chapter 9

Sansa was so thrilled. Being betrothed to Joffrey was a dream that had surpassed all her dreams of childhood. She was going to be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms! The Princess Myrcella treated her as a friend and even a sister. They had broken fast several times on the journey already. Myrcella was always poised and elegant the very picture of what a princess should be. She hoped she would be as graceful as her when she married her Joffrey. Today she had been invited by the Queen to travel in her wheelhouse.

Septa Mordane had gone over her courtesies again but Sansa had long since memorized how to act in formal situations. She would not disgrace her house; she wasn't like Arya. Her sister was embarrassing the North and she didn't even seem to care. How she wished Myrcella was her sister in truth and not Arya.

However, once she arrived at the wheelhouse the plans had changed. The King's brother Lord Renly and others had ridden out to meet the King's caravan. She had also been able to meet Ser Barristan Selmy, Bran would be overjoyed to meet the legendary figure he had heard so many stories about. The Queen had invited them into the wheelhouse to meet and discuss matters of state and had bid Joffrey to escort Sansa for the day instead. As much as she admired the Queen and her regal bearing, Joffrey was her true desire and so the day just continued to get better!

Again, her dreams were surpassed by the enchanting day. They had visited the banks of the Trident where Joffrey's father had slain Prince Rhaegar. Rhaegar who had kidnapped her Aunt Lyanna. She had been born after Lyanna had died but she knew the story well. Her kidnapping had sparked a series of tragedies that had started the rebellion against the Mad King. Her Prince had sung to her and regaled her with tales of what had taken place here. They had stopped by one of the townhouses and supped on fish. Sansa and Joffrey had wine as well, normally she was only allowed a single cup at a feast but Joffrey has refilled her cup and said she could have as much as she desired.

She rode behind Joffrey on his steed afterwards. Her arms encircling his waist as they laughed together while Joffrey pushed his mount faster and faster. As the evening came to an all too early end, they heard a strange sound of wood clacking on wood. She couldn't place it but it sounded similar to sounds would occasionally hear from the training yard in Winterfell.

"Maybe we should go another route my Prince."

"You're safe with me." Joffrey drew his blade, the one he had told her was called Lion's Tooth.

The sound came from beyond the trees and so they dismounted and Joffrey gave the reins to Sansa as he moved forward, sword still in his hand. The clack of wood and wood go pronounced as they entered the clearing.

There they saw three children. The oldest one, maybe around Joffrey's age was striking out at a thin girl with a wooden stick. He was taller and much bigger and that gave him clear advantage. The girl though was agile and light on her feet, constantly moving to the side or backward, making her larger opponent work for each blow.

She saw Bran leaning against a tree watching them, holding his own stick.

"Bran? Who are you playing with?" Sansa asked.

Joffrey looked puzzled for a moment. "You're the Stark boy who plays with Tommen."

Bran nodded. "Yes, Your Grace."

"Why are you playing with these unwashed commoners? Have you no sense?" Joffrey asked a bit snidely.

Sansa could only agree with her prince. "Bran, does father know what you are doing? What would happen if you got hurt. Or if they knew ruffians who would kidnap you and hold you for ransom?"

"You two are out here alone without any guards."

"I've a man's height and castle forged steel. Lion's Tooth would see to any brigand foolish enough to harm me or my lady." Joffrey proclaimed boldly.

"And I have my wolf." Bran retorted.

The comment made Sansa look around and saw Bran's wolf… and Nymeria lounging nearby.

"Arya?" She called out in shock. It was Arya who was fighting. Her sister getting struck with a stick? She could barely contain her embarrassment. What must her Joffrey think of her?

Her sister looked up at her name angrily. "Go away! We are just playing."

"This is your sister?" Joffrey asked surprised. Arya didn't look like a noble born lady given how she was so dirty and her common looking clothes partially wet from the river.

"Yes, the Septa tries to teach her to be a proper lady but it is just impossible."

Joffrey walked toward Arya and the boy. Sansa thought she recognized him, one of the boys who traveled with the meat wagon.

