Chapter four
TLR
"Do you think Mother will have any more?" Jasper asked, grinning when baby Tommen squeezed his tiny fist around his finger.
"I don't think so, Tommen was her last baby before. And I heard the Septa's- this birth was even harder than Joff's- they weren't sure Tommen was going to survive, he was so little. I don't think Mother will risk another pregnancy."
"She has five children now, they don't really need more." Jasper shrugged, frowning slightly. "Kai?"
"Hm?"
"What happened to them?" Kailyah paused, arms tightening around the infant asleep in her lap.
"I don't like to think about that, Jas."
"I know." Jasper sighed, shoulders slumping, and Kailyah hesitated, glancing towards the bed, where their exhausted Mother slept, her pain aided with Milk of the Poppy.
"Joffrey- he turned into a cruel King. Mother spoiled him rotten, and Father was either cruel or pretended he didn't exist entirely. He started a war- and he was poisoned." Jasper's head snapped up, and he met his twin's eyes. "Marcella was poisoned as well, and Tommen killer himself. Leapt out the tower window." Jasper swallowed roughly, head bowing over his youngest brother as his hand moved over the infant's chest, feeling its heartbeat.
"What- what will happen this time?" He asked, deciding he didn't want to know. Jasper felt a sudden flash of grief, not only for his youngest three siblings, but for his twin. It was one thing to know their future ended in nothing but tragedy, it was another to see it, to see their mother, their brothers and sister die. Seven hells, they were only ten, and she'd seen everyone they loved die.
"I don't know." Kailyah smiled, kissing the top of their baby brother's head. "Joffrey will inherit the Stormlands or Casterly Rock if Renly or Tyrion don't have any heirs."
"I don't know about Uncle Renly, but Uncle Tyrion may have more than he knows what to do with." Jasper chuckled.
"None so far, and none that I remember. Even if he doesn't he'll likely marry a high lady of the Westerlands, he's never enjoyed his time in the Stormlands. Marcella will marry-"
"Who?"
"She was sent to Dorne last time, and she and her fiance were happy, in love, even."
"In Dorne? Really?"
"Really. I think she'll do the same thing this time. Tommen never enjoyed fighting, he's a sweet boy. I think he'll be like Renly, he'll enjoy court and remain in the Crownlands. They'll be safe, and happy, and they'll have children and grandchildren and live til they're eighty. I'll make sure of it." Kailyah swore, not sure if she was promising her brother of herself.
"And what about us? You haven't told me much about this plan of yours, about what happens after we prevent the war and beat the dead?"
"We'll both marry, as is expected of us-"
"Who?"
"We need connections to the other Houses. Marriages. Marcella will give us Dorne, of course. You'll marry Margery, or, if you decide you can't stand her- which doesn't seem likely with that blush-"
"Shut up." Jasper said, cheeks and ears red, going to shove her before remembering their little brother and stopping himself.
"-Sansa Stark or Arianne Martell are your best options."
"And you?"
"Robb Stark-"
"He's all the way in Winterfell!" Jasper protested immediately.
"Or Theon Greyjoy-"
"Absolutely not-
"Or Edmure Tully-"
"He's twice our age!"
"Or Quenton Martell-
"You're not going to Dorne-"
"Or Willas Tyrell."
"Why can't you marry someone in the Capitol?" Jasper whined, and Kailyah rolled her eyes.
"We need connections Jas. Besides, even if we didn't need allies for war, it's expected of me to marry into some great house, and even if Mother hates sending me away, she wouldn't settle for less than the heir of a kingdom."
"She'll settle if it'll keep you close. I suppose Willas wouldn't be bad, or maybe Loras so you can stay in court."
"I can't stay forever."
"We'll see."
TLR
"Lord Baelish." Kailyah smiled as she came upon the man, and he turned to her quickly, abandoning the serving girl he was hovering over in the darkened hallway.
"Princess." He bowed slightly, and Kailyah smiled, meeting Mira's eyes over his shoulder as the girl straightened, taking a step back.
"Is there somthing wrong?" She asked quietly.
"Not at all, Princess. Simply catching up with an old acquaintance." Baelish assured, glancing back as Mira stepped back, holding her hand to her chest, a faint red mark in the shape of a handprint blooming across her wrist.
"Excuse me, Princess, m'lord. I should get back to the Queen."
"Of course, thank you- Mina?"
"Mira, Princess."
"My apologies. I'll let you get back to your work, if you don't mind me borrowing Lord Baelish."
"You can keep him, Princess." Mira ducked past her, hurrying off, and Baelish flashed her a kind smile.
"Did you need something from me, Princess?"
"Actually, my Uncle Renly would like to see you. Something about funds for rebuilding part of the dungeons?"
'Ah, yes. A terrible fire."
"Yes, I believe Uncle Renly would like to use more stone than wood this time."
