Sister's Keeper
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Authors note: Once more, I am sorry for the long wait. Work has been crazy, and my muse has been more focused on my job. And during the summer was crazy. My goal is to finish this story before working on others. We are almost there. Thank you all for your patience.
Chapter 108: Life and Death
Cersei's POV
Cersei was held prisoner in a private bed chamber. Due to winter, the windows were secured, and Unsullied soldiers guarded the door. It has been a few days, and a midwife would bring food and check on her condition. The only thing that is keeping Cersei alive right now is her unborn child. Once the child is born, she shall be executed.
Cersei rubbed her belly, praying the child stays inside her a little longer. However, she can feel the baby being restless. It hurts to walk, and sleeping at night is unbearable. A clear sign that she was going to give birth relatively soon than later. She tried hard to calm her body to give birth, yet the false contractions were there.
A part of her regret not taking Ser Lucion's advice to escape. She should have taken the wildfire distraction to grab all her valuables and flee to the Free Cities. There she would have raised her son. However, as she thought about it, people would still come after her. Either they are Targaryen supporters or the Iron Bank to pay off any debt when hiring the Golden Company.
Tears fell down for how alone she was. None of her brothers came to check on her. Would they after everything she has done to them? The door opens, and Cersei took a deep breath to regain her composure, thinking it was a midwife. Except it was not a midwife, it was Jaime.
Cersei's eyes widen to see him there. The last time she saw him was off in the distance when the Red Keep was taken. Only he was serving the Dragon Queen instead of her. Then again, the last time they actually talked was the day after the Armistice. When she told Jaime, she will not send armies to fight the Army of the Dead. Jaime was dumbfounded by that, that she almost threatens Ser Gregor to kill him but couldn't. Thus, Jaime left, and she sent Bronn to kill him and Tyrion.
Once more, men defy her orders.
Jaime stared at her with sadness seeing the condition his sister was in. Then again, she was in a better cell than most, especially from his experience. Not wasting in a black cell, instead in an apartment with comfort until the babe is born.
"So, how will my execution happen?" Cersei asked. "Decapitation? Hanging? Dragon fire?"
Jaime sighed, "I'm not sure. Queen Alysanne has not publicly announced it nor told Tyrion."
"But death is certain," Cersei murmured.
Jaime nodded as he took a seat.
"And what will the fate of my son?" she asked him.
"The child will be placed under my guardianship and banishment from the Crownlands." He answered.
"Along with being called a bastard," she added.
Jaime sighed, for the child was indeed a bastard. Born out of wedlock and incest. In the beginning, Cersei would have brought the laws the Targaryens have of incestuous marriage back for them. Stating the world should fuck themselves. Alysanne, being the last known Targaryens, has made it illegal for incestuous marriage amongst siblings and family, except for cousins. If the Seven Kingdoms found out who the father was, the child would be stoned on the street.
Therefore, Jaime has to treat his child as a ward in the public eye and lie that Euron Greyjoy sired the child. One plan Jaime has is when he can adopt the child and once the Queen is calm to legitimize the child.
"I will do what I can to raise our child," Jaime promised. "Giving them a better life than our other children."
"So now you are going to take responsibility," Cersei sneered.
Jaime sighed, not wanting to have this argument again. "You brought this on yourself."
Cersei glared at him, "How dare you. I did everything for our family."
Jaime shook his head, seeing past the deceptions. It took him a long time, but he discovered Cersei never truly loved him. She only saw him as the male version of herself since they were both twins. Maybe there was a time, but false fantasy must come to an end. Now he must restore House Lannister, and it may take a few generations to fix the damage Cersei has done.
"You did it for yourself," he said as he stood up. "I assure you, the child will be taken care of, and your remains returned to Casterly Rock next to mothers."
Cersei's eyes widen, "Are you seriously going to abandon your only family."
"No, I have Tyrion and hopefully more with Brienne." He answered.
"That Wench?" She sneered.
Jaime sighed, "Goodbye, Cersei."
Jaime left the room with nothing else to say, for this would be the last time he will see her alive. He wished it was on good terms, but Cersei being a hateful woman, can never end a conversation without her getting the upper hand or final say. However, Jaime denies her that as he left and closed the door right behind him.
Cersei sat there dumbfounded to see Jaime abandoning her just like that. Her body shook with so many emotions riling up in her system. She wanted to scream and cry all at once. Everything was being taken away from her. Her children, her crown, now Jaime. Next will be her life once the child is born.
