AN: I do not own an works affiliated with Game of Thrones or A Song of Ice and Fire. George R.R. Martin does.
James woke up the next morning to the sound of birds, and a throbbing head. He'd remembered getting into an argument with Cersei the other night, and wanted nothing to do with her. The second and final day of the tourney was upon them as he rose from bed, however it was to be held early in the morning, and the thought made James groan in agony, but he made a promise to Sansa. He threw open the shades to let the light inside his room, when he spotted the map Varys gave him on the table, and he stared at it with intrigue until a knock came on the door. He opened it to find Jory Cassel there, standing like some glorified sentry,
"Hello Jory," James said as Jory stood there in a grey tunic with black breeches and a grey cape fitting of being captain of his father's household guard,
"Hello James," he said, "Your father told me to tell you to get dressed for the tourney. I'am here to escort you to his chambers," Jory smiled, "My lord is going today,"
James smiled, "Ah, is he? Well this is something I can not miss, my father at a tourney is like a bear in a trap."
Jory laughed, "Indeed it is," James looked around and the solar was empty, "Where is Sansa and Arya?"
"We are to meet Sansa at the tourney grounds later," Jory said looking around, "Little Arya has a dancing lesson today, and won't be attending,"
"Alright, just give me a moment to dress," James said as Jory nodded,
He closed the door and put on the same Night's Watch clothes he had worn yesterday, and than grabbed the map and stuck it in his pocket. As so none of the servants could see it. While in his pocket he found the bracelet he had given Ros before she threw it in the mud, and the blue flower Lyanna had given him. He eyed both with intent as he closed his eyes, and remembered. It seemed that Cersei had replaced Ros in his mind, and he hadn't made an attempt to seek her out since he arrived. But he had to let her go; it was the only way. He snapped on the silver Stark bracelet and opened the door and Jory was still standing there; looking bored.
"Ready to go?," Jory asked, "Certainly," replied James,
They both walked out of the solar and towards his fathers chambers at the end of the hall. Jory and James stood outside as were two of his father's guards, he could hear a voice on the other side, and one of them was his father's. However, the other sounded like Cersei's. The conversation was unclear and the whole time all James heard was muffled voices, but he was hoping the conversation was civil. Seeing Cersei Lannister was the last thing James wanted to do on this Earth, but he had no choice. Jory knocked on the door, as Ned ordered him to enter. James walked inside as both Cersei and Ned turned their heads. He stood there in utter silence and shock doing double takes to both of them, Cersei stood there staring at him wearing a rose colored dress with her hair down, and a golden tiara. She gave James a solemn look, as if she was trying to apologize through her eyes, but he couldn't bear to look at her. James gave them both a nod, while he stood there,
"Your grace," he said bowing to Cersei who gave a half smile, "Hello, father. I'm ready for the tourney when you are,"
Ned gave him a solemn look, "Aye, a tourney I want nothing to do with, but alas I must go,"
"Me neither, but we must do our duty," James said laughing as Cersei interjected, "I must go there as well, would you be so kind as to lead me there, James?"
James gave her a look but then he smiled, extending his arm, knowing he couldn't deny her; even now, as she was still the Queen, "Surely, your grace,"
Cersei smiled and locked her arms with his as James looked back and saw Ned give him a look of alarm, but James just nodded at him. Soon they were making there way out of the tower and across the courtyards of the Red Keep, both James and Cersei stood in front as Ned and his guard followed behind them. They left a good amount of space between them when Cersei decided to broach the topic,
"I'm sorry for last night," she said looking up at him with bright green eyes, "I didn't mean to insult you, as I did,"
James looked down at her, trying to look as stoic as he could, "It's ok, your grace. I'm used to those insults,"
He looked forward and they continued walking as Cersei could feel the coldness in his response, "Let me make it up to you," Cersei said turning back to him, "I promise not to ask you again, and I was a fool to ever think you'd betray your father," she gave a pause but continued,
"Ever since he arrived at King's Landing, he has been asking questions,"
"What kind've questions, your grace?"
"Cersei," she said, "Please, just call me Cersei. I like it when you do,"
James took in a deep breath, "Alright, what kind've questions, Cersei?"
"The kind he shouldn't be asking," she said her face now stern, "If only you could talk to him, and settle him down. I know he listens to you, James. He said so himself, Ned admires you."
James laughed, "My father shouldn't be admiring me. I swore an oath and break my vows all the time. Whatever honor I have left, is with my family, and that is why I can never betray them,"
Cersei clucthed his hand, "I know, I know, I should've known better than to ask, and I'm sorry…again, for everything. Just please let me make it up to you, tonight." She smiled at him and leaned in closer to him,
"Meet me at my chamber's tonight, and I will fuck you like it's the end of the world," she whispered devilishly into his ear as James laughed, he was again under her spell.