"And who are you, boy?"

"Mycah M'Lord." Sansa could tell the boy was nervous, his eyes kept track of the steel in Joffrey's hand.

Sansa supplied, "He's the butcher's boy. I've seen him on the meat wagon."

Joffrey laughed. "A butcher's boy who wants to be a knight, is it?" He flourished his blade. "Let's see how good you are."

Bran had gotten up. "Prince Joffrey, we don't practice with real steel."

Mycah stood frozen while Arya took a step between the two. One hand on her stick and the other hand behind her back.

Joffrey's tone of amusement and condescension changed as his lips thinned. "Get out of the way."

Sansa could tell by long experience her sister would be stubborn. "Joffrey, please my sister is all muddy, let's leave them to their childish games."

He eyed her for a moment and then looked back at Arya and Bran. "This peasant raised hands to nobility, I am going to remind him of his place. Get out of the way."

Arya's jaw set and her wolf was suddenly on Joffrey's flank. On the other side was Bran's wolf who gave out a low warning growl.

Joffrey looked at the wolf. "Call your creatures off."

"Put your sword away." Arya demanded.

Joffrey flushed with anger. "I am the PRINCE! Heir to the Seven Kingdoms. If I tell you to call your curs off or to get out of my way you will obey."

Sansa quailed at what was happening. Arya was ruining it all! Her perfect day of joy and wonder was now going so terribly wrong.

"Arya, Bran, please just do what he says. I'm sure he won't hurt your friend."

Joffrey's face twisted into a sneer. "At least not very much. The longer you annoy me the worse it will be for him."

Mycah's face had gone completely pale. "Please, she ast me to. I didn't do anything they didn't ast. Please."

Bran stepped up, now side by side with his sister and both wolves advanced.

Joffrey's hand clenched the hilt of his blade as he took a step forward. Both wolves were now growling. Sansa could see his eyes glance from wolf to wolf. Sansa was in shock. She couldn't think of what to say or do to stop this madness. Her love's body was tense and coiled as if ready to strike. But to who? Mycah was behind Arya and Bran. Sansa started to cry from horror and despair.

"Enough of this." Joffrey said, voice tight with anger. He sheathed his sword. "You have made my lady cry with your foolishness. Mycah, was it? I suggest you leave and never think of striking a noble again if you value your head." Joffrey looked to Arya and Bran. "For the love I bare your sister I hold back my wrath but if you ever interfere with my justice again you will regret it."

Joffrey returned and took Sansa's hand and gave it a light kiss. "Let us be away."

Sansa let out a grateful sob and they turned back to Joffrey's mount to ride back to camp.

"Thank you, my prince, for showing them mercy, they are just children." Sansa spoke with gratitude. She could not believe they had tired to threaten Joffrey.

"Your father has done a poor job of raising them. Robb was also disrespectful to me in Winterfell. I am glad you are not like them. It will not do for your family to be this treasonous. Fix it or I will when I am King." Sansa could tell Joffrey was still furious though he tried to hide it.

"Yes, your Grace." She simpered, tears once again back in her eyes as she held on to Joffrey as he kicked his mount to return to camp. There was no singing or idle chatter on the ride back. He coldly dropped her off in front of the Stark wagons and then kicked his mount again toward the Queen's wheelhouse.

What do I do? Do I speak to father about what happened? Do I try to get Arya and Bran to apologize to Joffrey. Would he even want that? Seven help me.

***

Eddard Stark had Jory Cassel and five other guardsmen with him as he marched to the inn where the King and the royal family was staying. The King's party, the Lannister guards, the Stark guards, the free riders and serving staff had swelled the caravan to King's Landing to numbers that could not easily be fit in a Lord's manor or inn. The lowborn had to sleep in tents or wagons. Here the minor lordling's demesne was less equipped than the two-story inn and so the royal party had opted for its comforts.