"I believe that may be a good idea, Princess." Baelish chuckled as they began to walk back through the walls of the Keep together.
"How did you know her? My Mothers handmaiden?"
"I knew her Mother. She was one of my employee's, I've been very concerned for her. She and her three daughters seem to have disappeared entirely. I'm wondering how she came to be in your family's employ."
"Well, I found Maya, that's Min- Mira's elder sister starving on the streets on our way back from the Sept. I couldn't just leave her there, so I convinced Mother to bring them back to the Keep. We gave them jobs in the kitchen, they've worked their way up since then."
"Ah, your Mother. I should've guessed. I've noticed a lot of young ones beginning to work at the Palace,"
"There's just so many children, living on the street, starving." Kailyah shook her head sadly. "Jasper and I are very concerned about the poverty rate in King's Landing, and when we brought it to Mothers attention, she started hiring as many as she could find positions for. She says if you start them when they are young, you can teach them all they want to know and foster their loyalty."
"How generous of her." Baelish shook her head. "And how fortunate that Mira and her sister managed to rise in the ranks so quickly."
"Hard work gets you far, wouldn't you agree? After all, it worked for you."
"Oh?"
"You came from a minor house in the Vale, yes?"
"So small it didn't even have a name. They called our region the Fingers. I suppose that's how I got my name."
"And you made it all the way from there to the Capitol, to the Small Council, even. That must be quite a story."
"A rather long, tedious life of making friends and earning trust. Not very exciting."
"Hm." Kailyah just smiled. "I think it is. It's very interesting how someone grows from obscurity into one of the most influential people in King's Landing. How did you do it?"
"Being careful, Princess. Hedging my bets and earning favors." Baelish said after a moment.
"Well then." Kailyah smiled, releasing his arm and stepping away from him with a sweet smile. "Keep being careful, Lord Baelish. I'd hate for it all to be for nothing."
TLR
"That was quite a show, my dear. Your Septa fainted." Olenna chuckled at the thirteen year old princess, still in her simple white tunic and leather trousers, a matching leather corset around her waist and wrist guards on her forarms, a deep red cloak hanging around her.
"I saw, it made the scolding I got worth it."
"And winning the archery portion of the tourney didn't?" Margery laughed, sipping her tea and lounging in her chair as if it was her Throne, completely comfortable in the castle's gardens.
"As fun as it was, that certainly wasn't worth being scolded by my Grandfather. We were told he wasn't able to make it." Kailyah grumbled, pouting slightly, and Olenna reached over, tapping her on the lip lightly.
"Put that away, there is no one here worth seducing with that little trick." She scolded, and Kailyah turned her pout to Margery, who hid her smirk behind her teacup. "Girls." Olenna scolded, and they burst into laughter as Olenna shook her head tiredly. "Honestly the two of you."
"Are you afraid we'll give you gray hairs, Grandmother?" Margery teased, and Olenna turned to her mock sternly.
"Careful, girl." Margery just grinned, taking a bite of a strawberry, and Olenna hid a smile, turning back to Kailyah. "Tell me dear, why did you do it?"
"Besides boredom?"
"You know better than to throw away your reputation. Sheep fear lions."
"Lion? I am a doe of Storms End! Doe's cannot hurt anyone." Kailyah batted her eyelashes innocently, and Olenna chuckled.
"Apparently this little doe can hit the center of a target at fifty meters." Kailyah just smiled, and Olenna arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. "You saw it, didn't you? The way the tourney, the way two thousand people went silent when you removed your cloak."
"I did. I saw their shock, I saw their fear. And then, my brother stepped down from the dias, and he bowed. Then Loras did, then every knight in the tourney. Yes, men fear what they think will hurt them, but do they not also run towards it?"
"That is true. Men are fools, they run towards danger, and when they survive by the skin of their teeth, they call themselves brave. But men are easier to manipulate when they think you weak."
"I could walk around in full armor, I could fight alongside them in battle. It doesn't matter if I master the sword and fell a dragon, men will look at me, and they'll still think themselves stronger, smarter. My skill with a bow is nothing more than a unique hobby to them, something I could teach their sons should they conquer me. They'll think me a challenge, something to win, they'll think me special because I'm different then the other girls, and they'll see themselves above other men because other men couldn't conquer me."
"Men are fools. You are right, my dear, there are very few men in this world who would look at you, or Margery, or even me, and think to be wary. Not until we show them why they should be."
"And I don't intend to show them until I'm ready."
"Good girl." Olenna patted her hand. "You still haven't told me why."
"My Father."
"He was certainly impressed."
"He was."
"I wondered if he'd ever stop boasting about you, his wild girl. I do believe he even called you by the wrong name once or twice."
"Ah, yes." Kailyah smiled, taking a sip of wine. "Lyanna Stark. It's funny how he can look at one girl and see a different one entirely."
"It is."
"Of course, he is very attached to his image of that girl. It's funny what a man will do to keep that memory close to him."
