Chapter 12

Monsters

Jon marched determinedly to his brother's chambers. He would find out exactly what had happened in the Godswood. Robb was an honorable man, he knew that, but something had upset Lady Elyse so badly that she had been willing to ask Jon for protection. She had been terrified. Just the thought cut Jon like a knife. He needed to get to the bottom of this.

As he approached Robb's chambers, he took a deep breath and knocked firmly on the door. Moments later, Robb opened it, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern when he saw Jon's serious demeanor.

"Jon? What's wrong?" Robb asked, stepping aside to let him in.

Jon didn't waste any time. "I need to know what happened in the Godswood, Robb. I need to know what upset Lady Elyse so badly."

Robb's brow furrowed as he closed the door behind Jon. "I was just trying to talk to her, to understand the situation better. She seemed uncomfortable, and when I pressed her about the marriage, she panicked and ran off. I didn't mean to frighten her."

Jon studied his brother's face, searching for any hint of deceit but found none. Robb's concern seemed genuine.

"She was terrified, Robb. She asked for my protection," Jon said, his voice tinged with frustration and worry. "I believe you, but something triggered that reaction. Did you say anything that might have scared her?"

Robb shook his head, looking troubled. "I only asked about the marriage and if she knew you well before it was arranged. I thought it was a fair question, given how quickly everything happened. But maybe I pushed too hard. I'm sorry, Jon."

Jon pressed his lips together. "Why didn't you ask me?"

"I did," Robb replied and sighed. "I don't mean to pry, but I can see that something is wrong. You're my brother, Jon, you know you can trust me."

Jon looked away for a moment, struggling with his thoughts. He knew Robb was right, but the weight of the situation was heavy. Yet he wanted desperately to confide in someone. He took a deep breath and told his brother everything. When he started talking, he felt that he couldn't stop. It was a relief to finally talk to someone. Robb looked completely stunned and shocked when Jon was finished.

"You were drugged?" he gasped. "Who could do something like that?"

Jon shook his head, his expression weary. "I don't know."

"What about Lady Elyse? Does she know who could have wanted her harm?"

"I don't know," Jon murmured. "She… doesn't exactly trust me and I can't blame her for that."

"I'm sorry," Robb sighed. "I doubt that this is easy for you either."

Jon shook his head. "No, it's her you should feel sorry for. I… To be honest, I have no idea what to do. She thinks that I trapped her and took her property. How can I prove to her that I didn't?"

Robb looked thoughtful for a moment. "You have to show her through your actions, not just your words. Be consistent in your kindness and your support. If she feels safe and sees that you genuinely care about her well-being, she might begin to trust you."

Jon nodded, taking in his brother's words. "I'll do my best. But it's hard when she's so guarded. Every time I try to get close, she pulls away. And I don't even know what scared her so badly."

"Wait…" Robb murmured. "She was alone in the woods with me, I asked her where you were and how well she knew you before your marriage…"

A horrified understanding filled Robb's eyes.

"Oh no… I see now how that must have sounded like to a woman in her position."

Jon's expression tightened as he realized the implications of Robb's words.

"You think she thought you were... threatening her?" he asked, horrified.

Robb nodded slowly, guilt etched across his face.

"Yes. I see now that my questions must have sounded like a prelude to something sinister. I never intended to scare her, but I see now how it must have come across. That would explain her reaction."

Jon ran a hand through his hair, frustration and concern battling within him. "We need to make this right. She needs to know she's safe here and that no one, especially not my family, would ever harm her."

Robb nodded. "Aye, I need to apologize and make sure she understands that she misinterpreted my intentions."

"She is resting now, and I don't want to cause her more distress today, so perhaps tomorrow?"

"Sounds good," Robb agreed. "I'm sorry about the whole thing, Jon."

"I know," Jon sighed while heading to the door. "I need to…"

He didn't finish his sentence as he opened the door and saw a young redheaded woman behind it. Her eyes widened in terror, and she tried to run, but Jon grabbed her arm before she managed to go far.

"Hey," he snapped and shoved her into Robb's chamber. "Who are you and why were you eavesdropping?"

"No, no, my lords, please, I wasn't eavesdropping," she murmured, keeping her eyes on the floor.

"What were you doing then?" Robb asked harshly.

"I…Please, I meant no harm…"

"Who are you?" Jon asked when she didn't continue.

"M-my name is Tara, my lord," she stuttered. "I'm a maid from King's Landing. I… I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you mentioning my mistress' name."

Jon frowned.

"Who is your mistress?"

"Lady Arryn, my lord. Forgive me, I meant Lady Stark."

Jon was surprised, he hadn't expected that.

"You were Lady Elyse's maid?"

"Yes, my lord," she replied quietly, still keeping her eyes on the floor. "I served her when she was married to Lord Arryn. After he…passed away, I accompanied my lady to King's Landing."

"I see," Jon stated, still trying to understand why she had eavesdropped. "And why exactly were you listening to us?"

The girl hesitated; she was clearly scared.

"I… I was worried about my mistress, my lord."

"Why?" Jon asked sharply.

She shivered as her mouth floundered open and closed.

"I…I… Forgive me, my lord, but I can't…"

Jon exchanged a quick glance with Robb before addressing Tara again, his tone softening slightly.

