Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 33 - What did you expect ?

               After that disturbance, we went up to bed. I spent a good portion of the night persuading Joffrey not to have his uncle executed. I also spent several hours pleading my case regarding my behaviour, and his. I reproached him for wanting to make me his property, and he reproached me for not obeying him. I broke two wine glasses trying to strike him, and he threatened me with his crossbow, though it was not loaded. We ended this argument in bed, turning our anger into something more... positive.

               I believe we both became aware of our shared reality. We are stuck together for the rest of our lives. We will continue to draw closer and drift apart at the mercy of our moods. He will do something pleasant, which will force me to put things into perspective, and a few days later he will disappoint me again. An endless circle.

               My pregnancy is what binds us most. Anxious at first, I have eventually come to find pleasure in it. I realize that I have become a breeding mare, that after giving an heir to the king, I will have to secure his lineage. The more children I produce, the more the people will love me. And Joffrey will too.

               However, I do not spend all my time with my husband. Though I had promised myself to stay away from Tyrion, it is now impossible for me. It does me good, to be honest. I had missed Tyrion's wit.

               I have also made a new friend: Margaery Tyrell. When she first arrived in the capital, I did not like her very much. I immediately detected a great manipulator in her. She wants power and is ready to do anything to seize it. Not to mention the fact that Joffrey had a soft spot for her.

♐︎

               Settled on a low wall, I watch Bronn and Podrick train. Since the beginning of my pregnancy, I have been forbidden from touching a sword, which makes me most sorrowful. Nevertheless, I still enjoy this time with my two friends. They allow me to forget the troubles of the court for a few hours. There is only us, the fine sand of the banks of the Blackwater, and the clashing of swords.

"You're looking at me as if you just lost your little puppy," Bronn throws at me.

"I'm sick of not being able to fight," I reply, rolling my eyes. "I feel useless."

               Bronn and Pod exchange a look. I think they feel helpless regarding my situation. I understand them. I am carrying the heir to the throne; they cannot afford to injure me.

"You want to make yourself useful? Bring us some wine."

"Is this how I end up? A page?"

               I end my complaint with a laugh. True, I am bored. True, it does not enchant me to watch my friends fight without being able to act. But I am not unhappy for all that.

"I can go," Podrick says, embarrassed to send me to fulfill any task for him.

"No, leave her," Bronn answers him. "It will stretch her legs."

"If your wine isn't poisoned, it will be a miracle!"

               With that, I stand up and head toward the castle. I have to walk up the gardens to the kitchens. It is no small feat with this belly that is starting to get in my way. But as Bronn said, it will keep me occupied.

               Once in the upper part of the royal gardens, I come face to face with Tyrion and Sansa. The couple is constantly flanked together. I am happy for my sister; it means Tyrion is taking an interest in her. It is a good start.

               I prepare to greet them, but a guard interrupts me. He was sent by the Hand, as he is calling the Small Council to assemble. I am well aware that there is no Council meeting scheduled today.