A sharp pain struck her. She gasped, clenching the armrest feeling a contraction. Cersei cursed, for it was not a false contraction. From her experience, she knew when she was in labor before her water breaks. Barely a day or two, and her child will be born, and she will be executed. Tears streamed down her cheeks, for death was near.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
I stood by the balcony watching as the city started rebuilding itself. Seeing burnt debris being taken away and ruin buildings being torn down and rebuild. Based on the visual, one could say a fifth of the city was destroyed if you don't count the scorched battlements. I sighed, for everything always ended up with "Fire and Blood." I had hoped for a peaceful siege. In the end, Cersei made her choice not to surrender and suffered the consequences. Lives were lost. Yet from what Tyrion has reported, it was not the same amount as his father's.
I don't know if I should be pleased or not.
Death was death.
And when there is death…there is life.
I smiled slightly as I place a hand on my belly, thinking about my child. After so many years, and based on guessing, the unborn babe has surpassed the previous pregnancy. Based on my experiences with other pregnant women, I was indeed in my second trimester. This morning a Maester came in and examined me, confirming the diagnoses and recommend I do not stress myself. Although, I think he was more baffled that a pregnant woman went into battle.
There was a knock on the door, which Missandei answered, "King Snow."
"Let him in," I announced.
Jon made his way to the balcony and stood next to me, staring out the view. I haven't talked to him much since taking the Red Keep. After one day, I've been mainly at work trying to arrange order.
"How are you doing?" Jon asked.
"Busy and tired, but it is to be expected," I answered.
Jon snorted, knowing from his experience as king.
"I never got the chance to properly thank you," I said.
"No need, you have helped me in defeating the Long Night. It's the least I can do," Jon assured.
"Still, we never get the ending we wanted," I added with a sigh.
Jon sighed as well, "Daenerys?"
I nodded.
"I don't know what to say. She was something alright," he said.
"A bit of a fireball," I grumbled.
Jon snickered slightly, then sighed as he changed the subject, "I've sent word to Sansa. She is on her way for the coronation."
I nodded. In a month or so, I will be crowned as Queen. Many wanted me to get the coronation done as soon as possible. But I have been paying respect to the fallen and waiting for Cersei's passing. Once the child is born and Cersei is taken care of, things will be better. I will not crown myself as Queen when there is another one still living. Also, it gives the other Lords enough time to prepare for travel from the other Kingdoms. So far, Dorne, the Reach, and the Stormlands are attending. No word yet from the other kingdoms.
"All this trouble over an Iron Throne," I murmured.
"Good thing I'm not sitting on it," Jon muttered.
"No, it makes your head seem small," I jest.
Which he smirks, shaking his head at the pathetic joke, although that smirk vanished as he said, "Do you still intend for me to be your heir?"
"That was my original plan," I said. "Unfortunately, you are now second inline."
Jon nodded, not thinking, then paused, comprehending what I just said. He glanced at me, then my belly. Sadly, my gown made it difficult to tell since it was loose and not fitted. However, if one looks closely, one can see a shape forming around the torso. One that can hold suspicions or a full stomach.
"You're… you're with child?" he asked to confirm.
"I am," I confirmed. "Maester believes I'm four months pregnant now. It's hard to say."
Jon opened his mouth, grasping the fact I went into battle riding a dragon while pregnant. He tried to form words, yet they came out to noncoherent stutters. I couldn't help but laugh at his dumbfounded expression to the news.
"Oh Jon, close your mouth. You look like a codfish," I scolded.
Immediately Jon closed his mouth and took a deep breath, "Um, congratulations."
I smiled softly, "Now, you mustn't fear your future."
Jon merely nodded, "I don't know if I want to continue as king."
This did not surprise me since King of the North was placed onto him with no objections. I put a hand on his shoulder which he looked at me.
"Can I tell you something?" I asked which he nodded. "I've never started with the desire to be Queen. In exile, I knew there was no chance. Yet Viserys held onto hope, and I played along. When the dragons were born, I still did not think about being a Queen. All I wanted was to get Daenerys home. Over time the responsibilities of being Queen convinced me in Meereen. Until my death…and the desire was gone. The truth was, after the Long Night, I was tempted to just disappear and let Daenerys take reign or another ruler."
"Why didn't you, after all you have done?" he asked.
"Because I made a promise, and I have to keep my word," I answered. "But you, you didn't make that promise. If you wish to no longer be King of the North, I shall support you and keep the truce. All I ask is you make sure whoever is your successor will serve the realm and not for themselves."
Jon nodded, giving a small smile, "Thank you."
"It's the least I can do," I said. "One way or another, we both deserve happiness. Sometimes it comes in different forms than we expected."
"Agreed," Jon said.
