*000000*

"Ser Boros used to be better, unfortunately he seems to have gotten a bit lazy about maintaining his combat prowess." Myrcella said with a disappointed voice.

Eleyna giggled at that and Septa Mordane frowned but kept silent.

Ser Beric Dondarrion drew Jeyne back into the joy of the joust. She thought him the most handsomeness knight there. Sansa admitted he was dashing but he was also old, he was already in his 20s! If it made Jeyne forget the horridness of the dead knight, she would be happy to cheer for the him as well. He won his match with comfortable ease.

On the jousts went. The thunder of hooves and clash of knights continued. The sun had already begun its downward path when the first round finished. A servant brought refreshments and Myrcella kindly waited for everyone else to drink and eat before she did.

Disaster then struck, the last rider for the North was paired against Ser Barristan! Sansa knew the North wouldn't win the tournament but to have all three knocked out in the first round was shameful. Like she and everyone else predicted, Barristan took down Jory in one pass.

"Well now we know what the North is worth these days." Rosyn remarked.

Myrcella looked at her handmaiden and spoke softly. "Apologize to Lady Sansa and Lady Poole for your crass remarks or I will see you dismissed from my service."

Rosyn looked taken aback. "I… meant nothing by it, it was but an off-hand remark."

Sansa felt Myrcella's gaze on Rosyn, even not directed at her it was a dreadful thing. The air suddenly became thick and it difficult for her to breathe.

"It was a jest, you wouldn't dismiss me over something so minor."

The princess just stared at her. Jeyne, Eleyna and even Septa Mordane were still.

"The Queen summoned me from Lannisport, she wouldn't let you just dismiss me over this."

And still she stared.

After a few more moments Sansa saw a tremor in Rosyn's hand and a look of fear fell over her face. She turned away to face Sansa. "My deepest apologies Sansa." Then she turned to Jeyne. "I am very sorry Jeyne."

Sansa mumbled her courtesies, not daring to do more. A second later Myrcella smiled. "Thank you Rosyn, I do appreciate your courtly manners."

And just like that the tension was gone and everyone turned back to the jousts. All seemed forgiven, though Sansa did not hear Rosyn speak again for the rest of the day.

The next round began with the Knight of Flowers against Ser Preston Greenfield of the Kingsguard. Sansa and Jeyne cheered for him and he proved the valor of the Reach was true indeed. He unhorsed Ser Preston on the first tilt.

Myrcella's Uncle Renly was up next. He had a new horse and had even had his armor scrubbed. It was bright in the sun and he waved to the crowds who roared in approval. His opponent was Tommen's sworn shield, Ser Guyard Morrigan. The two raced forward and crashed together, Renly was then falling off his horse.

Despite the loss Lord Renly did not seem upset. Instead, he roared. "Ser Guyard of house Morrigan, a TRUE knight!" The crowd roared and showered Ser Guyard with their adoration. The knight nodded to his liege lord and gave his own wave to the crowd.

"Ser Guyard is quite good." Eleyna remarked with a grin. "We'll have visit Tommen sometime soon."

The Clegane brothers also advanced, completely overpowering their opponents. They seemed to be unstoppable. Ser Arys unhorsed Thoros of Myr and then Sansa saw Ser Barristan match up against Lady Brienne.

Eleyna shook her head. "Ill luck to draw Barristan the Bold so early."

"Yes, ill luck." Myrcella echoed, thought something was different in the way she said it but Sansa did not voice her curiosity.

Brienne and her steed were larger than Ser Barristan and his. She kicked her horse forward and aimed her lance while the veteran knight did the same. Barristan's lance was placed perfectly while Brienne's was slightly off again. Wood shattered and Brienne reeled, nearly falling from her horse. A fresh pair of lances were provided and once more the they raced at each other.

Brienne struck true this time, yet it did not dislodge the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Brienne though, fell and the crowd cheered, Barristan the Bold was a favorite. Sansa thought it was impressive that Myrcella's sworn shield managed to force more than one pass and said as much.

More jousts and more rounds. Time seemed to stand still for Sansa as she chattered with Jeyne, Myrcella, and Eleyna. The Hound seemed invincible, riding each opponent down with ease. Ser Loras passed within feet of her, she sighed seeing his handsome and refined features. He gave a rose to another high born near her and she felt a stab of envy despite her betrothal to the prince. His match against Ser Arys went to two tilts but it was obvious he was the better rider.

Jaime Lannister continued winning as did Jeyne's favorite Ser Beric, until the two matched and Myrcella's uncle took the victory. As dusk began to set in, they saw one of the Clegane brothers finally be vanquished. Ser Barristan did him in and with pinpoint accuracy. The big man yelled something not fit for polite company and stalked off in a rage. With the light practically gone and excitement still for the crowning of the winner, the King announced they would continue the final rounds in the morning.

