Chapter 56: A Wolf's Influence
In all his years Jaime Lannister had never felt as unsteady as he did in King's Landing after his time as a prisoner of the Starks. What had started with his brother's departure had grown with their father's death and swelled since then. In the weeks that followed he had watched the king he served, his son, marry a girl from the family he suspected had killed Joffrey. Worst of all was that despite having been together since birth, for the first time he truly struggled to understand Cersei.
She didn't trust the Tyrells enough to have Paxter Redwyne become master of ships instead of Aurane Waters, yet dismissed any suggestion that Oberyn wasn't to blame for the deaths of their father and son. She despised Margaery yet kept Taena Merryweather close all the time even knowing she was a spy for the Tyrell girl. He had no doubt she was behind the deaths of the guards outside Tywin's chambers as well as the High Septon, though he could barely understand why. She'd even burned down the Tower of the Hand with wildfire as if it were some kind of pyre for their father. To her everyone was an enemy, which would only lead to it being the truth.
Jaime had no doubt the only thing keeping Cersei from sending him off to war was her demand he be there to serve as champion for Tommen when Oberyn requested a trial by combat. He hadn't told her he planned to refuse. The righteous knight in him said it was because he doubted Oberyn's guilt and wouldn't put a man to death when he wasn't certain, but that wasn't all. In truth a petty part of him wanted to deny Cersei, to anger her for how often she had been keeping herself from him. He hoped that Oberyn killed Boros Blount or whatever fool she convinced to fight him for her false accusations just so he could watch Cersei scream and shriek like a petulant child. It was spiteful, but the thought of it kept him smiling whenever Cersei reminded him of his duty to protect the king as a way to make him leave her.
The only reason he hadn't pressed things with Cersei, grabbing her by the throat and making her beg as he had dozens of times before, was his concern for Tommen. If the Tyrells were willing to kill one king before the court they would do it again the moment they could be rid of Tommen. Were he only a few years older Jaime suspected Margaery would have already taken Tommen to bed and had him put a babe in her so she could give birth and be done with him. Thankfully Tommen was still a sweet round faced boy who spent most of his days running about the keep waving a string to lead his pack of cats through the halls.
Still Jaime did his best to stay beside Tommen as much as he could, ever watchful. It was the first time Jaime felt like a father watching his son as much as he did a knight guarding his king. When they were alone he would sit with Tommen and his cats, helping him care for and play with them. It felt like the only thing that made him smile in King's Landing anymore, except for when he thought of how Joffrey had been the opposite, picturing the numerous animals the boy had skewered. He could never be a father to his children, not openly, but he could still be more than a knight to them, he could be a fatherly figure and help guide them however he could.
It was that fatherly side of him which took grasp when Loras rushed to him as he returned from the stables one morning to tell him of Cersei's distress. His fingers had hurt from clutching his sword so tight, ready to draw and tear through the city the moment he heard her say what the Tyrells had done to Tommen. Instead he found her screaming angrily as she threw a vase across the room, letting the pieces join her toppled table and the flagon of wine pouring across the floor.
Making sure to close the door behind him he rushed over to grasp her by the shoulders as he exclaimed, "Calm down, Cersei!"
"They've ruined her!" She yelled, struggling to get free.
Jaime furrowed his brow but grew frustrated with her smacking his chest so tightened his grip around her arms and lifted her off her feet slightly before stepping forward, pressing her back against the stone wall. She gasped meeting his eyes, finding them narrowed fiercely as he told her, "Calm yourself and tell me what's happened."
For a moment Jaime saw the girl he had loved his entire life, but she faded as Cersei's gaze drifted toward the toppled table where the wine soaked into the corner of a letter. "They've hurt our daughter."
Jaime eased his grip on her, letting her stand on her own. "Who?"
"Those sandy cunts," she spat, glaring at the letter. "Oberyn killed our father and our son, and now his brother has tried to kill our daughter."
