Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/3502514.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Major_Character_Death, Rape/Non-Con,
      Underage
  Category:
      F/F, F/M, M/M, Multi
  Fandom:
      A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire_-_George_R._R._Martin, A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire_&
      Related_Fandoms, Game_of_Thrones_(TV)
  Relationship:
      Jaime_Lannister/Brienne_of_Tarth, Cersei_Lannister/Jaime_Lannister_(past
      &_mentioned), Tyrion_Lannister/Sansa_Stark
  Character:
      Jaime_Lannister, Brienne_of_Tarth, Tyrion_Lannister, Sansa_Stark,
      Margaery_Tyrell, Loras_Tyrell, Cersei_Lannister, Tywin_Lannister, Joffrey
      Baratheon, Gregor_Clegane, Olenna_Tyrell, Septa_Donyse
  Additional Tags:
      Alternate_Universe_-_Canon_Divergence, Dark, Alternate_Universe_-
      Arranged_Marriage, Considered_Suicide, Forced_Marriage, Forced_Pregnancy,
      Depressing, Violence, Protectiveness, Heavy_Angst, Angst_and_Hurt/
      Comfort, Implied/Referenced_Character_Death, Canonical_Character_Death,
      Other_Additional_Tags_to_Be_Added
  Stats:
      Published: 2015-03-08 Updated: 2015-06-13 Chapters: 2/5 Words: 34700
****** The Horror of A Debt Paid ******
by Lady_Blade_WarAngel
Summary
     “I’ll only be gone a fortnight Wench. Try not to get on the wrong
     side of anyone while I’m gone.” Jaime told the tall woman, as they
     leaned on the ramparts looking out over the Blackwater Rush......
     “My name is Brienne. And I’m perfectly capable of taking care of
     myself, Ser Jaime.” Brienne said...
     Jaime and Brienne are back in King's Landing, before Joffrey's
     wedding. Cersei doesn't like Brienne, and as such, Jaime has been
     sent off on a mission, leaving Brienne without protection. But what
     are Cersei's plans for the Maid of Tarth?
Notes
     This is VERY dark. Just in case you didn't read the tags. This is
     DARK. This is also an AU. (nods) I hope that you... not so much enjoy
     it... but appreciate the writing? Maybe?
     Just don't hunt me down and kill me after you've read this. Remember
     it does carry on.
See the end of the work for more notes
***** Chapter 1 *****
The Horror of A Debt Paid.
Chapter 1.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
“I’ll only be gone a fortnight Wench. Try not to get on the wrong side of
anyone while I’m gone.” Jaime told the tall woman, as they leaned on the
ramparts looking out over the Blackwater Rush. It might have been beautiful,
but for the wrecks of ships still sticking out of the water after the battle of
the Blackwater. Some were less skeletal than others, but it wasn’t a truly
pleasant sight to see the charred remains of ships, not even fully buried by
the water, as the bodies that had probably manned them. Jaime was to go on a
patrol around the borders of King’s Landing. He was to go through Rosby, and
Duskendale and all the bordering towns and villages, making sure that security
was tight, and that no dangers would make it to Joffrey on his wedding day. It
had been Joffrey’s and Cersei’s suggestion, and Jaime didn’t wish to do it,
leaving his truest friend all alone in King’s Landing. “I’ll ask Tyrion to try
and keep a watch over her. It might well give her the chance to get to know
Sansa better as well.” Jaime thought to himself.
“My name is Brienne. And I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Ser
Jaime.” Brienne said. Jaime felt his heart lurch in his chest every time she
said his name like that. Ser Jaime. Not Kingslayer, or Lannister, just Ser
Jaime. It made him feel things he wasn’t sure how to describe.
“I know, Brienne. I know you’re capable of looking after yourself. But this is
King’s Landing. A sword won’t help here. Only words and veiled courtesies and
poison.” Jaime said sadly. Brienne shrugged.
“Then I’m sure I shall be dead within the first three days you’re gone and then
you’ll not have to worry about me.” Brienne replied. The half smile on her face
let Jaime know she was joking, but the sting of it was harsher than Jaime
thought it would ever be. The thought of Brienne lying dead, her sapphire blue
eyes closed forever, cut into him deeply, making him unable to appreciate her
attempt at humour.
“Don’t say things like that, my lady.” Jaime said softly. Whilst he normally
would have wished to hear Brienne attempt humour, would have even made a few
quips about how Brienne could actually make a joke, he didn’t like the
direction of this particular one. Brienne gave him a strange look.
“I’m sure I shall survive until you return Jaime. Margaery and Ser Loras seem
to have... grown fond of me, I’m sure they won’t let me get murdered. I’m sure
I’ll survive. You need not worry about me.” Brienne said. Jaime was still
worried. He was to leave within the hour. He determined to make Tyrion promise
to look out for Brienne whilst he was gone.
“I’ll speak to Tyrion. Maybe you can accompany Sansa around, get to know her
properly, while I’m off boring myself to death with patrol duties.” Jaime said.
Brienne smiled then, a soft smile that almost didn’t match the hard warrior
woman that Jaime knew so well. It had been a month since their arrival in
King’s Landing. Since then, all sorts of things had been determined. One was
that Sansa was married to Tyrion. The other was that Loras and Margaery Tyrell
no longer held any blame towards Brienne for Renly’s death, even though at
first, Loras had wanted to kill Brienne. Jaime had solved that rather quickly,
and Brienne was right, Jaime had noticed that both Tyrell siblings seemed to
have gained a fondness for her. The last thing was that Cersei was not best
pleased by the continued presence of Brienne in the capital. Jaime placed a
hand on Brienne’s shoulder, in the gown of blue that she wore, Jaime’s
attention was drawn to her eyes. “You may not wish it Brienne, but I will do
all I can to make sure that you’re safe whilst I’m not here to do that job
myself.” Jaime told Brienne firmly. Brienne shook her head.
“You’ve done much for me already Jaime. I’m sure I can survive two weeks
without you hovering.” Brienne replied. Jaime prayed silently that this was
true as he went to find Tyrion. He tried to ignore the lurch in his chest, when
he realised that Brienne had just called him Jaime. Not even with a title, just
his name. It made him smile.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
“Tyrion?” Jaime called to his brother, as he walked into his chambers. Tyrion
looked up from the account books he was looking at.
“Jaime! Aren’t you supposed to be leaving to patrol our ridiculous borders?”
Tyrion asked.
“Unfortunately yes. But I’ll be back in two weeks hopefully. I wished to ask
you a great favour.” Jaime said.
“Would this be anything to do with the Lady Brienne?” Tyrion asked.
“She’s not accustomed to fighting with her tongue. I wouldn’t see her harmed
for it.” Jaime said.
“I’ll do what I can to protect her.” Tyrion said.
“Thank you. Maybe she can become a friend of Sansa’s. It may help, she knew
Lady Stark.” Jaime replied. Tyrion nodded.
“I’ll do what I can. I promise you.” Tyrion said. Jaime nodded and then made
his way to the door.
“I’ll see you in a fortnight brother. The sooner I leave, the sooner I can get
all this stupid patrolling out of the way.” Jaime said. Then he was gone.
Tyrion wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but something had changed within his
older brother, and he found he most likely had Brienne of Tarth to thank for
it, and as Tyrion was fond of saying. A Lannister always pays their debts.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne was watching from the ramparts, as Jaime took his patrol and left the
Red Keep. Soon he would be gone from King’s Landing.
“He’ll be back. He’s only leaving for a fortnight. He’ll be back.” She thought
to herself. She’d offered to go with him, but the King had refused the idea,
saying that a Kingsguard doesn’t need the protection of a woman. “That spoiled
little brat will destroy the Seven Kingdoms before anyone can claim the Iron
Throne from him.” Brienne thought to herself. She took a deep breath. The smell
of King’s Landing was horrible, but from this spot, she could almost catch a
little fresh air. She could even imagine she was back at Evenfall Hall, and
think about the deep blue sea, and the smell of grass and flowers and salt on
the breeze. She decided to go back to her chamber for now. It never did anyone
any good to dwell on things that were not. Brienne had said so to others, now
she had to take her own advice as she made her way back into the Red Keep.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime didn’t want to think about leaving Brienne behind. He had a horrible
feeling, deep in his gut. He wanted to make it go away, but something wasn’t
right. He knew it, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.
“The sooner I get this done, the sooner I can return.” Jaime thought to
himself, as he spurred his horse onwards and prayed to the Gods he often said
he didn’t believe in that he would be done with this ridiculous mission as soon
as was possible.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
That evening, Brienne had not wished to go to the great hall, but a knock at
her door from Tyrion and Sansa had changed her mind. Sansa looked so like her
mother, and Brienne could see the sadness ingrained in her.
“My brother insists that you saved his life.” Tyrion said jovially as they
walked down to the great hall.
“I swore a vow to Lady Catelyn, to return Ser Jaime here, to King’s Landing, in
exchange for her daughters.” Brienne said softly. Sansa looked up at her.
“You knew my mother?” Sansa whispered.
“Yes. She was a good woman. Your brother Robb was a good man too, from what I
saw of him.” Brienne replied. Sansa smiled brightly at Brienne, her eyes
sparkling, for what seemed the first time since Brienne had seen the girl. Then
she frowned.
“We must not speak of it in the great hall, but maybe... tomorrow, you can walk
with me in the Godswood and tell me about how you came into my mother’s
service.” Sansa said. Brienne smiled down at the young girl.
“I shall tell you whatever you wish to know my lady.” Brienne replied, making
Sansa smile again. Tyrion allowed a smile to cross his face as well.
“I’ve been trying to get my lady wife to eat and drink for a while now. Perhaps
to hear good tidings will allow her to eat.” Tyrion said to Brienne. Brienne
nodded her understanding as they entered the great hall.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime found himself feeling uneasy as he rested on the bed in his tent. It was
dark now, and the moon was full. Something made him nervous. He wanted to turn
around and go back to King’s Landing, but he knew that would be foolish. If
something truly awful had happened, then his father would send a messenger. He
knew this. He knew if something had happened to Brienne, or to Tyrion, there
would be a message waiting for him at Rosby Castle when he arrived. So he tried
his best to get some sleep.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Tyrion insisted that Brienne sat with him and Sansa. He had promised Jaime he’d
look out for her. He felt ill at ease when Ser Gregor Clegane entered the hall.
“I thought that dog was routing the Riverlands.” Tyrion heard another lord
saying. He wondered the same thing himself. That was when Joffrey stood from
his throne. Margaery at a table beside the throne, her family beside her.
Everyone became silent. The Mountain had taken a seat with his men.
“My Lords and Ladies. I have been informed recently, that I have been remiss in
my duties. My beloved mother has told me that loyalty and good deeds should be
rewarded. Lady Brienne of Tarth, step forward.” Joffrey said. His voice was all
silken honey, but Tyrion had a horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. He
could see the look on Sansa’s face as well. She feared Joffrey harming someone
that she was becoming fond of. Brienne seemed unafraid as she stood from her
seat and walked to stand in front of the Iron Throne. Tyrion looked at his
sister, and he knew, he just knew this was her doing, he knew what she had
planned.
“This is why you sent Jaime away, sweet sister? To make sure she had no
protection that father would listen to. You vile bitch.” Tyrion thought to
himself angrily.
“Your Grace? I’ve no need of any rewards. I did what I swore to do.” Brienne
said calmly.
“Of course, Lady Brienne, but I am half Lannister, and Lannisters always pay
their debts. As you are a maiden, as yet unwed, my mother and grandfather, the
Lord Hand, Tywin Lannister, have seen fit to find you a suitable husband.”
Joffrey said, a cruel sneer on his face. Brienne turned white as a sheet then,
all the blood draining from her. Joffrey looked to Tywin and Cersei. They
stepped forward. Tyrion stood up and started to make his way to Brienne’s side.
“You saved the life of my eldest son, as reward, Lady Brienne, you shall be wed
to Ser Gregor Clegane.” Tywin said. Tyrion felt sick to his stomach as he
finally made his way over to Brienne’s side.
“My Lord Hand, Lady Brienne has a father, surely consulting him before wedding
his only daughter to anyone would be something to consider.” Tyrion said.
“Oh the matter has already been discussed with Lord Selwyn. He is unwell and
cannot travel, but sends his permission.” Cersei said. Tyrion hated his sister
for this. She had arranged this, from the moment she had seen Brienne. She’d
arranged this because she was jealous of Jaime having a friend that was not
her. Cersei was jealous of this mere girl, who was allowed to live the life
that Cersei had once craved.
“The wedding will take place tomorrow, in the Royal Sept.” Tywin said. Brienne
looked as though she were about to faint. It was Margaery Tyrell that came
over, with her brother Loras behind her, and the group led Brienne back to her
seat.
“I can’t. I can’t marry him.” Brienne choked out in a whisper.
“You’ve not much choice Brienne, unless you run.” Loras said kindly. Margaery
nodded.
“Just run Brienne.” Margaery whispered. Tyrion nodded his agreement. That was
when Cersei arrived. Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Osney Kettleblack either side of
her.
“Lady Brienne, might I speak with you for a moment? Such a happy day and yet I
haven’t even spoken to you, to thank you properly for bringing my dear brother
home.” Cersei said, her eyes flashed coldly at Brienne, and Brienne knew the
Queen Regent was not making a request. Brienne stood, looking at Tyrion, Loras,
Margaery and Sansa.
“Of course, your Grace.” Brienne said. Cersei smiled brightly, and took
Brienne’s arm, leading her away from the table where she had sat.
“I’m sure you don’t wish to marry Ser Gregor Clegane.” Cersei said. Brienne did
not answer. “It makes no matter, of course. No Lady truly gets a choice in who
they are wedded to.” Cersei added. Brienne had a feeling this was going
somewhere, somewhere that would lead to Brienne’s misery.
“Some ladies are lucky, your Grace.” Brienne said.
“Yes... some are... but I would tell you, that should you... disappear tonight,
and not be here for your wedding... well... King’s Landing isn’t safe anymore,
Lady Brienne. Who would protect my sweet little Goodsister? I’m not all that
fond of her, but such awful things happen in King’s Landing every single day,
not to mention some of the terrible things that have happened here in this very
keep.” Cersei said cheerfully. Brienne felt her blood run cold.
“She’s threatening to kill Sansa if I run.” Brienne thought to herself.
“There’s also your father. He’s rather old now, is he not? And you his only
heir? Who would guarantee his safety and wellbeing if you were not here? After
all, none of us like to admit it, but our fathers are growing older, and not
everyone can be as robust as my beloved father. It would be awful to not be
there for your father... in his last hours... after all, a good daughter is
always available to care for their parents.” Cersei added. Brienne looked at
Cersei and for the first time, Brienne knew what it was to hate. Cersei smiled
at her. “Oh I can see hate in your eyes Lady Brienne.” Cersei said. Before
Brienne could open her mouth to disagree, Cersei raised a hand, as they had
nearly finished circling the hall. “I don’t care if you hate me Lady Brienne.
By all means, hate me as much as you wish. Hate will allow you to survive. It
may even allow you to survive the Mountain. I doubt it, but there is that small
hope for you.” Cersei said. Then she let go of Brienne’s arm, as they arrived
back to where they had started. Then she looked at the group and then towards
the two Kingsguard who had followed her as ordered. “Lady Brienne, Ser Meryn
and Ser Osney have agreed to escort you back to your chambers once dinner is
complete and to remain on guard outside your door, so that no one will try to
cause you harm on the night before you are to be wed.” Cersei said. Loras
looked at the two men.
“Ser Meryn has had a great deal to drink, I would offer myself in his place.”
Loras said.
“I’ve not had that much to drink, Ser Loras. I’m quite capable of performing my
duties.” Ser Meryn replied, red faced and glaring. Margaery and Sansa both
stood.
“We shall remain with Lady Brienne. It’s tradition that a Lady has two women of
unquestioned virtue remain with her, the night before she is to be wed, so that
her own virtue is never questioned.” Margaery said, as she looked at Sansa.
Sansa nodded her agreement. Cersei glared slightly, but the horrible smile
never left her face.
“Of course.” Cersei said. “And in the morning, I’m sure you’ll both remain for
the last fitting of her wedding gown. I took the liberty of commissioning it
from Septa Donyse, who made the gown you now stand in.” Cersei said. Brienne
was pale, as though dead, but she nodded.
“I thank you for your kindness, your Grace.” Brienne said shakily. She said it
because she knew that was what was expected of her, but what Brienne wanted to
do, was to cleave out Cersei’s very heart with the golden lion that was pinned
in her golden curls. The very thought of what she had to do made her feel ill,
and she wondered if Jaime knew about it. Just for a moment, she considered he
might have known. But then she dismissed the thought. She knew Jaime. He was
far from perfect, but he had more honour than most people knew and was a good
man besides. He wouldn’t have allowed them to marry her off to Gregor Clegane.
He would have spoken for her. She knew it. There was nothing else she could
believe in after all, if she couldn’t believe in Jaime. What else did she have
left? Renly was dead, Lady Catelyn was dead, and her father and Sansa were in
danger if she did not do something she found abhorrent. She felt female hands
on her arms and stood up, only to have Sansa and Margaery link their own arms
through her own. She barely realised they were leaving the great hall, so
consumed was she in her grief at that moment.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Cersei watched from her seat as the small group walked out of the hall with
Brienne of Tarth. She smirked to herself. She had known her son would see the
wisdom of marrying the lumbering aurochs off to their loyal dog. She’d known
her father would agree to it with little convincing. After all, Lannisters pay
their debts, and her father didn’t approve of the idea of an unmarried, sword
wielding, maid, being the saviour of his eldest son and heir. She had been
planning this for a month. As soon as Jaime had returned, and she had realised
that he had formed an attachment to the creature who’d bought him home, Cersei
had determined that attachment would end, as quickly as possible. In seven
months, Joffrey would be wed to Margaery, and Margaery was fond of the beast,
herself. Cersei would not stand to be replaced in any way, especially by an
ugly woman. Getting the permission of Brienne’s father had been quite simple.
The threat of his little island being burned into the sea, and the death of his
only daughter, and therefore his line, was enough to convince him to agree. She
liked Qyburn. He was the only good thing that Jaime appeared to have brought
back with him, in his long absence. The Mountain had been sent for a week ago.
Just so that Cersei could be sure he would not meet with her brother before
he’d left King’s Landing for the patrol she’d insisted on for him. The
announcement of the marriage for tomorrow was to make sure, that even if Tyrion
managed to send a message to Jaime tonight, that he’d never make it back here
in time to stop the wedding, or the bedding. He’d arrive in Rosby tomorrow, and
by the time he could get back to King’s Landing, it would be the day after.
Everything would be over, and Cersei would never have to see that great,
lumbering creature at her brother’s side, ever again.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
“Tyrion, we have to do something!” Sansa pleaded.
“There is nothing we can do, my Lady.” Tyrion said softly.
“If I were one of the Kingsguard on duty, I could have... done something. It
would have been simple. It appears that the Queen Regent has thought of
everything.” Loras said. Brienne looked at Sansa.
“I vowed to get you to safety.” Brienne whispered.
“Gods above, Brienne you cannot even get yourself to safety! I might have
thought you were guilty of Renly’s death once, but I know you’re not now, and
no woman deserves to be married to a savage animal like the Mountain.” Loras
said.
“Cersei... the Queen Regent... she as good as said that if I run, it will be
Lady Sansa and my father, who pay the price.” Brienne said softly. Sansa
gasped. Tyrion looked furious. “I swore to your mother that I would do all I
could to keep you safe. If that means my life then so be it.” Brienne said.
“I’m going to send a raven to Jaime.” Tyrion said.
“He won’t get it in time.” Brienne said softly. “Even if you sent it this very
moment, he’d not receive the message until tomorrow evening. Even if he
mobilised all his forces and left the moment he received the message, and rode
without rest, he’d not reach King’s Landing until the day after tomorrow. By
that time, I would already be wedded and bedded.” Brienne added. She looked at
her sword and dagger, placed carefully atop a chest. She got up from where she
sat, picked up the dagger. “I could end it now.” Brienne said softly. Loras
looked at the dagger wide eyed, in shock.
“How? Are you planning to slit the Mountain’s throat with that tiny knife?”
Loras asked.
“No. I’d probably never make it to him. But I could slit my own throat.”
Brienne said softly. Loras made to snatch the dagger from Brienne’s hands then.
In the month that Brienne had spent in King’s Landing, he’d learned a great
deal about the Maid of Tarth, he respected her. He certainly didn’t want her to
die.
“No! Brienne, you cannot do this to yourself!” Loras exclaimed. His fingers
clasped around the wrist of her hand that held the dagger. Brienne looked as
though she were about to cry. But she did not. She was too strong for that.
“What choice do I have? If I’m wed to the Mountain I may as well be dead. I’ll
not be allowed to keep the oaths or promises I’ve made, which is as good as
death for me. If I run, Cersei as good as said that she will kill Sansa and my
father. So I either marry that monster or... or I die.” Brienne said softly.
She threw the dagger away from herself violently. It crashed into the stone
wall with a clatter. Brienne looked at it and then sat heavily upon her bed.
She felt like everything she was, had been torn apart, and all that was left
was the shell, of the little girl who’d wanted a knight to come and rescue her.
But, as it did not happen then, she knew it would never happen now. Brienne
looked out of the window. The moon was full. To her it was beautiful. It was
constant, and she realised something. No matter who she was married off to, she
would always be Brienne of Tarth. She too was like the moon on her house sigil.
