The Prince of Thorns

Wildfire

King Joffrey aims a crossbow at a kneeling Sansa while Sandor stands by with Alester."

JOFFREY: "You're here to answer for your brother's latest treasons."

SANSA: "Your Grace, whatever my traitor brother has done, I had no part. You know that. I beg you, please"

JOFFREY: "Ser Lancel, tell her of this outrage."

Ser Lancel address the room, which is taken aback by his recounting.

LANCEL: "Using some vile sorcery, your brother fell on Stafford Lannister with an army of wolves. Thousands of good men were butchered. After the slaughter, the Northmen feasted on the flesh of the slain."

ALESTER:  "Blasphemy. If this claim is true than Lancel here is a brave man. Impossible."

The king locks eyes with Alester.

JOFFREY: "Killing her would send the North a message."

SANSA: (cries)

JOFFREY:" But my mother insists on keeping you alive. Stand. So, we'll have to send your brother a message some other way. Meryn."

Ser Meryn approaches Sansa.

JOFFREY: "Leave her face. I like her pretty."

Alester moving to stand in front of Sansa pulls Thorn from it sheathe as Ser Meryn Matches him with his own.

Joffrey: "How dare you!"

ALESTER: "No how dare you! Your supposed to rule in just. Your supposed to help better the lives of your subjects not torture them."

TYRION: "What is the meaning of this?"

Meryn holds, while Tyrion and Bronn enter the throne room. Joffrey looks worried.

TYRION: "What kind of Knight would follow such an order?"

MERYN: "The kind who serves his king, Imp."

ALESTER: "You dishonor us all."

MERYN: "And you your King."

BRONN: "Careful, now. We don't want to get blood all over your pretty white cloak."

Alester puts away thorn and removes his green cloak wrapping it around the scared girl.

JOFFREY: I'm trying to punish her, and I would have if the Tyrell didn't interfere.

TYRION: "You should thank your future brother-in-law for saving you from this mistake."

JOFFREY: "You can't talk to me like that. The king can do as he likes!"

TYRION: "The Mad King did as he liked. Has your Uncle Jaime ever told you what happened to him?"

MERYN: "No one threatens His Grace in the presence of the Kingsguard."

TYRION: 'I'm not threatening the king, ser. I am educating my nephew. Bronn, the next time Ser Meryn speaks, kill him. That was a threat. See the difference?"

Meryn stares daggers at Tyrion. Tyrion approaches Sansa and offers his hand. She takes it and stands. They walk out together.

TYRION: "I apologize for my nephew's behavior. Tell me the truth. Do you want an end to this engagement?"

SANSA: "I am loyal to King Joffrey, my one true love."

TYRION: "Lady Stark, you may survive us yet."

They watch Sansa walk out of the chamber, in admiration of her strength and clever response.

BRONN: "The little kings backed up. Clogged from balls to brains."

TYRION: "You think dipping his wick will cure what ails him?"

BRONN: "There's no cure for being a cunt. But the boy's at that age. And he's got nothing to do all day but pick wings off flies. Couldn't hurt to get some of the poison out."

ALESTER: "I pity those poor girls."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alester stands in the hallway. Joffrey enters.

JOFFREY: What are you doing here, Tyrell?

ALESTER: Your uncle and I left your nameday present in your quarters. A sort of apology for this afternoon your grace."

JOFFREY: "And? What is it?"

ALESTER: "Look inside, Your Grace."

The king walks into his room closing the door behind him. Alester can hear the giggling of the girls from within. He then turns to the hound who is stationed by the door.

ALESTER: "The king's gifts will need medical attention once there done here. Do me a favor Sandor and see that they receive it."

SANDOR: "I will my lord."