And here we are, the last of the two dragons, slowly rebuilding our house. One being public while the other is in secret. It will take time, for we were still strangers, and we might be going our separate ways. As Jon will return to the North to decide his path, I remain in the south, ruling six out of the seven kingdoms. Never knowing if we will be like this again.
We mainly stood there watching the rebirth of a new city. Rising from the ashes of the fire. Not what my father had anticipated, but it is a fresh start from five years of poor leadership and chaos. Greed and lust for power can destroy families, if not kingdoms. Now we have to ensure a better future and balance the scales for another twenty or so years.
Some time had passed when Varys arrived and Missandei let him in. I turned to face him, wondering what news the Spider brings. Jon turned around, having a questionable expression if he should be here or not.
"What news do you bring, Varys?" I asked.
Varys calculated the situation before speaking, "Your Grace, Cersei Lannister is in labor."
I nodded, "Have the Maester and midwives ready. And make sure the guards are at their post."
"Of course, your grace," Varys said, giving a bow, before leaving.
I sighed, knowing what is to come. A child will be born, and Cersei will die.
.o0o.
Cersei's POV
Cersei wailed in pain has a contraction shot through her body. Her womb stretching and constricting as her body tried to push the child out. However, Cersei mentally wanted to keep her baby inside. She wanted to live, live long enough to escape. A part of her doesn't want to die, yet her body betrayed her as everyone has betrayed her.
The midwives struggled in getting Cersei comfortable to deliver the baby. Having the birthing chair at the ready and the bed heavily covered in linen to not destroy the mattress. The Maester trying his best to ease Cersei's nerves only to receive a kick in the face. Cersei wouldn't allow anyone to touch her. She did not want to be touch. Yet, the Midwives and Maester follow their duty to ensure the child is born with ease.
"Don't touch me," Cersei barked.
"My lady, you must lay down and ease yourself," The Maester insisted calmly. "Otherwise, you'll put your child and yourself in distress."
"I'm already in distress," Cersei snapped.
So much pain was going through her body. So much humiliation and defeat. She honestly did not want to die. She did not want to be executed the same way as she did to Daenerys or, worse…dragon fire. And yet, here she was losing a battle against her own body as it tries to deliver her last-born child. A child belonging to Jaime, yet be raised by Euron. However, Jaime had abandoned her while Euron was dead.
Everyone she knew and or love was dead. Her mother was the first to be taken away from her, dying on the birthing bed of the monster known as Tyrion. Then came her husband Robert…although that was arranged by her. But actual suffering came when Joffrey died, poisoned at his own wedding. Follow by the death of her father, Tywin, murdered by Tyrion. At first, she thought nothing worse could happen…except Myrcella being poison when she was so close to escaping the Martells. And when Cersei tried to protect her only remaining son against the Faith Militant, the Tyrells, and all who stand in her way. Sweet innocent Tommen killed himself by stepping out a window.
All three of her golden hair children were dead, with golden shrouds.
Until this child was conceived and hope came.
Now the hope was being taken away.
The Maester had no choice but to force and restrain Cersei to the bed. The Midwives and guards assisted, follow by forcing a cup of herbal tea to calm her nerves. She tried to fight back, kicking, hitting, and spitting in their faces to get free, but they were stronger. In her haze, she could see Maggy the Frog laughing at her as she suffered. A part of Cersei wanted to die right here and now. She rather dies with her son instead of letting him be born and be labeled a bastard. Instead of having Lannister to his last name, he would be known as Waters. The illegitimate son of Euron, despite Jaime Lannister being the biological father.
She wailed out in pain, the contractions being closer and by far painful. The Maester put his hand near her private, feeling the head of her child.
"Now's the time to push," the Maester instructed.
"No," Cersei cried. "Not yet."
"If you don't push now, you'll hurt yourself," the Maester tried to reason.
Cersei shook her head, for she can't. She won't push. She willed her body to not push. Although, like everything in her life, her body betrayed her as it tried to push the baby out. Cersei cried in agony in the resistance, yet the midwives and Maester desperately wanted to help her deliver the baby. There was no point; the pain was becoming unbearable that she conceded and pushed. She gripped the bedsheets that her nails ripped through as she pushed. Her wails echoing throughout the building.
Time seemed to vanish, the voices mere whispers, as warmth filled her as she pushed. On the final push, the baby was born. A guard who stood the door left, yet Cersei did not see him leave. Her attention was on the baby, hearing the baby wail from the tribulations of being born. The Maester took hold and handed the baby to the midwife, who rushed the child to a corner to clean him up.