Jaime followed her gaze before walking over to pick it up. Shaking some of the wine of the corner, he read the letter he was shocked to see was from Tyrion. Jaime almost doubted it, thinking the Tyrells would be clever enough to use their brother to frame the Martells and pull attention from themselves, but quickly saw it was more than that.
His own anger grew as he read Tyrion's account of events. Not only had Ser Arys been killed, but Myrcella had survived an attack which cost her an ear and half her cheek. His relief upon seeing she would be brought back by Tyrion and Jon was surprising to him. He trusted Jon to get her back safely. Even without knowing he cared for Myrcella, Jaime knew the kind of man he had become.
Folding the letter, Jaime pulled the table upright and tossed the letter onto it as he turned to Cersei, who had sank into a chair. "I'll have one of the Dornish party tell us how he looks and make sure all the guards in the city know what to look for. Gerold Dayne will face the king's justice for this." Seeing her glaring ahead lost in thought, he asked, "What will you do about this?"
Still seething she scoffed. "I'll have the Boltons to come flay him before the court and have him hanged by his intestines!"
Jaime shook his head. "I meant about Myrcella. Tyrion says he told Doran he wouldn't allow her back in Dorne until he knew it was safe to avoid officially breaking the betrothal."
He could practically see Cersei's mind divided between going along with and going against what Tyrion said. Eventually she decided on answering, "If they had a hand in this then I will see the Martells join House Reyne in Castamere."
Tommen had taken the news as well as he could, Jaime having asked to tell him since Cersei was in no state to be delicate. And yet as Jaime sat with Tommen and his cats that night it was Cersei who interrupted them, spending the evening sat with him on his bed, holding Tommen until he fell asleep and she returned to her chambers. For the first time in what felt like months she had him escort her as an excuse to take him to bed, clutching him and demanding he go as hard as he could until they were exhausted.
Jaime spent the next three weeks waiting for word of Jon's ships while Cersei tried to deal with matters of the court, including the new Septon and his rabid followers. When the day of their arrival finally came Jaime escorted Tommen to the docks along with what felt like half the court.
Jon was the first off the ship, looking to Tommen with a sullen smile. Turning back to the boat he watched as Myrcella stepped onto the ramp, but stumbled slightly before Edric Dayne caught her. She gladly took his offered arm, letting the squire help her down the ramp safely while three women followed them. Tyrion and his squire came after them along with Thoros of Myr.
Once they gathered on the dock Tyrion shared a look with Jon before leading them toward the king and his court. Tommen stood straight beside his queen, Margaery wearing a kind smile while Cersei frowned upon seeing their daughter come to a stop before them with the right half of her face hidden behind her long golden hair.
Tommen hesitated a moment, seeming almost confused before frowning and remembering to say, "Welcome home, Myrcella."
"Thank you for coming to greet me, Your Grace," she said with a curtsy.
"How are you, Princess?" Margaery asked placing a hand on Myrcella's shoulder.
"I live," Myrcella said with a smile that surprised Jaime.
"Well we're glad you've returned safely," Margaery assured as she stepped back to Tommen's side.
"It was Uncle Tyrion who demanded my return until my safety assured and Lord Jon gave me safe passage along with those Prince Doran assigned to act as my personal guard until I have a new sworn shield."
Jaime had his suspicions of the women she looked to, so stepped forward. "I've assigned Ser Loras to act as your sworn shield for now, Princess." Turning to the women he nodded. "Thank you for your services, Lady…"
"Obara Sand," said the tallest with a smirk.
"Nymeria Sand," said the ebony haired girl.
"Tyene Sand, Ser Jaime," the blonde said with a graceful curtsy.
"Oberyn's bastards," Cersei said with a sneer.
"We would like to see our father as soon as possible," Nymeria said with a smirk to Jaime while Obara barely hid her sneer and Tyene simply smiled.
"I'll arrange for it," he assured, turning his attention to Myrcella who looked to Loras as the kingsguard moved to stand beside her.
