The King's Witch 2

After a stretch of silence, Stannis raised his right arm and waved his hand backward.

At his gesture, the seven Queensguard, clad in silver helms crowned with stag antlers, gleaming silver plate armor, and heavy golden woolen cloaks, turned and departed.

Clang.

The heavy wooden door shut, leaving only Stannis and Melisandre in the room.

Stannis held his wrinkled, age-spotted hand a little closer to the fire. After a pause, his hard voice came forth.

"Heh, you love me? Better to say you love the prince from the prophecy, whoever he may be."

Stannis turned his head and scrutinized Melisandre for a moment before suddenly saying, "Are you worried you won't live to see that man?"

Meeting his incomparably sharp gaze, Melisandre stepped closer. "As long as one lives, hope remains. Once we join together and drive away the Long Night, my mission will be complete."

Her lips curved, her expression gentle. "I look forward to returning to your side, Your Grace."

"Heh—"

"You hypocritical witch."

After coldly mocking her, Stannis raised a hand to stop Melisandre as she was about to speak. He continued, "Speak. What can you use to 'buy' your life?"

Melisandre paused before saying, "Other than Gryn Crabb, anyone will do... for example, those who refused to swear fealty to you."

Turning to face her, Stannis sneered. "You want me to perish together with everyone but Gryn? That is meaningless."

"Yes, meaningless."

Looking at him, Melisandre's lips slowly curled upward. "I have already prepared king's blood for you. You need not burn the flame of your own life, Your Grace."

Stannis frowned. "That infant? The son of the King-Beyond-the-Wall?"

Melisandre smiled and shook her head. "He is too young."

Her hand slowly brushed across her lower belly. "A strong young smith, one of Robert's bastards whom