CHAPTER ONE † heart of rot
❝ thawed ❞

THE JOURNEY TO KING'S LANDING had begun. All trunks were packed and the horses at the ready. Sharlette bid her father a goodbye, she yet again thanked him for his allowance of this trip. He gave her a curt nod and nothing more, but that was enough for the young girl. Her brother Cregan, didn't offer much more, mimicking his father's affections for his sister. She found her arms around him nonetheless.

It was colder when she left. If that was possible. The absence of the young girl's warmth was felt by all. A truth her own family would be the last to admit. She did not follow Saskia alone, six of the guards from Winterfell were to accompany them to The Red Keep. None of them knew that Saskia needed no protection, and that Scarlette would soon be the same.

They took the Kingsroad. Their retinue wouldn't arrive in King's Landing till the next moon, weeks of travel lay ahead of them. Sharlette rode with Saskia, a command from her father. Her horse, Tahor, followed behind. The stallion's eyes keen on the changing scenery that passed them.

The closer they were to the riverlands, the snow no longer lingered on tree tops and the air became warmer. Sharlette discarded the furs she wore when they departed, and moved her hair away from her face. It was a climate she had barely begun to enter and had never experienced before. Real warmth. Warmth that didn't end with embers and a stoker.

The guardsmen who accompanied them rarely left Winterfell, rarely ventured far. The slow progress into warmth wore away at them as well. The grey cloaks they all possessed must've been hot, all of their outerwear seemed to cause them grief when under the sun. Sharlette was bewildered at the sight of Saskia. Only faint beads of sweat laid on her shining dark skin—a comfortable expression rested on her features. Even after her long stay in the north, she excelled in the warmth outside of Winterfell. Sharlette wished she could've seen what Saskia looked like in her youthful days at The Red Keep. Tending to Targaryens and surrounded in sun.

Larence Poole, the commanding guard in charge of the journey, offered the young Stark his waterskin. She gladly accepted, the heat distracted her from the thirst caught in her throat. He was younger than Saskia, and Sharlette wondered why someone so handsome would want to simply guard the Starks. Why not marry? She thought he must have many maiden's attention. His dark hair was well kept in comparison to the other guardsmen; He didn't have a roughness to him like other men of the north.

Before they set out towards King's Landing, her father presented Sharlette with Larence. He told her that he would lead the voyage, and that once they reached King's Landing—he would become her personal guard. "I will be at your service, my lady." He swore to her, taking a knee and pledging himself to the young girl.

The farther they got from Winterfell, the more Sharlette realized how little she knew of the world. How different the trees and flowers looked in a climate that encouraged life—one so very different from the north. She found herself marveled at what Saskia said was merely a fraction of life outside the north.

Saskia never told Sharlette why she left the Targaryens. Depending on the words she used in her stories—it almost sounded as if she fled. Sharlette couldn't discern what it was, but she wanted to know. Was Saskia returning to a place unkind to her? She didn't express to the Stark that she hadn't wanted to go back. She wasn't blind, but Saskia was good at masking what she felt. It was a talent that Sharlette was being taught, but she wasn't at the same level her mentor was.

The only thing she knew confidently about Saskia's time in The Red Keep, was her affection for the Princess. Saskia never spoke a single ill word on her behalf. Her tales of the Princess were like poetry, she spoke her very being into existence with only words. At least to the young Stark it felt that way. It fascinated her with how similarly she spoke about the Princess and her mother. Lady Gilliane Glover was not, in most eyes, comparable to Princess Rhaenrya Targaryen by any statute.

In Saskia's tales and stories they were the same. The same ardor, the same beauty she spoke of them, the same gentleness in her words. Sharlette was nervous to meet someone who was said to be so perfect. Saskia never used that word, but it seemed she used every other kindness someone could possibly offer. "Perfection" always seemed to be on the tip of her tongue.

