[ Eager comes her reply, too eager perhaps to a wary eye. ] Lord Baelish saved me from great treachery, [ Alayne says, dipping her head as if some physical show of obeisance would counter the defiance in her words. ] Would it be not for his grace and sacrifice, my head would decorate the walls of the Red Keep. It would be ungrateful of me to return such favor with suspicion, Your Grace.

[ Perhaps the truth was evident to Lord Stannis, but it seemed less so to Alayne. For despite the quick clip of her words, there was earnestness there in her voice as well. Genuine gratitude and something else, perhaps. Something more profound, like loyalty or love. ] Time and again, he has protected me.

There are few I trust more.