The weeks passed in Kings Landing, uneasily, for both Brienne and Jaime. He was desperate to somehow get closer to her. She did her best to avoid him as much as possible. With the exception of the night he had stole into the Lord Commander's chamber and stood over his son's cradle, Jaime had yet to glimpse the boy up close. Brienne kept the child as much distanced from him as she could. Even through his yearning to be near to both of them, Jaime understood. He had created the doubt, the mistrust, and the foreboding within her heart. Yet, while he could not blame her, he prayed for a change in their situation.
Brienne spent much her free time with their child either strolling along the pathways of the Red Keep whispering unheard affections into the babe's ear, or sprawling upon a blanket with him in the gardens fully delighting in showing him the wonders of the world into which he been born. There was not one of these intimate moments that Jaime did not witness. He attempted to secret himself out of her vision, not wanting to make her uncomfortable during her maternal revelries. He was unsure if Brienne was aware of his presence as he watched her entertaining young Galladon, or if she was simply very good at ignoring the possibility that his caring eyes were upon them. Jaime tried to make himself believe that staring at them from afar was enough as he lost himself in watching their bond.
Tyrion had been correct in his description of Brienne's motherly skills. Jaime had never seen a mother love a child as much as she obviously adored their son. No woman he had ever known had shown such an innate understanding of her child's needs, or seemed so happy when in the presence of her babe. Not even Cersei had been as fulfilled by her children as Brienne was with hers. Jaime shook the horrid memory of his sister out of his head. He did not wish anything of her to stain what time he was allowed with Brienne and the child they shared, even it was only hidden at a distance.
During one long lazy afternoon, Jaime stood obscured behind a large ancient tree, and strained to behold Brienne as she lavished all of her attentions upon their babe. Never had he seen a more joyous smile upon anyone's face, as she sat upon a spread quilt in the shade of the leafy canopy of the gardens. He watched her gently moving the boy's arms and legs in time to a song she sang, but which Jaime stood at too a great distance to hear. He could have witnessed her delight forever. His heart sang to him that the gods had seen fit to grow his seed within Brienne's womb, and not Cersei's. His mind recalled the torment at believing he owed his loyalty to another within whom he had accidentally laid a babe. He had never been so glad to be the victim of someone's lie in all his life. Except that it had taken him from Brienne's side, his relief at not having actually fathered another child by his evil sister, was overwhelming. If only he could tell Brienne of his joy.
Jaime smiled in amusement as Brienne lifted their child above her head, and blew kisses upon his tiny belly again and again. Her smile rivaled the bright rays of the sun that sparkled around her shady refuge. So immersed in his happy observance was Jaime that he absent-mindedly stepped from his hiding place among the branches. He stood in the open, awed by the beauty of Brienne with their son. She saw him, almost immediately.
In an instant, Brienne's expression changed from one of sheer bliss, to a stoic glare. She eyed him suspiciously for a moment. Then Brienne wrapped Galladon in her arms, and held him close to her. She stood hurriedly and gathered the items she had brought for his care into a cloth satchel which she hung from her shoulder. Without turning to regard Jaime, Brienne lifted her chin and strode indignantly from the garden with Galladon shielded from view, leaving the father of her child standing with only his regret and the empty pit in his chest. His gaze stared along the path she had taken long after her retreat. Once he was able to move again, Jaime walked sadly to where they had been and retrieved the quilt Brienne had left from its resting place upon the grass. He held it close to his heart, as she he wished he could Brienne and their child, and breathed deep the scent of them which still lingered on its fibers. He would wrap himself in it as he slept from that night forward.
"She will not let me anywhere near them." Jaime lamented to Tyrion, a short time after he had been left standing in the gardens. "She flees whenever I am near. As if I might harm them." His face was clouded with despair as he described his pain to his brother.
Tyrion studied the torment in Jaime's eyes. "You know you could have the child declared yours by law." He suggested.
"Force her hand?" Jaime asked in disbelief.
"It would be an option." Tyrion offered. "He is your heir. Legally, he would wear your name. You could provide for him, for his future." He listed pragmatically.
Jaime shook his head. "It is not just an heir I want." His voice rose in contempt. "I want my son, and his mother." He declared.
Tyrion realized he had offended his heartbroken brother. "I am simply saying, then Brienne would have no choice but to allow your access to them." He stated.
"Out of the question." Jaime proclaimed. "This has to be on Brienne's terms." He vowed. "She is his mother. I will not take that authority from her." He insisted.
