Hello everyone, I hope you all are having a great Saturday, feeling rested and all of that! Now, I stated in my last update that I didn't know if I would update two chapters or just one. But after thing for a while, I decided to update two chapters, just to keep it still running since many of you think I have abandoned it! Which is nonsense!
I am just running other fanfics, that's all! Still here and working for all of you!
Now, the schedule is as follows.
The White Lion of the Red Keep (1 more chapter)
The White Wolf of Winterfell (2 chapters)
I'll see you all soon! Happy Saturday!
Also, if you wish to support me with anything, please donate to my Pay Pal. It helps me greatly, and I am genuinely trying to keep doing this for as long as possible. Whatever you wish to donate would help me continue updating. Thank you to all who have supported me in the past. I love you all, and I hope you keep enjoying my work!
(paulydppal (at sing) hotmail . com)
Chapter 9
The sound of people moving around, preparing for a long trip back south to the capital of Westeros, King's Landing, was as loud as one would think. But there's a sort of anticipation about the long journey south that brought Galadriel a significant smile. The princess expected a change in the nobles' game once they arrived. As the New Hand of the King, Eddard Stark would surely bring attention away from her for a short while. How much would Ned Stark's attitude change the game? Galadriel honestly believes honorable men like Ned Stark would die quickly in the land of thieves, whores, and liars.
But, she would keep an eye open. Honorable men were easy to control and predict. If Galadriel could use him to her advantage, she would allow him to live. But if Ned Stark proves to be bothersome to her plans. She'll kill him.
But I'll wait and see what happens first. There are a lot of schemes going on currently at King's Landing. I am curious to see where Lord Stark fits in all of them.
Galadriel brushed her long white hair on her side as she smiled at the caravan soon to move. "This visit was rather surprising."
"Your highness?" Mya moved to her side, and worried was visible on her face. Galadriel chuckled at the look of worry on her half-sister.
"Winterfell has its charms," Galadriel smiled.
"Are you talking about Ned Stark's son?" Gendry drawled, frowning deeply at his sister. Galadriel had to groan internally. I guess I didn't keep my act up as well as I thought. How annoying.
"Uh, no, at all," Galadriel dismissed quickly. "I think the North is beautiful and has a lot to offer, that's all."
Mya and Gendry looked at each other and let a deep breath. They were still worried about many things. But for the sake of their minds and heart. They would drop the topic for now.
Thankfully, Galadriel's older brother. Joffrey approached her. A strange occurrence since the crown prince usually avoids Galadriel as if she were a pest. But it seems as if he was enjoying the fact that they would leave the North.
"We'll leave as soon as possible," Her brother's words were said as a command rather than a question, though she could almost imagine him smiling when he spoke. "The sooner we're away from these wretched ruins, the better."
Knowing well that her past behavior with the heir of Winterfell would raise any suspicion, Galadriel decided to double down on her innocent image. "You didn't like the North, Joffrey?" She asked, using her most subdued tone of voice. Allowing Joffrey to scoff at her, pretending to be insulted by such a question. Perhaps he wasn't even acting, but the crown prince only sneered at her.
"Such a disgusting place to live. I don't understand how these brutes do it."
Joffrey exclaimed, not caring if some of those Northerners heard him. What could they do? He was the crown prince. Their monarch, he could do, say anything he wanted. Or at least, that's what Joffrey thought. Still, Galadriel was amused by the glares of the Northerners who would be traveling with them.
My dear brother, someday you'll learn not to make enemies of your subjects. Or perhaps you won't.
"But I guess it will fit you well," Joffrey smiled at her. It was a mocking type of grin that Galadriel recognized all too well. "You're to marry Robb Stark and become Lady of Winterfell. Aren't you happy about it, my sister? You have a man now that would take care of you. Put a few babies in you, and you'll be happy in this forgotten land."
Galadriel elegantly raised her eyebrows at that declaration, wondering what was all that about. Perhaps, Joffrey truly wanted her gone, out of King's Landing, so he could do whatever he desired. Yet, if he only knew that, it would never happen.
"He looks like a good man," Galadriel only replied. "I know... he will make me happy." Galadriel gagged internally but kept on a peaceful face.
"Mmhm, what do you think about my betrothed?" Joffrey asked, and now that was rather strange. Galadriel stared at him, wondering why he was conversating with her, of all people. But, as she glanced around, Galadriel saw how her father, king Robert, was staring at her and Joffrey. The Stak King seemed deep in thought for a reason, which wasn't always good.