She was no beauty, but she was constant, just like the moon. You could not
always see everything she was, but she would not change, just like the moon
never did. She was a warrior, and she would face this like a warrior. No matter
how much of a brute the Mountain was, she would never submit to him. If he
killed her, then he killed her, but she would not surrender easily to anyone,
no matter how she might suffer for it.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
It was early morning. Tyrion would have sent the message after dinner. But the
Ravenry had been locked. That was probably Pycelle’s doing. Tyrion was about to
send a message to Jaime. He had to. He’d promised his brother that he would do
what he could to protect Brienne, and that seemed very little. As he’d attached
the message to the raven himself, Cersei arrived.
“Telling tales to our brother, monster?” Cersei asked him coldly.
“You’re a cold, evil bitch. That girl did you no harm. She brought Jaime back
to us. This is the kind of repayment you’d give to our brother’s saviour? The
Mountain is a rapist! A murderer! He’s killed small children! I never thought
that even you could be so cruel!” Tyrion exclaimed.
“How is it cruel to make sure that a marriageable maiden, is married to a
friend and bannerman of our house? He’s the first son, not the second, so her
children will be heirs to two holdings. She should be grateful.” Cersei replied
coldly. Tyrion shook his head.
“You did this to destroy that girl. Don’t lie and pretend you’re doing it for
her own good.” Tyrion said softly. He went to walk down the stairs of the
Ravenry.
“Well little brother, I thought it only fitting. A beast for a beast! A good
jest! The sun is even shining. That’s supposed to be a good omen on the day of
one’s wedding.” Cersei called after him. Tyrion clenched his fists.
“I’m sorry Jaime. I hope you can forgive me for not being able to protect your
saviour.” Tyrion thought to himself. He did not see Cersei snatch up the raven,
and take the message from it’s leg. She looked at it before crumpling it in a
hand and smiled to herself.
“Brienne of Tarth will learn her place, as I learned mine. Who better to teach
her than the Mountain?”Cersei thought to herself as she left the Ravenry
herself, humming the tune ‘The Rains of Castamere’ to herself as she went to
prepare for the day.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When the sun came up, Brienne found she was still awake. Margaery and Sansa had
stayed with her, just as they had promised. But Brienne felt more like she was
heading to her grave, than her own wedding. There was knocking on the door.
Margaery and Sansa both woke with a start, but Brienne merely stood and went to
the door. It was Septa Donyse.
“I’m sorry child. I’ve been ordered to have you try on this gown so that any
last minute adjustments might be made.” The old Septa said. She looked tired,
and saddened. Brienne let the old Septa in. Margaery and Sansa both stared at
Brienne and then at the Septa.
“You seem tired Septa Donyse.” Brienne said.
“The Queen Regent insisted on the gown being ready today. I don’t think it will
need much adjusting if any.” Septa Donyse replied. “But this is not what you
wanted. I can see that. Not that any woman would wish to be wedded to Ser
Gregor Clegane.” The old Septa said. Then her old hand quickly covered her
mouth. She shook her head. “I apologise my lady. I spoke out of turn. It’s my
duty to reassure you, and I’m not doing so.” Donyse said.
“It’s alright Septa. No one believes that Brienne should be wedded to the
Mountain, apart from Lord Tywin and the Queen Regent.” Sansa said coldly.
Donyse nodded, tears came to her eyes.
“I am sorry child. Mother forgive me, but that man isn’t a man. The things he
did to Princess Elia and her children... it doesn’t bear thinking about. I saw
them placed before the iron throne, wrapped in Lannister crimson to hide the
blood. He’s a monster and I would wish that you did not have to marry such a
man.” Donyse said sadly. Brienne placed a hand on the old woman’s shoulder and
tried to offer comfort. But her own heart, felt crushed within her chest.
“Apparently it’s a woman’s place to endure. I thought if I became a warrior
that I wouldn’t have to adhere to such rules. But it appears I have no choice
in the matter.” Brienne said softly. “My father has agreed. Whether by force or
not, his agreement is all they need to do this. A Septon would never doubt a
piece of paper with my father’s signature. I could kick and scream and fight my
way to the altar, but in the end, I would just be putting the people I love at
risk.” Brienne said sadly. So Septa Donyse went about fitting the gown that
Brienne would hate, no matter how beautiful it might look.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When Jaime arrived in Rosby, he had no messages waiting for him. So he went to
work dealing with the idiocies that Lord Rosby had decided to grace him with.
He still felt uneasy, as the sun shone high in the sky.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne had been prepared as much as she could be. The gown was blue, trimmed
with white. A Maiden’s cloak of blue and rose was draped around her shoulders,
the crescent moons and starbursts sewn on it in gold and silver thread. Brienne
looked at Septa Donyse. She nodded.
“Yes, it’s perfect. There are no more adjustments to be made.” The old Septa
said sadly. Brienne was alone now. Margaery and Sansa had both been escorted
back to their chambers to change and ready themselves for the wedding. Brienne
looked out of the window. She knew it was hopeless. She could run. Septa Donyse
would not stop her. But what of Sansa? Even if Sansa would have left with her,
where would they go? The Wall? The Vale? There was no guarantee that either
would take Sansa in. Then where would Brienne head? She could not go to Tarth,
her father’s life would already be forfeit if she ran. She would just be
putting all those on the island in danger. She had few friends, only Jaime
truly. Loras and Margaery were fond of her, but would they willingly hide her
in Highgarden? The very thought of her father lying in state in the Sept of
Tarth, eyes closed forever, or poor Sansa, lying in state in the Royal Sept,
broke Brienne’s heart in a way that this marriage could not. The sleeves of the
gown were draping, and heavy, and Brienne was furious with the heavy weight of
the material she wore. She wished she could carry a sword with her. Maybe she
would run the Mountain through between the altars of the Mother and the Father?
But then she would be executed for murder, especially for desecrating a holy
place with blood. Then Sansa, and her father, would still be in danger. Jaime
would not return for at least a fortnight. In that time, she and Sansa and even
Lord Selwyn, could all have been killed, a thousand times over. She heard a
knock at the door of her chambers. She looked at Septa Donyse, who rose and
opened the door, where Loras stood.
“I’m to escort you to the Sept, Lady Brienne.” Loras said softly. Brienne felt
her hands trembling as she took Loras’ offered arm. Septa Donyse followed
behind them. Brienne kept her gaze straight ahead, she did not waver. She had
never felt so much like a frightened little girl in her life. But she would let
no one see it. On their arrival at the Sept, Joffrey stepped forwards. Brienne
wanted to wring the little brat’s neck. But Sansa had told her this would
happen. Joffrey was King, and as such, he got to torment any poor woman whose
father was not there to give her away at her wedding. He offered her his arm,
and Brienne took it. She willed herself not to tremble, or trip, or fall, as
she walked down the steps, and into the Royal Sept. She saw the Mountain
standing there. He was tall enough to make Brienne seem small. Brienne made her
way to take her place and as the Septon pronounced them man and wife, Brienne
wished that she might die right then. It seemed a better fate than the slow
death of being married to a man such as The Mountain.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime found himself irritated as he rested in the chambers set up for him in
Rosby Castle. He was to patrol the whole of Rosby tomorrow, checking over the
ports and wagons, speaking to the merchants and traders, and even examining the
wares of the peasants.
“At this rate I’ll be back in a month rather than a fortnight.” Jaime thought
angrily to himself. He wondered if that was exactly the plan all along. He
still felt ill at ease, and he’d sent a message to Tyrion in King’s Landing.
Though he knew he might not receive a reply until tomorrow evening. He still
felt worry gnawing at him. He hoped his brother would write back to him, and
tell him that there was nothing to worry about.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne sat beside her new husband. She stayed silent as he drank more then she
could ever recall seeing anyone drink before. She hoped if he drank enough that
he would forget about her. But when they called for the bedding, the Mountain
yanked Brienne to her feet by her arm. Brienne wanted to snatch her arm away,
wanted to run, wanted to fight. She saw Sansa looking at her tearfully, and
Tyrion trying to offer her comfort, she saw Margaery and Loras standing
together, Loras with an arm wrapped around his sister’s shoulders, he looked
angry on her behalf. Brienne knew she was not going to be treated kindly this
night. She’d heard enough tales of the Mountain, to know he had no kindness in
him. She was pulled along by her arm as a crowd of people followed them to
their chambers. Brienne could only be thankful that no one had tried to tear
away any of her clothes. She thought that had more to do with them fearing to
touch the Mountain, than her. She was practically thrown into a bedchamber.
She’d never been bodily thrown anywhere. Not since she was a small girl, and
her father had tossed her into the air. But then, he’d always been there to
catch her.
Brienne managed to steady herself on her feet and made sure she did not fall,
as the Mountain slammed the door behind him, and barred it. Brienne was
trapped. Even if she could have run, she would not make it far. She felt fear
and hate mixing in her stomach, making her want to be sick. Another maid might
have cried, but Brienne would not. She was stronger than most maids, stronger
than most men. She would survive this as she had survived all other trials in
her life.
“I haven’t got time for blubbering girls. The Queen Regent says I’m to
consummate this marriage before I go back to my army. So get on the bed.” The
Mountain said gruffly. Brienne glared at him then.
“I’m not any man’s whore. I don’t take orders.” Brienne stated boldly. The
giant man snorted irritably.
“We can do this the easy way, or the hard way girl. Either is fine with me.” He
said. Brienne scowled.
“I’m not a girl.” Brienne stated. “And I’ll make my own decisions.” She added.
She knew this man might well murder her, but she was sure that might be better
than being married to him. Ser Gregor merely grunted, took two steps to reach
her and grabbed her by the arm. His grip was so tight, Brienne was sure he
would leave bruises on her, if not, shatter the very bones of her arm. She
struggled in his grip and he only squeezed harder, bringing up his other hand
to backhand her across the face. “Gods! He hits harder than a war hammer.”
Brienne thought to herself. She felt her lip split, and tasted the copper tang
of her blood, filling her mouth. She looked straight up into her ‘husband’s’
eyes and spat the gob of blood right into his face. He swiped away the blood,
before backhanding her again. This time Brienne felt blood leaking from her
nose, though she knew it was not broken. She struggled, kicked, tried to free
her arms and punched his chest with her fists as hard as she could, with her
arms gripped tight by his mallet like hands. But her hits appeared to be like
flies to a horse. They were ineffectual, not any hindrance to him or his
purpose. He shoved her onto the bed, and Brienne was quick to try and scramble
off. But he grabbed hold of her ankle and yanked her back. He tore her gown,
and used strips of it to tie her arms to the headboard. Brienne kicked as hard
as she could, and caught him in the nose. He grunted and Brienne was pleased
when she saw she’d drawn blood. His nose was bleeding. But her husband would
not be deterred. He tied her legs down next, tearing more strips from her gown,
even as she struggled with all her strength. But he was stronger than her.
She’d never known anyone stronger than her before. He climbed up on the bed,
looming above her, his hand came to clutch at her throat, holding her down, and
almost choking her. She could barely breathe. She tried to free herself by
tugging at the strips of cloth that bound her to the bed, but found that the
material did not loosen, only cut tighter into her wrists and ankles.
“I like it when girls choose the hard way.” He grunted over her. Brienne
carried on trying to struggle, wishing that this whole thing were a nightmare.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Loras had his jaw clenched tightly as he sat with Margaery three days later.
They were breaking their fast. The Mountain was heading back to the Riverlands
to burn and ravage the smallfolk. Brienne had not been seen since she’d been
yanked into that chamber three days ago. The Mountain had just called for wine,
and though servants had left food, none had ventured inside, fearing what they
would see, or what the Mountain would do to them.
“Loras, there is nothing you could have done to help her. Her father agreed to
the match.” Margaery said, trying to soothe his rage. She knew he was angry on
Brienne’s behalf. She felt anger herself. She’d heard the stories of how the
Mountain had brutalised his lady wife. Those who stood outside, as was
tradition for the bedding, came back with tales of the sounds of hands striking
flesh. The sounds of screams they assumed were ripped from the former Maid of
Tarth’s throat. Today Gregor Clegane would leave King’s Landing. Margaery knew
he was to leave within the next hour. “Loras, I’m going to go and speak to him.
If you come with me, you must remain calm.” Margaery said softly. Loras stared
at her incredulously. “He’s giving his goodbyes to Lord Tywin, the Queen Regent
and the King. I want to ask for Brienne to stay here in King’s Landing. If he
sends her to Clegane Keep, she may well die there in misery.” Margaery said
sadly.
“She’s not like to die. She’s strong as an aurochs. If this wedding and bedding
did not kill her, nothing else is like to.” Loras replied. Margaery nodded.
“I know. But she needs friends. If she’s sent away, she’ll be completely
alone.” Margaery said. Neither one of them said what they were thinking. That
if Brienne left King’s Landing, all she would do was worry about Lady Sansa and
await the return of her monstrous husband with dread. That she would live in
fear for her father’s life as well. Margaery got up from her seat and Loras
offered his arm. They walked to the great hall, and there, just as Margaery had
thought, was the Mountain, making his goodbyes and taking orders from Lord
Tywin.
“My Lords?” Margaery said, as she walked into the Great hall. “Your Grace?”
Margaery greeted Cersei. She looked at Joffrey. “My King?” Margaery greeted.
She looked at the Mountain. “I came, as I heard Ser Gregor is leaving for the
Riverlands today. I wished to ask after his Lady Wife. She is a friend of mine.
I knew her before I came to King’s Landing, and wished to ask if she might
remain here for our wedding, my King.” Margaery said kindly. She had a pretty
smile on her face, but Loras knew she was hiding her anger. They had been
taught well by their grandmother.
“I don’t care if she stays or not.” Ser Gregor said. Then seemed to remember he
was speaking to the future bride of the king. “My lady.” He added. “If the King
is happy with it, she may stay for the comfort of Lady Margaery.” Ser Gregor
finally finished, looking at Tywin and Joffrey. Cersei looked furious. Joffrey
shrugged.
“It’s fine with me. My lady must be allowed to have her friends around her, no
matter what kind of oddities they are.” Joffrey said. Margaery smiled.
“Then it’s settled. I shall go and find her and let her know.” Margaery said
cheerfully. “Loras, would you care to escort me?” Margaery asked her brother.
He nodded stiffly.
“Of course, dear sister.” Loras said softly. He bowed to Joffrey, Cersei and
Tywin, and then left with Margaery to find Brienne. Both hiding anger they felt
at Joffrey’s cruel words.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When Jaime arrived in Duskendale, there had been no messages awaiting him. He
was surprised that his brother had not once tried to make contact with him,
even just to let him know that things were well. He still didn’t feel good
about leaving King’s Landing. He carried out his duties as quickly and
efficiently as possible. He knew that if he managed to get back to King’s
Landing within the month, he’d be lucky, but he wanted to get back there as
soon as he could. Something was not right and he wanted to know what it was.
He’d never known his brother to ignore messages from him. He wrote another and
sent it off, hoping that he was wrong. But he had a terrible feeling that he
was not wrong. It made him want to turn his company around and head back to
King’s Landing. But he knew he couldn’t. Brienne would have laughed in his face
at the idea of him running back to King’s Landing, a failed mission under his
belt, just to see if she was alright. So Jaime carried on, hoping that his gut
instincts were wrong for once, but fearing they weren’t.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne had trembled as she got to her feet that morning. The sheets of the bed
were stained with her blood, and not just her maiden’s blood either. She was
bruised and battered, but she had fought, just as she’d sworn to herself she
would. She was still alive, which was some sort of miracle, or a curse
depending on how one might look at it. She felt sick to her stomach. She almost
wished she were dead, but she knew her death would solve nothing. She knew she
had to remain strong, especially if she wanted to protect Sansa and her father.
She heard a knock at the door. She did not see this room as her chambers. This
was a cursed room to her. She slowly managed to grab a robe. It had been left
by a maidservant that morning and wasn’t torn at least. She had nothing else to
wear. She was almost afraid her husband had come back to attack her again
before he left King’s Landing. Brienne just managed to wrap the robe around her
and was attempting to tie it when the door opened. She was relieved to see that
it was Margaery and Loras outside the door. Both of them looked at her in
disbelief, and Margaery gasped audibly as she looked upon Brienne. Loras looked
horrified.
“I can’t look so terrible. I’ve always been ugly. A few bruises shouldn’t make
a difference.” Brienne said weakly. Margaery’s eyes welled up then as she
rushed over to Brienne and hugged her. Brienne gasped as the smaller woman
hugged her tightly.
“Oh Lady Brienne. I’m so sorry.” Margaery said softly.
“It’s alright Lady Margaery. Really. I just wish I knew what was to happen to
me now? Do I return to Tarth? He demanded that I go to Clegane Keep. I’d rather
die and I’m quite serious.” Brienne said. In that moment, she really was. She
would not go to the Mountain’s home and wait to see if he returned alive.
“Lady Brienne?” The group saw Sansa in the hall, looking as horrified as Loras
and Margaery had.
“I’m alright Lady Sansa. I’ll be alright.” Brienne tried to reassure her.
“You’re staying here with us, at least until I am married. In seven moons I’ll
be Queen. I can ask for you to be one of my Ladies, and you’ll never have to
see that monster.” Margaery stated firmly. Brienne went to step forward, but
felt pain shoot through her body with every move she made. It was Loras who
stepped forward for Brienne to lean on him.
“We’ll get you back to your old chambers. I’m sure you’ll not wish to stay here
Brienne.” Loras said. Brienne nodded her agreement. She certainly did not want
to stay here.
“You can bathe and I can get the Maester to look at you.” Margaery said.
Brienne shook her head.
“I don’t want Grand Maester Pycelle anywhere near me. He’ll just inform the
Queen Regent of how badly I was used by my... husband...” Brienne trailed off.
“Maybe Septa Donyse.” Sansa said gently. Brienne was more willing to agree to
see the old Septa then the Grand Maester.
“Maybe Tyrion knows someone that will be able to care for you, discreetly.”
Margaery said. She looked at Sansa. Sansa nodded.
“Yes, he might do. After... after he got his scar at the battle of the
Blackwater... he would not let Pycelle near him either.” Sansa replied. Once
they got Brienne to her chambers without anyone seeing her, Sansa called the
servants to prepare a bath. Then she went and bought Septa Donyse. “Septa,
please look after Lady Brienne. I must find Lord Tyrion... to see if he knows
of a healer or a Maester who can be trusted.” Sansa said. Donyse nodded and
Margaery and Loras went with Sansa, all sensing Brienne needed some time to
herself. Brienne could barely move, and stifled a cry as she tried to get into
the bathtub. She felt gentle hands behind her, helping her in, and then untying
the robe. Brienne would normally have blushed from the tips of her toes, to the
roots of her hair, at the idea of anyone helping her to undress. But right now,
she was in such pain she hadn’t the strength to feel shame. She heard the old
Septa gasp in horror.
“By the Gods! What kind of man would do this to his lady wife? Seven preserve
you child! At least your life was spared!” Septa Donyse exclaimed. Brienne sunk
down into the hot water, allowing the almost scalding heat to try and take away
her pain. It stung every cut and every wound she had received. The old Septa
could not see her face, and in that moment, Brienne allowed herself to shed a
single tear. It dripped down her cheek and fell into the bathwater,
disappearing as though it had never existed. Brienne trembled, wishing that she
could cry. But she couldn’t allow everyone to know how badly she’d been hurt.
She wouldn’t cry, and give anyone the satisfaction of knowing that Cersei had
managed to destroy Brienne. For Brienne was not destroyed. Not now and never
whilst she drew breath. She’d survived the wedding and the bedding, and if she
survived that, she could survive anything.
“I’m strong enough.” She thought. She remembered Jaime saying the same thing to
her once. Now she was not even sure if she might have preferred him taking her
maidenhead compared to what the Mountain had done to her. He hadn’t just
claimed her maidenhead, he’d torn it from her, and with it any innocent hopes
she had carried. She was a warrior, but she was also a woman, and she would
find some way to make sure that no one could ever savage her in such a way,
ever again.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Donyse helped Brienne from the bath when she saw the tall woman trying to get
out herself. She had never been so horrified. She’d seen some women, abused by
their husbands before. She was a Septa. Women, old or young, noble or peasant,
took comfort from speaking with her, but she had never seen a woman in
Brienne’s state before. There wasn’t a single part of her skin that was
unblemished by blood or bruising. Her eyes were blacked, and swollen, but not
swollen shut. Donyse had a feeling that was more to do with the fact she hadn’t
been seen in three days, rather than the fact that maybe her husband hadn’t hit
her face as hard. Once Brienne was dressed in a long, blue, cotton shift,
Donyse ushered her to sleep in her bed. Brienne looked exhausted and she saw
that as soon as Brienne had lain down, she seemed to drift into sleep. Donyse
left and went to find Lady Sansa and Lord Tyrion. She would suggest that a
Maester be brought to Brienne soon. She found them all in the lord and lady’s
solar.
“Septa Donyse? Is Lady Brienne alright?” Sansa asked.
“No my lady. She is not. Lady Brienne is covered in bruises, and where there
aren’t bruises, there’s blood. She’s been hurt badly. She needs a healer. She
is sleeping now, but when she wakes......” Donyse trailed off. Tyrion nodded.
“I know a healer. She’s a woman but that may be for the best.” Tyrion said.
They all agreed with this. Then Tyrion sent young Podrick to the healer, with a
note from himself, and all hoped that Brienne would be well eventually.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When Jaime finally returned to King’s Landing, two months later, he went to
find Tyrion and Brienne. He hoped to run into one or the other. But knew he was
likely to find Tyrion first. After all, Tyrion spent most of his days in his
chambers, reading over documents as Master of Coin, now. He saw some of the
servants giving him strange looks and wondered what had happened. He arrived at
Tyrion’s chambers and entered to find Tyrion looking over a large ledger.
