Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

xxxiii. Lannister Children

I decided that perhaps I should go and visit the two Lannister captives we have. While they are not that much younger than me, they are still children, and I cannot imagine how afraid they must be. Exile is a different experience, but I understand the fear of being alone and forced away from my family better than anyone else who has permission to speak to them.

All of the guards let me through without question. They were Edmure's men, so I took a mental note to have them replaced by Northern men. Stark men would be preferable, as I know people like Lord Karstark are not too pleased that we are treating them with such kindness.

When I walked into their room, which was just one of the dungeons brightened up a bit to accommodate them, they both looked up in fear. I could not help but feel horrible for them in that moment. They were just two boys looking at me with eyes full of fear. I did not see them as Lannisters.

I quickly regained my composure and reached under my cloak. I pulled out a fresh loaf of bread, sat on the floor with them, and then handed it to the eldest. I think his name is Martyn, but I am not sure. I have not met them before this.

"Queen Talisa told me she treated your wounds," I said. "I figured you two might want something fresh. I am Princess Alessia Stark. But please, call me Alessia when it is just me here."

"I am Martyn and this is Willem," the oldest introduced.

It was clear the two were related. They had the typical blonde Lannister hair and blue eyes. The main branch of the family has green eyes, but I know the rest do not. Both Willem and Martyn have baby faces too. It just makes it even harder to know that I am meant to be cold towards them.

"Why are you being so nice to us?" Willem asked, rightfully suspicious.

"Because you are children and were squires, not killers," I answered. "And because I get to be soft every once in a while. I cannot turn into a wolf like my older brother can, so I just have to act like a wolf in human skin."

The thing about Robb turning into a wolf was just a joke. Talisa had told me about how the boys asked about the rumour that Robb and his men can turn into wolves. I found it both entertaining and cute that they would believe such a thing. It shows that the Lannister family did everything they could to keep these boys innocent.

Clearly they were both still afraid of me, but that fear was dissipating. I was glad that the boys were starting to trust me. Honestly they reminded me of Bran and Rickon. I imagine that my brothers protected each other the way these two do. It brings me some peace to think that is the truth.

I stayed for a while and tried to ease the minds of the two boys. Before I left, I told them that if they needed anything to ask for me. I also told them not to worry when their guards change because they will be men sworn to me.

I do not know for sure if my words did anything to ease their minds, but I hope it did. No child is going to die whilst under the protection of House Stark.

***

My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach as I stared at the two bodies in front of me. I felt tears in my eyes as the reality of the situation swept over me. It felt as if all I could do was stare at the blood on the grey skin of the two in front of me.

The bodies in front of me belonged to Martyn and Willem. The fear from the moment they died was still evident on their faces to the unfortunately trained eye. They had both been stabbed in the stomach. It killed them, but it is in no way an immediate death. They died in a lot of pain.

Lord Karstark had done this. I kept my fists clenched at my sides to stop myself from drawing either my sword or my dagger and killing him myself. I wanted him dead. I have never hated him so much.