Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

vi. Explaining

a/n: you'll see why Alessia's name is written up the top of this chapter further towards the end :)

Alessia Stark

When I woke up this morning, there was a bruise on my cheek from where Viserys had slapped me. I had looked at myself for not even a whole second before having to look away, hating the sight of the bruise. I hated how I got it, and it made me feel pathetic. I should not have let it get that far in the first place, and I should have controlled my rage.

Even though I know that Illyrio will want to speak to me about not remaining at the feast last night, I wanted to put it off for as long as I could. He will either see the bruise and pity me, or he will ignore it and continue to yell. I do not know which one I would dislike more if either of them are to happen. Perhaps I would prefer a bit of pity. It would keep me in the city at least.

I was currently reading The End of the Tall Men by a man named Bello. It was about an ancient kingdom called Sarnor. The book explains the history of it, and how it was a great and a powerful kingdom until men let their greed and power get the best of them. They thought of the Dothraki as no more than savages, and paid the price when one of their cities was destroyed. Instead of uniting against the Dothraki, they fought over the remainders of the destroyed city.

Although I am yet to finish the book, I know that their arguing over the riches of the city was the first in what will be a long list of stupid mistakes. I know they lost a lot of their culture and records when their great library was destroyed because I read that in another book. That book was about the great libraries of the old world, and how a lot of knowledge that could prove to be important is now gone.

There was a knock on my door and I put the book down, taking a deep breath because the knocking pattern was familiar. It was Illyrio, and I knew that he was going to be angry with me for not staying at the feast. I just sat there, knowing that he would let himself in anyway. I do not feel like getting yelled at as soon as I open my chamber door.

When the door finally opened, Illyrio stormed in. I could see the anger in his eyes, but there was also a bit of panic and worry in his eyes too. That was mostly hidden by his anger, but it was still there and when you get good at reading people it is hard to miss. Some people are as easy to read as a book, and that is good for me because I am quite good at reading both books and people.

Illyrio looked at my face and his eyes softened drastically. His angry storm of steps slowed to a cautious pace as he made his way towards me. He reached out to take my hand and console me, but I just stepped back and locked my eyes on the floor. I felt ashamed to wear such a prominent bruise on my face. I felt weak.

"I would have remained at the feast, but it was already beginning to bruise," I said, quietly. "I-I could not stay after that. That would let everyone know what happened."

"Viserys should not be protected after what he has done," Illyrio told me, trying to bait me. "He was testing me, trying to figure out how I feel about Viserys and whether or not I can remain here. He is so easy to read sometimes."

"He deserves somewhere to stay more than I do," I disagreed. "If you wish to kick me out, then tell me right now and I will leave."

"That is not my decision. The council wishes to speak to you in an hour, so you must be on your way. If they decide to make you leave the city, then you will have to leave. If not, you will remain here if that is what you want to do."

"Well, the decision does not have to be made until the council makes there. I am assuming you have a horse ready for me, so perhaps I will see you again."

Without another word or even a glance at my surroundings, I left my chambers and made my way to the front of the house. This time I knew there would be no guards accompanying me, so I made sure to grab a dagger on my way out. One of Illyrio's guards also gave me their sword on his orders, so I had a way to defend myself if anything were to happen.