[22] The Red Keep

Chapter 22: The Red Keep

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The narrow alleys of King’s Landing twisted before me, the early morning light barely piercing the filth-ridden maze. My hood was pulled low, shadowing my face, but my spirits were light, lighter than they had been in a long while.

The brothel, or rather, Ros, had proved useful.

The city’s grime, the stink of humanity mixed with rotting waste, all seemed less intrusive today, for my successes with her made me care less about everything else.

I turned down a narrow street, the walls looming high on either side, the brick stained dark by years of neglect. My feet carried me towards our small hideaway, a mansion tucked neatly into a forgotten corner of King’s Landing, inconspicuous but comfortable. Well, for our purposes at least. We got it for free when Kinvara cured the sick child of a lord, and he gifted this place to stay, so I couldn’t really complain.

Even with Dorne backing me, I was mostly just a bum. As I neared, something caught my eye. A glint of polished metal, sunlight bouncing off the armor of several guards. Their uniforms were concerning with a stark blue and gold, the sigil of the crown emblazoned on their chests.

Royal guards.

I felt a prickle of curiosity, raising an eyebrow as I watched them for a moment. What business do they have here? Tyrion had returned without issue, so why were these bastards at my doorstep?

I pulled my hood tighter, slipping through the narrow side gate. The door was already open, the guards’ presence weighing tension in the air.

Inside, the hall was quiet, the flicker of sunlight throwing dancing shadows against the stone walls. I found Kinvara safe, draped in her crimson robes, her hair falling in waves, a soft smile playing at her lips. She looked regal as though she were a  Queen, far too used to these moments of power and pressure.

Her gaze flickered to me, her eyes flashing with a mix of amusement and something else—a tension that buzzed beneath the surface. “Dearest bodyguard,” she called.

“You’re awake early,” I said, closing the door behind me, the wood groaning softly. My eyes drifted to the guards standing at attention, their hands resting loosely on the hilts of their swords. I assumed that the Sand Snakes were still asleep since they were not here.

“The Queen Regent,” Kinvara began, her voice smooth, as though she spoke of the weather, “has extended an invitation.” She turned fully to face me, the fabric of her robes shifting around her like liquid fire. “Or at least, that’s what they called it. Calling it a summon seems more fitting.”

Cersei Lannister? I wondered, my curiosity piqued. “Heh… Does the Queen need guidance in the ways of fire and light?”

Kinvara’s eyes sparkled with something close to mischief. “She might be beyond the Lord’s light,” she murmured only loud enough for me to hear, “but nonetheless, she demanded an audience. And I’m obliged to comply. Would you like to join me, Vis?”

The question was casual, her tone light, but it was a great opening. She knew I was looking for a way into the castle, and there were few ways better than this.

I smiled, the answer forming before she had even finished speaking. “Even if I wasn’t your bodyguard, I’d never turn down an invitation to the Red Keep,” I said, stepping closer, lowering my voice so only she could hear. “Especially not one that comes from the Queen herself.”

“I thought you’d say that,” she said softly, inclining her head towards the door where the guards waited. “Let’s go then. The Queen awaits, and we wouldn’t want to keep her waiting.”

“Follow us,” one of the royal guards said. We moved together, the guards falling into step around us as we exited the mansion. The streets outside were slowly coming alive, vendors setting up stalls, children darting between them, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. We walked at a brisk pace, Kinvara’s robes trailing behind her, her steps graceful, uncaring of the lustful gazes of the guards as their armor clinked softly in rhythm.

The Red Keep loomed ahead, its towers piercing the sky, its walls casting long shadows over the bustling streets below. I stared at it for a moment. This was where my ancestor Aegon the Conqueror first landed and built his base; his son Maegor the Cruel saw it completed. The Red Keep was made by Targaryens for Targayens, but most of all, it was my… home.

The guards led us through the gates, their expressions stern. The atmosphere shifted as we entered the outer gates of the castle. It was a sudden quiet, the city’s noise fading into a distant hum. The halls were cool, the air heavy with the scent of stone and torch smoke.

I walked beside Kinvara, our escort of palace guards leading us deeper into the belly of the beast. I kept my hood low, my face hidden. It wasn’t like anyone would recognize me anyway, but old habits die hard. On the other hand, Kinvara moved with an elegance that made her seem almost out of place in this grim stronghold—her robes flowing, her step light, her head held high. She looked as though she owned the place.

In her mind, she probably did. And perhaps that was why the guards glanced at her with an odd mixture of awe and fear at the woman’s confidence.

Kinvara’s presence drew eyes even among those accustomed to royalty, and her graceful smile was always on her lips. People looked at her, servants, members of high standing, lords that’d come to visit the castle, and we ignored them all as we walked through halls that I’d dreamt of before. Halls I recognized from my childhood.

We were soon brought to a grand door that looked designed to impress more than function simply. I didn’t hate it. It was nostalgic…

The Red Keep was as cold and uninviting as I remembered from my childhood, but at least it felt like home. I didn’t feel like a trespasser. The last time I’d set foot here, I was five, and it’d already been seventeen years…

The guards paused, and one of them stepped forward, knocking briefly before pushing the door open. His voice echoed into the chamber beyond as he announced us.

“The Lady Nyra, Priestess of R’hllor is here, Your Grace,” he said, his tone dull. I caught a flicker of blonde hair through the gap of the door and green eyes flickering to look at us from inside.

“Invite her in,” a feminine voice called, and the guard nodded. He then glanced at me and seemed to decide I didn’t warrant any introduction.

“You heard her,” the guard said, and Kinvara moved forward, her robes swaying, a smile playing on her lips. She shot me a brief glance before stepping through the doorway, her eyes flashing with something between amusement and tension.

“I’ll be alright. No need to worry,” she murmured in a low voice. “Rather, try not to cause trouble today, mhm?” She asked, and I gave her a long look.

She knew why I’d chosen King’s Landing rather than the other Kings. I wanted to kill Joffrey. I just smirked at her words. “No promises.”

She gave me a half-warning and half-amused look before she stepped through the door, the heavy wood closing behind her, leaving me in the hallway with the guards stationed nearby.

The guard moved to close the door behind her, stepping in front of me as if to emphasize my lack of importance. “You wait here,” he said, barely glancing at me. His voice was gruff and dismissive.

I shrugged, not bothering to argue. “As you wish.”

I leaned back against the cool stone wall, my arms crossing over my chest as I looked around. The hall was grand, as one would expect of the Red Keep, but far too empty. I could hear distant voices, the muted clatter of movement deeper within.

The boredom set in faster than expected. I glanced at the guards, both staring straight ahead, their faces expressionless. I shrugged, turning around. They didn’t seem like they’d stop me so there was no point standing around waiting, not when the Red Keep had so much to explore—so many secrets to uncover. And… so many people to meet.

I slipped away from the guards, my steps quiet against the stone floor, my curiosity pulling me deeper into the keep. This was an opportunity that I wasn’t about to waste.

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