Sansa
Sansa sat with her head down, ashamed of the recent events. Unfortunately, she couldn't get the way Joffrey had hurt her out of her mind. She felt humiliated and horrified by how wrong she was about him. She suspected him of this kind of cruelty, and that's exactly what he did. But she didn't think the cruelty would be sexual. This was what hurt her the most. Sansa didn't know much about sex, but she wanted to preserve her virginity for her beloved husband and do it on their wedding night. She also never thought she would have to participate in such filthy sex acts. She could still taste Joffrey's cum and feel the pain in her cheeks that he had made her while they were in his chambers.
„ -Joffrey, why?"- Sansa asked him in her mind. –„Why did you turn out to be such a monster? Joffrey, I didn't do anything to you. Let me go home. I'll be good, I promise. I don't have the blood of a traitor in my veins" - Sansa had an internal monologue in her head, and after a while, she had the impression that she had received an answer.
„-You are a traitor, everyone will find out what you did, and then I will put your head on a stake or cut your throat". - she heard Joffrey's monologue. Sansa immersed herself in listening to the voices inside, her head fell on the pillow and she soon fell asleep... She felt like she was seeing her body from above. Dead and bloody, headless. A fat, tall man impaled her next to the other heads: she also saw Robb Stark, her mother Catelyn, Rickon, and Bran there. Luckily, she didn't see Arya. Perhaps her younger sister was alive. Soon, she felt that she was floating above the city, but she was no longer human, nor was she a bird, because she had no wings. She hasn't a body. She was nothingness. She felt how light her legs were and how the rest of the world seemed dirty and inaccessible, she slowly moved away.
-it's over, I'm finally free, death wasn't so scary. If I had known earlier... Sansa heard her voice.
She felt free and like she had become someone else. She flew over the city and saw small farmsteads, large castles, and farms. She saw people who were depressed, lonely, happy, good, bad, strange, boring, felt their fears, desires, emotions, the smell of their skin, felt the touch of their hands... It was an indescribable experience. She could be above the city and see the views from above and feel like any other person in Westeros. A moment later, there was a flash of bright lightning and she suddenly woke up from her sleep. There was no such peace here. Sansa was very curious why such a mystical dream had happened to her, but before she could open her eyelids she felt pain and humiliation again. She went to the mirror and saw herself. She had pale skin and long auburn hair, and a sad, or rather resigned, expression on her face. She felt destroyed.
-Lady, do you need to change the clothes? It's late, you should eat dinner- the maid said and approached Sansa. Sansa was stunned and realized that she had made a mistake. Despite feeling bad, she should have not laid down on the bed but had immediately taken off her dress and washed herself as Joffrey had told her. He will kill her otherwise. That's for sure.
-Please leave, Helen - she said to the maid.
-I want to be alone.
-And the bath?- Helen looked at her surprised.
-Later, I want to stay alone- Sansa urged her. Helen looked at her as if she wanted to ask something, but only added:
-I'll come in half an hour, then I'll bath you - after these words, she left the room with a slight worry on her face. Sansa rushed frantically at her clothes and started to take them off. She quickly unbuttoned the buttons and then pulled her dress down. It quickly fell. Sansa breathed a sigh of relief. Now, however, the problem remains how to get rid of the item. She didn't have trusted people around her. But she had to act quickly. -"Burn it," she remembered Joffrey's words. Sansa didn't think much. She was in a terrible mental state and only wanted to get rid of these clothes.
Sansa impulsively threw her clothes into the fireplace. The fire got hot and sparks started falling from the stove. The dress burned quickly and smoke billowed around. Sansa watched with relief as the golden material turned black under the fire. Fortunately, the fireplace was large and some of the clothes were quickly charred. However, the smoke was felt in the room. Sansa stood lost in thoughts, looking at the fire, a small tear falling from her eyes." -I want to burn it, I want to end it", she thought. Suddenly, she remembered that she needed to get rid of the smoke quickly and flung open the shutters. A breath of fresh air blew through. Unfortunately, the door opened and her maid came in, she was concerned when she smelled smoke coming through the door.