The four finalists were Ser Jaime, Ser Loras, Ser Barristan, and the Hound. The Hound was matched against Ser Loras and the two final Kingsguard knights were to fight each other.

Sansa recalled Myrcella's earlier prediction. "I just realized; you were correct about who was going to make it to the end!"

Myrcella inclined her head. "Once you've seen a few, it becomes easy to predict. Unless someone truly exceptional comes along you will always see either one of the Kingsguard, the Clegane brothers and now Ser Loras as the final contenders.

The moon was high and the tourney grounds was now turned into a feast laden celebration. Six massive aurochs were to be cooked along full course meals. The seating arrangements were surprising to Sansa. The King and Queen were on a raised dais and to their left was given a place for Sansa and Septa Mordane. This was a high honor! Myrcella and her handmaidens were sat next to Tommen on the right side. Sansa waved them goodbye and was stunned to find Prince Joffrey sitting to her right.

"It has been too long without your company my lady." He took her hand and kissed it gallantly. Arya and Bran hated him but they were just children and believed he ordered the boy' death, Mycah, she believed it was. It had been a horrible accident and if anyone's fault it was the Hound's.

Sansa smiled sweetly, so pleased that Joffrey was by her side again. He looked so handsome with his blue doublet student with a double row of golden lion's heads. He looked every inch the prince that he was.

"I have missed you." She replied.

Joffrey asked her about the joust and if she was well after seeing the Vale knight die in the joust. When she nodded her head, Joffrey praised her for being brave. He even fed her a choice portion of meat personally; it was the grandest night to follow up her grandest day.

"Who do you think will win tomorrow, my lord?"

"My uncle most like, and in a few years when I am old enough to enter the lists, I shall win them all." Joffrey boasted, and Sansa could believe him. Despite being but four and ten he already had a man's height.

The magic was unfortunately spoiled by the King and Queen arguing. Sansa knew it was wrong of her but she sometimes hated the old fat king. He was crass and rude and openly fondled other women. Even Myrcella had quietly agreed he did not act very kingly at times. After their public argument about the King participating in the melee it was time to go. Septa Mordane would normally escort her but she was fast asleep on the table next to her.

"Would you like an escort?" Joffrey asked.

"Oh yes, please." It was quite the walk back to the city proper and then the Red Keep. The Gold Cloaks patrolled rigorously to and fro the tourney grounds but trying to find her way on her on was intimidating.

"Dog, come escort my beloved back to her chambers."

The Hound appeared out of the night air like an apparition. "Come along girl."

Sansa stood frozen for a moment, he scared her and while she knew Joffrey's sworn shield would not harm her, she didn't want to go into the night with him. Thankfully Myrcella also appeared with Brienne at her heels.

"You should not be without protection my sweet brother. I am heading back as well and Brienne will be ample protection for us both."

Sansa saw Joffrey's face twist in a brief rictus of rage.

"A woman as an escort for my betrothed? Don't be stupid, sister." Joffrey's features smoothed and now he just looked noble and aloof as opposed to angry.

"If you feel you are secure, then Sandor I suppose we will be travelling with you."

The Hound grunted and they were off. Sansa could tell the Hound had been drinking, he still moved with a deadly air about him but his steps were not quite as sure.

Myrcella filled the silence with talk of the tourney. She congratulated Brienne in winning her first match and pointed out the errors in accuracy of her lance placement. It was not done in a cruel way; it was helpful correction like her mother sometimes did for her when she was learning how to put together outfits.

"What the seven hells are you on about? When did you become the jousting master?"

Sansa was taken aback at the tone and words the man spoke. This was the princess! Myrcella though did not miss a step.

"I am observant and have witnessed more tourneys than Lady Brienne has. Did you believe my advice was in error? Please instruct where I have erred, I am always eager to learn."

The Hound snorted. "Piss on all those words, I have no more for you."

"Watch how you speak to the princess." Brienne interjected.

The Hound barked a laugh. "Or what? You stupid cunt, you think you can take me?"

Brienne stepped forward and Myrcella raised her voice for the first time. "Brienne! Tell me how well am I protected while you bicker with the Hound? If I need someone's mouth shut and require your assistance in doing so, I will inform you."

Sansa saw Brienne's jaw clench but she inclined her head to her charge. "Not very well princess, forgive me."

The scarred man laughed again as they continued. They made their way through the gate and into the Red Keep. The Hound stopped at the Tower of the Hand and left them. Myrcella and Brienne escorted her to her room. Lady greeted her and despite the late hour she knew she would not be going to sleep soon. What a wonderous day!