What are you thinking of, father? Galadriel ponders deeply.
"She's pretty enough. I love her red hair," Galadriel answered honestly. However, by just hearing how Sansa speaks and what her dreams were. It was pretty sad that she would go to King's Landing. A doe in a land of wolves. Sansa Stark's world views would halt once she saw who Joffrey was underneath the red and golden gown.
But, I guess I'll be the savior of that little world of hers. Who knows? Red-haired women are hard to come during these times.
"I see," Joffrey muttered, frowning deeply. "Although, she is a young beauty. She is not Margaery Tyrell, or Arianne Martell. Now those two are beauties to behold."
Galadriel only nodded, agreeing with him for the first time ever. But, she would not allow Joffrey to touch her two flowers. Margaery and Arianne belong to her.
"Well, get into your caravan," Joffrey commanded. Galadriel scoffed at her brother's tone of voice. She almost wanted to slap him. But that would perhaps kill him. So, she decided to make fun of a little incident that had happened before.
"Yes, my brother." Galadriel's smile was more amused than anything else as she said this. "But I do hope you're careful with what you eat. We don't want another accident."
Joffrey's face went red, and Mya and Gendry had to look away and over their mouth so the crown prince couldn't see their smiles. Joffrey had a diarrhetic attack when traveling. It was so bad that he ended up few days resting and drinking only water. But it was incredibly hilarious how Joffrey shat himself while riding his horse. Galadriel would never forget the look on her father's face when he smelled his son. It was divine intervention.
Joffrey only scoffed as he left her.
"You're always so cruel to him," Mya mocked the Queen's voice, and Galadriel chuckled, hearing the similarities in their tone.
"I'm not cruel to my brother," Galadriel answered as she smiled at Mya. "I am just worried about his health."
Neither Mya nor Gendry believed it. "Sure, you are."
"It's true!" Galadriel smiled as she approached her caravan. "I could always be crueler," Galadriel whispered, turning away, so no one could see those dangerous golden eyes of her. Galadriel could definitely be more vicious. But not yet. Not yet...
The sound of a river couldn't be more peaceful. The birds chirped from afar, and the sun warmed her skin. Everything felt good. Her stomach grumbled again, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since morning. But, there was nothing around here except trees. There weren't any villages nearby either. But truth be told, Galadriel was always hungry and needed to be on a comfortable bed.
But now that they have been traveling for quite a while. Galadriel while she loves watching the beauty of nature. It could be pretty tiresome, the moving, the many stops they had to make every few hours, how she would need to take a bath in the open. Galadriel would if she could teleport back to King's Landing, but that would undoubtedly raise some questions.
Why has nothing happened so far?! I want blood! Please, let's have some bandits attack us or something. Galadriel thought with a groan as she stared at the river of the Trident. Joffrey hasn't behaved like a spoiled brat at all. The Queen and Galadriel's dear uncle has found a quiet place to do their naughty deeds without bringing much attention. Arianne and Margaery were just as usual. Throwing insults at each other and trying to seduce her. There's nothing strange going on, only the greenery of the country. Maybe, Galadriel would need to create her own amusement.
"Your highness, don't you think the Trident is quite beautiful?" Margaery asked, with her sultry tone. Galadriel's group was walking with her. Mya kept glaring at Arianne and Margaery every turn she could, while Gendry would like to ignore much of what they talk.
"Yes, very nice," Galadriel said with a smile. "I would like to swim in it if I could. But I don't think I can."
"Oh? You haven't done that before?" Margaery asked with an amused look.
"No, I've never swam in anything."
Margaery looked surprised. "Really?!" Even Arianne was surprised by what the princess told them.
"You have never taken a dive into the ocean? Or a river?" Arianne asked.
"Uh, no, I haven't," Galadriel told them truthfully. Now that she thought about it. She has never done that before. It was weird, but Galadriel couldn't think about why it could be. I guess I just never thought about it. Galadriel hummed, looking at the beautiful river of the Trident. It should be fun, right?
"Your highness, if you were to come to Dorne. I would have taken you to the Martell Water Gardens. We have many pools and a glorious beach, secluded from prying eyes."
Arianne stated as she caressed Galadriel's arm with her body. Rubbing her round and perfect breast on Galadriel's skin. "I could teach you how to swim. It's not really that hard. And I love to see you in a swimsuit."