"And if she never lets you in?" Tyrion pushed. "I supposed you will be content to watch them from afar for the rest of your life?" He painted a painful image, hoping to spur his brother to some kind of action.
"I pray it will not come to that." Jaime's glare was distant, fearing that was exactly what might become of him.
At the Small Council meeting the next day, Jaime barely heard a word that was spoken. The blood rushed into his ears with such speed and force, it obscured most of the business being conducted by those in attendance. He sat staring at Brienne, as he always did during these gatherings. This day was different, however. This day Jaime had decided that he would not give Brienne the opportunity to escape from him. He would make her speak to him. Whatever it might bring.
Jaime's chance presented itself sooner than he expected as King Bram adjourned the meeting early. Everyone in the room rose as The King left, and then began to filter out of the chamber. Brienne rose from her chair and took a moment to gather the scrolls and documents she had brought to review with the council. Jaime wasted no time in jumping from his seat and cornering her as she turned to leave. He stood before her, closer than he had since she had demanded he leave her quarters the night he had made his presence known to her. With an urgency born of his love for her, Jaime blocked her escape.
"Brienne, please." He begged. "I must speak with you." His heart pounded in his chest as the words left his mouth. She attempted to swerve around him. He moved to counter her departure.
"Please. I need to talk to you." Jaime repeated. "About our son." He pleaded.
Brienne stopped dead in her tracks, her stare ripping through him. "Our son?" She smirked. Jaime stood silent, hoping she would at least agree to his request.
She drew a deep breath, and was silent for a moment, her face never changing from hateful disdain. "There is no need for false concern." She hissed at him. "I know he is not the babe you wanted." She indicted. Although she had her suspicions during their time together at Winterfell, word had later filtered to the North that Cersei had declared herself to being carrying Jaime's child. That child had been lost to him along with its mother in the destruction of King's landing Brienne was certain that, after having left her to return to his sister, Galladon would have been Jaime's second choice as an heir. She would not allow her child to know the disappointment of a father who did not truly want him.
The shattered pieces of Jaime's heart turned to dust in his chest as he saw the hurt and resolution in Brienne's eyes. He needed her to know that Galladon was exactly the child for which he had prayed. If she would only let him speak. "Brienne, No. I..." He began, stricken by her assumption.
He could almost see her swallow the lump in her throat as she refused to let him continue. "You need not trouble yourself, Ser Jaime." Brienne seethed. "My son will never darken your doorstep." She assured him. "He shall never make any claims upon your name, your title, or your lands." Brienne swore with a steeled jaw, and then regarded him with contempt and all the assuredness of a woman who needed nothing from anyone for her survival. "We shall never ask you for anything." She asserted, looking him squarely in the eyes. The depths of her anger chilled Jaime to the bone. He could only stand speechless as she edged her way passed him, and left the Council chamber.
It had been nearly a fortnight since Jaime had cornered Brienne in the Council chamber. He had not tried to speak to her again, and he felt as if he wanted nothing more than to crawl out of his skin. His hope of having any chance of winning back his Lady Knight was fast failing, leaving his heart a lifeless stone within him. He thought to himself that he might as well have let the Dead take him at Winterfell, or succumbed to his injuries from the bricks. He was little more than a walking carcass, going about the duties of his days in a dull stupor. Without Brienne's love to sustain him, Jaime doubted he would last long anyway.
To the casual onlooker, it would seem that Brienne was unphased, and had overcome her shock at Jaime's return. However, behind her mask of duty and diligence, Brienne was in as much pain as Jaime. Each time she saw him, the hurt and bitterness of his leaving would surge fresh through their veins, and her heart would ache for what they once shared. Most of the time her anger even overshadowed the love for him which still burned within her. Brienne could not fathom that his attempts toward communicating with her were spurred out of anything but the need to tie us loose ends, or want of an heir. After all they had been through, all he had done, surely it was not love that guided his actions. She wished with all of her heart that it could be different, but saw no way she could ever forgive him.
It was Jaime who occupied Brienne's thoughts as she returned to her quarters late in the afternoon of a busy day, eager to relax and care for her child. She had been forced to conduct business with Lord Tyrion in his solar, which meant Jaime had been but mere paces from her. They had not said a word to each other, but she felt his eyes upon her just as she did each time they sat in the Small Council chamber. Her brow furrowed with threatening tears as she entered the comfortable rooms she shared with her babe.
