Joy Anna Prince

"I feel like I'm already dead, anyway. Like my life is on pause, I can't move forward but I can't go back."

"You can't go on like this baby," I said quietly. "Come on. Let's go. Tywin is gone. If we hurry, we might be able to make it out of here before he gets back."

"What? No...you could be killed and I wouldn't be able to handle that."

"And I can't handle watching you waste away like this."

"Why is everyone in such an uproar? Tywin left without saying a word."

"I don't know for sure. I think something happened down in the lower districts."

I looked around the room and then back down at the IV in my arm. Ah, what the hell. "Okay...help me get this thing out of my arm."

I smiled. "Alright. Give me a minute." I got a cotton ball and put it over the entry point, slowly drawing it out then taped it down. "Come on, we need to get you in some warmer clothes and pack some things before we head out," I said and slowly helped her up.

"Alright, I'll pack lightly. If it's alright...I'd like to leave Tywin a quick letter."

"Whatever you want to do baby," I said and kissed her softly before helping her to her room.

I packed a small pack of the minor things I would need and then pulled out a pen and piece of paper.


My dearest Tywin,

I'm feeling quite torn as I write this letter to you. You have known for awhile now that I haven't been satisfied nor happy. I do feel guilty about having these feelings because I know you've done everything imaginable to keep me happy and safe. I've always known that I could never replace your lovely wife, and I never wanted that in the first place. I simply wanted a chance. A chance to maybe have my own family, and my own love. I guess you could say I've grown tired of my life never moving forward and you've been more than clear that it never will. This is why I have to go, and I'm so sorry. I know you're going to be furious. I love you. Please give my love and regards to Lydia, Micah, and Tyrion.

Love,

Joy Anna.

I put the pen down and stared at the letter. Was I really doing this? I was nervous but I swallowed down my fears. I went to Ian, taking his hand and we left.

Once I was back in my old room Lydia left me alone with Colton so she could go grab few things. "You should hide it better, you know." 

"Hide what better?" I asked, though I knew what she was talking about. She was more intuitive than she was letting on.

"Your love for Lydia. How long has it been, now?"

I didn't say anything for a few minutes. "Since I became her guard. Over two years ago."

"I'm happy for you both." I smiled a little.

"Me too. But I'm terrified."

"That what happened to Ian and I will happen to you?"

"Partly yeah. Partly because... she's married. Not by choice, but still. Partly because... who her father is. I know what he'd do to me... and to her... if he found out we've been lying all this time. Going behind his back."

"Yes. He doesn't exactly...forgive and forget easily. But then I can't help but wonder why he still has my room here."

"It's not that hard to figure out Joy. He'd be furious if he knew we were here though. No one's allowed up here anymore, except his maid of choice to clean."

"I want to see him."

"You can't. He doesn't know you're here. He thinks you were taken back to your cell."

I didn't say anything. I wondered if I should tell him what I knew or not. "I see." I heard myself finally say.

"I don't know how long this little charade can last, but Tyrion and Micah seem to think you'll be able to hang out here for awhile. I don't know what their plans are."