“Little brother. How are you?” Jaime asked him. Tyrion allowed a sharp look to
cross his features.
“I sent you several messages brother. I expected you back far sooner than
this.” Tyrion said. Jaime felt confusion.
“I received no messages. It surprised me to be honest. I sent you messages and
never received a reply either, Tyrion.” Jaime said.
“Cersei, that vile fucking bitch.” Tyrion spat out angrily.
“Careful now Tyrion, that’s our sister you speak of.” Jaime said coolly. Tyrion
glared then.
“Do you know what our sister has done, brother? Of course not. You’re such a
blind fool that you wouldn’t consider even half of what she’s done.” Tyrion
hissed. Jaime felt anger bubbling up.
“What are you talking about Tyrion?” Jaime hissed.
“Do you think she’s been loyal only to you? It wasn’t just you and Robert she’s
let between her thighs, and if you don’t believe me, ask our cousin Lancel.”
Tyrion spat out. Jaime felt like a knife had pierced his heart. He sat heavily
in a seat across the table. Then Tyrion shook his head sadly. “Then, at the
mere thought of you having a friend, a confidante that isn’t her, she ruins the
poor girl too.” Tyrion said sadly. Jaime’s breath caught in his throat,
something making his blood run cold in his veins.
“What are you talking about? Tyrion, what in the seven hells is going on?”
Jaime asked angrily.
“The very night after you left the city, probably tucked up all safe and warm
in a Lannister tent, Joffrey, Cersei and father announced that Brienne should
be rewarded for bringing you home. Then they announced she was to be married.”
Tyrion said. Jaime felt his eyes widen.
“She’d never agree to it.” Jaime said, not believing it.
“Our sister as good as told her that if she did not agree and go through with
it, Sansa’s life would be forfeit, along with her father, Lord Selwyn.
Honourable as the lady is, I’m sure you know that it’s already done brother.
She could have run. She should have run. But she wouldn’t risk her father or
Sansa. She’s braver than almost anyone I’ve ever met, to face marriage to that
monster without showing any fear.” Tyrion said sadly.
“What are you talking about? You’re trying to tell me that Brienne has been
married off?” Jaime asked. He felt confused. He’d heard Tyrion’s words, but
still felt like something was missing, like this was a strange dream. Tyrion
nodded.
“Cersei arranged for her to be married to Ser Gregor Clegane.” Tyrion bit out,
looking as angry as Jaime was shocked.
“No. No. She couldn’t. She wouldn’t be so cruel.” Jaime said softly. Tyrion
glared again.
“When you see Brienne, tell me that again. Lady Clegane was roughly used at her
bedding. Her bruises and wounds have not yet fully healed, even in the two
moons since the Mountain returned to the battlefield.” Tyrion replied. Jaime
felt sick to his stomach. That was when he heard the door to Tyrion’s chambers
open, and Sansa stepped into the room with Brienne at her side. Jaime shot to
his feet, looking at Brienne in an almost horrified shock. Her face and throat
were mottled with very faded yellow and purple bruises, obviously they were
mostly healed. She walked carefully, gingerly, as though in pain, and Jaime saw
her lip was cut, and healing. Brienne looked at him, and then looked down at
the ground. Her hair had grown to shoulder length, and hung over her shoulders
as she looked at the ground. Jaime stepped forward, wanting more than anything
to take away Brienne’s obvious pain.
“My lady, might you like to take a walk with me?” Jaime asked gently. Brienne
looked up at him, her blue eyes blazing, and nodded. Jaime offered her his
right arm, and wondered at how she could touch it without flinching, knowing of
the maimed flesh that lay beneath the golden hand he wore. They left Tyrion and
Sansa’s chambers and they walked in silence for a little while. “Brienne?”
Jaime questioned softly.
“We can speak freely in the Godswood.” Brienne whispered back. Jaime could see
that something had changed Brienne. She wasn’t as unafraid as before, and it
was no wonder when Jaime could see how much damage had been done to her.
Brienne walked slowly. If he had not known her well, he wouldn’t have noticed
the tiny flickers of pain that crossed Brienne’s face. But he knew her well and
every slight flinch that Brienne hid, made Jaime ever more angry. They reached
the Godswood after what seemed like an eternity. Brienne sat on a bench that
was placed close the great Heart tree, and Jaime wasn’t sure whether to sit
beside her or to remain standing. “Don’t look at me like I’m some wounded
animal Ser. I’m alive. You should have seen me when my Lord Husband left King’s
Landing.” Brienne said coolly. Jaime heard the bite in the way she said her
lord husband.
“Brienne, I swear, by the fucking gods and all seven hells, I’ll hunt down
Gregor Clegane and kill him myself for this.” Jaime stated. He was furious at
the thought that anyone would harm Brienne. Brienne looked at Jaime sadly.
“That’s kind of you Ser. But for what?” Brienne replied.
“He abused you! He’s... beaten you, harmed you, treated you no better than an
animal!” Jaime exclaimed angrily, his green eyes blazed like wildfire. Brienne
shook her head sadly.
“A wife is property Jaime. Once he married me he could do as he wished to me.
You should know this. Women are property to be bartered. He had ordered me to
go to Clegane Keep. Margaery spared me that much. She asked for me to stay in
King’s Landing, at least until her wedding. That’s another five moons from now.
Who ever heard of seventy seven courses at a wedding?” Brienne stated, her tone
sarcastic, as she spoke of the Royal wedding, trying to change the subject.
Jaime could see she was trying to hide her pain from him.
“Brienne. He had no right to abuse you like this. I would not see you so used.
How injured were you when he left, if I can still see the evidence of it two
moons later?” Jaime asked.
“Whatever I suffered, it would have been worse for Sansa if I had run. Your
sister as good as told me that. So I did what had to be done to protect her.”
Brienne said. Jaime shook his head in disbelief.
“Seven fucking hells woman!” Jaime exclaimed angrily. “She would not touch
Sansa. Until Sansa has an heir, she’s irreplaceable as the Key to the North. If
you’d asked me, I’d have told you that!” Jaime exclaimed.
“You weren’t here to ask!” Brienne yelled back. Jaime was subdued then. It was
rare that Brienne lost her temper. She was trembling, even as she sat on that
bench. “I thought I had to protect Sansa. I swore a vow, so I did what I
thought I had to. She threatened my father’s life too. I love my father, I
wouldn’t have seen him hurt or killed for my sake. Now you tell me I needn’t
have gone through with it. But it’s too late Jaime. For the Gods’ sakes, it’s
too late! I’m Lady Clegane now! I hate it! I fought like the animal I was
treated at in that bedchamber! I pray every day, here and in the Sept, to the
old Gods and the new. I do not pray for what most women pray for. Most women
pray for the safe return of their husbands. Most pray for a son to carry on
their husband’s family line. But all I pray for is for that damn animal to die.
I pray for it so much that the altars in the Royal Sept are overflowing with
candles. I never knew that I could hate anyone as much as I hate the monster
they forced me to marry, and now call my husband. Of course I despise your
beloved sister, as well. I pray for your sister’s death too Ser Jaime. I pray
for that daily. So you can despise me freely, it will be no more than I despise
myself. But I will live! And perhaps, if that animal makes it through the war,
a drop of the strangler in the wine he drinks copiously and I’ll be a merry
widow. I never in my life thought I’d consider the cold blooded murder of any
person until now, though needs must I assume.” Brienne said coldly. With that
she stood up and made to leave. Jaime grasped her arm and pulled her back
towards him gently. He almost felt his heart crack when she flinched at his
touch.
“I would never hurt you Brienne.” He said softly. Brienne shook her head.
“My arm is... It’s still bruised from...” Brienne trailed off. She obviously
didn’t want to say it was still hurt from the bedding. She didn’t need to,
Jaime understood all too clearly.
“Brienne. I’m so sorry this was done to you. You’ll never know how much I wish
I’d been here to protect you, to stop this fucking farce.” Jaime said softly.
Brienne closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she pressed a hand to her
forehead and sat down heavily on the bench, looking white as a sheet.
“Brienne?” Jaime asked, worried about her health. He’d never seen her look like
this before. She’d always been unshakeable. “Brienne talk to me.” Jaime said
softly.
“I’m alright. Just a little dizzy. It’s probably the heat here.” Brienne said,
her voice seemed too soft, as though she were drifting away. “I’ll be fine in a
few moments.” Brienne said weakly, as she opened her eyes to look at Jaime.
“I’m sorry. I took my anger out on you. I know it’s not your fault. You didn’t
know. I know you wouldn’t have... you wouldn’t have let this happen to me if
you’d known of it. I know you wouldn’t hurt me, at least not consciously.”
Brienne said softly. She suddenly slumped forward, unconscious, her eyelids
seeming to try and open, but only fluttered a little. She seemed ill, and Jaime
wished he knew what was wrong with her. So Jaime did the only thing he could.
He placed Brienne’s arm around his neck, placed his handless arm under her
knees, and used his left arm to wrap around Brienne’s back and waist and lifted
her up into his arms. He headed towards Maester Pycelle’s chambers at first,
but then he thought better of it, as he headed for Tyrion and Sansa’s chambers
instead. He no more trusted Pycelle than his brother, and he wanted Brienne
treated by someone that he could trust. Jaime kicked the door a few times as a
knock. When Sansa opened the door, she was horrified to see Brienne unconscious
in Jaime’s arms.
“What happened? Is she alright?” Sansa asked, her blue eyes wide with worry.
“I don’t know. I figured it was best to bring her here, rather than to take her
to Pycelle.” Jaime replied.
“Good. She’s not allowed Pycelle anywhere near her. She doesn’t trust him.”
Tyrion stated. Jaime entered the solar and Sansa led him to a day bed that sat
beside the window. Jaime set Brienne down as he heard Tyrion close the door.
Brienne seemed as though she were almost sleeping. Sansa came to perch at
Brienne’s side and grabbed a damp cloth to bathe Brienne’s forehead gently.
“This has happened before, hasn’t it?” Jaime asked, seeing that Sansa did not
seem as shocked by this as she rightly should. Tyrion looked at Jaime sadly,
before nodding.
“A few days ago. We had a healer come to see her, the same one who attended her
after... after her wedding... she told Lady Clegane that she is to have a
child.” Tyrion replied. Jaime wasn’t sure whether to be angry or sickened at
the idea that Brienne was to be forced to become a mother by such a vile
monster as Ser Gregor Clegane. In his heart, he knew Brienne would have wanted
an honourable father for her child or children, one that would love them, not
an animal like Gregor Clegane, who would surely treat them no better than he
had treated his own siblings. Gregor’s sister was dead, though no one knew how,
and Sandor Clegane bore burn scars that most assumed he’d received from his
older brother. He knew that should the Mountain try to harm her baby, either he
or Brienne would die in the process.  Brienne seemed to be waking up. She
blinked her eyes open and looked around her. She shot up into a sitting
position, but this seemed to make her start taking deep breaths again.
“Brienne, just stay still for a little while. You... passed out in the
Godswood, so I bought you back here to Tyrion and Sansa’s chambers.” Jaime said
softly. Brienne nodded her understanding.
“I think I should go to my own chambers. Tyrion and Sansa must have much and
more to do rather fuss over me.” Brienne said. Her voice was weak but
determined.
“Brienne, you can stay as long as you wish.” Sansa said, beside her. Brienne
bestowed a smile on the younger girl, before carefully getting to her feet.
“I know. But I think it’s better not to make life more difficult for you
Sansa.” Brienne said. Jaime could see that a closeness had developed between
the two females, but wondered at what cost to Brienne. Brienne almost swayed on
her feet and Jaime was sure it was sheer force of will that allowed her to
stand straight. Jaime offered Brienne an arm and Brienne took it, and Jaime
realised that maybe she had taken his arm because she was suffering dizziness
and nausea and could trust that Jaime wouldn’t cause her harm, wouldn’t let her
fall and shame herself. Even with his handless arm, she trusted him to keep her
upright. She trusted him. It made Jaime feel several emotions. Sadness, because
he hadn’t been able to protect her, joy that someone did believe in him, even
without his sword hand, and several other nameless emotions that Jaime couldn’t
fathom. Jaime walked with her to her chambers. Brienne opened the door, and
Jaime walked in with her, leaving the door open. He knew if he closed it, there
would be some maid gossiping tomorrow that ‘The Kingslayer’ was having an
affair with ‘Lady Clegane’ and despite the fact that it wasn’t true, it would
be Brienne who would suffer for it. He made sure she was sat comfortably. He
allowed his eyes to scan her, searching for signs of the life she was carrying.
But Brienne’s stomach was still flat, she looked almost the same. She wore the
same gown of blue that she’d been wearing before he’d left King’s Landing.
“I’m sure Tyrion told you.” Brienne said softly.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Jaime asked her.
“I didn’t want you to look at me with guilt in your eyes Jaime. This wasn’t
your fault. Even if Tyrion had gotten a message to you, you’d never have made
it back here in time to spare me from being wedded and bedded, and I would most
likely still have a child in my belly.” Brienne said sadly.
“Brienne, you... I could find you tansy tea if you...” Jaime didn’t want to say
the words. “If she wanted to be rid of the child.” Jaime thought to himself.
Brienne shook her head.
“I’m hoping that if that monster has one child, that he won’t come near me
again for another. I’m ugly enough, and I’m sure he only went through with the
bedding because he was ordered to by the Queen Regent. That’s what he told me
at any rate. It may be a weak hope, but it’s a hope none the less. And... it’s
my child also.” Brienne said sadly. Jaime shook his head in disbelief.
“I’m truly sorry my lady.” Jaime said.
“This isn’t your fault Ser Jaime. I’ve already told you twice.” Brienne said
gently. Jaime felt like his heart had been ripped out to see Brienne seeming
almost fragile. Jaime knew, deep in his heart, he knew that if Brienne would
only ask, he’d make sure Gregor Clegane never returned to King’s Landing. He’d
make sure the man died in the most horrible way Jaime could imagine. He didn’t
want to think on it. He didn’t want to think on how the bed in these chambers
was used to tie Brienne to a monster until one of them died. “It didn’t happen
here Jaime.” Brienne said softly, jerking him from his thoughts to look at her.
“What?” Jaime asked, unsure how she could know what he had been thinking.
“This isn’t the chamber where I was... bedded... as it were. That’s why I’m
still residing here. This is more home than that... chamber... could ever be.”
Brienne said. Jaime wanted to do something to ease the pain he saw in Brienne’s
eyes, but he didn’t know how to do it.
“I’ll be back to escort you to dinner tonight.” Jaime said. Brienne nodded.
“I’m sure I shall be here.” Brienne replied. Jaime left the room, deciding to
find his sister and confront her with this travesty. But first he needed to
speak to his father.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
“Tyrion?” Tyrion looked at Sansa, where she sat perched on the day bed.
“Yes my lady?” Tyrion replied.
“I’ve been thinking... about our marriage...” Sansa trailed off. Tyrion blinked
and looked at her more carefully. “What was done to Brienne was cruel. It could
easily be done to me. We’ve.... we’ve not consummated our marriage, which means
that if Joffrey is feeling particularly vicious one day, he could dissolve our
marriage and hand me off to someone like the Mountain. I do not want that.”
Sansa said. Tyrion felt a little confused as Sansa carried on. “You’re not
unkind and have never abused me. It is true that you are a dwarf, but there are
worse things to be. I think I’d rather be married to you than to someone who
would be cruel to me.” Sansa finished. Tyrion nodded his understanding.
“It is your choice my lady. It has always been your choice.” Tyrion said
softly. Sansa walked over to Tyrion, and after what seemed like an age, she was
stood before him. She knelt and pressed her lips against his and that was all
the encouragement that Tyrion needed.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime found himself outside his father’s solar. He wanted to rage, and he knew
that Gregor Clegane would never have returned to King’s Landing without his
father’s approval. Jaime slammed the door open and strode in, his Kingsguard
armour glinted in the afternoon sun. Tywin Lannister looked up from his papers,
looking irritated at the fact that Jaime had barged in.
“What is so important that you have forgotten the sense to knock, Jaime?” Tywin
asked coldly.
“Why would you wed any woman to your mad dog? Especially the woman responsible
for saving my life?” Jaime shot back angrily. Tywin gestured for Jaime to close
the door. Jaime did so and then came to stand before his father’s desk. For the
first time that Jaime could ever recall, Tywin seemed almost... sheepish.
“The idea was your sister’s making. I had thought... maybe a wife would calm
him. Gregor Clegane seems to get madder with each year. Your saviour is almost
as tall as Sandor Clegane was, and is just as strong. To be honest, I had
thought it to be a good match for both of them. I... did not consider that he
would treat his wife as badly as he treats... other women.” Tywin said.
“This was Cersei’s idea?” Jaime asked, almost incredulously. He’d been told as
much. He knew, but hearing his father say it, made it seem far worse, far
clearer.
“Yes. Your sister came to me about a week after you returned. She had planned
it all. She’d even sent a messenger to the isle of Tarth. She was insistent
that finding the Lady Brienne a suitable husband was a way of paying our debt
to her for bringing you back. I should have known better than to think that
Cersei might finally have started paying attention to what I’ve always tried to
teach all of you. I don’t like the girl. It’s true enough. I have no fondness
for her, but I’ve heard enough gossip from the servants, who refuse to go into
the wedding chamber. They fear the sight of all the blood apparently. No one
has entered it in the two months since the wedding took place. It... seems... a
grave error of judgment was made.” Tywin said. Jaime shook his head.
“You knew what that monster was. How could you do it? No woman deserves that. I
wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.” Jaime said. Tywin merely gave Jaime a
look.
“Well if Margaery Tyrell has her way, Lady Clegane will become one of her
ladies, and stay at court... with her child.” Tywin said. Jaime’s eyes widened.
“Of course I know that she’s with child. This is the Red Keep Jaime. I know
everything that goes on here. Just as I know that it was to Lady Brienne you
went first, as soon as you returned to the Red Keep.” Tywin added. Jaime
scowled and turned to leave. His hand was on the handle, ready to open the
door. “Consider this a lesson of your own foolishness Jaime. If you had
listened to me and resigned from the Kingsguard, as I told you to, then it may
be that you had wed the lady, instead of her suffering at the hands of my ‘mad
dog’ as you put it.” Tywin said coldly. Jaime opened the door and turned his
head to look at his father, feeling disgust and anger swirling inside his
stomach.
“You agreed to all of this to teach me a lesson? You knew what Cersei had
planned, and you punished an innocent woman, to teach me a lesson.” Jaime said
coldly. Tywin did not speak, merely carried on with his paperwork. Jaime left
the room and made his way to find his sister. He wasn’t sure who he was angrier
with at that moment, his father or his twin.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne had sat on the window seat that seemed to reside in her chambers. This
room was her home, so long as she stayed in King’s Landing. She thought about
the child. She could have taken tansy tea. She had not even thought to ask for
moon tea after her husband had left King’s Landing.
“I should have.” She thought bitterly to herself. But her wedding night had
been such a horror that she had not considered a child. She had never thought
she would be a mother to any child. So when, a few days ago, she had fainted in
Lady Olenna’s chambers, during tea, which Margaery had insisted that Brienne
attend, she had not had a clue as to what was wrong with her. It was the healer
that Tyrion had had brought to her, after the Mountain left King’s Landing,
that came to attend her again, and it was she that had told Brienne the news.
Brienne placed her hand over her stomach. It was still flat, but soon it would
not be. Brienne didn’t know how to feel. She wanted to be angry. She wanted to
find tansy tea and rid herself of anything that belonged to the monster she was
now married to. But at the same time, something told her the child was as much
a victim as she was. It did not ask to exist and it was as much a part of her
as it was it’s father. She heard a knock on her door and then it opened to
reveal Margaery.
“Are you alright Brienne?” Margaery asked. Brienne nodded, her eyes looking
back out of the window. Margaery closed the door and came to sit across from
Brienne on the window seat. “Have you decided what you wish to do? About the
child?” Margaery asked her.
“It’s my child.” Brienne said softly.
“Yes, and children learn from their mothers. You can teach your child a better
way. You can teach it any way that you wish.” Margaery said. Brienne looked at
Margaery then, and saw the complete seriousness on her face. “I told Sansa the
same thing once. I said that my son would be the future king, and that sons
learn from their mothers, and I intend to teach mine a great deal.” Margaery
added. Brienne nodded.
“Yes, I think I agree. If I must be a mother, I will teach my child the right
way, as my father taught me.” Brienne said. Margaery nodded, a smile lit up her
features.
“I’m sure you will.” Margaery said kindly. The two carried on sitting together
in a comfortable silence, watching the sun begin to set.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When Jaime arrived at Cersei’s chambers, he didn’t knock. He was angry, and
when he walked in, he was horrified by the sight before him. Cersei was in bed,
riding Osney Kettleblack as though she were born to it. Jaime was horrified.
“What in the seven hells is going on here?” Jaime, Cersei and Osney turned
their heads to look at Tywin Lannister. Jaime wasn’t even sure what to say at
that moment. He was as shocked as he was sure everyone else present was, though
all for different reasons.
“My Lord Hand? Lord Commander? I can explain...” Osney looked as though he
thought he was about to die.
“He might well be right. Father might well kill him for the honour of the
family name. I don’t even know if I care how father decides to deal with
Cersei.” Jaime thought to himself, no longer willing to protect his twin as he
had been. This was the last proof that Jaime needed to see. Tyrion had told
him, but he hadn’t really wanted to believe it. Now he’d seen for himself, he
knew that Cersei had never been the woman he thought she was. He shook his head
in disgust.