That got Galadriel thinking. She has seen many girls wearing bikinis and swimming. But she has never had to change to actually wear one. But that shouldn't be surprising, back in her old world. The beaches were nothing but cesspools of toxicity and radiation. It was hardly a place where one could just wear those things. But thinking of Arianne's body, or Margaery or Mya in a tight swimsuit, was a pleasant image.
"I would love to have the opportunity, my lady," Galadriel replied, smiling gently. "I would love to see you in a swimsuit, just like you, Margaery, and you too, Mya."
"Of course, it would be my pleasure," the Tyrell rose replied lustfully. At the same time, Mya looked rather uncomfortable thinking of her wearing such a shameful types of clothes. That was only natural since Mya was raised as a bastard and has spent too much time of her life training to be her sister's protector. So, doing that type of activity was not on her list. Yet, Mya thought about her beloved princess wearing that type of clothes and blushed.
I wouldn't mind if I could see her too. Mya thought shamefully. As for Margaery. Her face lit up with delight. She would find an opportunity if that moment came. She just needed to be patient.
They continued their short walk on the river bank until they heard a somewhat confusing yet familiar sound.
"What's that?" Arianne wondered out loud.
Galadriel's curiosity peaked when she saw a little girl and boy playing near the river. They seemed happy and carefree so far.
"It looks like two children are having a good day. Isn't that Lord Stark's youngest daughter?" Arianne noticed the grin on the girl's face as she played with her wooden sword.
"Let us go say hello!" Margaery suggested excitedly. Without any hesitation, she dragged Galadriel and the rest with her. The white-haired princess was surprised by how friendly the Tyrell rose seemed. She was either a perfect actress or just an amiable person. Galadriel didn't truly stop her. In the mind of the Demoness princess, there was nothing that would gain her attention today. So, she just begrudgingly went with Margaery. Please, anything, just kill my boredom. I am so bored!
"Hello!" Margaery exclaimed happily.
Arya stopped quickly and got into a sort of funny defensive posture. "We were just playing!" The youngest Stark's daughter said, glaring at them. Galadriel and the rest looked at her, amused by how the little girl reacted to them. It seems that Arya wasn't used to people staring at her while she played a game; supposedly, only boys played.
"Easy there, we just heard the battle raging, that's all," Galadriel replied, smiling brightly at the girl, who simply frowned at her.
"You're the princess." It wasn't a question but a statement. "What are you doing here? What do you want?"
Galadriel was now very amused by the little girl. The girl, Arya, was true without shame.
"Just... walking around, that's all."
The Stark girl frowned deeply for a moment, wondering if she should believe the beautiful princess. Arya then looked at Mya, and her mouth fell.
"You have a sword," Arya whispered, pointing at Mya's sword.
"I do," Mya smirked at the girl, who seemed to have fallen in love with her for some reason.
"But you're a girl," Arya said, confused.
"Yes, I'm a girl. And this isn't a dress. This is armor made from steel plates. Do you know what that means?"
"No..." Arya shook her head. "Why are you wearing it?"
Mya shrugged. "Because I can fight better than most men."
Gendry coughed loudly, trying not to chuckle too loud. But that only earned him a gentle punch from Mya.
"Well, don't laugh at me. It's not like you're the manliest knight alive," Mya smiled at Gendry, who now looked rather insulted.
But he laughed anyway, earning himself another punch in return.
"That's enough," Galadriel warned playfully, gently patting each of their backs. They both apologized sheepishly. Then they turned back to Arya, who still frowned as she stared at the two girls.
"But... girls can't be warriors or knights... they can't," Arya whispered.
"And who said that?" Arianne asked.
"My father... everyone."
"Maybe that's true up here, but not in Dorne," Arianne teased with a smile.
"Truly?"
"Indeed, I have a lot of nieces and aunts who can fight."
"Whoah..."
"It doesn't matter if you're a boy or a girl. You shouldn't judge someone based on appearances alone." Mya spoke up again, sounding more mature than usual. "I have trained a lot to be where I am. Day and night, for years without stopping. I make many sacrifices to prove to everyone that I could protect what is most precious to me."
Mya told Arya with a soft smile while looking at Galadriel, her sister, who was the most precious thing in her life.
"You're a knight then?" Arya said, with shining eyes, staring at Mya as if she was a goddess or something. Mya's blushed and felt somewhat embarrassed at how the girl stared at her.
"Kind of...?" Mya muttered slowly.
"What?" Arya asked.
"She is my sworn shield," Galadriel stated to save her beloved half-sister from an embarrassing situation. "My guardian, just like Gendry here. Both of them are the braves and strongest around."
