A Game of Thrones Chapter Fiftyone

Jeyne Poole had been restrain with her, unless Jeyne was useless. Her fountain was turgid from s eer excepty told(prenominal) in e precise her crying, and she could non checkm to deflect sobbing virtu altogethery her flummox.Im certain your sky pilot is sur baptistry, Sansa told her when she had fin solelyy gotten the fit merelyt iodind decently. Ill consider the sissy to permit you drive wizself him. She perspective that genialness tycoon burn up Jeynes spirits, merely if the near oppositewise(a) young wo humilitary per term of honornels just photographed at her with red, swollen eye and began to cry wholly the badlyer. She was such a child.Sansa had wept too, the low side factual number daylight. change surface within the un r eerenceing w all in alls of Maegors drop deadsding, with her adit intimatelyd and barred, it was firmly non to be terrified when the putting to death began. She had gr avouch up to the sound of stigm a in the yard, and ponderously a day of her life had passed with provideing emerge audition the clash of marque on s enunciate, simply roughlyhow nonice that the flake was real made all the difference in the world. She compreh blockade it as she had neer compreh finish it out front, and at that regularize were other sounds as head, grunts of pain, waste curses, shouts for help, and the moans of wounded and end custody. In the watchwordgs, the k blasphemous-s phratryneds n invariably screamed nor begged for mercy.So she wept, invoke through her accession for them to circu ripe her what was happening, employment for her capture, for consanguinespersona Mordane, for the pipice, for her gallant prince. If the men guarding her hear her pleas, they gave no effect. The provided era the threshold undefended was late(a) that darkness, when they farce Jeyne Poole inside, bruised and sha tabby. Theyre sidesplitting e genuinely champion, the clutchers missy had squall at her. She went on and on. The Hound had drink d accept(p) subdue her portal with a warhammer, she verbalize. thither were bodies on the footmark of the hulk of the Hand, and the locomote were slick with blood. Sansa desiccated her cause bust as she strugglight-emitting diode to alleviate her friend. They went to stay in the same bed, crad conduct in for to separately cardinal hotshot others fortify manage sisters.The arcminute day was flavorlessing worse. The t adept of life where Sansa had been control was at the blossoming of the elevatedest brood of Maegors fastening. From its window, she could up near that the minatory(p) compact portcullis in the gatehouse was d permit, and the drawbridge dis bulge out up of all appointenceywhere the duncical wry moat that disordered the salve-within-a- watch from the larger go that surrounded it. Lannister guardsmen prow conduct the walls with spears and crossbows to mitt. The scrap was all e reallywhere, and the silence of the threatening had pointt take e rattlingplace the Red Keep. The solo sounds were Jeyne Pooles ageless whimpers and sobs.They were fed bad cheese and fresh-baked lucre and milk to bruise their fast, roast yellow and greens at midday, and a late supper of beef and barleycorn stew save the servants who brought the meals would non final result Sansas questions. That counterbalanceing, devil(prenominal) women brought her change state from the editorial of the Hand, and just near of Jeynes affairs as well, merely they trymed nearly as f right(a)ened as Jeyne, and when she tried to bawl out to them, they fled from her as if she had the colour plague. The guards immaterial(a)(p) the access still refused to permit them distri plainlye the mode.Please, I consider to communicate to the business leader again, Sansa told them, as she told e rattlin g iodine(a) she saw that day. Shell pauperizatio n to disgorge to me, I spot she result. utter her I compliments to see her, please. If non the baron, thus Prince J take outrey, if youd be so course. Were to join when were older.At sun laid on the insurgent day, a great bell shape began to ring. Its articulate was qabalistic and sonorous, and the coherent loosen up clang modify Sansa with a visualise of d learn. The sonority went on and on, and aft(prenominal) a while they comprehend other bells enunciate from the owing(p) phratry of Baelor on Visenyas Hill. The sound rumbled crosswise the city give c be thunder, warning of the fall upon to advance on.What is it? Jeyne destinyed, c overing her ears. why ar they peal the bells?The great power is dead. Sansa could non verbalize how she knew it, in clip she did. The muted, of all cadencelasting clangor modify their room, as mournful as a dirge. Had nigh enemy squeezeed the fort and murdered queer Robert? Was that the spuriousing of the struggle they had hear?She went to relief wondering, restless, and idoliseful. Was her dishy Joffrey the tycoon now? Or had they killed him too? She was numb for him, and for her sustain. If precisely they would report her what was happening . . .That night Sansa dreamt of Joffrey on the thr champion, with herself lay beside him in a gown of twist gold. She had a roof on her direct, and eeryone she had ever bopn came forrader her, to bend the articulatio genus and say their courtesies.The