***

​

Eddard Stark had been feeling good for the first time since coming to the capital. He and Ser Barristan had managed to trick Robert into believing he would be allowed to win the melee. Robert cursed them but had ended up not putting himself at risk. Afterwards they had watched the jousts. Ser Barristan had gone seven tilts with Jaime and neither had been unhorsed. Robert had been pleased to award the win to Selmy over Jaime, the look on Cersei's face had been more than murderous. Ser Loras had gone on to defeat Sandor Clegane and the finals had no Westerlands competitors, an apparent rarity he had been told.

Ser Loras ended up beating Ser Barristan but it had been a close thing. The Tyrell lad could ride. The Grand Melee had seen Brienne triumphant. The Lady of Tarth was ferocious as any he had seen. She did not fight with the elegance of Ser Author Dayne, Ser Barristan or the other best knights of the lands. No, her fighting was savage aggression, the punch with a gauntlet, the shoulder check after a parry, at one point she even tackled Thoros off his horse. Robert was in high spirits and good humor overall. He was in his element at the feast cheering the Tyrell lad and Brienne. The Lannisters seemed to have vanished and all three of his children were smiling and happy.

All seemed well until Lord Varys arrived. The man had come disguised to meet with him well past the midnight hour. The conversation had taken twists and turns that had honestly made his head spin. These intrigues of the South were not meant for him. Varys had admitted he knew of a plot to kill the King in the melee and he followed his convoluted logic that trying to warn the King would have just made him more stubborn about competing.

From there the Master of Whispers had explained his own precarious position and how Robert did not hold a man like Varys in high esteem. Accusations made that would anger the Queen would lead to his death as the realm had little love for eunuch spy masters. Once more, Ned could see the logic of his words. He himself did not hold Varys in high esteem and he doubted many did.

And then learning that Jon Arryn was poisoned by the tears of Lys and the only potential person who had knowledge of what had happened that was within reach Jon's now dead squire. Ser Hugh who had been killed by Gregor Clegane. That was no coincidence. It was too much.

He had three children in this nest of vipers and he had no true allies here. Oh, Renly seemed pleased to have him as Hand but the man cared more about his fine clothes and japes than taking his position seriously. The Master of Coin had offered to have dinner with him but there was bad blood due to the duel between Brandon Stark and Petyr, he could not bring himself to trust him.

Pycelle was fully a Lannister creature. Ser Barristan was a voice of honor and reason but would be of little use in uncovering plots and delicate intrigues. Stannis should be here but was not, which also alarmed him. He needed to understand the lay of the land, he needed to make use of Varys despite his distaste for this.

"Lord Varys, if you speak true, I need to know more of what is going on. I need information, and information I can act on before a potential source of information is slain." Eddard gave him a hard look. "I need knowledge, who is loyal to Robert, who is loyal to the Lannisters? What schemes are being concocted, how can I best waylay them. Why specifically was Jon Arryn slain after sixteen years of being the Hand. If you are loyal, you will inform me of all you know."

Varys eyebrows rose a fraction. "All I know? That will take quite some time my Lord, and not all knowledge is useful and may even be counterproductive."

Eddard had enough of these games. "I am the Hand; Robert is the King. Your role is to provide information, not decide what we should and shouldn't know."

The man was silent for a moment. "Shall I tell Robert his brother is a sword-swallower?"

"What?" Ned asked in confusion.

"Yes, the Paramount Lord of the Stormlands is more interested in men, than women. Is this useful information to the King? What would the consequence of it being known that Lord Renly and Ser Loras of Highgarden have been having a tryst? Tell me Lord Stark, what would Robert do with that information, and would it serve the realm? What will you do with the information?"

Ned's mind was a whirl. He would never have suspected, and thinking on the spymaster's words he knew Robert would not take the news well. Much of the Seven Kingdoms followed the faith of the Seven and the Septons spoke out against those sorts of relations. More importantly Renly's own bannerman would lose respect and throw into question the future of the Stormlands, would Renly ever marry and have an heir? And if he did and his peculiarities came to light would his trueborn sons carry the potential stigma of being bastards? And would Robert keep it a secret, even in his cups or if he and his brother quarreled? Ned's head was pounding. This was the sort of information that Varys held and kept from the King and as much as he would like to say he was wrong for it; he could see why.

"Who else knows?"

"Difficult to discern my Lord." Varys gestured with his hands. "My little birds know more than any faction in Kings Landing but I am not the only one who traffics in whispers. Our friendly Master of Coin has the second largest network, and quite a good one given men's usage of his brothels. Behind him is the Queen and her spies. The Tyrells also have a presence, but one of little note though they are attempting to rectify that with haste."

Gods, how many plots and schemes exist here?

