When The Throne Bleeds

12. The Aftermath

Tyrion Lannister was hurrying through the castle, cursing Janos Slynt in his mind. The entire castle now knew that Irida Snow had come at his invitation, the news wasn't supposed to be broken to them like that. Tyrion desperately hoped that the commander hadn't done anything to harm her, that he hadn't corrupted her honor. He increased his speed, heading towards the office of the commander of the City Watch.

He turned a corner and bumped right into Ned Stark who was also heading the same way as him. Tyrion watched as Ned's previously worries face morphed into one of rage as he laid eyes upon the dwarf. Ned grabbed Tyrion's throat, pushing him against the stone wall.

"Why did you call her here?" Ned asked, his voice hostile.

Tyrion's eyes bulged out. He gasped, weakly trying to remove Ned's hands, his windpipe was constricting on itself as he desperately tried to breathe. Ned blinked his eyes, seemingly realizing what he was doing to Tyrion. He drew back his hand and repeated his question, as Tyrion doubled up, panting heavily.

A minute passed before he could speak. Tyrion looked at Ned, his face stern.

"If she had been your trueborn daughter, you would've brought her here too. You cast her away days after he came back to you. I felt bad for her. I do know something of what it's like to be unloved by your parents. She has your blood, as do your other daughters, she deserves to be in the capital with you." Tyrion said accusingly, and his words created a strong impact.

Ned looked away with guilt in his eyes, clenching his fists.

Tyrion rubbed his neck, coughing a bit.

"Let's go." He said and Ned followed him.

They burst in through the door of Slynt's office, looking around for Irida. It was a small room, filled with papers, weapons and hidden bottles of ale in the corner. Irida was sitting on one of the benches near the Commander's desk, her head turned away obstinately as Janos Slynt leaned over her, whispering something.

"Back away, Commander!" Ned shouted, drawing his sword.

Slynt jumped away, looking like a thief who had been caught red handed. He didn't dare draw his sword, he knew he had done wrong.

"What do you think you were doing with my daughter? Do you have any honor left in you?" Ned said, his voice dripping with anger as he advanced on Slynt.

Tyrion glanced at Irida who was staring at Slynt in disgust. Her jet black hair fell on her shoulders in disarray and the few strands that should've been on her face were tucked behind her ears, courtesy of Janos Slynt. She was wearing a man's clothes, they looked worn-out and old.

Not limiting like a dress, of course. Perfect to run and fight. Tyrion thought.

He walked over to her, looking at her with concern. His concern wasn't real though, he was convinced that she could have handled Slynt by herself if she wanted to. But no woman should have a man force himself upon her, whoever that woman might be, a spy, a traitor, anyone.

"Are you alright?" Tyrion asked softly. Irida turned to look at him, her eyes devoid of the disgust she had a while earlier, and she gave him a small smile.

"I'm perfectly fine, my lord."

She stood up, picking up her bag and slinging it over her shoulders.

Ned was towering over Slynt, who looked like a cowering dog under him.

"If we had been in the North, I would have gladly cut off your head for humiliating a woman like that. You do not deserve to be in the City Watch." Ned barked.