He heard the guards behind him start to talk and one began to laugh, he heard Ned grunt. Now James knew he was in trouble,
"Sure, Cersei." James said, "I'll be there,"
"Good," she replied when finally they had arrived near the tourney field and she was escorted away by some members of the Kingsguard, Jaime was one of them. James gave him a hard look, that he returned in kind; they walked off as he flashed James a smile that cut like a knife.
James and Ned made their way to the stands that James had sat at the other day, he noticed Sansa was sitting there with Jeyne Poole and Septa Mordane. She stood up and waived them over, smiling. Behind her was Littlefinger who was talking to some other lords and Renly Baratheon; who was sitting right behind him. James noticed Ned's demeanor change as he saw Baelish, and it wasn't the good kind. They took their seats in the stands and James sat in between Sansa and Ned. The tourney field had not changed since the day before, but Ser Hugh's blood still stained the dirt, a big blood stain was visibly on the ground. He leaned over and said hello to Jeyne and Septa, while Littlefinger offered his greetings. James looked over and Ned was bored, but he caught James's eye and began to speak,
"What was that about, boy?" he asked, but James had no idea what he was talking about,
"What was what, father?" Ned grunted and looked at him, "Don't play cute with me, James. I'm talking about the exchange you had with Cersei on the way over. I can tell when it's no longer formal."
"What ever do you mean?" James said smiling when Ned frowned, "What happened at the dinner last night?"
"Oh, nothing I just had dinner with her and Tommen and Myrcella, nothing more." James said but he noticed Ned didn't buy it,
"That's not all that happened, James." he said looking in his eyes for the truth, "I can see it in the way you look at her, and the way you smile. It reminds me of how you looked at that whore in Winterfell-
"-Don't call her that," James said angrily, but Ned just shaked his head, "You had sex with the Queen, didn't you?" he asked leaning in closer; asking in a whisper,
James could never keep anything hidden from him, and it's been like that all his life. He looked over Ned's shoulder and spotted Cersei sitting up on the dais with Robert, she saw him and smiled; he smiled back. James than looked back at Ned, who was still staring at him; James nodded, to answer his question.
Ned looked away at him in disgust and took a deep breath; looking back at him with cold eyes. It brought him back to being a child; Ned had a look that you could see a thousand yards away. James would always call it the thousand yard-stare. And his brother's did as well,
"Gods, you foolish boy." Ned said scolding him, "She is the Queen! What you are doing is treason, James. They'll take your head and hers too, if you're caught." Ned shook his head repeatedly,
"I know, father. I'm not fool." James said, when Ned looked at him even harder, "Yes you are, boy. Stop this, immediately. That woman is dangerous, how many times must I tell you?"
James looked away and Ned grabbed his arm; forcing him to look at him, "I don't know what I would do if I were to see your head on a spike, my son. Please, stop this for your family. If you are to see her again tonight, don't. Please, just don't. Run away, James. Far away."
James gave his father a nod, "Ok, father. I was supposed to see her again tonight, I'll make sure not to show," He gave a nod of approval and looked forward,
Ned held his hands together, looking at the floor, "My son, you took a vow. Do you remember your words?"
"Yes, father. Would you like me to recite them?" James said, Ned waived a hand in the air, "No, I don't. I'd just like to remind you where you come from. I'm sorry for the resentment I harbor towards you for joining, James. However, I raised you to be a man of honor, as did your mother. Please, adhere to them."
James gave a slight nod, and stared forward as the final round of the Tourney began. It was to be Ser Gregor Clegane riding against Ser Loras Tyrell of Highgarden. Ser Loras was a youth with long brown hair, and golden eyes. James saw he had a slender figure as he rode up on his mare; he was wearing armor wrought with jeweled flowers and a cape of woven roses. Despite the way he looked, James knew he was formidable with a sword. Using it with devastating effect. The thought of dueling the Knight of the Flowers, made him laugh. Perhaps they can call me Roseslayer, if I were to win. Loras rode up on his mare and placed a red rose in Sansa's lap; all smiles, he nodded at James. When he rode of to his side of the field, James looked over and saw Sansa had the widest eyes and biggest smile, Ser Loras always gave roses to beautiful women in the crowd; so Sansa was infatuated with his gallantry. Her books were coming to life before her eyes, but life is not a song, and one day she may learn the hard way.
James had always heard that Loras Tyrell was a very gallant knight, but he could tell that his mare was in heat; Ser Gregor's stallion was bucking when Loras rode past him.
