I am Cersei of House Lannister. The queen consort of Robert Baratheon, the first of his name and lord of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm. The daughter of Tywin Lannister, the lord of Casterly Rock. No matter what, I have always been defined by those around me and not for my own merits. I have power from my father and titles from my husband. Yet I am ignored and humiliated by those people, and this evening is no exception.

We are at Winterfell, the home of House Stark and the location of the crypt where Lyanna was buried. Lyanna. I can't forget that damned name, despite how often I attempt to erase it from my memory. I almost had, but then my dear darling husband suggested a visit to the North, which caused all of the memories to resurface once more, only to really bring the point home as he immediately visited the crypt. He didn't even bother to try and maintain an image of respect for his wife, just left me to wander the grounds alone.

I thought, for some reason, that the feast would be better. He would surely have to sit next to me and act like a good husband, especially in front of the whole court. No. Instead he seems to be everywhere but by my side and he is getting close to other women for good measure. I keep my smile plastered on my face, and act the caring wife. I accept glass after glass of wine until I can barely keep my mind straight. But I'm ever so careful, laughing at jokes and beaming with joy. My fake smile is perfectly fixed, so much so that it might almost fool Jaime. Almost. He looks over at me, and I'm suddenly overcome with an urge to cry. How dare Robert leave me? Surely he is aware of what effect his actions have upon me! He left me, sitting on my own and trying to piece together the fabrication of a happy marriage that we created together.

I can still remember our wedding day. I was overjoyed, but not only because I was to be wed to Robert, who I had quickly become enamoured with, but because I felt that for once in my life I had made my father proud. I had fulfilled my duties as a daughter of Tywin Lannister. But then Robert said her name. Lyanna. I would never be her. I would only ever be a cheap replacement.

I can't believe that I'd ever been so blind so as to ignore a truth that was so blatantly obvious. I'd thought that I was in love. Robert was so dashing and valiant, just like the stories that my mother, and later the servants used to read to me before I went to sleep. But now I just saw a red-faced, fat old fool. I am alone in this world. Sometimes I wonder if I can be someone more than just borrowed power and titles. For I am the Lioness and I will not stand to be treated like a pretty ornament that can be paraded around by a drunken oaf.

My name is Cersei Lannister and I will use my wits and my cunning to get that which is rightfully mine. The power of the Iron Throne, in one way or another.