AN: This Chapter is dedicated to BehbaLovesTea - your review was incredible. I don't ever ask for reviews in hopes it will keep the masses of disgruntled readers from spewing their negativity at me- which really makes it difficult to continue to write and put my silly story out there. I don't ever understand why some readers will post their negativity- why do they bother reading a story that they do not like? Just don't read and save everyone the trouble. But when I get a review like the one you posted, it pushes me to write and post as quickly as possible. Thank you for your kind words- it came in a time that had me re-thinking posting anymore chapters.
And to the Guest reviewer- just wow. I really don't like giving credence to idiots like you, but I wanted to say that you really need to re-watch or re-read the story. The Tyrell's are one of the wealthiest houses in the kingdom. Right after House Lannister. Money does buy you power- because it buys you armies. The Tyrell's only have so much power right now because both Lannister and Stark have been fighting for so long, they've lost thousands of men and much of their wealth in this war. The Tyrell's are newly entering this so they have not had the same losses. Also, THIS IS NOT CAROLINE- she may look like Caroline, sound like Caroline- probably smell like Caroline but she is not her. I don't know how many times I have to say this- I'm lazy writer and I steal characters from other stories because I'm not good at inventing my own. I really enjoy Caroline and used her as someone to base Ella off of. And lastly, go eff yourself and stop reading.
I apologize to the rest of the readers for my outburst. I can't help but defend myself sometimes.
For those who are bored I've posted a video for this chapter, its on my Youtube which you can find in my profile. Its called Serenata.
Chapter 51
Love does not begin and end the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.
-James A. Baldwin
From the first moment his hazel eyes first beheld her, he knew he'd have her. In his young mind, it was never a question. She was his and everyone would see it, he'd marry his golden haired princess and rescue her from her evil father and be her knight in shining armor. She'd give him golden haired babies with blue-green eyes, and smiles as bright as the sun- just like their mother.
Unfortunately his father wasn't so thrilled with the idea.
At first, the notion of having his heir marry a Lannister was a brilliant thought, one that seemed to thrill his starry eyed younger sister most of all. But then Mace felt belittled by the prestigous head of House Lannister. Lord Tywin, who frequently rebuked requests to have Ella visit or even insulted him for his lacking in the political arena. It all came to a head when other noble suitors started visiting Casterly Rock. News spread far and wide of Tywin entertaining negotiations for his youngest's hand.
Mace took this insult with very little grace and soon started to bring in every noble daughter south of Blackwater Rush. Young Willas- ever the gentleman treated these young ladies kindly, but never spoke more than a few words to them. He'd do his duty and remain in the feasts until the wine started to affect his father and he'd make his escape to sit with his hawks and write his letters to beloved Ella.
He wrote to her every single day without fail.
Sometimes more than once, especially during the times his father would bring in the potential future Ladies of Highgarden for him to entertain. Ella in return wrote to him often, not nearly as much as he but he assumed her father was to blame. Her sweet words of comfort kept him going, and he knew, he knew that she would be his one day.
Now Willas received no letters; no sweet words that he craved in her beautiful pen that gave him the much needed strength to keep him going. The woman he loved and dreamed of was stolen away, but soon he'd rescue her. Never a day passed that he didn't write, and soon he wouldn't need to write to her because she'd be there, in his arms in his bed where she belonged.
Where she always belonged.
xxx
The rising sun shimmered against the wind-whipped surface of the river. The bank of The White Knife was especially slippery from the hard rain and hail that continued to fall through-out the night. The men washed up and refreshed themselves in the streams that cut through the land between White Harbor and Winterfell.
Thousands of soldiers milled about, some laying on the rotting trunks of drowned trees clung to the banks while others preferred to stand around nervously. The further North they traveled, the more wild the terrain. It would have been far easier to just travel the main roads but roads but the scouts kept returning with reports that men were stationed along every part of Kingsroad and some were even hidden in the woods surrounding them. It was well known that Winterfell is now under the command of the honorable Eddard Stark's bastard who abandoned the Nights Watch. Jaime spied a watchtower on the heights ahead, and knew they would soon be discovered if they didn't move more quickly.
"We need to have men sent up ahead-" Jaime ordered pointing at the weathered stones of the old structure. "I do not want that boy to see us coming and panic, right now Ella is to be considered their hostage. She is their greatest leverage against us, I'm going to take a small group to see if we can infiltrate the castle and spirit her away before our arrival is announced."
Jaime turned to look at Willas and only received a dead panned stare in response. "Is there a problem? You've spoke of nothing but gallantly rescuing your beloved for weeks. Now you're within miles of her and you're about as excited as a whore about to fuck Grand Maester Pycelle."
"I am not looking forward to leading an attack when she could be hurt. Nor do I trust that you and just a few men could go in unnoticed, you're likely to get caught and they will have two Lannister hostages instead of just one."
Jaime couldn't help but to laugh at the foolish boy. "Dear boy, no one is leading an attack with her still inside. And I do not recall asking for your permission. I will go in and retrieve her myself or die trying."
