The Merger

Sir Wilson

Being half drunk and not knowing your new surroundings was not fun. Your bedroom was in a newer part of the castle and lacked a balcony. The only ledge you had was a window and from this high up it was an extremely dangerous drop to the concrete ground.

You could have pole-vaulted all the way to the front of the grounds using the flagpole but that was definitely ending badly.

Your only other option was to walk out the front door.

.
.
.

Yeah, why not?

Your attire was already unflattering and bland. You should have blurred into the background but you were spotted.

"Oi!" a guard yelped and ran towards you. You had no time to think so running for your life was the only option. "Stop!" he yelled.

To your luck, the ogre-sized guard wasn't fit enough to chase you out of the castle grounds so there was plenty of time to catch your breath.

Although once you passed the pub where that wretched troll groped you it was hard to find air. There was no way you could enter that building again, not now. So you continued walking, it had been quite a while since you'd been off your grounds and back into society.

The wet season was over so you needn't worry about stepping through mud and dragging it into the next building. This outdoor pub was covered by branches from the nearby trees, the whole building looked to be built from the same tree. It was sanded beautifully with a spiral effect, it was dainty but sturdy. Beautiful.

"No street rats, " the merchant commented. You hadn't had the time to soak your originally cream coloured shirt.

"Then why be open on the street?" a voice came from beside you. A man dressed in a red and dark grey petticoat stood up and walked over - a nobleman.

"Wilson?" you frowned. You noticed the crest on his top was a falcon.

"Yes. House Wilson, Samuel." he nodded once with his hands behind his back. You went to curtsy but remembered where you were and froze.

"I don't care if she's the queen of Malibu, she clearly doesn't have any money for me. Get out, " the merchant shooed you. You stumbled back but was caught by Sir Wilson.

"That's quite an assumption. Just because someone forgets to clean their shirt a few times doesn't make them a street rat. I think you should apologise to the lady." Samuel smiled at you and noticed the intricate detail on your necklace that you forgot to remove. You obviously had money, so why did you dress this way?

"Like hell, I will. You can get outta here too, mate, " the merchant shooed you again, only this time he had a huge rod to prod you away with.

Samuel chuckled and led you further away from the nasty man

"Thank you for standing up for me, it really wasn't necessary," you tried hiding your face. If he was a nobleman then he was here for the wedding; you couldn't have your guests see you like this.

"I can't have a man like that disrespecting a Stark,"

Your eyes widened and mouth stuttered, "What? Ha-I didn't see any royals in there, " you cleared your throat and suddenly noticed your ruby necklace with your family's crest holding it in gold dangling around your neck.

Samuel raised his eyebrows, encouraging you to explain the jewellery, "Oh this? This um- I-I-um I stole this, " you pulled the chain and fiddled with the stone.

"Come now, you're royalty. What are you doing out here so far from home?"

"I'm not that far from home, " you corrected.

"Oh, are you staying with your relatives for the wedding?"
He had no idea who you were. Well, he had some idea. He just didn't know how high up you were in the royal family.

"Indeed I am, " you grinned - feeling safer.

"Please allow me to escort you back to the castle. I'm to attend the upcoming nuptials as well and have yet to be introduced to the future Queen, " Samuel held his elbow toward you.

"I'm not yet ready to head back. After all, I never received that drink. Then I can introduce you to the Princess."

Samuel paid for your drinks that afternoon. He insisted, saying a beautiful lady like yourself shouldn't have to. He did ask for your name a few times but you insisted he just call you Lady Stark.

"It is getting dark my lady. The King was expecting me quite a while ago, "

"I'm not yet ready. Just one more trip," you quickly got up and headed out the door.

"But the sun is setting!" Samuel hesitated to chase you but thought that escorting you home would look good in the Princess' eyes.

You walked for only a few minutes to the orphanage.

It was empty.

The roof had caved in finally, leaving no room for any beds or even a table. Everything was crushed. A drunk was resting in a corner, leaning against the only wall.

Tears welled up in your eyes. You were too late. The kids were gone. You didn't do anything to help, you just stayed in your castle acting like a little brat because you couldn't fight. You fell to the ground.

Someone touched your shoulder, you expected it to be Samuel but after a shove to the concrete ground, you discovered it definitely wasn't.

"On the ground," he grunted.

"No-" he covered your mouth and tore your shirt.

"Shut up or I'll cut your throat before I start."

Your body went stiff.

Not again.
Please not again.

You never saw his face nor his body, all you felt were his fingers. His sandpaper sausages beginning to roam your body, shoving your face to the ground and lifting your hip up. Tears stained your cheek as you fought whimpers.

You were going to die. Surely you were going to die.

A sob escaped you before it happened. The troll was torn from you and tossed across the room.

Air filled your lungs again finally.
Relief was not what you felt. Relief was nothing compared to the emotions that ran through you.

"You like sticking things where they shouldn't be?! Huh?!" Samuel's sword was pointed at the scumbags chest. He shook his head over and over, shivering at the cold sharp touch of the blade.

"Apologize to the Lady or lose your most precious sword!" Samuel shouted and dug a little deeper, making the man bleed.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please don't kill me!" he looked into your eyes for forgiveness and mercy. All you saw was darkness. A coward begging for his life.

"Go! Runaway like the little boy you are!" Samuel yelled after the man, "Lady Stark, " placed a hand on your shoulder, "are you okay?"

You wiped your face on your dirty clothes and hugged Samuel so tightly you thought he would burst. Wilson didn't push for an answer and simply led you back to the castle.