Gryn's eyelids twitched slightly. When his gaze met Dacey's earnest eyes, he could not help but smile, then gestured for her to drink.
Gryn raised his own cup. "Lady Mormont is charming, but there is no need for you to warm my bed."
Dacey avoided Gryn's smiling gaze. Her toes curled inside her boots, practically digging out two Winterfells.
"I... um... I..."
Dacey did not know what to say, but Gryn waved a hand. "I can roughly guess your present situation. In my view, you did nothing wrong. You fought wholeheartedly for your liege lord's son."
Dacey took a sip of wine and murmured, "He died. I failed to protect him. That was a dereliction of my duty..."
"You are mortal, not a god, and besides..."
Gryn paused, then continued, "...everything has its price."
As he spoke, his gaze sharpened somewhat. "Lady Mormont, all Seven Kingdoms know that he violated sacred Guest Right."
Strictly speaking, death had been Robb's release, though the process had been rather painful...
Dacey immediately grew dejected. Lowering her face, she said softly, "Yes, Your Grace. I committed an unforgivable sin..."
Footsteps sounded.
Brown leather boots and white trouser legs entered Dacey's view. Then she involuntarily held her breath. The touch was burning hot as the king stroked her cheek.
The king's voice came from above. "Loyalty is not rational. You are a sword, not the one who holds it."
Dacey moved her lips, lowering her head even further as the sound of the king pacing back and forth filled her ears.
"I am a knight as well."
Gryn sat down again. Dacey drew a deep breath, glanced up, and slowly said, "I have heard of your deeds. Everyone says you are a living legend among knights. Many people admire you."
Gryn tipped back his head