Chapter 9
Jaime realized when Sir Davos had entered the room things appeared quite incriminating for Brienne and him. He was after all pointing his weapon at a Stark guard and Brienne had her sword mere inches from Littlefinger's throat, and it was clear neither of them had any intention of doing minor damage.
In an effort to diffuse the situation Jaime spoke to Brienne calmly in attempt to sound unruffled. "My Lady, show him your parchment. You have it with you do you not?"
Brienne lifted her chin pointing it away from him in a gesture that indicated she did not want to share this bit of information with these men.
"Are you not the Kingslayer?" Sir Davos asked changing the subject and Jaime turned his attention to the older man.
"I am known by many names. That one is my least favorite."
"Well perhaps we should add Queenslayer to your list of many names then?" Suggested Lord Baelish slyly and he gestured to Sansa's limp body. "This man and this woman poisoned Lady Sansa via methods of consumption and were planning to assault her. They would have succeeded had myself and this guard not gotten here in time to stop them."
"You are a liar!" Accused Brienne angrily and Baelish smirked.
"Then why am I standing on the other end of your blade? Why is a good and honest Stark guard's life is being threatened as well?"
"Show him the parchment!" Stated Jaime this time with more force. He knew Brienne did not want to disclose its contents to these men but safety was more important than nobility in his opinion.
"What parchment?" Sir Davos questioned.
Brienne appeared reluctant to say anything but it was clear at this point that she could no longer play coy so she bit the bullet and attempted to explain, "This parchment contains information that is for Lady Sansa's eyes only. That is why I came here to try to find her and give it to her."
"That is ridiculous. The woman is clearly pandering falsehoods in hopes that you think she is mad and lock her away as opposed to killing her. Judging from her disguise, both of their disguises I would not debate their mental health but this in no way should be cause for lenience either. They have committed treason, trespassing, violation, and murder," Baelish declared with annoyance now in his voice.
Sansa began to moan and Brienne who had never once faltered in her hold on her sword dropped it and rushed to the younger woman's side. In bending over to speak to Sansa the piece of parchment became visible through her vest.
"The parchment that is on Lady Brienne's person has information about Lady Sansa's role in new Westeros. It is a royal decree," explained Jaime. Thankfully for him Brienne was much too wrapped up in Sansa's well-being to hear him because if she had she would have slugged him for disclosing any more than necessary to anyone but Sansa.
Baelish and Davos watched Jaime carefully.
"What kind of information would this decree instate," asked Sir Davos.
Just then Sansa moved. Brienne crouched down to cradle her body in her arms to prevent her from falling off the table.
"Sir Davos asked you a question," Lord Baelish addressed Brienne directly and she looked up at the men with a calm strength.
"Lady Sansa needs a medic. We can talk about decrees later. I will carry her to him if you will kindly let us by," said Brienne.
Davos appeared reluctant but Baelish was persistent.
"Tell us about the decree. Your life is at stake Lady Brienne, I suggest you disclose what little information you have," added Baelish.
"She needs help," Brienne plead. She glanced over to Jaime to assist, her eyes now filled with concern and worry. Jaime had seen plenty of drunken men in his time but he also knew if they had consumed more than they could handle the spirits could poison them and lead to death. Sansa did need to see a medic so he could help her to purge the poison from her system.
Sympathetic to her pleas Jaime negotiated, "I will relay the order of the decree but then you must allow Lady Brienne to escort Lady Sansa to a medic."
"Just tell us," said Baelish but Jaime waited for Davos because although he did not want to see Sansa perish he also wanted to ensure Brienne's safety.
"You have my word," Davos said.
"The decree states that in the event of the death of King Robert Baratheon and Lord Eddard Stark, the eldest legitimate child of Lord Eddard Stark has rightful claim to the iron throne," Jaime explained.
Littlefinger's mouth dropped a bit. Despite the dire circumstances Sansa was in, Jaime couldn't help but taking a little pleasure in reveling in the fact that he was the one to finally knock Littlefinger off kilter for a moment.
"What's the matter Baelish? Does this upset your plans to marry Sansa so you can stake your own claim? Now she no longer needs to marry a man of her grandfather's age to take the iron throne for herself."
"What did you say about the iron throne?" A commanding voice spoke from behind and they all turned their gazes to find Jon Snow and Tormund Giantsbane standing there.