"I know Ella and she will not go easily, if you march in there and think you can just walk her out you're gravely mistaken. She will not go quietly, she thinks this is her home-"
"And why is that?" Jaime interrupted, "Why is it that when you had her back in Riverrun she chose to go back to that wedding and her Captor? She got hurt because she'd rather die at her husbands side than live a life with you!"
Willas sucked in a breath as if he were punched. Jaime had just voiced the very thing he had been purposely avoiding thinking of. "I do not believe the blame falls entirely on me, if she were running from anything I believe the Lannister name is the highest on that list. The shame of knowing her family is just as monstrous as everyone believes had her running into Robb Starks arms faster than anything I could have done."
"Is that what you tell yourself to be able to sleep at night? That she ran back into Robb Starks arms to escape the shame we bring her?" Jaime grinned, his amusement clear.
Willas refused to make eye contact, instead favoring looking at his boots. He did not say one word, the silence spoke volumes.
"And by 'monstrous' do you refer to the rumors of me fucking my sister?" Still he did not answer but did make a noise of disgust as he scoffed.
This was all the answer Jaime needed. "Ah, I think its much more than that," he said gleefully. "You see, I think you're using our family's scandal to convince yourself that deep down she doesn't prefer that Stark boy over you. I bet you're over here brooding by your lonesome because you know that the memory of his touch will be so greatly imprinted into her mind that she will crave it...yearning for him and will compare your touch to his every time and in the end you will prove to be woefully inadequate."
Jaime's voice had taken on such a lilting, mocking quality that Willas closed his eyes in agony.
"I wonder," Jaime said, advancing upon him once more. "When the time comes if she will wallow in the grief for her dead husband or if she will be too busy suffering your presence? What will it feel like to know that the woman you love will likely be unable to stomach being in your bed?" Jaime looked triumphant in his misery.
"What, no denial? The heir of Highgarden admits to being less than a man who cannot hope to satisfy his future bride? You should remain here while the real men go and do battle. Stay out of my way and I'll ignore you as surely as Ella will after you're married." This shook Willas out his silence.
"You go too far Ser- I cannot decide if you are just too prideful or simply utterly cruel but you have no power here Kingslayer. These green cloaks that surround us are Tyrell men. Lannister red cloaks are scattered all over Westeros. You are not leading these men-"
"Oh and you are? The cripple sissy-boy who reads poetry and breeds his hawks and dogs. You do not command me, and if you'd like to discuss the matter further I suggest you pull out that shiny new sword on your hip and use it."
Jaime saw the light reflect off the metal before it had the chance to strike him, and quickly ripped his longsword from its sheath turning to meet Loras steel for steel.
"You would not perchance to turn on me, would you?" Jaime's voice sounded calm, maybe a tad arrogant and he hoped to keep it that way. Several men surrounded him and he would not let these Tyrell's see him cornered. Not when he was so close to getting Ella back.
"Stop this foolishness right now!" Willias yelled.
Jaime gave Willas a cool, contemptuous glance "If you don't want to watch me butcher your pretty little brother I'd suggest him lower his weapon and take a few steps back."
Loras did not need to be urged. With a dark look he pulled his sword back and stepped away. "Do not speak to my brother that way again." Loras threatened.
Jaime laughed. "I'll keep that in mind," and turned his back on them both.
The Tyrell line parted to let him through, and closed behind him.
xxx
The wind whispered tales of victory and death as he rode his white destrier through the streets of the Redkeep. His heart pounded in his ears and he had trouble hearing his uncle as he attempted to discuss their progress. They both slowed as they reached Cobblers Square. At first glance he only saw red. The second glance-corpses.
Everywhere.
Bodies brandishing crimson cloaks and lion-crested helms were strewn about, likely still in the place they fell.
"Lannister men-at-arms," Edmure murmured.
Robb continued on, his men making way for their King.
The white marble plaza was a solid mass of soldiers and what remained of the people, all yammering excitedly at each other and straining to get closer to the Great Sept of Baelor.
"The King of the North!" Great Jon shouted, appearing at his side.
Robb swiftly dismounted the destrier and all but growled "Where is the Queen? I ordered you to keep her outside the Gate!"
Lord Umber looked baffled and looked towards Edmure accusingly. "Lord Tully said you wanted her brought in!" Great Jon shouted back, casting a glare over his shoulder.
Furious blue eyes turned on him. Edmure looked nervous and stammered "I thought we we're bringing her be executed along with her Lord father!"
Robb rolled his eyes, "By the gods you are stupid! I gave no such order, did you think I wanted to drag her through the streets without even checking the city first?"
"I-" Edmure stuttered, eyes darting back and forth between Robb and Great Jon.
"Never-mind" Robb growled as he turned back Great Jon who was holding onto a squirming Cersei. She had been gagged during the night upon Robb's command. He feared her screamed threats and insults would get her killed.