- Lady, what happened? - she asked, she was terrified
-Nothing, you were supposed to come back later. I want to be alone. -Lady, why did you take off your clothes? - she looked surprised.
Sansa stood only in her underwear, and a cloth was burning in the fireplace. Helen went closer to see what was in the fireplace. Unfortunately, she quickly figured it out. Sansa tried to prevent it.
-Helen, I wanted to wash and I was just about to call you. Pour water into my bathtub. I'm tired.-she commanded.
Despite everything Helen did not give up on the investigation and continued to watch as the fire burned the remnants of the material. Unfortunately, she guessed what had just been thrown there. She saw a fragment of a golden dress.
-Lady, why did you do this? The Queen will be furious. Is that some sign of your sadness or protest? -This dress was expensive- she said indignantly
-I have others, now pour water into the bathtub - said Sansa indignantly. She hated that the maid interfered in her affairs. Helen quickly stopped the fire in the fireplace and made it burn slower then opened the shutters wider. She looked at Sansa strangely but didn't say anything else. Instead, she poured water into the bathtub. The water was warm. Then she prepared a sponge and bath liquid. Sansa undressed and carefully stepped into the water.
-Can we wash your hair, Lady?- she asked
-Yes- Sansa replied, completely indistinctly. She sat deeper in the bath while Helen soaked her hair and scrubbed it thoroughly. Sansa breathed a sigh of relief. She knew well what residues could be on the hair. Then the maid gently washed her body and massaged it.
The maid washed her face, lightly rubbing it with a delicate sponge. Sansa felt as if someone was washing away the shame and pain that Joffrey had caused her. Even though she had a thin layer of dirt on her, she felt as if it had been marked with some strong paint. Almost impossible to wash off, or maybe impossible at all. She felt as if someone had disfigured her forever, made her ugly, as if someone had cut her hair and forced her to walk in the street covered in mud. The worst thing was that she could still smell him, the smell of his seed. Even though she had washed off all the remnants a long time ago, she had the impression that it all stayed on her and it smelled so terrible. She felt like a dock whore. She wanted to punish herself. She assumed that this was the only thing that would bring her relief at that moment. The maid rubbed her skin with soap and looked at Sansa's still face, asking no questions. She understood that the girl didn't want to talk. It made Sansa satisfied because she did not like or trust this woman. The hot water made the girl think about sleep, it was all she could do then to free herself from these torturous thoughts. But she knew she still had to dine with the Queen Cersei and her children tonight. She just hoped that Joffrey wouldn't be there. She wouldn't be able to eat anything if he sat at the table with her. She could probably provoke him to punish her himself. On the other hand, she also had strange thoughts about revenge, especially when she felt fine smoke coming out of the chimney. Sansa briefly thought about killing Joffrey. When they stood on the walls and looked at the heads, it was only a bold idea due to strong emotions. This plan had nothing to do with reality. Sansa wasn't even sure she could do it.
Sansa may have wanted revenge on Joffrey, but she knew that killing a man is difficult. She had always been very sensitive and could not imagine killing a person, she felt that she would never be able to sleep after such an act. The maid dressed Sansa in a long, elegant blue dress gilded with thin threads. While applying the jewelry and makeup, the maid made a questioning face at the red marks on her Lady's face, but she sensed that such questions might anger Sansa. However, the girl was sure that gossip would spread soon. However, she had no strength to prevent it. She was too traumatized by the situation. She had to maintain the behavior of a lady. She was soon to appear for dinner with the Queen's children.
A couple of minutes later
Sansa was allowed into the chamber where she was to dine with the queen's children. Cersei's maids immediately informed her that their Lady was at a meeting of the small council and Sansa would have to eat only with Tommen and Myrcella.