"Ser Loras's mare is in heat," Littlefinger quipped hunching forward to whisper in Sansa's ear, "That's smart if you ask me,"
James rolled his eyes not even looking at him, but Sansa turned and faced him, "There is no honor in tricks," she said
"No, honor.." Littlefinger began, "But quite a bit of gold," he leaned back and smiled when finally the joust was about to begin. James looked on as the Knight's prepared to make the first past, they both began to ride hard as they lowered their lances, James felt Sansa dig her nails into his arm,
"Don't let Ser Gregor hurt him," she implored, "I don't want him to die like Ser Hugh,"
"Hush now, Sansa," James said, "Ser Loras rides well. He is probably the best jouster in the seven kingdoms,"
When finally before the knight's could make contact, the Mountain's stallion bucked wildly and threw Clegane off his horse and sent him crashing into the barrier, breaking it in half like twigs. Ser Loras was crowned the victor and was strolling up and down the stands on his mare, as the people cheered for him. James noticed in the back the Mountain had a huge great sword in his hand as he swiftly decapitated his stallion with one blow. The crowd looked on, horrified as he made his way for Ser Loras; knocking him down form his horse. James could tell Sansa was about to cry, and figured he should do something. The Mountain was raining down blows, as Ser Loras struggled to block them with his shield. James stood up and was about to draw his sword when he heard footsteps coming down the dais, it was the Hound, Ser Gregor's younger brother. Without warning, he pushed James out of the way and ran towards his brother,
"Leave him, be!" he yelled as he drew his sword and parried the Mountains blow. Gregor staggered back and looked at Sandor in shock, the two of them began to stare down before Ser Gregor lunged at him, yelling.
"AHHHHHH," he yelled as the Hound and the Mountain traded parries back and forth, Ser Loras laid on the ground watching, and the crowd was silent. You could hear a pin drop. James watched with intent as everyone else as the two dog's of House Clegane went back in forth with their huge swords. When finally it seemed Sandor had the upper hand, James heard Robert Baratheon yell with his booming voice; his 'Battle Voice,' Ned called it.
"STOP THIS MADNESS IN THE NAME OF YOUR KING!" Robert yelled, as Sandor dropped to one knee. Gregor looked at him stern and threw his sword on the ground, walking away into a huge crowd of people.
"Let him go!" Robert said dropping down onto his chair,
When Ned turned to James and said, "I can't stand this anymore, I'm leaving. I'll be in my chambers if you need me." Ned left as the whole crowd stood up cheering the Hound. Ser Loras had just gotten up and raised his hand, naming him the victor of the Tourney. The Hound is forty thousand dragon's richer…
"How is the recruiting coming along?" James heard Littlefinger ask as the crowd was still cheering,
"It's going well," he replied, "Slynt has already offered me new recruits, from the dungeons."
"Of course he has," Littlefinger said smiling as he continued to clap. He knows….
-x-
When finally the fiasco ended, everyone was making their way to the final feast that was being held. James was tired and just wanted to go home, knowing that he couldn't look at Cersei anymore. Sansa had begged him to join her but he couldn't; all she was going to do was eat with Joffrey. James made his way back to the Tower of the Hand as he walked up the steps towards the Solar. He found Arya standing on one of the steps on her toes, she looked to be balancing. James gave her a weird look,
"Arya what are you doing?" he asked but she kept focused, "Syrio said a water dancer can balance themselves on one foot for over an hour," Arya replied still looking forward,
"Well, get down, You'll hurt yourself."
"Syrio says that every hurt is a lesson, and that every lesson makes you stronger."
"And if Syrio told you to jump off a cliff?" James said smiling but Arya kept serious. Than all of sudden she darted past James and ran towards a cat that was running away, James ran after her.
"What are you doing, Arya?" he yelled running after her, she darted out of the Tower and was running around the Red Keep when she ran a flight of stairs and down towards what looked like cellars. James managed to keep up as he bumped into her, she yelled and turn back, scratching her head.
It got really dark as her and James made their way deeper into the cellars,
"Where are we?" she asked as it got extremely dark, "I'm not sure, Arya. Just hold my hand, it's getting to dark." Arya reached for his hand and grabbed it as they walked even deeper, this time there were a few torches that illuminated it somewhat, and James grabbed one. He flashed the torch in front of them and they noticed these huge structures, they were dragon skulls. Slowly the shapes around them took on form. Huge empty eyes stared at them throughout the gloom, and they saw the jagged shadows of long teeth. James and Arya spent a lot of time counting the teeth when soon they lost count, James could tell she was scared and grabbed her hand; she squeezed his tight. They both made their way towards the largest one and James curiously brushed his fingertips against the massive jaw. The bone was smooth beneath his hand, cold and hard. He saw Arya running her fingers down the tooth, it was black and sharp, almost as if it was made of glass.
