Chapter 3

Caged

Elyse smiled politely and listened to Robb Stark, who was telling her about Winterfell. He had offered to give her a tour, and it would have been rude to decline. The truth was that she was tired, but she didn't show it. Last night had gone as well as could be expected. Robert had been drunk as usual, but at least he hadn't humiliated his wife for fun. He had already done that after they had arrived.

Not that Elyse should care, but sometimes she did feel sympathy for Cersei. Any woman probably would. Elyse knew exactly how cruel men could be, but she did feel a little more confident about Jaime after having a conversation with him last night. She wanted to believe that he wasn't some soulless beast. Perhaps in time, they would learn to care about one another. Or perhaps not. Once again, she reminded herself not to expect too much. A husband who wasn't violent was more than she could ask.

"Here are the stables," Robb Stark continued. "Do you enjoy riding, my lady?"

"I do," Elyse replied. "I have my own horse back home, her name is Star."

"That's a lovely name."

"And you, my lord? Do you enjoy riding?"

"Aye, very much."

Elyse wasn't looking where she was going, and she almost bumped into a young man who was coming out of the stable.

"Oh, forgive me," she said, giving the man a polite smile.

"No, I apologize, my lady," he murmured.

She noticed that he seemed somewhat nervous; he wasn't looking her in the eyes.

"My lady, have you met my brother, Jon Snow?" Lord Robb asked.

So this was Lord Stark's bastard son. Elyse recalled seeing him yesterday, but she hadn't known who he was. He did look like a Stark.

"No, I haven't. Pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," he murmured. "I mean… I'm honored, my lady."

It seemed that he was a bit shy. She smiled at him, finding his nervousness sweet. At least he didn't stare at her bosom like most men.

"Shall we continue the tour?" Lord Robb asked.

"Yes, I would like that," she replied and turned her eyes back to Jon Snow. "I am sure we will meet again soon. Good day, my lord."

He bowed and mumbled some brief response. Lord Robb led her to the stable, explaining how many horses they had. He had acted like a perfect gentleman, but she had noticed the familiar look in his eyes. The lust.

Not that it was anything new. Her thoughts had rarely interested men; they were too busy undressing her in their minds. Not that she cared. Soon she would be handed over to yet another man like some kind of trophy. Another cage was waiting for her in Casterly Rock. There was no escape.

"She's beautiful, isn't she? Worth dying for I would say."

Jon startled as he suddenly heard Robb's voice; he hadn't heard his brother coming. He had been too busy staring at the King's sister like a fool. Quickly he looked away; an involuntary flush was rising in his cheeks.

"No need to look so guilty," Robb hummed, amusement clear in his voice. "Surely even we are allowed to look."

"You maybe," Jon murmured, feeling even more embarrassed. He felt that it was forbidden for someone like him to even look at someone like Lady Arryn. He had never in his life seen anything so beautiful. Her dark silky hair, her smooth skin, her big brown eyes that were sparkling as she talked with Sansa, her beautiful full lips…

What was wrong with him? She was the King's sister; how dared he think about her like that. Yet he had to admit that Robb had been right, he could see why men were willing to risk their lives for her. The death bringer… She certainly didn't look like one.

"Jon," Robb chuckled. "In case you didn't know, it's normal for any man to look at a beautiful woman."

Jon didn't reply; he felt ridiculous. He should just concentrate on his dinner. Another feast had been prepared for the King, who seemed more than pleased. He was drinking and laughing. The Queen was sitting by his side; she didn't seem so pleased at all, especially when the King groped a servant girl.

"Thank you," Jon murmured absentmindedly as a servant poured him more wine.

"Look around you," Robb continued. "You're not the only one looking at her."

Reluctantly, Jon glanced around him and noticed that Robb had been right. He most certainly wasn't the only man looking at Lady Arryn. Somehow, that made him feel even worse. She didn't deserve to be stared at like some kind of prized possession. He sighed and picked up his cup.

"I should retire," he murmured.

"Already?" Robb asked.

"Aye. I think I need some fresh air."

Jon emptied his cup and headed to the courtyard. For some reason, he felt dizzy, even though he had only drunk four cups of wine. Perhaps he was just tired. After taking a couple of unsteady steps, he decided that he needed to get to his chamber. Apparently, he was drunker than he had realized. That was strange.

For a moment, he was sure that someone was looking at him, but he only noticed a couple of guards. He really needed to lie down. Every step made him feel even dizzier, but somehow he made it to his bed and fell on his back. He had no strength to undress or even remove his boots. As soon as he closed his eyes, he was in a deep sleep. So deep that he didn't hear the door to his chamber opening or feel his boots being removed. He didn't hear anything before the screaming started.