"Mm. Like refusing to foster her."
"Or arrange marriage contracts. Something his advisors are very insistent over."
"That wouldn't be why he and Jon Arryn were seen arguing not long after, would it?"
"How would I know? I'm only a girl, politics aren't my concern." Kailyah hummed, not bothering to hide her grin. Olenna simply smiled, patting her on the hand again.
"Good girl."
TLR
"No." Jaime said immediately, walking into his and Kailyah's training ground and finding his- Marcella at her side.
"Uncle Jaime!" Both girls, fourteen and seven, whined at the same time, and Jaime groaned, head tilted back, looking up at the sky to avoid their matching emerald eyes.
"No." He said again.
"Why not?" Kailyah demanded, hands falling to her hips, her chin lifted proudly. Marcella glanced at her sister and quickly copied her pose, pouting up at Jaime.
"Because your mother will murder me."
"She didn't when you started training me! And 'Cella needs to learn!"
"That's not- you!" Jaime finally glanced down at the girls, and regretted it immediately. They had the same stubborn look in their eyes, the same that Cersei often had. Both girls, golden and raven, looked remarkably like her in that moment, and Gods above, Jaime had never been able to tell her no either. "Seven hells."
"Yay!" Marcella cheered, and Kailyah beamed, taking Marcellas hand and walking towards the small shed that held their training equipment, patting Jaime on the arm as she passed.
"Okay, 'Cella, what do you want to start with? Swords or Daggers?"
TLR
"Close the door." Kailyah said suddenly, snapping all five of them out of their shock. Margery moved quickly, whipping around and yanking Jasper the rest of the way inside the door and slamming it closed, locking it. The boy kneeling on the floor leaped to his feet, wiping his mouth, while Loras hurried to shove his prick back in his pants.
"Your Grace, it's not- we weren't-" The boy stuttered.
"It's not what it looks like." Loras insisted, raking his fingers through his mussed curls.
"We live in King's Landing, Loras. It's exactly what it looks like." Kailyah said, sharing a look with her twin, who stepped forward, meeting Loras' squire's eyes.
"We'll keep our silence if you keep yours, Kaden."
"Yes, my Prince. Thank you." Kaden rushed toward the door, but MArgery caught his arm, yanking him close and hissing in his ear.
"Do not speak a word of this to anyone. If it gets out, I will come for you." Kailyahs lips lifted slightly at Margery's quiet threat, but she waited until Margery let him out the door and barred it before speaking.
"You need to be careful, my friend. If someone found out-"
"I know." Loras' head bowed, and Jasper stepped forward, clasping his shoulders.
"Your goals, your dreams. Everything you're hoping for, it'd all be gone. You'd be mocked and harassed for the rest of your life, Loras. I don't want that for you."
"You- you won't tell anyone?"
"You are our friends, some of the only true ones we have. We wouldn't betray your trust."
"And you're not…" Loras trailed off, unsure.
"I don't particularly have a preference." Kailyah offered, taking a risk, and the Tyrells and her twin turned to her, surprised. Olenna was brutal when protecting her House or avenging her grandchildren, and Kailyah did not want her to consider them an enemy. "Men and women are both beautiful, I can understand wanting either."
"In that case," Margery spoke up for the first time, striding towards Kailyah determinedly. "I've been wanting to do this for years." Margery's fingers slid over her jaw and into her hair, and she tugged Kailyah closer, pressing her plush lips to the Princess'. Kailyah arched into her, her hands falling onto her friends waist as she returned the kiss, mind racing.
Kailyah had a slight crush on Margery for almost two years now, since she'd flowered and it had only grown since the twins' trip to Highgarden. Kailyah had blossomed in the last year, and while Margery always flirted with her twin, Kailyah noticed the same tactics being used on her as well. While she suspected her brothers intended to return her feelings, this kiss wasn't completely genuine. It was a risk, one that could ruin them both, and ruin Margery's possible engagement to Jasper.
'It was a ransom.' Kailyah realized as her eyes fluttered closed. 'Tell the world about Loras, we'll tell the world about us. We'll go down together.' Kailyah pulled away slowly, understanding in her eyes, and Margery's lips pulled up into the slightest smirk.
"Uh…" The girls turned to Jasper, who was staring at them, eyes wide.
"I apologize, Your Grace. I couldn't contain myself."
"I- Kailee?"
"I certainly didn't mind." Kailyah smiled, linking her arm with Margery's and leaning her head on the taller girl's shoulder faux casually.
"I- okay." Jasper blinked, eyes flicking between them uncertainty.
"Jasper, are you…" Loras asked.
"I like women, if that's what you're asking." Jasper shrugged. "But there's nothing wrong with your choices. I only wish you could explore them freely."
"Perhaps we should sail off to Dorne, all four of us. Live our lives how we wish it." Margery mused.