What would she do with herself? Simply being from the north made her feel improper in comparison to those who dwelled in The Red Keep. Sharlette knew little of King's Landing outside of Saskia's shared knowledge. Saskia hadn't been there in many years, what if it no longer resembles her memories? What if they arrive and Sharlette is without proper preparation? No matter the reassurance Saskia offered, she could not ease in her worry.

"Little one, you needn't tire yourself with these senseless troubles." Saskia soothed, voice smooth like silk and soft as cotton. "Rest now, we will voyage farther once there is more light."

"What shall I do when you are with the Princess?" Sharlette laid in her encampment, the cot was uncomfortable but she had gratitude regardless.

"There will be plenty of places for you to go, for you to occupy your time in—"

"—And what if you are already occupied?" Sharlette hastily asked, her impatience forgoing manners.

Saskia offered a smile, the child's eager questions providing no irritation. "Larence will accompany you to the places you are permitted access when I am not available." She stopped, her smile turning stern but playful. "But there will be no exploration until all studies are complete in the early hours of your day."

The Stark huffed, a smile creeping its way on her lips. "Sounds reasonable."

"Yes little one. Now rest, we have riding to do in the morrow."

"Saskia." Sharlette called out, her voice now quiet as whispers. "What of my lessons? The ones I cannot learn from another." Her eyebrows contorted from worry, to sadness, to confusion. She hadn't thought of this until now. How could Saskia teach her the ways of a sword when they were surrounded by knights and royals.

Saskia nodded, her hand reaching out for the quilt resting on Sharlette's stomach. "We will find a way for them to continue, I promise you, my lady." She pulled the quilt to her chest, moving the child's braided hair from her shoulders.

"Sleep well."

The closer they got to king's landing, the more impatient the group became. Even the guardsmen seemed antsy. Some of the men talked late at night, Sharlette could often hear them conversing outside of her tent. They spoke of things she did not understand, but they did speak of The Red Keep on occasion. None of the men besides Larence had ever been to King's Landing, let alone The Red Keep. He did not entertain their conversations, often being silent or reminding them of their duties. The guardsmen and their curiosities only seemed to bother the man.

Young ladies are taught how impolite it is to eavesdrop, particularly on men. She discarded that lesson long ago, Sharlette found herself listening often. To other girls her age, to the women who worked in the kitchens, to her father and his men. She found it hard to stop herself, even in the times she knew it surpassed improper and became wrong to listen.

She could learn things that people would not otherwise divulge. It was a nasty habit, she felt shame in it...occasionally. For a young girl, even a Stark, she was shielded from most happenings. As a result, she listened and watched. It was simple, but offered her enough satisfaction to remain complacent with being denied free knowledge.

The night they spent at the Crossroads Inn—she found herself listening to all sorts of strange folks and their conversations. It was dim, much like the rooms at Winterfell. While she hadn't ever been this far from home, the Crossroads Inn was the closest she felt to the north since their departure. They were seated and served their food, Saskia sat apart from the others with Sharlette. The stew they ordered was warm and aided Sharlette's scratchy throat. The change in weather caused Sharlette's nose to itch and her throat to hurt.

"May I join you, my lady?" Larence appeared, food in hand. His guardsmen sat across the room, loud and boisterous. Saskia murmured disapproval under her breath only moments ago. Sharlette mumbled a yes, and Saskia moved farther into the seat to make room. He nodded in gratitude, contently taking the seat.

The girl pondered for a moment. her eyes switching from the noisy chatter across the room, to the reserved man who now sat in front of her. He ate the same way a lady would, not feminine, but with patience and grace. She once again looked over to see that the guardsmen were far from paralleling Larence. They were crass in each bite they took, and carelessly chewed with their jaws hung open. The men were not abnormal in any way, some would say they were better than most; but as Sharlette watched them in comparison to Larence, they seemed quite brutish.

"Do you not like the other guardsmen?" Sharlette asked blankly, her words slipped off her tongue without hesitation. She was a child who often spoke without caution.

