Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 5 - The imp

               After a month on the road, we finally reach King's Landing. For someone like me who has never left the North, it is a complete change of scenery. I have never seen anything like it. This city has over a million inhabitants, each seemingly poorer than the last. They are packed into filthy streets that never sleep. A stark contrast to the nobles residing in the Red Keep, the royal fortress.

               The transition from the city to the castle courtyard is just as jarring. It feels as though we are in two entirely different worlds that have only ever caught glimpses of one another.

               I dismount from my horse and allow Arrow to climb down from the cart, where I had kept her to prevent her from causing a panic in the streets. It must feel good for her to be back on solid ground.

               A man, a servant dressed in rich fabrics, escorts my father to the Small Council chamber, where the royal advisors are already waiting. They are the ones who make all the decisions, from repairing a road to preparing a war. These five men hold the entire Realm in their hands.

"We're going to like it here," I say to my sisters once our father is out of sight.

"The streets stink," Sansa complains, as if it were a personal affront.

"You aren't living in the street, as far as I know. Stop sulking; the castle is huge. Don't you want to explore it?"

"Lady surely would have wanted to."

               I help Arya down, pretending not to hear our sister. Those events took place several weeks ago, and Sansa has not yet found the strength to forgive. Neither our father, whom she holds responsible, nor me. I understand her. I don't know what I would do without Arrow. Sansa will eventually realize that the only person to blame is 'her' Joffrey.

"Help them settle into their apartments," I tell Septa Mordane. "I'm going to pay the Council a little visit."

"Diana..." Jory warns.

               As always, the voice of reason. He wants to stop me from sticking my nose where it doesn't belong. And, as always, I pretend not to hear him. I enter the castle without further delay.

               Everything here is larger, more beautiful. Every brick has a story. I feel almost crushed under the weight of it all.

               My steps lead me to the Throne Room. It is a major moment, one I have been anticipating since the start of our journey: the moment I finally see the Iron Throne. However, standing before me and ruining my dramatic effect is Jaime Lannister in his gleaming Kingsguard armor. Jaime became a member when he was very young, thanks to his father, Tywin, who was Aerys Targaryen's Hand at the time.

               During the Sack of King's Landing, the Mad King ordered the city to be destroyed by fire. Jaime, present at the scene, drove his blade into the king's back. Though the early years of his reign had been peaceful, Aerys Targaryen had quickly become psychotic and paranoid. He burned alive anyone who refused to bend to his rules. My grandfather and my uncle died in this very room. Despite the service rendered to the entire realm, Jaime was branded with the name "Kingslayer," a constant reminder to all that he had betrayed his oath.

               The knight greets me with a broad smile. Unlike us, he didn't linger on the road to the capital. He arrived several days ago.

"Lady Diana," he greets. "Welcome home."

"Is that how you see this place? As 'home'?"

"My former 'home' wasn't much more welcoming."

               I have never seen Casterly Rock, but it has been described to me as imposing, even terrifying. Built right into the mountain, it houses one of the largest gold mines in the country.