So I had a very boring three-hour lecture about employability so I banged this out and I thought id upload it to see if anyone would like to read it. I hope to continue writing it and developing it if anyone likes it. PLEASE review and let me know what you think!
The first time Jamie Lannister meet his betrothed she was but fourteen. The Daughter of the Lord of Justice, Augusteen Radcliffe and Godiva Redwyne, his late mother's best friend, who nursed her throughout her difficult pregnancy with Tyrion and stayed with her long after she drew her last breath. He had a great place in his heart set for the woman he called an aunt, though in truth she was only a mere girl, only 5 or 6 name days older then himself. She was what people called gifted, not to be mistake for a hag or a witch, on the contrary, she was rather beautiful, so much so he thought her a queen when he first set eyes on her when he was just a boy. She was what people could call an element between this world and the next, or so his mother said, and would tell him all sort of stories about the White Women. Women who were pure and good and would use their power for protection, that made him want to be a knight all the more to protect these fair ladies. His father would roll his eyes at them, his wife would sush him with a half angry look in her eyes and he would bow his head in submission, then a loving smile would be shared. And that was the one of few memories he truly remembered of his mother.
Robert's rebellion had been over for fourteen years, and all that time their was rumours had been spiralling around of his match to the only heir of the Radcliffe's, all their land and their forbidding army of skill swords. The threat of dismissal hung over him more heavily then the shame of being called Kingslayer, for once in his life he was helpless truly helpless. His sister who had already birthed their three children, was always conspiring to stop the marriage, a word in this person's ear, a pouch of gold in that person's hand, but it was inevitable, they were powerless against their father. It would work out; they might not always be close together but would always be one and never apart.
When he first clapped eye upon her it had been at a small feast with the Lannister's, Baratheon's and Arryn's and the three Radcliffe's at the head of the table and an assembly of the rest of the court.
'Your mother always wanted you to marry a Radcliffe…. sentiment, but we must honour her wish as if she was here' Tywin spoke with a firm authority, abet the undertone of melancholy that permeated his voice and face.
'Fortunately the Radcliffe's are an acceptable match, Most well trained army in all of the seven Kingdoms…..and most fertile. In all of recorded family history, not one miscarriage or death by childbearing.'
Cersei rolled her eye and gulped back another mouthful of wine. Jamie was unsure whether his father was trying to aggravate him or simply trying to reassure his family of the possibilities of his match to the other house. Some part of him began to see the possibility in this match, he could father an heir, every couple of years and spend the rest in the capital, with his sister beneath him every night. But his sister saw no bright side to this, she did not want anyone touching him, but if this is what they must do to be together so be it.
'I hear she battles alongside her father, are the fields of Casteley Rock to be polluted with pathetic little girls pretending to be knight' Cersei spat in disgust.
'Radcliffe daughters have trained to fight alongside with their brothers and fathers as far back as the Doom of Valryin, I am sure as soon as Jamie puts a baby in her belly she will have little time for that.'
'What of Household management and rearing a child….!' She continued.
Their father cut her off with his seething look, there was to be no more discussion. Not before long they left the Queens solar and the feast began, he had the pleasure of leading the daughter Radcliffe into the feast, an awkward first meeting and something he was not going to enjoy. The thought of leading a child into the hall in a silent announcement that he intended to marry and bed this girl who was young enough to be his daughter made bile rise in his stomach. He was tall maybe 6ft2 if not taller, having a child who would barely be up to his hip was humiliating and in his mind un- knightly of him but maybe not as bad as killing the king.
When the Lannister arrived the stood on the outside of the small crowd, looking inwards waiting for the King to arrive so they could pair off, lazily he scanned the crowd looking for his potential bride, a spattering of women looked about the right age to be Lovisa, his intended. One with a hook nose and bug eyes, one pretty but much to thin, one with a mane of frizzy wild hair that even the Ladies maid hadn't been able to control, he had spotted Lady Godiva at the far back of the crowds, head bowed slightly, talking to someone who he could only imagine to be her daughter. Her face furrowed slightly as she talked and slowly it began to wash away into a tidal of compassion, he had not though to think about the poor girl being sold off into marriage so easily just because the King and his father decree it. The Radcliffe's where powerless as was he, she had properly hoped to fight with their father forever but now that promise was dust, just like his oath.