The children were already sitting at the table, both of Joffrey's younger siblings were very nice and friendly. Myrcella noticed her immediately:
-Sansa, Hello. Please sit next to me- said the little princess.
Myrcella was very similar in appearance to her mother. She had long wavy blonde hair, green eyes, and very fair skin.
Sansa liked Myrcella from the first time she saw her. She was very delicate and sensitive, the red-haired girl often regretted that she could not have a sister like her.
-Thank you for your kindness, Princess. - Sansa smiled at Myrcella and sat down at the table. After a while, Tommen spoke to her.
-Sansa, I have something for you. Please take this gift.
The little prince handed her a small figurine - a wooden knight. Sansa smiled at him.
-Thank you, prince. He's wonderful,- she gave him a slight smile.
-Sansa won't know what to do with him. You could have given her flowers, girls don't always like such toys- Myrcella scolded him.
-Calm down, princess- Sansa tried to calm down Tommen, who became visibly sad.
-I like toys like this and I will find a place for that in my bedroom.
-He will protect you - Tommen laughed.
-Sansa already has her knight. Joffrey is the king and he won't let her get hurt
-Of course, the king is strong and brave,- Sansa forced a smile and sent it to Princess Myrcella.
The oblivious little blonde continued -When will you marry him, Sansa? You have been engaged for a long time - Myrcella took a sip of tea.
-I don't know yet,- her voice broke -I don't know, princess - a small, luminous tear appeared in her eyes. Unfortunately, Myrcella noticed this. -Don't worry, Sansa. Joff will forgive you everything and he loves you, just like he always forgave us everything- Myrcella said sweetly.
"Oh, I guess I'll receive punishment, I wish it wasn't to death. I hope Stannis will win after all," Sansa thought, but after a while, she remembered what could happen to these two lovely children and scolded herself. They don't deserve whoever they are or whose children they are. The world is brutal and cruel, and innocent people die in wars. Little scared children and infirm old people as well as young people who hoped for a wonderful and happy life. Sansa would like to have a life like in ballads and without any unpleasant events. She hated seeing people hurting others, especially defenseless people, and she wanted to protect them. She didn't notice that she was lost in thought for a moment.
-Sansa, am I disturbing you? - asked Princess Myrcella while eating her meal.
-No, absolutely, Princess.
-You haven't eaten anything - Tommen rightly pointed out to her.
Sansa thought that she had been very rude and mentally punished herself. She ate a mouthful of roast goose and drank a sip of wine. The food they were served was quite good, but after the incident with Joffrey, Sansa didn't feel like eating much. She ate a little of everything so as not to be hungry and not seem rude at the same time. Manners were very important to her. When they finished their meal, little Prince Tommem was escorted to his chambers.
Sansa looked at him with a smile, if she had had to marry him and not Joffrey, life would have been much kinder. She felt Princess Myrcella's eyes on her. This time the queen's little daughter didn't speak. She was only 12 years old and very petite and slim. -Is something wrong, Myrcella?
-Oh Sansa, I don't want to take up your time, I feel worse and worse. I'm slightly nervous.
-What happened?-Sansa went closer to Myrcella and looked at her with a smile. -I'm leaving soon. To my fiancé, I am very worried. I'm leaving my mother and family, and I don't even know what he looks like. What if he's ugly and rude? What if he thinks I'm ugly? Tears came to her eyes.
-Myrcella, please don't think like that. I'm sure you'll like him, I heard Prince Trystane is very handsome. He really is. He will love you. I'm sure. - Sansa felt stupid, she knew perfectly well that it could be a lie. She remembered how her dreams about Joffrey turned out to be a false fairytale and how much suffering she was currently enduring because of him. However, by seeing Myrcella smile and become happier, she could forgive herself for this lie. She did it for the good of the girl. Sansa walked over and stroked Myrcella's hair. -Everything will be fine, you will have a wonderful fiancé and then a wonderful wedding - she gently stroked her hair.