"Mind your manners now child—" Saskia gave her a look, one of warning. Saskia wasn't new to catching Sharlette's tongue straying into accidental disrespect. It was something she feared would show face in The Red Keep.

"No, no it is fine, my lady, I do not object to any questions from the lady Stark." He shook his head with a courteous smile. Larence leaned closer to Sharlette and hushed his voice. "Truthfully, I find the company of my own men... quite tiresome." The young stark laughed, Saskia's gaze causing her to quiet down soon after and return to her stew. Her eyes found Larence, offering him a nod in thanks.

Sharlette soon resumed the conversation that was halted when Larence joined the table. "Are you sure I cannot ride Tahor for only a short while? I promise to be careful."

"I'm sorry my lady, your father didn't not falter on his decision." Saskia didn't like telling her no, hated it in most ways. Seeing the girl sad or displeased caused her great grief. "You must ride with me."

Sharlette's frown only deepened as she sunk farther into her seat. The fact that she was still a child becoming evident. "We will arrive at The Red Keep soon little one, have patience."

"Patience is an arid thing." She quipped.

"Patience is a necessity for any young woman." Saskia's warning tone reemerged, causing the Stark to straighten her back. "Remember that I am bringing you with me as my ward. And to be my ward you will be patient."

"I apologize for my petulance." She sighed, her eyes diverting back to her bowl. The rest of supper was silent. The noise of other people dining surrounded them, same as the scent of their meals. It wasn't terribly busy, but the room felt full and lively. As the hour grew later, the occupants dwindled. Now being finished with their food, the retinue found their way to their rooms.

Larence accompanied Saskia and Sharlette to their shared room. He left them once they were situated and secured. The room was spacious enough for two, and they would comfortably share a featherbed. They stripped to their nightwear and covered themselves in the provided blankets. Saskia closed her eyes too soon, she should've expected the interjection that was soon to come.

"I do not want to disappoint you." Sharlette's question tore through the quiet sounds of her mentor's breathing. "I fear it greatly, and I think you do too."

Saskia turned her body, now facing her ward. "No matter how much I teach you, you are a child. I do not ignore that when I look at you."

"Trust me little one, when I say that you will not disappoint me when we reach the red keep." Sharlette remained silent, her eyes not daring to meet Saskia's gaze.

"You know, King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne stayed here." She cooed.

"Really?" Her head lifted with curiosity.

"Yes, once I believe. Maybe more, I cannot be sure." She knew the young Stark could not resist her quizzical approach.

"What else do you know about their stay?" Sharlette inquired, eager to know more.

"Not much, but plenty of notable travelers have made their way to the Crossroads." Saskia prated, having caught the young girls' attention. "Would you like to hear about it little one?"

"Ever so much." Soon, the pair resumed their habit of storytelling well into the night. Eventually they laid and allowed their bodies to rest. King's Landing was not far now, and the journey was soon coming to an end. The soft breaths and cloudy dreams Sharlette had that night, would be a memory well visited in the future.

After leaving the Crossroads, the next destination they passed was Harrenhal. Sharlette had heard many stories of the wretched place, of how it was cursed. Cregan told her to be wary when they came close, an attempt to scare the younger girl. She would never tell him that he succeeded in some way, and that she was more than wary. Saskia gave Sharlette a knowing look when they followed the kingsroad past the enormous castle. Saskia wasn't one to believe in myths and legends, but she accounted for the childish fears Harrenhal often induced.

Sharlette didn't believe in ghosts. Spectres and spirits were merely tales told to scare children. Even if sometimes they worked on the girl, she knew it was derisive. Religion was taught to her, strictly, though she found no comfort in it. The Gods didn't care for her in times of fear or despair, they weren't there. How could they help Sharlette?