"I do want to avoid inheriting our Fathers crumbling kingdom." Jasper tilted his head to the side consideringly, and Kailyah rolled her eyes.
"Don't tempt him, he might actually try it, and I'll have to pick up the peices."
"I'd bring you with me!"
"And leave Joffrey to rule?"
"Nevermind."
TLR
"I'm sorry, Jasper." Kailyah apologized the moment they were alone, reaching over to take his hand. "I shouldn't have- you're supposed to marry-"
"We're not betrothed. Not officially."
"But you care for her."
"Do you?" Kailyah didn't respond, and Jasper squeezed her hand. "Do you prefer women?"
"I don't- I don't prefer either. I enjoy both."
"But you like Margery."
"...I shouldn't."
"Because of me, or because of your plans?"
"It's- everything! We're not in Dorne, or Essos, we have a whole kingdom to save, and- and you and Margery are supposed to marry. I can't… I would never want to hurt you like that." Kailyah trailed off and Jasper sighed, staring at the ceiling.
"Anything that makes you happy couldn't hurt me, sister. Just…once we are married-'' Jasper shook his head, sighing. "Uncle Tyrion sent a girl to my room for our name day." He confessed. "We- it was good, fun even. I don't understand why it's considered wrong, or dirty, to be with other people before promising yourself to someone. If you and Margery… spend some time together, there's nothing wrong with that, as long as you're careful." Jasper swore, meeting his twin's eyes. "But I will not have a marriage like our parents, full of infidelity and lies."
"Never, Jas. I'd never do that to you."
"I know, Kai." He smiled, kissing her forehead. "Do what makes you happy for as long as you can sister. I'm sorry it can't be forever."
"I know my duty, just as you know yours, Jas."
"It's not fair."
"No, it's not. But it's the world we live in."
"We'll build a better one."
"Together."
TLR
It was late at night when something moved behind a deep green tapestry on the far wall of Kailyah's bedroom. Just as she grabbed one of her daggers from her bedside table, the silk tapestry was pushed to the side as Margery, donned only in a slip and robe, stepped out from a hidden passageway, pulling the hidden door shut behind her.
"Well that's interesting." The princess mused, examining the almost unnoticeable seam in the wall.
"Kings Landing isn't the only place that fosters secrets."
"Hm." Kailyah set her dagger down once more, turning away from Margery to strip out of her robe, leaving her in a silk black slip with Myrish lace painstakingly sewn on. "That was quite a performance you put on this morning."
"Performance? I certainly wouldn't call it that." Margery smiled beautifully, walking over to a side table to pour them each a glass of wine, turning to hand one to Kailyah. Her fingers brushed over the Princess' as she did, hazel eyes meeting emeralds intently, and Kailyah turned, perching on the edge of her bed and taking a sip.
"Oh?"
"It had its benefits, of course. Your brother's silence for your safety, and my own. But the best was finally getting to kiss you."
"No games tonight, Margery."
"You know I love playing with you, but never at your expense." Margery promised, sitting next to her on the bed, far too close to be considered proper. "We are different from the others, Kailyah. We're special. We know our place in this world, we know where we want to be, and exactly how to get there."
"And where do I fit into you and your Grandmother's plan?"
"My goodsister. My confident, my friend. True friend's, someone who you don't have to perform for, or lie to, are so very rare in our world."
"You expect me to believe that?" Kailyah drawled, taking a sip of her wine, before Margery reached over, gently taking her goblet from her hand and setting it on her table next to Margerys.
"You don't?"
"I struggle to believe anything anyone says in Highgarden, especially a grandaughter of the Queen of Thorns."
"I could say the same about Kings Landing. The pit of snakes." The onyx haired girl arched an eyebrow, doubtful, and Margery leaned close, tracing her fingers over Kailyah's full lips, losing any trace of flirting or play from her voice. "You are the only woman in the world I would risk a crown for, Kailee." Kailyah met her eyes, calculating, before surging forward, taking Margery's mouth. The Tyrell girl arched into her, one hand falling to her waist, pulling her closer, while the other tangled in her curls, while Kailyah's hands cradled her jaw, nails scraping softly against her skin. Kailyah pulled back, but Margery chased her lips, moving to hover over the Princess, coaxing her to lay back against her mattress. Margery traced her tongue over her lips, coaxing them open, before pushing inside, teasing Kailyah into a dance. She tasted like sweet wine and honey, and left Kailyah breathless when she finally pulled back. Kailyah forced herself to focus, tangling her fingers in Margery's hair before she could dive back in, and met her eyes.
"If you hurt my brother, I will make the Rains of Castamere look like childsplay." She warned. Margery just smiled, pecking her sweetly on her lips.
"I'd never dream of it, Princess." She lied, before trailing her lips down Kailyah's jaw, sucking and nipping at her throat as she tugged the strap of Kailyahs nightgown off her shoulder, slowly working her way down Kailyah's body. Kailyah closed her eyes, surrendering to pleasure under Margery's skilled mouth.