The King suddenly broke through the crowd, picking up a girl in his strong gripped and twirled her around as he roared with laughter. 'Ahhhhh my little Lovie'
His sister stepped Forward with the look of distain on her face, he had never shown that sort of attention to his children. Their Children. He placed her firmly on the ground to look at her, which he also took an opportunity in. She was tall for her age and looked older then her years, the added height made her look at least 16, she had long flowing dark hair the crown her head, light and smooth. A simple chain headdress planted across her forehead, as was the style of the Redwyne's, pulling back part of the thick mane exposing her cheeks. She still had her baby fat but underneath it he was sure there was a pretty face. She looked like her mother, but in the same way she didn't. While she was slim and willowy, her daughter, Lovisa, had all the making of a more voluptuous figure, her eyes where darker shade of blue, and even at this distance he could tell they glowed like the darkest sapphires. She held her mother's elegant classical features and full lips, but had her father's pale skin and dark hair. However, the most striking was the dreamy expression that caressed her face, some might take it as dopey but it was something else. Altogether they gave her an otherworldly appearance which made her look altogether unfamiliar to her parents.
'Ahhh my little dove don't you look lovely, I adore your dress such a pretty shade of purple' Cersei sweetly spoke.
There was a hesitation on the girl's bow, almost a defiance, but she curtsied as cleaning as the other girls and spoke a clear 'Thank you, Your Grace'. She seemed to part her lips to say something but Robert seem to bore very quickly of waiting for the feast and held his arm out to his wife, signalling those to do the same.
With an arrogant smile he forced his way over and stood expectantly next to the girl, she stared blankly at the ground before slowly and calculatingly her gaze travelled up his body, which made him even more arrogant. Many a young girl did this, the King's guard had a legion of girls giggling after them, him more than most, waiting for him to see them and fall intensely in love with them and carry them away to Castely Rock. But there was no giggle, no blush, just a look a resignation that flashed deep within her eyes, mixed with a disapproval. Out of the corner of her eyes she was watching his father, who looked on like a lion ready to strike.
She curtsied neatly, and gave him a shy smile. 'Ser Jamie'
Much to his arrogance he didn't acknowledge her and took her arm, and with a long stride enter the feast, ignoring the stares and whispers, he didn't look down at the girl out of care, more out of curiosity, he peaked his interest, she would be amusing, he could tell she had a fire in her, hidden under icy coolness. She had a look of neither happiness or distain, like the other couples wore, she looked merely impassive, there was a hint of a smile on her lips but it was not in her eyes. He led her to the head table where his father had taken Lady Oleanna, who was down to visits her younger sister and her niece, Lovisa. A genuine smile met her eyes when she met with her Aunt.
They sat with the other members of the small council and the royal family, excluded the Princes and Princess who were much too small for a feast like this, meaning that his intends parents could not sit with their daughter, leaving her vulnerable to attack from the Lannister's or any member of the small council. This greatly affected her father, who was restless in his seat as he watched her like a newborn chick, only just emerged from it shell.
They didn't speak during the begining of the meal as the entertainment was wheeled out, it was only when Littlefinger spoke did she look up from her meal.
'Forgive me My Lady for my ignorance but what house are you from? I have only just leant of your intended marriage to Ser Lannister, quite an honour.' He spoke almost mockingly toward the youngling
The girl spoke softly but loud and clear. 'House Radcliffe, A red crest with a raven. By the Sword and Shield…. Lord Baelish', the dreamy expression masking the obvious wit she had at such a young age.
Everyone looked down at the girl who didn't flinch or flutter at the gazes she received, she was proud and unfastened by the would be insult. His father and Lady Olenna smirk, perhaps she would be very entertaining. Those innocent looks where only a mask, she was a Radcliffe and a Redwyne, and their where renowned for their intelligence and strength.
'She is a remarkable match for my son Lord Baelish, don't you agree?' Tywin spoke.
'That she is Lord Lannister, that she is' he smirked silently to himself as he turned to talk the Maester Pycelle.
Lovisa was untrusting of everyone on that table, apparent from her aunt, who sent reassurance smile down the table, she was hoping that she would be next to her, or her godsfather, the King, but he was too busy with some serving wench to notice her, so she was unprotected, sandwiched between two lions, her soon to be husband and father in law. She could hold her own, she was a warrior, but she was no fool, she was still young and fresh, no match for these two Lannister's, so she did what any women would do, she smiled and laughed at the performers. She was not stupid, this day would come, and she had learnt to accept it, it didn't mean she liked it, but she would find a way to make it bearable, and she would fight, in one way or another, that she was sure of. If only she had been presented to the Stark's, there she would be happy, to battle the cruel wild lands, and perhaps learn to love Robb or whichever one they picked. They were kind, not like the Lannister's.
At some point Tywin left the table and went and spoke to the Hand of the King, and upon receiving a careful glare from her aunt she final spoke to her future husband.
'Ser Jamie, I hear your planning to fight in the tournament, which activity do you think you will participant?'