Just the thought of Galladon brightened Brienne's face as she made her way toward her bedchamber. She had expected to find Septa Vaele sitting with Galladon in the parlor, but assumed the girl must be watching the boy nap, when she found her small solar empty. She opened the door quietly, and readied herself to forget all else when finally her tired eyes beheld her child. Brienne stopped short when she found that room unoccupied as well. She turned quickly and walked back through the apartments, almost expecting that she had missed them. The alarm of not knowing the whereabouts of her infant son began to grow in her.
Brienne forced her heart to calm, as she stepped into the hallway of the White Sword Tower. Surely, there was a reasonable explanation as to where Galladon could be. Brienne felt certain that the septa had simply taken him to the gardens, or was walking with him in the courtyard, and had lost track of the time. She made haste to the gardens, not finding any sign of them in the courtyard as she passed. By the time she reached the main path through the flowering rows, Brienne's heart was pounding in her ears, her stomach was a sick knot in her belly.
Her worry was overwhelming, Brienne searched at a frenzied pace. Her thoughts came so disjointed that a plan would not form in her mind. She did not see the faces of those who regarded her as she peered frantically into each shadowed walkway and outbuilding she passed. By the time she had no choice left but to retrace her steps, her urgent stride had become a full out run. Still there was no sign of Galladon. Never, during all of the battles in which she fought had fear to incapacitate her as it did now, making logic impossible. However, she had never before been a frightened mother, searching for her missing child. Brienne's terror consumed her.
Outside the Small Hall near The Tower of the Hand, Brienne found Ser Podrick deep in conversation with Lord Tyrion. As she approached she was not aware that Jaime stood on their opposite side. "Podrick." Brienne gasped, struggling to catch her breath. "I need your help." Her voice quivered with fear. Jaime was immediately concerned.
"Brienne." Jaime spoke up, rushing to her side. "What is the matter?" He questioned urgently. Never before had he seen her in such a state of panic. Something was horribly wrong. He reached out as if to steady her, but pulled back his hand unsure if she would allow it, even now. Podrick and Tyrion were instantly on the alert as well.
"I can't..." Brienne began, her words forming ahead of her thoughts. Her eyes scanned the spaces near to her, still searching. "I cannot find Galladon!" She sputtered, afraid to say the words.
"What do you mean, you cannot find him?" Jaime stepped closer, certain he had heard her wrong. "He is with his Septa, is he not." The babe's father could feel his heart tighten in his chest at the thought of his son's possible peril.
"They are both gone." Brienne informed him, trembling. "I have looked everywhere." She reported breathlessly, tears forming in her worried eyes. Without hesitation, almost instinctively, her eyes searched Jaime's face as if he was the only one in the world who could help her.
Jaime realized that she was not even considering her anger toward him, and took Brienne by the arms. She did not resist. "We will all search. They cannot be far." He tried to give her hope through the despair growing within him.
"I will check the stables, and the outbuildings." Podrick offered trying to be calm for Brienne. "I will order the gates closed." He gave her a dutiful nod, and set off immediately.
"I shall inform The King." Tyrion insisted, wasting no time setting off toward the throne room.
"Come with me." Jaime told Brienne. "We will look for them by the sea wall." He was moving her in the direction of the courtyard, the animosity between them seemed to have vanished, replace by concern for their son.
As they rushed across the bailey, Jaime could not help but see the tenuous thread of stability onto which Brienne was clinging. Her world was falling apart. His was not far from imploding, himself. He could not bear the thought of any harm befalling his child, nor could he imagine the abyss into which Brienne would plummet if something did. There was no sign of Galladon, or Septa Vaele when they reached the steps which descended to the rocky jetties that stretched into the sea. Jaime watched the hope fade from Brienne's eyes. It was not the first time he had been witness the dying of the light within their blue depths. Jaime had seen a spark flicker and dim there at Winterfell when she begged him not to go. If he could, he would will Galladon into her arms then and there. As it were all he was able do was to help Brienne hold fast to the small shred of faith that was failing her. She stood before him now, her glance fixed upon the empty vista before her eyes, trying to hold onto the belief that she would see her child again soon. Jaime prayed to the Gods that the day would end with Galladon safely returned to them.
This time he took Brienne's hand, and led her from the scene of her disappointment. "Let us check your quarters." He offered. "Perhaps they have returned." Brienne nodded, too afraid to hope. Quickly they made their way to the White Sword Tower.
Bitter disappointment was to be waiting for them again. They did not find Galladon or his Septa in Brienne's chambers. Once more, Jaime led Brienne away, his brain grasping for another place to search, but running out of options. As they descended the stairway of the Tower, Jaime felt Brienne's hand pull from his. She no longer followed. He turned back to a heart wrenching scene.