He left his guards outside for the moment and pushed opened the door to see the King already well into his cups singing out a bawdy song with a pair of singers, even as the Queen looked on with disdain. The lyrics were quite inappropriate for a girl and boy of Myrcella and Tommen's age to be party to. Tommen was quiet and more concerned with his food and Myrcella's face was unreadable. Joffrey was caught between amusement and desire to join in but sitting next to the Queen must have made him think twice. His sworn shield, Sandor Clegane was lounging on the wall closest to Joffrey with a cup in his hand.

Barristan Selmy, Renly Baratheon, the three Kingsguard who had come to Winterfell with the King were also present. As were a dozen servers, the King's squire, a few of the Queen's maids and some additional Lannister guardsmen.

The Lord of Winterfell moved nearer to Robert and when the song was done Ned called out to him.

"Your Grace, I'd have a word with you in a more private setting. It is urgent."

"Ah Ned my frozen friend, and interrupt my revelry? Let it lie until the morrow."

"It is a matter of the King's Justice your grace."

Renly who had been sitting at another table stirred a bit. As Master of Laws this was relevant to him though he didn't speak up, just listened more closely.

Robert belched. "Bah I'll be the judge of that. What is this about?"

"There has been a murder in the camp."

The King looked a bit surprised. Occasionally there would be fights, especially when men and alcohol mixed but an actual killing was rare to do near the royal party.

"Have you found who did it? Why the need for secrecy, are you eager to replace Ser Payne as my headsman? I hear you do all the executions yourself up in the north."

Eddard saw the Hound look at him a sneer on his features.

"I have a suspect." Ned thought back to Arya's eyes filled with rage and tears. Her friend had gone missing and she had searched with her wolf pup. They had found the body just outside of the camp. It had been cut nearly in two, the boy's face a rictus of pain and terror.

"Then out with it!" Robert demanded.

"Robert it would be best…"

"Enough of this mummer's farce Stark." The Hound's rasping voice let out. "The boy was wanted for questioning and when he ran, I cut him down."

"What?" Robert asked. "Who was cut down and for what?"

Joffrey smirked. "Some butcher's boy who I last saw striking the younger Stark daughter. I asked my dog to question him to make sure he was not planning to do anything further untoward to my betrothed's sister and it looks like his guilty heart made him run."

"Not very far." Clegane mocked and Eddard's rage nearly bubbled over.

"The boy was one of the small folk in your baggage train Your Grace. He served his father ably in helping prepare the food that was sent to the cooks that prepared your feasts. He and my children would play at knights, until your son interrupted them and threatened Mycah."

Robert looked at Joffrey. "Boy, explain yourself."

Ned saw that the queen had looked startled at the course of events. "Husband, let us speak of this privately. Not here with all…"

"Quiet woman, I want to hear what our son has to say for himself."

Joffrey's previous smirk was wiped away at the sight of his father's anger.

"I… I was riding with Sansa when I came across the other Starks and the peasant hitting each other with sticks. The boy was bigger than them and it wasn't right for someone so lowly to be striking nobility." He paused still seeing the anger on the King's face. "I also did not know his intentions and sought to question him but the Stark children barred my way."

Ned could hear Renly snicker from one of the tables.

Joffrey shot his uncle a look of pure poison. "I did not see a way to move them without injury so I escorted Lady Sansa back to camp and told my dog to question him. He told me the boy ran which is a clear sign of guilt. Lord Stark, I don't know what tales your younger children have been telling but with this boy fleeing he likely was intending them some harm."

Robert's face looked less angry. "Aye I can see the reasoning there boy." He took another swallow of wine and turned to the Hound. "And you? You were sent to question the boy, not gut him."

"He ran. He wouldn't have run if he wasn't guilty." The Hound defended himself with a shrug. As if Mycah's life was not important. Eddard understood well that the small folk were not as important in the eyes of the nobility, but justice should still be done. You did not kill one out of hand. The idea that the Hound could not subdue a 13-year-old boy was not credible.

Eddard spoke up. "I am not convinced you would cut him down instead of merely capturing him without orders from your master."

