I did a lot of rewriting on the previous chapters and added new sections

Chapter 14

Moral code

"Come back here, whore! You think you can run from me? I'll teach you what happens to whores like you…"

"No, no, please…"

"Elyse? Please, wake up."

She panicked as she felt Darius shaking her. She tried desperately to defend herself, scratch him, even though she knew how useless that was.

"Elyse!" he said more firmly. "It's alright, you're having a nightmare."

Elyse's eyes flew open, wild and filled with terror. She gasped for breath, her heart pounding as she tried to orient herself. It took a few moments for her to realize that she was not back in the horrors of her past, but in her new husband's chamber. He was looking at her with a worried expression.

"Elyse," he repeated, releasing her arms and taking a step back to give her space. "You're safe. It was just a nightmare."

Elyse's breathing began to slow, though she still looked shaken. She glanced around the room, trying to ground herself in the present.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, feeling embarrassed and vulnerable. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"There's nothing to apologize for," Jon said softly. "Nightmares can be powerful."

She looked at him, her eyes searching his for any sign of judgment or impatience, but she found none. Instead, she saw the scratch marks on his face. The sight made her eyes widen in terror. She was sure than he would retaliate.

"I… I am sorry, I didn't mean to… Please, I am so sorry…"

Jon could see the terror in Elyse's eyes and the way she shrank back, anticipating a violent reaction. His heart ached at the sight of her fear. He reached out, his movements slow and deliberate, not wanting to startle her.

"Elyse, it's alright," he said gently. "You don't need to be afraid. I'm not angry, and I would never hurt you."

Her eyes remained wide, and she seemed on the verge of tears. "But I... I scratched you. You're bleeding."

Jon shook his head, offering her a reassuring smile. "It's just a small scratch. It doesn't hurt, and it will heal quickly. What matters is that you're safe. That's all I care about."

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she trembled, clearly struggling to believe his words. "I didn't mean to hurt you..."

"I know," Jon said softly. "I can't imagine what you've been through, but I want you to know that you're safe with me. You never have to worry about being hurt again."

She looked at him, searching his face for any hint of deceit. Seeing none, she moved hesitantly closer, her eyes still brimming with tears. "I... I want to believe you, Jon. I really do."

He nodded, his expression earnest. "I hope, in time, you'll see that my words are true. You can trust me."

Elyse took a shaky breath, wiping away her tears. "Thank you... for being so understanding."

Jon reached out again, this time gently taking her hand in his. "We're in this together, Elyse. If you ever need anything, even if it's just someone to talk to, I'm here for you."

She squeezed his hand lightly, her grip growing a bit steadier. "I will... Thank you."

Jon smiled at her, his resolve to protect and support her only growing stronger. "It's not morning yet, so we still have time to get some rest."

Elyse managed a small, tentative smile. "Yes. I... I think I'll try to sleep a little more."

Jon returned her smile, albeit more warmly. "Of course. I'll be right here if you need anything."

"Robert," Ned started tensely. "May I have a word with you?"

"I know that tone," the King huffed, taking a sip from his goblet. "Let's hear it, Ned."

Ned looked at his friend who was sitting by the fireplace, clearly hangover.

"I would like to talk about your sister," he stated firmly. "The dinner last night…"

"I know, I know," Robert sighed. "I realize I went too far, and I do apologize for embarrassing your son."

Ned's jaw tightened, but he nodded slightly, appreciating the rare admission of fault from his old friend.

"It wasn't just about Jon," he said, choosing his words carefully. "Lady Elyse is a member of your family and deserves your respect and protection."

Robert's expression softened slightly, a hint of guilt crossing his features.

"I know, Ned. But you understand, it was all in jest. I didn't mean any real harm."

Ned shook his head, his voice growing more intense. "Jest or not, it was unkind and unnecessary. She deserves better from her brother."

Robert sighed heavily and took another sip from his goblet, staring into the fire. "You're right," he admitted reluctantly. "It's just... I never know how to act around her. She reminds me too much of my own failures, my own mistakes."

Ned was quiet for a moment before continuing.

"Nothing happened between her and Jon before the wedding, a part of you must know that. Whoever arranged that scene did quite a convincing job."

Robert squeezed his goblet tightly, the knuckles of his hand turning white. He stared into the fire, the flames reflected in his troubled eyes. "I know, Ned," he said quietly. "Deep down, I know. It's not easy for me to admit it, but I let my anger cloud my judgment."

"Do you know who could have done it?" Ned asked tensely.

Robert let out a bitter laughter.

"I would guess my lovely wife. I was going to marry Elyse off to that brother of hers."

Ned was shocked by his words.

"The Queen?" he murmured disbelievingly.

"Don't let her appearance fool you, Ned," Robert snorted bitterly. "That woman is a snake, oozing venom. She thinks I'm too blind or drunk to see that. And her brother… follows her around like a pathetic puppy." Robert paused and emptied his goblet. "You have no idea how many times I've regretted the day I wedded her."

"But if you know she did that to Jon and Elyse then surely we must…"

"Ned, you know how much I respect your moral code, but that's not how this game is played. I can't accuse my Queen and Tywin Lannister's daughter for something like that without solid evidence. And believe me, we won't find any. Say what you will about that woman, but she knows how to cover her tracks."

Ned clenched his jaw, frustration etched across his face. "So we just do nothing? Let them get away with this?"

Robert shook his head.

"No. There are other ways to punish her. More effective ways you could say."

Ned raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by 'more effective ways'?"

"You just leave that to me," Robert replied smiling. "In the meantime, I need to make things right with Elyse. I can't undo the marriage, but I trust that your son will treat her well."

"He will," Ned assured. "Jon is a good man."

"Good," Robert murmured. "I'll make sure they'll have a comfortable life. I would never hear the end of it from Renly if I wouldn't."

"Yes, I recall he was quite fond of her," Ned replied.

"You can say that again," Robert hummed, a smile lingering on his lips. "He used to insist on keeping her in his chamber when she was little. Dressed her up like a doll." Robert paused, chuckling at the memory. "Renly was always a strange child."

Ned smiled, remembering Renly's playful nature. "He had a kind heart, though. Always looking out for others."

"Yes… I doubt that he ever fully forgave me for marrying her off to Darius Arryn."

Ned hesitated, unsure if he should say what was on his mind.

"That was an unusual match," he stated finally. "Lord Arryn was quite old."

Robert pressed his lips together.

"It was complicated. But I knew Darius, he was a good man. Still, I thought that Jaime Lannister would have been a better match for her. Younger and not unpleasant to look at. Not to mention all the Lannister gold. His father asked that as a personal favor and to be honest, I wouldn't have minded getting rid of the Kingslayer."

Ned furrowed his brow, contemplating Robert's words.

"Jaime Lannister... I'm not sure that would have been much better for her, given his reputation."

"Yes, I suppose you're right," Robert huffed. "Perhaps something good can come out of this mess after all."