The final days on the Kingsroad felt heavier.
The closer they got to King's Landing, the more the mood of the royal column shifted. The northerners grew quieter. The Lannister soldiers became louder and more arrogant. Even the air changed — losing the clean scent of pine and snow, slowly replaced by something warmer, heavier, and fouler.
Ethan's body ached constantly now. Long days in the saddle, helping with wagons, and nightly weapons practice had pushed him to his current limit.
Current Status:
Strength: 25
Agility: 24
Endurance: 23
Vitality: 22
Charisma: 26
Dragon Affinity: 9
Level: 10 (910/1500 EXP)
He had earned the last point in Endurance after spending an entire afternoon helping pull a supply wagon out of deep mud. His hands were blistered. His back burned. But the small increase felt honest.
Twenty-First Day – Near the Blackwater Rush
The column stopped early because of another rainstorm. Tents were pitched quickly on a slight rise overlooking the river.
Ethan was rubbing down his horse when Arya suddenly appeared beside him, soaking wet and grinning.
"Teach me something," she demanded, wooden practice sword already in her small hand.
He glanced around. "Here? Now?"
"No one's watching. Everyone's hiding from the rain."
Ethan sighed but couldn't help smiling. He spent the next forty minutes showing her basic footwork and how to use an opponent's momentum against them. Arya learned frighteningly fast. Her strikes were wild but sharp.
"You're not like the others," Arya said during a break, wiping rain from her face. "You don't treat me like a stupid girl who should only sew."
"Because you're not," Ethan replied. "But you still need to be careful in King's Landing. It's not a place for people who speak their mind too freely."
Arya rolled her eyes. "I know. Sansa already lectures me every day."
At the mention of Sansa, Ethan's expression softened. Arya noticed.
"You like her, don't you?" she asked with a mischievous grin. "My sister."
Ethan froze for a second. "That's… complicated."
Arya laughed. "You're a terrible liar."
Before he could answer, she ran off into the rain, wooden sword swinging.
That Evening
The rain had eased into a light drizzle. Ethan was walking the perimeter of the camp when he saw Sansa again.
She stood under a large oak tree, away from the main fires, wearing a hooded cloak. When she saw him, she gave a small, shy wave.
He approached carefully.
"I told Septa Mordane I wanted to pray," Sansa whispered when he got close. "I only have a little time."
They moved deeper under the thick branches where the rain barely reached. For a moment, they simply stood close, listening to the sound of rain on leaves.
Sansa spoke first. "I'm scared, Ethan. Every time Joffrey looks at me… I feel cold. But when I look at you, I feel warm again."
She stepped closer until their bodies almost touched.
Ethan gently lifted her chin. "I won't let anything happen to you. I swear it."
Their third kiss was slower than the last. Sansa's hands rested on his chest as she leaned into him. The kiss deepened gradually — not desperate, but full of quiet longing. Her lips were soft and tasted faintly of honeyed wine from dinner. When his hand rested on her waist, she let out a tiny, nervous sound but didn't pull away.
They stayed like that for several long minutes, kissing softly, learning each other's rhythm. Sansa's breathing grew heavier, her fingers tightening on his tunic.
When they finally separated, her cheeks were flushed and her eyes shining.
"I think about kissing you all the time now," she admitted in a whisper, looking embarrassed. "Is that sinful?"
Ethan smiled. "If it is, then I'm guilty too."
Sansa smiled back — that rare, genuine smile she rarely showed anymore. She stole one last quick kiss before stepping back.
"I have to return before they notice I'm gone."
She disappeared into the night, cloak fluttering behind her.
[Sansa Stark Favorability: 71/100 (Deepening Affection)]
Twenty-Third Day – First Sight
On the morning of the twenty-third day, the royal column crested a hill, and King's Landing finally revealed itself.
The city sprawled across the hills like a dirty white beast. Hundreds of thousands of people lived there. Smoke rose from countless chimneys. The Red Keep dominated everything, sitting high on Aegon's Hill, its towers red as blood in the morning light. Even from this distance, the smell was overwhelming — sewage, smoke, fish, and unwashed bodies.
The northerners grew visibly uncomfortable. Robb's face was grim. Jon stared silently. Ned Stark rode with his jaw clenched.
Ethan felt a strange mixture of excitement and dread. This was where the real Game began.
As they descended toward the city, Joffrey rode past their group, deliberately slowing his horse beside Sansa's carriage. He said something that made her flinch.
Ethan's hand tightened on his reins.
Jaime Lannister, riding not far away, noticed and gave Ethan a knowing look, almost amused.
Late Afternoon – Entering the City
The procession passed through the massive gates. The noise inside was deafening — merchants shouting, beggars pleading, women laughing from windows, children running between horses.
The smell hit Ethan like a wall. He fought the urge to cover his nose.
The Starks were escorted directly to the Red Keep. Ethan stayed close to the household guards, eyes scanning everything. He noticed how the smallfolk looked at the northern party — some with curiosity, others with clear resentment.
When they finally reached the courtyard of the Red Keep, servants rushed forward to take the horses. A tall, thin man with a silver beard approached Ned Stark — Grand Maester Pycelle.
King Robert was already roaring orders, demanding wine and food.
As Ethan dismounted, his eyes met Cersei's across the courtyard. The Queen was watching him again. This time her gaze lingered longer, studying him with open interest. She whispered something to one of her ladies before turning away.
[New Harem Target Detected: Cersei Lannister] [Current Favorability: 12/100 (Mild Curiosity)]
Sansa looked back at him one last time before she was led inside with her family. The look she gave him carried both fear and hope.
Night – Assigned Quarters
Ethan was given a small but decent room in the Tower of the Hand, not far from the Stark family chambers. It had a narrow bed, a table, and a window overlooking the city.
He sat on the edge of the bed, exhausted from the long journey.
[Main Quest: Arrival at King's Landing – Completed]
[+800 EXP]
[Level 11 Achieved!]
[+2 Stat Points (Endurance +1, Agility +1)]
He spent the points immediately. Small, steady growth.
Before sleeping, he opened the system shop and bought a basic map of the Red Keep for 80 SP. Knowledge of the main corridors and hidden passages flowed into his mind.
He lay down, staring at the stone ceiling.
He was finally here.
In the heart of the beast.
And somewhere in this castle, Sansa was lying awake thinking of him… while danger waited around every corner.
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