Robert blinked in surprise. The Queen stood up. "How dare you accuse Joffrey! My son was watching out for your family and you accuse him of this?" She looked at the King. "Will you allow this slander to be aired without consequences."

"Silence!" Robert thundered. He turned to Eddard. "My son and his Sworn Shield say one thing and you say it was another. What evidence do you have Ned, that this was murder and not a tragic misunderstanding?"

"Evidence? Your Grace, a boy half the size of Clegane would be easily subdued. Instead, he was cut near in two and struck multiple times. Either Joffrey sent the Hound to murder the boy or he took it upon himself to do so. A crime requiring the King's Justice has been committed. In terms of evidence Arya and Bran both confirmed the prince bared steel and threatened them and the boy."

Robert whirled back to Joffrey. "Well?"

"I had my blade drawn before knowing what was making the noise. I wanted to question the lout and the children got in the way. I ordered them to move and they refused me. I was angry at their foolishness but sheathed my sword and comforted Sansa."

Eddard shook his head. "My children told me you were about to strike at them until their wolves interfered."

The Queen once again leapt to her son's defense. "More lies, my son would not be afraid of half-grown mongrels. Your children's flights of fancy are delusional."

Ned's friend sat down heavily nursing his head. "Bring your children here, they will explain what they saw and why and then I will render my judgement. Everyone out. Cersei, Barristan, Clegane, Joffrey stay."

Eddard bowed his head. "Your Grace, the Hound should be disarmed. Should your judgement go against him…"

Clegane barked out a laugh. "I'm loyal to the prince and to the King. But to make any cravens in the room feel better here, take my sword." He threw his sheathed blade to the floor at Eddard's feet. He took the weapon and departed, intent on returning with his children and the hope his old friend would do justice.

***

I couldn't believe what an idiot my brother was. If he was going to send Clegane to kill Mycah then have the decency to dispose of the body. But no, my sadistic idiot of a brother didn't want Mycah to go missing. He wanted the boy dead and the Stark children who had defied him to know that the boy was dead. Stupid, stupid stupid.

Now an inn full of people would have heard the accusation. It was good of the Hand to try to get my oaf of a father to speak privately on it but that ship had sailed. Mother was blindsided and knew how bad this looked. One stratagem she could try would be to lay the blame on Clegane. As penalty they could send him to the Wall. What complicated this was Joffrey would not want him sent to the Wall. I'd seen the giant of a man fight; he was one of the realm's deadliest warriors and having such a mighty shield was good both for practical security reasons but also for reputational purposes. Then of course there was the possibly the Hound would demand trial by combat if he feared the decision would go against him. Who would stand against him? The Queen's brother would have divided loyalties. Would it be Eddard? One of Eddard's men? Would it be Barristan the Bold, acting on the King's behalf? Barristan was a legend but older.

Another strategy would be to place all the blame on Mycah and convince the King that he did mean harm to the Stark children. The problem with that was Joffrey's actions which no doubt the Stark children would all ratify were threatening and in the wrong. Should the King believe it was Joffrey who told the Hound to murder Mycah there grew even more problems. Prince Joffrey overstepping his boundaries and ordering a murder was cruel but many Lords had done so. Normally with few repercussions. The idea of Robert disowning Joffrey over the matter was slight, especially since Joffrey was not yet a man grown.

And yet another concern would be how father would view Joffrey threatening violence against his best friend's children. Father was normally an easy man to read but these were uncharted waters. If Robert fully sided with his son's versions of events and did nothing to censure him or Clegane it could alienate his best friend. What a mess. What an unforced error.

Ser Arys touched my shoulder, likely to escort me to my room. I didn't want to leave, I wanted to know first hand what was going on and where the chips were going to fall.

"Father, I'd like to stay. I am close with the Stark children and close to my dear brother. I might be able to provide some insight. And as Uncle Renly can attest, I am fascinated by the history of laws and how they are employed in modern day."

Renly looked caught off guard, did he even remember my attempt at having discussions on legal minutiae with him? He shrugged when father looked at him.