-Thank you, Sansa, you are so kind, I'm glad you will marry my brother. I will be able to visit you often.
Sansa thought about how difficult it would be to marry Joffrey, and her thoughts about what might happen in this marriage kept stopping before she allowed them to enter her consciousness. Myrcella turned to Sansa and bowed courtly.
-Look at me, Sansa, this is how I will bow in Dorne. They do it a bit differently there, I don't want them to think I'm a girl with no morals. I have to fit in with them.
-Yes, that's true,- Sansa replied politely.
-Sansa, it's still light. Let's go out to the garden, you can pick some peaches with me and smell the beautiful flowers. It's really lovely there, especially this time of the year.
-It is a good idea, but will your mother agree? - Sansa asked. -We'll take guards with us, I often go for walks. It's good for your health and the smell of the garden is amazing, please come with me - Myrcella offered her hand.
Sansa and Myrcella's escort went to the garden. They were walking through the palace courtyard, it was slowly getting dark and the sun was setting, and the moon was clearly visible in the sky. It was very warm and the birds were chirping. In the distance, you could hear music played by bards. Sansa daydreamed about what a wonderful place Kings Landing would be if it weren't for what Joffrey was doing to her. If he had once again become the wonderful prince she thought he was at first or if he had never killed her father. She imagined a different ending to this story: her living father now walking with her in the gardens, her mother braiding her hair during dinner, and her Prince Joffrey being kind and gallant. He listened to her father and respected him He also respected her and gave her a beautiful necklace and then danced with her to the bardic music she was listening to. Sansa couldn't believe it, she was still so stupid after everything, or maybe she just wanted to be happy? One thing was certain, the world she imagined never existed and never will. He was right, I'm stupid," Sansa thought bitterly
Since childhood, Sansa loved to think about wonderful things, her rich and brave future husband, beautiful children, and the great castle where she would live. She often couldn't concentrate on lessons or daily duties because she was so absorbed in her fantasies. Unfortunately, what Joffrey did to her had nothing to do with romantic visions of morning flower trysts or kissing her hands and promises of eternal love. Sansa knew the only thing Joffrey could do was humiliate her or whip her. She mentally chastised herself for creating any positive visions of him again. As they walked through the garden, Sansa looked at the different types of beautiful flowers that grew nearby. They included peonies, roses, daffodils, and orchids. The view was heavenly and the smell even more wonderful. Sansa knew that gardeners tried their best to make the garden delight everyone. Sansa couldn't help herself and picked one red rose. She wanted to have it just for herself. It smelled like the highest quality perfume. Delighted, she held it in her hand and said to Myrcella.
-You often come here, Lady.
-Very often, it calms me down- Myrcella smiled. Soon they noticed some people walking towards them, and Sansa was walking faster to meet them.
Myrcella followed her closely, curious about who was approaching them. From a distance, Sansa recognized the royal advisor Petyr Baelish, known as Littlefinger. She had heard from her mother that he was her childhood friend and that her Aunt Lysa Arryn had a crush on him. Petyr walked up to her and smiled friendly, then bowed.
-Lady Sansa, welcome Lady. Princess Myrcella - he bowed towards Myrcella.
-Lord Baelish, welcome,- Sansa said politely. She honestly had no opinion about this man and looked at him inquisitively.
-Lady, it's quite late- Petyr observed.
-You shouldn't be here,- he said, pretending to be worried.
-I'm accompanying the princess on a walk, we need some fresh air - Sansa smiled.
-Lady, if you ever need anything. I'm here to help you. Remember that I am your mother's friend and I also care about your well-being - he smiled gently at her.
-My mother went to war with the crown, she accompanies my brother,- Sansa replied a bit coldly.
Littlefinger picked a white rose and gave it to her hand.
