Book 2: The Secrets We Covet

Chapter 3 - Hands and Handmaidens

Want some awesome Game of Throne's merch? Go to https://unrivaledmerch.com/game-of-thrones/ for great GoT merchandise with FREE shipping. Use code "gotwriter" for 10% off your order. Don't miss out!

- - -

There was a distressing quiet around the dining table that Lyon could feel. It was thick in the air. Cersei, Tommen, Myrcella, Sansa, and Lyon sat awkwardly together, eating silently.

Lyon was relieved when little Myrcella broke the silence. "When will Sansa and Joffrey be married?"

"Soon, darling. When the war is over." Cersei answered.

Myrcella turned to Lyon and Sansa. "Mother says I'll have a new gown for the ceremony and another for the feast. But yours will be ivory since you're the bride." She spoke lastly to Sansa.

"How exciting. You're going to be such a beauty. The little Lords and Ladies won't be able to keep their eyes off of you." Lyon smiled at the younger girl whom she now called sister. Myrcella giggled.

Cersei, however, was displeased when Sansa didn't immediately reply. "The princess just spoke to you."

"Pardon, Your Grace. I'm sure your dress will be beautiful, Myrcella. I'm counting the days until the fighting is done and I can pledge my love to the King in sight of the gods."

Tommen looked to Cersei. "Is Joffrey going to kill Sansa's brother?"

"He might," said Cersei. She cast a secretive glance at Lyon, gauging her reaction. Lyon said nothing. "Would you like that?"

"No. I don't think so." Tommen replied. This caused Lyon's lips to quirk in a faint smile. She looked to the younger boy, and they exchanged pleasant smiles.

"Well," Cersei began. "Even if he does, Sansa will do her duty. Won't you, little dove?"

Lyon looked to Sansa and felt herself become nauseous at the redhead's pale complexion. She was thankful when the meal had been finished and they were excused. Lyon, along with their handmaidens, escorted Sansa back to her room.

"Leave us," Lyon ordered the handmaidens. At her order, they vacated the room and Lyon sat beside Sansa upon the bed. "Are you alright, Sansa? You do not have to marry Joffrey if you don't want to. I can get us out of here, just give the word."

Lyon wasn't sure how much of what she was saying was earnest, but she would do anything for Raphael to get her sister out of Kingslanding if that was what she wished. Joffrey was a cruel suitor and she hated her sister had to suffer him. It was before Sansa could answer that there was a knock on the door and the red-haired girl quickly ordered the knocker inside.

A woman Lyon did not recognize entered. She was tan of skin, a beautiful pale violet dress hung loosely around her, accented by the dark tresses that fell to her shoulders. Lyon eyed her head to toe.

"Who are you?" Sansa asked.

"I'm Shae, my Lady. Your new handmaiden." The woman said. Lyon detected the accent.

"I didn't know I needed a new handmaiden. You're not from here."

"No," was all the 'handmaiden' said. Lyon felt suspicion crawl up her spine.

"What are you doing?" Sansa asked, this time growing frustrated when Shae did nothing.

"Waiting for you to tell me what to do."

"I shouldn't have to tell you to do things. You should just do them!" Ever more frustrated, Sansa spoke loudly now. Lyon found herself rising from her seat and wandering to the window. She glanced outside briefly.