The Kingslayer looked at her in shock, he expected her to ask about his home, his family, the queen, even ask if he would take her on his own personal tour but not that. Lady Oleanna looked on at her favourite niece, the girl had brains and beauty, and with the right allure, she would have that Lannister panting after her. All Lannister's want a challenge, Tywin picked Joanna, a friend who could hold her own in a battle of wits and could make him need her desperately, Lovisa could do the same. Giving her much younger sister a smile of reassurance she went on conversing with the Queen hoping to deflect as much of her venom as possible that she seemed to be directing at her beloved niece.
Upon not receiving an answer, only an expression much like one of the dead fishes in the market, she spoke again.
'Forgive me you must not want to talk about such things, perhaps you would like to talk about the weather? Or how lovely the Keep is? Or dresses?' She half mocked.
A pleasant smile grew across his face, she knew it was a dangerous game she was playing, but she needed to establish some sort of base. He didn't seem angry or insulted, on the other hand he seemed pleased.
'Arent you a cheeky little bird?'
'Cheeky, perhaps, little definitely not and bird, most certainly. I have to do something if your just going to sit there like a dead fish. You might not like being here, I certainly don't but we can be civil….well I can be I'm not sure about lions?'
'We are till we decide we want you as prey.' The Lannister smirked arrogantly, knowing if he could get her on the defensive she would be easier pray and would whimper off to her mother, leaving him free of her.
'You will find us bird are not so easily prey.' She smiled, she was not going to get angry or cross she was going to meet every word her spoke with good humor and kindness.
Across the table Oleanna noticed the spark that ignited in his eyes and so did the Queen, but with a table full of gossiping women, she would not be able to intervene and the seed of attraction would be sown, and from their it would be simple. Her dear girl had caught the Lannister, now she just had the long chore of drawing him in
'So are you playing in the Tournament? What positions do you hope to fill?'
'I will be winning not playing….as for positions…..I have not decided.' He spoke dismissively, from behind his goblet.
'I think you should go for hand to hand combat or….long sword or short sword. Which do you prefer? I mean you could go in for jousting but I think running at people with sticks is a bit pointless and show no other skill then the ability to have the stubbornness to remain seated' She spoke confidently but rapidly, knowledge of Warcraft was hinted as she spoke.
For the first time since his father announcement he laughed, genuine laughed, a full laugh. 'I agree but don't you want your betrothed to be the Knight of Flower and give you the crown?'
'If I wanted my betrothed to win something I would want him to win it for skill not for sitting on a horse. And Knight of Flowers is the most ridiculous name, and for flowers I can pick my own, and I have enough grace and common sense to know, I am only pretty, not breath taking, not worthy of such a crown' she rolled her eyes with a laugh the wistful expression still not breaking away from her features.
Jaime found himself stop breathing, he, the man who loved Cersei with all his heart wanted to scold the girl. She was pretty, true but she was still a child and in a few more year she would undoubtedly be beautiful and more then worthy of such a crown. But he couldn't do it, he was unsure of what to say, it felt like a betrayal. The girl in front of him was innocent but sharp and if Cersei saw her as a threat he had no doubt that she would get rid of her, but the girl was just trying to establish a foreground and make the best of this situation, she was so obviously unhappy, the way she refused to look at her father, though he was constantly trying to capture her attention. Why couldn't he make the best of the situation?
'The girl is smart, the tournament is a silly fast, but it keeps the King happy and that is our duty.' Tywin answered for his son.
He was not a foolish man, and this match was the best for his family and his son. The girl was not silly or dreamily like the others, she had a good sensible head on her shoulders, enough to tell her to bond with her intended and he could not fault her that. And knowledge enough to make intelligence discussion, a brilliant quality for the future Lady Lannister, as his poor wife had for him. In many ways the Lovisa reminded him of his wife, smart and charming but with a harsh side ready to be released at the first sign of danger, she would make a perfect lion.
'Jamie the first dances are about to start, take your young sweetling and dance.' It was a command not a choice.
Lovisa didn't particularly want to dance, while she very much loved to indulge in the feminine interest she didn't not want to partake with this particular Lannister, he held an air of contentment in his manner towards her. She was aware of how handsome he was but still it was not enough to cover the arrogance that his mother had warn her about. The music hang in the air and it began to vibrate in the air as the musicians tested their instruments, luckily it happened to be a quartet dance, meaning she would not have to dance solely with him, making it a fair more pleasant evening. She was determined to make the most of the evening even with her sour partner.
The music mixed with the roaring crowds as they gulped down wine and tore at juicy boar, the music was smooth and lively but not too fast. Her parent were next to her and Littlefinger and a Knights wife on the other side, she could not bring herself to speak or even look at her parents. They had told to grin and bear it, so she was, she was going to eat, drink and dance and try as hard as she could to push this horrible event to the back of her head.
