The She-Wolf of King's Landing • OC x Tyrion Lannister

Chapter 6: Blackwater

I thought my father's execution, my brother's civil war, and the riot would've been enough for me to handle within a year, but now, an army led by Stannis Baratheon is sailing to King's Landing, worshipping some false God that loves nothing more than its acolytes burning people alive. They normally wouldn't be a threat, but after Renly's assassination, his bannermen joined Stannis's side. Funny to think that the late King Robert's brothers are attacking the family he left behind.

Cersei was drinking wine with Sansa, leaving me to converse with Shae.

"I heard that you yelled at Tyrion," she stated.

"You heard correctly: it's a matter I'd prefer not to discuss."

"I'm guessing you didn't yell at him for no reason," she said, ignoring what I had said.

"I yelled at him for something he isn't even responsible for. Gods, I should've made up with him before this battle. Now, he might not come back from the Blackwater. What have I done?"

"It sounds like you two are close," she commented with a tone in an emotion I cannot describe.

"He has been my closest friend since I arrived in King's Landing. Oh, Shae, I forgot to thank you for helping my sister with her bleeding when I wasn't there.. I owe you a great amount."

"You don't owe me anything, milady. I wasn't able to hide it from the queen."

"You tried. She told me you tried your hardest to help, and that's what matters. Both Sansa and I appreciate you."

"Ciara, come here, she-wolf. Perhaps even you can provide a good conversation for now," Cersei said in a rude, catty tone; the result of wine.

"Thank you for the discussion, Shae," I said as I stood up, dusting my simple dress off.

I walked over to her and kneeled at her feet next to Sansa.

"As children, Jaime and I looked identical. I always wondered why we were treated differently. Jaime was taught to fight, and I was taught to smile, sing, and please. He was the heir to Casterly Rock, and I was sold off to a stranger like a mare to be ridden whenever he desired. I'm guessing something similar happened with you and Robb, Ciara."

I nodded in agreement. I was never sold off to marry someone as a girl, but I did notice differences in how we were treated. Robb was taught with a sword, same as Jon, and I was expected to take sewing and history lessons. To expand my mind and learn how to be a wife, rather than train my sword hand.

"But you were Robert's queen," Sansa interjected.

"And you will be Joffrey's. Enjoy. Hm.. I don't think I know this handmaiden. She's a pretty one," Cersei commented, walking over to Shae.

The brunette curtsied as the golden haired queen reached her, if you could even call it a curtsy. It was dreadful. I had a feeling Shae wasn't highborn, but that confirmed it for me.

"That was the worst curtsy I've ever seen. Here, it isn't difficult. I mastered it when I was four. Straighten the back and bend," Cersei said, demonstrating the proper form of a curtsy.

Shae copied the motion. Although not perfect, it was an improvement from that monstrosity of a curtsy before.

"Better. You learn fast. How long have you been in Lady Ciara's service?"