Everyone let in a collective breath except for Brienne who spoke with urgency, "Lord Snow, your sister needs medical attention."
Jon's face fell when he saw Sansa lying on the table. He rushed over to her other side took Sansa from Brienne and demanded an explanation, "What happened to her?"
"She was attacked," replied Sir Davos.
"By whom?" asked Jon who now had his hand on Sansa's forehead. Her eyes began to flutter.
"That seems to be the debate Lord Snow. Lord Baelish claims Lady Brienne and Sir Jaime attacked her." Jon shot a cursory glare towards Brienne and then Jaime. His gaze fell over Jaime's garments and he squinted.
"Lord Snow, I found Lady Sansa here. Her skirt was pushed up part way and I am unsure exactly what happened other than what the evidence next to her tells. Two large cups, one mostly full of the Wildling brew that was requested by Lord Baelish for the house merger party."
"House merger party?" Jon appeared baffled by this idea.
Jaime who had wisely remained silent this whole time delighted in the exposure of Baelish plan to scheme and manipulate much to the surprise of his hosts but he could not resist one quick jab. "You did not know your honored guest was trying to plot a house merger behind your very back? How strange that he never bothered to tell or involve you?"
"The reception was necessary to bring our houses together," offered Littlefinger.
Jon glanced to Sir Davos and asked him, "What do you make of all of this?"
Davos replied thoughtfully, "Although the attire of our uninvited guests arouses suspicion, Lady Brienne has remained loyally by your sister's side this entire time. I believe she is telling the truth."
Sansa's eyelids fluttered open again and Jon spoke her name softly.
"My Lord, The North can only remain as strong as the support we have—"Baelish interjected.
"-Shut up!" Jon ordered seeming to have enough of Littlefinger. "We will discuss this later. Right now I want everyone to leave us and someone get a medic—Now!"
Everyone shuffled out with the exception of Tormund who was awaiting Jon's direct orders, but before Brienne could slip away Jon stopped her.
"Did you really find her here like this?"
Brienne gave him a nod and glanced down to Sansa with eyes hooded in melancholy.
"I would give my life to protect her Your Grace. She was poisoned via consumption, possibly violated as well, and I suspect Lord Baelish was behind this. He wants to join the houses together so he can use Lady Sansa and their heir to claim the iron throne for himself. Before the others arrived he confessed to attacking her." Brienne's face fell grimly and she shook her head still feeling horrible about not being able to prevent this attack in the first place.
"And Sansa knew about his plan?" Asked Jon sharply.
Not wanting to be the cause of a rift between the siblings Brienne answered honestly, "She knew Your Grace, but I do not think she understood the extent of Lord Baelish's objective." He gave a silent nod and glanced down at Sansa's pale face.
"I only wish I had been here to ensure that never happened," added Brienne.
"As do I," Jon muttered under his breath.
He glanced back to Sansa and Brienne met Tormund's gaze. She suspected Tormund had filled Jon in on some of this information on their ride back to Winterfell. Brienne had to respect Jon for wanting to hear firsthand what had gone on here in his wake as opposed to jumping to conclusions as many other leaders before him had done.
"Will you stay with us until the medic arrives? I think she would appreciate having another woman here," Jon asked Brienne after a long moment of silence.
"Of course Your Grace. My allegiance is and has always been to the Starks."
Jon gave a nod asked Tormund to ensure the medic knew where they were and then he held Sansa's limp body in his arms.
xxx
When the medic arrived he carefully examined Sansa who had thankfully regained consciousness but was feeling quite ill. She had been sick a number of times but after her final release she seemed a bit better. According to the doctor her womanly regions did not appear to be tampered with so there was a good chance she had not been raped. Brienne let out a little gasp of relief at hearing the news grateful that it seemed Baelish was bluffing. She imagined he knew if he could get Brienne good and angry there was a fair chance she would be arrested and locked up or killed which would allow him to step in and be Sansa's primary caretaker. Brienne however had no doubt that somewhere down the line he would follow through with his master plan. She was just grateful whatever obstacle caused him to divert from his intentions tonight had spared Sansa.
