Tyrion looked up, distracted from the large volume of Westeros history in which he was engrossed, as Jaime trudged into Evenfall's library. The elder Lannister signaled his arrival with a loud dejected sigh. Jaime said not a word. He merely slouched into the chair across the table from where is younger brother sat, slightly amused.
"Have you been forcibly removed from your Lady's bedchamber?" Tyrion smirked.
Jaime regarded him with mocking frustration. "Removed yes." He admitted. "Forcibly, no." He added.
"Not yet." Tyrion corrected, attempting to return to his reading.
Jaime shot his brother a ghastly sneer, then thought for a moment and furrowed his brow in worry. "Why? What have you heard?" He questioned urgently.
"Oh nothing." Tyrion replied. "However, it would be completely within The Evenstar's rights to ban you from these walls and forbid you from having any contact with Lady Brienne." He teased.
"He would not do that." Jaime tried to assure himself. "It would break her heart." Jaime scoffed, imagining Brienne's pain should they ever again be separated, and his.
Tyrion raised an eyebrow at Jaime. "You mean, like you did?" He said, pretending to eye the words printed in front him.
Jaime exhaled ruefully. He would never absolve himself for causing Brienne such heartache. He did not need to be reminded of it, and certainly not by his smug little brother. "She has forgiven me." Jaime asserted.
"Yes." Tyrion nodded. "But has he?" Again, the self-satisfaction in Tryion's tone was more than Jaime could stand.
"I did not come here to be berated by…" Jaime began to defend himself, but was interrupted before he could finish his thought.
"You need to be on your best behavior in front of Brienne's father." Tyrion instructed. "I did not spend the better part of these last weeks pleading your case to Lord Selwyn to watch you ruin your chances of appeasing him by being cocky and complacent." Tyrion shot back.
Jaime eyed him quizzically. "Pleading my case?" He pressed.
Tyrion closed the book he was studying, and folded his hands atop the cover. "When I arrived here at Evenfall, my welcome was far less than hospitable." He informed Jaime. "Lord Selwyn deemed me guilty by association." Tyrion recalled indignantly.
"Because you are my brother?" Jaime inquired in disbelief.
"Exactly." Tyrion said, emphatically. "Not only was the poor man in a panic over the whereabouts of his daughter, he was livid at the thought of you as her…possible traveling companion." He nodded.
Jaime leaned forward. "As far as that goes, why were you not out searching for us?" He condemned.
Sitting back, and crossing his arms over his chest, Tyrion stared at Jaime, unconcerned at his brother's ire. "Because, I was needed here to see to the business of the Realm." He defended himself. "You're corpses were not found in the destruction that was left at the Red Keep, and King Bran assured us you would both arrive shortly, which you did." He smirked. "I was also busy making sure Lord Selwyn would not challenge you to trial by combat when you arrived." Tyrion said. "You're lucky you still have your head!" He congratulated himself.
"He was that angry?" Jaime shrank a bit in his chair.
Tyrion looked at Jaime disapprovingly. "Yes Jaime, he was that angry." He sat back and folded his arms across his chest. "You dishonored his only daughter, took her maidenhead, and left her alone with your seed in her belly." He answered, summarizing all of Jaime's faults. "Of course her father was irate." Tyrion jeered.
Hanging his head, Jaime's pride deflated. "I did." He acquiesced. "All of it. I did that to her, to the woman I love." Jaime's voice became nearly a whisper remembering Brienne's tears the night he left Winterfell. "But you know why I had to leave." He beseeched Tyrion.
With that Tyrion's gaze softened. "Yes." He agreed. "That is what I tried to explain to Lord Selwyn." He assured Jaime.
"You told him…all of it?" Jaime asked sheepishly.
"Yes." Tyrion nodded. "Every last sordid detail." He judged.
Jaime lowered his eyes. There was nothing else to say. Again, Tyrion had defended him, spoken on his behalf, and seen to his welfare. There were no words strong enough to convey his gratitude. He simply gave Tyrion a heartfelt look. "Thank you." He said solemnly.
