Bleeding Ivory l Robb Stark

proven respect

"I don't care of the possibilities of Joffrey's threats and torture because the truth is you won't allow him to hurt so much as a hair on me grandfather."

"And why is that?" he arrogantly asked

Joanna smirked as she sat forward "Because you value family more than anything in the world. To you were are all just spawns in your sick and twisted game for you to never lose power of the throne. It's why you have kept uncle Tyrion alive and it is why you will have me pardoned. The people of the capitol despise Joffrey and you know that keeping me alive would do so much for the people to trust him. You would rather have me married to a high born family than have me killed for treason." Joanna explained to him. She could see the insight he had to her statement and just by the tiniest glimpse of interest from Tywin she knew that she and her unborn child would live another day

He would not admit it, to no one or her, but he was impressed. She truly paid attention to so much more on the battlefields and was able to see far more than just this one war. "You have my interest I will admit that but if I would have you wed a highborn, why do think it is that I have allowed you to be seated here and not have your head on a spike like the Stark boy." he spoke with confidence that even left Joanna shuddered

"Because you knew you couldn't defeat Robb. He bested you, a man with so much knowledge of war fare within months. You knew it would be easier to have the king in the north murdered and usurped by someone like Roose Bolton because in the end even if Bolton is Warden of the North he would be under your control. You don't want kings , you want someone to control. A puppet, a spawn. You knew that by separating Robb and I, you'd have your precious family name in tact and finally have control over the north." Tywin could see the fire and passion in her eyes. Even though her body spoke of a warrior tired from a battlefield that sheer will and determination was still alive in her eyes

"But there's one thing you forgot. The North will never bow to you. They only know the name of a king who's name is Stark. They will remember what you did." she spoke with venom in her voice

"Good. I want them to remember what happens when boys and girls play warfare. At the end of the day both you and your dead husband are children who played a game far beyond your experience. Let them remember and suffer under the Boltons and always know that their beloved house Stark is dead. You will remember that well before defying me again. Now leave I have matters to attend to, one of them is convincing the king not to have you executed."

Joanna closed the door as she sighed of relief, now that she was secured of a pardon all she could finally relax. She kept her head held high but inside she was dying.

She knew that it would be a matter of time before Tywin would have her arranged to be betrothed once again, she needed to find out who. There was still so much she needed to do. Protect her child, herself and Sansa. She desperately needed to see Sansa.

She needed to secure their safety, if word reached Tywin of her carrying the last true heirs of the north he would have them killed and she more than anyone knew Tywin Lannister is not one who would spare the life of a child. The tale of Elia Martell was a witness to his cruelty.

As she approached her chambers she could hear footsteps behind her. She slowed her pace so she could see the outline of the shadow.

His shadow large with the outline of a cloak and armour. a Kingsguard probably sent by Joffrey. Her arms close to her stomach she slowly moved the dagger in the sleeve of her dress close to her hand. Whipping around she halted as she came face to Meryn Trant. Keeper her arms across one another for when she had to act quickly she innocently smiled to him

"Ser Meryn Trant, always a pleasure to see." She sarcastically remarked to none of his amusement "I must say you truly showed your loyalty to the king when you refused to take his direct order. I'm surprised he hasn't had you removed from the Kingsguard and flogged for your disobedience ."

"I'd be wise with that tongue of yours princess. It would be a shame if you woke up without it." He threatened keeping a safe distance between the two of them. "The king asked that I keep a watchful eye over sister what with you being a traitorous whore." Joanna's eyes darted and she felt her grip the handle of the dagger. She needed to calm herself, he was toying her with. Meryn Trant stepped closer as his breath that was stanched of wine and sweat spoke

"We're all well aware that your grandfather will have you pardoned but don't think it won't be difficult to have you one day skinned and flogged in your room. It would be so easy to say you slipped down the stairs or that your food has been poisoned. You could fall asleep in your bed one night and the next morning tied to your bed as the king skins you alive. You wouldn't be killed but a butchering seems like enough punishment, wouldn't you say so princess?" Meryn Trant's eyes stretched as he felt a sharp point against his throat. fuck he thought to himself as he looked at the vicious smirk on the princesses' face. Her eyes sadistic as her smirk resembled that of Joffrey's

"I'd be careful Ser Meryn. After everything I have been through it's hard to keep myself from unsheathing a weapon. I'm even distrustful of my own shadow, would you believe?" she chuckled digging the dagger through the skin of his throat as one drop of blood stained his armour

Ser Meryn's eyes darkened as he glared to girl. Stepping back as he looked to her. She truly was the spawn of her mother. "You little bitch- " He raised his hand to strike her but his arms grasped by another. Like a child Joanna's eyes lit up when she saw Jaime behind Meryn.

"I think it would be wise of you return to the king Ser Meryn, wouldn't you agree?" Jaime pulled him aside as his body hit the walls. Meryn said nothing as he noticed Jaime take a protective stand in front of Joanna. He scoffed as he left the duo alone.

Jaime turned around to look at her, his eyes softened from his glare as he kissed her forehead "If you keep toying with Joffrey, you might fall victim to him. You realise that?" he advised her "Don't fuel his fire, there's enough rumour filling the Red Keep to anger him enough."

"Do I want to know what they are saying about me?" she opened the door to her chambers as they walked to the balcony overlooking the city.

"Some say you're making a spectacle of yourself, other say you are here for the purpose of usurping him and taking the throne. And after what you did with your dramatic arrival, I can't say I'm surprised they think so of you."

"And you, what do you think of me?" Joanna turned to him. No matter what she did he could never see her as barbaric or even think she would do what is being rumoured about her. He knew her better than anyone

"It doesn't matter what I think. I'm just glad that you are safe and alive." Jaime sighed. Joanna felt her eyes glisten as she become more vulnerable. It was Jaime, how could she not

"I never... I never wanted you to be killed by the way. I was furious for what you did, but I never wanted you dead. You have to know that after..." her eyes trailed to his one hand. "I'm sorry for whatever happened to you. You have to know that I didn't know what to do. What you did to Bran was so wrong but the gruesome torture you endured with the Boltons was not fair and I - I'm so sorry for what they did to you." Joanna choked as wiped a tear from her cheek.

Jaime's heart melted from inside and out. Nothing pained him more than seeing Joanna cry. "I know." he assured her. Joanna's swallowed the lump in her throat she sniffed

"But how do you know I mean it?" her voice squeaked

"Because I never blamed you for any of this. The war, our battle, my capturing. Joanna, I couldn't stay mad at you even if I tried to." Jaime confessed truthfully as he knew the only thing that kept him alive during his torture was the thought of seeing Joanna and Cersei again