Politics could wait til tomorrow.
TLR
"Joff, what are you doing?" Joffrey turned to her with an eager little grin and Kailyah's heart dropped to her stomach when she saw the bloodied knife in his hand and the stains on his shirt.
"Kailee! Come see, look! Tommen said there was a pregnant car near the kitchen, I came to see the kittens!" Joffrey waved her toward him eagerly and Kailyah stepped forward cautiously, stomach rolling when she saw the cat lying on the floor, blood matting its fur, stomach slit open. In front of her were six still hairless kittens laid out in a row, skin blue and eyes shut. They were dead, all six of them. Kailyah stumbled back, hand covering her mouth, and nearly vomited again when she realized the mother was still alive, stomach rising and falling slowly with shallow breaths. "Kailee?" Joffery cocked his head to the side, concerned, stepping towards her.
"Stop. Just- just wait." Kailyah held a hand up to stop him, leaning against the wall and taking a few breaths to calm down, stomach rolling again when she smelled the coppery blood. Her mind raced, trying to find a way to explain this to Joffrey, to keep her brother from spiraling to the cruel little King who got himself killed. She'd thought- time and attention and having more consequences and less freedom than the crown Prince, having a deeper connection with two of his siblings and not having the pressure of someday ruling seven kingdoms looming over his head- she thought she wouldn't have to fix this.
Yes, Joffrey has always been slightly disconnected from the rest of the world, never quite able to fit in, he was spoiled and cruel, but Kailyah had actively worked for years to teach him how to at least fake fitting in, the bare basics of politics, and that despite what their Mother says, actions have consequences, and their Mother cannot fix everything for them. She had protected him from their Father as much as she could, and pushed him to look up to his older brother, who was clever and strong and independent, trying to give Joffrey his best chance in this world.
"Let me see that." She took the dagger, one of hers, she noticed, annoyed, and knelt next to the poor creature, gently petting its fur, ignoring the blood staining her fingers. The poor cat let out a pitiful mewl, pushing up into the kind touch, and Kailyah hushed it, taking a moment to whisper a quiet apology before slitting its throat, ending its pain. She turned to Joffery, who was watching her with a confused little frown. "Did anyone see you?" She asked calmly.
"I- no. I don't think so."
"Are you sure?"
"Why does it matter!"
"Because people talk, Joff! I've told you a thousand times, it matters what people think!"
"Mother-"
"Mother can't fix everything! Neither can Jasper, or I!" She snapped, taking a moment to calm down before meeting Joffrey's petulant frown. "What are you going to do in twenty years? Do you think your bannermen are going to respect you, or follow you if you are still expecting others to fix your problems?"
"No." Joffery mumbled, looking at the ground. Kailyah sighed, lifting the ten year olds chin to meet her eyes. "Do you know what people will say if they see this? They will call you violent, or insane. What happens to leaders like that? What happened to Maegor the Cruel or Aerys, the Mad King?"
"The people rose against them." Joffrey sighed.
"Why?"
"Because people can't be afraid forever. People will not live under a leader they hate, not for long."
"And we are far too smart to let that happen to us, yes?" Kailyah encouraged, grinning when his lips quirked up into a small, unsure smile.
"Yes." Joffrey agreed, before hesitating and stepping forward to hug his sister- his sister who paid more attention to him than anyone else, who taught him and encouraged him and never once let him down- around the waist. "I'll do better next time."
"You know why I tell you these things, yes?" Kailyah asked, kissing his blond curls.
"You want to protect me."
"That's right. Everyone in the world has darkness inside them, Joff. But they ignore their own and judge others for theirs. We have to keep ours hidden."
"I know. I'll do better." Joffery hesitated, looking up at her. "I wanted to show Father."
"I don't think he'd be very impressed, Joff. Hurting the young and helpless is never well received." Kailyah sighed, feeling Joffery wilt slightly. "If you really want to impress him, ask Jasper to go on a hunt with you. Bring down a mighty stag or a boar. I know you can do it, you'll be an even better archer than I one day." She leaned back to tweak his nose, smiling when he beamed up at her.
"Will you practice with me?"
"Of course, Joff. Go get changed, make sure no one sees you. Hide your clothes under your bed, I'll take care of them later." Joffery beamed and ran off, and Kailyah's smile faded once he was out of sight, before turning to take care of the mess he left behind.
Her little brother was a monster in the making. But he was her monster, and she loved him anyway.
TLR
"Joffrey needs a bodyguard." Kailyah announced, flopping down onto her fifteen year old twins bed and staring up at the ceiling.
"Is there a reason?" Jasper asked, flipping through a new book Tyrion had sent him.
"You know how his horse collapsed the other day?" Kailyah asked, deciding not to mention the cat.
"Heat exhaustion, Kai. I hardly think it was hired to assassinate him."