Tyrion smiled understandingly. "That's what brothers are for." He grinned lovingly. Jaime could only chuckle at the endearing sentiment.
Before their conversation could continue, the door to the library swung open, and King Bran was wheeled into the expansive salon by Ser Podrick. Jaime and Tyrion stood in reverence, certain that the King was not visiting there to find reading material. It was clear he had come seeking one or both of them.
"I apologize for disturbing your conversation, Lord Tyrion, Ser Jaime." King Bran's distant eyes swept over them in turn. The brothers bowed fheir heads in respect.
"Not at all, Your Grace." Tyrion answered.
"We were just finishing." Jaime said kindly.
Bran almost smiled. "Wonderful." He proclaimed, with as much joy as could ever be noted on his face. "Then perhaps you would not mind sparing me a few moments, Ser Jaime? A stroll, perhaps?" The King asked.
"Of course, Your Grace." Jaime accepted, certain that his business with the King would center upon more than just a pleasant turn in the gardens.
"Very well." Bran acknowledged. "Ser Podrick, you may see to your other duties for a while." He bid.
"Yes, Your Grace." Pod bowed. He snapped his heals, nodded to Jaime and Tyrion, and left the room.
Jaime rushed to take the handles of Bran's wheeled chair. He turned the casters, and awaited Bran's instructions. "If you will excuse us, Lord Tyrion." Bran offered.
"Absolutely, Your Grace." Tyrion bowed. He traded a perplexed look with Jaime before watching his brother and his King disappear through the door.
Jaime escorted Bran through the gardens at Evenfall for nearly an hour. The King was silent, his demeanor distant. Jaime began to wonder if the reasons the Three-eyed Raven had requested his presence were dismal in nature after all. Perhaps King Bran did wish to visit ominous consequences upon himself and Brienne for abandoning the Keep. Or could it be possible that now, when he had found such joy, that Brandon Stark planned to seek retribution upon the man who had taken from him the use of his legs. After a short moment's consideration, Jaime almost openly shook his head. No, whatever King Bran had to impart to those in his sphere, he was honest and direct. If it were punishment he would decree, it would have been done when Jaime and Brienne had entered the courtyard of Evenfall. If revenge were his motive, surely Jaime would have felt his wrath long before now. Bran was not devious, Jaime thought, hanging his head in remorse. That had been a Lannister family trait.
As if he sensed Ser Jaime's falling mood, King Bran raised his hand to stop his chaperone under the shade of a dense lush tree, the type of which Jaime could not recall ever encountering, but which looked as ancient as the castle wall that surrounded the manicured rows. Like his Brienne, it was some wonderous creation that grew only on Tarth. Still Bran said nothing, only regarding the sky as if he were reading it. Despite his best efforts to remain hopeful, Jaime continued to grow nervrous. Finally, he could no longer hold his tongue, and was eager to convey his gratitude to the King.
Anxiously, he moved around Bran's chair so the young monarch could view him better. With a solemn sigh, he bent his knee and lowered his head. "Thank you, Your Grace." He spoke to Bran earnestly.
Bran looked upon Jaime kindly. "What have I done to earn such gratitude?" The young man almost smiled. Jaime was certain Bran was aware of the sentiment he was about to convey.
"I am grateful to you, Your Grace, for your kindness and mercy towards Ser Brienne, and to me." Jaime admitted, his eyes still unable to meet Bran's gaze. "Especially after all I have done to you." He lamented.
Bran shook his head. "I meant what I said." The King told Jaime earnestly. "Ser Brienne performed her duties admirably at the Red Keep, and so did you." He reiterated, dipping his chin in acknowledgment. "As for past events, I told you in the Godswood at Winterfell, there is no need for regret." He began, not a hint of judgement in his tone. "All is as it should be." Bran assured Jaime. "We are, neither of us, the same people we were then." He reminded. "We would not be the men we are today if it had not occured." He said resolute and accepting.
Jaime nodded. "That is why I am beholden to you, Your Grace." He acknowledged. "Though I am wholly undeserving, I now have a life ahead of me, with the woman I love, which I did not have before." Jaime smiled, thinking sweetly of Brienne.