Brienne stood a few steps above him, frozen in her tracks, trembling, her hand clutching the railing so tightly her knuckles were white. The rest of her had gone gray with despair. Her chest heaved to catch the air for which she gasped. She stared at him, although he was not sure if she saw him.
"Where is he?" Brienne beseeched Jaime, as if he could answer. She did not wait for his attempt at calming her, but raised her terrified eyes to the Heavens and cried out. "Oh Gods, where is my baby?" She sobbed. She choked on the sounds that rose from her throat so violently that Jaime was certain it was all Brienne could do not to vomit. He feared she might collapse.
"He is well." Jaime tried to encourage her. "Brienne you must believe that. He has to be." He tried to make himself rely on the same words he spoke to the mother of his lost little boy.
"What if we do not find him?" Brienne stared at Jaime as if she saw him for the first time since their ordeal had begun.
Jaime covered the few steps to her and took her hand. "Listen to me." He stared earnestly into her pained eyes. "I will find him. I will bring our son back to you if it the last thing I ever do." He did not realize he was shaking with the solemnity of his pledge. "I swear it." He vowed. Brienne searches his eyes for any sign of falsehood, any hint that she could not trust him, but found none. She thought she should want to shy from his grip but she did not. It felt good to have him so close, to hear his oath for their child, to hold his hand. All Brienne could do was stare at him. For Jaime it was enough.
Slowly Brienne gathered herself and nodded, telling Jaime she was ready to continue their search. They followed the staircase to the ground, still clinging to each other hands.
"Ser Brienne. Ser Jaime." King Bran's voice beckoned them as they reached the bottom step. They turned to see the monarch being wheeled in their direction by Podrick Payne, Tyrion rushing at his side. "Lord Tyrion had informed me that the whereabouts of your son are in question." He said, his calm demeanor in sharp contrast to those of the babe's parents.
"He is missing, Your Grace." Brienne confirmed, trying to still her shaking and calm her voice to address the King. She did not realize that her hand still clasped tightly to Jaime's as he stood breathless beside her.
Bran nodded, considering her words. Then his eyes grew distant, and he appeared to be watching a scene from someplace else. "I believe you will find your babe in the Godswood." He told them almost casually.
"The Godswood, Your Grace?" Jaime asked, uncertainly.
Bran gave Jaime a knowing glance. "Yes. I sense him there." Bran reported.
Eager for any course of action, Brienne sighed with hope. "Thank you, Your Grace. Thank you." She eyed Jaime hopefully.
Jaime was still unsure of the powers of the Three-Eyed Raven, and he hoped the young Stark's prediction would not lead to more heartache for Brienne. At that moment, however, the hope in her eyes was worth laying his faith on Bran's words, at least for her sake. Jaime nodded to Brienne, and was racing hand in hand with her toward the Godswood before they could draw another breath, Tyrion fast upon their heals. Podrick quickly turned Bran's chair and wheeled him in the direction the others had run.
Brienne and Jaime reached the ancient stones that descended to the Godswood of the Red Keep, breathless from their run and the anxiety of their worry. For a moment nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Gentle sunshine warmed the rocks beneath their feet, while the light breeze rustled the surrounding leaves, as if the trees themselves were singing a soft lullaby. Brienne heard it first, the soft, almost muffled distant sound of her child's cry. She rushed down the steps with Jaime close behind, and Tyrion just reaching the stairs. Her head spun around frantically, as she scanned the aisle of gnarled branches which led to the vine covered great oak that was the Weirwood tree there.
Jaime joined Brienne in her frenzied quest. The sound of his son's wail echoed in his ears and nearly drove him mad. The plaintiff sound grew louder as they traversed the path. At his brother's side, Tyrion provided another set of eyes to aid the search.
"He's here!" Brienne confirmed. "But, where?" She shouted, her eyes wild with worry. No sooner had the words left her then she saw a wriggling little bundle, wrapped in a quilt which she recognized from her son's cradle. Galladon's needful voice rose from his resting place, hidden in the overgrown brambles beneath a tree, calling for his mother.
Within moments Brienne was on her knees before the thickets, pulling her child from the tangle of branches and dry leaves, and cradling him in her arms. Her relieved sobbed joined with his whines of recognition as the babe realized he was finally held in her comforting embrace. Jaime raced to Brienne and fell to his knees beside her. Instinctively, he draped his handless arm around Brienne's shoulders. She did not notice his affectionate gesture. So taken with relief at finding Galladon, Jaime did not realize that Brienne did not shy away. She rocked their child, and nestled him against her neck, her relieved tears falling down her cheeks and trailing onto her babe's soft head.