"Fine, stay." Robert agreed without fanfare.

Mother tired to speak with father and he shook his head. "I'm sure I'll hear an earful later regardless, save it for then."

We didn't have long to wait. Lord Stark had returned with Sansa, Arya, and Bran.

Father looked at his friend and then his son. He glanced at me. "Let's make it proper enough then. Ned you'll have your children say their piece and I'll question them. Then Joffrey will have his say, and you can question him. The Hound has already spoken of his actions. Then I'll confer with my brother and Ser Barristan as to what the proper course is to be.

"And me? Shall I have no say in this?" Mother's voice dripped with acidic contempt. I'm not sure what her play was here. The less rational she appeared the less likely father was to listen to her. Maybe even a wise and steady hand like mother could be derailed due to emotional fear for her firstborn?

"Yes, yes you can speak your piece too, now let's get this over with. Which of your children is speaking first?"

Arya spoke up and shared her story. I believed her tale. She kept it straight to the point, said that Joffrey had interrupted their play, advanced on them with naked steel and looked as if he was about to strike. She did herself no favors when she said that Joffrey was lucky that he hadn't struck because he would be dead.

"She threatens the future King over a butcher's boy? This is…"

"SILENCE!" Father thundered. "I will hear all before I render a judgement, now quiet or I'll have you removed."

Mother what were you doing?

Bran shared his story; he avoided saying he would have helped kill Joffrey but he did confirm what Arya said about Joffrey being about to attack. That the only reason he backed off was their wolves.

Finally, it was Sansa's turn. "I'm sorry Your Grace but it all happened so quickly I just don't know."

"You liar!" Arya yelled at her and went to kick her before the Hand stopped her physically.

Mother smirked. "What a wild and undisciplined child."

Father glared at her.

"Fine. Two of you believe Joffrey was about to attack. Did he ever swing his blade?"

They shook their heads.

"He was about to!" Arya replied despite the shake of her head.

Father ignored that. "Did he say he would harm you or the boy later?"

Bran replied, "Not specifically he did say if we got in the way of his 'justice' in the future we would regret it."

"Very well." He looked to Joffrey. "Well, boy, what is your say. Were you about to attack Ned's children?"

Joffrey was very still. It was obvious to me he was lying when he spoke though his voice was fairly smooth. "I took a step forward and had my sword out but I did not strike nor would I strike. It would foolish to cause harm to someone when attempting to prevent harm. I wanted my betrothed's family to be secure. Their dogs or wolves had nothing to do with it. If I had wanted, I would have cut both of those wolves down with my blade with no issue. Mere pups do not frighten me and Lion's Tooth."

It was Uncle Renly's turn to scoff. "Lion's Tooth? You named your sword Lion's Tooth?"

Robert slammed his hand on the table. "Brother, you are only here because you are technically the Master of Laws, stop your japes or I'll throw you out."

Uncle bowed his head in acquiescence.

"Did you tell Sandor Clegane to murder Mycah?"

"No, I did not."

"Why didn't you bring this issue to me or your mother?"

"I am nearly a man grown and heir to the Seven Kingdoms. I did not want to bother you. If the boy had answered all my questions to my satisfaction, he would have been free to go. Had he not I would have brought it to you to render justice."

Throughout his testimony Joffrey looked at the King but had trouble keeping his gaze on the King's eye, and he fidgeted.

The King frowned. "I think I've heard enough, Eddard any questions?"

"No, Your Grace. I believe Prince Joffrey is not being true. I believe my children could have come to harm had they not had their protectors. I do not believe Clegane would be so incompetent to accidently kill a child. I also do not believe he would disobey Joffrey."

Cersei raised her voice, more cordially than before. "Lord Stark, did your children come to you before Mycah went missing?"

Ah there is my mother's shrewdness.

"No, Your Grace."

"We are to believe then that your children felt that they were about to be attacked and done serious injury or death and they did not think it important to inform you?"

Eddard paused and thought for a moment. Father grunted. "Well, you two, why didn't you inform your father?"