Mya and Gendry coughed awkwardly, trying to look intimidating and proud. But they were squealing inside. They still couldn't get used to Galadriel praising them. It made them feel cheerful. Like kids again.
"Can I see your sword?" Arya suddenly asked.
"Uh, that would be dangerous," Mya replied, amused. "It could hurt you. It's not a toy."
"I know that!" Arya exclaimed. "I have a sword of my own!" She said proudly.
"Really? Show us," Galadriel urged, smiling kindly.
"Uh... well, I don't have it with me! Otherwise, they would take it away from me," Arya muttered.
"Smart girl," Margaery stated. "Never let them take your weapon away from you, girl. You'll need it someday."
"Like you know all about weapons," Arianne muttered slowly.
"So, you were playing?" Galadriel asked. "Who's your friend here?"
"His name is Mycah. He's the butcher's son," Arya replied, and the poor ginger boy looked startled and embarrassed.
"Yo-your highness!" The poor boy started to kneel all awkwardly.
"Aw, so cute!" Arianne cooed. "Look at him, sweating already. Are you nervous, my dear?" Arianne, the teasing girl she was, bent forward slightly, showing a bit of her bosom. Mycah's face went red.
"Don't be mean," Margaery reproached. "He's a young boy. He doesn't know about the girls of the night still."
Margaery stated, clearly insinuating that Arianne was a whore.
"You bitch...!"
"Enough," Galadriel warned again. This time was different. "Don't listen to them, Mycah, and don't kneel before me. I am just a princess, not a queen." Yet.
Arya had to admit that the princess was a different person than she thought. She seemed to be gentle and friendly. There was this sensation of peace around her. It was hard to express, but Arya wanted to follow her for some strange reason. Even though she didn't really know what the princess was doing there or why she should trust her. Arya felt drawn by something mysterious. And she liked it.
Galadriel's boredom seemed to be satisfied for now. But, it seemed like she would get more than just a funny meeting with a young girl. She noticed Joffrey and Sansa Stark approaching them, and for the looks of it. Joffrey was drinking wine.
"Arya!" Sansa called, noticing how her sister held a wooden sword in her hand. The oldest Stark daughter was mortified as she saw the princes standing there. Sansa was already thinking that Arya was shaming their house and family by behaving like a savage.
"What are you doing here? Go away!" Arya hissed at her sister, not bothering to look at the crown prince there, with a nasty look on his face. Galadriel, however, did notice it.
"Your sister?" Joffrey stated, amused by Arya's behavior. Sansa gave a brief nod. "What are you doing here, dear sister of mine?"
Galadriel stared at how Joffrey glared at Mycah, the butcher boy. Mm, what are you planning to do, Joffrey?
"I was just walking near the river, Joffrey. That's all."
Joffrey then stared at Arianne and Margaery and bowed at them. "My ladies, such a beautiful sight."
Arianne and Margaery had their mission and their goals. They understood what they needed to do, and one of them was making sure Joffrey fell for them. Or Galadriel, but watching the drunk heir of the throne was enough for them to realize that Joffrey wasn't in the right state of mind.
Margaery has heard many things about the heir to the throne. But she needed to see it with her own eyes. If she were to find a way to become Queen. Margaery has to learn how to control him. Arianne, for her part, wanted to know what Joffrey's weaknesses were and how she could utilize them in the future.
"My prince," both said, with the huskiest voice of tone they could have. Galadriel, already knowing what they were thinking, just rolled her eyes.
Margaery was now putting her mind to work, and so was Arianne. They were scrutinizing Joffrey and seeing if they could use him somehow. But, it seems as if Joffrey suddenly ignored them both and now glared at Mycah.
"And who are you, boy?" Joffrey asked nastily, looking down on poor Mycah.
"Mycah, milord!" Mycah said, throwing his wooden sword on the ground.
"He's the butcher's boy," Sansa added, with quite the haughty tone. However, Arya wouldn't allow someone to look down on her friend.
"He's my friend!" She exclaimed.
"A butcher's boy who wants to be a knight, eh?" Joffrey sneered. "I hope you're not trying to bring harm upon my sister with that wooden sword of yours. Or perhaps, you are trying to do something else? She's quite attractive, my sister."
Joffrey's smugness was visible, and everyone was watching it with disdain. Yet, Galadriel didn't do much, just stared. She was moping about being bored; now she has her entertainment. She just needed to see how fun it would be.
