A WINTER ROSE ⊳ g. of thrones [1]

CHAPTER FOUR | A Feast for Wolves

A GREAT FEAST PROCEEDED into the night, festivities going around far and wide. Goblets were filled with wine to the brim, spilling drunkly onto the floor as guests ate their fill and more after. You could not stand in the great hall without smelling the delightful treats that went around, the meat that was ripped from the limb, and the warm fresh bread that had just come from the fiery ovens of the kitchen. Chef had really outdone himself this time. He had been preparing for weeks, and Ellena enjoyed every bit of it.

Sat beside her twin, the two laughed with their friends whom had come to enjoy the festivities, but also to see their king. One of the boys beside her brother nudged Robb, pointing a chin in the direction of the prince.

"Now, who's that right prick? He's been lookin' at your sister all night," the boy, Benjamin, questioned with a laugh. Robb clenched his fists, knife in hand that had been cutting into some meat just moments ago.

"Prince Joffrey," he seethed. "He's been betrothed to Sansa." The other boys grumbled, in obvious discontent. Sansa had always been the dove of the North, every lord's son with the desire to marry her. Ellena.. was another case. She had always been one with the boys, more a wild mare than a precious dove in their eyes. A rose. And all roses have thorns that are their bite.

"Prince Joffrey actually spoke to me." All the boys gawked at her, eager to hear what he said.  "Perhaps he yelled at me, now that I think on it. Said I could have killed him by stepping in front of his horse. I thought otherwise."

"Gods above, I love you Ellena." Tanin, a curly haired boy with bright green eyes, stated obviously impressed. The others laughed, all slightly drunk. "I wish I could've been there, woulda shoved my sword up his pretty little arse," Remy claimed, downing more of his wine. As if he hadn't had enough already.

Ellena laughed, before feeling a cold, prickling feeling on her back. She looked up to see her mother looking at her, and with one swift motion of her head, she knew she was wanted. I hope it's not about the incident with Joffrey... Did Ser Jaime say something?

Nodding to the boys, she gathered the skirt of her dress and went to greet her mother — and the queen.

"This must be Ellena, your oldest." Cersei Lannister was beautiful, just as all the tales had said. There was no questioning that. Something glimmered behind those eyes... A terrifying shade of brilliant green, even from behind that long table. Ellena stood straight, holding up her head, before bowing it slightly so.

"Yes, your grace, she came into the world wailing. I knew she was a fighter, even then." Her mother commented with a proud smile. The queen hummed, and she wasn't sure if it was in delight.

"Well, I have heard word you haven't yet taken a husband. I was already milking my oldest, Myrcella by your age."

Ellena's eye twitched. Every high born bitch was like this, all just the same boring questions. Why haven't you taken a husband? I already had four children by your age. You'll die a virgin lest you become more.. compliant. She abhorred them. And Cersei Lannister was no exception.