House of Blood & Tides

Six.

Lexi

Trees and flowers stretched towards Lexi and Stefan as they walked the gardens. The two walked arm in arm at a leisurely pace. Lexi had counted more decorative vases than could keep track of. Though the walk was boring, it gave Lexi time to gather her thoughts and Stefan time to stretch his legs.

She settled them both onto a stone bench. Stefan groaned from stiffness.

"We don't have much more to walk. Just a little further." Lexi placed a supportive hand on Stefan's back.

"I'm tired Lexi. Maybe I should just retire to my room." Stefan let out a sigh and Lexi couldn't help but to notice how grieved Stefan was.

She had shut him down when he had first woken up a day ago. She couldn't hear Stefan's confession because she feared she couldn't handle it. Lexi was strong but after seeing a man shot through with an arrow Lexi was traumatized. She wanted hers and Stefan's friendship to remain light. It was the only relief she had at Kings Landing. She felt selfish but that was the truth.

"Stefan," Lexi said, "can we go just a few more feet before we turn around?"

"I'd rather not," Stefan grumbled, "and if I'm honest, It's feels like there's tension between us. I've never seen you so quiet."

"I was just lost in thought. I don't think there's any tension," Lexi lied.

Stefan rolled his eyes.

"I might be a little light headed but I'm not an idiot. What I said to you when I first woke up disturbed you didn't it?" Stefan asked.

Lexi swallowed. Lexi was worried what Stefan had to confess had to do with the small folk. The one armed man came to mind. Lexi held back tears.

"I think I . . . Just need some time Stefan. Something happened but it's still too soon to speak of it. I'm sorry for the strangeness between us in the meantime." Lexi caught a tear on her cheek. She hadn't meant to cry.

Stefan wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a side ways hug. They sat together in silence as the chirping of birds filled the void.

Lexi had felt comforted until she saw Lord Lucien strolling towards them. Of course he had to stop in front of them.

"Your highness, I'm glad you're feeling better," Lord Lucien smiled.

"Thank you," replied Stefan.

Lexi refused to look at Lord Lucien. She hated him more than words could say.

"Still angry Lexi?" Lucien asked.

"Angry about what?" Stefan interjected.

"It's Nothing. Have a nice day Lord Lucien." This time Lexi did look into his dark brown eyes as she quickly dismissed him.

Lucien didn't seem to care as he kept going. "I killed a man to protect her but Lexi doesn't seem to understand that."

"I didn't need your protection," Lexi snarled. She lunged towards Lucien but Stefan caught her arm.

"You should go," said Stefan wearily.

"As you command." Lord Lucien bowed slightly before heading off he had smirk plastered across his face.

"I'm sorry he did that Lexi. I'll speak to my father about possibly giving him a lesser position." Stefan attempted to comfort her.

Lexi nodded, too distraught to speak.

"The Lannisters are an unusual sort of cruel. They'll lose their allies eventually." Said Stefan.

Lexi began walking again with Stefan by her side. She'd handle Lucien Lannister herself.