Him…Cersei believes it is a boy. Based on the cries and having two sons, she could tell it was a boy. She panted, reaching out to hold her son, yet the Maester focused on having her deliver the placenta. Cersei was tired and lost her strength to fight the man. Her body felt weak, exhausted over the last several days. All she could do was lay there, watching the midwife clean her son up and hopefully bring him over.
If she was going to die the following day. At least let her hold and nurse her son one last time.
Defeat.
Cersei Lannister was defeated and was accepting death.
She had nothing but a moment with her son.
She has failed.
Once the placenta was delivered, the Maester treated Cersei before adjusting the sheets and gotten up. Leaving the once Queen in a bed of blood.
"Let me hold him," Cersei tiredly asked.
The Maester came over, examining the child. Far more tedious than the previous Maester and midwives who were there in the prior births. No doubt checking for deformities. After some time, they still have not handed the baby over.
"Let me hold him," Cersei demanded, what little strength burned in her to yell.
The Maester and Midwife paused, looking at her with hesitation. That was when the door opens with two Unsullied guards and Alysanne Targaryen. The Maester and Midwives bowed to the Dragon Queen. Cersei's eyes widen, wondering why her nemesis was here. Why would Alysanne be here after the birth of her enemy's child?
Alysanne's indigo eyes stared at Cersei. The light from the hearth, with flames, flickered along her pale skin, yet those indigo eyes burned with many emotions. Despite her posture being statuesque and regal, her eyes held anger and revenge. The expression Cersei had against Tyrion at the dragon pits.
The Dragon Queen came over to the Maester, who held the baby now swaddled. She made a gestured to hold, which the Maester obliged. Alysanne held the newborn, adjusting some and unravel the swaddle slightly to see the gender. Cersei scowled; she should be the first to hold her son, not Alysanne.
"Give me back my son," Cersei demanded as she tried to get up. The sudden movement shot an agonizing pain in her loins as blood gushed out from her vagina.
Alysanne turned around, facing the Lioness, "You do not have a son. But a daughter."
"A…a daughter," Cersei gasped as tears glazed her eyes.
"Indeed, a daughter," Alysanne confirmed, her voice sharp and cold.
"Give her to me, please," Cersei begged, reaching out.
Alysanne glanced at Cersei and then at the little girl. Her slightly calloused fingers traced along the crying newborn calming her down and giving a long shush that was nurturing. Cersei's green eyes narrow.
"She's mine," Cersei barked.
Alysanne looked up, "Have you ever heard the phrase an eye for an eye?"
Cersei glared at her as her gut twisted.
"You took my sister away from me. Daenerys was more than a sister; she was my daughter and the only family I have left." Alysanne said, her voice like steel. "You've stolen time I had with her, time she had to grow and become stronger than any woman in the world. And what did you do…you had the Mountain decapitate her on top of the Gate of the Gods and kick her body over."
Cersei hyperventilated, fearing what Alysanne would do to her daughter.
"I can no longer hold my sister," Alysanne murmured, caressing the baby. "No longer can I see her violet eyes. No longer can I hear her voice and laughter. No longer can I have moments with her when she finds a husband and start a family. All those moments go."
Alysanne's indigo eyes stared at her Cersei green orbs.
"If I can no longer hold my sister, than you should not be able to hold your daughter," Alysanne murmured. "An eye for an eye."
Alysanne then gestured the Maester and midwives to leave the room. They gave a bow and obliged. Cersei wondered where they were going. She still needed to be tended to. Yet they obeyed the Dragon Queen. Alysanne walked over to the foot of the bed, giving Cersei a final glance at her little girl.
"Farewell, Cersei Lannister," Alysanne said. "May the Seven have mercy on your soul."
Cersei tried to get a glance at her daughter. Seeing her red skin from crying, small round cheeks, and a slight tuff of hair. Cersei wishes her daughter could open her eyes. Then again, there is no doubt her daughter would have green eyes like hers.
With nothing else to say, Alysanne left the room.
"Wait!" Cersei called out.
Alysanne stopped at the door.
"Please let me hold her," Cersei pleaded. "Just this once."
Alysanne paused, staring at the baby girl who was still crying. Cersei thought a mother's love can let her enemy provide this one act of kindness. She watched the Dragon Queen hoping the gods allow this moment.
"No," was all Alysanne said before leaving as her two Unsullied guards closed and locked the door.
"Bitch!" Cersei screamed as she sobbed.
She screamed and cried, losing practically everything except for one that is her life. And even then, she was about to lose her head. A small breathy chuckled could be heard from the fireplace. Cersei looked up to see Maggy there in her wild attire.
