Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 6 - Because he is the king

               On the way to the Red Keep, Baelish remains two steps behind me, on my mother's orders. I find it ridiculous that she worries about my safety when she is about to leave me to rot here for the rest of my life. Nevertheless, I must admit it is touching. It's pleasant to know that my well-being still matters to someone.

"Lord Baelish?" I ask suddenly, for the silence is beginning to weigh on me.

"How do you know my mother?"

"I was a ward of House Tully," he replies, quickening his pace to walk alongside me.

"And is it true that you were in love with her?"

"I have never hidden my love for your mother. We have always been very fond of each other."

"But she didn't marry you."

"She was betrothed to your uncle, then to your father. These are not things one can control."

               As we talk, we enter the castle courtyard and head toward the Council chamber.

               When my mother was very young, she was indeed betrothed to my uncle, Brandon. But Baelish, madly in love with her, challenged him to a duel. He barely knew how to fight and, unsurprisingly, lost the combat. He is said to have a scar across his upper body proving that this battle took place.

"I know that story," I tell him. "My mother told it to me the first time a boy took an interest in me. 'Poor Petyr,' she would say, 'he didn't even know how to hold his sword.'"

               The risk was reckless, certainly, but Littlefinger was ready to lose his life for Catelyn. It may have been foolish, but it was honorable.

               Once in the Council chamber, I settle into the chair next to the one that will soon welcome my father.

"I don't believe Tyrion is guilty," I say as I sit down.

"I can assure you, however, that..."

"I heard what you said earlier, and it proves nothing. None of this makes sense. Of all the... of all the Lannisters..."

               Baelish places a hand on my shoulder to stop me. I was right to hesitate; those words should not leave my mouth. It would be far too dangerous.

♐︎

               My mother left the city a few hours ago, after sharing all this information with my father. We didn't say "goodbye," but I suppose our paths will cross again sooner or later. For now, all I hope is that she doesn't act as she usually does. Which is to say, by making a bad situation worse.

               Sitting at the entrance of the garden, overlooking Blackwater Bay, I think back to Tyrion and that dagger. I refuse to believe he would wish harm upon Bran. He, who insisted that life was full of possibilities.

               My father sits down beside me and hands me a small scrap of parchment. I recognize Robb's handwriting; this letter comes from the North. Robb informs us that Bran has awakened. We don't know if he will ever walk again, which isn't helping him recover fully, but he claims he is not in pain.

"How is Sansa?" Ned asks me as I set the parchment back down.

               Since that business on the Kingsroad, Sansa barely speaks to our father. And when she does, it is never in a pleasant tone.

"I think she likes it here," I reply. "She spends all her time with Joffrey. It suits me..."

"You should try to get to know him."