41 Chapter 41 Being followed.

After having a full meal and fullfilling her true purpose, valarissa readied herself to leave the kitchen, but before that she reminded the kitchen staffs to take the separated meals as orderd by her.

Valarissa walked through the corridors of the Red Keep, her steps silent and graceful as she made her way back to her chamber. She had just finished a meal and fulfilled her duties in the kitchen, but now it was time for her to focus on another important matter.

As she walked, she couldn't help but notice that neither her maids nor Cerdic, her loyal guard, were anywhere to be seen. She knew they were all busy attending to their own tasks and responsibilities, just like she was.

Finally reaching her chamber, Valarissa quickly changed into civilian-like clothes and tied up her long white hair. She then grabbed a black cloth and used it to cover her signature white hair completely. She needed to blend in with the common people if she wanted to gather information without drawing attention to herself.

With all preparations complete, Valarissa left her chamber and made her way towards an entrance that led to a secret path outside the Red Keep. It was a route known only by her, she had stumble upon the path during her childhood but the previous self was afraid to explore and with that experience she started make her way out.

As she walked through the secret tunnel towards the city outside the Red Keep walls, Valarissa couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with all the rats running around and digusting smell.

Unce outside, Valarissa took in deep breath before her eyes took in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. Merchants loudly called out their goods while beggars pleaded for coins from passersby. The smell of cooked meats and fresh vegetables filled the air as food stalls lined up along the streets it slightly I masked the cities disgusting smell.

Valarissa walked through the crowded alleys and streets of King's Landing, taking note of everything around her. She blended in with the common people, her white hair hidden under a black cloth as she observed her surroundings.

It didn't take long for her sharp eyes to notice the city watches patrolling, the streets. She followed two guards for some time, staying a safe distance behind them as she observed their movements and around her. She blended in with the common people, her white hair hidden under a black cloth as she observed her surroundings.

It didn't take long for her sharp eyes to notice the city watches patrolling the streets. She followed two guards for some time, staying a safe distance behind them as she observed their movements and interactions with the citizens.

But soon, Valarissa decided to stop tailing them and instead started to look around on her own. She wanted to get a better understanding of the real situation in King's Landing at night.

As she continued to walk, Valarissa couldn't help but feel both overwhelmed and saddened by what she saw. The crowded market area was bustling with activity, but at the same time, it was infested with pickpocketer's and thieves.

In just a span of six minutes since she started looking around, Valarissa witnessed at least five robberies happening before her very eyes. She could hear people yelling and shouting at these thieves in the distance, but no one seemed willing or able to help,

The poor and desperate citizens of king's Landing were too busy trying to survive themselves while also trying not to fall victim to these criminals. Valarissa couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt wash over her as she thought about how different her life was from theirs.

As she walked deeper into the city, Valarissa noticed that there were also many brothels and taverns scattered throughout. Drunk men stumbled out onto the streets while prostitutes solicited their services without shame.

Valarissa clenched her jaw in disgust at this blatant display of immorality and exploitation. But unfortunately, it wasn't uncommon in King's Landing a place where money spoke louder than morals or decency.

Valarissa continued to follow the city watch teams, observing their every move. She noticed that they were doing a good job in patrolling and keeping the peace in the city.

They were quick to respond to any disturbances or crimes, and their training was evident in how they handled various situations with ease. Valarissa couldn't fault them for not being capable or hardworking.

But as she followed them from a safe distance, something caught her attention. She noticed that these guards seemed to be avoiding certain areas of the city or turning a blind eye to certain individuals. Curiosity getting the better of her, Valarissa followed one group of guard's as, they approached a group of nobles who were clearly drunk and causing chaos on the street.

To her surprise, instead of reprimanding or arresting them, the guards simply ignored the nobles' actions and walked past them as if they didn't exist. It was clear that these nobles had some sort of hold over the city watch.

Valarissa's blood boiled at this blatant display of corruption and injustice. These men were supposed to serve and protect all citizens, not just those with power and money.

As she continued to observe different teams, she noticed similar patterns. The poor and powerless were often mistreated while the rich and inferential got away with their cities.

Having seen enough of the corruption and injustice within King's Landing, she decided to turn and leave. She knew she needed to prepare a report on her findings.

She began making her way back towards the Red Keep, planning to return the same way she had left - through a secret tunnel that led outside of the city However, as she walked through the streets, Valarissa couldn't shake off the thought of the roden- infested tunnels and disgusting smell that awaited her.

The memory of her previous journey through those tunnels made her cringe in disgust. And so, she decided to take the main gate to the redkeep, but as she made her way forward she felt like some one was talling her.

Valarissa's suspicions were proven right as she soon saw the black figure after carefull observation. She quickly assessed her options and decided to lead the person into a more isolated area.

As she turned to an alley, Valarissa activated her jade space and disappeared from view. After waiting for a few moments, she exited the space with a sword in hand, ready to defend herself. I

She reappeared behind the man dressed in all black, with a sword hanging by his hips. Valarissa immediately took actionas she kicked the other parties leg and palced her sword against his beck.

removing the black cloth covering the mans face she immdeately recognized him as one of the king'sguards.

"What are you doing here?" Valarissa demanded, gripping her sword tighter.

"I could ask you the same thing princess," the guard replied, eyeing her suspiciously. I

Her sword pressed hard against him. "I hate asking twice," she said seriously,

The Kingsguard looked at Valarissa seriously before answering, "The king appointed me as your secret guard and asked me to only come forward if you were in danger."

Valarissa's grip on her sword loosened slightly as she processed this information. Her father had appointed a secret guard for her? She wasn't sure how to feel about that. On one hand, it was reassuring to know that someone was looking out for her safety. But on the other hand, it also felt like an invasion of her privacy.

"Why would I be in danger?" she asked, lowering her sword completely.

The Kingsguard's expression remained serious as he explained, " considering your recent activities the king feels ser cerdic may not be capable enough to ensure your safety."

Valarissa nodded slowly, understanding the reasoning behind the her father's decision. However, she still couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched and monitored.

"Thank you for your concern," she said finally. "But I can take care of myself."

The Kingsguard nodded and stepped back, giving Valarissa some space. "I understand that princess, but please allow me to at least accompany you back to the Red Keep."

Valarissa hesitated before agreeing. She knew deep down that having a secret guard would be beneficial for her safety, even if it did make her feel uncomfortable.

As they made their way towards the Red Keep together, Valarissa couldn't help but think about everything that had happened so far. Her investigation into corruption had revealed just how deep and widespread it truly was within King's Landing. And now, she had a secret guard assigned to her by her father

Once inside the Red Keep, Valarissa quickly made her way towards her chambers. She knew she had to rest for tomorrow, as it would be very, very tiring day.