"It's a skull," she said out loud,
"Aye, their dragon skulls," James said looking at her every moment, "And all the dragons are dead,"
"It is said the Old Targayen King's kept them as decorations in the Great Hall, by the Iron Throne. Once they all had died out." James said standing there eyeing the creature, he could feel it's empty eyes watching him, and it made him shiver.
"When Robert won the throne he took them down," James said feeling a tooth, "I'm surprised he didn't order them destroyed,"
"I'm glad he didn't," quipped Arya who hid inside the skulls mouth, "These are fascinating,"
James sprinted over to hear and yelled, "Arya, get out from under there!"
"No!" she yelled, "Come join me in here,"
"No, Arya we really must get going. Father must be-"
When all of a sudden James looked beyond the iron gate that was to his left, as he heard noises. The scrape of boots, the distant sound of voices. A flickering light that looked like a torch was coming closer, and Arya beckoned him to hide in the skull. James crouched down and hid inside there, putting a finger over his mouth, "Be quiet," he whispered to Arya who nodded in agreement.
"Found one bastard," one of the men said as he hid, "The rest will come soon. A day, two days, and the son knows…"
"What will he do when he learns the truth?" the second man asked, he had a thick accent that James knew came from the Free Cities.
"The gods alone know," the first voice said. "The fools tried to kill his son, but they botched it. The elder one saved his life, and almost killed himself in the process. He is not a man to put that aside. I warn you, the wolf and the lion will soon be at each other's throats, whether we will it or no."
The wolf and the lion….Lyanna. Who are these men? "War is no good now. We are not ready, just delay them."
the first voice chuckled, "Do you take me for a wizard?,
"No," said the second man,
"If so, what would you have me do?" asked the torchbearer. James noticed he was a plump man wearing a half leather cape, with heavy boots. He made no sound as he walked, as if he was gliding. He wore chain mail over boiled leather, It looked like Varys.
"If one Hand can die, why not the second?" the accented man replied, and James noticed he had a yellow forked beard. This was a man James had ever seen before, but he knew the first one was Varys. He had worn the same thing, when he met with James the other night. The man's extravagant rings glittered in the torchlight,
"This Hand is not the other," Varys replied as their voices were becoming distant,
"Nonetheless, we must have time. The princess is with child. The khal will not bestir himself until his son is born. You know how these savages are."
"If the Khal does nothing, it may be too late," Varys said, "This is no longer a game for two players, if ever it was. Stannis Baratheon and Lysa Arryn have fled, and whispers say they are gathering swords. Renly Baratheon and the Knight of Flowers have been urging to bring the maid Margaery Tyrell to court; hoping Robert would take an interest in her. So he can wed her, bed her, and make a new little queen. She is quite lovely. Littlefinger is even worse, gods know what game he is playing. Yet Lord Stark is the one who troubles my sleep. He is so close to the truth, and I've told the elder son too, but he won't say a word. What's better is he has the map. Hopefully, if everything goes south he can still do something about it. And now Lord Stark's wife has abducted Tyrion Lannister, thanks to Littlefinger. The Lannister's will no doubt move north, and the Tully's will get involved. Delay, you say. Make haste, I reply. I can not juggle a hundred balls in the air at once."
"You are more than a juggler, old friend." the foreigner said, "You are a true sorcerer. All I ask is that you work your magic a little longer."
They continued down the hall until their voices become distant and inaudible, soon they disappeared all together. When the coast was clear James grabbed Arya's hand and pulled her forward through the darkness. They ran up the flight of stairs that they entered from and ran towards the Tower of the Hand, to Ned's chambers.
"Where are we going?" asked Arya as James urged her along, they were running, "Who were those men? What were they talking about?"
"The first one was Varys," James said as they kept running, "The second one, I have no clue. Father must know of this, come."
When they broke into a sprint and finally arrived at his chambers James burst through the door with Arya, out of breath. Ned was reading the big brown book as he looked up at them, in shock.
"What's wrong, you two?" he asked, the look of shock on his face, "Where have you been? Why are you out of breath?
"Father…" James said in between breath, "We just came back from the cellars of the Red Keep,"
"What were you doing there?" Ned asked, as he offered James some water, which he drank half and handed off to Arya,
"We…well…. I was following Arya, she was chasing cats."
Arya smiled, and struggled to catch her breath, Ned did not look amused. "Never mind that, father. While we were down these two men, came from the inner part of the cellar, talking." James said as Ned urged him to continue,
"They spoke of you, father. How you found the bastard, I'm assuming he means Gendry."
"It's true!" Arya yelled, "I was there father! James is right!"
