Disclaimer: Game of Thrones is D&D's property, after being GRRM's property. Or else, Lancel would be the happiest kid in Westeros, should it be mine.

Summary: Lancel's wife had a secret, a heavy cross to bear. Lancel would not let her be crushed by any burden ever again.

Author's note: A huge thank you to Assassin Master Ezio 91 who helped in making the chapter guide and in brainstorming with me !

Author's note 2: English isn't my first language, it's french. If you see any mistake or issue with the language, feel free to tell me so that I can improve.

WARNING! THIS FANFICTION CONTAINS MATURE THEMES SUCH AS SEXUALITY AND ABUSE. IF THESE TRIGGER YOU, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS FANFICTION. THANK YOU.

Lost and found

Chapter 3

Lancel had always been known for keeping secrets and promises. Even as a young child, he had understood the importance and the value of the trust placed in him. Amerei recalled an event she had been told from Lancel's early life. His young cousin Joy was being harassed and she had made him promise not to tell her father, fearing it would add more to his own being bullied himself by the same people, he promised not to tell Gerion and as she hid from the hus who wanted to hurt her, he never let a single word that might have sold her out slip. Despite the punches, the kicks, the insults. Lancel hadn't fought back because he knew that alone facing five people, he was powerless. This little scheme had lasted for months, until one day, returning from his work, fetching Joffrey as a favour to his twin sister, Jaime spotted him being used as a punching ball. Jaime saved them both for bullying. Lancel had always admire his older cousin and ever since, he wanted to be like him, that figure of Justice, even nowadays, as an adult.

Once again, her husband had proved true to his words and a week after his fateful question, he had never brought the subject of children up again. He acted as if he had never asked.

And she felt horrible about it.

Lancel deserved better than guesses, silent explanations. She was scared, scared that would change how he'd view her, before she remembered he had accepted so much from her already. He deserved the truth. She looked at him, talking cheerfully to his brother, his pride showing. Martyn, his little brainbox as he called him, had been once again the head of his promotion and seemed quite on track to follow in their father's footsteps. She could feel eyes on her, from his cousins, from an aunt, from those who didn't believe she was worthy of him. And they were right, she didn't deserve the jewel he was. Not for the reasons they believed in anyway. She took a deep breath and waited for Lancel to come to her, not wanting to give people reasons to believe their marriage was at stake.

"Are you okay, Amerei? You're quite pale. Has your stomach bug returned?" She heard

She turned to face her mother-in-law. Dorna Lannister was the mother she wished she had and looking at her, she understood why Kevan, her husband, loved her so much. She was a woman in her mid-fifties, dressed modestly but with elegance. She wa of average height, with beautiful green eyes and blond hair that seemed to be spared the fate of becoming white, a few wrinkles decorating her face with grace. She was a woman who aged well. She didn't understand why people said she was unattractive, because she was actually pretty lovely. Her face had a beautiful oval shape. Despite her three pregnancies, she was thin, almost frail, but she seemed healthy. Chinless, maybe, but Amerei didn't see the chicken legs people kept talking about. Everything in Dorna reminded her of peacefulness, of kindness. She had been the first one to approve of their relationship, despite her sexual past. All she saw was a woman who loved her son genuinely. It had been enough for her to give her her blessing.

"I'm fine, thank you. Your tea tip was really helpful." Amerei replied

"Is everything okay?" Lancel asked as he came over

"I find Amerei a bit pale."

Amerei could only smile. Dorna's concern was genuine.

"It's true it's a bit hot in here."

"Your old room is available, if it's needed."

He nodded and Amerei agreed, it was the perfect occasion to have a private but open hearted talk with her husband. She let him take her there, where they say on his teenage bed.

"I haven't been completely honest with you, about that child thing..." She started

"Ami..."

"It's not that I don't want children, in fact, I kinda do, though I admit I'm scared. It's... Lancel... There are good chances I might be barren."

Her revelation left him stunned and she could see his mind was full on questions he didn't dare to ask.

"Do you remember, back in highschool, when it was revealed that I was caught having sex with three men at once?"

He just nodded.

"I became pregnant that day."

Her voice was shaking and it was clear she was still hurting.

"My parents treated me like garbage during my pregnancy, especially when I refused to have an abortion. They locked me away until I gave birth. They didn't let me hold my baby. They didn't tell me if he was healthy. They didn't tell me his gender. They just took him away from me as if he was a parasite and left me alone. Because of their scheme and lack of care, I fell ill after birth. I had other men afterwards and despite being unprotected all the time, nothing ever came, not even a scare. I don't even know if he's alive..."

Tears were rolling down her cheeks and unable to speak, Lancel held her against him, horrified. He knew Amerei and her parents didn't get on well. He knew there were talks of child abuse. He would have never thought they'd go as far as tearing away a mother and her child, not caring about their healths, almost costing them their lives.

"Her child has to be alive somewhere. He has to." He thought

Right now, as Amerei's tears were damping his shirt, all he wanted was to comfort his wife and murder his parents-in-law.

To Be Continued