"Do you truly think him guilty?" Jon asked them. When he saw most the group nod, Jon asked, "Has he already asked for trial by combat?"
"I doubt he'll need you as his champion too," Cersei said with a glare to Tyrion.
"As do I, Your Grace, but I hope to let him avoid a t rial by combat as I can vouch for his innocence." That garnered some gasps from the crowd as he explained, "I remember the day of King Joffrey's death and I was sat at a table with Prince Oberyn. Even as I played my song for the King I had kept an eye on the lady I escorted and saw he left for nothing and had no chance to poison King Joffrey's wine."
Tommen's eyes widened. "Really?"
"I'll swear it before all gods," Jon said with a nod, "and any who judge him."
Jaime noticed Cersei sneering at Jon briefly before they started back toward the Red Keep. Somehow the boy he'd rode to Winterfell to escort to King's Landing had found himself able to undo all of Cersei's work convincing Tommen that Oberyn was guilty. He valued Jon's promise of honesty above his mother's assurances, which clearly infuriated her. Jaime barely held in a laugh as he imagined how furious Catelyn would be to see him rise so high while her children froze in the north unknowingly setting their head onto the block.
Jaime had Loras escort Myrcella to her room while a Lannister guard showed Jon and those who arrived with him to the guest quarters. They had barely left them when Tommen looked to Cersei saying, "I want to eat with Myrcella, Uncle Tyrion and Jon tonight."
"You don't need to eat with them," Cersei said dismissively. "Your sister-"
"I want to," he repeated, then stopped and turned to Jaime. "Tell them the king wants to eat with them. Jon can even bring Ghost if he think they'll be okay with Ser Pounce and Lady Whiskers and the others."
Seeing Cersei's clear agitation, Jaime nodded, "I'll let them know."
Once he returned them to their chambers and positioned a few extra guards to quell Cersei's suspicions the Sand Snakes had come to kill them, Jaime went to clear their visit with Oberyn. It was easy enough, so he went to the guest chambers and informed the Sand Snakes of their arranged visit before going to tell Jon, Tyrion and Myrcella about their invitation.
To Jaime's surprise he found Jon in the courtyard speaking with the silver-gold haired Aurane Waters while Edric and Podrick sparred in the ring beside them. The men were clearly familiar with each other, speaking quietly with Aurane wearing a smirk while Jon wore his usual sullen expression.
When they saw him approaching, Aurane excused him self, sparing Jaime a nod as he departed, leaving Jon to turn his gaze on the boys sparring. Jaime stood beside him for a moment, watching as Edric wielded a blunt greatsword against Podrick's sword and shield.
"They're coming along well."
"They are," Jon agreed. "Ned's already as good as if not better with a greatsword than I am."
"You intend to help him inherit Dawn?" Jaime could still remember the milkglass blade Arthur Dayne wielded better than most men do a longsword.
"Only he can control that," Jon said shaking his head. "No doubt if he wanted he could take it now as the head of House Dayne but he won't, not until he feels he's earned it."
"Well it seems you've earned a meal with the king," Jaime said turning to Jon. "He's invited you, Tyrion and Myrcella to join them for supper."
Nodding, Jon looked to Jaime. "Do you think Oberyn guilty, Ser Jaime?"
"It's not my place to judge," Jaime said as he had ever since Cersei made clear it didn't matter.
"Will you be the one to face him if he demands trial by combat?"
Jaime sighed. "That's for the king to decide."
Jon nodded. "If you could please tell the city guard to keep an eye out for Ghost, he ran off while we were in Dorne but should find his way here eventually."
Though he scoffed and shook his head, Jaime said, "Fine. But try to keep your mutt in line from now on. You're a lord now."
Jaime left Jon and made his way to the guest chambers, taking a breath before he knocked on Tyrion's door. The moment it opened and his brother saw him a sneer crossed Tyrion's face. He expected his brother to slam the door in his face, but instead he asked, "What do you want? Come to arrest me for father's murder as well?"