Jaime was surprised at the elegance and the precision that his young intended danced, and briefly his mind wondered to what type of fighter she would be, as herwatched as her hair bouncing softly as she weaved in and out of the lines of men and women. She seemed content, he noticed as she placed her hand to her father for him to twirl her, he gave it a hard squeeze, whether to seek her intention or give her reassurance he was not sure, but she seem unfazed by it. His eyes caught hers and she gave a small smile and held out her hand for him to take his turn to spin. Her hands where soft but firm, much like a knights, it made him wonder how good she really was, he heard she was a true proficient. As his mind began to wonder his hand caught the delicate hand of his sister, she looked angry into his eyes.
'Enjoying your evening, brother?' She sneered, prettily.
'As much as could be expected' he replied dully, as he turned her in his arms.
'You seem to be taken with your little bride, pretty in a common sort of way. Im sure she will be nice to bed'
'She is a child…she does not want this…'
'As was I….you think I want to be married to that!' she exclaimed in a whisper as the danced, nodding towards her husband who was ticking a girl.
'I know but she wont get in our way, she wants as little to do with me as possible, she is just trying to make the best.'
'Hmphh, you seem to be quite taken with her already. Fuck her and send her to that Rock' she ordered as she parted from him in the dance.
Running his hand through his golden locks, he sighed angrily, he still didn't know whether to hate or pity Lovisa. The dance had ended, and another set began, but before he could reclaim her, Lord Baelish swooped in with a bow to sweep the girl of further away from him, with a sigh of relief he sat back down and started to converse with one of his fellow brother's who seem to be too interested in his soon to be bride much to his disgust. She still had her childish face and to marry her of before her childhood had finished seemed to be somewhat of a punishment, let her have a few more year of innocents before the realities of the cruel world set in. His sister disappear with her maids, allowing his to solely focus on the women he would marry without heightening her anger any more than it already was.
He allowed himself to memories her and let his eyes scrutinise her every aspect, in some vain attempt to master her. But she was too closed off, just like his sister, but her smile reached her eyes, he briefly wondered if she would end up like his beloved sister, twisted by neglect and his love for another. But Cersei had always had this aspect of coldness to her, perhaps the warmth within side Lovisa would fight off the ice that would try and attach itself to her. As there was a scorching fire inside her he could tell, she was being forced into a marriage to a man she didn't like or love away from her dream of fighting and being a warrior, yet she was smiling through and seem somewhat content and at ease. To play that well meant she was strong and would thrive though any adversity in her path, a strong little woman.
She was dancing with the King, then her father, then his father, much to his dismay. He sat up straighter in his seat as he watched them intensely. He watched his father's lips moved ever so slightly as he spoke, they danced apart from everyone else, so no one could over hear them it would seem, Tywin Lannister thought of everything. His body was taught and ridged ready to intervene as he watched his future wife closely, there was a calm smile that tugged on the corner of her mouth as her father span her. Her body was calm and collect, not a hint of tension, her father said something that made her give him a toothy but somewhat sad smile, which shock him, he was expecting him to coolly threaten her. They danced for another couple of minutes before the music stopped and applause filled the hall. His father, clasp her arm and pulled her toward his table, with brief stop from fawn couriers congratulating her, which only seem to cause her to tense up.
'I have return you intended to your care….I bid you two a good night' and with that he vanished.
'What did your father talk to you about?' he questioned almost immediately, before she could even fully sit down.
She paused over the wine she was about to drink, 'Does it matter?'
'I want to know if he intimidated you, it is my duty to protect you…' he repeated broadly as if her was speaking from list of ancient rules.
'I can protect myself' she said harshly. For the firsts time he got a glimpse of the fire inside, the burst seemed to fierceness like wildfire but disappear in the flash as she spoke again. 'But if you must know he told me that I would be a very good wife and do my duty.' Jamie could hear the faint bitterness in her voice as she bite out trying to retain her polite.
'If you will excuse me I feel rather tired.' She growled and began to wander of, the vacant expression seems to replace itself over her feature that only a moment ago where ignited in a smouldering intensity.
Jamie smirked as he caught her wrist hauling her back to the spot in front of his seat, his eyes not moving from hers. His lips slowly moved along her hand, taking his time as he moved his lips across her soft supple skin, his eyes lock on hers. Her eyes seemed to glistened darkly and dangerously, her lips parted ever so slightly as she hungrily gazed at him, her whole face darker, and she seem to transform before his eyes, causing him to pull back in surprise. She appeared more womanly and her face seemed all the more haunting, the dreamy look faint instantly and morphed into a look of a wild abandoned animal ready to strike, out of lust or something entirely different he didn't know but he was going to enjoy finding out.
With dark eyes she smiled sweetly and gave a short curtsied before slipping out of the room, her mother and aunt following closely behind her. Leaving a very amused Kingsguard behind her.
'Well this is going to be interesting, I think there is a little lioness within that heart of a bird' he smirked as he filled his goblet, rising it up to his future father in law who stared at his across the floor.
