Chapter 7 - Devious
Sansa
The day had started more interestingly than Sansa had expected. Soon after breaking her fast, she had met Jon, Bran, and Arya in the Godswood, where she learned the most unexpected information. Jon Snow, her bastard brother, not a bastard at all! No, a secret Targaryen by the name of Aegon, and true heir to the Iron Throne. Sansa could hardly believe it, but Bran had confirmed it to be true through his visions.
And before Sansa could bring it up herself, Jon quickly mentioned the fact that he in no way wanted to take the throne away from Daenerys. Sansa couldn’t help but be disappointed, as she was sure Jon would have made an excellent ruler. Not to mention, she did not trust Daenerys. And unsurprisingly, it seemed Daenerys did not trust her or Arya much either, as Jon was adamant to emphasize the fact that they were not to share this information with anyone, or there would “be consequences,” whatever that meant.
But Sansa couldn’t help but wonder what it would mean for Jon to be king. The North would surely maintain their independence were he to rule, and Daenerys did not seem willing to part with the northern part of “her” kingdom. It was soon after her meeting in the Godswood with Jon that she decided, should Daenerys prove an inadequate leader, she would share the truth of Jon’s parentage.
Unfortunately, her afternoon was no less interesting than her morning. After checking on Brienne, who was still fast asleep with Jaime by her side, Sansa made her way to her own quarters to begin the day’s work. However, when she arrived, she was greeted by two unsullied at her door. And after entering her quarters, she was greeted by none other than Daenerys herself, sitting in a chair by the fire. “Your Grace. What brings you to my rooms?” Sansa inquired.
Daenerys gestured to the other chair by the fire. “Please, sit Lady Sansa.” Sansa took a seat in the chair, her gaze never leaving Daenerys. “I imagine you have heard about Jon’s true parentage.” she began.
Sansa nodded in reply. “Yes, it was quite shocking news.”
“Yes, to me as well.” Sansa could sense annoyance in her eyes, “I trust he also informed you that you and your sister are not to share this information with anyone.” Daenerys added in a serious tone.
“Yes, he made that quite clear.” Sansa replied.
“Good.” Daenerys took a breath before continuing. “Though, the matter of Jon’s parentage is not the only reason I have come to talk with you, I have questions about Ser Brienne.”
At this Sansa could feel her heart rate increase. Did she mean to harm her sworn sword? Daenerys was anything but pleased at the result of the fight yesterday. “Whatever about, your grace?”
“Well, I just recently learned from Maester Wolkan about your sworn sword’s memory loss. I wish to extend my sympathies. Such a tragic side effect to the Long Night.”
“Thank you, your grace. Your sympathies are much appreciated.” Sansa responded.
“The Maester informed me she had lost six years worth of memory, I wish to know what exactly Ser Briene has forgotten, for her sake of course. I do not wish to confuse the Lady Knight.” Daenerys added.
“Well, she last remembers the oath she swore to my mother, to bring my sister and I to safety in exchange for Ser Jaime. When she first woke she thought they had just departed from Riverrun, where my brother and his men had been holding Ser jaime.” Sansa began.
“Yes, I remember Ser Brienne discussing their trip in his defense. I would not have assumed the kingslayer to save a maiden from rape.” Daenerys replied.
“Nor would I have. But Ser Brienne trusts him, and I trust her.”
“Trusted, it would seem. As I would assume Ser Brienne has no memory of his selfless act?” Daenerys asked.
“Well, I filled her in as much as I could, she knows how Ser Jaime lost his hand to defend her. Though some parts I left out, I felt they would be a bit overwhelming in her current state. I thought it best for Ser Jaime to share those details himself, as he was actually present.” Sansa answered.
“What kind of details, might I ask?”
“Well, I only know as much as Ser Jaime has told me, during our time watching over Ser Brienne. Apparently he saved her from a bear. I had always wondered where she had gotten those scars near her collarbone.” Sansa responded.
“Your newfound respect for the Kingslayer shocks me to say the least. But a week ago you announced how he attacked your father, and tried to destroy you and your family as he did mine. I hear he is suspected to have been the one to push your brother Bran to his death, crippled forever. And yet now you speak of his right to share details to Ser Brienne?” Daenerys retorted.
At her words Sansa couldn’t help but flinch. While Bran had never admitted it, Sansa had always suspected it was the doing of the Lannisters. Had Ser Jaime truly pushed her brother out of the window? She took a deep breath before responding to Daenerys’ accusing words. “His admiration and praise for my sworn sword has earned him a bit of respect from me, and what of it? Ser Brienne was dying, and Jaime helped me to ensure she was ok. For a week we stayed at her bedside. I believe he is still there now as she recovers from the fight. It is no secret I have no fondness for Lannisters, but he has been nothing but admirable since arriving at Winterfell to fight with us. That is the truth.”
Daenerys wordlessly stood from her chair and walked toward the door. As she reached for the handle she turned her gaze back toward Sansa. “Thank you my Lady, for the insight.” She commented, and made her leave from Sansa’s room.