-Now you will have two, a white one and a red one. Accept this gesture, Lady. In times like war, we all have to act wisely,- he smiled again and walked away. Sansa accepted the gift without a word. She kept wondering about what Littlefinger wanted to tell her, maybe she shouldn't have rejected his help and should trusted him. Perhaps it was worth considering. Suddenly, Sansa noticed that Myrcella had disappeared and the guards were standing behind her. She screamed in fear.
-Please search for her, she couldn't go too far- she told the guards. Two of the guards ran after Myrcella while the rest stayed with Sansa.
-Lady, you can't follow her. We must keep an eye on you- they said dryly. -Oh yes, it's not hard for them to guess that I could escape. After all, I'm just a prisoner," Sansa thought.
-Please, find her- Sansa repeated her request. Several minutes passed and it got dark in the garden. Sansa was afraid that Cersei will appear soon and punish her by death because of her daughter's disappearance. She or maybe Joffrey himself will punish her for it. But there was something much worse - something could happen to the Princess. Sansa liked her very much, and she always cared about the fate of others more than her own. Because of Myrcella's disappearance, Sansa began to blame herself and torment herself with thoughts that something bad could have happened to her. She was very afraid of the worst. She definitely felt guilty. She was suddenly relieved when she saw the guards leading the little princess to her. She smiled serenely at the sight of her.
-Myrcella, are you okay? -she asked in a concerned voice
-Oh no, I'm disappointed - Myrcella said suspiciously quietly as she approached Sansa.
-Is something wrong, Lady?- Sansa looked at her inquisitively.
-Oh I can't say it here- Myrcella said. As they left the gardens and the Guard opened the door for them, Myrcella whispered softly in Sansa's ear:
-I have a close friend, he's the baker's son. He lives next to the castle. It was our last meeting, a very short one. Sansa, don't tell anyone- Myrcella started to cry slightly. Sansa wiped her tears with a small tissue and spoke into her ear.
-I won't tell anyone, please calm down. The guards led them into the castle. They splited into two groups. Some accompanied Princess Myrcella to her chamber, while others followed Lady Sansa. Sansa was very surprised by Myrcella's words, how did someone from outside the castle get here? Were there any options to get out beyond the gate? The castle was surrounded by tall walls and hedges, and yet this boy found a way. If he did things like that, Sansa would like to try and give herself a chance to not have to be here during Stannis' siege and not have to marry Joffrey. She could go back to her family and start a normal life. No one would ever hurt her again. Maybe was she too lost in dreams again? She had to think about it.
Joffrey
Joffrey walked like a hurricane towards the small council meeting chamber. He was furious with his entire family for treating him this way. He planned to show them who had the real power in the kingdom, but on the way to the chamber, something changed. He remembered his mother's words when she mentioned that he didn't have much experience and he reluctantly had to agree. He knew that learning to govern was slow and arduous, and that power and authority were not gained in one day. Despite everything, he knew that the time will come when people will respect and listen to him, but he had to show them that they had no other options, he also had to show them that he was worthy of it. "People make leaders of those whose words they support," he recalled his teacher's words. He had to be patient and deserve to be called a good king. It irritated him that he had to work his whole life to deserve something while others had it right away, but there was no other way. This is what he wanted and this is how it was supposed to be. When the door to the chamber opened in front of him, he noticed a group of people surprised to see him. His uncle, the dwarf, was the most surprised. Joffrey felt as if he had been pierced by a furry arrow when he saw the half-man, but he knew that he had to play differently today. After all the dwarf constantly provoked him and got on his nerves, Joffrey decided to be cold and indifferent so that this game will start to get boring for him. "Your Grace," said the dwarf. A couple of seconds later, everyone bowed. Joffrey noticed Littlefinger, whom he suspected of various frauds, and Varys, who seemed to often hang around his friend. "A team of traitors and liars," he thought, and then he smiled at them "My dear friends, let's start the meeting"
All the lords became silent and looked at Joffrey searchingly, wondering what the king was planning.