"Calm down, children." Ned urged with his voice, "What else did the men say, James?"
"He spoke of how Littlefinger told you and mother about the dagger. And father I have grave news-"
There was a knock on the door and it was Jory, he stood there,
"My lord, there is a squire here telling me that Robert has called a council meeting." he said as Ned stood up, preparing to leave,
"James, stay here. We will talk when I get back," he looked back at them once more, "You too, Arya."
"-But father!" James yelled when Ned hushed him, "When I get back, James."
He was about to leave when Jory placed a hand on his chest. "My Lord, before you go there is other business. A man of the Night's Watch named Yoren is here to see you. Say's it's urgent."
Ned looked back at James and nodded, "Alright, tell him he can come in. James do you know this man?"
"Of course, father. He is a recruiter. He stops at Winterfell all the time."
Yoren came into the room, out of breath. He had a look of despair on his face, as he was finding it hard to speak. Yoren is stooped and sinister with a twisted shoulder. His coarse and ugly features are hidden behind a thick and matted black beard. He is lice-ridden and smells foul, wearing garments that are tattered and long since faded to grey. James knew him before he took the black because he would stop at Winterfell all the time on his way south, he had a certain allegiance to House Stark. Yoren nodded at James when he began to finally talk,
"My Lord," Yoren began out of breath, "I must tell you something," he eyed the room, "Best said in private, my lord."
Arya was led out of the room by Jory and James began to get up when Ned motioned him to sit, "Best you stay here, James." he said before Yoren continued,
"What's your name, if it please?" Ned asked,
"Yoren, my lord."
"Did Benjen send you?"
"No, my lord. I'm here to find men for the Night's Watch, with your son James here." Yoren said nodding to James, who nodded in kind, "Some scum in the dungeons, would do fine."
"Aye," Ned said, "James has been seeing to that, we'll find recruits for you,"
"Thank you for that, my lord. But that is not why I disturb you now, Benjen's blood runs black, makes him your brother as much as it does mine. It's for his sake that I rode so hard to deliver this news, that I nearly killed my horse."
"There are other's riding too, and the whole city will know by today,"
"What news?" asked Ned, as James feared he already knew the answer,
"Your wife, my lord." Yoren said, "She's taken the Imp….Tyrion Lannister."
And there it was. James was about to tell his father the same exact news before Yoren had entered the room, the shock was on Ned's face. He sank to his chair, thinking alone, but Yoren just stood there quietly. After a few moment's Ned rose from his seat,
"Thank you, kind friend. I'll make sure to see to those recruit's you're looking for." Ned said as he shook Yoren's hand,
"No problem, my lord." Yoren said dipping his head and walked out when Ned closed the door behind him,
"Is that what you were going to tell me?" he asked James,
"Yes, father. Those men who we saw in the cellar spoke of it. I had to tell you,"
"You did good, lad," Ned said slapping him on the shoulder, "Now I want you to tell this to nobody, and stay in here while I go to this small council meeting, understood?"
"Yes, father. Understood."
"Good," said Ned, as he opened the door and closed it.
Ned come back some hour later as he burst through the door, he looked upset and James sat up from the chair immediately. James ran over to him as Ned began packing his things from his desk, frantically.
"Father, what's happened?" James said, as Ned continued to pack,
"Daenerys Targaryen is pregnant," he said putting items in a box, "Robert, the damn fool. Want's her killed, and has sent Lord Varys to see that it's done." he shoved a book into a box and turned to James angrily, "I won't have any part in this, James. Not again will I stand by while Robert approves the killing of children. She is just a year younger than Robb!"
"That's who they meant by princess…." James said under his breath but Ned heard him,
"You knew about this?" he asked, "How?"
"The cellar, father. The two men said 'the princess is with child,' and they said something about a khal,"
"Aye, Daenerys was wed off to some Dothraki Khal, so the Beggar King could get an army. The only problem with that is the Dothraki don't sail, every chilld knows that, but Robert…the fool…won't listen."
Ned slammed the final item into his box, "And so I resigned as Hand. I won't have my hands stained with her blood, James. So I'm taking me, your sisters, and my guard back to Winterfell. I should've just said no to being his Hand,"
"Father, I must tell you something-"
"-My lord," Jory said at the door, "Lord Baelish is here to see you,"
Ned stuck a hand in the air to James, "This can wait son. Send him in, Jory."
Littlefinger came into the room dressed in a black doublet with golden buttons, the mockingbird brooch pinned on the collar.
"Lord Stark," he said bowing, "James,"
"Lord Baelish," said Ned, "How did Robert act when I left?"
"Your grace was quite angry. I believe the word 'treason' was used," Littlefinger smiled, but James knew Robert wouldn't harm Ned,
"Are you here to send me off, Littlefinger?" asked Ned, "Why are you here?"