Taunts and obscenities filled the air as the crowd shouted 'KILL LANNISTER' 'Whore' and 'Brother Fucker' in unison.
"Bring her along,"
His personal kingsguard followed him closely as they made their way through, watching for signs of danger or betrayal. While he agreed that danger lurked anywhere, the idea of Stannis betraying him was laughable.
No one liked Stannis, he was well known for being serious, stubborn and unforgiving, But Robb knew Stannis possessed an inflexible sense of duty and justice. Sadly, this did not earn him any points. Being respected and feared did not win you the love of your people. He would receive no affection from his people, and his reign would likely be an unmemorable one.
The new King stood on the High Septon's pulpit just outside the doors watching as Robb approached. A long line of his spearmen held back the crowd commanded by his most loyal follower Davos Seaworth.
As Stannis began to shout, quiet settled through-out the Great Plaza. "I am Stannis Baratheon, the rightful King of the Iron Throne, heir to King Robert Baratheon first of his name. This is the law. The Lannister's are usurpers who seek to destroy all of Westeros with their evil and greed. I seek to end this injustice and bring peace and stability back to this realm."
Robb wore a grim smile as he continued on through the mass of people, making his way up the stairs of the pulpit. Stannis turned to greet him with a nod, true to his word.
"I have made an alliance between House Stark and agreed to a peaceful treaty so that the North will rule over their own as they once did in the Days of the Old. I welcome King Robb Stark as a friend of this Kingdom-friend of the crow and as such present him with the man responsible for the unjustly crimes against his house and this entire realm."
The crowd roared as Robb finally made it up to the platform, he ignored this as his eyes sought out the figure before him on his knees.
'The King of the North' the crowd shouted and only then did his enemy lift his head to meet his eyes.
Cold green met stormy blue. "You are no true King; you are nothing but a Usurper to the rightful crown," Tywin's icy voice carried across the plaza, quieting the crowd once again.
Robb's hand twitched for his sword, but Stannis moved forward blocking Tywin from his view.
"Lord Tywin has been captured at my command, but I give him to you to answer for his heinous crimes." Stannis voice was barely loud enough to reach the front of the crowd. The noise around them died down even more as feet shuffled closer to the platform.
Robb shook Stannis's hand in thanks. The new King stepped back, likely to watch the scene play out before him. Nothing is as entertaining to a man like Stannis than a well done execution.
Tywin surprised everyone when he spoke. "I'd like to request an audience with you in private before you take my head. My station should offer the chance to speak man to man... Father to son..."
Wrong words old man.
Robb's eyes narrowed dangerously as a sudden need for vengeance burned within him.
He needed to inflect pain upon him; needed it so badly his hands shook.
"I am not your son and I will not allow your venomous words to poison my mind. You will die as my father did."
Surprisingly Tywin didn't look angry, or even afraid. If anything he looked mildly annoyed and a maybe little bored. Tywin scrunched his nose as a fly landed on it. His hands were tied so he was unable to do anything but wiggle it, letting out an annoyed huff.
"You're as stubborn and foolish as your father before you."
The insult had Robb reaching for his sword.
Tywin sighed.
"Everything I did was to protect my family. You want to believe you're more honorable than me? I did what any man would and protected his house- his name- his legacy."
"You don't know what honorable means." Robb spit back furiously.
"I know more than you think. I killed Joffrey because of what he did to my daughter, your wife."
"Do not speak of her!" Robb yelled, losing his temper.
Tywin opened his mouth but his attention swiftly turned to Great Jon who dragged Cersei along by her ropes. Her velvet dress was torn and caked in mud but she held her head high; every bit the regal Queen she thought she was.
"What man of honor executes a mere woman? His own good sister?" Tywin demanded.
"She is no mere woman. She will die for her crimes along with you. Your son the Imp will die too, and so will the Kingslayer. Lannister's always pay their debts right?" Tywin appeared flabbergasted at his mocking words. Robb held his gaze gleefully before turning to face the crowd.
"House Lannister murdered my father to hide the truth of their crimes of treason; They plotted to kill my wife The Queen for rightly turning against them. They've committed unspeakable crimes against the Kingdom for years, their greed and power struggle taking countless lives. This ends now. Let the High Septon and Baelor the Beloved and the Seven bear witness to their punishment and unlike that bastard King Joffrey I do my own beheading!" Cheers of excitement erupted all around them.
Stones were thrown from the crowd and Robb watched with no sympathy as they hit their targets. Cersei was shoved to her knees and her gag ripped from her face.
"YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS! ELLA WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU, YOU WILL LOSE HER THE MOMENT OUR HEADS HIT THE GROUND!" Cersei struggled wildly as she started to cackle madly.
Tywin blinked at her; showing no emotion.
So high atop the pulpit, Robb gestured to Stannis who gave a command. Cersei was flung to the marble, with her head and chest out over the edge. Robb unsheathed his great sword and raised it above her head. Thousands screamed in approval all across the plaza.
Both Lord Tywin and Queen Cersei lost their heads that day.
