~3rd POV~
Kasondra quickly learned she would never be a Lady of the South. They had set camp south from King's Landing, preparing to move in a few days. The young woman found herself wandering around with Sansa, Lady and Mahala. Jory was trailing behind at a safe distance, unsure of his stature with the oldest Lady. Kasondra and her young sister passed by three younger girls who whispered to themselves, watching the Stark's with menacing gleams.
"Ignore them Sansa," Kasondra spoke, staring the girls straight in the eye. Being submissive humans, they quickly looked down ashamed. "You are much better than a bunch of clucking hens." Sansa laughed, not paying attention to the world around her for a split second. In that moment, she collided with a man who held a permanent frown.
"Pardon me, sir." Sansa spoke and suddenly felt very nervous. The bald man did not talk, just stood with a hard stare. Kasondra grabbed onto her sisters hand, afraid of what this man might do. The hairs on Kasondra's neck stood on end, Mahala giving a low warning growl to the presence looming over the girls.
"Do I scare you that much, my ladies?" The Hound had one hand resting on his blade. His scarred face was even uglier up close, Kasondra secretly wanted to ask him what had happened. Although she favored her head too much. "Or is it this man here."
The Hound knew the answer by now. Although the huge man wasn't pleasing to the eye, he was much better than a man who was completely silent.
"I'm scared of him too. Just look at that face." Clegane scoffed and the bald man seemed to deepen his scowl.
"I'm sorry if we offend you ser." Kasondra spoke back to the shorter man with a forced apology. He simply stared at the Hound and walked away. Kasondra went lax and turned towards the large hovering knight.
"Why didn't he speak?" Kasondra asked, feeling less intimidated by the Hound.
"He hasn't been talkative these last 20 years. Not since the mad king tore his tongue out with hot irons." Sansa shivered in fear but Kasondra stayed still.
"Are you not scared, my dear wolf?" The Hound teased. Kasondra rolled her gray eyes and scoffed.
"Please, my wet nurse told me more terrifying tales."
"Kassy stop it!" Sansa whispered harshly and dropped her eyes to the ground. Kasondra ignored her little sister until a certain young blonde boy decided to make his presence.
"Why does my lady look so scared?" Joffrey asked, pinching Sansa's chin between his fingers. Kasondra stepped back a few steps and gave the young lovers some space. "Does the Hound frighten you so much?" Sansa stood gaping, not finding the right words.
"Away with you Dog! Your scaring my lady." Clegane bowed and took his leave. Kassy stood behind the two young lovers silently, running her fingers through Mahala's thick red fur.
"My Lady!" Jory Cassel approached the young Stark with a fast pace walk. When he noticed the prince, Jory bowed in respect.
"My Prince." Joffrey just stared at the older male. His expression was blank but under his blue eyes there was jealousy. This little bastard was used to having all the attention.
~Kasondra~
"Walk with me?" Joffrey asked with an outstretched hand. The look on Sansa's face was priceless. She looked to me for guidance and I forced a smile with a single nod.
"I'll take Lady, go have fun." I took Lady's leash and watched the two teen's walk away with a knot in my stomach. I turned to Jory and all my fear melted away. Mahala yipped happily at my betrothed who in turn, gave her a good scratch behind the ears.
"I thought I might rescue you from becoming the over-protective sister." Jory chuckled and took my hand, pressing his lips to the back of my hand.
"My sword hand is itching Ser Cassel. Watch it." He held his hands up in defense and I playfully glared at the man to be my husband. "Since you are here, would you mind helping me groom Mahala? She is a handful when I'm alone." Jory looked hesitant at first but one begging glance was all it took.
"Alright, but I will only do it for a kiss from my fair maiden." He leaned forward and waited expectantly.
"All right, but you must close your eyes." Jory did as ordered and closed two soft brown eyes. I lifted Mahala's front legs until she was at Jory's height. Her wet tongue poked out and lapped at his face rather sloppily. Jory wrenched backwards and wiped his face into his sleeve.
"I thought you would enjoy that, Mahala is a better kisser than me anyways."
~~~~~~~
"Finished!" Jory shouted after I finished rinsing Mahala in the river. Her coat was dripping wet and so was the bottom of my gown. Jory helped me out with his hands circled around my hips and lifted me up onto the bay. Mahala followed suit and shook her fur, splashing dirty water onto us. Jory wiped the liquid from his face and frowned.
"You weren't lying when you said this was hard." I shrugged my shoulders and wrung my dress free of water. Heartbreaker and Seduction were now visible on my thighs but I knew Jory was much more interested at my naked skin.
The sun was beginning to set when a Lannister guard came charging with sweat pouring down his forehead. I was confused at first and Jory came to stand directly in front of me. The young guard leaned into his knee's, out of breath.
"Arya Stark has gone missing." He spoke and I nearly grabbed him by his throat. Arya?! Why would she be missing? A thousand possibilities ran through my head. Was she being held for ransom?
"What happened?" Jory spoke for me noticing my shocked state.
"Her direwolf attacked the prince. Arya and her mutt ran off and cannot be located." I stepped forward and glared at the young knight. He barely looked older than the prince himself, all dirty faced and chubby.
"My sister would never do such a thing. Lead us to the last place she was seen." The knight was frightened by my anger and quickly nodded. Jory grabbed my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. I knew I would find my sister and clear this whole mess up.
May the God's look out for little Arya Stark.
~Chapter End~
So this story is progressing much faster but I'm still undecided about Mahala. Should she die with Lady, or somehow survive? Please comment!
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Weeping Thorns
FantasyKasondra Stark was a girl made out of ice and snow. She feared nothing but the loss of her family. Yet her fears begin to awaken when she is shipped off to King's landing with her father and sisters. Kasondra will do everything in her power to keep...