"If I could have a moment of your time, my lord. Just an hour is all,"
"I really should get going,"
"I can take you to the last person who talked to Jon Arryn, when he was alive," said Baelish as James noticed Ned's eyes flicker,
"And where will we be going?" Ned said,
"Oh, to one of my brothel's in the city. It shouldn't take more than an hour, bring James here if you'd like,"
"Aye, ok. I'll bring a couple of my guards and we'll go. Jory!" Ned yelled as Jory entered the chamber,
"Yes, my lord." he said dipping his head,
"Who are your best swords?"
"Willard and Hugh, my lord."
"Good, tell them to meet me at the entrance to the Red Keep. We're going to Littlefinger's establishment, you're coming to,"
"Yes, my lord." Jory said dipping his head and leaving the chamber,
-x-
The walk to Littlefinger's establishment was not to long. It was in Eel Alley, near the inn where James was supposed to be staying at. The air was dusty as they made their way along and most people eyed them as they walked down the street. They finally arrived at his establishment and it was very fancy, for a whorehouse. It stood two stories tall with a large balcony petruding out of the second floor; vines and different plants hung from the balcony, which was supported by wooden beams. When you entered you went up a large flight of stairs as the brothel was on the second floor. Inside it was quite lavish, as many fancy silks hung upon on the walls, and there were many couches and tables, with fresh fruit on them. Huge windows lined up on the walls and the drapes were hung up too, each a different color. There were many doorways that were doorless, each lead into a room with a bed. Littlefinger took Ned and James into a room in the back, while Jory stood in the main hall. The two Stark guardsmen were waiting outside the brothel. In the back part of the brothel, where they were lead to, a young woman was standing there with a babe in her arms. Littlefinger introduced them to this whore, her name was Mhaegan. James stood next to his father, as he spoke to this woman about Jon Arryn. It seemed that the little babe, named Barra, was another one of Robert's bastards. She was a girl and she reminded Ned of Mya Stone; another of Robert's bastards. The mother spoke highly of the King, and how she wanted to just see him again. In the back of James's mind he was figuring out that his father was finally coming to the conclusion; it was about time James told him. Than a familiar voice called his name, as Ned was still talking to Mhaegan,
"James!" this person yelled as he turned to his right to find, of all people….Ros. She was standing in the doorway to his right both arms crossed, a huge smile on her face. She was wearing an orange sun dress, and a golden necklace. With her hair up like a real southern lady. James was speechless, he hadn't expected to see her, and didn't plan on it. However, she was still beautiful and her beauty reminded him of Cersei; but she was no more. James noticed the tear stains on her face,
"Ros?" he said stunned, as both his father and Mhaegan were looking over too,
"What are you doing here?" he asked, when she gave him a quizzical look,
"The real question is what are you doing here, James?"
"Recruiting…but what the-"
"-You that shocked to see me?" Ros said,
"Well yes, I didn't expect to. King's Landing is a big city,"
Ros beckoned him to come inside her room, "We need to talk,"
James looked to his father who only nodded at him, and James smiled, "I swear, I'll be right back. It won't go any farther than words, father."
Ned smiled, and turned back to Mhaegan as James entered Ros's room. It was small and had a bed to your right as you walked in, it was against a wall and could only hold one person. Ros was sitting there and she looked up to him,
"What do you need to talk to me about?" James said looking at the room, "This room is quite nice-"
"-Take a seat," she said grabbing him by the hand and yanked him on the bed to sit next to her.
James looked at her in her eyes, without saying a word; and for the first time he saw her blush. The rush flowed through him as he smiled at her, and her at him. He hugged her hard and than kissed her afterwards. It was the only woman he had truly loved, and in this moment he knew it. Ros was more than a whore to him, and he knew she loved him. During the kiss he felt tears coming down her face, she began to cry,
"I, I, I, can't…James," she said crying into her hand, "I, I, I can't look at you," she cried even harder looking away from him,
"Ros, what's wrong?" he asked trying to turn her face to him, but she resisted, "Why are you acting like this?"
She turned to him crying, "I'm so sorry, James. So, So, Sorry,"
"About what?" he asked looking at her in the face, "What could you possibly be sorry about?"
"I have something to tell you," Ros said, "On my way to King's Landing, I found out something…"
"Found out, what?"
"James…Sweet James," she said crying even harder in her hand, "What did you find out, Ros?"
"I found out that, I was pregnant. With your child," Ros flew into a furry of tears, that seemed endless. James was lost for words, he sank forward on the bed and raked his hands through his hear. A few strands of hair were on his hand.
