The Finding of Lya Stark

Roose

I sit in a chair Felicity doing my hair while Jaime lounges around. "I just want to get this over with." I say closing my eyes but opening them wanting Ramsay's make over of Theon out of my head. "He was ours to punish not him. Theon didn't betray him." I say going to turn to look at Jaime but wince instead as Felicity's hold on my hair keeps me back.
"Sorry My Lady."
There's a knock on the door. "It's Tyrion."
"Come in," I call.
"Dear brother is that how you're going?" He asks Jaime his voice already heavy with drink.
"Tyrion are you drunk before dinner?" He asks mock shock in his voice. Felicity's hands fall and I turn just in time to see Jaime pull his shirt on.
"Thank you. Go do as you please I'll be fine for the night."
She curtsies and turns leaving the room. I move behind Jaime fixing his shirt for him. "So what would you like to tell us?"
"Good news. Arya is under the watchful eye of my men." I lean my head against Jaime's back relief washes though me.
"But what about what I told you?"
"Didn't you tell me if visions repeated after you did something to change them they were meant to happen?"
"They'll kill her," I say moving around Jaime who grabs onto me.
"My men will help her. Don't you think the little shit deserves to die?"
"Of course I do. But my sister doesn't need to be killing people."
"She's done it before."
"Someone else should do it!" I say feeling exasperated.
"That would have happened if not for you."
"Yes well I saved you didn't I?"
"Yes you did. Why don't you let me deal with getting your sister home. We have more important things to deal with. How's Sansa?"
"Settling nicely."
"And?"
"She already did it," I say quietly as if the walls were listening. He bows his head nodding. The Maester had prepared a tea to rid her of the monster that was inside her. She'd taken it secretly on the journey though it seemed to still plague her.
"And what do you plan to do about Theon?"
"You didn't see him," I say even quieter. The sight of him had made me feel sick that a human being could look such a way and still survive. "It would be merciful to end his misery."
"Do you wish to grant mercy upon the person who would have burned your brothers? Or show yourself as merciless?"
"It wouldn't be merciless. You said it yourself he would have burned my brothers. Those children he burned alive deserve to be avenged. My family deserves to be avenged."
"Coming from the woman who married a man who betrayed her family."
"Jaime didn't. It was your father! Why are you being this way?"
"I'm only playing as your enemy," he says simply. "Letting you see what everyone else is going to think. You have more things to worry about now than just getting revenge for your family. You are the Wardeness of the North. You have to keep the peace here. Keep the people believing in you."
"And how do you suggest doing that?"
"Keep him alive. Killing him would be merciful. But allowing him to remain with Ramsay would be cruel. He's already paid for what he's done. He can continue doing so more humanely."
"How? What would I do with him?"
"He's an example as to what happens if you are crossed. Make him a servant."
"I didn't do anything."
"The Boltons will be under your rule. It will show the people you are not to be messed with but at the same time you will are reasonable."
I weigh his words sitting back next to Jaime. "Fine. You can have him. Now we have a dinner to attend," I say standing up.

We arrive first taking our spots at the table waiting for the Boltons to arrive. I frown when Theon enters the room first his head down feet shuffling along. How could this be done to a once proud man in a week.
A balding man enters behind him sharing my frown at Theon. His son follows behind him a sense of glee at the situation. "Roose Bolton," he says introducing himself. "I'm more than pleased to be here under such a strong alliance between families."
"Who's family's?" I narrow my gaze.
"All three of ours of course."
"This is not an alliance," I say coldly.
"Oh but of course it is. Your father promised me the north." He looks at Jaime. I look at him as well not having heard of this arrangement. "He of course took it away from me when a better option came along. However you are going to need someone to look after things while you are a way in the west."
"You are here to give me what I asked for as well as your allegiance. I can strip you of your house."
He raises his head slightly. "I swore loyalty to your father. And to Robb."
"Who you then betrayed. You're lucky I'm allowing you to even remain in the North."
"Yet you married the man-."
"Leave Jaime out of this we are talking about you. Are you swearing fealty?" He takes a knee bowing his head. He takes his oath peacefully. "Where is Brienne?" At my words she is brought into the room looking almost nearly as bad as Theon is. "Shay!" I call. She appears next to me. "Take care of her," she hurries down the stairs and gently leads her away. "Now for your punishment." I turn back to Roose. "I know you played a hand in my husbands maiming.  Whether you would like to admit it or not. You will sacrifice a hand. Your sword hand," I sense everyone around me tensing. "And so will he. Your taxes are doubled and if you do not heed my call when called upon I will raze your entire House," I look down on him unwavering. "I do not wish to have you under my roof any longer. Get out. And leave Theon."
"You bitch!" Ramsay screams insults at me struggling as his father and my guards escort them out.
I sense everyone's looks upon me as the room quiets. "I wish to have dinner now." I say in a whisper.