And now he knew. And the information was useless, all it could do was harm House Baratheon. Was he better now knowing this? Or was this a scheme by Varys, what truly were his loyalties? He couldn't trust anyone here. It would be better to know than not know and it would give him a chance to test said loyalty.

"I don't have time for these games Varys. I need information, if knowledge of that information will discomfort me or even cause me harm, it is my duty to Robert and to the realm shoulder that burden."

Varys made a humming sound. "If you insist, but as I stated there is so much information, this will likely take some time. Where would you like to start?"

"The Royal Family, anything you know about them."

"The Queen has many spies and the King's squires are fully loyal to her not to the King. As you may have seen, the King mistreats them, mocks them, and belittles their efforts. I'm told he wasn't as bad on the journey back south as normal but there is deep resentment there."

Ned shook his head in irritation. Robert was a believer that squires needed to be put through the paces to build character but there was a line and while drunk he did not doubt his longtime friend stepped over it. Lannisters were prideful and any mockery sent against them would destroy any potential loyalty. It was not good to have the King's squires to be so set against him.

Varys continued. "Joffrey is not a dutiful prince. His courtly manners are tolerable and observes his courtesies in formal court. He rides and sings well and those are the extent of his talents. He has no head for sums, is barely literate and with arms he is mediocre at best. He is cruel and the servants are terrified of him. He has a fondness for killing and once presented the King with a dead cat and her unborn kittens.

Eddard listened in mounting horror. Just what sort of monster had he betrothed his daughter to?

"The boy hates his sister and views his younger brother as contemptable. He does seem to desire praise from his father but he listens to his mother in nearly everything. It is almost certain that the tragic events on the Trident was Joffrey ordering the Hound to murder the poor boy."

Eddard took a drink. "What is to become of the Seven Kingdoms with someone like that as King?"

Vary sipped from his cup as well. "Precisely why I do all within my power to see Robert remain alive and as King. Do not judge me for keeping secrets that will only harm his reign."

The Hand closed his eyes in despair. He could not have his daughter marry such a monster.

"I must call off the betrothal."

Varys shook his head. "You must not. It would not serve the realm and perhaps there is time for Joffrey to be taught better. Perhaps not, the betrothal can always be called off at a later date. But to do so now will only sharpen the knives and lead to conflict."

He stood and pushed his chair away and began to pace. Varys was probably right. Declining the honor of the match would be insulting, if Robert didn't dismiss him over it, he would be viewed as weak. It would also raise questions on if Sansa had been disgraced. The accursed games of the court did not allow for simple solutions.

"What else?"

The eunuch continued. "The princess is quite the opposite. Like Joffrey she has the courtly manners, courtesies, and aplomb to conduct herself well. Unlike Joffrey, the servants view her fondly and she knows them by name. She dotes on her younger brother and seeks to be a friend to all. She is sharp witted, well read and gifted in near every subject. A dutiful child, though lately she and her mother have been quarrelling." Varys took a pregnant pause. "And yet for all her positive qualities she has a Lannister guard regularly precure illicit substances including Nightshade."

"What? Why?" Why would a child of one and ten be stockpiling deadly poisons? The child who all his own children viewed as a confidant and trusted friend.

"Alas, even my little birds are not omniscient. I doubt any in all the realm would ever expect her of using poison, why just the thought of it would be madness. Likely making her the perfect person to deliver."

"Did she…"

"Oh no Lord Stark, it wasn't she who poisoned Lord Arryn. She didn't have the opportunity and my keen-eyed little birds have never seen her with the tears of Lys. Until recently she has never had any interest in poisons. Why, it wasn't until you became Hand that she developed an interest."

What was he implying? Was he suggesting Myrcella meant to use the poison against him and his family? But why? What was the possible motive? Was she her mother's catspaw? Someone else's? Was she working with Renly, it was Myrcella who had pushed to have sworn shields be given to her and Tommen.

"I see I have given you much to ponder. I suggest Lord Stark that we meet again in a few days. Be kind enough to tell me who you want information on and I can prepare my thoughts. Would that be acceptable?"

Eddard nodded. "Yes, yes. Give me information on the Kingslayer, Stannis and Baelish. I want to know the risk of Jaime becoming a regicide twice over, I want to know why Stannis left and I need to know why Baelish has so many spies and what his goals are. Can you provide that to me?"

Varys smiled. "I live to serve Lord Stark." And with that the enigmatic frustrating man left Lord Stark to his troubled thoughts

It was time to meet with father and mother and make sure there were no misunderstandings. When it came time to broker my betrothal, I would be given a choice between multiple valid candidates. Mother had agreed and as part of our deal she would back me here. Father was a difficult man to corner for serious conversations but it was done and now I was in father's chambers with mother.