"Is he alright?" Jaime questioned urgently, running his fingers over the babe, checking the boy for wounds or broken bones. He had never felt such a weight lifted from his heart. Tyrion stood beside them, catching his breath, his mind at last eased with Galladon found safe.
Brienne came to herself enough to answer Jaime. "I think so." She brought the Galladon around in her gentle hands to face them. The babe sweetly smiled at them. Together she and Jaime scrutinized every inch of their son, to be sure. "How did he get here?" She stammered, again peering at Jaime for answers he did not have.
"Where is his Septa?" Tyrion asked, and looked deeper on along the path, concerned that the young woman may be lying injured somewhere.
At that moment Podrick, having carefully and diligently maneuvered Bran's chair down the shallow steps of the Godswood, wheeled the King beside them. He gave a large sigh upon seeing Galladon unharmed and resting in Brienne's loving grasp. He followed Tyrion's stare along the worn stepping stones. Podrick was the first to hear what appeared to be a commotion at a short distance from their group.
"Listen." Podrick bid them, drawing eveyone's attention toward the sound. It seemed as if someone was struggling. The noises emanated from behind a large standing stone, set off to the side of Godswood.
Podrick drew his sword, casting an urgent eye toward King Bran, who nodded his agreement at the young man's course. Jaime jumped to his feet and helped Brienne stand with Galladon in her arms. He checked them once more to ensure their wellbeing, and moved accompany Podrick. He was eager to catch and dispatch whoever it was that had taken his son, and caused Brienne the grief of missing her child.
Silently, the men crept toward the boulder, Jaime in the lead, Podrick beside him. Without a sound, Jaime signaled for Pod to flank the rock as he prepared to surprise the perpetrator with his approach. Podrick raised his chin in understanding and slid the few steps to the side opposite Jaime. Jaime mouthed a silent count of three as Pordrick studied him intently. Upon the elder knight's signal, they both sprang behind the stone in fluid motion.
The sound of a young woman's scream split the silence of the glade. Brienne, Tyrion, and King Bran looked up to see Jaime forcing a skinny half clothed boy, who appeared to be a bit younger than Podrick to his feet. The lad groped to raise britches which were around his ankles, and his face was red not only from shock and embarrassment. Septa Vael emerged the opposite side of the barrier, her hair hanging in tattered waves around her bare shoulders. She held her undone bodice modestly closed in front of her. Her face cringing with embarrassment. Sheathing Widow's Wail, Jaime gruffly pulled the boy nearly off the ground as he marched him back to where the others waited. Podrick held his sword at the ready as he followed Galladon's Septa, who could not bring her eyes to meet the small audience to her shame.
Tyrion studied the captive in Jaime's grasp. "I know you." He said slowly, recognition forming behind his eyes. "You work in the stables." He gasped, unable to believe the depth to which a trusted member of the royal staff had sunk. He was sure the boy had attacked the innocent girl.
Brienne studied the young woman who saw to Galladon's daily care, her face shocked and her eyes sympathetic. She looked at Jaime and Podrick with a perturbed scowl. "Neither of you could cover this poor girl?" She scolded them. "The last thing she needs is to be paraded around before prying eyes after an assault." She lectured, assuming that stable boy was trying to have his way with the young septa.
Jaime sneered at the two he had found, knowing he an Podrick had interrupted them in quite an intimate moment. "Oh there was no assault." He informed Brienne, his anger boiling at the thought of how Septa Vaele had neglected their son.
Podrick chuckled in disgust as he looked, unashamed at the Septa. "She was quite enjoying it." He blushed a little, even while he smirked at the pair who had been caught in their dalliance.
Understanding sank upon Brienne like a heavy weight. She felt the angry shaking begin in her fingers. It traveled up her arms, and she held tighter to Galladon. "This is what you were doing, while I searched for my child?" She questioned angrily, stepping closer to her son's septa. "While I feared for his life, and went out of my mind trying to find him?" She continued, her voice rising with contempt.
"Forgive me, My La..., Lord Commander." The girl cowered, beginning to cry. She was unable to meet Brienne's glare, guilt obvious on her face.
"Forgive you?" Brienne towered threateningly over her. Jaime stood by her side, adding his judgmental stare to the Septa's embarrassment. "Forgive you?" Brienne could barely breathe. "You left my baby screaming the dirt while you laid with this boy." Brienne nudged her chin hatefully in the direction of the other guilty party.