“Jaime? Father?” Cersei seemed just slightly worried. But he detected that hint
of excitement. She wanted Jaime to react. She wanted him to attack Osney,
possibly kill him. Cersei wanted to make him jealous, but all she had succeeded
in doing was destroying the last strings that had bound him to her. That and
she maybe thought that he would protect her from their father.
“She’ll soon realise how mistaken she is, if she thinks I’m going to waste
anymore of my life on her whims.” Jaime thought to himself. The look on Tywin
Lannister’s face was cold as ice. He looked at his daughter, then at Ser Osney.
“Get yourselves decent. Kettleblack, go to the White Sword Tower and wait in
the top room. Daughter,” Tywin almost spat out the word daughter, as though it
was bile on his tongue. “Daughter, you will present yourself in my solar in
fifteen minutes.” Tywin said coldly. Cersei jumped up from the bed, the sheets
half wrapped around her.
“Father, please, let me explain.” Cersei pleaded, as Ser Osney fled, his pants
and boots on, and pulling on his tunic. His white cloak was left behind. To
Jaime, that was a bitter irony in itself. After all, it had once been his own
white cloak on Cersei’s chamber floor.
“There is nothing to explain, Cersei. You have tarnished the family name,
acting no better than one of Tyrion’s prostitutes.” Tywin said coldly. He did
not even attempt to veil the disgust in his voice.
“How dare you address me that way! I’m the Queen Regent!” Cersei shrieked, her
green eyes blazing, her anger terrible.
“No. You’re not. You should well know that you do not rule here. You never have
ruled here. You are a woman. First that drunken sot Robert controlled the
kingdoms, with Jon Arryn as Hand. Then he went and got Eddard Stark as hand,
which would not have been so terrible. Then you crowned Joffrey, my grandson,
and a vile, spoiled, little shit, and you have not even managed to keep the boy
under control. Tyrion managed your son better than you have, and what is worse
is that you sat there and allowed Joffrey to behead Ned Stark! We could have
ended this war long ago if we’d had him. But no. Instead we had one of his
daughters. You could not even be smart enough to make sure to have both Stark
girls. One girl was never going to be enough to end this war. Now, I am the
Hand. So you have no authority, except for what you’re given, and I have given
you none.” Tywin said cruelly. Cersei trembled with rage. Jaime looked at both
of them in turn. Tywin looked at Jaime, and then looked at Cersei. “Fifteen
minutes, Cersei.” Tywin said. He looked at Jaime. “You will make sure that she
does not leave this room except to come to my solar.” Tywin told Jaime firmly.
Then he left the room, leaving Jaime and Cersei facing each other.
“Stop staring at me like I’m some sort of curiosity, like that beast you
brought back with you to King’s Landing.” Cersei hissed angrily. Jaime glared
at his twin.
“Don’t speak about her that way. You... what you’ve done... I didn’t want to
believe Tyrion when he told me. But then again, I was always a fool for you,
wasn’t I? I would have died for you. I would have done anything you asked of
me, but you never felt the same way about me.” Jaime said coldly.
“Of course I do! We’re two halves of a whole!” Cersei exclaimed, allowing the
sheet to drop, and her glorious, naked form, to be exposed to his gaze. But
Jaime found he could no longer want her. Her body still stirred his blood, she
was still beautiful, but his heart was no longer in it. He’d seen the ugliness
she hid within and that was enough to destroy his love for her, even if nothing
else had been.
“No. You don’t and never did. If you even felt for me half of what I felt for
you, you’d have never taken other men into your bed. Robert was your husband,
and I hated it, but I knew it was unavoidable. But Osney Kettleblack? Our
cousin Lancel? How many others Cersei? How many other lovers have you had,
whilst I’ve only ever been faithful to you? Are Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella
really my own, or is that another lie to bind me to you?” Jaime questioned
angrily. Cersei looked at Jaime angrily as she grabbed her smallclothes from
the discarded pile of clothing on the stone floor.
“How dare you say that to me! Of course they’re yours! They’re ours!” Cersei
exclaimed, though she did not shout. The fear of anyone discovering the truth
of her children’s parentage, was still very real and probably always would be.
Jaime shook his head.
“No. They’re yours. You never allowed me to be anything to them, not even an
Uncle. You convinced me to accept to join the Kingsguard. I’ve been denied
children of my own. Sons to raise and train, or daughters to love and protect,
you denied me both. But I accepted that because I loved you. I would have died
for you. You’ve shown me nothing but scorn and distaste since the moment you
realised I was missing my sword hand. Even that, I took like a whipped dog,
because I loved you. Then the moment I had a friendship that displeased you,
you tried to destroy it.” Jaime hissed. “Tyrion was right. All these years I
defended you, no matter how cruel you were to him or to anyone else, because I
loved you. I pushed the Stark boy out of that window. Not for me, but for you,
to protect you. I’ve done everything in my life for you. But you? You are a
hateful, cruel woman. What you did to Brienne is only one small mark compared
to the other things you’ve done absent my knowledge, I’m sure.” Jaime said.
Cersei looked at Jaime in confusion.
“Loved me? Do you not love me still? As I love you? My other half?” Cersei
asked, her voice soft, but Jaime knew now. He knew what she was. He could see
the cracks in her facade.
“I cannot love you anymore Cersei. You took what we had and crushed it under
your foot. You’ve shown me that you never loved me at all. You loved power. You
loved the thought of me being your sword and you made me beholden to you. I
obviously thought you were something that you are not, and could never be.”
Jaime said.
“Oh, and let me guess.” Cersei hissed, her green eyes blazing as she was tying
her gown back in place. “Your aurochs, Lady Brienne, the cow of Tarth, carries
all the qualities you feel I lack? What a shame that she doesn’t have a pretty
face and body for you as well.” Cersei hissed.
“Do not speak of her like that, and hurry up with your fastenings. Our father
awaits you.” Jaime spat back. Cersei finished tying her laces and yanked her
hair into a hairnet as she glared at Jaime.
“That ugly, lumbering, cow is no one! But you’d dare defend her to me?” Cersei
spat angrily. Jaime clenched his left hand into a fist.
“That woman is the most honourable person I’ve ever known. She didn’t deserve
to be tied to a monster like the Mountain. How you could do that... the very
fact that you did it... makes me sick. It shows me that I never truly knew who
you are. Now, as you appear to be dressed, we should make our way to father’s
solar. He obviously has his own plans for you.” Jaime replied. Cersei shook her
head.
“I am the Queen Regent. I am not under anyone’s command.” Cersei stated.
“Stop pretending, sister. Our father is waiting. You’d best have a better
excuse than that if you wish to wriggle your way from punishment.” Jaime said.
Cersei strode from the room then, Jaime following, as they made their way to
Tywin’s solar.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Margaery and Brienne were both reading a book when Loras arrived.
“Sister, Lady Brienne, I trust I’m not interrupting?” Loras asked. Margaery
smiled brightly, whilst Brienne’s own smile was slight. The sun had almost set.
The bright reds, purples, golds and oranges, that shone through the window,
blanketed everything in a hue any painter would have loved to capture.
“Of course you haven’t, dear brother.” Margaery replied. Loras took a seat that
was close to the window seat that Brienne and Margaery both occupied.
“Ser Jaime is back.” Loras said.
“I know.” Brienne replied. “I’ve already spoken with him.” Brienne added. Loras
gave Brienne a look.
“Well, it seems natural that Ser Jaime would come to see you first.” Margaery
said. Brienne shook her head, not understanding what Margaery meant at all.
“I do not take your meaning. He spoke to Tyrion first. I arrived with Sansa, so
that’s probably why I got to speak to him before he saw his father. For all I
know he came to Tyrion after speaking with his father and sister.” Brienne
said.
“No. The maids are gossiping as usual. Apparently, after carrying you back to
Tyrion and Sansa’s chambers, Jaime went to speak to his father. Apparently, he
slammed the door open in a rage.” Loras said. Brienne blinked, not sure what to
say to that, so she didn’t say anything, just tried not to feel so confused
about Jaime’s actions.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When Jaime and Cersei arrived at Tywin’s solar, the door was open. Jaime made
sure Cersei walked in, then walked in behind her, closing the door. He stood at
the door, not wanting to be too close to the battle about to be waged. He
watched as Cersei and their father both seemed to assess each other with looks.
Tywin’s gaze was cold, like chips of ice from the Wall. Cersei’s eyes blazed
like wildfire. Jaime thought that was the very essence of the differences
between his father and his sister. Tywin could wait out any storm patiently,
and gain vengeance when he saw the opportune moment. Cersei would strike hard
and fast against any slight, real or imagined, and didn’t think of the
consequences of her actions.
“Osney Kettleblack will be executed for treason.” Tywin said, looking at Jaime.
Jaime couldn’t argue the point. It wasn’t even a lie. A Kingsguard who slept
with a member of the royal family was committing treason against his king. But
of course, Jaime knew his father didn’t want the real reason behind it, aired
publicly.
“And what, shall I say, did he do, to earn this sentence?” Jaime asked.
“I will write and sign the warrant. Until then, he is to be locked in the cells
below the White Sword Tower, unless of course, he’s fled. He doesn’t seem smart
enough to have run.” Tywin said. Jaime nodded his understanding. He hated lies,
but he knew that it was pointless to defy his father in this regard. Tywin then
looked at Cersei. “You... you have shamed the family name long enough. You will
be married at the first available opportunity, to someone I deem worthy. Until
then, you will be constantly in the company of a female member of House
Lannister. You will not be able to send them away, as they will be there under
my orders. That is how it should have been from the moment you were widowed.
But I was not here then.” Tywin stated firmly.
“I will marry no one that I do not choose to marry.” Cersei said. Tywin glared
at Cersei angrily.
“You will marry whoever I choose for you. Whether that be Willas Tyrell, Oberyn
Martell, Walder Frey or a peasant of Fleabottom. I’ve indulged you too much,
obviously. Now you will learn what life is like without my indulgence.” Tywin
replied. He looked at Jaime. “Jaime, find Cerenna, Lanna, Lynora, Joy and your
aunts Dorna and Ella, and bring them to me here. Then go and do as I asked with
Ser Osney. After you have done that, I want you to find Tyrion and bring him
here. He will become regent.” Tywin said.
“He will not! That little malformed monster will not be regent!” Cersei
screamed. Tywin glared at his only daughter.
“He will, seeing as he is the only one who seems able to keep Joffrey in line
apart from myself. You are too weak to control your son. You’re not ever strong
enough to control your own urges. Jaime do as I have asked, now.” Tywin stated
firmly. Jaime nodded and left the solar, unsure what else would be said between
his father and sister, but not really wanting to know.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Later that evening, Brienne was alone. She didn’t feel dizzy or nauseous at the
moment. Though this always seemed to be the case at night now. She was writing
a letter to her father. She was worried about him and she knew she had every
reason to worry. There was a knock at Brienne’s door, and she wondered who it
might be. She thought it would be Jaime at first, but she realised that dinner
wouldn’t be served in the great hall for at least another hour. So Brienne
stood from where she sat and went to the door. She opened it to see Sansa
standing outside. She stood aside as the young redhead walked into the room.
Brienne closed the door and Sansa went and sat on the window seat. Brienne sat
beside her.
“Brienne? If you’d had a choice, would you have married someone like Tyrion?”
Sansa asked. Brienne thought about that idea for a moment. Tyrion was not
unkind. Apart from Jaime, he was the only Lannister she knew, and had a sort of
friendship with. He had never abused Sansa, or forced himself upon her. He was,
in general terms, a good man, even though he was a Lannister. It was capable to
be both a good man and a Lannister, as Brienne had seen with Jaime. He might
have been a dwarf, but that seemed something so trivial in comparison with
everything else. After all, the Mountain was taller than her, and that hadn’t
made him a better man.
“Yes I think I would.” Brienne answered. Sansa nodded.
“Yes, so would I.” Sansa said gently. She looked out of the window. The moon
was shining, though it was not high in the sky.
“You are already married to Tyrion, Sansa.” Brienne said.
“I wasn’t. Not truly. Not until this afternoon.” Sansa said. Brienne understood
then.
“You’ve consummated your marriage.” Brienne said. Sansa nodded.
“If I had not, do you truly think that sooner or later, Lord Tywin or Joffrey,
would not have declared the marriage invalid? Joffrey to marry me off to
someone cruel and vile, or Lord Tywin to marry me to someone that would force a
child on me as soon as possible? Tyrion... Tyrion may not be the husband I
dreamed of before I left Winterfell, when I was just a child. But he is a good
man and wouldn’t see me hurt. He’s treated me with respect and kindness. I like
him. I may not love him, but that may come with time. I... I thought better him
than some monster like the Mountain. What happened to you, Brienne... that was
cruelty beyond words.” Sansa said. Brienne nodded, for she understood perfectly
what Sansa was saying. If Sansa could not have a true love, then at least she
wanted to be married to someone who would not abuse her. “Have you... have you
thought of names? For the babe?” Sansa asked.
“I don’t know.” Brienne said. “I’d like to give the child a name that suits it.
But I certainly won’t let my husband pick it’s name.” Brienne said.
“Well...... he hated his brother. Sandor. He burned Sandor’s face. That’s why
Sandor was so horribly scarred. But Sandor... he saved me from the rioting mob.
When Joffrey ordered his Kingsguard to strike me, Sandor never did. He showed
me kindness. He... he offered to take me from King’s Landing, but I was afraid
to leave. He’s a good man, in spite of his temper, in spite of being a Clegane,
and what everyone says of him, how badly they speak of him, he’s a good man. He
despises his brother. I don’t know if he’s alive or dead. I hope he lives.”
Sansa said. Brienne allowed a smile to cross her face then.
“Well, Sandor sounds like a good name for a boy. He treated you well, so he
must have been a good man.” Brienne said. Sansa smiled widely.
“I would like to see a Sandor Clegane running around, to have a better life
than his uncle, and to be a far better man than his father.” Sansa said.
Brienne nodded. She liked the idea. Not only would it anger her husband, which
seemed a small and petty revenge, but one that Brienne could take, but it
seemed to also make Sansa happy that someone who had shown her kindness could
be remembered in a positive way, rather than a negative one.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime had done as his father had asked him. Osney was in the cells under the
White Sword Tower, where all Kingsguard who had committed treason, were sent to
rot, rather than the black cells. Then he had found his cousins and aunts and
had sent them to his father, as had been asked. He was supposed to find Tyrion,
but he hadn’t yet. His feet took him in a different direction, to where he’d
been told Brienne’s wedding feast took place. He saw Loras, a few doors away,
looking intently angry, as he stared into a room. Jaime came to stand at the
younger knight’s side and looked into the room. He wasn’t sure whether to rage,
or whether he wanted to empty his stomach onto the stone floor.
“It’s horrible isn’t it?” Loras said.
“You’ve been here before?” Jaime asked. Loras nodded.
“My sister and I came to find Brienne once Margaery had gotten permission for
her to stay here in the Red Keep, instead of being made to go to Clegane Keep.
No one had seen Brienne for three days. So when we came here, we weren’t sure
what to expect.” Loras said softly. Jaime found his eyes scanning the room,
taking in the sight of the bed, still a wreck, blood on the sheets. Pieces of
blue and white material were tied to the bed posts. The scraps of material
carried blood on them as well.
“Those are scraps from the wedding gown that the Queen Regent had made for her.
Brienne fought. The healer who saw to her, said that the bruising on her wrists
and ankles were from being tied down. She fought. I don’t know what brought me
here. I don’t know why I felt I needed to look on this room again. It makes me
sick inside to see this. But then... I’m reminded that my sister is soon to be
wedded to the King. I wonder if I’d be able to stand by and watch, if my sister
were so abused.” Loras said softly. Jaime didn’t know what to say to that. He
had never gotten an answer for that question. He’d had to listen to Queen
Rhaella’s cries and screams of pain. He’d had to listen to Robert bedding his
sister. He still hadn’t a clue what to do.
“Clegane is a monster and Brienne should never have been forced to marry him.”
Jaime said. Loras nodded.
“Tyrion insisted on sending you messages, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you’d
never received them.” Loras said. Jaime nodded.
“I didn’t. I sent messages to Tyrion. I...” Jaime trailed off. He didn’t really
want to try to explain to Loras Tyrell how he felt about this situation. How he
felt about Brienne, and about what had been done to her. It seemed so
impossible to describe and explain.
“Ser Osney is locked up in the cells of the White Sword Tower. I’m assuming
that there’s a reason for that?” Loras stated.
“Yes there is. You’ll know about it soon enough.” Jaime replied. Loras
shrugged, seeming not to care about it at all.
“It’s nearly time for us all to go to dinner and pretend that the Queen Regent
hasn’t deeply offended most of those present.” Loras said cheekily, before he
started to walk away down the corridor. Jaime didn’t answer. He looked into the
room again. It was carnage and Jaime couldn’t understand how this had happened.
He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the details of what had happened. He wasn’t
sure he wanted to enquire, but at the same time, what he saw in this one room,
made him feel as though he was responsible. He was angry and he wanted some
justice for Brienne. But he knew he wasn’t like to get it. At least, he wasn’t
like to get it in the way he wanted. But just like his father, and like Tyrion,
Jaime could bide his time. He could wait. One day, he’d have Gregor Clegane at
his mercy, and he wouldn’t hesitate. He’d kill the monster, and then Brienne
would be free. She’d be free to go wherever she pleased and no one would ever
hurt her again, at least if Jaime could help it.
“If there are any gods, let them give me one chance to make sure that Brienne
is safe. I owe her that. I owe her my life. All I need is one chance.” Jaime
thought to himself, as he went to escort Brienne to dinner, as he had promised
her earlier.
***** Chapter 2 *****
Chapter Notes
     Ah... so I'm back with another chapter to torture you all with. It's
     another monster. LOL! I hope it makes you happier than the last
     chapter did. Although I have to admit that that may not be very hard.
     LOL! I hope you enjoy the update.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
The Horror of A Debt Paid.
Chapter 2.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Not a week after Jaime’s return, he had to preside over an execution. Under
Tywin’s orders, Osney had had his tongue mangled under torture. The warrant for
his arrest stated he had plotted to kill the King with outside sources, but had
yet to disclose who his associates were. By the time the man was led to the
block, he was unable to speak, his mouth gushed blood, and he was basically
insensible. Jaime saw that Osney’s brother, Ser Osmund, another member of the
Kingsguard, was watching the proceedings, along with his other brother Osfryd,
who was commander of the Gold Cloaks now. Jaime could see that both men seemed
angry, but he also saw that they were not moving to help their brother. Jaime
couldn’t blame them for their anger. If his own brother were on the block,
Jaime would never just stand by, but Jaime was a different man from the
Kettleblack brothers. He watched as Cersei was brought out to sit between their
father and their Aunt Dorna. She looked furious. Jaime noted Brienne was sat
beside Margaery and Sansa, Loras, stood behind them. Jaime saw Brienne look
over at Cersei and felt a strange twinge of sadness. Brienne wasn’t the
innocent she had once been. Brienne was colder, harder. No longer could Jaime
say that Brienne only saw the world in black and white. He could tell what she
was thinking, just by the look on her face.  Brienne, while not relishing in
the death of this man, was glad to watch as Cersei lost something, whether it
was precious or not. Jaime knew that Brienne would never be the same person she
had once been. Before, Brienne would never have been glad to see or watch
anyone’s pain. But then again, Cersei had made Brienne suffer, so truly it was
only fair that Brienne got to watch Cersei’s suffering. Jaime watched as Ser
Ilyn Payne took Ser Osney’s head. Joffrey merely watched, gleefully, as Osney’s
head was displayed before him. Jaime saw that Brienne’s eyes had not left
Cersei, who looked pale. Then Brienne looked at him, and her eyes almost seemed
to ask him to forgive her. He tried to convey with his own eyes that there was
nothing to forgive, and he could only hope the message got through for now and
that he would be able to find her later and reassure her that he didn’t think
differently of her. He saw Ser Garlan Tyrell offer Brienne an arm, as people
dispersed from the sight of the execution. His wife had not attended, which was
probably for the best. Jaime was glad that at least, Brienne had some friends
here at court, and that he was not the only one who cared for the Lady of
Tarth.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
It was cold that night. Brienne stood on the ramparts looking out over King’s
Landing. She wore a blue cloak. She swore she would never wear the Clegane
colours willingly. This night, Brienne was distracted by other thoughts.
Sometimes, Brienne could almost pretend the city was beautiful, in spite of the
corruption within it’s walls. Times like this, when Brienne could see candle
light shining from windows, or torchlight from streets and brothels and other
such places, Brienne thought it was almost like looking down on a sea of stars.
She’d liked looking up at the stars as a child, growing up on Tarth. Her father
had often taken her for a ride when she could not sleep. One of her earliest
memories was riding in front of him, on his horse while he told her stories
about the Old Gods and the New, and the stories behind the constellations. This
was when she was still small enough to be held by her father. Now she wondered
if she would be able to love this child that grew within her. She’d never
thought to be a mother, and now she would be the one to care for a child. The
hardest part of this fact was that she despised the father of her child. She
despised him more than she had ever hated or despised anyone or anything in her
life. Yet she would bear him a child. She had sat and relished in Cersei’s pain
today. She had looked at Jaime’s twin, and seen the pain she tried to conceal.
