Story requested on my tumblr multifandomhaven.
Amya was standing outside her children's door listening to her husband's voice lulling the littlest Lannisters to sleep.
Johanna, their oldest, insisted nearly every night that her father recount the tales of his knighthood to her - she wanted to know the glory of battles, the ballads written in his honor, and the massive feasts that came after.
Clare, their middle child, wanted to know the stories of love, how he had romanced her mother into loving him so completely and so fervently dreamed of the day she would find her own true love.
Johanna's story had been told the night before, it seemed, by the tale that spilled happily out of her husband's mouth.
"And there she stood," he told them in a voice only just above a whisper, "in a beautiful gown, her hair all done up in curls. I knew I had to have her, that she must become my wife. Bear me beautiful children," he stroked the golden head that was closest to him gently. "So I pursued her. I courted her and she told me no."
Amya smiled warmly outside the door, her hands rubbing over her rounded stomach fondly.
"It took me three years to win over your mother," Jaime chuckled lightly. "But it was three years well spent, wasn't it?"
The girls agreed and it seemed that even her strong Johanna was enjoying the tale. "I'm glad Mother finally agreed, Papa."
Jaime nodded and glanced toward the door, offering Amya a wink and a smile. "Yes, my darling, so am I."
He stayed there for a few moments, both of his young daughters wrapped around him as he continued their story. It was beautiful the way Jaime told it, some parts far more reserved than what actually happened, but it was nice to hear from his perspective.
"Then she fell pregnant with you," Jaime told Johanna. "I was so incredibly happy to hear that we were going to start our family. We waited for you for what seemed like forever and then you were suddenly here - red faced and screaming. You were a fighter when you were born and you are a fighter still. Perhaps one day you will conquer the world."
Amya's husband then looked to their younger daughter. "And my sweet Clare, you were a blessing in disguise. We were traveling when you came. The old woman that delivered you had worked in an inn on the road. Her name, too, was Clare. She was a gentle, kindhearted soul. She welcomed us into her home and cared for your mother until you were both well. We hope that when you grow you will be just as gentle, and kindhearted and caring as she was."
Clare nodded, her eyes staring wondrously into her father's matching ones. "I will make you proud, Papa."
"Of that I have no doubt," Jaime smiled down at his girls. "You two are the reasons I strive to become a better man, you know. Before you came I was rash and angry and selfish. Your mother cured me a bit, but when I became a father... that's when I truly changed."
"Papa?" Johanna said quietly.
Jaime blinked down onto her. "Yes, Johanna?"
"I think you're the best Papa in all the realms." Johanna said sweetly. "And Clare does, too."
Jaime gave his daughter a sweet smile. "And you both are my greatest joy." He paused for a moment, again looking to meet Amya's eyes through the small crack of the door. "And now, we await our your sibling's arrival. So, Clare, that's how the story goes."
Their daughters wrapped tighter around him and Jaime gathered them both into his arms. "Goodnight my loves, sleep well for we continue our story come the morning's light."