Without thinking, the stable boy spoke up in mistaken defense of his lover. "The babe would have been fine, Mum." He attempted to pass off the angry mother's fury.
Jaime stepped to the side, and eyed the stable hand hatefully. His rage rivaled Brienne's as he regarded the man that had endangered his son. Pulling his sword from it's scabbard, Jaime raised it to the man's throat and stood ready to push it through the other side of his neck. "No one is talking to you." Jaime threatened disdainfully. "I suggest you not say another word." He advised.
Brienne turned back to Septa Vaele, disbelief upon her face. "You've done this before. Haven't you?" She confirmed rhetorically, imagining her child screaming for her each time his Septa neglected him in favor of a rendezvous. The girl squirmed under her scrutiny. "How often?" Brienne demanded!
The Septa quivered before Brienne's anger, struggling to to keep her undone dress pulled to hide her body. She could not bring her eyes to meet Brienne, knowing her careless behavior was inexcusable. "A few times a week." She lowered her head in shame.
The gasp caught in Brienne's throat. The world spun around her. She did not see Jaime tense angrily by her side. It was he who spoke with fury, while Brienne tried to summon the ability for words through her rage. "A few times a week?" He questioned, unable to believe the chances which the supposed respectable girl had taken with Galladon's safety, and his life.
After forcing a breath into her lungs through her tight gnashing jaw, Brienne continued in Jaime's line of interrogation. Her glare burning through Septa Vaele. "You left my babe lying alone and screaming here..." She could not finish her thought as the horrors of the possible dangers that could have threatened her son came fully to her mind's eye. "Anything might have happened to him!" She shouted, incensed, her fist clenching in fury. "Anything!" Brienne screamed as she unleashed the back of her hand against Septa Vaele's face, knocking the girl to the ground.
The septa sobbed with pain and regret. "Forgive me." She begged. "I am sorry. I know I shouldn't have done it. I would never do anything to hurt your dear little boy. I swear it!" She implored, on her knees.
Unable to bear the presence of Galladon's betrayer any longer, Brienne turned her back on the girl's pleading. "Get her out of my sight." Brienne commanded in disgust.
While Brienne tried to calm herself attending to her now squalling infant, Jaime pulled the septa unceremoniously to her feet, glowering with hatred. The child's father shoved the weeping young woman ahead of him along the path. She glanced at her lover, who had the good sense to remain quiet. It was Podrick who grabbed the stable boy and dragged him behind the shamed woman. They stopped under the judging gaze of King Bran. Septa Vaele stood trembling before him.
"You are a sister of the holy order." The King admonished. "You have foresake your oath of celibacy. You have betrayed the Seven themselves." Bran eyed Septa Vaele disapprovingly. "The Lord Commander put her trust in you." He shook his head, thinking of tiny Galladon. "She gave you charge over her child, and you put that babe's life in jeopardy." His eyes narrowed with disappointment. "There are no words you could offer in defense." He proclaimed.
Jaime let go of his captive, and she fell to her knees weeping before the King, the painful punishments which the young sovereign could decree flashing through her mind. "Please, Your Grace." She sputtered. "I beg for your mercy." She cried.
Bran considered the consequences he could inflict upon both of the irresponsible youths. Then relinquished his authority to the one who had been most gravely injured by their lapses in judgement. "That is not my decision to make." Bran told her, cooly. He raised his eyes to Brienne, as Septa Vaele's trembling grew more violent with the realization. "Lord Commander, it was your child who was put in peril by their actions." He stated plainly. "You shall decide their fate." Bran stated. Jaime's hand went to the hilt of his sword, ready to do Brienne's bidding.
Brienne's scornful look was cast upon Septa Vaele and the stable boy. The others waited for her to pronounce sentence upon the two culprits. "I care not what happens to them, as long as neither comes near my child ever again." She declared. There was nothing she could see done to them, that would compensate her need to avenge the wrongs done to Galladon, or to her.
King Bran nodded, giving thought to the fates of Septa Vaele, and her lover. "Young Lady." He directed his words to the septa. "As you have turned your back on your vows to the order, you will be dismissed from their service." He told her, and then turned his attention to her cohort, who coward before him. "Since you appeared to have shunned your responsibilities in the stables a number of time, you can forfeit your pay." Bran affirms. "You are both to leave The Keep within the hour." He ordered. "Take only what you brought with you when you arrived, and do not expect assistance from anyone here." He warned, his expression then made it clear that his dealings with them were over.