Arya looked down and unsure of herself. Bran chose to spoke. "We talked about it but we didn't know if we would be believed. Once we spoke to our Lord Father, he would be honor bound to act. We were worried if you didn't believe us our wolves would be taken from us." He looked to Arya. "And we were worried that Arya would no longer be allowed to train, err, play knights." His voice grew softer. "We never thought Prince Joffrey would have Mycah murdered."

I believed Bran. It sounded exactly what children would be worried about. Though I hope there was no further talk about the wolves being take away from them because that could have a huge impact on what I could do with my mana.

Of course, mother had to press in on that point. "On the fear your beasts would be taken from you I note a small bit of truth. All parties agree that the wolves displayed aggression toward the Crown Prince. Our son. While I believe Joffrey could defend himself what if he had been injured by these overzealous freakish creatures? These aren't hunting dogs they are true wolves; they shouldn't be children's pets, it isn't safe."

I saw all three of the Stark children tense up.

"One thing at a time woman." Robert groused.

Robert took another long swallow from his cup.

Because alcohol obviously will help your mental faculties father. No wonder mother holds you in such contempt.

"Myrcella, you've befriended these children and you know Joffrey. Where do you believe the truth is?" Father asked.

Shit. Why was he asking me? I suppose I had no one to blame but myself for my earlier justification for my presence being here. Now I had Joffrey, Sansa, Arya, Bran, my mother, and Lord Stark staring at me. I had no desire to upset any of them.

"To my ears everyone seems to speak true." I lied. I paused and tried to buy myself time. "I do have a first-hand account of seeing Mycah interact with Bran and Arya. It was a week ago and I saw them playing. I found it innocent enough, Mycah was hesitant to even strike for fear of harming. This makes his death tragic, as I do not believe he had any ill designs on the Starks." I saw my mother's face tighten. "However, the poor boy was terrified when I approached. I almost feared he would rabbit away when I spoke. It is also plausible that the sight of our fearsome protector," I looked at the scarred visage of Sandor Clegane, "could have made him terrified enough to flee."

Mother's features grew marginally less antagonistic.

Father grunted and took another chug of his drink. "Like talking with Pycelle, if you had to choose, who do you think was telling the truth?"

Oh, of all the stupid and ridiculous situations to be in. Why the hell was he asking me? And then I saw what my pathetic father was doing. He wanted to pawn off the responsibility of the decision to someone else. What a weak and pathetic ruler. He's the Chief Executive Officer of the Seven Kingdoms and he wanted his daughter to bail him out from making the hard choices. I could only stare and marvel at the shameful behavior.

Finally, I said, "Can not both sides be true? Can Joffrey not step forward with blade drawn and think he is not a danger as he knows he would not harm his beloved's siblings? Can Arya and Bran and their protectors not see bare steel and feel a touch of fear? Can not Joffrey intend to flex his proverbial wings as heir and try to investigate Mycah's nature himself? Can not his Sworn Shield act with fidelity to his charge and then act overzealously? Someone saying a thing to be true when they believe it is true is no lie even if their belief is false."

I was dancing the razor edge here. I wanted everyone in this room to view me as an ally and not an enemy and this was a dance that was near impossible.

"Seven Hells you are as slippery as Littlefinger AND Varys combined." My father complained.

Ser Barristan Selmy replied, "Your daughter is wiser than her years. A just course is not always easy to discern."

Father muttered something under his breath and we were dismissed. Mother remained seated and father sighed and didn't gainsay her. I walked out with Joffrey and Sandor and the Starks followed behind us. Stark guardsmen eyed the disarmed Hound warily while Joffrey looked at everyone with contempt. We all just waited awkwardly, wondering what was to happen next.

I didn't try to start a conversation but I was already planning my excuses to mother, what I would say to the Stark children. I didn't plan to talk to Joffrey at all if I could help it. Hopefully the excess feasting and drinking didn't send father to an early grave, Joffrey needed to control his baser instincts and get a shred of wisdom before inheriting or our dynasty was going to be in rough shape.