"What's this I hear? You want to pick out who you marry? Who do you have your sights set on?"

I withheld a sigh. "No one yet father, however I do wish to have some say in my eventual marriage. When I am closer to my maturity, I want the option to pick from a short list of suitable candidates and not be married off without any say."

Mother spoke up as we had agreed. "I believe she should have a say."

Robert took a large swallow of wine. "You know I hadn't really thought about it."

So incredibly shocking of such a wise and foresighted King…

"You being such a tiny thing I thought it was at least a decade away!" He let out a rumbling laugh.

It really wasn't fair. Being X had screwed me somehow. I was only fractionally taller than what I was in my 2nd life and I had enough food this go around. Why was I still such a midget?

"This is serious." Cersei snapped at Robert.

I managed to still the twitch in my facial features. Why must you antagonize him needlessly mother?

Robert huffed. "I know it is serious, I'm talking with you two, aren't I? I still don't know what purpose this talk is about, its years away."

I pressed again. "I would like to have some assurances, given that my entire fate and fortune will be tied to whoever you pick for me. I'm not asking that I be allowed to marry anyone I wish, only that I have a slight bit of agency here."

Father looked at me working through the words I used. "Ehh if that's all, seems reasonable enough. I'll tell Ned and he'll remind me if I forget. Hah, happy now Myrcella?"

Well, yes, I was. I just didn't like the cavalier attitude he had over my future. But this was exactly what I wanted so I would be pleased. I smiled gracefully.

"Thank you, father, I do appreciate this greatly."

Robert gave himself a nod and I suspect he felt a bit of proud in a task well done.

"Now that's done, who do you have your eye on?"

"Father! I don't have anyone; I haven't even had my first moon's blood."

The King belly laughed. "Fine, don't speak on it. I'm just surprised you'd find anyone impressive. You have your mother's haughtiness, good to see a fire does burn in you, even the womanly kind."

Ugh. How can someone go through life with such ridiculous misunderstandings? Well, I had what I came for so I thanked father again and made my exit.

***

​Jaime Lannister had heard the same rant, or close enough for the third time this week. His beautiful lover, his sister, Cersei Lannister simply would not let it go.

"Are you even listening? Do you not understand the peril were are in?"

Jaime shrugged. "You've been over this before. Yes, the Starks are a threat to us. Yes, the Starks are investigating Robert's bastards. Yes, if we are found out we will be executed. I know."

Cersei's fiery green eyes raked over him. Gods, even when she was angry with him, she looked ravishing.

"If you get it, then why aren't you doing something about it!?"

Jaime spread his hands helplessly. "What exactly do you want me to do?"

Cersei shook her head in disgust. "Nothing, I'll handle everything, like always."

Jaime flashed his white teeth in a smile and advanced on her, grabbing her pert bottom. "I handle quite a few things around here, and there are few complaints."

He saw lust war with anger in her eyes and lust won. They embraced and then began a quite enjoyable time. When they were both spent Jaime wondered about the recent soured mood. It seemed that whatever her quarrel with Myrcella was had been resolved, at least for the most part. Why then did she flip from rage to terror so frequently?

The realm owes me their thanks, without our lovemaking she would likely explode from all her tension.

His beloved sister was fearful of the Wolf Lord. What made him so dangerous? The man was only slightly more tolerable than Stannis. Both lacked imagination and both were utterly clueless about Kings Landing. No, their position was stronger than ever. Women worry far too much, he hoped it wouldn't give her premature wrinkles, he loved her flawless features.

"I am curious sister, what do you intend to do?"

Cersei stretched, allowing full view of her form.

"Better that you don't know for now my love. What I intend to do will solve all our problems and allow us more freedom to be together without a blade above our heads. I will do this for us, worry not on my earlier words. It is just that until the pieces are in place, we are yet vulnerable. But only for a short time longer now."

Jaime was idly curious but not overmuch so. The Kingslayer was not a man to enjoy intrigues, set a foe in front of him and give him a sword and he would act. Until then he'd let Cersei play her games. He planted one last kiss on the Queen and began robing himself.

***

​I had made it very clear and mentioned it multiple times that I would be going on an outing to the city proper. Four Lannister guards would be accompanying myself, Brienne and Rosyn. I didn't want to place the younger girls in danger, poor Rosamond was still distraught from the trauma at the hands of Ser Meryn.

If the person or group that wanted me dead wanted to strike this would be opportune for them. A target lightly protected in the middle of a still crowded city would be an ideal. Unbeknownst to anyone save myself and Brienne, I would be having Lum follow us incognito as an additional pair of eyes and ears. The man's talents were more adept outside of the city but there was quite a bit of overlap in an urban environment. He had an eye for detail and a good memory.

