'A Gathering of Shadows' - the Sept (theseven) wrote in agos, @ 2008-09-24 21:57:00
Episode: Dragons Fall: Consequences Who: Polonius, Penrose, Elia When: Day 48, AM Where: Red Keep, Elia's chambers and moving from there. Status: Closed. Rating: PG13
Penrose was pale. His chest rattled ominously as he coughed and Polonius sighed. The man was not going to last out a year if he didn't step back. "This is not right," Penrose muttered.
"Perhaps, but it is needful." Polonius' own voice was carefully neutral. "We must learn the truth. No matter the cost."
Penrose shot him a look that clearly said the cost would not only be high but likely to be robed in blood as well. Polonius turned his attention to the door. Martell house guards stood on either side, their eyes narrowed as the watched the two councilmen come toward them, with two of the kingsguard and three goldcloaks at their backs.
"I would speak with Princess Elia," Penrose said in a voice stronger than Polonius had thought him capable of.
"What of?" the guard demanded.
"None of your concern. Tell her we are here."
Elia's door opened and the princess of Dorne herself appeared. Her face was pale and there were circles like bruises under her eyes. Polonius winced at the look on Elia's face and stepped forward. He had known her since she was scarcely five, had picked her up after fights with Jaehaerys and answered more questions than ought to have been in the head of any child. She looked at him gravely, and only long aquaintance showed him the shadow of fear in her eyes. "Good morrow, my lords. To what do I owe this unaccustomed visitation?"
"Forgive us, princess," Polonius said with a deep bow. "We--"
"We must request your attendance," Penrose finished for him with no more enthusiasm for the words than Polonius would have managed.
"I will attend shortly. The council chamber or--?"
"We would rather you came with us, Princess Elia." It was not a request.
Elia's shoulders straightened at the tone and she nodded once to show she understood. "Very well then." She left the door open behind her as she crossed to Polonius and Penrose. Her guards started after but she held a hand up and shook her head. "There are already enough swords in this company," she said as she glanced back at the men behind the Hand and the Master of Whispers. "Guard my chambers until I come again."
"Princess--" Ser Dymon Dalt's eyes were blazing with a fury. His men were outmatched, Prince Myrwin's too far away and he knew it. "You will not be gone long."
"I should think not." Elia's smile did not reach her eyes. "Give my brother my apologies I shan't be meeting him for breakfast."
The Dornish guards remained where they were as the Northron lords and their men left. The only sounds were the clank of chainmail and Penrose's coughing. As they came to a stair, Polonius offered Elia his arm. She took it but did not look at him.
"Where are we going?" she asked quietly.
"The dungeons, princess," Penrose said between coughs.
Elia was silent for a long moment. "That is a part of the keep I've seen little enough of. I don't suppose the Black Cells will be included in the tour?"