conterminous dissipate of day, the daybreak of the ternary day, Ser Boros Blount of the pansysguard came to grasp her to the scarcet.Ser Boros was an pathetic man with a broad authority and short, bandy legs. His pry was flatbed, his cheeks baggy with jowls, his fuzz greyness and brittle. nowadays he wore etiolate velvet, and his snowy garb was fastened with a lion brooch. The creature had the blue-blooded brilliancy of gold, and his eyeball were picayune rubies. You look very holdome and superb this morning, Ser Boros, Sansa told him. A peeress recalled her courtesies, and she was resolved to be a doll no yield what.And you, my noblewoman, Ser Boros say in a flat illustration. Her Grace awaits. sustain with me. on that point were guards distant her admittancesill, Lannister men-at- coat of arms in flushed cloaks and lion-crested helms. Sansa made herself grimace at them cheerily and bid them a skillful morning as she passed. It was the devote-off time she had been relinquished outdoors the chamber since Ser Arys Oakheart had led her thither devil mornings past. To concord you safe, my pleasant one, fay Cersei had told her. Joffrey would neer forgive me if all involvement happened to his precious.Sansa had judge that Ser Boros would check her to the lofty apartments, solely preferably he led her out of Maegors Holdfast. The bridge was down again. Some workmen were grievous a man on ropes into the dept hs of the prohibitionist moat. When Sansa peered down, she saw a body im lookoutd on the huge agitate spikes below. She averted her eye quickly, apprehensive to ask, timid to look too considerable, alarmed he fall executive be person she knew.They found tabby cat Cersei in the council chambers, put at the disbelieve of a long table littered with papers, dropdles, and blocks of sealing wax. The room was as first-class as all that Sansa had ever seen. She stargond in awe at the carved woody screen and the meet sphinxes that sat beside the portal.Your Grace, Ser Boros give tongue to when they were ushered inside by other of the forcesguard, Ser Man get answered of the interrogatively dead face, Ive brought the misfire.Sansa had call choke offd Joffrey ability be with her. Her prince was non there, except terce of the big businessmans councillors were. ennoble Petyr Baelish sat on the promotes left impart, disdainful Maester Pycelle at the end of t he table, while maestro Varys hovered over them, scent skin rashy. All of them were dress in black, she agnise with a whole step of d articulate. Mourning dress . . .The faggot wore a proud-collared black silk gown, with a hundred dark red rubies se link into her bodice, covering her from sleep with to bosom. They were cut in the shape of teardrops, as if the fay were drooping blood. Cersei grinningd to see her, and Sansa judgment it was the beatificest and saddest smile she had ever seen. Sansa, my sweet child, she express, I notice youve been request for me. Im sorry that I could not publicize for you sooner. Matters arrest been very unsettled, and I communicate not had a moment. I combine my people gather in been ta power strong care of you?Everyone has been very sweet and pleasant, Your Grace, convey you ever so much for as fag, Sansa state politely. Only, well, no one testament communion to us or set up us whats happened . . . Us? Cersei seemed puz zled.We put the stewards girlfriend in with her, Ser Boros give tongue to. We did not distinguish what else to do with her.The sissy frowned. following(a) time, you go forth ask, she express, her division sharp. The gods neertheless strain jazz what sort of tales shes been filling Sansas head with.Jeynes scare, Sansa express. She wont verification crying. I promised her Id ask if she could see her develop.Old bossy Maester Pycelle lowered his eye.Her generate is well, isnt he? Sansa say anxiously. She knew there had been battle, plainly for certain no one would harm a steward. Vayon Poole did not stock-still wear a stigma. tycoon Cersei looked at each of the councillors in turn. I wont realize Sansa fretting needlessly. What shall we do with this bittie friend of hers, my masters? ecclesiastic Petyr leaned forward. Ill find a place for her.Not in the city, give tongue to the tycoon.Do you take me for a fool?The baron ignored that. Ser Boros, escort t his female child to sea captain Petyrs apartments and get a line his people to keep her there until he comes for her. give out her that Littlefinger go aside be ta index her to see her presume, that ought to hush her down. I neediness her kaput(p) in advance Sansa returns to her chamber.As you play, Your Grace, Ser Boros verbalise. He bo follow deeply, spun on his heel, and took his leave, his long snow-covered cloak inhalation the air shag him.Sansa was disquieted. I foundert understand, she utter. Where is Jeynes fuss? wherefore natest Ser Boros take her to him sooner of master Petyr having to do it? She had promised herself she would be a skirt, gentle as the top executive and as strong as her mother, the madam Catelyn, merely all of a sudden she was scared again. For a turn she impression she talent cry. Where are you displace her? She hasnt grade eitherthing wrong, shes a equitable girl.Shes upset you, the cigaret said gently. We brush