Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 27 - I'll manage

               When we finally set foot on the sand, a massive explosion echoes from the middle of the water. A glittering green mushroom dozens of meters high rises over Blackwater Bay. Wildfire.

               Shortly before my departure, Tyrion had told me about this substance. An explosive liquid invented by the Targaryens after the death of the last dragons. It is what the Mad King used against his enemies. He burned them alive.

               Nothing could have prepared me for this vision of horror. The enemy ships are sinking, taking the last survivors with them. But the most terrifying part is the cries of pain from the burned. I know someone who must love this.

               I force myself out of my stupor; I have no time to pity these unfortunate souls. I wipe my tears and head at full speed toward the Mud Gate.

"Open up!!" I shout, drumming on the door.

               I hear a monstrous racket on the other side; perhaps they are arguing over whether to let me in.

"It is an order!!"

               The door bursts open, revealing Podrick. Relieved, I throw myself into the young man's arms. I should never have left; that is a certainty now.

"I missed you, my lady," he confides.

"You too, Podrick. You too."

               I plant a kiss on his cheek as Joffrey descends the stairs toward me. His expression is hard, but I see relief in it, nonetheless.

"Joff..." I say.

"Do not call me that," he snaps. "Where have you been?"

"I was trying to stop your stupid war."

"Dog!" Joffrey spits. "Stop her!"

"Clegane..." I warn him, my hand already on my sword.

"You have no right to fight! You are but a woman!"

"I have travelled the entire country to come back here and protect your little white hide. I intend to fight with my men; being a woman does not define how I wield my weapon. How do you wield yours, Your Majesty?"

               Both indignant and disarmed, the King returns to his place on the ramparts, muttering. On the way back to the capital, I thought a lot about my relationship with Joffrey. Even if I suspected he wouldn't be thrilled to see me, I admit I am disappointed that things are going so poorly. It is silly, but deep down, I keep hope that one day things will change. That we might be happy, even a little.

               Daydreams are for later. For now, we have work to do.

"Where is Sansa?" I ask Podrick.

"In Maegor's Holdfast with the other women."

"Where you should be," Joffrey adds from the stairs to my right.

"Fine," I continue, ignoring my husband. "Lead Arrow to the Holdfast; she will stay with Sansa to protect her."

               I watch Podrick leave before following Joffrey to the battlements. There, I find Tyrion.

"Lady Stark..." he greets me, taking my hand in his.

"Lord Lannister."

"You came back..."

"I promised you, didn't I?"

"On the contrary, you left flouting my request."

"And what was that?"