Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

xlvii. Investigation

I was sitting in one of the many courtyards of the Red Keep, sharpening my weapons. The weapons master had agreed to let me as long as it was under his watch. His distrust of me reflected how everyone was feeling since Joffrey died.

Lord Tywin seemed to believe that I had nothing to do with Joffrey's death, but Cersei did not. Between calling for Sansa's capture and her own brother's death, she had somehow had found time to target me. She kept insisting that I should be brought in for proper questioning in front of Tywin, herself and the small council.

One positive out of the past few weeks was that Mace had stopped treating Lucien so horribly. We had not spoken much, but he did stop by my room to thank me. I missed his friendship, but I did not want him under investigation. I just hope Daemon made that clear to him for the both of us.

Daemon was under investigation too. He has a bit of a violent streak from when he was younger and never got along with Joffrey. Apparently that is enough for him to be suspicious and a possibly co-conspirator of Tyrion.

We agreed to keep Lucien away from the both of us as soon as we found out we were both under suspicion. We also lessened our contact with each other. It was incredibly lonely, but the three of us agreed to work together to make me Queen in the North. We cannot do that under investigation or with our heads lopped off.

As soon as I was done sharpening my butterfly swords, three members of the Kingsguard stood in front of me. I let out a sigh and sheathed all of my weapons before finally getting to my feet. I knew exactly what they were here for and I was prepared. Daemon did give me a little heads up when he found out we were actually being questioned.

"The Small Council has requested to speak with you," Boros Blount told me.

Boros, Preston Greenfield and Arys Oakheart led me through the castle. Out of the three of them, the only one I worried would prove difficult in a fight was Arys. In a fight with any of the Kingsguard, I would be worried about Arys and Ser Balon Swann. However, if Ser Balon only had a sword I am sure I could win. He is really only a threat if he has a bow or a morning-star and I have no idea how to defend against a morning-star.

Osmund Kettleblack was corrupt and had let his arrogance get to his head, yet still was not as lethal as Arys with a sword. Preston Greenfield broke his vows by meeting with another man's wife and is too short to be a real threat. Boros Blount is both a coward and a lackey of the Lannisters, more of a paper shield than a metal one. Meryn Trant was the final Kingsguard member - apart from Jaime Lannister - and his cruelty considerably outweighed his ability.

And, well, I did not think Jaime Lannister to be a threat anymore. He would have been when he had his sword hand. But that was not attached to him anymore.

As I reached the Small Council chambers, Meryn Trant was standing there and opened the door for me. He tried to push me in, but I caught my footing and only stumbled slightly. I turned back and gave him a nasty look before continuing into the room.

Lord Tywin, Cersei, Varys, Grand Maester Pycelle, Mace Tyrell, Oberyn Martell and Jaime Lannister were all sitting at the table. I did not like my odds, seeing as only Varys and Lord Tywin were actually able to think without the command of others. Well, I am sure Cersei could, but she is set on me being guilty of something so she can see me killed.

"Lady Stark, I am sure you know why you have been called here," Lord Tywin said. "Would you rather stand or sit."

"Stand, my lord, I do not intend to be here for long," I answered. "After all, we both know I am innocent."

"Lies," Cersei muttered, clearly unable to control herself.

The Kingsguard members closed the door behind me as I stood in front of the table. There were no friendly faces here. The friendliest was Varys, which was never a good sign. He always looked out for himself, despite his claims of serving the realm, so if he decided it was best if I died then he would see it happen.