Once conscious and feeling better Sansa had backed up Brienne's theory about Baelish being the one to offer her the powerful brew. As planned Brienne took out the parchment from her vest and handed it to Sansa. She wasn't sure what to expect but Brienne was surprised when Sansa told her she needed time to absorb this and she asked Brienne to take a couple days leave to wait for her summon which she would at that point give Brienne her decision on what her plans were and whether or not she wished for Brienne to remain in her employment.
When Brienne left it was dark outside. No one from the original party could be found, not even Jaime which left Brienne a little disappointed because she wanted to see him and thank him for his help. Brienne hoped they had locked Littlefinger in a deep dark dungeon somewhere but it was not up to her to decide how he would be punished if at all. Brienne knew she was at a crossroads. She had come to love Sansa as a sister and would fulfill her new vow to protect her if Sansa chose to sustain her services, but Brienne felt that if she was dismissed she would not allow the rejection to bring her dishonor. She did the best she could under the circumstances and she wished Sansa the best in whatever she decided. Brienne just hoped Sansa would come to her senses on her own and be done with Lord Baelish for good. She worried however that Sansa had developed feelings for the man because of the few words Sansa did say in regards to accusations of Baelish poisoning her; she had taken the blame upon herself for having gotten to the state in which she had been discovered. Frustrated but yet understanding because she was a woman who also had her heart claimed by another, Brienne thoughts turned again to Sir Jaime Lannister.
Unlike Sansa and Baelish, Jaime had always had Brienne's best interests at heart even if she did not always agree with him. He had been selfless in his efforts to aid her even at the risk of his own life and he was helpful in uncovering the decree and making sure it wound up in the rightful hands. Despite Jaime's history he had proven himself to be a man of honor. Even if he was not perfect Brienne knew that she loved him. This was a huge problem because those in servitude who had taken sacred vows could never fall in love. Brienne didn't know what to do, feeling as if she was also at a crossroads.
xxx
After Jaime was dismissed from Winterfell once again he returned to his room, but realized the soreness in his chest ached so he headed to the healing waters to soak his wound. Jaime thought about Brienne and how Tormund appeared when Snow asked him to accompany her inside. The very thought made Jaime's insides boil. He didn't understand why the oaf had to win every time. He knew he had done many bad things in his day but Jaime had hoped the gods could cut him a little slack.
And then as if they had listened to his inner most thoughts, she was standing there on the other side of the pool staring at him.
"Have you come to tell me you are now permanently employed by the Starks?" Jaime asked dryly but Brienne ignored his question and stepped closer. He lifted his head and looked at her, really looked at her this time and saw that Brienne appeared different, more dare he say vulnerable which was rare for her. Jaime immediately sat up straighter and asked with earnestly, "What is our next move?"
When Brienne saw Jaime her heart skipped a beat. She did not expect him to find him here, but had instead planned to soak in the healing waters in hopes that they also might offer her some reflection and clarity about the upcoming choices in her life. It was funny how somehow whenever she was thinking about her life and future Jaime Lannister always managed to appear before her. Brienne wasn't sure she believed in things such as fate before this but now she wasn't so sure.
"Is everything alright?" Jaime asked with concern laced in his voice and Brienne met his gaze. Even stripped of his armor he was strikingly handsome.
Brienne did not have the words for what her head was saying because there were too many emotions to pin down just one but instead her body spoke on its behalf and she glanced over her shoulder to ensure no one else was around. When she had confirmation that they were indeed alone Brienne removed her clothing-First her boots, then belt, then tunic, pants, and finally her undergarments until she was standing in front of Jaime completely naked. His gold hand glistened above the surface as drops of water glittered over his muscular and sparse blond hair covered chest. His cunning eyes were bright and held a yearning that matched her own. They needed each other.
Brienne stepped into the bath and crossed the span of water until she reached him. Jaime was captivated by her, his eyes never leaving hers. He attempted to stand up but Brienne pushed him back down and straddled his lap. She was pleasantly surprised to find him already hard below the water's surface. She touched his manhood with her hand and felt him jerk slightly below her. Brienne grazed him lightly with her womanhood allowing the head of his cock to slightly part her folds, but before she sunk down and gave in to her own desire in an effort to savor this moment, Brienne offered Jaime a breast. Within a split second his mouth encompassed her rosy peak, one breast after the next and she felt a wave of pleasure wash over her. Brienne ran her fingers through Jaime's blond hair and scattered kisses along his strong jaw line. When he glanced up with dilated pupils Brienne claimed his lips with her own. She felt his hunger in the kiss and throbbing down below. Unable to resist any longer she reached down with her hand to guide him inside her fully. She gasped as his large cock submerged inside her womanhood and pushed back to her core. Brienne clasped his shoulders and then remained still awaiting Jaime's next move until she realized in this position she held the power. Brienne closed her eyes for a moment as she kissed him once again and allowed her body to instinctively move. Her knees found the bench on either side of Jaime's thighs and she grabbed his shoulders for stability and then she angled her pelvis and pulled up contracting her muscles around his throbbing hardness.