"Pick up your sword, butcher's boy. Let's see how good you are."
Galadriel would have laughed loudly when Joffrey unsheathed his sword. Joffrey couldn't fight even if his life depended on it. Galadriel truly believes that a child could disarm him with his eyes closed.
"Joffrey, please-" Galadriel pretend to speak to stop the fight. But Joffrey didn't have it, just like Galadriel thought.
"Be quiet, sister," Joffrey said. "I am just going to play with him."
Galadriel faked worry on her face and started to quiver in anxiety.
Mycah now stared at the crown prince with fear. "She asked me to, milord. She asked me to."
"I'm your prince," Joffrey stated now, irate. "Not your lord. And I said pick up your sword."
"It's not a sword. It's a stick!"
"And you're not a knight," Joffrey hissed as he raised his sword and slowly aimed at Mycah's cheek. "Just a butcher's boy. And that was my lady's sister you were hitting, do you know that?"
"Stop it!" Arya yelled furiously but was more infuriating than Sansa took the prince's side.
"Arya, stay out of this!"
Galadriel, who was pretending to be afraid of what was going on, was, in fact, staring at Sansa. Galadriel wasn't amused by the red-haired girl. Not one bit.
"I won't hurt him," Joffrey declared, smirking while cutting Mycah's cheek. "Much."
The poor butcher's boy was sobbing slowly, and Arianne and Margaery watched with disgust at how Joffrey behaved. The crown prince wanted to be seen as a strong and intelligent leader. He was failing miserably. Galadriel was also using this moment, so Arianne and Margaery could see what type of person Joffrey was. A perfect window for the kind of King he would become. Galadriel knew they would send letters to their families to ask them what to do if controlling Joffrey was too much. Then, she'll move her pieces one by one. And make sure everyone could see that she was the better pick to rule the Seven Kingdoms.
This is fun, so much fun to do. Way better than taking it by force.
Galadriel's smirked at the scene. Joffrey was putting nails in his coffin without realizing it.
Mya and Gendry could only stare. They couldn't do much in that situation since the crown prince was the one causing the scene, and Galadriel knew it. Gendry was clenching his sword, and so was Mya. They didn't like the crown prince, never had. But he was a member of the royal family and, perhaps, the future King of Westeros. They had their hands tied.
Yet, Galadriel didn't expect Arya to grab the wooden sword and hit Joffrey on the back of his head. The sound the wooden sword made when it impacted Joffrey's head was highly comical.
HA HA HA HA! Galadriel covered her face with her hands, hiding her smiling face. However, such a situation wasn't an amusing one. At least not for everyone.
"Filthy little bitch!" Joffrey screamed, swinging his real sword around, trying to hit Arya, who was more agile and faster than Joffrey.
"No, no! Stop it, stop it, both of you!" Sansa screamed while crying. Very dramatically. "Arya, you're spoiling it! You're spoiling everything!"
Now, Galadriel wasn't very fond of Sansa Stark at all. The fact that the red-haired girl was against her sister, who was evading what could be a fatal blow, was heartbreaking and infuriating.
Peroroncino and Bubukuchagama had many intense quarrels back in Yggdrasil, but they would never betray each other like this! Peroroncino would rather die before hurting his sister! And Bukubukuchagama would kick anyone's ass if they talked nasty things about her brother!
But Sansa was a different story altogether. She was weak and easily manipulated, which meant that Galadriel could use her to get rid of any obstacles in front of herself. But Galadriel still didn't like how she behaved.
Galadriel realized she needed to do something before Joffrey killed the poor girl. Otherwise, there was going to be hell to pay for her brother.
"Joffrey, stop it!" Galadriel yelled dramatically.
"I'll gut you, you little cunt!" Joffrey yelled as Arya fell to the ground, and now unmoving, she was at the mercy of Joffrey. And as Galadriel was about to intervene for real this time. Arya's dire wolf jumped out of nowhere. Bitting Joffrey's hand viciously and forcing him to drop his sword.
Oh, nice. Galadriel thought for a moment.
"Argh!"
Joffrey screamed loudly and pathetically. The direwolf wasn't even trying to kill him. It just bit into his skin.
It must have been the first time the direwolf ever saw his master scream like that. And rushed to protect the girl. But it didn't seem like Joffrey was bleeding quite heavily. Blood ran down his arm and dripped onto the grassy field, but it wasn't life-threatening, just a good lesson and karma.
"Nymeria!" Arya screamed, pushing her direwolf away.