She wasn’t supposed to know the real reason for Ser Osney’s execution, but
Jaime had told her, obviously unable to bear the burden alone, and Brienne had
promised she would not speak a word to anyone about it. After all, Cersei was
to be married off and sent away, and Brienne felt it was rather ironic justice
for what the vile woman had done to her. Brienne had seen that Cersei may not
have loved the man she’d been bedding, but she certainly had some feelings for
him, and Brienne had felt a perverse sort of joy that Cersei had had something
she cared about, ripped away from her. Just as Brienne knew that Cersei had
taken great pleasure in destroying her from the inside out. She’d made sure
that Brienne would have nothing she loved and cared for, intact. Her virtue was
gone, her innocence gone, her sense of self had been shattered. Her heart had
been broken to splinters when she took her vows in the Sept, for she knew that
she would not be able to be Brienne of Tarth, ever again. She would have to
have a husband’s permission to fight with a sword, or morningstar, to even go
for a ride, she would need permission, if he ever returned. Brienne hated
herself but hated Cersei and Gregor Clegane more, and it was that hate that was
keeping her alive after the atrocities committed against her. She heard
footfalls on the stone steps that led to the ramparts, but Brienne had no fear.
She knew those footfalls, had come to recognise them as well as her own.
“Brienne?” Brienne felt a smile tug on the corner of her mouth, before turning
to face Jaime. “How are you feeling?” Jaime asked her.
“I’m as well as can be expected Jaime. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Brienne replied. Jaime gave her a strange look.
“You know, you don’t need to feel guilty because you got joy from my sister’s
pain.” Jaime said firmly. Brienne almost wondered how he knew what she was
thinking. But then she realised that he knew her far too well, just as she knew
him far too well.
“I never used to be the kind of woman who revelled in the death of another, to
watch another’s suffering and enjoy it. I’m not the person I was.” Brienne said
softly. Jaime stood beside her. His left hand grasped hold of her right one.
“There is nothing wrong with how you’re feeling Brienne. You’ve never had a
reason to feel hate for anyone before. You never felt the need to be angry.
Now... things have changed, and that was not your fault. You adapt to survive
Brienne. No one blames you or judges you, or sees you any differently, that
includes me. I can hardly blame you for hating my sister and wanting to see her
suffer as you have suffered. You’re not the first woman to do that, and you’ll
not be the last. It’s not just women who do that either, Brienne. Men do it as
well, they just don’t admit to it as readily.” Jaime said. Brienne squeezed the
hand that held her own.
“Are you talking about how you dealt with Aerys?” Brienne asked, feeling bolder
than she usually did.
“Yes. I was in his Kingsguard for two years Brienne. Two years, in which I had
to condition myself to ignore the cries of the wife he raped and abused. Two
years, in which I had to condition myself to look away from the murders of
innocents, and the burnings of men, whose only crime was to speak against his
insanity, or to be an imagined threat to a mad man. I learned to adapt Brienne.
Don’t ever think I could or would blame you for doing the same thing. We people
have to adapt, or we would die when confronted with hardship.” Jaime said.
“That is one of the most eloquent speeches I’ve ever heard you give.” Brienne
said. Jaime allowed a slight grin to cross his face for a moment, before giving
Brienne a serious look.
“Maybe because it’s something I know from experience. Trust me Brienne, being
glad that Cersei suffered some pain, after all she’s put you through, doesn’t
make you a terrible person. It simply makes you human.” Jaime said gently,
before offering an arm. “May I escort you to dinner, My Lady? I’ve heard the
boar is excellent tonight. Besides which, a woman carrying a child, should eat.
After all, you’re eating for two now.” Jaime said. Brienne shook her head, as
she let go of Jaime’s hand and took his offered arm, and let him escort her to
dinner. She knew he was trying to make her feel better, and that he was trying
to show her that he held no judgement on her. So Brienne would take that for
now. At least she knew there was one person in King’s Landing who accepted her
entirely as she was.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Another week later, saw Jaime guarding Tommen. He’d never been able to spend
time with the boy before. Tommen was kind, gentle, everything that Jaime
thought that neither he nor Cersei, had ever been. He found himself wandering
the Godswood with Tommen.
“I like the Godswood. It’s quiet and Joffrey never comes here.” Tommen
whispered conspiratorially with Jaime. That was when Jaime saw Brienne. She was
sat under the great heart tree in the middle of the Godswood. She had told him
that she liked the shade and the peace and said that the whole place was
calming. Tommen ran over to Brienne excitedly. “Lady Brienne?” Tommen called.
Brienne looked up, shocked by the sudden appearance of the young prince. She
looked at Jaime questioningly before greeting Tommen.
“Good day to you Prince Tommen. How are you feeling today?” Brienne asked.
Tommen grinned.
“I wanted to see you spar with my Uncle. I used to watch from the Maester’s
window during my lessons. I can’t read very well, so Grandfather insists that I
have extra lessons. But now you can’t spar anymore.” Tommen said sadly. Brienne
gave Tommen a smile.
“When I’ve had my child, I am sure I will be sparring again my prince.” Brienne
said. Tommen grinned, his eyes wide and bright with joy.
“Myrcella and I used to watch the knights spar. She said that one day I’d be
able to learn. Will you teach me Lady Brienne? Uncle Jaime is always busy
because he’s a member of the Kingsguard, and Mother has forbidden me to learn
from Ser Loras too. But you can teach me, right? After all, Uncle Jaime says
that you saved his life! You must be a great warrior if you could save my
Uncle.” Tommen pleaded. Jaime saw a sad smile cross Brienne’s face for only a
moment, before she allowed a hand to travel to Tommen’s mussed curls, and
attempt to bring them in order.
“I’ll do my very best to teach you to fight Tommen. It won’t be easy, but
you’ll learn.” Brienne told him softly. Jaime knew she meant it too. He could
see she wanted to train him. Jaime knew it had more to do with Tommen being so
earnest and sweet, but he knew Brienne would do it also to anger Cersei, who’d
forbidden him to learn anything about the sword.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne had been shocked when the young prince had run up to her and spoken to
her, calling her by name. She’d been even more shocked when he asked her to
help him train. His earnestness, his kindness, made her think of when she was a
child and had wanted to learn. She also felt a twinge of venom towards Cersei,
who was trying to make her son helpless. Not only that, but if it would anger
Cersei, then all the better for Brienne to teach the boy. She looked at Tommen.
“We shan’t tell anyone I’m teaching you for now. I don’t want your mother to
forbid you to train with me as well.” Brienne told him. Tommen nodded, his eyes
wide with trust. He looked at Jaime.
“Will you bring me to train with Lady Brienne, Uncle Jaime?” Tommen asked.
Jaime smiled at the boy. It was a soft smile, one that Brienne had only ever
seen pointed at her, and Tyrion, before now.
“Of course I will. But as Lady Brienne said, you mustn’t tell anyone. It will
be a surprise for everyone to see you become a great fighter.” Jaime said to
him. Tommen nodded, his curly golden hair, falling into his face with the
vigorousness of his nodding. Brienne was sure that she would not be sorry to
teach the young prince how to fight.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
In the four months since Jaime had returned to King’s Landing, he tried not to
be fascinated with the fact that Brienne’s stomach seemed to grow bigger,
making room for the life that grew within her. It was only a month before the
Royal wedding, and Jaime saw that Brienne was starting to find things more
difficult. He saw her frustration as she attempted to spar with wooden training
swords, but found her own body too cumbersome to navigate the moves she was so
used to making. She still taught Tommen, and the boy improved in leaps and
bounds. He loved to spar against Brienne, or Jaime, or even young Podrick.
Tyrion would often send the boy to help them. Jaime knew this was likely
because Tyrion liked the boy and wanted him to learn to defend himself
properly. But Brienne was finding it difficult to spar herself. So more often
than not, she had Tommen and Pod against each other, training them both and
pointing out flaws or weaknesses in their technique or defences. Today,
everyone awaited the arrival of Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne.
“So... your brother is going to meet Prince Oberyn Martell?” Brienne asked, as
she leaned on the same ramparts that they had leaned on, the day Jaime had left
King’s Landing, and unknowingly, the day before Brienne had been forced to
marry. Jaime nodded.
“Father is sending him, in case there is actual bloodshed involved.” Jaime
replied. Brienne shook her head.
“Your brother doesn’t deserve to be treated like he’s replaceable.” Brienne
said sadly. Jaime couldn’t help agreeing with her. Brienne no longer felt dizzy
every moment of the day now. As her stomach grew larger, her dizziness and
nausea seemed to have faded. Jaime often spent time with Brienne, just walking
through the Godswood. She was his closest friend and truest confidante. He knew
that if the Mountain ever came back to King’s Landing, that he’d rather kill
the bastard, than allow him to drag Brienne to Clegane Keep. Brienne placed a
hand over her large stomach. A half smile graced her face. He felt a slight
pang as he remembered his mother, as she had been heavy with Tyrion.
“Have you... considered any names... for the babe?” Jaime asked. Brienne
nodded.
“Sansa suggested the name Sandor for a boy. Apparently, Sandor Clegane showed
Sansa kindness. She said that even though he was a Clegane, and even though
people spoke badly of him, that he was a good man. It reminds me of you... just
a little... that and the fact that I’m sure my lord husband will despise the
name. A petty revenge, but we ladies must take our petty vengeance when we
can.” Brienne said, a sad smile on her face. Jaime felt a strange sensation as
he looked upon her, smiling in the morning sun.
“What of a girl?” Jaime asked. Brienne took a breath.
“I’m...... I’m not really sure of a girl’s name. I considered Catelyn, but...”
Brienne trailed off. “I also thought of Arianne or Alysanne, for my... dead
sisters. Or Elenei, for my mother.” Brienne said softly.
“Elenei sounds like a good name.” Jaime said. Brienne smiled.
“Yes, maybe...” Brienne trailed off, a strange look on her face.
“Brienne? Are you alright?” Jaime asked her, fearing that even now she might be
taken to childbed. Her stomach certainly looked large enough for it though he
knew it would be too early. Brienne looked at Jaime, she grabbed his left hand,
and pressed it to the top of her stomach. Jaime blinked, wide eyed in
amazement. He felt a strange sensation under his hand.
“Is that...? Is the babe...?” Jaime was confused. Cersei had not allowed him
near her whilst she was pregnant, let alone allowed him to feel the kick of the
lives growing within her.
“It’s kicking. It seems to kick a lot when you’re around Jaime. It must like
you, or the sound of your voice anyway.” Brienne said, her blue eyes shining,
her cheeks a furious red as she blushed, obviously realising the close
proximity they were now in. Jaime wasn’t sure what to say. His feelings were
indescribable. He felt this strange bond, like none he’d ever known before.
This child was not even his, but Jaime strangely felt attached to it, more than
he had his own children, if they were his children of course. He felt attached
to the unborn babe, as he felt attached to it’s mother. Something stirred in
him, something that made him want to lean forward and press his lips to hers.
He almost wished he could claim Brienne as his own. But he knew even a kiss
could mean death. He couldn’t risk her life and her child’s life. Suddenly it
hit him. He didn’t just have an attachment to Brienne. He wasn’t just fond of
her. He loved her. He irrevocably and unequivocally, was in love with Brienne.
But she was married. She could not be his. Even were she not married, she
couldn’t be his. He was a member of the Kingsguard. They were sworn no wives
and no children.
“Ser Jaime?” Jaime reluctantly removed his hand from Brienne’s stomach, where
the babe still kicked away. It was Loras who had called him. “Brienne?” Loras
acknowledged Brienne’s presence. None of Brienne’s friends, and very few
others, ever called Brienne, Lady Clegane. Cersei did, she seemed to take great
pleasure in it, which made Jaime furious every time he heard his sister address
Brienne. “Your father wishes to speak with you in his solar.” Loras told Jaime.
Jaime felt irritation come over him, but shrugged it off. He knew it was
probably to find out if Cersei had managed to dodge any of her chaperones. He
allowed a smile to cross his face when he looked at Brienne again.
“Brienne? I’m sure I’ll see you soon.” Jaime said. Brienne nodded, knowing him
well enough not to say anything as he left. He was sure to find her in the
Godswood later on, once he’d spoken to his father. She liked the peace there
and Jaime couldn’t judge. It was peaceful there, old Gods or not.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne looked at Loras, after Jaime had left. He offered her an arm.
“I do wish you wouldn’t all try to offer me an arm every time I see you.”
Brienne said.
“Who else does? Lord Tyrion is too short, and only Ser Jaime and I, and Garlan
of course, ever offer you an arm.” Loras replied. Brienne allowed a snort of
laughter to escape her. With the Mountain far away, at least for now, Brienne
didn’t need to be afraid. But she feared the day he returned to King’s Landing.
She didn’t tell anyone of her fear though. It would make it too real, too
palpable for her to control, if she did that. “Besides, Lady Sansa has been
looking for you. I’m not sure what it is, but she and Margaery are awaiting you
in my grandmother’s little spot of the royal gardens. Apparently, she refuses
to tell anyone what she’s so excited about, until you and Margaery are both
with her.” Loras said. Brienne smiled at that. It was strange to think that
Brienne had friends that were females, and who didn’t judge her. She almost
wished her father had fostered her away from the Stormlands as a child. She may
have grown up with far more confidence. But he had chosen to foster her at
Storm’s End, and Brienne was who she was. Loras walked with her to where Olenna
usually took tea, and Brienne saw Sansa sat waiting for her, Margaery sat
beside her. Sansa was glowing. Her eyes were bright, and Brienne wondered what
had brought this on.
“Thank you for bringing Brienne, Loras.” Margaery said.
“Well, I had to tell Ser Jaime to go and see Lord Tywin. So poor Brienne would
have been left all alone otherwise.” Loras said. Brienne shook her head at
Loras, as she took a seat.
“Thank you for escorting me, Ser Loras.” Brienne said politely, as she saw a
servant girl watching them. She knew the girl was probably a spy. Whether she
was a spy for Cersei, Varys, Petyr Baelish, Tywin, Tyrion... who knew? But
Brienne knew it was better to keep an eye out for any spies. Whatever she said
or did was always watched and noted, and Brienne hated it.
“You’re very welcome Lady Brienne. But I must be off to my duties. Otherwise I
may well meet the same fate as Ser Osney.” Loras said. It was almost a running
joke, that Ser Osney had been killed for not providing the service he should.
Brienne knew differently of course, and she knew that Loras, Margaery, Sansa
and Tyrion also knew, as well as Lord Tywin. Beyond them, she wasn’t sure who
else knew, and wasn’t sure she wanted to know. She watched as Sansa and
Margaery said their goodbyes to Loras and did the same. When he was gone,
Brienne looked at Sansa and Margaery.
“So... what is this piece of news you wish to tell us Sansa?” Brienne asked.
Sansa grinned then.
“I’m to have a baby.” Sansa said. Brienne smiled at her.
“I’m glad for you. I wish you and the babe health and happiness.” Brienne said.
Margaery nodded.
“Oh, have you considered any names?” Margaery asked, seemingly as excited as
Sansa. Sansa nodded.
“Catelyn for a girl, and Brandon for a boy.” Sansa said firmly. Brienne wanted
to laugh. Only a few minutes earlier, Brienne had spoken of getting a petty
revenge on the Mountain, by naming the babe something he would hate. Now Sansa
appeared to be trying to get petty revenge on the Lannisters, by giving her
children Northern names. A lady’s petty vengeance indeed.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
When Jaime arrived at his father’s solar, he found that Tyrion was also there,
as well as Cersei. Tywin looked at Jaime.
“Sit down Jaime. Tyrion must go to meet the Martell entourage soon.” Tywin
said. Jaime walked over to sit beside his brother. Tywin looked at them all
carefully. “Now that you are all here, I’m going to inform you of how things
will be from now on. It’s long overdue, and I have been busy.” Tywin said
coldly.
“I should think it was all abundantly clear already father.” Cersei snapped.
Tywin merely glanced at her with a coldness only used on Tyrion before now, as
though she did not exist.
“Obviously I haven’t been clear enough in what I expect. Your behaviour is
proof enough of that.” Tywin shot back. He looked at Tyrion, then Jaime, and
then Cersei. “I have made the decision that, as I am the Hand of the King,
Tyrion will become regent until Joffrey is of age.” Tywin stated. Cersei shot
to her feet, her face red with rage.
“That little monster is not going to take my place!” Cersei yelled angrily.
Tywin just looked at her stonily for a few moments.
“He is more capable than you have ever been, daughter. Besides, with your
upcoming nuptials, you will not be here to be regent. It is best for all
concerned if Tyrion takes over now. The adjustment will be far easier. I’ve
already made the arrangements.” Tywin said. Tyrion looked dumbfounded at their
father. “Also as Sansa is with child, finally, he’ll need the experience to
rule in the North until his son is of age.” Tywin stated. Tyrion, Jaime and
Cersei gaped at their father, Cersei slumped into her former seat, looking at
Tyrion in shock.
“You finally managed to consummate your marriage then?” Cersei spat at Tyrion.
“How?” Tyrion asked in confusion, staring at his father.
“Do you really think that there are things that I do not know here?” Tywin
stated simply. He looked at Jaime. “Jaime, you are Lord Commander of the
Kingsguard, for now that will do, but sooner or later, you’ll have to retire
from the position. Especially as you are missing your sword hand. But for now,
with the upheaval of the wedding and Cersei’s resigning from the post of
regent, we have enough changes for the people to deal with.” Tywin said. Jaime
didn’t say anything. For now, he knew he was better off not speaking. Cersei
shook her head, her face still showed anger.
“I am not resigning! You’ve yet to find me a suitable match, and Joffrey needs
me here!” Cersei exclaimed.
“Well, if things go well, you’ll marry Oberyn Martell, or Willas Tyrell. But
shortly after Joffrey’s wedding, you will be married yourself and you’ll not be
in King’s Landing. As I’ve said, you’re not fit to be regent.” Tywin said. He
looked at all of them in turn again. “Tyrion, you’ll go and meet the Martells,
and from this afternoon onwards, you’ll be attending all small council meetings
in Cersei’s place. You know when we hold them, of course. I’ve asked your Uncle
Kevan to become Master of Coin in your stead, and Jaime, you’ll be attending
these meetings as well. The Lord Commander is supposed to sit on the Small
Council. So you’ll both be there.” Tywin said. Jaime wished he could tell his
father that he had no interest in any meetings, but Jaime knew that for now, as
his father seemed to be comfortable with him staying in the Kingsguard for now,
that he would have to attend the meetings as his father asked. Tyrion and Jaime
stood from their seats. Cersei was furious and went to stand as well. “Stay
Cersei. Your cousin Cerenna will be here to escort you soon.” Tywin said.
Cersei yelled out angrily, enraged, as Jaime and Tyrion left the room. Both men
were confused about this meeting’s events.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Later that afternoon, Brienne found herself wandering the Godswood when she
bumped into them. They were strangers. Brienne had not seen their faces before,
and so she knew they must be part of Prince Oberyn’s party.
“We have not met before, my lady. I am Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne.” The man
said. He gestured to the woman beside him. “And this is my paramour, Ellaria
Sand.” Oberyn said. Brienne allowed a stiff and very awkward half bow. Her
stomach getting in her way as it seemed to do constantly.
“An honour to meet you both. I am Brienne of Tarth.” Brienne said. Then she
took a deep breath, realising what she had said. “Forgive me, I am Lady Brienne
Clegane. I often forget I am married now.” Brienne reiterated. Oberyn Martell’s
eyes clouded over.
“Oh? And which Clegane would you be married to, Lady Brienne?” Oberyn asked.
“Unfortunately for me, I was wed to Ser Gregor Clegane. A more vile monster I’m
sure hasn’t existed yet.” Brienne said honestly. Oberyn clenched his hands into
fists.
“You know what your husband did to my sister and her children, do you not?”
Oberyn asked.
“I have heard tales, Prince Oberyn. I can assure you, he has treated me no more
kindly than he did your sister.” Brienne replied. She turned to walk away, not
wishing to have an argument with anyone, especially not over her vile husband.
Oberyn circled round to stand in front of her.
“Tales are nothing compared to the truth. My niece, Rhaenys, was stabbed half a
hundred times. Her little body wasn’t recognisable when it was brought to Dorne
to be buried. My nephew Aegon, he was a babe at the breast. His head was
smashed in. They say Gregor Clegane crushed his skull, and then raped my
sister, with her baby’s blood and brains still on his hands. Then he killed her
too.” Oberyn said. Brienne clenched her fists at her sides, trying to stop her
hands from rising up to protect her stomach. That would just show Prince Oberyn
that she felt fear.
“What is it that you wish from me Prince Oberyn? Do you think I would defend
him? Do you wish to argue over what a monster the Mountain is? I’m sure any
servant in the Red Keep will tell you exactly how much he is despised, as well
as most of the Riverlands. So if you don’t mind, unless you wish to take up a
sword and fight me, I would ask that you step aside and let me pass.” Brienne
said. Prince Oberyn seemed slightly cowed, and stepped aside. Brienne went to
walk past him, and that was when she saw Jaime. He had obviously been looking
for her. Loras was with him.
“Are you well Lady Brienne?” Jaime asked her. She knew he called her ‘Lady’ out
of propriety, as he did when strangers were present.
“I’m quite well Ser Jaime.” Brienne replied. She didn’t feel well though. Jaime
offered her an arm, looking at Oberyn pointedly. She could see the rage
simmering in Jaime’s eyes, and she knew he had overheard the conversation, at
least partly. Brienne was led away from Prince Oberyn by Jaime, but she wasn’t
quite sure what he was trying to protect her from. Surely Prince Oberyn wasn’t
planning to murder her in revenge for what her husband had done, many years
before she had even known his name. Besides, that would not be a fair trade, as
the Mountain had no more love for Brienne, then she did for him. Jaime just
kept walking with Brienne, seeming to want to get them away from Prince Oberyn
as quickly as possible.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
“Prince Oberyn?” Loras greeted. Prince Oberyn nodded.
“I do not know your name I’m afraid, Ser.” Oberyn said.
“My name is Ser Loras Tyrell. I would also appreciate it greatly if you did not
harass Lady Brienne.” Loras said boldly. Oberyn frowned.
