AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm back. Some of you may know me for my fanfiction Glory for Traitors. Even though I made some plans to write an AU about Renly Baratheon surviving, I want that story to be an epic one, and I don't feel prepared for it at the time. So, instead I will publish this story – a shorter one, I hope –, about what would have happened if Cersei Lannister had married to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. I have planned most of this fanfiction, and I intend to cover the great events happening in Westeros during the years before Robert's Rebellion. Tournament of Harrenhal included.

I intend to write smaller chapters this time around: it will be easy for me to write, and for you to read.

I would love your reviews on this first chapter, to check out if there is an audience. Thank you so much.

A LEGACY OF FLAMES

PART I

THE PROPHECY

PROLOGUE

276 AC

"I want to tell you a secret, my dear."

The words were almost lost in the din filling the room.

It was not only the music that echoed through the great hall of Lannisport House, but also the sound of over a hundred nobles eating and drinking, retelling the events of the first day of jousting. Even Cersei had retold how Prince Rhaegar had defeated uncle Tygett so bravely during the jousts. Her friend Melara had been afraid to see blood.

"A secret, aunt? How mysterious." She said, very quietly, barely raising her eyes to face Aunt Genna. Fortunately, they were some places away from father, far enough not to be heard.

"You have to promise you won't tell anyone. Especially your father." Her eyes glinted in amusement, as if in possession of all the secrets in the world.

Cersei Lannister nudged her head forward, getting closer to her aunt.

"You don't need my word, aunt. I would never betray you. But perhaps you should lower your voice." Her eyes darted around them.

It was a great feast, not so grand as the one expected for the end of the tourney. The laughter hovered in the air, the ladies whispered with their eyes set on the prince, and they all seemed to revel in the happy, warm days ahead of them, even though summer was fading away.

The Tournament in honor of Prince Viserys' birth was all she had ever wanted. The first day of the tournament had just ended, and a feast had been waiting for them inside doors, as well as music and wine. Guests from every corner of the Seven Kingdoms had come, following King Aerys and his heir to celebrate the royal birth in the West. Her father himself was at the head of the table, as the host of such an event. He was smiling to whatever the king was saying. Not actually smiling.

Faking it.

"Actually, I should save it to myself, but I'm finding it hard keeping my lips sealed every time I look at you." Aunt Genna said, amused. "I have noticed how you blush whenever the Prince looks at you."

Me and all the other women, Cersei thought to herself. Even Aunt Genna looked at the Targaryen Prince with lust.

Her eyes returned to Rhaegar Targaryen, briefly. He was beautiful, with deep purple eyes and silver-blond hair, like the old tales Septa Sarnella had read to her about the Targaryen kings. She had even noticed the prince's fingers, so long and elegant, caressing the strings of a harp in the shape of a dragon, as if he were actually touching a woman's body. Whenever he looked at her, she blushed, yes. A weakness. Once, he had even dared to smile, making her smile back like a fool.

But it was inevitable.

"Yes." Cersei replied, blushing again. Immediately, she felt slightly irritated. "I'm afraid I'm not doing my best hiding my feelings."

"Hiding? Seven help me, my dear, must I remind you that you are only eleven years old? Don't be so hard on yourself."

I must be hard on myself, a voice said in her mind. After all, father had great plans for her future. And to be worthy of them, she had to be a lioness, just like Tywin Lannister.

Even so, she simply smiled, before looking directly into her aunt's eyes.

"So, will you go on teasing me or will you finally spill your secret, aunt?"

After mother's death, aunt Genna had become a mother to her and Jaime. And even to the little creature in the nursery. Although she had married that oaf of House Frey, she was truly the sister of Tywin Lannister. They shared the ame cunning and wit, perhaps in different ways.

"Your father will announce your betrothal to the Prince during the ending feast."

Two days.

Cersei eyes glinted, and a smile touched her lips.

Inside her chest, her heart raced again.

Could she be truly nervous? Well, yes, she could. An announcement would change everything. Make it official.

Jaime.

Oh, he wouldn't like it, especially if father were to take her to King's Landing upon his next departure.

But it wouldn't be entirely a surprise.

A part of her had known for a long time that a crown awaited for her in the future. Since she was seven years old, actually. The day father had confided to her that one day she would be queen.

"Are you sure?" She asked, finding it hard not to smile like a fool.

"I heard it from your father, my dear." Genna said, smiling as much as her. She got closer to Cerser, her eyes darting toward the prince. "He is good, yes. He will be a very good husband... And a very good king, I daresay."

And I will be queen by his side.

"You must prepare yourself for the announcement, of course." Aunt Genna said, placing a hand upon hers. "Your father gave me instructions to gather half a dozen dressmakers. We shall arrange a new dress for you. It's important you look your best, my dear. Maybe a golden dress or..."

Cersei shook her head, pulling her hand immediately.

"Not gold." She said, raising her chin. "Red, aunt. I'm a daughter of Casterly Rock, and I shall wear red."

Genna looked at her for a few seconds, her mouth open. But then she laughed.

"You are your father's daughter, my dear." Aunt said, patting her hand softly. "Red it will be, then."