"My….my child?" he asked stammering, "Your pregnant, with my child? Are you sure?"
"I'm so sure, James. You were the last man I had slept with; in the Broken Tower. I missed my moon's blood for about two months, and that's when I knew. I was pregnant with your child, James. Your child,"
She was whimpering and crying but James didn't know why, he took her in a hug and placed his chin on her head. He had gotten her pregnant and was going to be a father…a father.
"Ros," he began, "Often times I'd thought we'd have children, but I don't understand why your crying so much," He said stroking her back as she soaked his shoulder with tears,
"Because," Ros said, "Because when Littlefinger found out, he had me….Oh, James." she said crying harder, when he pulled her head from his shoulder and stared at her, on the brink of tears himself, fearing the next words.
"-Made you do what, Ros?" James demanded, but she only stared at him, wiping away the tears, silent. "Made…you…do…what, Ros?"
"He made me….He made me drink moontea, James." she said looking at him, "Our child is dead,"
James was taken aback for a second and stood up from the bed and moved towards the window in her room; looking out the window. He felt a couple tears fall from his face and wiped them away quickly, with his sleeve. He turned around and she was standing there, wiping away her own tears. He hugged hear and buried his face into her hair; like he used to in Winterfell.
"I'll kill him," he whispered into her hair, "I'll kill that little man, and force moontea down his throat,"
James expected her to laugh, but she didn't. All she did was look up at him. "Don't James," she said, "If it weren't for him I'd be living on the streets right about now,"
"But Ros, he killed our child!"
"Whose father would never be there, James!" she yelled, "Whose mother is a whore! Tell me that is not the life you wan't for any child,"
James retracted from her and made his way to the door, "No, you're right. It's no life for a child,"
"Goodbye, Ros,"
"Goodbye, James,"
He looked back at her one more time, and soaked in her beauty before making his way out the door and into the hall. Ned was standing there talking to Littlefinger and Jory, James gave Baelish a hard look as he stood next to his father. They said their goodbyes and walked down the stairs of the brothel, but James decided to tell him now. It was now or never, before they opened the door he took Ned to the side and asked Jory to wait.
"Father, I must tell you something and I fear it's either now or never," James said, "I think you may already know what I'm about to say,"
Ned took in a breath, "Aye, I think I do James. Seeing that babe just reaffirmed it,"
"Yes, it's true father. All of Cersei's children are Jaime's, not Roberts." James said, it felt so good for him to say it,
"Gods, James. I knew it, but how do you know?"
"Bran," James said, "Bran remembers, father. I saw him on my way down south when I stopped at Winterfell. It turns out my suspicions were true, it was Jaime Lannister. Bran saw him and the Queen together, so they decided to throw him out the window,"
Ned was silent the whole time and than spoke, "I must tell Robert. I must tell him all of this, and hope he is still the man I once knew,"
"Aye, tell him father. Go straight to Robert, and tell him everything. Don't go to Cersei."
Ned gave him a sad look, "I must warn her, James. The children…her children, Robert will kill them. I can't let that happen again,"
Eddard was about to open the door when James stopped him, "Father, promise me you won't tell Cersei. Promise me, father."
Ned looked at him once more, "I promise, James."
"Good," James said when Ned finally opened the door and they walked out in the open sun.
The two Stark guards joined them when all of a sudden thirty Lannister soldiers surrounded them. James was in shock and stood next to his father on his left, with one of the guards to James's left. To Ned's right was Jory, and another guard next to him. They lowered their spears at them as Jaime Lannister came up riding a white stallion, he was wearing riding clothing; his hair let down and his sword belt was on.
"Such a small pack of wolves," The Kingslayer said dismounting from his horse as a Lannister men-at-arms took it away, Jaime stood there with his soldiers behind him,
"Stay back, Ser. This is the Hand of the King-" Jory said, his hand on his sword grip, James did the same with his,
"-Was the Hand of the King," Jaime responded, "I'm not sure what he is; Lord of somewhere very far away,"
Ned and James gave Jaime stoic looks, but the Kingslayer wasn't laughing. Suddenly Littlefinger came out from the brothel,
"What's the meaning of this Lannister?" he asked pretending to care,
"Stay back, go inside. Where it's safe," Jaime said, "I'm looking for my brother. You remember my brother, Lord Stark?" Jaime started walking closer, smiling, "Blonde hair, sharp tongue, short man."