The King regarded Jaime, seemingly touched by the knight's sincerity. "Ser Jaime." He began. "That life was always ahead you." He assured. "Since before either you or Ser Brienne drew breath, it was always meant to be yours." He raised his brow, knowing how Jaime had once said those very words to Brienne. Jaime smiled at the memory.
The man once known as Kingslayer, looked hopefully upon his King. Jaime drew a deep breath, attempting to gather his bravery. "Your Grace." His racing heart urged him to forge ahead. "As King, by rights you may allow or forbid any of your subjects to marry." His voice shook at the prospect that Bran could deny his request. He took the King's pleasant sentiment as a good sign, and spurred his courage onward. "I humbly ask your permission and your blessing to beg Ser Brienne's hand in marriage." Jaime asked solemnly. "It is my hope that when we return to Kings Landing, it shall be as husband and wife." He swallowed hard, his breath at last failing him.
At Jaime's heartfelt request, Bran smiled. "Of course you have my blessing." He granted. "I can think of no two people more deserving of happiness than you and The Lord Commander." He replied graciously. "However." Bran's interjection brought a worried line to Jaime's brow. "You and Ser Brienne will not be returning to Kings Landing." The King decreed ominously.
Jaime straightened, staring questioningly at Bran. "Not returning?" Jaime stuttered. He feared perhaps they had lost the King's trust, although the expression upon Bran's face gave no indication to that effect. "I do not understand." He studied Bran, hoping for some hint at the ruler's thoughts.
Bran looked serenely over Jaime's shoulders as if watching some unseen prophecy unfold. "Ser Brienne will become Evenstar, in the future, when her father passes." He asserted, as Jaime puffed proudly at the image of his Brienne as the ruler of her island home. "You shall command the Guard here at Evenfall." Bran declared. "Once, you nearly gave your life to keep Ser Brienne safe. Now you will spend your life protecting her." Bran smiled.
The vision of his new life swirled within Jaime's mind. It was more wonderful and fulfilling than he could have ever dreamed. Drawing a satisfied, approving breath, he accepted his charge. "I can think of no greater purpose." Jaime replied.
"I can imagine no one more determined to perform such a duty." Bran complimented.
"It would be my honor." Jaime answered, relishing the idea of his role not only as Brienne's husband but also her protector. A sublime smile found his face as he began to dream of their future together. Living out his days in this island paradise, his precious Brienne and their child by his side, it was the greatest gift Jaime could imagine. "Our life will be here, on Tarth?" Jaime's question was more like a contented sigh.
Bran gave a slow, satisfied nod. "The both of you have a very important role to fulfill. Much greater than you realize." Bran imparted auspiciously.
"You and Lady Brienne are the future of Westeros." He proclaimed.
Jaime stared blankly back at Bran. "Your Grace?" He questioned. His confusion obvious.
The King's gaze washed over the Lion of Lannister. "As you know, I am unable to father children." Jaime squirmed at the King's admission, knowing the young man's dilemma was his fault. Bran merely, gave an unconcerned wave and continued his explanation. "It is your son I will name as my successor to the throne when the time is right." Bran informed Jaime.
With wide, amazed eyes Jaime stared at the Three-eyed Raven. "Galladon? King?" He whispered, almost too shocked to voice the words.
Bran gave Jaime an understanding look. "Galladon will grow to be a brave and honorable knight." He assured the proud father. "His feats of bravery will be the stuff of legend." The King foretold. "He will give you heirs, and make you and Ser Brienne proud." Bran promised. "He shall be Evenstar someday." The King declared, giving Jaime a glimpse into the future. "However, it is not of Galladon that I speak." Bran corrected. Jaime simply stared, unable to truly comprehend the King's meaning.
"It your second son that I will name as King when my reign has ended." Bran told Jaime with certainty. "The one who has only just begun to grow in Ser Brienne' womb." He finished with a knowing nod at the man before him.
Jaime stared dumbfounded at King Bran, unable to move. "What?" He asked in a hoarse whisper.