"Tommen wants to sup with you, Myrcella and Jon."
Tyrion's featured softened some as he smirked and nodded. "I can suffer through a meal with you and your lover for his sake."
Jaime's eyes widened just as Tyrion slammed the door. Suddenly Jaime wanted nothing more than to go punch Jon, but knew that wouldn't do much. If he said anything to Tyrion it was only confirming what his brother surely suspected.
Thankfully the last he had to speak with was Myrcella, so he went to her chambers and smiled when she opened the door. "How are you, Myrcella?"
"I'm fine, Uncle," she said with a shaky smile. "How may I help you?"
With a glance down the corridor he motioned to her room and asked, "Could I?"
Myrcella sheepishly nodded and stepped aside, sitting by the unlit hearth while he followed and closed the door. Once he sat before her Jaime tried to examine her face but she turned her head to the right.
"Please, Princess, you don't have to turn away," he assured, removing the glove from his hand before reaching out to brush her hair back. She let him move it, revealing the dark pink scar. Jaime felt his inside clench but met her eyes with a smile. "Even such a scar does little to dim your beauty, niece."
Myrcella lowered her gaze and smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."
"I promise I'll see the man who did this punished." Jaime waited until her eyes raised before asking, "Could you tell me exactly what happened?"
Myrcella seemed somewhat nervous, surely shaken by the memory, but pushed through to tell him. "Princess Arianne wanted to go riding. Gerold Dayne was among the group riding with us. He… He didn't say much, but then when we decided to return to Sunspear he drew his sword and struck me." She sniffled, but took a breath before meeting his his eyes, her own glassy as she told him, "Ser Arys died trying to protect me."
Jaime reached out to clasp her hand within his, shushing her as she sniffed and wiped her eyes with her free hand. "I wish I could have been there instead."
"None of us knew he would do anything," she said shaking her head. "I thought him odd, perhaps a bit pompous, but nice enough. No one thought he would try to hurt me."
Jaime hated this. He hadn't felt so helpless since he had to stand outside the king's chamber listening to Rhaella scream whenever Aerys saw fit to be with her. Not even when he was in chains in the North. He had known he would come out of that okay but he could do nothing to change what had happened to Myrcella. To his daughter.
He felt himself start to speak, to ask her about her time in Dorne, but stopped himself, sliding his hands from hers as he smiled to her. "Tommen's asked you to join him for supper with Tyrion and Jon. I'm sure your mother will be here before then to check on you. If you need anything let Loras know. It's not official, but for now consider him your sworn shield."
When he left Myrcella Jaime somehow felt as if that had been the more challenging one for him to speak with. For a second he'd wanted to tell her the truth, to let her know as her father he would get vengeance for her. He wanted to console her and make her feel better much as he had Cersei whenever she was upset. For all his life he'd thought Cersei the only person he loved, but he felt seeing Myrcella hurt much as he had seeing Cersei after Robert smacked her. He could do nothing about it yet ached to do anything, even if it hurt him he would do it to make them better.
For the first time Jaime wished Cersei had just sent him to go attack the Starks. Ever since he returned it felt as if he was losing his edge. It had been so easy to cast aside his own children but now he feared for their safety beyond the measure of a kingsguard and ached at their pain. It felt like he was going mad and it he didn't know how to stop it.
Jon had been surprised to find Aurane among those gathered to greet them, let alone learning he had joined the small council.
"I've convinced the queen mother to let me build a fleet of ten dromonds," he told Jon with a laugh after they met in the courtyard.
"Then I guess this means you won't be captaining a ship for me anytime soon."
A grin stretched across the Velaryon bastard's lips as he said, "Who knows where the winds may lead us, my lord."
