Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

xxxvii. The Entrance

3rd Person

As Alessia Stark was dragged into the Red Keep in Kings Landing, she thought about how she believed she would never return to the castle. Then she thought about how she would be glad to see all who live within it die by her own sword. She was not glad to be there.

The journey from The Twins to Kings Landing had been long and incredibly unpleasant. Alessia had tried to escape twice, and nearly succeeded the second time. That is when two more guards joined the two that were already escorting her to the capital of Westeros. They all knew she was a threat.

Court was currently in session. Lucien Tyrell and Daemon Baratheon stood together, the two of them having become unlikely friends since House Tyrell arrived in Kings Landing. Neither of them knew why all of the lords and ladies, as well as their servants, had been called to the throne room. 

Throughout the throne room, everyone was perplexed as to why they had been summoned. Everyone but from Sansa Stark. 

She had a suspicion that it had to do with the defeat and murder of her mother and brother at what is being called the Red Wedding. She was told her sister was back in Westeros, but Sansa was not told that her sister had died. She had a small, foolish hope that perhaps they were summoned here to see Alessia Stark be brought in.

Sansa was only young when her older sister was exiled. From what she knows, Alessia is celebrating her 18th name day this year and was exiled at 14. There was only three years difference between the two, but according to their father, Alessia was fond of travelling. That is why she was rarely home when Sansa was a girl.

All Sansa remembers about her sister is how she was talented with her sowing and songs, but held even more talent in learning other languages and remembering information about the other houses of Westeros. Sansa remembers Alessia being able to name the house, its lord, the banner, and house words for any house. Even if it was a house that may be unknown to even people within the same region.

Daemon Baratheon had also met Alessia Stark. The girl had left quite the impression on him. She was pretty, but her intelligence and fire was what made her beautiful. She did not stand down against his uncle, King Robert, nor against him. She had been fearless and held a great talent for remembering even the smallest, most minor house and their lord or lady. She also rivaled Grand Maester Pycelle when it came to her knowledge of languages.

Sansa felt disgusted seeing Joffrey sitting on his throne, sneering at everyone. She was glad that she no longer had to marry him, but felt horrible for Margaery. He was evil and selfish. He should be dead.

Tywin Lannister was standing beside his grandson, who was sat on the Iron Throne. The older lord knew that no one was aware of why they had been summoned here. Using the talents of Varys, The Spider, they had been able to keep the arrival of Alessia Stark a secret from everyone. Tywin was glad the old fool, Lord Walder Frey, had not told anyone she was alive yet.

The doors to the throne room were thrown open and everyone turned to stare at whoever dared come so late. Some gasped, others sneered, and everyone else just stared at the young woman who was dragged in. It was quite a spectacle.

Alessia Stark was covered in dirt and mud. Her hair was a mess, and she knew the rest of her was too. She probably smelled worse than the chamber pots in the cells of the Red Keep. Yet she still held her head high and mustered up the last of her pride and dignity whilst walking into the room. She would not let these Southerners look down on her. She was going to destroy them one day.

Sansa felt shocked and light-headed seeing her sister in such a state. Her sister was a mess and she hated seeing her like that. However, Sansa was surprised to see Alessia carry herself with so much pride. She was even more surprised when the guards with her forced her to a stop and she did not kneel to ask for her life.