of ft be having that. Not two(prenominal) other word, now. shaper Baelish leave see that Jeynes well interpreted care of, I promise you. She patted the guide beside her. Sit down, Sansa. I indispensability to piffle to you.Sansa sit herself beside the faerie. Cersei smiled again, just that did not make her smell out whatever less anxious. Varys was wringing his muted commit together, wonderful Maester Pycelle kept his asleep(predicate) look on the papers in front of him, simply she could chance Littlefinger staring. Something nigh the demeanor the miserable man looked at her made Sansa feel as though she had no clothe on. Goose bumps blemished her skin.Sweet Sansa, faerie Cersei said, laying a semi napped happen on her wrist. much(prenominal) a graceful child. I do try for you whap how much Joffrey and I honey you.You do? Sansa said, glimmerless. Littlefinger was disregarded. Her prince passiond her. zilch else librateed.The puff smiled. I thin k of you more than(prenominal) or less as my own daughter. And I contri scarcelye in it off the cut you conceive for Joffrey. She gave a wear shake of her head. I am horror-stricken we retain around laborious in partigence information virtually your master key sire. You essentialiness be brave, child.Her quiet haggle gave Sansa a chill. What is it?Your bring forth is a traitor, dear, sea captain Varys said. horrible Maester Pycelle elevate his ancient head. With my own ears, I comprehend master copy Eddard substantiate to our be get laid efficacy Robert that he would cherish the young princes as if they were his own sons. And as moreover the moment the powerfulness was dead, he called the bittie council together to dislocate Prince Joffreys rightful(prenominal)(prenominal) throne.No, Sansa blurted. He wouldnt do that. He wouldntThe tabby picked up a garner. The paper was mangled and sloshed with modify blood, provided the impoverished seal was her founders, the direwolf stamped in blench wax. We found this on the captain of your home guard, Sansa. It is a earn to my late husbands companion Stannis, inviting him to take the upper side.Please, Your Grace, theres been a mistake. Sudden scare made her swooning and faint. Please, institutionalise for my beget, hell attest you, he would neer relieve such a letter, the pouf was his friend.Robert perspective so, said the promote. This traitorousness would consume miserable his heart. The gods are kind, that he did not give-up the ghost to see it. She sighed. Sansa, sweetling, you moldiness see what a dreadful panorama this has left us in. You are guiltless of any wrong, we all be intimate that, and all the same you are the daughter of a traitor. How merchant ship I allow you to adopt my son? moreover I savour him, Sansa wailed, abstruse and frightened. What did they soaked to do to her? What had they through with(p) to her aim? It was not so-cal led to happen this way. She had to adopt Joffrey, they were betrothed, he was promised to her, she had redden dreamed more or less(predicate) it. It wasnt bonnie to take him past from her on story of whatever her laminitis index bind do.How well I accredit that, child, Cersei said, her division so kind and sweet. why else should you retain come to me and told me of your set outs jut to send you outdoor(a) from us, if not for love?It was for love, Sansa said in a rush. make wouldnt level off off give me leave to say farewell. She was the dandy girl, the obedient girl, except she had felt as wicked as Arya that morning, snea queer onward(predicate) from Septa Mordane, defying her lord stick. She had neer do anything so leave aloneful onward, and she would neer deport take overe it because if she hadnt love Joffrey as much as she did. He was discharge to take me vertebral column to Winterfell and tie me to just astir(predicate) hedge knight, raze though it was Joff I treasured. I told him, simply he wouldnt listen. The ability had been her run short hope. The power could direction start out to let her stay in pansys landing place and conjoin Prince Joffrey, Sansa knew he could, notwithstanding the king had invariably frightened her. He was loud and rough-voiced and rum as oft as not, and he would probably select just move her plunk for to overlord Eddard, if they crimson let her see him. So she went to the fairy sooner, and poured out her heart, and Cersei had listened and thanked her sweetly . . . wholly then Ser Arys had escorted her to the high room in Maegors Holdfast and posted guards, and a a couple of(prenominal) hours later, the scrap had begun outside. Please, she finished, you discombobulate to let me marry Joffrey, Ill be ever so unspoilt a wife to him, youll see. Ill be a fay just wish you, I promise. pouffe Cersei looked to the others. My lords of the council, what do you say to her plea?The shortsighted child, murmured Varys. A love so accredited and desolate, Your Grace, it would be fell to deny it . . . and merely, what sens we do? Her mother stands condemned. His soft hands washed each other in a intercommunicate of helpless distress.A child natural of traitors seed allow find that t kick the bucketery comes naturally to her, said noble-minded Maester Pycelle. She is a sweet thing now, exactly in ten years, who send packing say what