lover's mercy - jaime lannister

TWELVE

Elyanna didn't leave her father's side. He had gotten speared through the leg by a Lannister soldier after Jaime confronted him. Many of her household guard had been killed including Jory Cassel.

                But now she was at her father's bedside. She had been here for days with her sisters but she had never left.

              She placed a wet cloth to her father's forehead as he sweated through a fever. She looked at Arya who hadn't left for breakfast; she looked worried.

               "Why don't you go to your dancing lessons?" she rubbed her little sister's shoulder. "You won't be as worried if you occupy your mind with something."

                 "You haven't left," Arya pointed out.

                "Because I'm the oldest," Elya responded. "It's my duty to take care of everything and as the oldest, I'll be sending you off to break fast with your sister."

                "Guard!" she called as she shuffled Arya to the door.

                 Arya groaned but nevertheless did as told. She sent the Stark guard to escort her sister to breakfast.

                    Then Elya sat in the same place as before next to his bedside. She grabbed his hand and prayed to the Gods as she waited for him to wake up.

               _____

          After awhile, the fever had broke and he opened his eyes. She was immediately alert as she asked, "Are you in pain? Do you need milk of the poppy?"

             He patted her hand in his hazed stated and smiled slightly, "I'm well enough, my little Snow."

                  Maester Pycelle must have told the King and Queen that his fever broke because they came walking in. The Queen had a sneer on her face as she walked behind the King.

                  The King stopped abruptly as he saw her and he became frozen. But Cersei spoke, "We require a moment alone with your father. Run along now."

                  King Robert gave her a sharp look before looking at Elya softly, "I hate to say it but our discussion isn't for your ears...and it's about time you get some fresh air from this room."

                She looked at her father worriedly and he gave her a nod, "It's alright, Elya."

                She stood up and she curtsied before them before she left the room. She decided she would join breakfast with her sisters and a Kingsguard followed, Ser Geremy.

               He walked beside her and she chewed on her nails in anxiety. He commented softly, "If the fever has broken, my lady, then there is nothing to fear. Your father will live."

              She let her hand fall as she sighed and she looked over at him, "Thank you."

               He nodded as she began to feel lightheaded. She stopped as her world started to spin and black dots appeared in her vision. Her body swayed and he asked, "My lady?"

                He pressed a gentle hand to her back in case she fell, "When was the last time you ate?"

                She answered slowly, "I don't know."

                "I can carry you if you'd like," he offered.

                She shook her head stubbornly and she took a step forward. That was all it took before she fell unconscious and he caught her before she hit the ground.