-Dear nephew, our ravens reported that your grandfather Tywin has defeated Robb Stark, but his troops are still gathering and planning another attack-Tyrion said.
-Thank you, uncle. Grandpa, as usual, is very brave. But let's talk about Stannis and wildfire- said Joffrey, looking carefully at the council members. Cersei gave him a slight smile as if she was grateful that Joffrey had controlled his anger at Tyrion and not reproached them for convening the council earlier without the king. Joffrey, however, quickly ignored her.
-Maesters are preparing very large quantities of our new weapon, thanks to the recipe from the citadel, it will be exceptionally deadly this time - Grand Maester Pyceel smiled at Joffrey as if he wanted to gain his approval
-Wildfire will burn Stannis' fleet, which will make it easier for us to defeat him, but he has so many people that he is still dangerous to us on land. We don't have more troops than he does. We need to find new allies- Joffrey continued
-The Tyrells have sworn allegiance to Renly, our only option is Dorne. We must talk to Doran Martell about this - Littlefinger gave him the idea.
-In Dorne, they weren't even willing to accept the betrothal. They still blame us for Ellia's death- Cersei said bitterly
-An alliance with the crown will give them much more than old feuds. When we win the war, they'll receive a large dowry and we will take some of them to our council- Joffrey continued. Cersei probably grimaced at the thought of her daughter being sold like a slave at the market. However, there was no other option.
-We must destroy Stannis and prevent him from rebuilding himself. Stannis has no male heir, if we kill him, his cause will be lost. Renly will never be able to attack us, he is too weak.
-What are you suggesting, Joffrey?- asked his mother, curious.
-I suggest that during the battle we should focus directly on killing Stannis. The troops can then fight, but when morale collapses, nothing will recover. People will not fight too long if they are deprived of compensation for it.
-That's a smart plan,- Littlefinger whispered.
-Unfortunately, it is impossible to implement - he added, slightly mockingly.
Joffrey felt something boiling inside him, but he didn't show it. He knew perfectly well that his plan was quite a bold idea, difficult to implement, but he knew that it made a lot of sense.
-We need to cut them off at the entrance to the city and position the archers so that as few as possible can get through the gates. According to our calculations, half of the troops should be burned by wildfire- Varys said.
-If the Dornish people agree, we have a chance,- Littlefinger commented. -A seat in the King's Council and marriage to Myrcella should convince them,- Joffrey added.
-I think we should send her there sooner, preferably in a few days. Otherwise, they will wait for our gift in vain,- Joffrey added.
-Myrcella is still young,- Cersei argued.
-If you don't let her leave, we don't know if she'll survive at all -Tyrion said eloquently, looking at the battle plan that was spread out on the table.
Tyrion looked at Joffrey as if he wanted to show him that the battle is lost because he is a weak king. Joffrey was furious in his mind and wanted to tear the dwarf apart because his uncle did not believe in the possibility of his victory, but he realized that he had to play like a chess player. Tyrion had just moved a slightly dangerous pawn at him, and now he had to outmaneuver Imp.
-Uncle Stannis is a good warrior, but thanks to the wildfire and cutting off the army at the gates as much as possible, we should gain the advantage - he said, slightly irritated that he had to prove to his people that they could win once again. Tyrion was looking at him practically expressionless, Joffrey was trying to figure out what he meant, and Littlefinger was looking at him quite openly with those mean little eyes.
-Your Grace, if I may, I would like to talk about grain. The inhabitants are hungry and something must be done as soon as possible to stop the riots. Otherwise, there will be additional problems during the war. – Baelish was waiting patiently for his reaction.
-The grain delivery should have been a week ago- Joffrey said, bored, he didn't like the topic of simple people and their needs.
-While the supplies were arriving, some robbers attacked and destroyed the bags of grain- said Varys.
-Someone's up to too much,- Joffrey thought aloud.
-Tell them to find these people,- Joffrey added quickly.