"Tara, it's alright," he said, trying to put her at ease. "You don't need to be afraid. We just need to understand what's going on."

"I can't…" she murmured. "I would be flogged for speaking ill of a lord."

"No, no," Jon assured. "You can speak freely; no harm will come to you. I give you my word."

She hesitated and quickly glanced at Robb.

"You have my word too," he assured. "You'll be safe."

She still hesitated before finally speaking.

"Lord Arryn… He… He was not a good man. He… harmed my mistress."

Jon's face darkened with anger and concern as he processed Tara's words. He glanced at Robb, who looked equally troubled, before turning his attention back to the maid.

"What do you mean, Tara? How did Lord Arryn harm Lady Elyse?"

Tara took a deep, shaky breath, her eyes welling up with tears.

"He... he was… He was a monster, my lord. Things that happened in that household… I still have nightmares. I… I feared that…"

"You feared that I would be like him," Jon finished, struggling to control himself.

"No!" she gasped. "No, no, I would never…"

"It's alright, Tara," Jon assured calmingly. "As I said, no harm will come to you. You have served your mistress well." He paused as something crossed his mind. "Will you stay here with her?"

The girl looked sad as she shook her head.

"His Grace wants us all to return to King's Landing."

Jon pressed his lips together, feeling more determined than ever before.

"We will find a way to keep you here, I will speak with my father about this. You will not be forced to leave."

Tara's eyes filled with gratitude, but she still looked uncertain. "Thank you, my lord. I hope that you can succeed."

Jon was going to succeed, no matter what. That was the least he could do for his wife.

"Everything alright, lassie?" Sandor's voice grunted, managing to startle Elyse. She was on her way to dinner.

"Hello, Ser," she greeted him. "Where is your ward?"

"Pouting," Sandor snorted.

Elyse couldn't help but smile.

"Yes, that sounds like him. My dear nephew can be quite… a handful."

"You can say that again," Sandor grunted. "How's your life, girly?"

She shrugged.

"I'm still alive, so I shouldn't complain."

"Hmm. You want me to kill that husband of yours?"

"No, probably not," she replied smiling. "I want you to stay alive as well."

"That's overrated, but whatever the lady wishes."

Elyse chuckled softly at Sandor's bluntness.

"You always know how to make me smile, Ser. Thank you for that."

Sandor gave a grunt that could almost be interpreted as a chuckle.

"Someone has to. You look like you could use more smiling."

"Perhaps," Elyse admitted. "It's been a trying time."

Sandor's expression softened slightly, a rare sight.

"If you ever need anything, girly, you let me know. I may be a Hound, but I can still bite when needed."

Elyse's smile grew a bit more genuine. "I'll remember that. Thank you, Ser Sandor."

He gave her a curt nod, then glanced around.

"Well, best get to dinner before the food's gone. Can't have you starving on top of everything else."

Elyse nodded and continued her way to the dining hall, feeling a bit lighter after the brief interaction. Sandor Clegane was rough around the edges, but his unexpected kindness was a welcome respite in her tumultuous life.

Elyse's heart ached when she realized that she would probably never see Sandor again after he would return to King's Landing. She would likely never see most of the people she had spent her life with again. The thought made her sad, even though she didn't mind never seeing Cersei again. Or Jaime. Or Robert for that matter.

She would just have to build herself a new life here. Or in Moat Cailin to be exact. If only she could take at least one person she knew with her. Just one friendly face. That wasn't going to happen, Cersei would make sure of that.

"Elyse?"

She tensed immediately as she heard Jaime's voice.

"Ser Jaime," she stated coldly.

"May I have a word with you?" he asked tensely.

"I'm afraid this isn't a good time, I am on my way to dinner."

"Elyse, please, this won't take long…"

"That's Lady Elyse to you, Ser," she cut in icily. "I believe you made it very clear that we are not friends."

Jaime bit his bottom lip.

"I… I know you must hate me, but I truly want you to be safe. If there is anything I can do for you…"

"Are you kidding?" she snapped. "You arranged me to be violated and now you want to help me?"

Jaime's eyes widened.

"What? Did… Did that boy…"

"I don't know which one of you undressed me and I really don't care. You won, you got rid of me, so go and enjoy your victory."

"No, no, nothing happened that night, I swear. I would have never…"

"You took everything from me," she cut in, struggling to control herself. "Why? Surely you could have found yourself another wife if you found me so repulsive."

He shook his head.

"You are not repulsive. I just… I don't wish to get married."

"Oh, you don't wish to get married? I am so sorry for you, your life must be very hard."

"No, I… I never wanted to harm you."

"Thank you, I appreciate that. Goodbye, Ser Jaime."

"Wait," he murmured tensely and blocked her way. "I want you to know that no one touched you that night. I know it isn't much, but…"

She crossed her arms and looked at him.

"Why would you care what happens to me? Is this some kind of game to you?"

"No," he murmured. "I don't pretend to be a good person, but I would like to think that I'm not a monster either."

"That's debatable," she stated. "What about Jon Stark? Is he a monster?"

"Not to my knowledge. Has he hurt you?"

"What did you promise him?" Elyse asked, ignoring Jaime's question.

Jaime was quiet for a while before replying.

"Nothing. He didn't know."