Bran nodded. "Ser Brienne is with child." He replied, his gaze kind and thoughtful. The look that settled upon the face of the Three-eyed Raven told Jaime that the King was well aware of the renewed intimacy he and Brienne had celebrated as they had traveled to reach Tarth. "It is early." Bran confided. "Even she does not yet know, however, much like the blossoms on the tree in Maggie's wood under which the babe was conceived, your seed has blossomed in Ser Brienne's belly, and that child will some day be King." He repeated.
"You knew all of it, all along." Jaime remarked, his eyes sparkling with wonder. "Why did you not simply tell us at Winterfell?" Jaime's ending questioned.
Bran's calm expression was unchanging. "The path was yours to discover, and to follow." He explained. "Every step you have taken along your journey led you there. They have led you here, to your destiny." He spoke vaguely, however, Jaime was certain he understood The King's meaning. Your sister had to die. You were the only one who could bring her end." Bran affirmed. "You are the Valonqar, Ser Jaime." The King declared. "You have always been destined for far more than you felt yourself worthy." Bran attested.
"And when my reign has ended, you shall be the father of Kings." Bran proclaimed.
Awe shone upon Jaime's face, as he pondered the revelation Bran had shared. "We shall call him Eddard." After all that had transpired, the man who had once been called Kingslayer, was at last able to admit that it had been Bran's father, Ned Stark, who had possessed all the honor and courage which he himself had always sought. It would be a privilege to name his own son after the man he should have always admired.
It was Bran who lowered his head respectfully. "I am honored." He told Jaime solemnly.
Even as he celebrated what was to come along his own path, Jaime was concerned for The King. He voiced his concern to the King. "Our positions on the Small council, Your Grace?" Jaime began. "Ser Brienne takes a great deal of pride in seeing to your protection, and to the needs of the Realm, as do I." He described, knowing how much the role of Lord Commander meant to Brienne. "Who will see to the responsibilities of your service?" He questioned.
A distant look appeared in King Bran's eyes as if he were gazing at someone far away. "I think you will find those positions shall shortly be satisfactorily filled." He relayed. "Within the year, my sister, Arya will return from her sea voyage." Bran reported. "She will assume the role of Lord Commander of my Kingsguard." Jaime could find no fault in the King's choice. The hero of the Battle of Winterfell, the slayer of the Night King? There was no better choice in all the realm to see to Bran's safety.
"Lord Gendry Baratheon will take your place as Master of War." Bran stated, not a hint of doubt in his voice.
Jaime's brow furrowed. "The boy has no experience in military strategy or prolonged warfare." He reminded the King.
Bran nodded. "Be that as it may." Bran answered. "Lord Gendry has a keen logical mind." He said. "He is a quick study, and undertstands weaponry." Bran listed. "He will, in no time prove himself invaluable to the armies and soldiers of Westeros." Bran said with certainty.
Jaime bowed. "If you say so, Your Grace." He acquiesced.
Once the two proud men had reached their understanding, there was still a thought which troubled Jaime. "If I might ask, Your Grace?" He spoke up. "What of Casterly Rock?" He questioned. He had only one care for the fate of his ancestral home.
Bran nearly chuckled. A very uncharacteristic response from the reserved and quiet King. "I dare say, you will not need it, Ser Jaime." His amused smile held the promise of yet more which remained unsaid.
Jaime laughed, and shook his head, his gaze studying the ground as the absurdity of his inquiry sounded in his ears. "I will not, Your Grace. Nor do I want it." He conceded. "However, as the eldest living Lannister, the Lordship of Casterly Rock would by rights be mine." He concluded. "As I have no need of it, I would ask that it pass to my brother." Jaime offered.
Bran appeared to consider Jaime's appeal. "Lord Tyrion, the Master of Casterly Rock?" He replied rhetorically.
"I know it would mean a great deal to him." Jaime added thoughtfully.
"Is that the only reason for you ask this of me?" Bran questioned, the corners of his mouth turning up in a slight sneer.