Daenerys
She couldn’t help to hide her satisfaction of how well her conversation with Lady Sansa went as she descended down the hall back to her own quarters. Sansa had provided her with just the type of information she needed to know about Ser Brienne. And, it seemed her luck had not run out yet, as when she turned the corner toward her own room, she ran into a boy by the name of Podrick Payne, better known as Ser Brienne’s faithful squire.
“Y-your grace.” Podrick stuttered once he made note of her presence.
Daenerys nodded. “Podrick Payne, isn’t it?” She asked with a smile.
The squire nodded, his gaze struggling to stay on Daenerys. She appreciated the intimidation her presence brought him. Opening the door to her quarters, Daenerys gestured for him to enter. “Please, take a break from your work and join me by the fire.”
“I- I don’t think I’m allowed–”
“Nonsense. As rightful queen of the seven kingdoms I release you of your duties long enough to warm yourself by the fire with me.” She responded kindly.
The young squire couldn’t help to hide his smile as he slowly walked into the room. The pair sat by the fire while her unsullied guards stood firmly at the door. Daenerys reached over to a pitcher of wine, and poured Podrick a glass. “I- I don’t think I am allowed to at this hour, your grace.” Podrick responded.
“Please, have your fill. It is bad manners to refuse a queen.” Daenerys retorted. It was clear Podrick was thirsty after a long morning’s work, as he downed the first glass within seconds. After his second glass, Daenerys began their conversation. “I was saddened to hear the news about your Lady Knight, please believe me I did not intend for her to fight yesterday. That fight was solely between I and the kingslayer.” The squire nodded at her words, staring toward the ground. “Why is it, even after losing her memories, Ser Brienne chose to fight on behalf of the kingslayer?”
“B-because, Ser Brienne believes Ser Jaime to be honorable. I do too.”
Brave boy, saying these words in front of me.
Daenerys poured Podrick another glass, and watched as he selfishly downed another glass. “Yes, I have gathered as much. You are so very loyal to Ser Brienne, I admire your efforts. I don’t think I know many young men willing to squire for a woman, one who was just knighted a mere week ago.” She added.
“I would serve no one else, your grace. Ser Brienne is the most honorable knight I know, she has overcome much in her life, and it is an honor to learn the sword from her.” Podrick responded.
It was after Podrick’s fourth glass of wine that he started truly opening up about his Lady Knight. “What per say were these struggles she had to overcome?” Daenerys asked.
After wiping any wine residue from his mouth, Podrick began to speak. “Well, she had three failed suitors. One of which she fought. The only man to be kind to her before Ser Jaime was King Renly Baratheon, I believe that is why she fought for him in his rainbow guard. Though Ser Brienne told me about her time in King Renly’s camp and it did not seem the best, neither did the bet.”
“What bet would you be referring to, Podrick?” Daenerys asked curiously.
“The men in the camp, they bet who could…” Podrick paused before continuing. “They bet on Ser Brienne’s maidenhead. They would do kind things for her, make attempts at her affection, all as a jape.”
“That is most unfortunate.” Daenerys responded, though her mind was brewing the possibilities with this newfound information. If what her squire says is correct, this Brienne of Tarth, who lacks her memories, not only does not know Ser Jaime, but likely has little to no faith in men. A most glorious situation indeed.
After excusing a now drunk Podrick from her chambers, Daenerys made her way to Brienne’s room. Upon entering, she realized Brienne was still fast asleep, and being watched over by Jaime Lannister.
“Kingslayer.”
“Your grace. Come to try and kill me again?”
“No, I came to talk with Ser Brienne.”
“Well as you can see your grace, she is still fast asleep.”
“It is the late afternoon, she has slept almost an entire day. Is she alright?”
“She was given essence of nightshade. The effects take longer to wear off.”
“Why not administer milk of the poppy?”
Jaime sighed. “She does not fare well on milk of the poppy.”
Daenerys took a moment to examine his face. Just as she had expected, the kingslayer had not slept the entirety of his time watching over Ser Brienne. “You look exhausted. Go rest.”
“I will not, I will stay here. You cannot command me to go.”
“No, but I was just with Lady Sansa. She informed me she would be here any moment to relieve you of your post. You will be of no help to Ser Brienne should you faint with exhaustion.”
“What do you care of Ser Brienne?” he scoffed.
“I might hate you, but I do not hate her. She is a marvelous fighter.”
Jaime was quiet for a moment before he spoke. “Yes, that she is.” He slowly stood out of the chair, his eyes failing to leave Brienne’s.
Gods he is obvious in his affections.
“If I stay until Lady Sansa arrives, would that be a problem with you?” She asked him as he stood still in the doorway.
Jaime pondered her words before speaking. “You would only have more enemies should you harm her.” he responded, hints of warning and fact tied within his words. He gave one final glance to Brienne before exiting her room and trudging down the hall.
When Jaime was out of sight, Daenerys gestured to her unsullied guards. “Close the door, and allow no one into this room while I am in here.” she commanded. The unsullied nodded and shut the door.
Daenerys turned back toward where Brienne slept, and made her way over to the chair Jaime had previously occupied. She grabbed a cloth at Brienne’s bedside, and gently wiped it over her forehead. “Try to wake soon, Brienne. I have great things planned for you.” she whispered.
All there was to do now was wait.