Jaime cursed the moment she clenched him tightly which aroused Brienne more and she moved faster loving this new found power to control the pace and friction between them. Jaime slid his golden hand down to grip her ass as his flesh hand held her breast and his gaze met hers as she bobbed up and down creating a ripple on the water's surface. He reached up for a moment with his hand guiding her face to look into his eyes as they moved. Every thrust sent another powerful pulse through her body and Brienne wanted this to go on forever but she was already experiencing the first waves of her climax which Jaime must have felt with her frantic movements.
"Go slower if you want it to last," Jaime advised through clenched teeth and Brienne took his advice. Leaning in she rested her forehead against his her breathing shallow and drew out her movements to half the pace of before. The water lapped more gently against the sides of the pool as she ground her pelvis into his stretching out their pleasure as far as it would go. It was torture combined the most pleasure she had ever known as they worked again towards the final release. Brienne widened her straddle bringing them closer together, she could feel the tickle of his pubic hair brush against hers under the water's surface and then to her surprise Jaime moved his hand in-between them and pressed his finger just inside her entrance. Like a rip current Brienne was jolted back, her orgasm flooding over her. She felt Jaime pull out for the briefest of moments and then he pushed back in as their bodies throbbed and pulsed with the energy and static of a thunder storm.
Panting Brienne's head fell to Jaime's shoulder glad he had come back to her and they were still connected as they rode the wave to the climatic end. In her elation and foggy bliss, Brienne had a vision of her and Jaime making love on the sandy shores of the sapphire isle of Tarth. She could feel the sun on her back combined with the condensation from the salt water causing tightness to her skin. The feeling was so real as if it was yesterday and she smiled at the thought.
Jaime nuzzled his lips into her neck and mumbled, "You are so beautiful Brienne but are you certain you were a maiden before me? With your extraordinary pelvic skills, and the splendor in which your body moves, it would cause any man to wonder."
The sunny shores and sandy beaches disappeared from Brienne's mind and she opened her eyes glancing around the steamy bath house, Jaime's words bringing her back to reality. She met his gaze and asked him directly, "What did you call me?"
"I said you are beautiful and incredibly sensual and passionate."
In all of her days she had never been so insulted. No one in his right mind would ever call her beautiful or sensual. Thinking Jaime was mocking her or she was merely a strange fetish Brienne pulled away.
"Do not look so distraught. I was trying to compliment you. You are a noble woman who is very skilled on the battlefield and in the bed. It is not a bad thing. Especially for the poor man who must try to level the playing field."
Brienne stood while huffing angrily and began to retreat to the other end of the pool where her clothes were still piled.
"I am not some play thing. You do not have to mock me after I bared myself to you."
Jaime stood and put his hand on her shoulder to stop her spinning her around to face him once again.
"I am not mocking you or playing with you. I meant every word."
"And yet you leave other words unsaid. I know you still feel guilty for taking my maidenhead without the promise of marriage," Brienne challenged him angrily. She knew he felt sorry for her in that regard and wanted to do the noble thing.
"I do feel guilty for taking your maidenhead without the promise of marriage because you are a noble woman and deserve to be treated as such. However, as you have pointed out hundreds of times before and I am certain you will do it again, you have made an oath and are bound by honor to Lady Sansa. And while you are in her employ I am happy to take whatever I can get."
Brienne's face fell with a slight concern that she had misjudged him after all they had been through together.
"You are correct about one thing however," Jaime concluded.
"And what would that be?" Brienne questioned.
"I have left some words unsaid because unlike you I possess fear; fear that those words might push you away."
"Then tell me and find out," Brienne challenged.
"As you wish, you wanted to hear it so here it is-I love you. Now what do you have to say about that?"