Septa Vaele stood with skaking legs, and eyed the others wearily, still holding her dress around her shoulders as her partner joined her. She envisioned the distance between the Godswood and her small quarters near the fortress sept and how many stares she would receive along the way. "Might I please have something to cover myself?" She almost whispered.
Jaime scoffed. "No." He answered. "You had no problem displaying yourself here, in this holy place. You had no problem putting my son's life in danger. Let the entire Keep see what you are." He determined, almost enjoying the thought of the girl's mortification. He could tell from the way Septa Vaele's shocked eyes raced between himself and Brienne, that she had not made the connection that he was Galladon's father. Brienne was hiding that truth well. The girl nodded and quickly rushed away with the boy for whom she had destroyed her reputation and her future.
"That's it?" Podrick whispered to Tyrion, confused. He could not understand either King Bran's, or especially Ser Brienne's leniency on the pair.
"This is King's Landing, my boy.' Tyrion assured him. "On the street with no resources, no family ties, and no means of support they do not stand a chance." He dipped his chin in satisfaction. "She will be a whore within a week, and he will probably be dead." A fitting end for the pair who might have cost the life of his small nephew, Tyrion judged
Jaime stepped back to Brienne, wanting desperately to steady her with a hand on her back. With all of his heart, he wished to wrap his arms around her, and their infant, and celebrate the child's return to them. Jaime could only watch her as she cared for the babe, his love for her growing with each moment. How he yearned for his happy tears at finding their son unharmed could join with hers, and he could declare his love to her. As it were, he wondered if she even remembered he was there. He was certain the thought of their fingers entwined as they searched frantically for their child had faded from her mind, yet he was holding to it like a drowning man would cling to a rope.
"Lord Commander." King Bran's voice intruded upon Jaime thoughts of Brienne. "There are not many young Septa left after the destruction of The Great Sept, and the carnage left from the dragon fire." He prefaced. "However, we shall endeavor to quickly find a trustworthy replacement to care for young Galladon." He assured her.
She regarded the King, knowing his suggestion came from caring and the wish to see her mind eased. Brienne studied Galladon, finally settled in her arms. She noticed how the boy seemed to be intently staring at Jaime, as if the child sensed the man was his father. Brienne's mind was a swirl of fear and worry. She had worked so hard, endured so much to attain the esteemed position she held. She again heard the jeers of the boys in her father's brigade at Evenfall when she had first joined, and those in Renly's Rainbow Guard when her dearest dream was simply to serve him. She felt the pride of service to Lady Catelyn, and to Queen Sansa. The visions of being knighted by Jaime brought a blush to her cheeks as he stood so near to her. Brienne had sacrificed most of her life to become the commander of the highest ranking regiment in the land. The Kingsguard was everything she ever wanted, until now. She thought of all she had achieved, all she had sacrificed, and the only thing she could not risk. Heavily, her heart knew what her must reply must be.
"I am honored at your concern, Your Grace." Brienne drew in her breath, saddened by the refusal she must give. "However, I cannot trust another whom I do not truly know with the safety of my babe." She said, casting down her eyes regretfully. The word tore at her heart as they left her lips. "I have no choice but to resign my post, and return to my father's house on Tarth to raise my son." She informed King Bran, solemnly.
Jaime listened to Brienne's heartfelt resignation. Although he knew her motivation was the safety of their child, he could not bear the pain in her eyes, or the thought that she and Galladon would be so far from him. Here, in the Red Keep, he could at least catch glimpses of them, watch over them as best he could. At Evenfall, Brienne could easily rebuke his attempts to even visit. She could hide herself and their child away from him within the gleaming marble walls of the ancient fortress, and never agree to see him again. They would be lost to him. There would be no chance of winning back Brienne's love. It was a possibility he could not imagine. He would do anything to keep her near.
"I could care for him. Your Grace." The words left Jaime's throat before they had completely formed in his mind.
Brienne spun around to look at him quizzically. She forced herself back to her mistrust of him, again focusing upon the pain he had caused when he left her to bear his child alone. Thoughts of how she relied on him while they searched for Galladon, how he had kept her from reeling out of control, or how good her fingers felt in his were forced from her mind. She could not open herself to him again.
"You?" Brienne tilted her head in disbelief. "What do you know about caring for a babe?" She scoffed at Jaime.
He stood motionless, praying Brienne's would accept his help. "You could show me how." He said softly, his eyes never leaving her.
"You're Grace." Brienne appealed to Bran. "Surely, Lord Tyrion has need of Ser Jaime's assistance." She tried to call upon the logic of duty.