“She married a monster.” Oberyn said.
“She had no choice in that. Few women have a choice in who they marry. It was
all arranged by the Queen Regent, and the Lord Hand. She was told that if she
ran, that the people she cared for would pay the price. So she endured the
wedding, and the bedding. The wounds she received lasted over two moons after
they were given. She doesn’t deserve to be blamed for the sins of a man she
despises.” Loras said. Oberyn frowned.
“She could have rid herself of his child.” Oberyn said coldly.
“Would you? I know you have eight daughters, Prince Oberyn, given the choice,
would you have gotten rid of any of them? It’s her child. If my sister has her
way, the child will never know it’s father, as Lady Brienne will remain in
King’s Landing, with her child. Not that the bastard would care.” Loras said
sadly. Prince Oberyn frowned.
“If he used her so badly on the night of her wedding, why did no one think to
stop him?” Ellaria asked.
“I don’t know how things are done in Dorne, my lady, but here... once a woman
is wed, she belongs to her husband, and how he chooses to use her is up to
him.” Loras said sadly. Ellaria shook her head, then looked at Oberyn.
“It is true my love. This is why I taught all my daughters, our daughters, to
use weapons. If they marry and their husbands mistreat them, they will have the
power to protect themselves.” Oberyn said. Ellaria shook her head again.
“You say she was used badly?” Ellaria questioned.
“Those who stood outside the door, as is tradition for a bedding ceremony, said
that they heard the sounds of hands striking flesh, of her screams. Lady
Brienne is not a weak woman. She fights better than most men if I am honest.
She even managed to beat me in a melee. She’s strong, but still she screamed.
He did not let her leave that room for three days. Then he left King’s Landing,
and my sister and I went to find her, to let her know she could stay within
King’s Landing. But when we arrived I saw the blood on the sheets, and there
was too much of it to have just been maiden’s blood. She could barely stand and
walk. Strips of her gown were tied to the bed, and she had bruises around her
wrists and ankles, where she’d obviously tried to escape and fight back. But
still she was in such a terrible state when we saw her. It broke my sister’s
heart.” Loras said.
“Why are you telling us this?” Prince Oberyn asked.
“I’m telling you, so that you understand. Lady Brienne suffered at that
monster’s hands. She’d be furious if she knew that I’d spoken of it to you, but
you can ask the servants here in the Red Keep. They refuse to go near the
bedding chamber, because they fear the sight of it. If anyone wants him dead as
much as you, it’s her. So don’t place your anger on her head. She’s done you no
harm and received much harm she didn’t deserve. That and she has my respect,
which means I’ll do whatever I can to offer her protection. If that means
confronting a prince with the truth, then that is what I’ll do.” Loras replied.
Then he turned and left Oberyn to think about what he’d said.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime walked with Brienne until they reached a bench, secluded near one of the
weirwood trees.
“Would you like to sit and rest for a few moments Brienne?” Jaime asked her
softly. Brienne nodded, and Jaime could see she was a little pale. Brienne sat,
and Jaime sat beside her. He wished he could do something, anything, to help
her. Brienne seemed to relax after a little while. She looked at Jaime.
“I’m alright Jaime. I truly am. I was just... maybe a little shaken by Prince
Oberyn venting his anger on me. He’s lucky I didn’t have a sword at my side.”
Brienne said. Jaime couldn’t help laughing as he took hold of her hand.
“I’m glad that you’re alright Brienne.” Jaime said softly, as he allowed his
thumb to rub circles on the smooth flesh on top of her hand. Brienne looked at
Jaime carefully.
“Are you alright? You seemed angrier then I was.” Brienne asked gently.
“I wouldn’t see anyone mistreat you.” Jaime replied.
“You surely know Jaime that if... if the Mountain returns and demands I go to
Clegane Keep with him... I will have no choice but to go.” Brienne said.
“I’ll not let him take you anywhere. I’ll kill him first.” Jaime said
vehemently. He knew he meant it too.
“Jaime, you can’t protect me this time. This isn’t travelling with the Bloody
Mummers, nor the bear pit in Harrenhal. You can’t save me from my husband. He
owns me now Jaime. You know that.” Brienne said sadly.
“No one fucking owns you Brienne. No one. If you asked, I would make sure that
he never returned. Seven hells, if you asked, I’d hunt him down myself and
bring you his heart on a plate.” Jaime told Brienne firmly. Brienne looked at
Jaime, wide eyed and confused.
“Why? Why would you go through such trouble for me? I am your friend, I know
that, but...” Brienne trailed off. Jaime found his left hand on Brienne’s
cheek, stroking the same soothing circles he’d been making on her hand. He
leaned forwards and pressed a kiss to her lips. Brienne gasped aloud. She
looked at Jaime with wide eyes. “Jaime?” She questioned him, looking worried.
“I love you. I didn’t even know it. Not truly, not until this morning when you
placed my hand on your stomach to feel the babe kicking. But I’ve felt it for a
long time, even though I had no idea what I was feeling. I’m sorry if I’ve
caused you any pain or offence, or taken liberties you’d rather I hadn’t.
But... I won’t allow you to harmed. I can’t allow you to be harmed anymore than
you already have been. You mean too much to me for that.” Jaime said gently.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne stared at Jaime. She looked for mocking or jests in his eyes, but she
saw none. She knew Jaime too well for him to be able to hide such a thing. But
Brienne also knew he was not a thing like the knights who’d wagered on her
maidenhead in Renly’s camp. She knew that Jaime would never be cruel to her,
and it was in that moment that she knew she loved him too. She could never have
him. She knew that. But she loved him. Maybe, for now, that was enough. Brienne
placed her right hand over Jaime’s left, and her left hand on Jaime’s cheek.
She didn’t have to speak. She could see it in his eyes. He understood. He
always seemed able to read her. He leaned forwards again, and his lips met
hers.
“Better to know what a kind touch feels like before that monster comes to claim
me.” Brienne thought to herself as she leaned into the kiss.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
A week later, Jaime was on guard duty outside Cersei’s chambers. He heard the
crash of something being thrown against the wall and shattering, and the cry of
a girl. Jaime sighed and opened the door to see Joy in tears as Cersei raged at
her. Joy looked up at Jaime and ran to hug him, obviously frightened by
Cersei’s rage. Jaime hugged the girl gently and was sure that when he looked at
his twin, she’d be able to see the rage in his eyes.
“Get that little bastard out of my sight!” Cersei screamed angrily. Jaime
crouched so that he was at eye level with his small, ten year old cousin.
“It’s alright Joy. Go and get Uncle Tywin. He will send someone else to sit
with your cousin Cersei.” Jaime told her gently. “I’ll stay here until he
arrives.” Jaime replied. Joy nodded, squeezed Jaime tightly and then let go,
running off down the corridor. Jaime looked at Cersei. “Yelling at Joy isn’t
going to make your situation any better Cersei. She’s just doing as she was
asked and she’s a little girl. You could have tried showing her some kindness.”
Jaime stated coldly. Cersei glared at him.
“Kindness? I’m the mother of the King, I’m Queen mother and I was Queen in my
own right. I am Queen Regent and I am treated as a prisoner in my own home.”
Cersei hissed angrily.
“You’re not Queen Regent any longer. Tyrion holds that title now.” Jaime
replied, making Cersei glare at Jaime.
“You do not need to remind me that that little monster is taking my place.
Father is a fool to place value on him. I was always of more value. None of you
men could ever see that.” Cersei raged. Jaime shook his head.
“You mean the husband you cuckolded and gave three bastards? The one you
cheated on? Or me, the fool who trusted you? You betrayed me, even though you
claimed to love me. You’ve destroyed lives for nothing more than petty
jealousies and for what Cersei? How many men did you open your legs for other
than Robert and I? Oh and Osney, let’s not forget him. Father keeps you watched
because he doesn’t trust you. I can’t blame him for that, because I can no
longer trust you. It has nothing to do with men placing value on a woman, but
everything to do with the way you’ve acted.” Jaime said. Cersei’s face changed
then. Her icy rage was gone, and replaced with a sad, simpering look. It was a
look that Jaime knew well, the kind that Cersei used to try and get Jaime to do
something he didn’t want to do, always with the promise of them being able to
be together.
“Jaime, you don’t mean that. I know you don’t. We’ve always been together, you
and I. Two halves of one whole. You could convince father. You could get him to
let me go home to Casterly Rock as a widow.” Jaime saw Cersei start to unlace
her gown, as she moved closer to him. “Get him to release you from the
Kingsguard, to watch over me. We’d be together then. No one would ever bother
us.” Cersei had come to stand in front of him. Her arms wound their way around
his neck, but he made no move to touch her in any way. “We could even have
Tommen and Myrcella come to stay with us there. We’d be a family.” Cersei
whispered, her voice full of honey and what Jaime knew were false promises.
“Joffrey would be King here and Father would protect him. Then I can always
come to visit him in the Capital. We could have everything we always wanted
Jaime. We can watch our children and grandchildren grow together.” Cersei
finished. Even a year ago, Cersei’s pleas might have gotten through his
resolve. Jaime had ever been a fool for love. Tyrion had told him often enough.
But not now. Now, he could not bow to Cersei’s demands, because he no longer
had the same love for her. He couldn’t care for her the same way. She would
always be his sister, his twin, that was something he couldn’t and wouldn’t
change. But she was no longer all he lived for. Now, he had a whole new
existence that thrived without her. It was almost as though the truth had only
just hit him. He and Cersei had grown distant, over the time that he’d been a
prisoner and even after his return. Jaime knew that Cersei had no more love for
him, than the Mountain had for Brienne. She saw him as a duty now. She saw him
as someone she could use for her whims and toss away when it suited her. As
soon as he lost his hand, he was no longer man enough for her. Truly, Jaime
realised that losing his sword hand, might have been the best thing to happen
to him, for it was almost as though, without his hand, the veil had fallen from
in front of his eyes, allowing him to see the world as it was, not as he wished
it to be. Jaime saw that Cersei was trying to use him to gain whatever freedom
she felt she might gain. She obviously thought that if she managed to get Jaime
to take her to Casterly Rock, that he would just let her rule, and that he
would hide away whilst she did it. She talked about them being a family, but
Tommen and Myrcella would never call him father, and still, Jaime didn’t know
if they were his children at all. Myrcella would never be allowed to leave
Dorne, and Tommen... well... if Jaime left King’s Landing alone, then his
father would probably demand he take Tommen in as his ward, train him to be a
warrior and a true leader. Not that Brienne hadn’t been doing a fine job of
that in secret. But, if Jaime could even manage to get Tywin to allow Cersei to
go to Casterly Rock, it would not be with him. Tywin would see it as ‘feeding
the vile rumours’ that had been spread throughout Westeros. But Jaime could see
it in Cersei’s face. He could see her eyes were still cold. But her face wore a
seductive smile. She planned to seduce him and get him to free her from the
mess she had made herself. He may even have considered trying to help her, just
for the fact that she was his sister, but then he thought about Brienne. The
woman he loved fiercely. He thought about how she had been brutalised and
abused and raped. Oh Jaime knew it was rape. The law might not say so, because
the law was cruel to a woman, especially once she was married, but it was rape.
For Brienne had never wanted to marry the Mountain, and would have fought him.
Now, Brienne carried a child she’d never wanted, by a man she despised, and her
suffering and pain, was all because of Cersei. For that alone, Jaime couldn’t
just allow her to manipulate him. He had no desire for her within him any
longer, but he would not allow the brotherly feelings he had left, to cloud his
mind. His sister had become a monster, and it was easy to see where Joffrey
inherited it from when he took a good look at her and how she acted now.
“You forget, sister, that even if I could manage to convince father to let you
go to Casterly Rock, he’d never allow me to go with you. You forget that
Myrcella is betrothed to Prince Trystane Martell, and that they won’t just let
her leave. You forget that Father would never allow you to take Tommen with
you. He thinks you unfit to be a mother or a ruler, and he’d be right.” Jaime
said coldly. Cersei’s smile dropped from her face, as her arms dropped away
from around his neck. She reached up and slapped Jaime around the face. Jaime
didn’t stop her. He just stared her down.
“How dare you! What gives you the right to make a judgement on how well I am as
a mother? You know nothing about raising children.” Cersei hissed.
“No. And that is entirely your doing. What I do know, is that children need to
be loved, equally. Children need to grow and form their own opinions. You’ve
spoiled and coddled Joffrey, and turned him into an evil little monster. You
made Myrcella a pretty little doll, but never once asked what that little girl
wanted herself. You ignored Tommen, like a discarded toy, you feed him sweets,
and treat him like a pet, and refuse to allow him to grow up. At his age, I’d
already had my first steel blade. Even the Stark boys had more fire in their
bellies and courage in their hearts, than poor Tommen and that monster Joffrey.
If that doesn’t shame you, it should. They needed to be taught the right way.
You’d not allow me to have a relationship with them, nor did you allow Robert
to have a relationship with them either. They needed more than just your view
of the world, so don’t tell me about how I know nothing about being a parent,
because you know little more than I do.” Jaime stated. Cersei was about to open
her mouth to speak when the chamber door opened. Tywin was outside, looking
furious. He noted Cersei’s loose laces on her gown. He looked at Jaime, and saw
that Jaime was completely put together. But the look on his face when he saw
Cersei, was not something to be trifled with.
“Jaime, Joy said you sent her to me.” Tywin said coldly.
“I did. After my sweet sister threw a vase at her and screamed at her until she
was in tears, I thought it best to send her to you so that you could make other
arrangements for Cersei’s companion.” Jaime replied. Tywin stared at Cersei,
his eyes like daggers.
“Can I not even trust you with children, daughter? Fine, I will have to send
only the older women to keep company with you. Your Aunt Genna is arriving for
the Royal Wedding in a few days, she will be more than happy to make sure that
you are chaperoned, when your Aunt Dorna or cousins Lanna and Cerenna, cannot.
You will not disgrace this family, Cersei. I will not allow it.” Tywin stated
firmly. Then he left, sending in Lanna. Jaime left the room after that. After
he closed the door, Tywin looked at him. “Jaime, I expect you to make sure that
things run smoothly for the wedding. I want to make sure that the smallfolk
have no reason to talk badly of the royal wedding. After all, we need to make
sure to find Cersei a suitable husband. I’d rather not have to resort to a
Frey.” Tywin said. He did not mention the loose laces on Cersei’s gown, did not
ask about them. Tywin had always been wilfully blind on that count with his
twin children. But for once, Jaime had nothing to hide. Jaime nodded his
understanding and watched as Tywin walked away down the corridor. He wondered
if his father would be as ruthless in finding him a wife, as he was in finding
Cersei a husband. But Jaime didn’t want any wife if he could not have a woman
he loved. On that thought, he left to go and find Brienne in the Godswood,
where she usually was when the afternoons came about, training Tommen after his
lessons with Pycelle. He felt a desperate need to protect Brienne from all the
corruption in King’s Landing now.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne was wandering the Godswood again, two days later, when she bumped into
Oberyn Martell again. He looked up at her, from where he sat on a bench, and
Brienne found herself turning around. She didn’t wish to argue with the man.
“Lady Brienne?” Oberyn said. Brienne turned to face him. “Please sit.” Oberyn
said. Brienne couldn’t refuse an invitation to sit from the Prince of Dorne, so
she sat on the bench beside him.
“What is it that you wish of me, Prince Oberyn?” Brienne asked softly. Jaime
was, at this moment, attending a small council meeting with Tyrion and his
father, or so he had told Brienne he would be.
“I wished only to speak with you, Lady Brienne.” Oberyn replied. Brienne looked
at him carefully.
“The last time we spoke, you felt the need to emphasise my bonds to Gregor
Clegane. I’d prefer not to think on that.” Brienne replied.
“I wished to apologise to you.” Oberyn said. Brienne felt confusion. “You have
many friends here, Lady Brienne. Ser Loras insisted that I should not harass
you, for the fact that you were married against your will to a monster.” Oberyn
said. Brienne clenched her hands in the folds of her gown. She hated wearing
gowns. Her stomach, still large, made it impossible for her to spar anymore.
She felt more ungainly then she ever had. “He also made a point to me, which I
should have considered myself, but didn’t in my own anger.” Oberyn added.
Brienne waited for Oberyn to carry on. “He asked me if I would have rid myself
of any of my daughters, after I asked why you would not rid yourself of a child
whose father you hate.” Oberyn continued. “And I realised that it was unfair of
me to judge you based on my own anger, or to judge the babe you carry. A child
should not be blamed for the sins of it’s father. If so, my own children would
be weighed down by any deeds I had committed.” Oberyn finished.
“I did consider ridding myself of this child. I considered it a number of
times, as soon as I found out that I carried a child. But this is my child,
Prince Oberyn. Boy or girl, this is my child, I couldn’t bring myself to murder
my own unborn child. Maybe that makes me weak. Maybe that makes me more woman
than warrior, but I couldn’t do it.” Brienne said softly. Oberyn nodded.
“I understand better than you might know Lady Brienne. There is talk about how
you were used on your wedding night.” Oberyn said. Brienne felt herself
stiffen. “I didn’t mean to cause offense. I meant to say that you have more
bravery than most. Any other woman may have died from the injuries that you
took, may even have wept and shown fear in the Sept. But everyone I have heard
from, says that you showed nothing but dignity and strength. This was not of
your choosing, and many believe you deserved much better than that monster.”
Oberyn finished. Brienne took a breath.
“The Queen Regent as good as told me that if I ran, then my father would be
killed, and so would Sansa. Lady Sansa. I swore a vow to her mother that I
would bring her back to her. But Lady Stark was killed at the Red Wedding. So I
swore to keep her safe. I couldn’t risk her life and my father’s life, by
running. So I did what I had to do to protect them. It wasn’t what I wanted,
but few women ever get a choice in the matter. I sacrificed myself for them.
Now I just pray that the Mountain doesn’t come back to King’s Landing, that he
dies somewhere, horribly, and then... then I can go and see my father without
fear.” Brienne said honestly. Oberyn took Brienne’s hand in his own.
“I intend to kill the Mountain myself for what he did to my sister and her
children.” Oberyn said softly.
“I would revel in his death.” Brienne replied. Oberyn nodded his understanding.
He let go of her hand and picked up a scroll and quill from his other side.
“I’m writing to my daughters.” Oberyn said.
“How many daughters do you have?” Brienne asked.
“Eight. As yet the Gods have not granted me a son, but that doesn’t bother me.
I have two nephews and one day my niece, Princess Arianne, will rule Dorne as
it’s leader. Daughters are as well as sons.” Oberyn stated. Brienne nodded her
understanding.
“I once had three siblings. I had an older brother, he drowned when I was four
and he was eight. I had an older sister, who died in the cradle before she saw
a year of life. I had a younger sister that I do not remember. She died before
she even saw a moon’s turn, shortly after my mother died giving her life. My
father found himself left with only me as his heir. He refused to marry again
for some reason. I think it’s because he loved my mother so much that he
couldn’t bear to think of marriage to another. But as a daughter, he treated me
very well. I was allowed to learn how to use sword and morningstar, I was
taught to ride a horse, how to run the land that belongs to my father. He tried
to arrange for me to marry, but it did not work out as he might have hoped.
Now, I wonder if I might not have been better off, but I think that that was my
father’s greatest gift to me. He allowed me to be my own person and to follow
my own path. I cannot be anything other than grateful for that.” Brienne told
Oberyn. She stood from where she sat. “I should keep going. Walking seems to
help the babe to sleep.” Brienne said. Oberyn nodded.
“Good day to you Lady Brienne.” Oberyn replied. Brienne nodded.
“Good day to you too Prince Oberyn.” Brienne said, and walked away, hoping to
get to the very centre of the Godswood, and sit beside the great heart tree,
where she always felt at peace now.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime wasn’t sure whether to be jealous, worried, angry or all three, when he
noticed Prince Oberyn, escort Brienne into the hall, as well as his paramour.
But Brienne seemed well enough, and Jaime knew that she wouldn’t appreciate
jealousy in the slightest. Brienne was sat between Sansa and Margaery. Garlan
and his wife on Margaery’s other side, and Tyrion on Sansa’s other side. Oberyn
went to sit at another table that was closer to the King’s table, as he was
royalty. He pulled out the seat beside him, for his paramour, and she sat
gracefully enough. That was, of course, when Cersei entered the hall. She was
to sit at the high table, with their father and Joffrey, and a few... others
who were of importance. At least to Tywin. Such as Olenna, Mace and Alerie
Tyrell. Tommen was already there, as Jaime had escorted him to the hall this
day. Cersei stalked towards the head table, until she caught sight of Sansa,
Tyrion, Margaery, Garlan and Leonette, speaking with Brienne. Then she made a
beeline for that table. Jaime felt his phantom fist clench along with his left
hand. He wanted to go over and try to stop whatever Cersei was planning. But
then he noticed that Oberyn Martell appeared to be doing just that, as he
seemed to reassure his paramour, and then made his way over to the table.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne found herself smiling at something that Garlan had said to her, when
she noticed Cersei coming towards the table. Brienne placed a protective hand
on her stomach, under the table where it couldn’t be seen, she didn’t want
Cersei knowing that Brienne felt a certain fear for her child around the
Dowager Queen.
“Lady Clegane shouldn’t be here at this table.” Cersei said rudely. Tyrion
looked at his sister.
“And why not, sweet sister?” Tyrion asked.
“She is the wife of one of our bannermen. That means her place is at a table
further from the head table, not closer to it.” Cersei stated.
“My father told me, when I was a child, that eating with one’s bannermen,
knowing their families, made trust between Lord and Vassal much easier.” Sansa
said. Cersei glared at Sansa.