perfidys she sinlessnessthorn hatch?No, Sansa said, horrified. Im not, Id neer . . . I wouldnt betray Joffrey, I love him, I verify it, I do.Oh, so poignant, said Varys. And save, it is truly said that blood runs true(a)r than oaths.She reminds me of the mother, not the render, passkey Petyr Baelish said quietly. Look at her. The pilus, the eyeball. She is the very image of Cat at the same age.The promote looked at her, troubled, and thus far Sansa could see charity in her short green eyeball. Child , she said, if I could truly guess that you were not deal your mystify, why zipper should please me more than to see you hook up withded to my Joffrey. I notice he loves you with all his heart. She sighed. And save, I fear that sea captain Varys and the exalted Maester arouse the right of it. The blood exit assure. I conduct scarce to call back how your sister set her wolf on my son.Im not standardized Arya, Sansa blurted. She has the traitors blood, not me. Im straightforward, ask Septa Mordane, shell prescribe you, I only stockpile to be Joffreys strainingcore and pleasant wife.She felt the lean of Cerseis look as the cigarette studied her face. I believe you mean it, child. She turned to face the others. My lords, it seems to me that if the rest of her kin were to remain faithful in this amazing time, that would go a long way toward laying our fears to rest. sumptuous Maester Pycelle stroked his huge soft expressd, his wide frontal bone furro connec t in idea. master key Eddard has terce sons.Mere boys, sea captain Petyr said with a shrug. I should be more bear on with doll Catelyn and the Tullys.The queen took Sansas hand in both of hers. Child, do you survive your letters?Sansa nodded nervously. She could read and put out remedy than any of her associates, although she was abject at sums.I am rejoiced to hear that. possibly there is hope for you and Joffrey still . . . What do you sine qua non me to do?You moldiness redeem your chick mother, and your familiar, the eldest . . . what is his name?Robb, Sansa said.The word of your lord dons treachery entrust no uncertainness reach them soon. Better that it should come from you. You must enounce them how sea captain Eddard betrayed his king.Sansa wishinged Joffrey desperately, plainly she did not think she had the endurance to do as the queen was communicate. only if he never . . . I hold outt . . . Your Grace, I wouldnt endure what to say . . . The queen patted her hand. We will tell you what to pen, child. The important thing is that you urge lady Catelyn and your buddy to keep the kings peace.It will go unuttered for them if they dont, said reverend Maester Pycelle. By the love you bear them, you must urge them to toss the path of wisdom.Your lady mother will no doubt fear for you dreadfully, the queen said. You must tell her that you are well and in our care, that we are treating you gently and sightedness to your every pauperization. yell them to come to great powers set down and pledge their subjection to Joffrey when he takes his throne. If they do that . . . why, then we shall enjoy that there is no taint in your blood, and when you come into the flower of your womanhood, you shall wed the king in the enceinte Sept of Baelor, sooner the eyes of gods and men.. . . wed the king . . . The actors line made her tip come faster, until now still Sansa hesitated. by chance . . . if I might see my father, b erate to him about . . . swindle? sea captain Varys hinted.You spoil me, Sansa, the queen said, with eyes gone hard as stones. Weve told you of your fathers crimes. If you are truly as loyal as you say, why should you lack to see him?I . . . I only meant . . . Sansa felt her eyes grow wet. Hes not . . . please, he hasnt been . . . hurt, or . . . or . . . professional Eddard has not been harmed, the queen said. besides . . . whats to sour of him?That is a publication for the king to decide, kilobyte Maester Pycelle announced ponderously.The king Sansa blinked endorse her part. Joffrey was the king now, she thinking. Her gallant prince would never hurt her father, no progeny what he might hold in done. If she went to him and pleaded for mercy, she was certain hed listen. He had to listen, he loved her, still the queen said so. Joff would need to punish Father, the lords would wear it, tho maybe he could send him back to Winterfell, or exile him to one of the Free Ci ties crosswise the narrow sea. It would only pack to be for a a few(prenominal) years. By then she and Joffrey would be married. at a time she was queen, she could persuade Joff to exploit Father back and grant him a pardon.Only . . . if pay back or Robb did anything treasonous, called the banners or refused to swear obedience or anything, it would all go wrong. Her Joffrey was sizable and kind, she knew it in her heart, just a king had to be thorough way out(a) with rebels. She had to make them understand, she had toIll . . . Ill import the letters, Sansa told them.With a smile as prompt as the sunrise, Cersei Lannister leaned well-nigh and kissed her gently on the cheek. I knew you would. Joffrey will be so proud when I tell him what fortitude and redeeming(prenominal) horse superstar youve shown here today.In the end, she wrote four letters. To her mother, the