"It wasn't heat exhaustion." Here Jasper paused, glancing up at her with an arched eyebrow. "Joffrey made the stableboy tighten the saddle strap too much, it wasn't breathing properly. That and the heat made if fall."
"Why would he do that?" Jasper asked incredulously.
"It tried to buck him off the day before."
"He wanted the horse! He was warned that it was an untrained stallion, that's what wild horses do!"
"I know."
"Kai, he can't-"
"I know."
"This isn't okay, Kai. This isn't a 'I'll talk to him' thing, he needs to be punished or he'll keep-"
"Oh trust me, Father took care of that." Kailyah scoffed, bitterly, and Jasper paused, setting his book down.
"What did he do?"
"Struck Joff across the face, had him confined to his room."
"Bastard." Jasper snarled, furious. Jasper didn't tolerate Joffrey's violent streak, he cared about everything and everyone, and between him and Kailyah, Joffrey generally knew better than to try anything. But Jasper loved his family more than anything, and he didn't tolerate anyone hurting them, especially not his Father, who was supposed to protect his children.
"I sent his stallion back to the Westerlands, I think that's punishment enough for now. And we will talk to him, he listens to people he respects. But we need someone with him at all times, Joff knows better than to act out when people are watching."
"People will lose all respect for him if it gets out that he has a babysitter."
"Not a babysitter, a personal guard."
"Father will never allow it, he calls Lords with sworn shields weak. And we have guards already, he won't think it's necessary."
"So we make it necessary."
"How?" Kailyah was quiet for a moment, thinking.
"You need to impress Varys."
"What?! Why?" Jasper whined immediately, and Kailyah smirked. Jasper had never trusted their Master of Secrets, he found the eunuch's very presence slightly disconcerting and tried to avoid him as much as he could.
"Varys is hedging his bets, he doesn't care who sits on the throne as long as it benefits the realm. You need to convince him that you are his best bet, and he'll do anything he can to earn your favor."
"And what does this have to do with Joff?"
"Everyone knows you love your family, Jas. I'll start rumors of a plot for Joffrey's head, and Varys will bring them to you to win your trust."
"Alright." Jasper agreed after a moment. "So how do we convince Varys that I'd be a good King?"
"We can start by attending the Small Council meetings."
TLR
"And you're certain he's after Joffrey?" Their Mother demanded immediately, her fingers spasming slightly around her middle child's shoulders.
"Yes, your Grace." Varys bowed his head slightly. "I am not certain yet as to how, but he had a map of the royal wing of the castle, a path that led directly to the Prince's room, and only to his room. He also had what I must assume is Prince Joffrey's guard rotation schedule." Varys pulled out a folded piece of paper from his robes, stepping forward and handing it off to Ser Barriston, who looked it over.
"This is indeed the P'rinces' schedule, but the only copy is still in the Guard tower. Someone must've copied this, but I don't recognise the handwriting."
"How did he get access to it?" Jasper asked, concerned.
"I do not know your Grace."
"I want everyone questioned. The guards, the squires, the maids, any whores your men brought home, I want them questioned immediately." Mother demanded.
"If I may, your Grace," Varys cut in. "I do not believe that this man is the so called- 'brain of the operation'. It is likely that he is only a pawn in someone else's plan, though I know not who."
"Find out." Their Father ordered. "I want the bastards head!"
"Of course, My King." Varys bowed, and Jasper gave him a small smile, stepping forward and resting a hand on his little brothers shoulder.
"Thank you, Varys. We owe you a great debt."
"Not at all, my Prince." Varys bowed, backing out of the room, and Mother returned to smothering Joffrey, assuring her eleven year old that 'he was safe, that she wouldn't let anything in this world hurt her darling boy' while their Father returned to downing his cups, grumbling about unseen enemies who 'should be grateful he allowed them to live in his Kingdom', and how it was probably 'those sister-fucking Targeryans.'
"Mother, Father." Kailyah called after a moment, forcing her eyes to widen as her shoulders hunched in slightly. "I'm worried about Joffrey. If we don't know who wants to hurt him, how will we keep him safe?"
"Not to worry, my sweet girl." Mother assured, leaning over to kiss the top of her head, one hand finally releasing Joffrey to smooth over her raven curls. "We will increase guard rotations with each of you. No one will hurt my children."
"We'll have the bastard's head soon enough." Robert grunted, reaching over to pat the top of Joffrey's head with a large, meaty paw. "Quit your blubbering boy, you're fine." Despite his Fathers words, Joff lit up under the attention, his tears drying up quickly.
"But Mother, whoever it is, has already shown that they can get past our guards." Jasper jumped in.
"What would you suggest, boy?" Their Father scoffed.
"Perhaps it would be best to get Joffrey a sworn shield."
"A sworn shield- my son isn't a damn pansy-" Their Father began to rage immediately, but Kailyah lit up, jumping in and turning to her Father with a blinding smile.