Brienne herself now moved properly, her head on a swivel. I explained the importance of constantly scanning for potential threats while on guard. It was gratifying to see that she took those words to heart. Having not only a meat shield but a competent guard focused on my safety was wonderful.

And she was good. Her reaction time impressed me. Her size and strength were only matched by a few people like father and the Clegane brothers. Oh, I'm sure there were other likes the Strong Boar and the Greatjon but here in Kings Landing she had little competition. Her speed was what was crucial for her protecting me. I of course would also be on guard and be ready to give myself a magical edge. While no plan was perfect, I felt this struck the right balance. At the same time, I did have genuine business on the Street of Steel.

I wanted some smaller throwing knives, items easier to hide upon my person that were properly balanced for throwing. A more modern design where the handle is made of the same material and without a proper hilt. The more uniform the design the more accurate my vector-based push of force would function. Experimenting with my small knife had shown it wasn't as accurate as I had hoped when I added the extra power with my magic. With the extra magic it would fly faster, a critical component in its lethality so a dodge or block was unlikely to work, but its penetrative power was still limited.

Testing my current knife, steel plate, mail and even boiled leather showed the limited utility of a thrown weapon, even enhanced with magic. Instead, the ideal target was someone not fully armored. That was a large portion of the population. Most guards wore open faced helms and mail. The eyes and neck being excellent targets, the gap between boot and where the mail ended could also work in a pinch but it wouldn't be lethal.

That was one reason I wanted to visit Tobho Mott's shop, the other was to make inquiries about the dragon bone hilted Valyrian steel dagger. Three birds with one stone was quite the act of efficiency if I do say so myself.

As we slowly meandered Rosyn asked why we were here.

"Why are we here? Why don't we look for some nice dresses or jewelry? These smiths don't make anything we can wear."

"I am shopping for potential gifts for my brothers. I can't very well give them a dress for their name days!" I retort.

Rosyn couldn't say much in response and so she quieted down. Occasionally she tried to strike up conversation, I answered but did not prove to an avid conversation partner as I asked questions to Brienne or a smith about a particular weapon.

Hmm I had been at this an hour and no sign of an attack. Perhaps four guards and a guard in plate was too hard a target?

"Rosyn why don't we hurry this along."

She smiled. "That sounds lovely Myrcella."

"You go down that way and look for a scabbard for an arming sword and I'll go this way. Try to find something with stags and lions. Take two of my guards with you."

"But…" She tried to object but I had already issued the commands to the guards and she went with them. Being royalty was almost as good as being a battalion commander, it was hard to directly object when I spoke. While I was now more vulnerable, I was also eager to find out who was after me.

Lum came into my field of vision and he scratched his chin and after making eye contact, he then blinked three times. Our very brief signal correspondence told me there were now three people following me. Excellent.

I walked at a quicker clip and led my guards through a few turns and off towards Flea Bottom, as we grew closer the shops and merchants grew less organized and more haphazardly arrayed, dwellings jutting against the shops and created small alleys. Finding one with limited ability for people to see it from a distance, I turned a corner and ordered the guards to go left wait two minutes and then follow. Brienne would stay with me.

Like a charm, it worked. I stood waiting at the end of the alley with Brienne as three men cloaked came down it. They looked at me and their eyes widened, Brienne drew her blade.

"Why are you following me?"

Two of them looked to the center figure. They all wore basic clothing, two had short blades at their side while the one in the center had boiler leather and a proper sword. Their cloaks were somewhat ragged with use and dirty but not fully filthy.

The man kept his head down and avoided showing his features. "Meant no harm, was just curious who you were."

I tilted my head. "Oh? You know it is a great crime to lie to the royal family. You can either answer my questions or you can deal with my mother. I assure you that is not what you want."

On cue my two Lannister guards arrived, hemming the three in. I palmed my knife and Brienne advanced a step.

The two looked ready to bolt but the lead one dropped to one knee. "Forgive me Your Grace, I was not honest. My name is Allard and I swear to you that I mean you no harm. May I speak to you alone and explain."

Brienne spoke, "Do you think us fools?"

I paused considering. "Disarm yourselves, your two friends can wait with two of my guards while we speak, Brienne remains."

Allard looked hesitant but finally nodded. He slowly took out his sword, and a hidden dagger and dropped them to the ground while the two others dropped their own weapons. Allard moved forward and Brienne checked him for further weaponry.

In a low voice he said, "My father is Ser Davos Seaworth and has come on behalf of Lord Stannis. He believes you are in danger, though we know not what the danger is. We were to wait and if you were to become threatened, we were to smuggle you out of the city and take you to Dragonstone."

