This is my first story I have ever posted, so I would greatly appreciate any feedback you can provide. This was inspired by a fanfic I read over on . It is called The Lion of the North and it was written by an amazing author named Atri. My version will have considerable differences, but much of the early story will be similar. So without further ado I give you: Honor Before Blood.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OC's.
Chapter 1: Jaime I
Jaime Lannister burst through the door to his father's solar, sword in hand and scowl on his face.
"Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance don't you my boy, now put that sword away unless you intend to use it." Tywin responded calmly as if he had expected his son's bold entrance.
"Is it true?" Jaime snarled as he sheathed his sword. He hadn't truly intended to use it on his father, at least not yet.
"Is what true? You must be more specific." He his father asked, never looking up from the paper that currently held most of his attention.
"Did you have Prince Aegon and Princess Rhaenys killed?" Jaime spoke in cold, measured tones, his burning hot fury turning into icy cold rage.
His success at preventing the first attempt, the arrival of the Stark forces, and Lord Eddard's sense of honor, it was all in vain in the end. Rhaenys had been stabbed half a hundred times by Amory Lorch, while Gregor Clegane had dashed Aegon's head on the wall, after which he raped and killed Elia Martell with the brains of her son still on his hands. And his father, the bastard, didn't even try to look guilty or remorseful.
"You mean: did I have the good sense to correct your foolish mistake? Yes, I did, and you should be thankful for King Robert will wed your sister and release you of your vows. You shall be my heir, just as you always should have been. Rejoice boy, for you will be a hero, Lord, and brother to the Queen!"
Tywin seemed incredibly pleased with himself, and, perhaps for the first time, Jaime felt disgust at his father's actions. He ordered the deaths of young, innocent children, an act which would have any decent man sick with guilt and shame. Jaime had known Tywin was a hard man, yet this was beyond even the most vile of things.
"How could you?! Aegon was just a babe! Rhaenys just a young girl! They were no threat!"
"They were not a threat yet but it is better to squash the problem now than allow it to grow, remember that."
"You disgust me." Jaime spoke, his voice cold and hard.
"You have much to learn about what it means to rule." Tywin snorted, "As Lord Lannister it is my duty to do what is best for our house. We have gained much in this war and lost little. Someday, you must make these decisions."
Those words gave Jaime pause. He tried to imagine himself mercilessly ordering the deaths of innocent children. The thought sickened him. He wondered if this is what he would become. An unfeeling monster. Just like his father? He had killed the Mad King to save lives, to save King's Landing. Would he have in honor left after five, ten years as his father's heir? He knew then what he had to do, and, summoning all his courage, he spoke just one word.
"No."
"...no?" Tywin's voice had a dangerous undertone.
"No, I will not go to Casterly Rock. No, I will not be your heir. No, I will not become an unfeeling monster."
Jaime turned to the door and prepared to leave, when his father's voice rang out behind him.
"I have forgiven your mistake of trying to save the Targaryen children. It was the folly of youth. But, should you leave now, there will be no turning back. You will be a Lannister no longer, with no claim to the Rock. "
Jaime hesitated for only a moment before he threw open the door and left.
