Book 1: Prints in the Snow

Chapter X • Kingslanding

The streets of Kingslanding carried an aroma of shit and piss, and the occasional caterwaul met Lyon's ears from the city below. She stood atop the balcony of her new room, shrouded in vines and wafting an earthy scent upward. She retreated back into her room and closed the balcony doors, coming to sit upon the thick feather bed covered in a red and gold duvet. A knock came at her door and she rose, smoothing the blue dress she now donned, trim in gold.

"Come in." She called, and the door was opened by one of the Kingslanding guards, and Cersei stepped inside. "My queen," Lyon greeted with a deep and elegant curtsy.

"I've always liked this room. I told them it was to be yours." She said, coming to a table next to the door. The wine pitcher had already been touched, and a small smile pulled Cersei's lip.

"That is very kind of you, thank you."

"What is the matter, darling? I thought you said you were forward with your words? You skirt around the edges of what you wish to discuss, why?"

Lyon moved to the table and the pitcher, taking it and pouring two goblets of red wine. "I only hope that the incident with your son and my sister does not drive a wedge between us."

The Queen flippantly waved a hand. "Boys will be boys, my dear. Consider it past us." She received the wine as Lyon passed it to her.

"I only hope the prince thinks similarly." Lyon tipped her goblet past her lips, sighing at the rich taste. "I imagine he is none too impressed with me right now. I would like to speak with him, to try and remedy our relationship and start anew."

"Leave Joffrey to me. There is no need for him to keep petty grudges."

"Thank you, your grace."

Again, Cersei waved flippantly. "How are you liking Kingslanding?"

"Very much. I'm eager to explore the market, find gifts for my sisters and brothers back home."

"I'm sure they would like that." The queen said, sipping her wine until the goblet was empty. She set it on the table. "Do take an escort with you. The market can be a very dangerous place for a lady so fair."

Again, her hand came and lightly touched the hair that fell past Lyon's shoulder. She smiled, then Cersei bid her farewell and left, taking her soldiers with her. Lyon remained with her wine goblet in hand, downed the sweet nectar inside, and went from her room. The halls of the castle perplexed her, but it was not difficult to ask for directions. Soon she had gathered her coin and a basket and was heading toward the market.

Faces both clean and dirty swept past her, some staring and some quickly averting their gaze. She paid no mind to them, yet kept her wits about her as she made her way through the unfamiliar terrain. Exuberant colors jumped out at her as she walked past, and soon Lyon was striding along the stretch of the market selling trinkets and fruits. Exotic things. Voices from merchants came to her from their stalls, and she found a jewelry salesman beckoning her forth. Lyon stopped in front of the stall, looking the man in the eye before inspecting the glass cases of necklaces and rings.

"Exotic wares from across the narrow sea. From Pentos to Qarth, my lady." He said, a flirtatious smile hidden behind a black beard. Lyon leaned over and examined the exquisite necklaces.

"That is very far and exotic indeed. Have you been to these places yourself?"

"Yes, my lady. Often. I must if I am to find the best prices for trading and the finest wares." He said. "Ah, but for you, I may have something to suit your beauty, hmm? Such a lovely face, like the long summer."

"How kind of you." Lyon mused with a quirked lip, watching as the merchant ducked under his stall and began to rummage through cases. He withdrew a small case and flipped it open before her, revealing the golden necklace within. A golden flower chain carried on for the length of a collar, each flower a pristine white pearl and cussed by golden leaves.