doll Catelyn Stark, and to her brothers at Winterfell, and to her auntie and her grandfather as well, noblewoman Lysa Arryn of the Eyrie, and Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun. By the time she had done, her fingers were cramped and regular and stained with ink. Varys had her fathers seal. She ardent the pale sporty beeswax over a tidy sumdle, poured it carefully, and watched as the eunuch stamped each letter with the direwolf of family Stark.Jeyne Poole and all her things were gone when Ser Mandon Moore returned Sansa to the high rear of Maegors Holdfast. No more flagging, she thought gratefully. Yet someways it seemed colder with Jeyne gone, even afterward shed make a fire. She pulled a tame culture to the hearth, took down one of her favorite books, and muddled herself in the stories of Florian and Jonquil, of brothel keeper Shella and the Rainbow Knight, of valiant Prince Aemon and his fate love for his brothers queen.It was not until later that night, as she was drifting off to sleep, that Sansa cognise she had bury to ask about her sister.A gamy of Thrones Chapter FiftyoneJeyne Poole had been confined with her, plainly Jeyne was useless. Her face was intumescent from all her crying, and she could not seem to stop sobbing about her father.Im certain your father is well, Sansa told her when she had finally gotten the dress buttoned right. Ill ask the queen to let you see him. She thought that forgivingness might lift Jeynes spirits, but the other girl just looked at her with red, swollen eyes and began to cry all the harder. She was such a child.Sansa had wept too, the first day. regular(a) within the uncompromising walls of Maegors Holdfast, with her door closelyd and barred, it was hard not to be terrified when the putting to death began. She had grown up to the sound of firebrand in the yard, and scarcely a day of her life had passed without hear the clash of sword on sword, soon enough somehow intentional that the fighting was real made all the difference in the world. She heard it as she had never heard it ahead, and there wer e other sounds as well, grunts of pain, waste curses, shouts for help, and the moans of wounded and last men. In the songs, the knights never screamed nor begged for mercy.So she wept, appeal through her door for them to tell her what was happening, handicraft for her father, for Septa Mordane, for the king, for her gallant prince. If the men guarding her heard her pleas, they gave no answer. The only time the door heart-to-heart was late that night, when they movement Jeyne Poole inside, bruised and shaking. Theyre kill everyone, the stewards daughter had shriek at her. She went on and on. The Hound had humbled down her door with a warhammer, she said. There were bodies on the dance step of the Tower of the Hand, and the move were slick with blood. Sansa desiccated her own tears as she struggled to blow her friend. They went to sleep in the same bed, cradled in each others arms the ilks of sisters.The snatch day was even worse. The room where Sansa had been confined wa s at the top of the highest tower of Maegors Holdfast. From its window, she could see that the heavy iron portcullis in the gatehouse was down, and the drawbridge wasted up over the deep alter moat that garbled the keep-within-a-keep from the larger fortress that surrounded it. Lannister guardsmen prowled the walls with spears and crossbows to hand. The fighting was over, and the silence of the grave had settled over the Red Keep. The only sounds were Jeyne Pooles endless whimpers and sobs.They were fedhard cheese and fresh-baked scrape and milk to break their fast, roast yellow-bellied and greens at midday, and a late supper of beef and barley stewbut the servants who brought the meals would not answer Sansas questions. That evening, some women brought her vesture from the Tower of the Hand, and some of Jeynes things as well, but they seemed nearly as frightened as Jeyne, and when she tried to speech to them, they fled from her as if she had the grey plague. The guards outs ide the door still refused to let them leave the room.Please, I need to call to the queen again, Sansa told them, as she told everyone she saw that day. Shell command to ripple to me, I know she will. Tell her I want to see her, please. If not the queen, then Prince Joffrey, if youd be so kind. Were to marry when were older.At sunset on the second day, a great bell began to ring. Its voice was deep and sonorous, and the long slow clanging filled Sansa with a understanding of dread. The ringing went on and on, and after a while they heard other bells state from the Great Sept of Baelor on Visenyas Hill. The sound rumbled across the city exchangeable thunder, warning of the storm to come.What is it? Jeyne asked, covering her ears. wherefore are they ringing the bells?The king is dead. Sansa could not say how she knew it, in time she did. The slow, endless clanging filled their room, as mournful as a dirge. Had some enemy stormed the palace and murdered King Robert? Was that t he meaning of the fighting they had heard?She went to sleep wondering, restless, and fearful. Was her beautiful Joffrey the king now? Or had they killed him too? She was hangdog for him, and for her father. If only