Jaime's arrival cut Jon's thoughts short as Aurane excused himself, leaving Jon to speak with the kingsguard. Once he left Jon alone he turned his attention back on the squires. Or at least he attempted to, his mind lingering on Aurane's words. Even one of those ships would be a boon for him, not to mention having Aurane to lead them. If he could trust Aurane to control his ships Jon could focus his attention elsewhere.
He spent his afternoon considering the possibilities, forcing himself to stop when he prepared for supper lest the Lannisters somehow read it in him. Much as he had since his first day of training aboard the ship, Jon tied a sash around the waist of his surcoat, securing it with his ringing brooch before putting on his sword belt. Though he was in King's Landing Jon decided to keep Dark Sister with him, so hoped to keep it sheathed.
Edric knocked on his door to tell him he'd been called to supper so followed his squire. They met Tyrion along the way, who smirked to Jon's questioning look. "If I must eat with them I won't do so alone."
Loras flashed Jon a smile before signaling the guards to open the door, letting them make their way past to find the Lannisters sat at a table loaded with food. Tommen was sat with Margaery and Cersei to either side of him while Rosamund flashed Jon a smile from her seat beside Margaery and Jaime sat beside Cersei.
"You came!" Tommen exclaimed with a grin. "Come eat! You can have as much as you want!" He puffed his cheeks out a bit and said in a deeper voice, "So says the king!" He barely made it halfway through before he started snickering.
While Jon chuckled Tyrion made a point of walking around the table to take the last seat beside Rosamund rather than sit beside his siblings. Taking his seat beside Jaime, Jon nodded to Tommen. "Thank you for inviting us."
"You can eat with me anytime you want," Tommen said with a smirk. "I'll make sure you're taken care of along as you're here." The boy blinked and looked around. "Where's Ghost? I asked the cooks to prepare their biggest bones for him."
Smiling at the kind gesture Jon told him, "He ran off as we were boarding the ships in Dorne. He was miserable the whole way to Sunspear. I guess he just couldn't stand another voyage so took off on his own. I'm sure he'll show up eventually. Ser Jaime's said he would ask the guards to keep an eye out for him, so hopefully not too long."
Tommen nodded, looking to Jaime. "Make sure no one hurts him. I want Ghost to meet Ser Pounce."
"I'll make sure they know," Jaime said with a laugh.
"My dear king is so considerate," Margaery said holding Tommen's hand and smiling to him.
Tommen beamed at her, clearly enjoying praise from a pretty girl.
As they ate, Jon noticed Tyrion keeping his gaze from passing over his siblings while Cersei spent time shifting between glaring at him, frowning at Myrcella or watching Margaery help Tommen, wiping his mouth or handing him his goblet. Though Jon had merely been looking for a way to ease the tension of the room, he should have known better than to ask, "What happened to the Tower of the Hand?"
"I had it burned with wildfire," Cersei said with smile, turning her gaze on Tyrion, "along with the whore who helped Oberyn. Though I made sure to block the little hideaways they used so she couldn't escape."
Tyrion briefly frowned at the thought of Shae trapped in the burning tower, but finally turned his gaze to his sister. "I notice Varys isn't here. Was he in the tower as well?"
Jaime furrowed his brow as Cersei's arched. "He disappeared shortly after you left."
Tyrion scoffed, setting down his fork. "Meaning the actual man who killed our father goes free while Oberyn rots in a cell."
Jon noticed how Margaery's shocked gape almost matched Tommen's while Rosamund kept her lips closed, letting her eyes widen. Cersei shook her head while Jaime asked, "How do you know it was him?"
"Because he knew about all those little tunnels. He thought himself clever much like Littlefinger did. They think themselves better than the crown because they think themselves smarter."
"Why would he poison father?" asked Cersei.
"Does it matter? He disappeared just before father dies and you decide to arrest the man who stuck around rather than look for the perfumed mummer?"
"Oberyn made no secret that he wanted vengeance against father," said Cersei.
