Of Lions, Wolves, and Dragons (Jon Snow)

10. Littlefinger

Sansa was called to Cersei before Joellyn had a chance to talk to her and explain what had happened.  Now Joellyn found herself in the company of Cersei, Lord Varys, Grand Maester Pycelle, and Littlefinger, and they were spinning their version of the events leading up to Ned's capture to his poor daughter.  Sansa looked lost and confused as Varys and Pycelle explained how her father had proven himself to be a traitor by plotting to take Joffrey's rightful place on the throne after King Robert had passed.  Sansa insisted that her father would never do that because of her love for Joffrey and his friendship with King Robert.

Cersei spoke to her, in an uncharacteristically sweet voice, "Sansa, sweetling, you are innocent of any wrong.  We know that.   Yet you are the daughter of a traitor.  How can I let you marry my son?"

Grand Maester Pycelle added on by saying that as she aged, she would be likely to plan treasons herself and that Sansa was not fit to be married to Joffrey.  She looked panicked as she began stating that she would not, that she would be a good wife, and that she would be a queen just like Cersei.  Joellyn highly doubted that.  Sansa was not stupid, but she was not as cunning as Cersei.  She might one day be Queen, but definitely not just like Cersei.

Joellyn felt her skin prickle as Littlefinger spoke, "This girl is innocent, Your Grace.  She should be given a chance to prove her loyalty."  Littlefinger was the one who betrayed Ned.  He had basically confessed as much himself.  She had been right to never be comfortable with Littlefinger's presence.  He was self-serving and only concerned with what would allow him to climb higher.

Cersei nodded at Littlefinger, then began speaking to Sansa again, "Little dove, my sister has already written your brother Robb to let him know about all of your father's traitorous acts and his arrest.  Now it is your turn.  Write your mother and tell her of what has happened.  Then, if you would help your father, write your brother and urge him to keep the King's peace.  Tell him to come to King's Landing and swear fealty to Joffrey."

Sansa looked hesitant and expressed wishes to want to see her father, but Cersei made her feel bad about wanting to see him by pointing out that her father is a traitor of the realm, and she should not want to consort with traitors.  She then assured Sansa that her father's fate rested on the actions of both her and her brother.

Joellyn saw Sansa nod then say to Cersei, "Your Grace, would you help me write my letters?  I wish to make sure that they understand what they must do."

Cersei seemed pleased with Sansa's request and walked with Sansa back to her chambers.  Lord Varys and Grand Maester Pycelle left quickly, but Littlefinger lingered until he and Joellyn were alone then said, "I was sorry to hear about you engagement to Lord Eddard's son being called off.  You must be disappointed."

Joellyn felt the familiar feeling of unease with Littlefinger's company but replied, "Thank you, Lord Baelish, but I am not disappointed.  I did not love Robb Stark."

"You didn't," Littlefinger questioned, "I thought I had heard that you and the boy were writing to each other quite regularly?"

She paused momentarily to try to gauge why he was asking about this then replied, "We were, but it was only in an effort to get to know each other better before we were married.  I assure you, there will be no more communication between Robb Stark and myself."  How he knew so much about the happenings in King's Landing, Joellyn did not know.  It was as if he always seemed to be two steps ahead of everyone else.

Littlefinger offered his arm to walk with her, and Joellyn could not refuse without seeming incredibly rude, but the last thing she wanted to do was spend more time with him, much less have him touching her.  As she took his arm, he said to her, "That is good to know, my lady.  It would be most unfortunate if the King's own aunt was conversing with the Starks.  It might call her loyalties into question."