"That's a wonderful idea! Father, we can host a tourney, we'll call all the best fighters in the Kingdom! And whoever wins the melee can win the honor of guarding Joff! It'll be the best tourney the Kingdom has ever seen!" Her Fathers stormy blue eyes softened slightly at the sight of her, and Kailyah knew she'd done well, her dark hair braided back out of her face in a simple Northern style, wearing a pale blue and white simple gown. She still wore her wrist braces and light armor from training, and had her bow and quiver on her back. He looked at her and saw a different wild girl, and any thought of protesting died quickly on his tongue.
"It has been a bit since we've had a decent tourney." He muttered after a moment, turning back to his cups, and Kailyah hid a smug smile behind her own goblet.
TLR
"That one!" Joffrey pointed out two months later during the melee, pointing out a tall, muscled man in the middle of the courtyard, a pile of groaning, weak bodys strewn in the dirt around them. Half his face was covered in angry red scarring. "That one, Kai! He's going to win! What's his name?"
"That is Sandor Clegane."
"If you want him, he is yours, my darling." Their Mother promised, and Kailyah glanced up at her Father, who sighed deeply, downing his goblet and holding it out to his squire to refill.
"Very well."
TLR
"I hate him." Jasper spat, reaching up to gently, oh so gently, trace the bruise blossoming on his Mothers cheekbone. Cersei took her fifteen year old sons in hand, gently kissing his palm.
"I am alright, my love's." She promised, running her fingers over her eldest daughter's hair, hating how she hunched in on herself, biting her lip bloody.
"I am so sorry, Mother." Kailyah whispered, tears in her emerald green eyes.
"It's not your fault, darling."
"He hit you because I yelled at him."
"He was going to hit you, sweet girl. I simply turned his attention somewhere else."
"But-"
"You are my daughter Kailyah. I will always defend my cubs, even against the Seven Gods themselves." Cersei tilted her daughter's chin up to meet her eyes, tucking an onyx curl behind her ear.
"He shouldn't be striking either of you." Jasper snarled, running his fingers through his golden curls. "How can he do that? He just- he doesn't care!"
"Hush my son. I do not care what that vile beast does to me. His reign will not last forever."
"I could end it now." Jasper snarled, and Kailyahs head snapped up.
"No my love, I will not see you be killed because of your oaf of a father." Cersei pulled her son into her arms, and, already taller than her, Jasper wrapped his still slightly lanky arms around his mother, bending slightly to rest his head on her shoulder.
"How could a man like that be King?"
"He wont be forever. We'll just have to survive until then." Her mother sounded exhausted suddenly, and Kailyah made a decision then and there. Her mother would not suffer for her mistakes ever again. She would live a long, happy life, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Kailyah would make sure of it.
TLR
Kailyah lounged in her chair in the courtyard like it was a throne, sipping her wine and collectively ignoring the ladies chattering around her. Simple minded sheep, the lot of them. Gods, she couldn't stand half of them, and she was in a bad enough mood today to let it show.
Apparently they knew better than to say anything about if, and none spoke to her, not wanting to draw her ire. Kailyah was a shark in court, and had a talent for drawing secrets out of people, and getting them to do her bidding, and she often started fights between families when she was bored. No one wished to be on her bad side.
"So sorry I'm late!" A voice rang out, and Kailyah lit up, rising out of her seat as Margery and a few of her cousins walked into the courtyard and curtsied to the princess.
"Margery!" Kailyah beamed, taking her closest friends hands in her own and squeezing them gently. "I didn't know you were visiting Kings Landing."
"Grandmother grew tired of Fathers antics, and decided she couldn't stand to be in the same Kingdom as him." Margery laughed, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. "She's invited you to tea, if you aren't busy."
"Of course, you know I adore Lady Olenna. How is Willas? Did Loras come as well?" Kailyah linked their arms, letting Margery lead her towards the gardens, disregarding the ladies she'd invited to tea entirely. Margery's pouty lips lifted into a small smirk and they kept up their mindless chatter until they were out of earshot from any ladies or spys in the area. "Thank the Seven you came, I was nearly ready to commit homicide."
"I could tell." Margery laughed. "What has you in such a black mood?"
"Things have been tense." Kailyah sighed, but didn't expand.
"I'm certain we'll find a way to help you relax." Margery purred with a playful smirk, eyes trailing over Kailyah's face and trailing down her pale throat to her tight icy blue gown, before raising her voice as they passed a group of servants. "I found some dresses I think you'd adore, princess, may I bring them for you to try?"
"Of course, Margery, why don't you come to my solar after supper?" Kailyah grinned, desire dancing in her eyes. They both knew very well that someday Margerey was to marry Jasper, but both had discovered pleasure with each other first. It wasn't love, it never would be, but it was simple, playful, mind numbing pleasure that she missed when Margery was in Highgarden or when she was at Casterly Rock. "Lady Olenna, what a lovely surprise." She greeted, releasing Margerey to stoop down to kiss her grandmother's cheek.