"And another has come, younger and more beautiful, to cast you down and take all that you hold dear," Maggy murmured.
Cersei cried, trying to ignore the ghost of her past.
"When your tears have drowned you, the Hāedar shall wrap her hands about your pale white throat and choke the life from you. Along with your heart by her needle." Maggy murmured.
Just then, the windows to her chamber burst open as a gust of cold winds came taking all the warmth out of the room. The flames in the fireplace dying out. Cersei continued to cry, oblivious to the entity that has entered the room. As she was drowning in her sorrows. The shadow watched her before walking to the foot of the bed.
"Do you remember me," a female said in a monotone voice.
Cersei lifted her head to see a short woman dress in dark attire. At first, she thought it was The Stranger, ready to claim her soul and bring it to the father to judge and drag her soul to one of the Seven Hells. As her eyes adjusted, she realized this was no god but a woman. She watched as the person removed the hood to their cloak revealing none other than Arya Stark. No longer the little girl who was chasing cats.
"Arya," Cersei breathed.
"So, you do remember me," Arya murmured.
Cersei also remembered Arya aiming a rapier at her a few days ago.
"The strongest memory I have of you was five years ago…at the Steps of Baelor seeing you standing there as Joffrey order Ser Ilyn Payne to cut off Ned Stark's head. My Father. With his own sword, Ice." Arya reminded as she made her way over.
Cersei tried to speak, yet no words could escape. Before Cersei could react, Arya lunged forward, wrapping her hands around the once Queen's neck and pinned her to the bed. Arya squeezed her hands harder, strangling Cersei. Cersei struggled as she tried to fight her way out of Arya's grasp. It was impossible as the she-wolf had an iron grip.
She reached out, except Arya had her pinned, making it complicated. All Cersei could see was mainly a shadow, but those dark eyes were empty. The utter emptiness of any remorse or guilt, basically any emotions. Wait, she did see one emotion. Hate. True and utter hatred.
Cersei tried to scratch at Arya's face, but the she-wolf pulled her head back far enough, squeezing tighter. Cersei's lungs begged for air while black dots appeared in her visions. She wasn't sure if this is what drowning feels like. But the pain was unbearable. Her thoughts linger if this was how Joffrey felt while choking to his death, the suffocation.
It was too much. All the remaining energy was draining from her body. Her lungs burning while her nether region bleeding from childbirth. Her ears were ringing as Maggy the Frogs ghost laughed in her ear. Just as death was near, with an ounce of air in her lungs, Arya pulled back. Cersei was about to inhale sharply when a sharp acute pain stabbed her in the chest.
Green eyes glance down to see a rapier inside her chest where her heart should be. Blood dripped on the blade while seeping in what remains white of her chemises. She looked up, staring at Arya in disbelief.
"The North remembers," Arya said.
With nothing else to say, Arya yanked her sword out, letting the blood pour. Cersei, drained from all that has happened today, fell to her side. Laying in a bed of blood and tears. All have been taken from her.
She was nothing now.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
I did not look back as Arya finished what we both have discussed. As much as I would like to decapitate Cersei with Frozenfang. But atlas, a deal was a deal. Either way, I managed to take some poetic justice by denying the lioness a chance to hold her last remaining child. At least I have mercy to spare the child.
Poor child, born of incest. Her conception being a lie, to be a child of Euron Greyjoy when Ser Jaime Lannister is the father. Her health may be questioned, along with her mentality. From what Tyrion describes of Myrcella and Tommen Baratheon was good. None as vile as Joffrey Baratheon. Pray the gods this little one be like her sister and not her mother.
When I enter the council room, seeing the men standing there in discussion. All were surprised to see me holding the baby. Not saying a word, I came over to Ser Jaime and handed him his daughter.
"A girl," I announced. "Make sure she is nothing like her mother."
"Thank you, your majesty," Ser Jaime said.
"A nursemaid should be waiting for you; she hasn't eaten yet," I advised.
Ser Jaime nodded as he went to take his daughter to his chambers. I sighed, looking at everyone who watches in question. With nothing else to say, I wish them a good night before heading to bed.
"Your Grace," Tyrion spoke out.
I stop at the door.
"Cersei is she…." Tyrion stopped himself.
I assumed he wonders if Cersei was still alive.
Not facing him, I said, "Last I saw her, she was still breathing."
With nothing else to say, I left the council room, returning to Maegor's Holdfast. No longer letting the enemy have the upper hand. The Royal Lannister Dynasty has come to an end.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. Sorry once again for taking this long. It's hard to write the ending for this story. I have an idea for the ending, it's just getting there is the struggle.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!