Jaime countered with an argument of his own. "Your Grace. The infrastructure of The Keep has been nearly completely repaired." He stated his case. "The routines are running smoothly." He contended. "I dare say Tyrion can do quite well without my help." He looked at his brother, who presented no objection.
Truthfully, Tyrion had wondered at Bran's appointment of Jaime as his assistant. It was truly never needed. He had learned, however, not to second guess the Three-Eyed Raven. There must have some reason Bran had been so insistent on allowing Jaime to stay within the walls of the forstress. He had a sneaking suspicion that the reason centered around Brienne, but was uncertain to what purpose. Tyrion knew that Jaime had little interest in the daily running of the Keep or the Realm. Lately, with the exception of trying to ingratiate himself to Brienne which had become a full time job for Jaime, Tyrion understood that the Lion of Lannister had been bored to distraction.
"Lord Tyrion." King Bran addressed him. "Would you be able to do without Ser Jaime's services in your daily business as Hand to The King?" He inquired.
Tyrion pretended to consider King Bran's question. "He has proven invaluable in my daily efforts." He postulated, stroking his beard in consideration. He knew that although Jaime had absolutely no experience caring for children, the charge of caring her his own son meant everything to his brother. "However, I shall endeavor to make the sacrifice, for little Galladon's safety." Tyrion volunteered, almost smiling gleefully at Jaime.
Brienne squirmed, agitated. She was clearly uncomfortable at the thought of giving Jaime such unrestricted access to her life. She knew no one in the Keep could possibly be more trustworthy with her child's life and well-being than the boy's own father. That was not her objection. She knew Jaime would never hurt Galladon, nor would he ever allow any harm to befall their son, or her. It was her fear that she could not trust herself around him which terrified her. Brienne realized that although he had left her for another, for some reason he was now doing everything he could to renew their relationship. At that thought, Brienne studied Jaime. His eyes were hopeful, and he seemed to be shaking with anticipation. Could it be, he still had feelings for her? Could it be that the words he told her so long ago when he presented Oathkeeper meant truly what she had always felt? 'It's yours. It will always be yours.' The words echoed in Brienne's head as she watched him. For so long she had believed it was Jaime's heart to which he had referred. Then, when he left she convinced herself she had been wrong. Now she was not so sure. Brienne could not allow herself to think about that now.
"Excellent." Bran gave a distant grin. "It is settled. Ser Jaime will take over the care of your son, Ser Brienne." He announced. Brienne opened her mouth to protest, but the definitive look on Bran's face told her it would do no good. The King had spoken. "I am certain he shall do an exemplary job." Bran assured her. At that, Bran motioned for Ser Podrick, who stepped to the ready behind the King's chair.
"Please." Bran said, benevolently to Brienne. "Take tomorrow to instruct Ser Jaime in all the necessities of your babe's care." He told her.
"Yes, Your Grace." Brienne bowed her head. Bran waved his hand, and Podrick pulled Bran slowly back up the steps, giving Brienne a caring look before leaving.
Finally, Tyrion felt a bit uncomfortable in the middle of the tension between Jaime and Brienne. "Well then." He smiled at Jaime. "Consider our arrangement dissolved." He snickered. "I will see you at dinner." He remarked casually. Before taking his leave, Tyrion bowed his head toward Brienne. "Lord Commander." He bid his farewell, truly feeling for her distress. She nodded silently in return. Tyrion shook his head, amused at the thought of his brother's new position, as he turned and strutted back up stairs.
Suddenly finding themselves alone together, Jaime and Brienne stood in awkward silence for a long moment. Brienne soothed Galladon upon her shoulder as he cooed in Jaime's direction. She was relieved to feel the familiar swelling under her armor that urged her to nurse her son. It provided her a means of escape. She lowered her chin formally. "I will expect you at my quarters first thing in the morning." She told him stiffly, trying not to look at him.
Jaime lowered his head, willing to do anything she asked of him. "As you wish, Lord Commander." He answered respectfully, almost disarming her with his cordiality.
"Yes. Well." She continued, her feet still seemingly unable to move. "If you will excuse me." She bid.
"Of course." Jaime answered, moving aside, to allow her to depart without further embarrassment.
The last thing Jaime saw before she left him standing alone in the Godswood were her astonishing deep blue eyes. She beheld him for while longer, and her expression nearly broke him. He could almost hear her silent plaintiff plea. 'Please, don't hurt me again.' Was the only thought she left between them before retreating along the stairway.