Ineffable → Sansa Stark

Henrik III

~*~

The capital hadn't been what Henrik was expecting, nor did he know what to make of it. He explored the Red Keep, fascinated by the number of rooms there were. He spoke with some of the nobles, seeing as it was expected of him; servants and maids dashed around constantly as there was always work to be done and guards were dotted everywhere. Henrik couldn't go by without seeing a swish of a cloak, white or gold, disappear around a corner.

His opinion of their new King, however, was low. Henrik was aware that this type of thinking was treasonous but King Joffrey proved to be nothing more than a spoiled, loathsome boy. Henrik watched most days as he ravingly spouted about the ongoing war to a throng of Lords and Ladies, then chewed out the servants for the state of the food, and complained about how bored he was. King Joffrey was even worse than Ronas, his deplorable cousin, on a bad day.

It was clear to everyone that the Queen Regent couldn't control him. Some Lords encouraged the King and praised his sovereignty. Henrik scoffed. All he saw was a boy whose crown couldn't fit on his head and who slouched on the throne, not exactly Kingly behaviour.

King's Landing, he had come to understand, had its highs and lows. One side thrilled him: the glitzy tournaments, the lavish feasts, the White Cloaks and the Knights with shiny armour; however, the other side, the disease-ridden and poverty-stricken civilians were far more shocking.

While Rubin claimed this was the real Kings Landing, he never permitted Henrik to venture into the lanes of Flea Bottom or Silk Street, saying it was improper for a young lord seen there, rumours will circulate, and it would be better to stay inside the Red Keep. Displeased, Henrik argued with Rubin until he relented, but promised him he would remain on main streets and lanes and not wander into side alleys.

The city was bustling with activity as when they first rode into the gates. At Rubin's suggestion, Henrik ensured his sword was strapped to his hip in case anyone tried anything, though he couldn't help rolling his eyes at this notion. Rubin seriously didn't know how to live and was paranoid about every commoner that came near them. Henrik wondered how he didn't collapse with exhaustion at following rules every second of his life.

He visited the vendors, eyes wide as he took in every piece of food and cake sold with each seller trying to shout louder than the other. Children giggled and ran past, chasing pigeons and sounds of laughter and chatter echoed past. He bought some of the best honey cakes he'd ever tasted, (though the Cook at Faircastle would box his ears if she heard him say that) which ruined him for any other.

It was also astonishing to see men and women exchanging shameless kisses and embraces and no one speaking out against it for indecency. It went against everything he'd been used to. In Faircastle, Henrik was taught from a young age how to behave himself in front of a Lady, how to dance with her, and what to say: he should always strive to be proper and honourable.

This didn't look at all proper but as Henrik watched, some couples looked content and joyful with their arms locked together. He supposed propriety didn't matter for the common people and the thought sounded thrilling for a moment. If he didn't have his House sigil sown into the middle of his clothing, if he were a common man, free from duty, he could have easily donned a simple linen shirt and breeches and walked the city for hours. No one would have waved at him each time he went by or stopped him from going to certain places. He'd be free to do things to his heart's content.

He walked a little further and a street performance was transpiring at the stage set up at the end of the lane. It appeared immensely popular and all people of all ages crammed together to catch a glimpse. He turned to beam excitedly at Rubin and bounded forwards, placing himself near the corner to get a good view. He laughed along at the jokes and watched in surprised delight at the number of crude jokes and phrases in the play.