"Arya!" Sansa yelled.
"Sister!" Joffrey cried.
Galadriel just rolled her eyes and approached her pathetic brother.
"Please! Help me! I am scared!" Joffrey sobbed. Galadriel gagged in revulsion. You're so pitiful, Joffrey. Gods and heaven above. You're so pathetic that I even feel bad for you. It makes killing you so much worse. Galadriel said to herself. Almost insulting to me.
"It's okay, Joffrey!" Galadriel said, acting the best way she could. "It's only a small bite! Gendry, please help me!"
Galadriel clenched Joffrey's arm, so it would hurt him more, but no one saw it. Gendry reluctantly helped the crown prince, and Mya looked concerned not for Joffrey but for the girls.
"Let go of my arm," Joffrey pleaded at Gendry.
"No."
"You are hurting me!"
Gendry remained quiet as if he genuinely wanted to hurt Joffrey. He could do so.
"I could hurt you more if you want," Mya whispered, and thankfully, Joffrey didn't listen.
They really wanted to. Because Joffrey had made them angry by attacking Arya without cause or reason. Galadriel had to admit that what would follow next would be quite the headache.
Everyone was in the King's tent, looking grimly. Galadriel couldn't help but scoff at Joffrey's behavior, clenching on his mother's dress like a five-year-old. His wound wasn't even severe, just a tiny bite, that's all. Galadriel knew that if the direwolf had wanted to hurt him truly. It could have ripped his throat out. But, Joffrey didn't need an excuse to make a scene.
Arya looked terrified and couldn't stop trembling under the Queen's gaze. Thankfully, Ned Stark arrived quickly, pushing every single Lannister away from his path. Galadriel couldn't hide her surprise, watching the cold glare from Lord Stark. Now I understand why they call him the Quiet Wolf. Lord Stark glanced around him, daring anyone to stop him, before finally hugging his daughter.
"Are you? Did they hurt you?" He asked gently.
"No! I am sorry! I am sorry!" Arya repeated. The poor girl was still in shock at everything that had happened. And Ned knew his daughter well, to know that this was not a normal situation.
"It's alright," Ned whispered softly, trying to reassure his daughter that everything was fine. However, that wasn't the reality of the situation. Ned moved Arya behind him and glared at everyone before him, including Robert, the King.
"What is the meaning of this?" Ned's rage was loud and clear. He growled at every single person in the tent. "Why was my daughter not brought to me at once?!"
Robert frowned, unsure how to answer the question. It was difficult not to look like the bad one. As much as he tried to defend himself against Ned's accusations. Robert knew that there was nothing he could say. If he was in Ned's shoes, he would have reacted the same way. Still, before Robert could explain what had happened to his old friend, Cersei, spoke first, and her voice held a venenous tone.
"How dare you speak to your king in that manner?" Cersei hissed.
"Quiet, woman," Robert said, interrupting Cersei's charade. "Sorry, Ned. I never meant to frighten the girl." Robert stated with an apologetic tone.
Ned nodded, accepting the apology. Even though, deep down, he felt that it wasn't over.
"But we need to finish this business quickly," Robert sighed tiredly.
"You girl and that butcher's boy attacked my son," Cersei declared. "That animal of hers nearly tore his arm off."
"That's not true!" Arya said.
"Enough lies, child," Cersei snapped. "Your little dog almost killed my precious Joffrey."
"He was hurting Mycah!" Arya said desperately.
"Joffrey told me the truth," Cersei stated smugly. "You and that boy beat him with clubs while you set your wolf on him."
"That's not what happened!"
"Yes, it is!"
Galadriel scoffed at the discussion. The face Joffrey made, filled with shame and anger when Cersei spoke those lies where enough to let Galadriel know that the poor little boy didn't dare to say what truly happened. It wasn't something she didn't expect at all. Galadriel knew Joffrey was a coward and a liar. A puny little boy hides behind her mother every time something goes badly. Nevertheless, Galadriel was still enjoying the entertainment the whole thing was causing.
But mother, please, you're the only grown woman who would argue with a child. Galadriel shocked her head at her mother's childish behavior.
"It's true!" Joffrey then added, showing his scar. "They all attacked me, and she threw my sword in the river!"
"Liar!" Arya screamed at him.
"Shut up!" Joffrey replied, and Galadriel could even see a tear in his eyes.
This girl, Arya, is proving to be exceptionally amusing. She is the only little girl who speaks her mind without caring too much about what happens. I mean, that's a bad thing, especially in King's Landing. But I like her.