"He wanted to see father suffer," Tyrion said staring at Cersei. "I've little doubt he's the kind of fool who thinks it okay to punish a child for the crimes of their father, so the fact you and Jaime still breath are proof enough for me the man didn't kill father. The fact we've any coin left to our names is proof enough. Yet now with father gone we have no one guiding us, no Warden of the West."
"Daven Lannister is Warden of the West," Cersei said as if she was telling Tyrion he wouldn't be getting what he wanted for his nameday.
She clearly expected him to be annoyed but Tyrion smirked and looked to Jaime. "Find people you trust to check the sewers, dungeon and every chamber in the keep for secret passages and exterminate all of Varys' little birds, though they're more like rats who will do as their master demands."
"Is this how you show your loyalty?" Cersei asked with a huff. "The Martells have let my daughter be scarred and you think to aide them? To cast doubt on Oberyn's guilt?"
"And?" Tyrion held up his hand as he said, "I imagine Oberyn has less allies in this city than I have fingers on one hand and I've seen how you lot hold trials. He'll need all the help he can get."
Jon noticed Cersei's agitation fade briefly as she glanced at Tyrion's hand. A smile tugged at her lips before she shook her head and turned her attention to her food. Jon knew that wasn't good, but wasn't sure why.
When dinner ended Jon returned to his room with Edric and found the Sand Snakes stood outside his door. As he approached he saw they wore sheepish expressions, which surprised him.
"Good evening, my ladies."
"We owe you an apology, my lord," Obara said bowing her head.
"For?" Jon said opening his door, waving for them to enter.
Once they were all inside the women turned to him and Nymeria said, "You spoke out for our father before the king. When we told him he… He had tears in his eyes. It seems half those who arrived with him have left and among the few left that support him none have made a difference, but you said it to King Tommen who believed you. Before the small council and half the court you spoke on his behalf and had it heard by the one who could overrule whatever tricks Cersei uses."
"We thought ill of you but you've given our father a chance at freedom," Tyene said with an apologetic smile.
The sisters all looked to one another before Nymeria said, "Prince Doran arrested us to stop us from riding here to free our father." Seeing Jon's confusion she explained, "That was why we were at Sunspear."
"We weren't involved with whatever happened to Myrcella," said Obara. "We were locked away so had little idea what took place."
"My brother rode to war for the same thing," Jon said with a laugh. "Even with all the men of the North and Riverlands he still hasn't won."
"But he has his father back," said Tyene.
Meeting her blue eyes he responded, "Because I helped him."
The sister's were clearly shocked by his admission. "How?" asked Obara.
"I convinced Joffrey to send him to the Wall. He made me flog him, but he sent him north where some waited and freed him." Jon crossed his arms as he watched them take in his words. "Eddard Stark lives not because my brother rode to war, but because I convinced a cruel king to show mercy."
It was Tyene who asked, "Why share this with us?" While he hadn't exactly admitted to helping those who freed Eddard, the implication was obvious.
"Because I want you to trust me enough to explain why you wanted to risk Cersei killing your father to start another war. I doubt any of you would risk his life. Was it Prince Doran? I know it was his men who slew Ser Arys."
"How?" asked Nymeria.
"Because I've been guarding Myrcella since I was twelve and know when she lies better than any but Barristan Selmy. Gerold Dayne attacking her wasn't a lie but him killing Ser Arys was. So if Arianne was quiet because she had some hand in what happened, but it wasn't one of her party who slew Arys, that makes me think Prince Doran learned of her plot and saw the risk of it so sent his men to stop her. Ser Arys might have thought they meant to harm Myrcella so attacked and died, which was an opening Gerold used to attack Myrcella." Once he finished he asked arching his brow, "Am I close?"
It seemed his effort in thinking up a way to explain him knowing beyond Rosamund telling him had worked as all three women stood shocked by his piecing together what Doran had told them happened. At first he thought none would answer but Obara nodded. "As far as we know."
"So it was Arianne," Jon said with a sigh. "Do you think she had a hand in what Gerold did?"
