above them! You couldn't begin to compare, not you, who had everything handed to you! And the moment you noticed his light you snuffed it out.
I will not stand for this. I will see you dead for this, boy. My love will be avenged. Petyr Baelish will be avenged. This means War.
I will come for you, boy king. I will watch the light leave your eyes, and I will know the debt it paid.
-Lyssa Arryn
How could she have let this happen?
All this time, all this effort, preventing a war with the North, all of it for nothing.
She'd forgotten the Vale.
She hadn't considered Lyssa's devotion to Baelish. Her reaction to his death.
It was ruined. All of it.
War was coming. Her family at risk once again.
And it was all. her. fault.
She'd failed.
"-Breathe, Kai. You have to breathe! Fuck!" There were hands clamped on her shoulders, the smell of peppermint- Jasper. "Come back to me, Kailyah."
"Jas- '' She choked out, suddenly noticing the tightness of her chest. She forced in a breath and promptly choked on it, taking too small, raspy breaths instead. She'd sunk to the floor, back against a wall, and curled her knee's close to her chest, letter clenched in her trembling hands. Her finger tips were numb, she was shaking. She couldn't remember how she'd gotten here. Just… the letter.
"Fuck, Kai." Jasper, who was on his knees in front of her, crushed her to his chest, knee's and all. It was an awkward position, but he didn't seem to notice or care. HE was trembling too, faintly. "I called you." He whispered into her hair. "I called you, and you didn't answer. You just- you went away."
"I'm sorry." She gasped into his chest. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry-"
"Don't go away again." He begged, and KAilyah felt her shoulder growing slightly damp. "Don't go where I can't follow."
"I'm sorry." She sobbed. "It's my fault- I shouldn't have- the Vale-"
"We'll figure it out." Jasper swore. "We'll be okay, I promise."
"They didn't- last time, they- they stayed out of it-" She tried to explain, and Jasper ran his fingers through her hair.
"We'll figure it out." He promised, calmer now. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, and they sat in silence for a few moments, before they heard the sound of running footsteps. Jasper sighed as they grew closer. "I called for a Maester, when you stopped breathing. You- you didn't make a sound, you didn't react when I shook you-"
"Pycelle?" Kailyah wrinkled her nose automatically, and Jasper chuckled.
"No." He promised. "Ser Daemon and Ser Roderick were guarding me, Daemon said it was- a panic attack? Common in soldiers apparently. And you. He said you used to get them, that Jaime could bring you out of it. I sent him to find Jaime." Kailyah hummed, and Jasper shifted so he was sitting next to her, against the wall, his arm still wrapped tight around her. "I didn't know you had those." He said, sounding vaguely disgruntled by that, the thought that his twin hadn't shared everything with him.
"Not very often. Usually after a bad nightmare."
"And not in years." Jaime appeared in the doorway, striding forward quickly to kneel in front of the twins. He placed a hand reassuringly on Jasper's shoulder, and ran the other over Kailyahs hair. "What happened, my brave little lion?" Kailyah shook her head, not answering, and Jaime sighed. "Tell me something you can feel."
"I'm okay, Uncle Jaime. I'm back."
"Kailyah." The Princess sighed.
"Jasper. Holding me."
"Good. Something you can hear?"
"The fireplace crackling."
"Something you can smell?"
"Peppermint, And Metal. Armor"
"Good. And something you can see?"
"You."
"Well done." He praised, finally satisfied that she was back with him. He lingered for a moment, running his hand through her hair, assuring himself that she was okay, before rising to his feet. "I'd best return to my post, then. I'll send Daemon back to you, Your Grace. "
"Uncle Jaime." Her brother complained, his nose wrinkling slightly, and Jaime smiled at him fondly.
"Nephew." He corrected himself, turning to leave, and Jasper called out to him once more.
"Uncle Jaime." Jaime paused at the door, turning back to him. "Tomorrow, you'll show me how to help Kai. How to bring her back from the… attacks."
"Jasper." Kailyah sighed. "You don't have to do that." Her twin didn't bother to give her a response, just met Jaime's eyes. Jaime smirked, and nodded, and Jasper relaxed as he left, leaning back against the wall and pulling Kailyah closer. "We have to make a plan for the Vale."
"We will. But not now. Now we're going to talk about the fact that you didn't tell me you have panic attacks." Kailyah groaned, thumping her head back against the wall.
A.N. Kailyah met Jaqen! I read a theory the other day that Jaqen was hired to kill Ned Stark, and intended to kill him on their way to the Wall, which is why he allowed himself to be captured. But then Joffrey went rogue and had Ned executed, and he was stuck in the cage. He probably planned to disappear when they reached the Wall, but then the Lannisters attacked, his cage caught fire, and he decided he owed Arya three names. Long story short, I did a deep dive into him, and remembered how much I loved his character. I wanted him in the story, and I debated hiring him on as Kai's sworn shield somehow, but it didn't work, so he gets a cameo to show that Kai is actively working on the Night King problem while taking care of things in King's Landing
Sansa is one of my favorite characters, and it kills me that she and Kailyah aren't friends/co conspirators. Kailyah is Cersei's daughter, she is a bit of a narcissist, and seeing what Sansa would've become intrigued her, and, though she'd never admit it, threatened her a bit. As much as she respects who Sansa could become, she doesn't want to give her the chance to become a player yet, not with things as delicate as they currently are.
Baelish is gone!
I went to edit the next chapter and ended up writing so much I had to break it up into three chapters, so I'll probably post another one tomorrow. It's been a really hard few months. I lost my grandma back in January and haven't felt inspired since, but I'm starting to get back into writing and falling in love with my characters again. Thank you to everyone who's stuck with me and my stories, I hope you love them as much as I do.