Galadriel smiled at the small, fierce girl. Arya reminded her of Mya a bit.
"Enough!" Robert yelled. "He tells me one thing. She tells me another."
"Seven hells! What am I to make of this?" Robert growled before staring at Ned. "Ned, where is your other daughter?"
"In bed asleep," Ned replied.
"She is not," Cersei then said, smirking widely. "Sansa, come here, darling."
Then, Sansa approached them, surprising Ned and Arya.
"Alright, tell me what happened," Robert ordered. "Tell it all and tell it true. It's a great crime to lie to a king."
Sansa then stared at both her father and sister and looked away shamefully.
Oh, what are you going to do? Galadriel wondered, hoping the girl wouldn't do what she thought.
"I don't know. I don't remember. Everything happened so fast," Sansa said first, trying to take a middle ground, but that wasn't what the Queen or Joffrey wanted.
"I didn't see-"
"Liar! Liar! Liar! You know what happened! Liar!" Arya then practically grabbed Sansa's hair and started to push her around.
Yeah, now that's a problem, my dear Arya. Galadriel groaned, watching how the small Stark girl was making a spectacle of herself. But also shows the people in the tent the rift between both Stark's sisters. It wouldn't take long before this little scene made it to King's Landing and reached the ears of Varys and Littlefinger.
Even Cersei saw a great opportunity there.
Poor Ned had to separate both of his children.
"She's as wild as that animal of hers. I want her punished," Cersei declared, not hiding her smug face.
"What would you have me do, whip her through the streets?" Robert grunted.
Galadriel then decided to make herself known. She had fun watching the scene as it was T.V. Drama. She brought her father's attention with just one glance of her golden eyes.
"Galadriel, you're the only one who can make sense of this. Tell me the truth of what happened."
Galadriel nodded softly and soon noticed Cersei and Joffrey's worried faces.
"Young lady Arya was playing with Mycah, the butcher's boy. We arrived before Joffrey and Sansa and asked them what they were doing. It wasn't long before Joffrey and Sansa came. Joffrey was drinking wine."
Robert glanced at Joffrey, who avoided his father's eyes. It was enough for the King to know it was true.
"Then, it seems that Joffrey wanted to fight Mycah and tried to force him to pick up his wooden sword. Mycah wished to avoid such a thing and refused. Joffrey practically cut the poor's boy cheek and threatened him before Arya attacked him. It wasn't long before Joffrey swung his real sword around, trying to cut Arya. That's when the direwolf attacked him. It was only to defend his master. Arya grabbed the sword and threw it into the river before running away."
No one said anything for a few minutes. Galadriel's voice was serene and oddly loud. They all knew the reputation of the oldest princess. They knew that she would always speak the truth. It was one of the reasons why Galadriel held her innocent disposition, no matter how annoying it could be or how sometimes she forgot to act accordingly. Robert knew as much. That's what he believed it. Besides, as he stared at Joffrey. The look of shame and guilt in his eldest son was noticeable.
"He tried to cut my daughter?" Ned growled, and if he was angry now. Ned Stark was furious.
"I am so sorry, Ned," Robert muttered, the shame of his oldest son's behavior.
"It doesn't change the fact that his animal tried to kill Joffrey," Cersei hissed, trying to get some sort of point in her favor. She couldn't deny what her daughter said. It was now Cersei, the one in an awkward position. She loved Joffrey but adore Galadriel. Every time her daughter spoke, for Cersei, it was as if it was written in gold.
"Nevertheless, I'll punish my son and leave this matter in the past. Children fight. That's the end of it."
Robert muttered, already wanting to drink all night and sleep.
Ned sighed heavily, shaking his head slowly. "You are right, Your Grace," he finally answered, looking at both of his daughters. "There should be punishment meted out to our children."
Ned muttered, looking at Sansa specifically. The face of shame lingering in his eldest daughter was enough for him to feel hurt that his daughter was willing to let her sister be punished for something she didn't do. Ned would have a serious talk with both of them.
"What about Joffrey? He will bear these scars for the rest of his life!"
Robert only stared at his son for a long minute before speaking. "You let that girl disarm you?"
Joffrey was now wholly humiliated before everyone. He just simply looked away, trying to stare at one candle. Trying to pretend he was alone in a room.
Still, no one said more. Robert was more than happy to leave the business behind. But Cersei being the nasty woman she was, wasn't finished.