All three women shook their head. "Never," Tyene assured, then hesitated before deciding to just speak. "She wanted to crown Myrcella over Tommen."
Jon frowned. "Why? It's not as if she would take the throne. Trystane or maybe Quentyn would become Myrcella's prince consort."
"But she would take Sunspear," said Nymeria. "She believed Prince Doran wants to push her aside to place Quentyn as prince of Dorne despite her being the eldest."
"Why would he want to?" asked Jon. "Dorne's been led by women for ages."
"We don't know, though I know Princess Arianne found a letter saying as much years ago," Tyene said frowning at the memory of finding her cousin crying afterward. "Prince Doran wrote of Quentyn taking his place to rule Dorne over Arianne."
"She told us she believed our uncle would let our father die her so he could convince the lords of Dorne to go to war," Nymeria said crossing her arms sheepishly. "She thought he would use that as a way to convince them to pass her over so they could have their leader ride to war with them like Quentyn would."
Jon reached over to scratch his shoulder. "Well at least we don't have to worry about that now."
Before Tyene could speak there was a knock at the door and Jon held up a hand to silence them as he called out. "Who's there?"
"Jaime," came the voice on the other side. "I'd hoped we might spar to work off our meal."
Obara grinned. "I want to watch."
Jon rolled his eyes, walking to the door and opening it. Jaime looked past him to see the Sand Snakes and his squire. Looking to Jon with a smirk he teased, "I heard you had a thing for Dornish girls but all three? You're generous to share with the boy."
Nymeria scoffed. "He wishes."
Jon shook his head. "Give me time to have Edric retrieve my armor and sword and I'll meet you in the yard."
"You're welcome to watch the lord lose, my ladies," Jaime said with a nod to the Sand Snakes before turning to leave.
"I guess that means I'll be back," Edric said with a sigh before looking to Jon and asking quietly, "should I take your sword back with me?"
Jon shook his head. "She'll stay with me for now."
Once Edric left and Jon closed the door he found the Sand Snakes giving him examining looks. "What are you?" asked Nymeria. "At times you seem a Lannister dog and others it's as if you work against them."
With a smile Jon answered, "I'm my own man."
It took some time for Edric to return, the Sand Snakes using it to share that their father was well enough, though clearly not fed well. He'd been shocked to see they were his guest and almost furious with Jon for bringing them before hearing what he'd said to Tommen.
When Edric returned he helped Jon quickly don his armor, switching Dark Sister for his blunt training sword. Edric held Dark Sister while following Jon and the Sand Snakes to the training yard. There he found not only Jaime waiting for him but Loras, who took the chance to greet Jon for real with a brief hug and pat on the back.
"Didn't take you long to return to us," Loras said with a smirk.
"I take it you've found another sparring partner once I left?" Jon said to Jaime, who shrugged.
"He saw me and asked what I was waiting for."
"I don't mean to intrude," Loras assured, "only observe."
Jon drew his blunt sword and looked to Jaime as he entered the ring. The kingsguard smirked before lowering the visor of his helm and drawing his sword. Once Jon lowered his visor Jaime tapped his sword against his vambrace to signal their start.
On the second tap Jaime dashed forward, slashing horizontally, forcing Jon to step back and hold his sword straight at Jaime, keeping the point on him. When Jaime tried to knock his sword aside Jon rolled the tip of his, dodging the blade and keeping his aimed on Jaime's chestplate.
"Your dexterity's improved. You're keeping your circles tight." Jaime's smirk was audible. "But you're about to back into the rail."
Jon chuckled. "I know my place, Jaime. I've still some space before then."
"Good. Then you've no excuse," Jaime said dashing to Jon's right, only to stop halfway and make a hard left, slashing at Jon as he turned to cut Jaime off. The tip of Jaime's blunt sword nearly scraped the front of Jon's helm just as he threw his head back, waving his sword to knock Jaime's aside. However the Kingslayer raised his sword, pointing it toward the sky to avoid Jon's before pushing forward, keeping up with Jon's backstep and bringing the blunt blade down on his shoulder.
