A rotting body and ice-blue eyes...
It instinctively attacked any living person it saw...
Its strength was astonishing, as though it could break through the sturdy iron cage...
A wight—a monster without pain or fear.
Inside the Dungeons, as the heavy cell door slowly swung shut, the wight's howls were compressed from frenzied shrieks into a dull, muffled hum.
Outside the cell, Princess Arianne, who had witnessed a legendary White Walker with her own eyes, had gone pale and instinctively grabbed Queen Daenerys's arm.
The torches on the walls flickered. Daenerys patted the back of her hand and asked softly, "Are you all right?"
Princess Arianne shook her head. After a pause, she finally parted her red lips. "I wish I were dreaming..."
Her clear black-and-white eyes stared unblinkingly at the queen. "Your Grace, those stories weren't made up. All of this is real, isn't it?"
Daenerys nodded lightly. "That is the true reason Gryn went to Winterfell."
"Yes..."
Princess Arianne nodded. "I should have realized it long ago. Stannis is nothing but a beaten cur; there was no need for King Gryn to act in person. No, I did think of it—I thought it was to reassure the Starks. No... I was still wrong..."
Queen Daenerys patted Arianne again. "Dear, let us go. You need a cup of Summer Wine right now."
Then, as the queen's gaze shifted toward him, Leyton gave a slight nod. "Your Grace, Ser Humphrey and I will remain here on guard. Please rest assured."
"Mm. Thank you, both of you."
Only after the red cloaks of the Queensguard vanished into the dim corridor did Ser Humphrey withdraw his gaze and let out a breath.
After a moment's hesitation, he spoke cautiously. "Lord Leyton, there are no secrets in the Red Keep. I am a