Star

Chapter 4

The next day I found myself outside in the courtyard, watching the boys train whilst the cold morning air caressed my skin. Shivering I folded my arms across my chest to ward off the cold. I didn't want to go back inside, for a few reasons. For starters I didn't have much work to do concerning Arya and Sansa as they were currently at their lessons with the Septa. Second, Jon had invited me and third, the Prince was here. Which meant Sandor was here too.

I did however find myself firmly stomping on that last one. I didn't really want to think about why he was in it at all, much easier to simply ignore it completely.

The sounds of swords clanging together echoed through my mind as I stood there, my gaze switching between Jon and Sandor. Jon was currently training with Robb, having to use wooden swords much to their annoyance. I did know however they used real swords when they could get away with it. I wasn't going to tell, and they hadn't gotten hurt so I didn't have a reason to.

Being wrapped up in my own thoughts I hadn't noticed when Prince Joffery had made his way over to me. The harsh clearing of his throat caught my attention. He had a look of annoyance on his face, clearly not liking that I hadn't noticed him immediately, having to gain it himself instead. Sandor was stood behind him, as usual, with one hand casually upon the hilt of his sword. His gaze was impassive, almost bored.

"My Prince." I muttered, lowering into a low curtsey. Standing back up straight I couldn't help but notice how tall he was for a twelve year old boy. He was taller than Jon and Robb.

"What is your name, girl?" Prince Joffery asked me and I immediately felt my annoyance flare, I was four years older than him. I quickly stomped on it before he saw.

"Myranda, My Prince." I told him. I had to stop myself from glancing at the tall man next to him. I didn't think he would appreciate if his 'dog' was getting it instead of him. Plus, I didn't know if I was allowed to or why I wanted to. It was still all confusing to me.

"Aren't you a pretty thing." he complimented but it didn't feel like one. My body tensed but I tried not to show it. I simply smiled and thanked him. "I wonder if you'll be joining us to King's Landing, if not that would be a shame. Could definitely have some fun with you." I was happy my face never gave anything away because inside I felt cold. It didn't sound like a boy thinking lustful thoughts, not even close, it felt vaguely threatening.

In my peripheral I saw Sandor's head tilt reflexively towards the Prince, but that was it. His face was still in that bored frown. I smiled once more before making a quick escape, relief filling me when I was away from the courtyard, and the Prince. I did not get a good feeling from him, not at all.

Later that day I was helping Sansa get ready for bed. She was in her nightgown, hair just brushed and hanging down her back in soft waves. She was tall for her age but small. Thin arms, legs and waist. Moving over to her bed I pulled the blankets down to allow the girl to slide inside. I rolled my eyes as I listened to her rant about her little sister.

"I just don't understand why she can't be more like me." She whined, falling back into her pillows. "Mother always tells me what a real Lady I am so-"

"Everyone has different dreams, Lady Sansa." I cut her off with a gentle smile, pulling the thick furs over her body. "Your dream isn't your sisters dream I am afraid. Shouldn't her wishes be brought into consideration? Would you want her to be miserable all her life just because you think she should be more like you?"