Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 42 - "Walk with us."

               Brienne of Tarth... This is not the first time that name rings in the corridors of the Red Keep. Long before she pledged allegiance to my mother, she was the sword-leaguer of Renly Baratheon. Present on the day of his death, she was one of the main suspects. Brienne of Tarth is known to be one of the best swords in all of Westeros. Yet she is a woman. Isn't that beautiful?

               Accompanied by Arrow, I go to her apartments. Since she was actively involved in bringing Jaime back to us, I made sure she was placed in one of the best rooms in the castle. Exceptional treatment for an exceptional person.

               I knock three times at the door and watch the great lady appear. Short hair and blonde as wheat, I have no doubt that she is bigger than all of us. She is already standing upright but she straightens and takes a solemn look when she recognizes me. She bows respectfully before saying, "Your Majesty."

- Lady Brienne, I greet her with a smile. Let me in!

- Well... Of course, Your Majesty.

               Although I can guess her pure and loyal heart, I am amazed that she uses so many polite phrases. Brienne was my mother's, Catelyn Stark, the Crown's number one enemy, sword-leaguer. And no matter what my father's name is, I remain the queen of the king she was fighting. I imagine that at this point, resistance would bring her far too many problems.

               I enter her room and settle myself at the small table by the window before presenting her the chair facing me.

- I have to thank you, I tell her.

- Ma'am, she says, kneeling. When I pledged allegiance to Lady Catelyn, she made me promise to bring her daughters back safely to Winterfell, the home of your house. Your mother is no longer of this world, it is to you today that I give my sword.

- Stand up, Lady Brienne.

- Ma'am, I...

- Come sit with me. We'll talk about this in due course.

- The war is not yet over, Your Majesty. It's time to talk about these things.

- I'm sure we will.

               She is right. Even though we are both in enemy territory, and here the time is at a party, the war is not over. Stannis is still out there, plotting with the Red Witch. Besides, Brienne and I know none of us are safe here. If Cersei decides she doesn't want her anymore, she'll kill her without hesitation. As for me... Do I really need to remind you of the position I am in?

- Well, I say. So, let's talk. You want to become my sword-leaguer, is that right?

- I would be honored, the tall lady replied. But I understood you don't need protection. You probably know everything they say about you out there.

- I'm afraid I don't know.

               Brienne finally sat down in front of me and accepted the glass of wine I offered her, probably out of politeness because she kept it at a distance from her lips.

- Your battlefield prowess is a big talk. Some say you can control the elements, though I doubt it.

               To inflate my ego more than anything else, I make a fine movement of the fingers and the candle before us ignites. I told you that I had made progress. In front of me, this woman strong and stiff as a stick, folds back into herself.

- I suggest you make up your own mind. So? What else do they say?

               Brienne tells me the crazy rumors that are circulating about me. Some things, like the fact that I led the assault at the Battle of the Blackwater Bay are extrapolated. Other things, such as my so-called immortality, are invented from scratch. It makes me laugh a lot and reassures me in a way, I know now that the people do not hate me.