"Hello, dear. I simply couldn't bear my fool son any longer, so Margery and I came here to seek out some intelligent company." Ollena smiled at her, patting her hand.
""Well I'm afraid you'll have to settle for me." Kailyah grinned, taking a ripe strawberry. "The sheep here will bore you to tears."
"So nothing changed then?" Ollena chuckled.
"Fathers still drunk, Mothers still angry, Jaspers still scrambling to keep the Kingdom from burning. Are you certain I can't steal away to Highgarden?"
"As much as we'd love to keep you, and how pretty you'd look in roses, I do not believe our mazes would be able to keep your brother out when he came calling for you, or your Mother, for that matter."
"Jasper would be helpless without me." Kailyah sighed, taking a sip of her tea with a playful smile on her plush pink lips. "I suppose Loras' and my epic romance will never come to be." Margery giggled at her faux wistful tone, and Ollena chuckled. Content for the first time in weeks, since Jon Arynn had started poking around her fathers bastards, Kailyah spent the remainder of the afternoon in the gardens. Until one of her little birds appeared over her shoulder, leaning down to whisper in her ear as she poured her pomegranate tea.
"Jon Arynn is dying."
TLR
Kailyah sat against Jaspers headboard, running her fingers through his golden curls as he rested his head on her lap, hiding his watery eyes and blotchy cheeks in her skirt. He was curled into himself, one hand clasped around his twins wrist as if she was about to slip away too. The only sound in the room was his shaky breathing and Kailyah quietly humming their Mothers lullaby.
'Days in the sun
Where my life has barely begun
Not until my whole life is done
Will I ever leave you'
"I know-" Jasper croaked eventually, not lifting his head. "I know you told me- you warned me that he would- that you couldn't stop it-" Jasper cut himself off, his breath hitching, and Kailyah kissed his mussed golden curls. "It still- I didn't expect it. I saw him yesterday, Kai, and he was fine."
"I know, love."
"He was- he was okay, and I should have, I should have stopped it-"
"Darling, nothing you or I could have done would have saved him. He was asking quetions people didn't want him to ask, and he made to many enemys to protect himself from."
"I dont-" Jasper cut himself off, breathing hitching. "I want- he- he should-"
"He should be here." Kailyah finished her twins thought, and Kailyah gently turned her twin to face her, heart breaking at the sight of his tears. Gods above, her twin was one of the kindest people in Westeros, and Kailyah hated herself for not protecting him from this pain. "He will be so proud of you, Jasper. Of the man you become, the King. You'll make him proud." Jasper nodded slowly, inhaling deeply, and rested his head on her lap once more.
"What happens now?" He asked quietly, and Kailyah hummed, smoothing his curls back from his face.
"Now... we go to Winterfell."
A.N. I wrote no less than four pages of Kailyah engineering an assasination attempt on Joffrey that she rigged to fail and convincing her parents to assign him a sworn shield and then lying to Jasper about being involved before I realized it absolutely did not go with her character to risk her siblings lives and deleted it all. Thank you to Ghouly-girl who reminded me about Clegane, who I'd completely forgotten about.
I ended up doing a deep dive into the life of Sandor Clegane, and it turned out that Tywin hired him as Cersei's personal guard after she became Queen as a thank you to his brother, Gregor Clegane, for killing the previous Queen, Elia Martell, and her children. Cersei eventually made him Joffrey's personal guard, and while I think he and Kailyah would be an awesome match, I think they'd have the best banter and he would absolutely call her out on her shit and they'd be very close eventually, Kailyahs just to paranoid to have someone following her around 24/7
I'm gonna be honest though, I honestly loved the idea enough to consider rewriting the three seasons I've already got done to fit them in and make him very begrudgingly start to care about her. I decided I have too many projects I'm working on right now, but I might write a side story or a spin off since I can't get the idea out of my head. I do like the idea of writing a spin off of this story, with Kailyah making different decisions and new allies.
I've thought Margery was bi for ages, I know it's not nessesarily cannon but I think it fits in my story. Kailyah and Margery are two very similair people, and while they are genuinely attracted to each other, and they're the only genuine friends the other has, they are both also doing what they were taught- manipulating people to their advantage. Their relationship is very much the same hostage situation it was when they kissed the first time, even if their feelings and attraction for eachother are genuine. If you don't like it, thats fine, it isn't going to be a focus point of my story, but I think it works
I'm not completely happy with this chapter, it just isn't flowing quite right for me, but I'm really excited to get into season one! If anyone has any other ideas or theories, please let me know! Sometimes I get so focused on my plot I forget other things! I'm planning on writing through the game of thrones plot and doing a several chapters long epilogue, focusing on the rest of my main characters lives and their children, so please let me know if there's anything you want to see!