Jaime reddened at The King's scrutiny. "Well, Your Grace." He laughed. "The thought occured to me, how fitting a tribute it would be to the relationship that Tyrion shared with my father." Jaime quipped. "Tywin Lannister would roll in his grave to think that his imp son would inherit the great family fortress of Casterly Rock." He could now barely contain his laughter."
Bran considered the idea for a moment, his distant eyes almost twinkling with merriment. "Yes. I think Lord Tyrion would be a grand choice as head of your family manor, and more than a qualified Warden of the Westerlands." Bran agreed. "He can see to those duties as well as retaining his role as Hand of the King." He declared.
Jaime bowed. "Thank you, Your Grace." He smiled. "Perhaps when the time comes, a suitable heir can be named for him there, since he is unmarried." He suggested.
Again, Bran's sly smile eluded to his knowledge of the future. "Lord Tyrion's chapters have not yet been completed." He said. "Not to worry, Ser Jaime." The King assured him. "There shall be heirs a plenty for both Tarth and Casterly Rock." Bran confirmed.
Jaime cocked his head to one side, trying to imagine the scenario for Tyrion that Bran presented. "What? Who?" He questioned, an astounded smile passing his face. Then, Jaime gasped almost before the words had even left his mouth as understanding formed in his mind. "Your sister? The Queen in the North." He speculated, certain he was correct. "Tyrion speaks so fondly of her. I have always suspected he was in love with her." Jaime congratulated himself on his intuition.
"Lord Tyrion and my sister will soon be renewing their acquaintance." Bran's vagueness was all the confirmation Jaime needed. There was more in the King's tone that confirmed his guess.
"It will be a strong union." Jaime nodded, overjoyed that his brother would soon know the same unconditional love he himself had found with his dear Brienne.
Bran looked at Jaime with clear eyes. "As will yours." He said. "It will be a secure Westeros that rises from the rubble left after the bloodshed it has lately known." Bran affirmed. "You, Lady Brienne, Lord Tyrion, and Queen Sansa will see to that. The realm will be even stronger than before." Bran pronounced proudly. He looked earnestly upon the knight who had finally found the integrity he always sought. "You are a man of honor, Ser Jaime. History will remember you as such." Bran announced.
Lowering his head, reverently, Jaime considered all Bran had told him. "Thank you, Your Grace." He said sincerely.
Bran eyed him solemnly. "Thank you, Ser Jaime." He answered, his gaze serene and peaceful. "Now, could you wheel me to find Lord Tyrion?" He asked. "I have business to discuss with him, and you have much to discuss with Ser Brienne." Bran's expression was almost gleeful.
Jaime wondered if the topic of the King's upcoming discussion with Tyrion might have to do with the Queen in the North. His heart and mind were already racing ahead, thinking of the news he had to share with Brienne, and the proposal he wished to present her. "It would be my pleasure, Your Grace." He agreed, his eyes shining merrily as he escorted Bran down the garden path toward the castle.
The warm Tarthian sun was sitting heavy in the sky when Jaime finally returned to Brienne's chambers. He found his Lady sitting upon the bed, a light comforting hand draped over the beautiful little cradle that had once held her. He watched her profile silhouetted against the soft light that drifted into the room from the balcony beyond. Frozen in the doorway, Jaime's breath stilled as he studied Brienne gazing lovingly down into the light wood bassinet around whose spindles were carved the suns and moons of her ancestral name. In awe, Jaime regarded her as she stood watch over their sleeping babe. She was as The Mother herself, peaceful, graceful, and strong. Brienne had always possessed a warrior's strength. Now, that force was at once softened and enhanced by the maternal spirit which settled around her like armor of a different sort. Jaime thought adoringly of the child she had gifted him, and imagined the one King Bran had assured him now grew inside her. What few had taken the time to see within her was the woman's strength that now Jaime watched shining like a beacon. In his entire miserable life, he had never realized how truly wonderful such a pure and selfless love could be, that which he had for her, the kind she felt for him. Jaime felt completely unworthy of the gift of Brienne's heart, but would not relinquish it for anything in the world.
