Three weeks passed far too quickly. I had spent every waking moment possible in the dungeons with Jojen. I had learned countless spells and could feel my power growing every day. Jojen was so kind, yet the dungeon was taking its toll. He was ragged, even the simplest spell drained him. I tried to steal as much as I could from the new Maester. Pycelle had passed a few years after my birth. Poor Jojen could not hold out much longer without proper nourishment. I stopped eating as much to sneak my leftover food to him. I had to plead with Father to let him go.
Theon had arrived in King's Landing in the late morning. My handmaidens had brushed my long blonde hair until it shined and intricately braided it. I was dressed in a silk white gown. "You look like an angel," one of the girls had crooned. I couldn't risk sneaking down to see Jojen before meeting him, lest dirt cover my dress. Mother would be furious.
We met Theon and his Northern entourage at the gates. Theon was forever smiling, and he was 15 years my elder, at least. He wasn't unattractive, he had light brown curls much like my uncle Loras, and was clearly a seasoned warrior. I forced myself to smile as if my life wasn't being ripped from my grasp and given to a complete stranger.
Theon dismounted and bowed to my parents, then me. "Princess Lehna," he acknowledged.
"Lord Greyjoy," I allowed him to place a kiss upon my hand.
"Yes, how does it feel to finally be Lord Greyjoy after spending all that time as a prisoner of the traitorous Starks?" My father was ever a charming diplomat.
Theon's jaw clenched at the mention of his previous family. He had been their prisoner when my mother had married Joffrey 17 years ago, but he was treated so kindly and was very close with Robb, whom was murdered at the command of my great grandfather.
"It is a great honor to bear my family name," he said curtly.
My mother broke the cold atmosphere by inviting my betrothed and his caravan into the Great Hall for a celebration feast. I couldn't help but feel awful that I was having a feast while my mentor faded away in the dungeon.
"Allow me to walk you to your chambers, Lord Greyjoy," I offered him my arm. He took it and laughed at me.
"We are to be married, you may as well call me Theon." His joking personality was a comfort, but I was still very uneasy. For the most part, we walked in silence. Well, I walked in silence whilst Theon talked endlessly about his journey.
We finally arrived at his chamber and I turned to face him. "Well, Theon," I said, testing out the sound of his name. "I will be in the room across from you should you need anything."
"What if what I need is you?" He whispered close to my neck.
"Um.. I shall see you at the feast. Good day, Lord Greyjoy." I hurried away from him to the only solace I had found. My beloved teacher, my Jojen.
I found him slumped against the wall, unconscious. I rushed to his side. "Herättää," I desperately whispered to him, wiping sweat from his brow. His eyes opened, full of tears.
"Princess," he croaked. "Lovely gown." I smiled at him and held his frail body against me.
"How could they do this to you?" I cried to him.
"Don't worry about me, Princess. Didn't your husband arrive today?"
"He's not my husband yet, let's not talk about him. Tomorrow I'm going to talk to my Father about letting you be my teacher. Not magic, but just a teacher." I knew it was a reach, but I had to save him.
"You're too kind Princess," Jojen mumbled, then leaned into my shoulder as his eyes shut and his breathing evened. I knew if I were found cradling the sleeping prisoner, my life would be over, but I didn't care. I sat in the dirt and held him as he slept.