“Oh, and if I remember correctly, little dove, he lost his head for treason.”
Cersei shot back.
“Lady Brienne?” The group looked at Prince Oberyn, who had stood from his seat
and walked over to their table. None of them had noticed, but now it was clear
as day. “I would ask you if you might come and join us at our table. My
paramour and I know very few people here, especially many that we might
converse with so easily. In fact, please, all of you, feel free to come and sit
at our table with us. Ser Garlan, I’d meant to ask how your brother Willas is
doing. He last wrote to me that his hunting hawk had laid some eggs. I hear he
is quite the animal breeder.” Oberyn said. Brienne realised what Oberyn was
doing right away. He was inviting them to his table. Which meant he was giving
them a higher position, closer to the King, than Cersei could ever want them to
have. Oberyn was royalty, which meant that king’s table was the only one higher
and propriety demanded that the group accept the invitation, because of
Oberyn’s royalty. He was showing a kindness to Brienne, and to the others, to
bring them together where Cersei could not complain about position. Brienne
wasn’t fooled though. She knew Oberyn was being kind, but he also knew it would
anger Cersei to no end, and for him, that would be all the better. Brienne
managed to get a surreptitious look at Cersei, only to see her face red with
anger, as the group moved to Prince Oberyn’s table. Oberyn offered Brienne an
arm. “Of course, Dowager Queen Cersei, I would also offer you an invitation to
sit with us. But I am sure that you will be sitting with your sons and father.”
Oberyn said to Cersei. Cersei clenched her fists, her face full of rage and
hatred.
“Maybe another time, Prince Oberyn.” Cersei said, her tone clipped. Brienne
could see that Cersei was just managing to keep her temper in check, as she
stormed off towards the high table. Her cousin Cerenna followed her, looking
embarrassed.
“You realise you’ve just made her your enemy for life, don’t you?” Brienne said
quietly, as Oberyn escorted her to his own table, where her party had reformed.
Oberyn grinned.
“She was always my enemy, Lady Brienne. She just sees it more clearly now.
Besides, she has caused you enough damage and pain by forcing you to wed that
monster. She should be satisfied, but she is not. She seeks to cause more pain,
where she has already attempted to destroy everything you are.” Oberyn replied.
Brienne allowed a small smile to tug at her lips.
“Thank you, Prince Oberyn.” Brienne said, as he pulled out a chair for Brienne.
“You are most welcome Lady Brienne. Besides, angering her is a bonus.” Oberyn
said, as he went back to his seat. The conversation seemed more jovial than
before, and Brienne was thankful for that. She could see Jaime, and knew that
he must be irritated at the turn of events. She knew she would have to let him
know that she was truly alright. She also wished he could be by her side,
instead of standing around as a bodyguard. But she knew she could not have
everything.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
After dinner, Jaime allowed Ser Meryn and Ser Osmund to take over guarding
Joffrey and Cersei. Loras took over guarding Tommen, and Jaime was finally free
to do as he wished. So he went to Brienne’s side and offered to escort her, and
Tyrion and Sansa, and Margaery, back to their chambers. Of course, Margaery
accepted, and took his left arm. Brienne took his right arm. Sansa walked ahead
with Tyrion. They arrived at Margaery’s chambers first, and Margaery bid them
all a good night. Then, they reached Tyrion and Sansa’s chambers, where the
married couple also bid them goodnight. Jaime was then alone with Brienne. He
walked her to her chambers, a few doors away from Sansa and Tyrion. Then he
looked at her as they reached her door. There was no one around, so Jaime
entered the room behind her. Brienne looked at him curiously as he shut the
door behind them.
“Brienne? I wanted to ask about Oberyn Martell.” Jaime said. Brienne nodded her
understanding.
“It appears he’s been asking about me around the Red Keep, and seems to have a
new found respect for me. He apologised for his behaviour at our first meeting.
He and Ellaria found me later and offered to escort me to the hall, which I
accepted, as I knew you had to take Tommen and wouldn’t be coming to find me.”
Brienne told Jaime. She gave him a very odd look then. “Are you?... Are you
jealous Jaime?” Brienne asked. She looked incredulous, and Jaime realised that
he was jealous.
“Maybe a little. I cannot just come and sit beside you. I cannot show my
feelings for you publicly. All I can do is love you from afar and hope that
things may one day be different.” Jaime told her. He needed to be honest with
her. He knew that that was the most important thing to Brienne. She shook her
head, her hair had grown longer, to just past her shoulder blades. Most often,
she braided it, but today, it was loose. She stepped forward, a hand on his
cheek, and she looked him dead in the eyes.
“Jaime, you don’t need to be jealous. I don’t give my love away freely. I
know... I know that you’re a member of the Kingsguard and I’m married to a man
I hate. I don’t know if any of that will change, or how I feel about most
things. I know that I love you. That will not change. It can’t change, because
once I love, I don’t stop loving.” Brienne said sadly. Jaime pulled her close
to him, as close as she could get with her large stomach, and his armour. His
right arm wrapped around her, whilst his left hand tangled in her hair. She
rested her cheek on his shoulder, his white cloak protecting her from the cold,
hard metal of his armour. They didn’t speak, just stood there, locked in an
embrace, in comfortable silence.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Sansa was lying in bed, whilst Tyrion worked on some paperwork on a desk that
he had in the corner of their bedchamber. She was not asleep, just relaxing
against the cushions.
“Do you wish for a son or a daughter?” Sansa asked Tyrion suddenly. Tyrion
blinked, looking at Sansa for a moment.
“I don’t know. My father would say I should wish for a son. But I don’t truly
mind. As long as he or she is healthy, it will not bother me which I have.”
Tyrion replied. Sansa smiled.
“I want a little girl, to name after my mother. Catelyn. Catelyn Lannister. I
hope she has my hair and eyes, like my mother, but hopefully, she’ll be very
intelligent, like you. Not naïve like I have always been.” Sansa said. Tyrion
shook his head.
“You’re more intelligent then you give yourself credit for, wife.” Tyrion said.
Sansa allowed a laugh to escape her then.
“Maybe now. If I had been so intelligent, I’d never have trusted your sister,
and told her of my father’s plans. I was such an innocent child. Now... if I
had known, my father might be alive.” Sansa said sadly.
“Your father was a good man Sansa. Your mother was a good woman. From what I
knew of your brother, he was shaping up to be a fine man. I rather liked your
brother Bran, and your half brother Jon. I didn’t know Rickon or Arya well
enough to make any judgement on them. But you did. You’ll always know them, my
lady. They will always be with you, as well as the lessons you learned from
them.” Tyrion said. Sansa nodded.
“Yes. You’re right. I think I might sleep now. It’s been a long day.” Sansa
said softly. She got under the covers and laid on her side.
“Goodnight Sansa.” Tyrion said. Sansa smiled.
“Goodnight Tyrion. Don’t stay up all night reading and doing paperwork, or
you’ll have no energy for tomorrow.” Sansa said. Tyrion nodded, and soon Sansa
was asleep, leaving Tyrion to a great deal of paperwork that he had to deal
with as Regent now.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime was watching over Tommen a week later, as Brienne showed him some moves.
She corrected arm movements and placements with all the kindness and care of a
mother, rather than the stern sharpness of a castellan, and it showed. Jaime
would step in to allow Tommen to practise, if Pod wasn’t there. Brienne seemed
to have grown fond of Pod, as she had grown fond of Tommen. Her training,
though less physical as her stomach grew, seemed to have given both boys a
boost. Jaime could admit that Tommen and Podrick were coming along in leaps and
bounds. On this day, after Brienne had told Tommen and Podrick to stop for the
day, she was sat on her favourite bench under the heart tree, Jaime sat beside
her, watching over both boys.
“I’ve heard that they’ve postponed the wedding another two weeks, maybe more.”
Brienne said. Jaime snorted.
“Oh yes. The wedding has been postponed for two weeks, because we can’t
possibly have a royal wedding without roasted swan. The last trade ship was
attacked by the Ironborn, and... well... the swan is gone.” Jaime said. This
made Brienne start to laugh.
“Really? Swans? Swans are the reason that the royal wedding is being postponed?
That’s just...” Brienne trailed off, and carried on laughing, allowing Jaime to
laugh as well. Tommen and Podrick both gave their mentors a strange look,
before going back to whatever game they’d started up. Brienne shook her head at
Jaime. “I cannot believe that roasting a poor swan is so important to a royal
wedding. Can’t they just... skip it?” Brienne asked. Jaime made a mock
scandalised face, as he slapped his left hand over his heart in mock shock.
“My Lady! How could you suggest that we only have seventy six courses instead
of seventy seven? The sacrilege!” Jaime exclaimed in mock outrage, causing
Brienne to once again burst out laughing. Once the pair stopped laughing,
Brienne just shook her head again.
“When you have to carry a child around inside you, Ser, we’ll see how many
courses of food you can manage to swallow.” Brienne stated firmly. This made
Jaime feel a certain warmness and fondness, as he looked at Brienne, who was
getting larger by the day, or so it seemed.
“I never thanked you.” Jaime said sadly.
“For what?” Brienne asked.
“For agreeing to train Tommen. I know it can’t be easy...” Jaime trailed off.
“Tommen hasn’t ever done me any wrong. He’s a good, kind boy, and he deserves
to learn how to defend himself and others. There isn’t anything wrong with him
wanting to learn. I haven’t a problem offering him my help, however scant it
may be.” Brienne replied. Jaime shook his head, a smile on his face. He found
that he smiled far more often in Brienne’s presence, then he had in most of his
life. Not just his Lannister smirk, but a true smile.
“Still. Thank you Brienne. He’s so eager to learn... he reminds me so much
of...” Jaime trailed off.
“Of you? I thought that too.” Brienne said. Jaime looked at Brienne in shock.
She merely smiled back at him. “He really does. I’ll bet that if I had met you
as a child, that you and Tommen might have been twins, rather than you and
Cersei.” Brienne added. Jaime allowed his left hand to grasp hold of Brienne’s
right, for a moment, to squeeze and let go. But it was enough to convey how
much he appreciated her good thoughts of him.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
The royal wedding was to be held tomorrow. Almost a month had passed since the
arrival of Prince Oberyn, at court. Brienne was just over seven months pregnant
now, what with the delay of the royal wedding by two weeks. Sometimes she felt
so much like an overripe plum that it made her angry. She thought that any
moment, she’d burst, explode into juicy fruity pieces, and just leave behind
the babe, like a plum pip. Of course this was a ridiculous notion. Brienne knew
that. She knew many women had been perfectly fine giving birth to children, and
had not exploded like some log embers, leaving behind only a child. But still,
she seemed to be prone to some of the silliest thoughts recently. She blamed it
on her state, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. At least not for
another month and a half.
“Lady Brienne.” Brienne turned to see Sansa coming over to her. Brienne noticed
the tiny bump that Sansa tried to keep artfully hidden. Of course, Sansa may
well only have been four months into her own pregnancy. When Brienne had been
four months into her pregnancy, there was nothing in the seven hells that could
have hidden it. But ladies were expected to hide their pregnancies for as long
as possible.
“How are you today Sansa?” Brienne asked gently. Sansa smiled.
“I’m well. I’m hoping that the baby is a girl. Do you hope for a boy, or a
girl?” Sansa asked.
“I’m not sure. Probably a boy, so that that animal will have no reason to come
looking for further children. A son would be an heir, and that would be well
enough.” Brienne said softly. Sansa nodded her understanding.
“Well, we’ll be expected to attend the wedding tomorrow. You’ll sit with Tyrion
and I, won’t you? Margaery would have you sit beside her, but of course her
father must sit beside her, and then there is Lady Alerie and Lady Olenna, and
Ser Loras and Ser Garlan, and his wife. I don’t wish you to be sat so far away
with no one to speak to. After all, we’re expected to eat seventy seven courses
of food, and watch ridiculous entertainment.” Sansa asked. Brienne allowed
herself a smile.
“Of course Sansa. I’ll be happy to sit beside you.” Brienne replied. Sansa
smiled and then said her goodbyes, as she had an appointment with their healer
to check on the progress of her pregnancy. As Brienne carried on walking, she
heard the sounds of feet behind her. She turned to see Prince Oberyn and his
paramour, Ellaria. “May I help you, Prince Oberyn? Ellaria?” Brienne asked.
“We thought we might intrude on your solitude and walk with you for a little
while, Lady Brienne.” Prince Oberyn said. He offered his left arm, the right
one already possessed by Ellaria, and Brienne took it, as propriety dictated.
They walked along the corridors and towards the gardens. Brienne knew something
was wrong. She just didn’t know what.
“What is the matter, Prince Oberyn?” Brienne asked.
“Lord Tywin has approached me about wedding Cersei.” Oberyn said. Brienne
blinked in confusion. She knew Oberyn would never accept marriage to a
Lannister, especially not Cersei.
“I assume you intend to refuse his... offer?” Brienne asked.
“I do. I will not wed a Lannister, especially the Dowager Queen. She is likely
to slit my throat before I could bed her at any rate.” Oberyn stated.
“Something else is bothering you, Prince Oberyn.” Brienne said. Over the last
month, Brienne had gotten to know Oberyn and Ellaria very well. Both seemed to
have gone out of their way to befriend and protect Brienne since the initial
first meeting, that had gone badly. Oberyn had even defended Brienne on a few
occasions. This had caused a rift of hatred between Oberyn and Cersei at any
rate. Anyone who would defend Brienne was Cersei’s enemy, as far as she was
concerned.
“You’re right, Lady Brienne. Lord Tywin is waiting until after the royal
wedding, before he announces that his son, Ser Jaime Lannister, will leave the
Kingsguard. Then he will announce that Ser Jaime is to be wed to Lady Allyria
Dayne.” Oberyn said. Brienne felt sick. She loved Jaime, but knew she could not
have him. But for him to be sent away and married off to someone he didn’t
know, upset her more than she could say. She took in a sharp breath, and Oberyn
stopped, while he and Ellaria helped her sit on a bench in the gardens. Brienne
felt nauseous as she decided to ask the one question she felt she needed to.
“Does Jaime know?” Brienne asked.
“No he does not. I shouldn’t know either, but I spied the document on Lord
Tywin’s desk when he asked to speak to me of his daughter. Of course I have no
interest in Cersei, but... I read the text as much as I could... it details
that about three months after the Royal Wedding, Tywin will put this plan into
action.” Oberyn said softly. Brienne nodded her understanding. She knew she had
to tell Jaime. He needed to know what was going to happen to him so he could
find a way to get out of it, or get used to it. Either way, Brienne owed him
that chance.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime was preparing for the Royal Wedding, when he saw Brienne approaching him.
She looked worried, dressed in a gown of a dark red, her hands resting on the
large swell of her stomach.
“Brienne? What’s wrong?” Jaime asked her. Brienne looked around furtively,
obviously trying to make sure that no one was listening in to their
conversation. But Jaime knew everyone was too busy for that.
“Jaime, your father is planning your release from the Kingsguard.” Brienne
said, her face full of anxiety.
“He’s been trying to make me leave the Kingsguard since I entered it at the age
of fifteen, my lady, I’m sure that’s not new information.” Jaime said, trying
to reassure her.
“He has plans, written up, to engage you to Allyria Dayne. Three months from
now, he’ll announce your release from the Kingsguard and your betrothal.”
Brienne said. Jaime felt his heart drop into his stomach. He led Brienne to a
hidden alcove in the corridor, away from the hall.
“How did you find this out?” Jaime asked her gently.
“Prince Oberyn told me this morning. He saw the documents on your father’s desk
and... he felt he should tell me.” Brienne replied. Jaime sucked in a sharp
breath.
“I will not marry Allyria Dayne. She’s even younger than you are. Besides, she
is betrothed to Beric Dondarrion, and until there’s a body, no one believes he
is dead.” Jaime said. Brienne allowed a nervous laugh to escape her then. Jaime
placed his hand on her cheek. “Brienne...” He wanted to tell her he loved her.
He wanted to say so many things. It was Brienne who leaned in to him, and
pressed her lips against his.
“I thought you had a right to know. That way you could either stop your
father’s plans or... get used to them...” Brienne trailed off. She looked so
sad. Jaime gave her a smile.
“I’ll be talking to my father after the wedding.” Jaime said. Brienne nodded
and placed her own hand over Jaime’s, which still rested on her cheek.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
“I always thought I had honour, but... it’s unfair of me to want to keep you
here, just for me. You should have everything in this world and I can give you
nothing.” Brienne said softly, feeling the sting of tears behind her eyes that
she would not shed. Jaime looked at her, his eyes seeming to only see her.
“You should know me better. Without you, far too much becomes hollow, Brienne.
I’d rather die in the fucking Kingsguard, honour be damned, and father a
hundred bastards on you, or none at all, as you would want. I would never wish
to marry a woman I have never met and father trueborn children that would
probably hate me as much as their mother would. After all, Allyria Dayne’s
brother was in the Kingsguard, and died for his duty, while I forsook mine.”
Jaime replied. Brienne felt a slight anger wash over her at how Jaime was
viewing himself, but also a slight shock to her system at the thought he could
possibly desire her. She stepped forward, her free hand touching Jaime’s cheek
now. She trembled a little, not sure whether it was from anger or fear.
“Don’t think of yourself like that Jaime. Don’t. You did what you had to do to
ensure the survival of hundreds of thousands of people. All the men, women and
children of this city owe their lives to you.” Brienne said. She found herself
wrapped in Jaime’s arms, and her own arms wrapped around him. His mouth was
pressed to hers, but Brienne was not afraid of the passion behind the kiss.
Jaime would never hurt her, Brienne knew that. She kissed back, wanted him to
know she had the same feelings he did, whether she could act on them or not
would depend on a great many things. None of which she could bear to think
about at this moment. At this moment, it was just her and him, and a swirl of
emotions Brienne hadn’t had much chance to feel before, and she would take that
while she could.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
“I declare King Joffrey of the House Baratheon and Lady Margaery of the House
Tyrell to be man and wife. One body, one heart, one soul. Cursed be the one
that comes between them.” The High Septon droned. Brienne was beside Sansa and
Tyrion, and stood with the rest of the audience to applaud as the newlywed
couple presented themselves to their audience within the Royal Sept. Brienne’s
own marriage here had been a great farce. Not that Margaery’s marriage to
Joffrey was any less of a farce. It was just that Margaery wished to be queen,
and that had bought her here to wed a despicable creature such as Joffrey. Now
of course, it was time for everyone to go to the great hall, where the great
wedding feast was to be held. Brienne walked with Sansa and Tyrion. The
procession of guests made their way to the great hall and Brienne noticed Jaime
lingered close to them at all times, seemingly more concerned with their safety
than Joffrey’s. Brienne didn’t know what to think of that as they arrived at
the great hall, where everyone was gathered and shown to their seats. Jaime
appeared at Brienne’s side and offered her his right arm, which Brienne took
without question. Tyrion sat beside young Tommen, who sat beside Cersei, and
she sat beside her father, who sat beside Joffrey. Margaery was obviously sat
to the right of her husband, with her own father beside her, and her mother
beside him. Her grandmother, her brother Garlan and his wife Leonette, were sat
next to Lady Tyrell, and Loras stood behind them. He was on duty as a member of
the Kingsguard, just as Jaime was. Sansa sat beside her husband as was expected
and Brienne sat beside Sansa. She saw Cersei’s glare and hissed words to
Tyrion. Tyrion merely snorted and said quite plainly to Cersei, loud enough for
Brienne to hear.
“My wife invited our dear friend, the Lady Brienne, to sit beside her. She
knows very few people here in King’s Landing, and my wife knows few people
herself. Would you deny them female company? After all, you have so many
companions recently.” Tyrion said. Brienne saw Cersei’s face go pale, then go
red with rage. Brienne assumed she had asked why Brienne was sat at the high
table. Lord Tywin glared at his daughter, and turned an icy scowl on his son as
well. Both Cersei and Tyrion did not speak to each other after that. Tommen
animatedly spoke to Tyrion and Sansa about his kittens, and then looked at
Brienne.
“How are you Lady Brienne?” Tommen asked. He was such a kind and gentle boy,
and Brienne couldn’t help thinking, yet again, that Tommen got some of his
nature from Jaime.
“I’m very well, thank you Prince Tommen.” Brienne said. Tommen beamed at her.
“I’m glad you could come. Uncle Jaime says you are a great warrior. You should
be a knight.” Tommen said cheerfully. Brienne felt something pull on her heart.
A tug of pain, as well as a wave of warmth and care for the small prince who
seemed to have started hero worshipping her, without her ever knowing it.
“A woman can’t be a knight Tommen. Don’t be ridiculous.” Joffrey said, from
where he sat. Cersei murmured coddling platitudes to him and Brienne shook her
head, thinking that this was the very reason that Tommen was probably so
attached to her. After all, if your own mother couldn’t love or defend you,
picking favourites with your siblings, you’d turn your love to someone else who
would love you and defend you. Brienne felt a strange need to protect and
defend Tommen.
“Well, maybe Tommen, if you become a knight, you can make lady knights. Only a
knight can make a knight.” Brienne told Tommen. This made Tommen beam and
Joffrey and Cersei scowl.
“Then that is what I will do. If a girl can fight as well as a boy, then they
should be knights too.” Tommen said.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime wasn’t sure whether to be amused or disgusted. There was so much food
being wasted, whilst in the streets of King’s Landing, not to mention the rest
of Westeros, people were starving. There wasn’t nearly enough food and this
ridiculous and extravagant feast made the food shortage even worse. As things
carried on, Jaime saw that the entertainment was starting to become more
twisted as the feast went on. Jaime went over to find Tyrion, Sansa and
Brienne. The latest show, had Joffrey bring a bunch of dwarves to fight each
other in a mock battle of the five kings, and Jaime felt sick at the sight. He
could see the looks on other faces were as grim as he felt. Loras looked like
he wanted to punch something. Tywin, didn’t look amused. Cersei seemed
uncaring, as she always was. Tommen was torn between amusement at the antics of
the dwarves, and horror at the mockery it was making of his uncle. Tyrion had a
dark look on his face and Sansa and Brienne had both gone as white as sheets.