Within a few moments Jaime could no longer bear missing the feeling of Brienne in his arms. As quietly as he could, Jaime closed the door, yet still the soft click of the latch stirred Brienne from her motherly fascination of their infant son. He was not sure if she sensed it was him, or if Brienne knew him so well she could hear it was the weight of his steps that sounded behind her. She raised her head, unworried, and graced him with a soft welcoming smile. Being so near her, Jaime felt like a lost man returning from a desolate wasteland. He rushed to her. Hurrying around the bed, he took Brienne in his arms. He sat softly behind her and wrapped her in his embrace, his chin leaning upon her shoulders. His hand gently slid round her waist and rested upon her abdomen. Jaime kissed her neck and reveled in the delighted giggle his action elicited from her. Brienne laid back against him and he surged with desire for her. Tenderly, carefully, he nestled her back upon the mattress and leaned over her. With a passionate kiss he greeted the woman he loved.
She eagerly returned his sentiment.
When their breath had failed them, Jaime and Brienne reluctantly parted from each other's lips. His eyes washed over her, taking in every curve and angle. Without a word he bent, and placed a soft kiss upon her belly. Again, Brienne's laugh was a sweet song in his ears.
"What are you doing?" Brienne chuckled softly, propping herself upon her elbows, watching Jaime with and amused grin.
He inched his way back up her form to press his forehead against hers, his hand still, resting atop where he was certain their second babe grew within her. "I have it upon authority of The King that you are already with child, again." He smiled, excitedly.
Brienne eyed him in disbelief, and waved off his prognostication with an incredulous sigh. "I do think I would be the first to know such a thing." She laughed. "It has not even been a fortnight that we have enjoyed our renewed…romantic affinity for each other." Brienne reminded him, biting her lip enticingly as she imagined their bodies entwined in the passion they shared. "Surely he spoke of a child long in the future." She reasoned, playing with his fingers as he absently drew circled just below her waistline.
Jaime shrugged, eyeing her reassuringly. "That is not what the Three-eyed Raven said to me." He reiterated. "King Bran said it was certain. That my seed already flowers within your womb." He puffed proudly. "It did not take us long with Galladon." He spied a quick glance at their sleeping babe in the cradle a few inches from them, and then flashed sparkling eye at the boy's mother.
Brienne studied Jaime's happy smiled as he regarded her adoringly. She thought of how much she loved him, and how bringing his child into the world had been the happiest time of her life, even in his absence. As if it had just occurred, Brienne recalled the moment she had given birth to Galladon, and how her heart had burst with his first cry and soared the moment he was laid into her arms. Even beyond the hurt she had felt at Jaime's leaving her, how desperately Brienne had wanted him there with her when she had brought their child forth. Should the Gods see fit to bless them again with the gift of a child created from their love, this time it would be so different. Jaime would be with her to experience their child growing within her, to see their next babe born. They would be a family. She gave a silent prayer that it would be so.
Softly, Brienne reached and caressed Jaime's cheek. He was so hopeful, so happy. She could not bear to counter his enthusiasm. Brienne looked deeply into his eyes, and smiled. It was a look that took his breath away. "Well." She acquiesced. "I suppose we will just have to see what the coming weeks shall bring." Brienne conceded, beginning to hope herself. With that she reached and kissed him deeply, longingly. Jaime wrapped his arms around Brienne and lost himself in their deepening ardor.
It was as Jaime trailed his fingers along the opening of Brienne's robe, ready to cast it from her magnificent body that Galladon gave a tiny waking cry, searching for his parents. The couple was rousted from their imminent love making. They sweetly laughed, their eyes promising each other the pleasures that would need to wait until later. With one last taste of Brienne's lips, Jaime rose to sit upon the edge of the mattress. As Brienne retied her dressing gown, she pulled herself up to sit beside him. Jaime lifted a groggy Galladon into his arms, plastering the baby's sleep tossled head with kisses.
"Did you sleep well, My Son?" He asked the infant who only stared mesmerized into his father's face.
Brienne busied herself smoothing Galladon's hair. "It appears he has." She answered for him.