-It's not that simple,- Cersei whispered. -We've been looking for them for a long time.
-Another shipment of grain must be sent during this time,- Littlefinger said.
-Then do it, send enough guards so that won't happen again, it's the guard prefect's fault that the bandits are winning against them - said Joffrey irritated.
Joffrey was fed up with the people from the small council, everyone had a grudge against him, and now an invisible enemy had appeared who was deliberately stealing money from the royal treasury, and what's worse, was upsetting the morale of the inhabitants. Joffrey wondered who it could be. Although he did not like common people, he knew that he could be a hated king if the people starved. Then if they lose, the people will willingly support Stannis.
Joffrey hated those damned lords and advisors, he felt like he couldn't trust anyone completely. However, he must listen to their advice and observe his actions carefully. Although many thought that he is still not very dangerous pawn, he carefully watched everyone from the shadow. There were a lot of things going on that day, the battle with Stannis was fast approaching. Joffrey knew there was a risk of failure, but he refused to admit it. This was his first battle in which he would participate, but he was very excited, he had to show his best side, both for the people and those who watched him at court.
-Your Grace, Lord Alexander Vanitov is waiting at the door. He wants to talk- the guard announced.
Joffrey had heard that the man was one of the best guard leaders and many battles were won thanks to him. He recently became the prefect of the guards in the city. He came from a small family indeed, but He is gaining more and more influence in King's Landing. He was an excellent warrior and even Tywin himself praised him. Joffrey looked questioningly at his advisors from the council, no one spoke until Baelish spoke up.
-These are important matters related to the defense of the city,- he said, smiling at Joffrey.
"Let's hope they won't get too close to each other," a thought suddenly came to Joffrey's head. Joffrey left the small council chamber without a word and went to meet with the Prefect of the Guard. He walked slowly, curious about the situation, but focused only on a formal and boring conversation that he would like to end as soon as possible.
-Your Grace - Vanitov was waiting for him in the corridor with a group of guards. The man bowed his head strongly.
-Lord Vanitov,- Joffrey greeted him.
-I have heard about your achievements as a king, I am glad that we are under the protection of such a wonderful monarch who got rid of the traitors immediately - the man flattered him.
Joffrey felt something like revulsion towards this man. As usual, someone artificially praised him to receive a favor. But he couldn't pretend he wasn't flattered.
"Lords praise you and then they conspire against you," he thought while he was listening to Vanitov's compliments.
Then a very beautiful woman suddenly approached them and bowed.
-Your Grace, this is my recently married wife, Marcia,- he introduced the woman to him.
Marcia had a very expressive and eye-catching beauty. She was slim, of average height, with thick chocolate hair that reached almost to her hips and beautiful hazel eyes. She looked like an exotic beauty, in her way similar to the Dornish women.
-Welcome, Lady Marcia,- Joffrey greeted. The woman gave him a gentle but deep look and stood next to her husband without saying anything.
-Thanks to my marriage to Marcia, I gained funds to improve the citadel near my castle. There I met a very talented man who, thanks to his discoveries, allowed the maestros in the capital to change the composition of wildfire to one that is very explosive, and the explosion has a larger range, and the fire spreads much further - said the proud man.
-I suspect such an endeavor would cost a lot- Joffrey said.
-The invention and development of the ingredients itself is not that expensive, at least by royal standards - he emphasized.
-The Crown will definitely want to invest more when Your Grace will see what effects it has - Marcia interjected.
Joffrey scowled, he won't invest in anything until he see how it works. He was skeptical about this improvement, but the truth was that he had no idea how wildfire worked. He had to talk to the Maesters about this.
-Your Grace, I have already presented everything to the royal maesters, or rather, it was done by the maesters from my citadel.
-I want to see it," Joffrey ordered.
-Your Grace I'll do this today, but it won't be possible in a chamber or a castle, because the fire range is too large - added Vanitov.
-Yes, I know. -Joffrey commented.