I believed him, unless he was a master mummer, he was telling the truth. Even if it didn't make sense. If Stannis knew I was the target of an assassination why not tell father? And how would smugglers being on hand help prevent an attack on my person? None of this fit.

"Allard, your story is quite difficult to believe. Does your father have any proof of his claims? A letter from my Uncle Stannis with his seal? Or am I to just believe him?"

The man looked discomfited, "I'm not sure, I don't think so. We were sworn to secrecy, the only reason I told you is that I did not fancy being arrested and have the truth pried out of me."

Hmm… this was vexing.

"Allard, I believe you" Brienne shifted her weight in surprise, "but I have no intention on leaving King's Landing. I'm displeased there is no specific threat I can look to and try to prevent. I'm also curious why this threat wasn't brought to my father, the King. I have been corresponding with Shireen, in my next letter I'll ask her for confirmation of your purpose here."

"Princess Myrcella, surely, we can't just let them go. They were stalking you!" Brienne protested.

"We can and we are. My uncle surely wishes me no harm and his words had the ring of truth to them."

And that was that, I had business to attend and I'd prefer Rosyn not find out about it. We quickly made our way to Tobho Mott and his smithery. I instructed Brienne to guard outside and ensure no one bothered us, that included Rosyn and the other Lannister guards if they showed up. She nodded her head and I went to speak with the proprietor.

The man looked up and took one glance at me and shook his head in bemusement. "Two Hands and now the princess, are you here to see him too?"

I had no idea what he was talking about, so I simply nodded.

He returned with a sweaty young man with thick black hair and blue eyes. His jaw was classic Baratheon, in fact he looked a bit like Renly and… oh. This is one of father's bastards. Why would Lord Arryn and Lord Stark have bothered to visit. Was part of their duties as Hand seeing and caring for father's by-blows?

"This here is the princess, bow your head boy."

He did and I smiled at him. "What is your name?"

"Gendry m'lady."

He was muscular and obviously the smith's apprentice so well fed and trained. A respectable middle-class lifestyle as a craftsman awaited him, one could do far worse.

"Thank you, Master Mott, my curiosity is sated."

The boy retreated and I turned back to the master smith. "I would like some throwing knives made to my specification." I went over what I was looking for and he discussed some details regarding their weight and styling. He was knowledgeable and did not condescend based on my age and gender so he was already in my good book. He did want to add filigree but I had no desire to waste the husbanded gold and silver I had.

After settling on the price of a dozen throwing knives, six of one weight and six of another I produced the assassin's dagger. The smith widened his eyes in surprise and I handed it to him hilt first.

"I understand you know how to work this sort of steel. I am curious if your knowledge extends to who may have made this and what the lineage of this dagger is."

He looked it over. "This sort of piece is not my work, I don't work with dragon bone, likely forged sometime early in the Targaryen reign. I can make inquires in Essos but using precious Valyrian steel for a lesser weapon like this is now frowned upon, and such a plain setting, no this may have even been crafted in Old Valyria where the metal was less scarce. It is doubtful anyone cared about the fate of such a piece."

I frowned, that was not helpful.

"If you could make those inquires, I would be in your debt Master Mott. Please be discrete and not mention my name."

He nodded and we concluded our transaction. The knives would be ready in a couple of days. Now to collect Rosyn, I doubt there would be any attempt on my life after being in the open for a couple of hours. Back to the Red Keep and then visit with Sansa and Arya.

***

​Robert's youngest brother glanced up as Brienne entered his chambers.

"Punctual as always Lady Brienne." Renly smiled at her. As normal Brienne averted her gaze from his and could not keep the pink from her cheeks. Her ardor for him had not cooled, which was for the better in Renly's eyes.

"My Lord."

"Please, have a seat you need not always stand."

Brienne hesitated but took the chair that sat across him, between them a small table with wine and a tray of cheese.

"Help yourself, it is Arbor Gold and quite lovely." Renly gestured at the empty cup and bottle. Once more Brienne hesitated but ultimately filled her cup to the brim and took a long drought.

"How fares my niece?" Renly chose the word purposefully to reinforce his kinship with the person Brienne was spying on.

"She is well as always. I… I do have much to report. I do not understand the games that are played in Kings Landing. I will begin with the lesser things and then address the larger."

Renly nodded his head and gestured for her to continue.

"Princess Myrcella has the sharpest mind I have ever come across. Her knowledge dwarfs mine, and not only in noble lady pursuits." She licked her lips. "She knows things. Where to cut on the human body to release blood quickest, what will disable muscles, where joints are weakest and more. She… questions me after sharing bits of knowledge to ensure I've learned them. The princess watches me spar with Lannister guards and then picks apart what I did well and what weaknesses I display."