For a long moment, they sat together, pleasantly appeasing their child, and enjoying each other. Then, Jaime could wait no longer, he could think of no better time to pose the question that played upon his heart. He did not want to ask Brienne where they sat. He wished a more lovely scene than a rumpled mattres and disheveled bassinet. With their babe nestled securely in his arms, Jaime rose and presented his handless arm to Brienne. She accepted eagerly and walked beside Jaime as he led her out to the balacony. The setting sun, the beach below with the sapphire waves beyond, and warm soft breeze would be the perfect setting.
Together they settled upon the cushioned settee, beside the railing that overlooked the surf of Shipbreaker Bay, relaxing in the nearness of each other. At once unexplainably nervous, Jaime attempted to calm himself by speaking to their son first. "Tell me, young Galladon of Tarth." He began. "How do you find your mother's island home? Does it agree with you?" He cooed to the babe, never taking his eyes from Brienne. Jaime thought of the King's promise that they were to make a home on Tarth, and the idea gave him a peaceful contentment he had not known before his heart was taken by the lovely Lady who sat beside him.
Brienne smiled. "I do believe he finds it quite suitable." She beamed. "But his name is Jaimes Galladon Lannister of Tarth." Brienne corrected, but peered bashfully at Jaime. "That is…" she stammered, suddenly embarrassed by her boldness. "That is if you still wish that he should wear your name." She raised her eyes to him and smiled endearingly.
For a moment, Jaime was so overcome he could not speak. Then, his reply came clearly to his mind. "There is but one thing in the entire world which would make me happier." He said. Brienne looked at him, questioningly. Jaime reached and took her hand. "If his mother would accept it as well." He answered.
A shocked gasp held captive Brienne's breath as she stared at Jaime. He moved Galladon softly into her arms, and slid from the bench to his knee before her. Again, taking her hand in his, Jaime looked earnestly up into her eyes. How they rivaled the waters of the blue ocean below. As when he bestowed the honor of knighthood upon her, he knew barely what he was saying. So lost in her he was, that it was his heart speaking. It seemed to know all of the right things to say.
"Ser Brienne of Tarth." He swallowed anxiously. "My heart is yours. It has always been yours, and it will always be yours." He breathed the same words he had spoken when he could not act upon their sentiment. This time nothing stopped him. "Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He sighed with the hopeful smile that appeared over his face. Brienne could only stare, shocked at the words she never dreamed she would hear spoken to her. "Please, My Love, marry me?" Jaime beseeched.
Brienne found that even as large tears began to spill down her cheeks, words would not pass from her lips. She watched Jaime, his plea so honest and hopeful, her heart thrilling with love for him. She did not know if one second had passed before she could speak, or one hour had gone by. Finally she found her voice. "Oh yes." She agreed happily. "I will marry you." She answered, her voice choked with emotion.
Jaime rose and took Brienne in his arms. Settling next to her upon the cushion he brought his lips to hers in the purest and most passionate promise of love either had ever known. Brienne reclined into his embrace, losing herself in the love they shared. When they surfaced for air from their enamored dive she brought his hand to her heart.
"I love you." Brienne swore to him. "Oh, I love you." She smiled, her eyes heavy with longing.
"And I love you. My Dearest." Jaime replied to her. "More than any man has ever loved any woman." He told her, his eyes shining with elation.
"Come." Jaime bid eagerly, "We shall ask your father for his blessing." He announced, not wishing to wait, and certain that no man could deny his petition with the air of love that hung heavily around himself and Brienne. He began to rise, but Brienne delicately placed her palm upon his chest to stop him.
"I am afraid we will have to wait awhile longer." She said fretfully. "Father has declared that a dinner celebration be held in our honor this evening." She explained, her expression apologetic. "We are expected any moment." Brienne told him.
Jaime leaned in and kissed his betrothed once more. "Very well." He smiled sweetly. "We shall speak to The Evenstar after dinner." He agreed. "Until then, it will be our little secret." Jaime laughed, while he nestled against her cheek.
Brienne nodded, and gazed at Jaime joyfully. She pulled her fingers from his touch with a smile, and rested her hand over her still flat belly. "Perhaps it will not be the only one." She sighed dreamily.