"I remember him, well." Ned said, still stoic,
Jaime looked at the floor, scoffing, "You wouldn't know what happened to him, do you? It seems he had some trouble on the road,"
"He was taken at my command. To answer for his crimes," Ned responded as James noticed Jaime get angry, he drew his sword. The Lannister soldiers behind him lowered their spears. Jory drew his sword as did the two guards, James and Ned just stood there,
"My lords!" Littlefinger said as Ned blocked him with his arm, "I'll bring the City Watch," Baelish said running away like the coward he was,
"Come, Lord Stark. I'd rather you die with a sword in hand-"
"-If you threaten my lord, again," Jory yelled,
"Threaten?" Jaime said, "Threaten, as in I'm going to open your lord from balls to brains to see what Starks are made of,"
"You kill me," Ned replied, "You'll never see your brother again,"
"You're right," Jaime said turning his back to them, "Kill his men, take Stark and his son alive,"
Suddenly two Lannister men came forward and threw their spears. One hissed past James as it landed in the guards chest, killing him instantly. James and Ned drew their swords as they were rushed by the Lannister soldiers. Three came towards James as he parried a spear thrust with his sword and swung it; slicing the man's throat open. Blood spurted out like a fountain as the second man lunged as well, James dodged the spear and slid his sword across the man's stomach: he fell to the ground with a scream. Finally the third man tried to but James parried it and grabbed his spear; raking his sword across the man's face, killing him. The battle rush was on him as he looked to his right, Ned had killed two men as did Jory. James saw Jory move forward to confront Jaime as they locked swords, and than the Kingslayer pulled out his dagger and buried it into Jory's skull.
"JORY!" James yelled as a spear came flying at him, he jumped to the left and it missed as a another Lannister men-at-arms came rushing forward, his sword drawn. James locked swords with him and parried him three times before moving to the right and cutting the back of the man's thighs. He fell to his knees and James drew his sword across the man's throat; he fell over, a pool of blood forming around his head. Jaime looked at him now, as blood was visibly splashed on his face: Jory's blood. He pointed his sword at James,
"We finally meet again, Black Wolf. So it begins,"
He ran towards the Kingslayer and they locked swords as the remaining Lannister soldiers stood in a circle, and Ned was standing off to the side; his sword lowered. James and Jaime went back and forth, much like they did at Winterfell. James was counter-attacking quite well as Jaime held his ground, meeting his counters with strikes. However this time he could tell Lannister was fighting for real, and he was getting the best of James. Finally, they clashed swords and were struggling when Jaime smiled and raked his sword across James's arm. He screamed and stumbled back, clutching his arm, when James felt a violent push from behind, his face hitting the dirt. His sword flew from his hand but he got up, and saw Ned was now fighting Jaime. Than James felt an arm from behind grab him by the waist, and a sword was at his throat. The steel felt cold. Another two Lannister soldiers grabbed his arms, and kept him in a grip. A fourth one came forward and delivered punches to his stomach, James fell over. They picked him up, and the soldier struck him across the face; his nose began to bleed profusely. Forcing him to watch his father, fighting the Kingslayer. Ned fought defensively as James did, and was surprisingly holding his own against Lannister. Jaime was smiling, as he fought him because he was surprised that Ned was holding his own. They broke off from fighting and stood there facing each other when a Lannister men-at-arms came from behind and shoved his spear into Ned's thigh. James felt a jolt of pain go through his chest as his father fell to his knees, breathing heavily. Jaime stepped forward to the soldier and hit him in the head with the pommel of his sword, and the man fell over. Another soldier brought Jaime's stallion forward as he sheathed his sword, and mounted the stallion,
"My brother, Lord Stark. I want him back," he said before motioning to let go of James. The three soldiers threw him violently to the ground, and James scrambled up, picked up his sword, sheathing it, and ran over to his father and kneeled before him, clutching his now bleeding arm,
"Father, stay here. Everything will be alright, let me go after Ser Jaime. He'll pay for killing Jory,"
Ned was sweating profusely and breathing heavily, but somehow he managed to look up at James with that spear sticking out of his thigh, "No, James don't go after him because of your pride. Littlefinger will be here with the Gold Cloaks soon and you must get out of the city,"
"No, father! I have to stay here and make sure you're ok-"
Ned shook his head, "I'm not going to die, James." he said, "No, you have to flee. They'll arrest you, and the Queen will have you killed for fighting Jaime. You're mother will never forgive me,"
James kept silent, "Take my horse and ride out of the city. Take the nearest ship out and make for Winterfell, GO!" he yelled one more time before James ran over to his father's horse and mounted it. He turned it around and looked at his father who gave him a curt nod and James spurred his horse toward the Mud Gate, and past the band of Gold Cloaks who were with Littlefinger. He gave Baelish a nod and must've noticed the blood running down his arm or face as he rode past, because his eyes widened. James made his way towards the mud gate to leave King's Landing.
AN: Surprise, surprise again. I was sick today so I had to call off work, I spent most of it writing. I'm just blowing through this story.