After they had passed Harrenhal, the girl felt relieved. there wasn't much else to see now, straight King's Landing they went. The days were tiring, and no fun for her. Riding for hours at a time did nothing but cause numbness in her legs. The remainder of the trip was thoughtless, Sharlette had little thoughts before they arrived. Her mind clearing for the time being. Her worries hadn't vanished, but they were quieter. Her excitement was tamed, not extinguished. Saskia noticed, and was glad for this. The following days on horseback were filled with more silence than before, the young girl leaving her questions for later.

"We will stop shortly, let the horses rest for a moment." Saskia called out, the other guardsmen continued to move. Saskia scoffed, looking down towards the young Stark. They both shared a look of distaste.

"You heard her, we will stop." Larence enforced, his tone harsher than Sharlette had heard before. She could see him shake his head as he stepped down from his horse.

Saskia gave Sharlette her hand, helping her off of her mare, Ima. Ima's coat was the color of cinnamon, and her mane was the hue of a dark bark. She was older than Tahor, and a steadier ride. Tahor was rambunctious, giving the guardsmen who rode him quite the challenge. Sharlette found humor in the few times the guardsmen truly struggled to control the stallion. Whether it was the guardsmen cursing under his breath while trying to steady him or the fact that Tahor never did that when she rode him; She has. had to stop herself from laughing at the exchanges.

Sharlette made her way over to Larence, who was sat, fastening his boot strap. He hadn't heard her light footsteps, only looking up when her shadow caused shade to fall on his face.

"My lady." He abashedly spoke, his attention leaving his boot and staying with the Stark.

"You don't have to say that every time Larence, I don't mind." She put her hand on her hip, using her dominant one to shield the sun from her pale face. No matter how much sun she received from this journey, it seemed her skin refused to take any more color.

"I appreciate your offer, but I must...my lady." His eyes moved from Sharlette to the road ahead. "We shall arrive soon, not long now."

"Indeed... you've been to King's Landing before, yes?" The girl asked, her voice increasingly questioning.

"Uh I have, briefly, in my youth."

"Have you been to The Red Keep?" She continued, her eyes squinted as she looked back over to Larence.

"No, my lady, I only accompanied my father on a trading deal... We ventured into the city, but the castle remains unknown to me."

"Hm" she hummed, hoping for a different answer. Her eyes moved back to the road. Soon the group continued on; the break shorter than she had wished.

Soon she would be in The Red Keep, the long awaited arrival loomed over the girl. Her untamed excitement starting to find its way back, though she tried to bury it down. It was always better for a young lady to not feel too much of anything. Even good feelings had to be managed and tamed. The night before they arrived was one of restlessness. Sharlette knew that the next time she laid to sleep, she would be within the walls of The Red Keep. She tossed and turned repeatedly, her hair becoming tousled from the careless movement.

Unknown to Sharlette, Saskia was restless as well. She hadn't seen the Princess in many years, and for a time she thought that would be impossible. The idea of not seeing the Princess for that long was far fetched and fictional. Bitterly, it became reality for Saskia. The Red Keep was once her home, the place she expected to live and die in. Her time here was filled with as much joy as there was sorrow, and she would be returning to it a different woman. The life she had here was so distant it felt unrelated to her. The person she was then was far gone, and she was glad for it.

Both Sharlette and Saskia laid awake—Mirroring in worry. What was to come would be ever changing for the pair. Time would start from that point on and everything before would fade into their history.

The beginning of the end was upon them, even fate could not interject now.

C'S NOTES 📌
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CHAPTER ONE!!!!‼️‼️ 3.1k words! I'm so glad this is finished!!! We'll get Rhaenyra scenes in the next chapter!! I'm so excited for act one omg...
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I'll start the next chapter tomorrow, and hopefully it will be done within a week!!! I'm so excited to write this book #wow👅
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Please don't be a silent reader. I LOVEEEE hearing from anyone and everyone!! Like seriously I love talking to people, comments, feedback, any questions!!! ALSO!! THANK YOU FOR 200 READS!!!!
[this was briefly edited BUT I will go over it and tweak stuff later on]