Renly knew how to fight, all noble sons could. He wasn't one of the greats but he had size and strength and knew how to do battle. But why would tiny Myrcella know all of this and care to 'train' her sworn shield. He knew she was well read but this was peculiar. Did she have dreams like the Stark girl did of being a woman warrior? He could not see it; it was like imagining Stannis in motley.

"And she is… accurate in her knowledge?"

"Yes, her corrections make me better."

Renly shrugs. "What else?"

"She also reviewed basic field dressing and expanded upon in. How to recognize if someone is choking on a morsel. What to do with head injuries, back injuries. How to avoid smoke in a fire, how to treat burns and…"

Renly holds up his hand. "Yes, yes, she's quite learned."

Brienne pauses, looks down and then up.

"She is friends with Sansa, Bran, and Arya, much more so than the ladies in waiting the Queen has arranged for her. Recently she has not been as welcomed in the Tower of the Hand. Before the tourney she had free reign and I would watch as she interreacted with the Stark children, no one truly overseeing in earnest. That changed, and now two Stark guardsmen follow us and do not allow her privacy with the Starks."

Renly frowned at that. Surely Eddard didn't have cause to fear Myrcella. Had he told his children some secret that could be revealed to the royal family? Were the guards there to make sure they minded their tongue? Or maybe Brienne was the concern, Renly wondered if the Spider's eyes had seen Brienne's somewhat regular visits to the room and put two and two together and ward Lord Stark.

"This doesn't stop her from visiting, she even went alone to see if my performance in the Grand Melee was the cause and it was not."

Renly stroked his smoothly shaved chin. He was curious but Brienne likely wouldn't have any additional insight.

"The princess also believes she may be the target of an assassination attempt."

"What?" Renly asked in shock. "She's said this to you?"

Brienne shook her head. "Not in so many words but her actions are clear. Yesterday we went into the city proper and she worked with a Lannister guardsman to try to catch someone who would do her harm. I thought it another training exercise, but thinking back on it afterwards it was clear she expected an attack."

"My niece expected to be attacked and decided to go into the city and give her would be killer's an opportunity?" There was a mocking lilt to his voice. "The princess of one and ten?"

If Brienne was bothered by her tone, she hid it well. "Yes, My Lord. And while we were not attacked by an assassin we were followed. At the time she cautioned me if it came to blows to try to keep them alive. I wanted to sound the alarm but she forbade me and we cornered our stalkers in an alley."

Renly wasn't sure what to make of it all and let Brienne continue.

"There one of the men confessed himself to be Allard Seaworth, son of Ser Davos Seaworth and on a mission from Lord Stannis to provide the princess safe passage if she had a need to flee from some unknown calamity."

It was Renly's turn to drink. "That is quite the story, I trust I can question this Allard Seaworth then?"

Brienne shook her head. "Against my objections the princess let him go. However, they can be located near the docks but I beg discretion. I do not wish her to learn that I shared her confidences."

"My brother is dour and dull but also dutiful. We still don't know why he left Kings Landing so suddenly either. And now he sends the Onion Knight to smuggle out our niece?"

Brienne did not add anything more while Renly contemplated the news.

"You've done good work Brienne. I'm not sure if Myrcella is having some flight of fancy or no but I will investigate."

Brienne took a deep breath. "My Lord, I know you to be a good and steadfast liege. You are gallant and wise but this task you have set before me becomes more difficult for me by the day. The princess knowns what she is about, why not openly work with her and end this secrecy. Tell her you care for her and want to do all you can to protect her and listen to what she says. Even tell her directly you want me to discuss with you what I see during my time protecting her. Let us all act as one and keep our honor intact."

Renly kept a smile on his face even when he wanted to grimace. Brienne was a gifted warrior, her ferocity in the melee proved that. But she was a hapless novice at these things, Myrcella seemed to like him well enough and respected his position on the Small Council but she was still a child. No matter how many texts she read she too had no inkling of the machinations of the great.

"You have a kind heart and do represent Tarth well my lady. I know this task displeases you and I thank you again for doing it. What you do helps protect Myrcella just as your sword arm does, perhaps even more."

Brienne's face went through a few different contortions at the words Renly spoke. He took her calloused hand in his. "This will not be forever but now more than ever I have need of you. Can I count on you Lady Brienne?"

She shivered and replied. "Yes, my Lord, always. I only… no you are right I will continue."

Renly smiled and dismissed her. He wondered as to what Eddard and Stannis thought about his niece. She was but a moderate piece in the game of thrones, her marriage would tie a great house tightly to the throne but that was all. But was it all? If Stark was wary and Stannis focused on her instead of the two princes… hmm. He couldn't see the pattern, maybe Loras would have some ideas.