Lowering his sword to accept the hit, Jon sighed while Jaime returned to his starting position. Once Jon had returned to his Jaime once again tapped his vambrace, but this time Jon dashed forward, diverting from his straight charge to round Jaime. The kingsguard tracked him, turning just in time to raise his sword, blocking the slash Jon threw at him. The tip of his sword aimed at the ground, Jaime thrust it down, pushing Jon's down just enough that when Jaime slashed up his the impact of his sword on Jon's helm echoed through the yard.
Jon backed away, but once again dashed the moment he could, however this time Jaime matched him and their swords clashed. As Jaime reached out for Jon's arm, the knight in black armor released his dual grip on his sword to catch Jaime's hand. However that left his arms crossed. Once again he could almost hear Jaime's smirk as he yanked Jon forward, unbalancing him while thrusting his foot into the boy's gut. To leave no doubt of his victory he twisted his right hand to thrust his blunt sword at Jon's heart just as they separated.
They had well over a dozen brief matches and all but one ended in Jaime's victory, and that had more to do with Jon using an atypical strategy. While they were exchanging blows, Jon dropped to his knees, letting Jaime's pass over his head while thrusting his own blade into Jaime's chest. Of course just as the thrust landed he noticed Jaime had already diverted his swing, which would have hit Jon if Jaime hadn't stopped it.
As the men sheathed their swords and removed their helms to reveal their sweat soaked faces, Jon saw Jaime wore a prideful grin. "You've improved, though you're not yet Selmy's equal."
"I'm certainly not yours," Jon said with a nod. It stung to have proven, but Jon couldn't be too upset. He had at least kept up with Jaime for the most part, and followed everything he did, which he struggled to do years ago.
"Not yet," Jaime said with a shrug.
Jon saw the intended praise and suddenly realized Jaime hadn't said a word the entire time they sparred. Every other time he'd met him in the yard at night Jaime had spent half the time talking, asking Jon questions, but this time he hadn't said anything. This time Jaime had been serious. Even if he wasn't his equal, the fact that Jaime respected him enough to not hold back and take him serious struck Jon deeper than he'd expected. While Jon thought Jaime had been awful for what he did to Bran and Eddard, he'd always respected his skill with a sword, so knowing Jaime did the same for him was enough to have Jon fighting his own prideful smile.
"Thank you, Ser Jaime," Jon said bowing his head.
The kingsguard's smile softened as he shook his head. "We'll spar again at least once before you leave." With that he bowed his head to Jon and the others then departed.
Loras let out a breath as he came over to Jon, clasping his shoulder. "You did well. I'd say you're even better than when you slew the Mountain."
"He's been training every day we sailed." They turned to find Tyrion approaching, having been standing off to the side to avoid his brother. "Every morning he faces a dozen men, often in pairs, and these ones," he said with a thumb toward Obara and Nymeria. "Not to mention the time he spends with our squires."
Loras grinned to Jon, making the young lord sigh. "Tomorrow."
AN:
Originally I had it more obvious that Myrcella stumbling and being helped by Edric was practiced as a way to hopefully counter any blame people might turn on him for Gerold. Same for Tommen's moment of hesitation about Myrcella he brushes off cause he figures they wouldn't go this far with a game.
Early on I was planning to have Shae hanging somewhere Tyrion sees it but thought her in the tower worked better. Also had it more explicit Tyrion smirks when Cersei taunts him with Daven being Warden of the West because he doesn't care about not having the position since he's sided with Jon.
First draft had a completely different take on what Jon says to Tommen to help Oberyn, but I think this ultimately works better with what's to come.
Hopefully people pick up on Jon copying Jaime's start signal for matches in the earlier chapter.
Next Chapter: After Ellaria comes to thank him Jon spars with Loras, makes good on his bet with Obara, and reignites an old flame.