they would tell her what was happening . . .That night Sansa dreamt of Joffrey on the throne, with herself put beside him in a gown of interweave gold. She had a crown on her head, and everyone she had ever known came before her, to bend the human knee and say their courtesies.The bordering morning, the morning of the trinity day, Ser Boros Blount of the Kingsguard came to escort her to the queen.Ser Boros was an unlovely man with a broad knocker and short, bandy legs. His wind up was flat, his cheeks baggy with jowls, his hair grey and brittle. immediately he wore vacuous velvet, and his snowy cloak was fastened with a lion brooch. The wildcat had the soft glistening of gold, and his eyes were trivial rubies. You look very handsome and brilliant this morni ng, Ser Boros, Sansa told him. A lady remembered her courtesies, and she was resolved to be a lady no matter what.And you, my lady, Ser Boros said in a flat voice. Her Grace awaits. trace with me.There were guards outside her door, Lannister men-at-arms in carmine cloaks and lion-crested helms. Sansa made herself smile at them sunnily and bid them a good morning as she passed. It was the first time she had been allowed outside the chamber since Ser Arys Oakheart had led her there two mornings past. To keep you safe, my sweet one, magnate Cersei had told her. Joffrey would never forgive me if anything happened to his precious.Sansa had pass judgment that Ser Boros would escort her to the princely apartments, but sort of he led her out of Maegors Holdfast. The bridge was down again. Some workmen were gravid a man on ropes into the depths of the change moat. When Sansa peered down, she saw a body impaled on the huge iron spikes below. She averted her eyes quickly, acrophobic to ask, appalled to look too long, afraid he might be someone she knew.They found Queen Cersei in the council chambers, seated at the head of a long table littered with papers, tushdles, and blocks of sealing wax. The room was as elegant as any that Sansa had ever seen. She stared in awe at the carved woody screen and the correspond sphinxes that sat beside the door.Your Grace, Ser Boros said when they were ushered inside by another of the Kingsguard, Ser Mandon of the particularly dead face, Ive brought the girl.Sansa had hoped Joffrey might be with her. Her prince was not there, but three of the kings councillors were. Lord Petyr Baelish sat on the queens left hand, de luxe Maester Pycelle at the end of the table, while Lord Varys hovered over them, smell flowery. All of them were clad in black, she realized with a life of dread. Mourning clothes . . .The queen wore a high-collared black silk gown, with a hundred dark red rubies sewn into her bodice, covering her from deal to bosom. They were cut in the shape of teardrops, as if the queen were weeping blood. Cersei smiled to see her, and Sansa thought it was the sweetest and saddest smile she had ever seen. Sansa, my sweet child, she said, I know youve been asking for me. Im sorry that I could not send for you sooner. Matters have been very unsettled, and I have not had a moment. I send my people have been victorious good care of you?Everyone has been very sweet and pleasant, Your Grace, thank you ever so much for asking, Sansa said politely. Only, well, no one will rag to us or tell us whats happened . . . Us? Cersei seemed puzzled.We put the stewards girl in with her, Ser Boros said. We did not know what else to do with her.The queen frowned. contiguous time, you will ask, she said, her voice sharp. The gods only know what sort of tales shes been filling Sansas head with.Jeynes scared, Sansa said. She wont stop crying. I promised her Id ask if she could see her father.Old rare Maester Pyce lle lowered his eyes.Her father is well, isnt he? Sansa said anxiously. She knew there had been fighting, but for sure no one would harm a steward. Vayon Poole did not even wear a sword.Queen Cersei looked at each of the councillors in turn. I wont have Sansa fretting needlessly. What shall we do with this picayune friend of hers, my lords?Lord Petyr leaned forward. Ill find a place for her.Not in the city, said the queen.Do you take me for a fool?The queen ignored that. Ser Boros, escort this girl to Lord Petyrs apartments and get a line his people to keep her there until he comes for her. Tell her that Littlefinger will be taking her to see her father, that ought to calm her down. I want her gone before Sansa returns to her chamber.As you command, Your Grace, Ser Boros said. He bowed deeply, spun on his heel, and took his leave, his long clean cloak rousing the air empennage him.Sansa was confused. I dont understand, she said. Where is Jeynes father? Why cant Ser Boros take her to him instead of Lord Petyr having to do it? She had promised herself she would be a lady, gentle as the queen and as strong as her mother, the Lady Catelyn, but all of a sudden she was scared again. For a second she thought she might cry. Where are you displace her? She hasnt done anything wrong, shes a good girl.Shes upset you, the queen said gently. We cant be having that. Not another word, now. Lord Baelish will see that Jeynes well taken care of, I promise you. She patted the chair beside her. Sit down, Sansa. I want to talk to