Hand of the Queen

6

I watch from my place beside Varys as Joffrey's charade to bring shame to his uncle begins. Dwarves parade around the floor dressed in costumes, reproducing my brother's war before our eyes. I clench my jaw as the dwarf dressed as Robb has his head cut from the shoulders, my eyes meet Olenna's. Tyrion moves to stop it from continuing, only bringing more horrific words from the false king.

"Should I expect a gruesome scene?" Varys whispers to me, his lips hardly even moving. I offer him a small shrug and sip my own wine. I watch as Sansa lifts the fallen cup into her hands, subtly the small gem of her necklace topples in. I grin as Tyrion hands it back to Joffrey, Jaime moves next. He carefully pours the wine into the king's goblet, a second gem from his own broach toppling in. Oh, this shall be more deadly than we could have hoped for.

"Perhaps it's best I take my place at the back." I say, pausing to look at him. "Ensure my sister makes it away, please."

"You have my word, Alysanne. I will see you in just a few days." I subtly make my way from the table, feigning a need to visit the toiletries as Joffrey takes the damning sip from his goblet. A member of House Tyrell hands me a black cloak as I near the exit, the first gasps of shock come as I turn to look. Joffrey has collapsed to the ground, the guards around him closing in, I will only have this moment. In one swift movement I pull the cloak over my shoulders and the hood over my head, disappearing from the crowd without another glance.

A million emotions race through me as I weave through King's Landing towards the docks. Immense relief at the vengeance for my father, my brother, my mother. Shining pride at how perfectly all the pieces fell into place to make this all come to pass. Finally comes the satisfaction of jabbing into the heart of the man who betrayed my father, knowing how he will feel when he rightfully suspects me for murdering his inbred filth. Of knowing Cersei will place the blame on me, but I will be too far from her grasp.

The ship comes into view, it's Captain stands waiting at the ramp to board. He perks up when he sees me approach with such haste.

"You are who Varys has sent?" He asks, I quickly nod as the bells begin to ring at the Red Keep. The old Captain quickly nods as he places a hand on my back, ushering me on board. "Come, we won't have much time now."

I pull the hood from my face as I make my way to the back of the boat, King's Landing growing farther and farther away. The fear for Sansa's life ripples through me, eagerly awaiting news from Varys when he arrives. But above it all, a smile crosses my face at the sight of chaos that will soon ensue.

The north remembers, House Lannister, and winter is coming for you all.

...

"You should change into these, what you wear now will draw too much unwanted attention when we reach Meereen." The captain tells me, handing me a pile of clothes. I look down to the extravagant gown I wear and do not object.

The pile consists of a white gown, fabric of brown and deep red layered overtop and pinned to the side. A brown corset secures my chest in place. the thick straps pulling tight over my shoulders. White sleeves cover my arms, drawing tight around my forearm. I pull on the dark stockings and short brown boots that follow, pinning back the top half of my dark hair.

"I knew they would fit you, my daughter was about your size." The captain says as I emerge from his quarters, breathing heavily as he ties a heavy rope down.

"Who are you, if you don't mind me asking?" I say, coming to stand beside him.

"I am Captain Edlin Vane, I have been smuggling through these seas when I was just a young boy beside my father. Varys and I are old friends, former companions. He trusts me, as I do him, I carry many of his little birds to and from Westeros." I lean against the edge of the ship as he speaks. "Varys told me who you are, wouldn't reveal much more details of why you needed to leave so urgently. Besides the obvious, I couldn't imagine being stuck up there with those Lannister's. I suppose we'll all know soon why the lone Stark needed to run so far from the North."

"I suppose so, Captain." I smile at him, a sense of calm passes over the old sailor's face.

"When we arrive in Meereen, you'll be my daughter until we can get you close enough to the great pyramid. Even this far from Westeros, there are few who do not know the name Stark." He gestures to follow as he makes his way back up to the wheel. "House Targaryen holds the city, and her armies do not know if your house is her ally or her enemy. In their eyes, you could be sent here to kill their Queen. Until you can speak with her yourself, your identity must be kept an absolute secret."

"I understand." Edlin places a hand on my arm and squeezes it once, looking to me with warm eyes.

"Settle in, my lady. We have a long journey, and the storms ahead are not promising a smooth voyage."