Jaime made his way to the head table. There seemed to be no more courses of
food to be served and Jaime thought he might well escort Brienne, Tyrion and
Sansa from the great hall. But as he got to the table, he saw Joffrey was
demanding something of Tyrion. He poured a goblet of wine over Tyrion’s head,
and Jaime was furious with Joffrey’s blatant humiliation of his Uncle. Tyrion,
to give him credit, had not exploded. He’d calmly quipped that it was a waste
of a good vintage. Jaime decided to make his move.
“Your Grace, I believe it might be time for my dear brother and good sister to
be leaving the feast. After all, I’m to be an uncle again, I’m sure your
grandfather wishes Lady Sansa to be well rested.” Jaime said.
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Tywin said. “Of course, Lady Brienne
should go with them. She was invited to this table by Tyrion and Sansa. Also,
her time is far nearer. Both women should be resting.” Tywin added. Joffrey
looked furiously at them all.
“No. They’ll stay until I say they can go.” Joffrey stated. He looked at
Tyrion. “Fill my cup!” Joffrey exclaimed. Jaime was stood beside Brienne, who
looked like she wanted to teach Joffrey a lesson he’d never forget. As Tyrion
reached for the goblet, Joffrey dropped it on the ground, and as Tyrion went to
pick it up, Joffrey kicked it under the table. Tyrion went after it, and Jaime
felt a slight tug of warmth as Sansa bent down and picked up the goblet,
passing it to her husband. Tyrion filled the goblet and then passed it to
Joffrey. He came back to sit beside Sansa, passing Jaime, and Jaime patted him
on the shoulder briefly, just to show him that he was there for him. Tyrion
gave Jaime a half smile as he sat in his seat, and suddenly, everything
stopped. Joffrey was choking. Sansa, Tyrion and Brienne stood from their seats
along with everyone else, as Joffrey fell to the ground. His face was turning
purple, and Cersei was screaming for someone to help him. Jaime grabbed hold of
Tommen, and pushed him towards Brienne, who held him to her side, not allowing
him to see what was happening. Sansa and Tyrion stood in front of them, trying
to block Tommen’s view even more. Tywin had gone to Joffrey’s side, where
Cersei was screaming and wailing, and attempted to stop Joffrey choking. He
whacked him on the back, shook him. Jaime came to their sides as well, but he
could see that Joffrey was gone. The boy was dead.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne was horrified as she watched the scene unfold in front of her. Joffrey
was vile, but such a death was horrifying to watch, no matter who it was
happening to. Brienne saw the boy struggling to breath, saw his face go purple,
then she saw the life go out of his eyes. She had killed a man before, she had
seen life leave a man’s eyes before. She knew that Joffrey was dead. Cersei
wailed over her son, but Brienne couldn’t find it in herself to revel in
Cersei’s pain. She couldn’t imagine if something happened to her own child. She
felt numb. All of a sudden, she felt something trickling down the inside of her
thighs. It was something warm, and sticky, and Brienne trembled as she realised
it was blood.
“My child.” She thought to herself fearfully. She had no part in how it had
come to exist, but she already felt a bond with the baby growing within her,
and the thought that something might happen to it now sent sharp, shooting
pain, right to her heart. Everything started to fade away, as it all seemed
distant. She heard shouting, angry voices and screams, and then, feeling like
she was going to fall, Brienne sat heavily in her seat. She was trying to catch
her breath.
“Are you alright Lady Brienne?” Tommen whispered to her. Brienne looked at
Tommen. She nodded, not wanting to alarm the young boy.
“I’m alright Tommen. I’m just... not feeling too well. Too much food I think.”
Brienne said weakly. Tommen looked confused, but Brienne wasn’t sure what to do
when she felt horrible cramps in her stomach, and everything faded to black.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
“You did this!” Cersei screamed at Tyrion. “Take him! He killed your king! Take
him! Take him!” Cersei screamed, violently. Jaime looked at Tyrion, who was now
surrounded by armed guards.
“There is no way that Tyrion did this.” Jaime said. Cersei just looked at
Jaime, full of rage.
“Don’t you dare defend that little monster to me! Not after he’s murdered my
son!” Cersei screamed hysterically. Tywin gave orders for Meryn Trant, Boros
Blount, Osmund Kettleblack and Balon Swann, to take the king to his chambers.
His body would be moved to lie in state at the Sept of Baelor for seven days
and seven nights, in which a member of the Kingsguard would have to be present,
one each day, until the vigil ended. Jaime knew this. He watched as Cersei
screamed and wailed and their father grabbed hold of her struggling form, as
she fought to stop the Kingsguard from taking Joffrey and following Tywin’s
orders. But the orders were followed. Then Tywin gestured to Grand Maester
Pycelle to come forward, and the old man gave Tywin a vial. Which Tywin poured
down Cersei’s throat, as she was screaming. She passed out within moments.
Obviously it was some milk of the poppy. Tywin gestured to Loras to take Cersei
to her chambers, and then gestured for Jaime’s Aunt Genna to follow them. She
did this without question. It was then that Jaime heard a scream. He saw Sansa,
kneeling beside Brienne’s chair. Brienne was clearly unconscious, and Tommen
looked frantic. The guards still surrounded Tyrion, and Jaime wasn’t sure what
to deal with first, and could see Sansa was also confused. Jaime looked at his
father.
“Take him to a tower cell.” Tywin said. Jaime was furious. But he knew that
having Tyrion taken to a tower cell, was far better than him being taken to the
black cells under the keep. Jaime went to Brienne’s side, along with Prince
Oberyn and his paramour, as Sansa was weeping. She seemed confused and didn’t
know what to do. Tyrion looked at Jaime, and the look on his face was clear as
day.
“Jaime?” Jaime looked at Tyrion as Tyrion was being led away by the guards.
“Please make sure that my wife is unharmed and unmolested.” Tyrion said. Jaime
nodded his understanding. Tyrion feared Cersei would retaliate against Tyrion’s
accused murder of Joffrey, with the very real murder of the pregnant Sansa.
“Of course little brother.” Jaime said. Tyrion looked at Sansa then.
“I think you’ll need to send for the healer for Lady Brienne, wife. Podrick
knows where to find her.” Tyrion told Sansa. She nodded as Tyrion was taken
from the great hall. Jaime then did the only thing he could. He secured Tommen
by his side, gestured to Sansa, Oberyn and Ellaria to follow him, and hefted
Brienne into his arms. He didn’t deny that she weighed considerably more, than
the last time he’d had to do this, but that didn’t really matter to him. He was
determined to get Brienne to her chambers. He prayed to all the gods, old and
new, that Brienne would be alright.
“Is she alright? What happened to her?” Ellaria asked. Oberyn had an arm around
her waist and didn’t speak, but the look on his face told Jaime he was asking
the same question.
“It must have been the shock that’s done this.” Oberyn said softly. Jaime
blinked, looking at Oberyn carefully. “I did study at the citadel, Ser Jaime.
You think I’ve never attended the birth of a babe?” Oberyn added. Jaime shook
his head, not wishing to consider that Brienne was six weeks early to birth her
child. If mother and child survived it would be some sort of miracle. Oberyn
looked at Tommen. “Perhaps, Prince Tommen and I should sit outside.” Oberyn
said.
“It’s my responsibility to guard him.” Jaime replied.
“He will be safe in my hands, Ser Jaime. If you wish, we can leave the chamber
door open so that you can see us. At least until a healer arrives.” Oberyn
said. Jaime looked at Tommen, who was as white as a sheet, then Sansa and
Ellaria, then at Brienne. As it was, Brienne still wasn’t conscious, and Jaime
noticed a dark stain appearing on the blue gown that she wore for the wedding.
Jaime knew the stain was blood. Finally, Jaime looked at Podrick. The boy
seemed to be awaiting orders.
“You know who this healer is, that my brother spoke of?” Jaime asked the boy.
He nodded.
“I-I-I’ll go and get her right away, Ser Jaime.” Podrick said. Then he was
gone. All the inhabitants of the room were anxious, and Jaime allowed Oberyn to
take Tommen outside the room, but the chamber door was open, so that Jaime
could see them as they sat waiting. Ellaria and Sansa remained inside the room,
sat at Brienne’s side. Jaime paced back and forth, keeping an eye on the other
three occupants of the room, hoping Podrick would be back quickly. It was then
that Jaime saw his father, with Loras and Balon Swann, arrive in the corridor.
“So, Tommen is here with you, as well as Prince Oberyn. Is Sansa here as well?”
Tywin stated. Jaime nodded.
“I couldn’t leave them unguarded, especially as Joffrey was murdered and you
seemed occupied with dealing with... my sister... and Tyrion...” Jaime felt a
shiver of dread at the idea of his little brother being in a cell.
“Your sister has been given some milk of the poppy. She’ll not be awake for a
long while. As for your brother, he is being treated as a prisoner of his rank
deserves.” Tywin said. Jaime felt a jolt of anger shoot through him. He wanted
to go and get Tyrion out of his cell.
“And how will a trial proceed, father? Will it be fair?” Jaime asked irritably.
Tywin gave Jaime a look.
“It will be as fair as it can be. Cersei will not be allowed to interfere with
the proceedings. Why did you all need to adjourn to Lady Clegane’s chambers?”
Tywin asked. Jaime felt another jolt of anger rip through him at the title that
his father gave Brienne.
“Lady Brienne... collapsed. It was probably the shock of seeing a boy die in
such a way. We’ve sent for a healer. So I brought her to her chambers. I
brought Sansa and Tommen, and Prince Oberyn and his paramour, with me so that I
could keep guard over them.” Jaime said. He knew his father wouldn’t care too
much about that.
“I understand. That is why I brought two Kingsguard with me. Tommen shouldn’t
be around women who’ve been taken to childbed. It’s not appropriate for a boy.”
Tywin said. Jaime nodded his understanding. Sansa appeared by Jaime’s side
then. “Lady Sansa?” Tywin questioned.
“I would like to stay until I know Lady Brienne is going to be well. I’d also
like to know what is going to happen with these ridiculous accusations against
my husband.” Sansa stated. Jaime had to admire the girl’s guts.
“We will discuss Tyrion at another time, Lady Sansa. As for now, Tommen must be
under proper guard.” Tywin said. Tommen came to stand in front of Jaime and
Sansa. Jaime put his remaining hand on Tommen’s shoulder.
“I’d like to stay outside until I know Lady Brienne is going to be alright,
grandfather.” Tommen said. Loras looked anxious, as he looked at Tywin.
“I would be happy to stay with Prince Tommen and guard him, wherever that might
be.” Loras said. Tywin didn’t look best pleased but nodded his acceptance.
“There is much and more to do before we can hold a trial. But that can be
discussed tomorrow. Remember Ser Loras, you are guarding the King now.” Tywin
stated coolly. Tommen looked wide eyed. He hadn’t realised that his brother’s
death meant that he was the king. This seemed to subdue him quickly, as Tywin
walked away with Ser Balon. Loras then took a seat, across from Brienne’s
chamber door, beside Prince Oberyn, and Tommen sat beside him and Jaime went
back inside to see if Brienne had regained consciousness yet.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne woke up to pain. She felt like her body was being ripped apart from the
inside, and she could feel that she was still bleeding. She was terrified, and
she didn’t know what to do.
“Brienne? You’re awake!” Brienne opened her eyes fully to see Jaime at her
side. Sansa and Ellaria were on her other side. Brienne felt slow and sluggish.
The pain was like nothing she had ever felt before in her life, and Brienne
couldn’t concentrate through it.
“What? Where am I? What happened?” Brienne felt confused. The last thing she
remembered was being at the wedding feast.
“You’re in your chambers Brienne. Ser Jaime brought you here with us, after...
after the King...” Sansa trailed off. Brienne suddenly remembered with perfect
clarity. Joffrey was dead. He’d been poisoned at his own wedding feast. Brienne
gripped the sheets in her hands as the pain became worse. She looked down at
her dress and felt sick at the sight of a dark stain, which could only be her
blood.
“The... the healer...” Brienne trailed off, feeling sick.
“Pod’s gone to find her.” Jaime said softly, trying to offer her some comfort.
Suddenly, Brienne felt like her stomach was in a vice, twisting and squeezing
and wrenching her apart. Brienne had never been one to scream. But now she did.
She screamed loudly at the horrifying pain.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime clenched his hand into a fist, wishing he could do something to help
Brienne, to spare her from any pain. He wished for it more than he had wished
for anything in his life. Brienne was pale, beads of sweat clung to her
forehead as she screamed in agony. After what seemed like an interminable age,
Pod finally arrived with the healer. She was a dark haired woman, with kind
eyes. She was not old, but she was also not young. If Jaime had to guess, he
would say that the healer was middle aged, laugh lines around her eyes and
mouth, marked her as being at least forty. Pod looked pale as he looked at
Brienne.
“It’s alright boy. Go sit outside with the others.” The healer told him gently.
Pod nodded, but before he left, he reached forward and gripped Brienne’s hand
in his own.
“You’ll be alright Lady Brienne.” Pod said. Brienne nodded and squeezed his
hand reassuringly.
“I’ll be alright Pod. Go sit with Prince Tommen, Prince Oberyn and Ser Loras
outside. Everything will be alright.” Brienne told him gently, almost like a
mother. Pod left the room and Jaime wasn’t sure what to say as Sansa and
Ellaria moved aside for the healer, who began to check Brienne over.
“What is your name, miss?” Jaime asked her. The woman looked at Jaime and gave
a kind smile.
“My name is Edeldred, Ser.” The woman replied. She looked at Sansa and Ellaria,
then back at Jaime again. “I suggest that if you have a weak stomach that you
leave. I can’t tend to you if you pass out.” Edeldred stated. Sansa looked
stubbornly resolute. Ellaria merely shrugged.
“I’ve birthed four children. I doubt my stomach is weak.” Ellaria stated. Sansa
clenched her fists in the folds of the purple gown she wore.
“I’ll be a mother soon enough Edeldred. You’ve examined me enough to know. It’s
best I find out what will be happening to me. Running away is not an answer.”
Sansa said. Edeldred looked at Jaime.
“Don’t think I’ll be leaving any time soon.” Jaime said. Edeldred merely arched
an eyebrow.
“Are you the father, Ser?” She asked.
“No. I am a friend of Lady Brienne’s and I won’t leave her to suffer.” Jaime
replied. He sat on her right hand side, and took Brienne’s hand in his own.
Brienne looked at him gratefully. Then she looked at Edeldred.
“Why am I bleeding so much Edeldred?” Brienne asked softly. Edeldred was
serious as she grabbed her medicine bag and spoke to Brienne.
“It’s because you’re birthing the babe early, Lady Brienne. It’s not time for
the babe to come, but your body is rushing the process, forcing the child out
before it’s ready.” Edeldred replied. She looked at Ellaria, Sansa and Jaime.
“What happened?” Edeldred asked. Jaime allowed a nervous couple of coughs to
escape his throat as he considered his answer.
“The King was killed at his wedding feast. It wasn’t a pleasant sight for
anyone present.” Ellaria said, before Jaime could formulate an answer he was
happy with. Edeldred looked curious now.
“How did he die?” She asked.
“They believe he was poisoned and that Tyrion did it. Our gracious King died
choking on blood as his face turned purple.” Sansa replied. Jaime could see
from the familiarity that both Brienne and Sansa shared with the woman, that
Edeldred had obviously been treating them personally for a while. Brienne
started squeezing Jaime’s hand in her own. Sometimes Jaime forgot the strength
that Brienne had, but it almost felt as though his bones were being crushed as
Brienne let out a scream.
“Lord Tyrion? Poison? He’s not stupid. If he was going to kill the little shit,
he wouldn’t make it so damn obvious, Lady Sansa. But the shock of seeing him
die like that could have easily brought on the birthing early. That’s why they
say a woman with child shouldn’t be around the dead or dying.” Edeldred said.
Although her words stung slightly, Jaime thought she had a point. She looked at
Brienne, lifting the edge of her blue gown. “You’re close Lady Brienne. I can
see the head. This babe will be born today.” Edeldred said.
“Will it... will it be alright?” Brienne asked. Jaime hated the soft sadness he
heard in her voice, all the pain.
“I can’t promise you anything Lady Brienne. All sorts of things happen in the
birthing bed.” Edeldred replied. Brienne gasped out her pain, and looked at the
other occupants in the room. Then her eyes settled on Edeldred again.
“I meant, is it possible that my babe will survive, being born early? Have
others survived that were born this early?” Brienne asked. Edeldred snorted a
sound of amusement then.
“If you were a peasant, I’d say no. But you’re not a peasant. Noble women who
birth their babes six weeks early, don’t often have to bury them. Just keep
them warm, feed them and care for them. But we won’t know anything until you
birth the child.” Edeldred said firmly. Brienne nodded, and Jaime felt her
squeezing his hand again. She was obviously suffering another pain. “Lady
Brienne, I need you to bear down when you feel pain. Bear down as hard as you
can.” Edeldred told her. Sansa looked pale, but did not faint. Ellaria was
stony faced and ready to help should the need arise. Jaime was hoping the child
would be born soon. Seeing Brienne in pain was hurting him in ways he hadn’t
ever considered before.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Brienne felt like the whole world was turning grey at the edges. She felt weak
for the first time in her life, and the pain was like nothing else she’d ever
known. She knew she was probably crushing Jaime’s hand in her grip, but she
couldn’t seem to stop herself. It felt like she’d been in the birthing bed for
days, but it had been a handful of hours. She bore down, and time seemed to
stop for her.
“One of you, bring me that bowl of water, the other one get the cloth from my
medicine bag.” Edeldred said. Brienne looked to see Sansa jump up from her
place and rush over to the medicine bag, Ellaria grabbed Brienne’s washbowl,
filled with fresh water, what seemed like an age ago. She brought it over and
placed it on the trunk that had been at the foot of Brienne’s bed. Edeldred had
moved it aside. Suddenly, Brienne heard a wail and there was no more pain. But
Brienne still felt weak.
xXxXxXxXxXxXx
Jaime wasn’t sure whether to be horrified or relieved. The babe had been born,
but with it, a torrent of blood had seemed to follow. He looked at Brienne,
fearing her death. She was almost grey, she was so ashen.
“My babe?” She asked weakly. Edeldred cleaned the baby in the washbowl, and as
she did this, she cleaned the babe’s mouth and nostrils with her little finger.
The babe wailed in indignation all the while.
“A boy, Lady Brienne. A healthy boy.” Edeldred said. Brienne trembled as she
held her arms out for her child. Edeldred wrapped the boy in swaddling. It was
almost dark now, and the candles cast barely any light. But the babe wailed
loudly, proclaiming it’s life to the world. Then Edeldred handed the babe to
his mother, and he stopped wailing. Brienne looked down at the babe. Jaime was
surprised by the tuft of pale straw hair on top of the boy’s head.
“His name is Sandor.” Brienne said softly. She looked at Jaime. “Would you like
to hold him?” Brienne asked weakly. Jaime felt awed that Brienne would trust
him enough to allow him to hold her babe. He didn’t dare say that he was afraid
to drop the boy, especially as he only had one hand. But he reached out for the
babe, and cradled him in his handless arm. His other arm wrapped around the
side of the boy’s tiny body, and Jaime was surprised at the weight of him. He’d
never held a baby before. Cersei had forbidden him from touching any of her
children, for fear of discovery. It was as he held Sandor in his arms that he
realised what he’d been missing. His fingers traced the babe’s cheek gently.
Then he looked at Brienne, who seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep.
“What? What’s happened?” Jaime asked, feeling panicked. Edeldred allowed a
slight laugh to escape her.
“She’s exhausted, Ser. She’s lost quite a bit of blood. It’s not surprising
that she’s exhausted. Once I’ve cleaned her up and examined her and the babe,
we’ll need to wake her so she can eat. She’ll need to build up her strength,
and she’ll need to stay in her bed for at least a week. She’ll tire easily for
a while, but she will be fine.” Edeldred said. Jaime couldn’t help feeling
relief. Brienne had survived. She wasn’t dead and the babe was healthy, and
Jaime was just glad that he didn’t have to lose either of them. He had allowed
himself to grow attached to the babe, just as he allowed himself to love
Brienne. He couldn’t bear the thought of either of them dying. But now... Jaime
knew that if Tyrion was found guilty, or if he demanded a trial by combat, that
the Mountain would be summoned back to King’s Landing, and Jaime feared what he
would do if that happened. He was afraid of the outcome for everyone. His
brother, and Brienne. So Jaime hoped that his brother would be found innocent
before anything worse could happen to them.
Chapter End Notes
     Ah! You've made it to the end! The monster has not defeated you. LOL!
     Thanks for reading. Please feel free to leave a comment or kudos,
     because they're love. LOL! But honestly, if you don't feel like doing
     any of that, I'm just glad you decided to read this latest chapter. I
     hope the next one doesn't disappoint.
End Notes
     Okay...... I know I'm evil... I know... I'm... sorry? Well... I'm not
     really sorry. This idea wouldn't leave me alone. The second chapter
     is almost half way done. LOL! Um...... I hope that you all
     appreciated the writing. Feel free to leave comments or kudos, or
     nothing at all. I still get amazed by the hits I receive sometimes on
     a story. LOL!
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