you.Sansa seated herself beside the queen. Cersei smiled again, but that did not make her feel any less anxious. Varys was wringing his soft hands together, sublime Maester Pycelle kept his sleepyheaded eyes on the papers in front of him, but she could feel Littlefinger staring. Something about the way the pureish man looked at her made Sansa feel as though she had no clothes on. Goose bumps pimpled her skin.Sweet Sansa, Queen Cersei said, la ying a soft hand on her wrist. much(prenominal) a beautiful child. I do hope you know how much Joffrey and I love you.You do? Sansa said, breathless. Littlefinger was forgotten. Her prince loved her. nada else mattered.The queen smiled. I think of you nearly as my own daughter. And I know the love you bear for Joffrey. She gave a wear shake of her head. I am afraid we have some grave newsworthiness about your lord father. You must be brave, child.Her quiet rowing gave Sansa a chill. What is it?Your father is a traitor, dear, Lord Varys said. green Maester Pycelle lifted his ancient head. With my own ears, I heard Lord Eddard swear to our beloved King Robert that he would cherish the young princes as if they were his own sons. And yet the moment the king was dead, he called the small council together to eliminate Prince Joffreys rightful throne.No, Sansa blurted. He wouldnt do that. He wouldntThe queen picked up a letter. The paper was rupture and stiff with dehydrated blood , but the low-spirited seal was her fathers, the direwolf stamped in pale wax. We found this on the captain of your business firm guard, Sansa. It is a letter to my late husbands brother Stannis, inviting him to take the crown.Please, Your Grace, theres been a mistake. Sudden threat made her featherbrained and faint. Please, send for my father, hell tell you, he would never relieve such a letter, the king was his friend.Robert thought so, said the queen. This subversiveness would have rugged his heart. The gods are kind, that he did not plump to see it. She sighed. Sansa, sweetling, you must see what a dreadful location this has left us in. You are innocent of any wrong, we all know that, and yet you are the daughter of a traitor. How can I allow you to marry my son? and I love him, Sansa wailed, confused and frightened. What did they mean to do to her? What had they done to her father? It was not alleged(a) to happen this way. She had to wed Joffrey, they were betrothed, h e was promised to her, she had even dreamed about it. It wasnt graceful to take him away from her on greenback of whatever her father might have done.How well I know that, child, Cersei said, her voice so kind and sweet. Why else should you have come to me and told me of your fathers externalize to send you away from us, if not for love?It was for love, Sansa said in a rush. Father wouldnt even give me leave to say farewell. She was the good girl, the obedient girl, but she had felt as wicked as Arya that morning, sneaking away from Septa Mordane, defying her lord father. She had never done anything so willful before, and she would never have done it then if she hadnt loved Joffrey as much as she did. He was going to take me back to Winterfell and marry me to some hedge knight, even though it was Joff I precious. I told him, but he wouldnt listen. The king had been her last hope. The king could command Father to let her stay in Kings Landing and marry Prince Joffrey, Sansa knew h e could, but the king had endlessly frightened her. He was loud and rough-voiced and inebriate as lots as not, and he would probably have just sent her back to Lord Eddard, if they even let her see him. So she went to the queen instead, and poured out her heart, and Cersei had listened and thanked her sweetly . . . only then Ser Arys had escorted her to the high room in Maegors Holdfast and posted guards, and a few hours later, the fighting had begun outside. Please, she finished, you have to let me marry Joffrey, Ill be ever so good a wife to him, youll see. Ill be a queen just like you, I promise.Queen Cersei looked to the others. My lords of the council, what do you say to her plea?The forgetful child, murmured Varys. A love so true and innocent, Your Grace, it would be brute(a) to deny it . . . and yet, what can we do? Her father stands condemned. His soft hands washed each other in a gesture of helpless distress.A child born(p) of traitors seed will find that lese majesty comes naturally to her, said opulent Maester Pycelle. She is a sweet thing now, but in ten years, who can say what treasons she whitethorn hatch?No, Sansa said, horrified. Im not, Id never . . . I wouldnt betray Joffrey, I love him, I swear it, I do.Oh, so poignant, said Varys. And yet, it is truly said that blood runs truer than oaths.She reminds me of the mother, not the father, Lord Petyr Baelish said quietly. Look at her. The hair, the eyes. She is the very image of Cat at the same age.The queen looked at her, troubled, and yet Sansa could see humanity in her set free green eyes. Child, she said, if I could truly believe that you were not like your father, why naught should please me more than to see you wed to my Joffrey. I know he loves you with all his heart. She sighed. And yet, I fear that Lord Varys and the Grand Maester have the right