Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 22 - Robb...?

               Gathered on the banks of the Blackwater, we watch Myrcella's boat drift away as the Septon recites a prayer wishing her a safe journey. The farewells – or rather, the goodbyes – were hard, and the princess is still wiping away her tears.

               It took me some time to understand what drove Tyrion to form this alliance. I believe now that he is right. Despite the conflicts between House Lannister and House Martell, this union is beneficial for Dorne. Myrcella will be safe there.

               And I am convinced she will eventually grow to love living there. It is warm, and unlike the capital, the streets do not smell of dead rats. Tommen, on the other hand, will struggle to accept his elder sister's departure. He now finds himself alone with Joffrey.

"He sounds like a kitten mewling for its mother," the King snaps. "Princes do not cry."

               It is already a miracle that I agreed to stand so close to him... but I don't have to put up with him anymore. If he wants to be a fool, let him be one far away from me. As I step away from my husband, I hear him call my name. I prefer, however, to join Tyrion a bit further off. If Joffrey wants my forgiveness, he will have to earn it.

"Do you have any wine?" I ask my friend without much hope.

"You want to drink next to the High Septon?" he scolds.

"Alcohol helps me endure our good King."

"You understand now the burden that is mine."

"Oh, we all carry it," I say with a laugh.

♐︎

               Escorted by the Kingsguard, we head back toward the Red Keep. To our good King's great surprise, protests are heard as we pass. The people are hungry, the people are angry, the people will no longer be silent. I understand them. I would even say I support them. It is certain, however, that I would defend them more easily if they weren't threatening me at the same time.

               Sensing the tension rising, Tyrion orders that Prince Tommen be brought back to the castle through another gate, on the waterfront. The little boy does not deserve to be caught in any riot.

               Most of the people gathered around us are asking for food for themselves and their children; others, more enraged, insult the King. The situation finally escalates when a clump of dung splatters onto Joffrey's cheek. I suppress a laugh and cannot help but be impressed by such a successful throw. The question of the origin of these excrements briefly crosses my mind. But Joffrey cuts short any hesitation when he commands: "Kill them all!"

               Without delay, I lunge at one of the Lannister soldiers, push him to the ground, and take his sword. Before he can retaliate, the rioters are already throwing themselves upon him. I could feel sorry. Except these guards have never shown themselves capable of protecting me, so it was him or me.

               Cersei and Joffrey are rushed inside the walls of the Red Keep as, before me, a boy brandishes the Septon's arm above his head. Eyes wide, I grab Tyrion's arm.

"Get to safety!" he tells me.

"Where is Sansa?!"

               My attention was diverted by the violence of the scene. I failed to keep my sister in sight, and now she has vanished. I feel my heart race, skip a beat, and start up again even faster.

               Around us, chaos reigns. Between the cries of pain, we can distinguish curses and weeping. I think I hear my name. But when I turn my head, I see only angry faces.