-Let's do it today, call the maesters- he ordered.
The maesters were immediately summoned and went out to the gardens with Joffrey, Vanitov, his wife, and the guards.
-I appreciate beautiful flowers, statues, and all kinds of art- Marcia said, looking at Royal's Garden. She was getting close enough to Joffrey that he opened his eyes in surprise. Vanitov followed them with the maesters and seemed completely uninterested.
-I never paid attention to art, Lady- Joffrey admitted honestly.
-The only beauty I admire are women and hunted animals - he smiled.
Marcia braided her hair between her fingers and smiled mysteriously. -I heard about these hunts.
Joffrey looked at Marcia with anger and surprise at the same time. "What did you hear, you impudent damned bitch, how dare you even say such a thing," he thought.
Marcia added after a moment. -I heard how good you are at hunting, Your Grace. This may be a talent inherited from your father.
-Perhaps- Joffrey replied quickly and felt all his anger leave him and how close he was to whipping Marcia. Suddenly the masters with Vanitov approached them.
-We have discussed everything, Your Grace. The maesters have already prepared a show on the training fields behind the garden. Last week, your advisor informed me that this is the right place.
-Fine- Joffrey nodded. He wasn't interested in such things, but if it was a decent weapon for the war with Stannis, he wanted to see it.
-I hope my wife didn't bother you. She is very sociable, sorry if you didn't want her to talk- added Vanitov.
-There was no problem, Lord. Your wife has a beautiful voice.- Joffrey looked at Marcia without expression, as if he had some grudge.
Then she and Vanitov exchanged searching glances. They then started talking about something, but Joffrey overheard a bit and thought it was nothing important. They walked through the gardens along a long path to the specially designated training grounds, where knights often trained while preparing for battles. Behind the obstacle courses, there was another field, long and wide as if suitable for this type of situation. In the middle of the field, there were steel figures resembling soldiers and an old ship used as a dummy. It looked like a large wooden army stretching for half a kilometer. The figurines were made of steel.
-I can't wait to try it out- said Maester Cedric excitedly. He was from the citadel in which Vanitov had invested. He was an excellent scholar and had recently been accepted into Kings Landing Citadel. Some said he was crazy and unpredictable.
-The mechanism of action is so simple, the simplest ever. - said Vanitov. The group of maesters was excited about the event, pulling out wooden barrels that stood behind the army of figures. Joffrey, on the other hand, stood and watched it all dispassionately.
Joffrey watched patiently as the Maesters lit matches next to the barrels of wildfire.
-Everyone moves away!- one of them shouted.
Joffrey quickly moved a few meters away, looking impatiently at Vanitov. Suddenly there was a huge green flash and a heavy boom. The entire army of steel soldiers with the ship disappeared into the air, only particles of dust flying around. All the bushes, trees, and other plants nearby also became dust, the ground turned black, and the grass disappeared. There was nothing left for an area of one kilometer.
-Excellent- Joffrey shouted
-I support your idea, Lord.- He looked at Vanitov.
-My advisors will handle the financing, we'll use as much of it as we can,- Joffrey said excitedly.
Vanitov couldn't stop himself from feeling proud when the king praised him and promised to finance his project. He will be the pride of the capital soon. Joffrey was then almost certain of destroying Stannis. He will show everyone that the famous warrior's fleet will dissolve into dust.
-Oh, I just feel sorry for those burnt little animals living in this vegetation - added Marcia in despair.
-Good thing they're not humans, Lady- Joffrey added sarcastically.
-Unless they are your...our enemies - Marcia smiled mysteriously.
Joffrey nodded and called his escort to get ready to leave. He looked at Marcia one last time. The matter was clear to him. She was going to seduce him because what else could a woman want? "She'll never get this, I'm not my father," he thought as he walked away, still seeing the flames and Marcia's alabaster skin in front of him.
"She's a damned witch," he thought of her when he felt she had a slight control over him. He didn't like it.