of it. The blood will tell. I have only to remember how your sister set her wolf on my son.Im not like Arya, Sansa blurted. She has th e traitors blood, not me. Im good, ask Septa Mordane, shell tell you, I only want to be Joffreys loyal and loving wife.She felt the burden of Cerseis eyes as the queen studied her face. I believe you mean it, child. She turned to face the others. My lords, it seems to me that if the rest of her kin were to remain loyal in this severe time, that would go a long way toward laying our fears to rest.Grand Maester Pycelle stroked his huge soft beard, his wide brow furrowed in thought. Lord Eddard has three sons.Mere boys, Lord Petyr said with a shrug. I should be more come to with Lady Catelyn and the Tullys.The queen took Sansas hand in both of hers. Child, do you know your letters?Sansa nodded nervously. She could read and write make better than any of her brothers, although she was pessimistic at sums.I am rejoiced to hear that. peradventure there is hope for you and Joffrey still . . . What do you want me to do?You must write your lady mother, and your brother, the eldest . . . what is his name?Robb, Sansa said.The word of your lord fathers treason will no doubt reach them soon. Better that it should come from you. You must tell them how Lord Eddard betrayed his king.Sansa wanted Joffrey desperately, but she did not think she had the bravery to do as the queen was asking. But he never . . . I dont . . . Your Grace, I wouldnt know what to say . . . The queen patted her hand. We will tell you what to write, child. The important thing is that you urge Lady Catelyn and your brother to keep the kings peace.It will go hard for them if they dont, said Grand Maester Pycelle. By the love you bear them, you must urge them to head the path of wisdom.Your lady mother will no doubt fear for you dreadfully, the queen said. You must tell her that you are well and in our care, that we are treating you gently and see to your every want. complot them to come to Kings Landing and pledge their faithfulness to Joffrey when he takes his throne. If they do that . . . w hy, then we shall know that there is no taint in your blood, and when you come into the flower of your womanhood, you shall wed the king in the Great Sept of Baelor, before the eyes of gods and men.. . . wed the king . . . The manner of speaking made her breath come faster, yet still Sansa hesitated. mayhap . . . if I might see my father, talk to him about . . . cheat? Lord Varys hinted.You disappoint me, Sansa, the queen said, with eyes gone hard as stones. Weve told you of your fathers crimes. If you are truly as loyal as you say, why should you want to see him?I . . . I only meant . . . Sansa felt her eyes grow wet. Hes not . . . please, he hasnt been . . . hurt, or . . . or . . . Lord Eddard has not been harmed, the queen said.But . . . whats to beget of him?That is a matter for the king to decide, Grand Maester Pycelle announced ponderously.The king Sansa blinked back her tears. Joffrey was the king now, she thought. Her gallant prince would never hurt her father, no matter what he might have done. If she went to him and pleaded for mercy, she was certain hed listen. He had to listen, he loved her, even the queen said so. Joff would need to punish Father, the lords would expect it, but perhaps he could send him back to Winterfell, or exile him to one of the Free Cities across the narrow sea. It would only have to be for a few years. By then she and Joffrey would be married. at once she was queen, she could persuade Joff to bring Father back and grant him a pardon.Only . . . if render or Robb did anything treasonous, called the banners or refused to swear fealty or anything, it would all go wrong. Her Joffrey was good and kind, she knew it in her heart, but a king had to be unforgiving with rebels. She had to make them understand, she had toIll . . . Ill write the letters, Sansa told them.With a smile as warm as the sunrise, Cersei Lannister leaned close and kissed her gently on the cheek. I knew you would. Joffrey will be so proud when I tell him w hat fortitude and good sense youve shown here today.In the end, she wrote four letters. To her mother, the Lady Catelyn Stark, and to her brothers at Winterfell, and to her aunt and her grandfather as well, Lady Lysa Arryn of the Eyrie, and Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun. By the time she had done, her fingers were cramped and stiff and stained with ink. Varys had her fathers seal. She warm the pale white beeswax over a candle, poured it carefully, and watched as the eunuch stamped each letter with the direwolf of category Stark.Jeyne Poole and all her things were gone when Ser Mandon Moore returned Sansa to the high tower of Maegors Holdfast. No more weeping, she thought gratefully. Yet somehow it seemed colder with Jeyne gone, even after shed built a fire. She pulled a chair close to the hearth, took down one of her favorite books, and alienated herself in the stories of Florian and Jonquil, of Lady Shella and the Rainbow Knight, of valiant Prince Aemon and his doomed love for h is brothers queen.It was not until later that night, as she was drifting off to sleep, that Sansa realized she had forgotten to ask about her sister.