The Legacy

Part 14

Viserra sat next to her uncle's bed, her foot shaking in anticipation for him to wake up. Bantis laid next to Viserra's feet staring up at her with concern. She held her uncle's hands and couldn't feel anything but helpless. She couldn't lose him. None of the Starks could. Viserra wiped a few stray hairs from his damp forehead. She hated seeing him like this. He looked tired and so much older than she was used to seeing him. Her uncle was always strong and stoic. He is the strongest man she knows. She rested her head on the bed and her cheek against his hand. In that moment she missed Jory. Jory, who the day before had helped her lace her boots. Jory, the man who had picked her up when she fell of the horse when she was little. The man who she saw as family then and now. A tear escaped from her eyes as she remembered him seeing him in those last moments with the dagger through his eye. She rubbed her eyes as to rub that image from her mind.

"It's alright love." Ned's hoarse voice caused Viserra to prop her head up. He squeezed her hand gently as he looked at the sad girl.

"Uncle!" she exasperated and kissed his hand. Her eyes lit up as he showed signs of consciousness. "Uncle, Jory and the others-"Viserra looked up at his tired face.

"I know." His hand gently patted her hair. "I know." Before Viserra could respond the door to his chamber and Bantis stood alert with his hair standing on end. The king and queen enter the room eyeing the wolf.

"Mīsagon se urnēbagon" Bantis responded to Viserra's command as he walked to the other side of Ned and sat down on the bed protectively. The wolf watched as the king stood at the end of the bed and the queen by the door. Cersei stared at the young girl by the bed. She hated her presence.

"Your pardon, your Grace. I would rise, but-" Ned sat up.

"Do you know what your wife has done?" Cersei interrupted with her accusatory tone.

"She did nothing I did not command." Ned defended his wife's rash decision. Viserra looked at her uncle with concern.

"Who would've though she had it in her?" Robert had commented.

"By what right dare you lay hands on my blood?" Cersei demanded.

"By what right did your brother Jaime?" Viserra spat back as Bantis let out a low growl. "Lyka" she quieted Bantis.

"I am the King's Hand, charged with keeping the peace-" Ned started.

"You were the King's Hand. You shall now be held accountable." Cersei interrupted looking toward her husband.

"Will the lot of you shut your mouths?! Catelyn will release Tyrion and you'll make your peace with Jaime." Robert silenced the room momentarily.

"He butchered my men"

"Lord Stark was returning drunk from a brothel when his men attacked Jaime." Cersei responded snidely.

"Lies!" Viserra stood up and glared toward the queen. The two women eyed each other as they defending the actions of the ones they love.

"Quiet women." Robert commanded.

"Jaime Lannister has fled the city. Give me leave to bring him back to justice." Viserra ignored him.

"No, your grace I will bring him to justice." Ned adjusted himself to sit up straighter.

"I took you for a King." said Cersei.

"Hold your tongue." Robert warned.

"He's attacked one of my brothers and abducted the other. I should wear the armor and you the gown." she spat toward king Robert. In one swift move Robert hit Cersei across the face. Stunned Cersei looked over to Viserra and her mask fell over her again. "I shall wear this like a badge of honor.