"And what of the direwolf? What of the best that savaged your son?" Cersei hissed, trying just to get one small victory.
"I'd forgot the dammed wolf..."
"We found no trace of the direwolf, your grace," A Lannister soldier said.
"No...? So be it."
"We have another wolf," Cersei stared, looking directly at Sansa, and the poor red-haired girl flinched.
Robert sighed deeply. He truly wanted to disappear. "As you will."
"You can't mean it," Ned stated, baffled.
"A direwolf is not a pet, Ned. Get her a dog. She'll be happier with it."
Robert just said before leaving everyone behind.
"You don't mean, Lady, is it?" Sansa now stated, terrified. "Lady didn't bite anyone! She's good!"
Ah, now you're speaking. Galadriel frowned deeply at Sansa's insufferable behavior.
But what surprised Galadriel the most was how Arya started to defend Sansa's direwolf.
"Lady wasn't there! She's innocent!"
Galadriel hummed deeply. It seemed like Sansa had no idea of the type of sister she had. A shame, really. Arya seemed to be the person who kept her heart and family close, regardless of everything.
Cersei got her small victory, and Ned, at the very least, wanted to be the one putting the direwolf down. It was the least it deserved. Yet, Galadriel didn't think it was fair for a rare creature such as a direwolf to be killed. They were rare as it was. It would be a complete waste of potential.
"Mya, could you hunt something for me?" Galadriel whispered to her half-sister. "And do it incredibly fast?"
Mya raised her eyebrow but smirked when she realized what her princess wanted to do.
"Give a few minutes."
Galadriel then glanced at Cersei and Joffrey and noticed that look on her mother's face. Cersei was plotting something, and Joffrey seemed to be wanting some revenge of his own. One didn't need to be a genius to know what they were thinking.
"Gendry, I'll need you to do something for me."
He nodded eagerly. "Yes, your highness."
Sandor Clegane hissed annoyingly as he started to look for the butcher's boy. He didn't care if the boy was innocent or not. Sandor wasn't concerned about it. He only wanted to get on with it and finish it quickly. Yet, he couldn't find him. But soon enough, Clegane saw a young ginger boy hiding in the bushes.
"Come here, boy. Don't make me run over you," Sandor hissed. "I'll cut you clean, and don't make it hurt."
Mycah sobbed, realizing he had no place to go. "Please, milord! Mercy! I don't want to die!"
Sandor hated the ones who cried. It made it all worse. "I am not a lord." The Hound unsheathed his long sword and prepared to kill the butcher's boy as fast as possible.
"Come forward, slowly, and I'll do it fast."
Mycah started to cry. "So be it," Sandor hissed before his long sword could strike the boy down. It was stopped by yet another long sword.
"Not so fast, Clegane," Gendry hissed, using his unnatural strenght to push the Hound back.
Clegg snarled, ready to take down whoever dared stand against him. His eyes narrowed as he glared at Gendry. "What are you doing here?"
"You should ask yourself that question, mangy dog."
They both stared at each other, their swords drawn and bloodlust boiling within them. Yet, Sandor knew it wasn't a wise move to fight someone like Gendry, who was as tall as him but twice as strong. The Hound knew as much. Gendry would not be easily defeated.
"I am following the Queen and crowned prince's orders," Sandor stated.
"And I am following the princess's orders too," Gendry said, not showing fear whatsoever. "Let this child go, or we will have more problems."
Sandor hissed, watching how Gendry had a long sword in one hand and a Warhammer in the other one. It should be impossible for one person to carry two weapons like that at all times. Yet, there Gendry was. Standing before him, daring the Hound to attack him.
Gendry wasn't afraid of the Hound. He knew he could win easily against him. And Sandor knew that too.
"Fuck this," Sandor grunted. "I'll tell the little fucker ran away."
"Smart," Gendry stated as he saw Sandor leaving, just muttering angrily under his breath. Gendry then turned around and smiled at the poor boy.
"Mycah, here this a bag of gold for you and your father. Your highness, the princess sends you this for both of you. He's waiting for you near the Crossroads Inn. You should leave now. Both of you."
"Thank you, milord!" Mycah said, with relief in his voice.
"It's alright, now go."
Mycah practically flew, hearing that her father was waiting for him. Gendry chuckled gently but couldn't help but feel that things were only starting. "This is going to be a long trip," Gendry muttered as he returned to his sister, where she ensured Lord Stark that Sansa's direwolf was in safe hands.
"A long trip indeed."
