chapter 148 part 2
While Varys spoke, Petyr Baelish kept his head down and made no other move, but he nearly ground his teeth to dust.
***
Lord Eddard finally suppressed his killing intent. He re-hung Ice on the wall, worried that if he kept holding the sword, he wouldn't be able to resist killing Petyr Baelish on the spot.
Lord Eddard said coldly, "Petyr, what poison did you give Lord Jon?"
Petyr Baelish was startled and quickly denied it. "Lord Hand, I had no part in the poisoning! I swear it!"
"Littlefinger, only the Others would believe your oaths."
Petyr Baelish said earnestly, "My just Lord Hand, I speak the truth. I admit I gave the Tears of Lys to Lady Lysa, but I never dreamed she would use it to poison her own husband!"
Lord Eddard's gaze was sharp. He stared at Petyr Baelish and said, "Your defense is laughable, Littlefinger."
Petyr Baelish explained, "Lysa... she said she was worried I would betray her. If that day ever came, she would use the Tears of Lys I gave her to send me to my grave..."
Lord Eddard interrupted angrily, "Enough!"
His breathing grew heavy, his voice thick with fury. "I don't want to hear of the sordid affair between you two!"
"I'm telling you... Urgh!"
*Whack!* Glyn's scabbard struck the back of Petyr Baelish's knee.
With a thud, Petyr Baelish's knees hit the stone floor. He collapsed, crying out in pain.
"Oh, my!" Varys exclaimed.
Glyn pressed his scabbard against the back of Petyr Baelish's neck. "Petyr, Lord Eddard has no interest in your adultery."
Petyr Baelish's hair was already drenched in cold sweat. He stubbornly insisted, "But I'm speaking the truth! I swear it before the gods!"
Glyn's eyes narrowed. After a pause, he turned to Lord Eddard.
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "Lord Eddard, once Lysa Tully is brought to King's Landing, the truth will come to light. And though Petyr Baelish is a criminal, he is also a witness."
Lord Eddard understood the unspoken meaning in Glyn's words: acting according to the laws of the realm would prevent unnecessary trouble.
Lord Eddard nodded slightly.
"Guards!"
The solar door was pushed open. Jory and several Northern guards strode in.
"In the name of King Robert, and in my name as Hand of the King, lock Petyr Baelish in the black cells!"
The Red Keep's dungeons had four levels.
The top level had cells with high, narrow windows for common criminals. The second level had small, single cells for noble prisoners. The third level was known as the black cells; the cells there were even smaller, with no light, reserved for the most wicked and dangerous criminals. The lowest level was the torture chamber.
***
The next morning, in the gardens of Maegor's Holdfast.
Queen Cersei took a sip of summerwine. She wore a high-collared, dark red gown, its bodice embroidered with various exquisite gemstones.
Sansa couldn't help but widen her eyes as she looked at Queen Cersei. So beautiful!
Cersei's green eyes met hers, and her face broke into the sweetest smile Sansa had ever seen.
"Good child, come here."
Sansa Stark curtsied demurely.
Cersei's eyes twinkled with a smile. She assessed the shy Sansa and said, "I've been wanting to have a proper look at you, but unfortunately, things have been busy lately. I've only just found the time. Are you getting used to living in the Red Keep?"
Sansa replied politely, "Your Grace, thank you for your concern. It's very nice here. Everyone has been so kind and caring. I like it very much."
Queen Cersei patted the chair beside her. "Come, sit beside me."
"Yes, Your Grace." Sansa sat down beside Queen Cersei.
"My dear Sansa..."
Queen Cersei extended a soft hand and placed it on Sansa's wrist. "You are truly a beautiful and good child. Joffrey tells me he likes you very much."
Sansa, in her delight, forgot the etiquette taught by Septa Mordane. "Really?"
Cersei's green eyes softened. She smiled gently. "Of course, it's true."
She added, "You are so lovely. I am very happy to have your company."
Sansa's face flushed. To be liked by Queen Cersei made her so happy she could barely breathe.
Queen Cersei reached out and stroked a lock of Sansa's auburn hair, her fingertips brushing against the girl's cheek.
She curled her lips. "May the gods bless you. I will pray for you both."
***
When Glyn approached, he saw Cersei and Sansa looking as warm as a mother and daughter, and he blinked.
Cersei... has she set her sights on Sansa? The little she-wolf of House Stark is utterly defenseless.
Glyn sighed inwardly. Joffrey had also played his part very well at the feast after the tourney, completely enchanting little Sansa.
Cersei was skilled with the charms of a beautiful woman, and Joffrey with the charms of a handsome man. Truly mother and son.
Upon getting closer, Glyn bowed. "Your Grace, Lady Sansa."
Queen Cersei smiled. "Lord Glyn, is there a result?"
Glyn nodded slightly and glanced at Sansa, who sat beside the queen.
Sansa started to rise, but Queen Cersei stopped her. She said softly, "Sansa, I almost consider you my own daughter. I can also see that you truly and sincerely love Joffrey. We will be family soon enough; it doesn't matter."
*Family?!* Between shyness and excitement, Sansa's face turned crimson.
Glyn averted his gaze and, after a moment, said, "Your Grace, the culprit has been found. A seat on the Small Council has opened up."
Queen Cersei pondered for a moment, then said leisurely, "That is good news indeed."
Glyn said respectfully, "Your Grace, everything went as you expected. Everything is under your control. Forgive my presumption, but I cannot help but praise you. The gods have bestowed all beauty upon you."
Glyn was a good subordinate, giving all credit to his boss, Cersei.
Queen Cersei raised her chin slightly, in a very good mood. She picked up a wine glass from the table and took another sip of summerwine.
"Lord Glyn, my children all greatly enjoy your lessons."
***
Sansa secretly observed Queen Cersei's every move, her eyes filled with admiration.
*I will marry Prince Joffrey. I will be a good wife like my mother, and in the future, I will be a good queen, just like Queen Cersei.*
(end of chapter)