Whispers of Winter

- Lies and Liaisons -

WHISPERS OF WINTER 

Chapter Three 

Inside the Great Hall, the mood is tense. The flicker of torches along the walls does little to warm the cold stares exchanged across the room.

Elara stands beside her father, her delicate features drawn in confusion. She can eyes upon her, the Queen's sharp and accusing; her mother's worried and protective and King Robert's, whose booming voice has filled the halls since the moment accusations were made.

At the centre of the room, Joffrey stands, his lips curled in that familiar sneer, relishing the drama unfolding around him. "Father," he says, his voice feigning innocence but there's a malicious edge to it. "I found Lady Elara alone with Ser Jamie last night, in the middle of the night. It was...suspicious, don't you think?"

The words hang heavy in the air and all eyes shift from Joffrey to Elara and Jaime, who stands calmly next to her, his golden armour gleaming in the morning light. Jamie, for all his reputation as the Kingslayer, appears unfazed.

Robert Baratheon, sitting heavily on the wooden throne of the Starks, scratches his beard and leans forward, his face red from drink but his eyes sharp with curiosity. "Is that so, boy?" Robert says, his voice booming. "What's this you're saying about Jamie and young Elara?"

Elara opens her mouth to speak but the words fail her. She can feel her father beside her, rigid with anger but more at the suggestion than at her. Catelyn, too, stands nearby, her eyes filled with worry as they flicker between her daughter and Jamie.

Jamie finally steps forward, drawing the attention of the room. "Your Grace," he says smoothly, his tone level, unbothered. "I happened upon Lady Elara during a walk. She was alone and I thought it best to see her back safely. There's nothing more to it than that."

Cersei, seated beside Robert, arches a brow, her green eyes gleaming. "Nothing more?" She echoes, her voice cold, laced with accusation. "Why was Lady Elara out so late and why would you, of all people, happen to be the one to find her?"

"I didn't want to disturb anyone...I needed some air. Ser Jamie came across me by chance, as he said. He was kind enough to ensure I wasn't alone."

Her words are sincere, her innocence clear but they seem to do little to alleviate the growing tension in the room.

"Alone with the Kingslayer?" Cersei's lips twist into a cruel smile, her eyes locked on Elara. "It sounds more than chance to me."

Ned steps forward then, his voice quiet but firm, cutting through the growing murmurs. "My daughter speaks the truth. She wouldn't lie about such things."

Robert glances at Ned and then back at Joffrey. "Are you sure of what you saw, boy?"

Joffrey straightens, his face hardening as he glances at Jamie. "I know what I saw. It was improper." His eyes gleam with satisfaction as he continues, "And who knows what might have happened if I hadn't arrived."

Jamie's jaw tightens and though his expression remains calm, there's a dangerous flicker in his eyes. "I would remind you, Prince," Jamie says, his voice low, "that I have never been accused of dishonour when it comes to a lady. You should be careful with your words."

The room falls into an uneasy silence. Robert shifts in his seat, visibly torn between the conflicting accounts. The tension between Joffrey and Jamie tangible and Robert knows better than to ignore it.

Catelyn steps forward. "If Elara was in any danger, she would have come to us. There's no need to accuse Ser Jamie of impropriety."

"Perhaps," Cersei begins, her voice cutting through the room, "it is not Ser Jamie we should be concerned with but rather Lady Elara herself."