Hey all. Forgive me if this chapter has come out a little later than my previous ones, i've been busy with school. I don't want to be a downer but i'm getting the sense that maybe after the next few chapters I won't be updating very often. I really don't know if anyone is enjoying this story or if it's any good, so any reviews would be helpful. I tend to have a lot of self doubt so if there is anyone that has any feedback on what your thoughts are it would be appreciated. Let me know what you think.

Duncan

The stench was the first thing he noticed. It took him by storm, to say the least.

He had an entrance only young boys dreaming of becoming legendary knights could wish for. There he rode into the Red Keep, lead by Jaime Lannister, one of the most feared men in the Seven Kingdoms.

Suddenly everything Addam had warned him about King's Landing rang true in his head. But for some reason, despite the awful smell and the beggars littering the city from the gates to the yard of the castle, its greatness still shook through Duncan.

He had been led to his chambers -far smaller than those he had in Ashemark, and he found that he had to share with other squires. He wondered why, then, had he ever been excited to come here? Nothing would await him besides gruelling and humiliating work as a glorified servant to a man he neither knew or respected. All he had to remember was that there was something to work for. This was just a traditional means to an end, and Duncan would do his name proud.

The first week passed by without much happening. He began his duties to squire under Lord Tarly and rarely had much else beyond that. Lord Tarly was a hard man, and initially reminded Duncan a little but of Jon Manning. But sitting in on his council meetings, hearing him make plans and put together efforts Duncan quickly realised that the man he was serving was an incredibly intelligent one. He was still cold, Duncan thought, but he knew he would be able to respect a man such as him. And that gave him some ease knowing that he would have something steadfast to hold on to in this pit of snakes.

He had only crossed paths with Lord Jaime, his future good brother, a sparse amount of times during his first week. It seemed that his lordship truly did have a lot on his hands and whenever Duncan did see him he always looked like he was rushing to get somewhere. Perhaps he is rushing to get back to somewhere too.

It was on his ninth day in King's landing squiring for Randyl Tarly that he was taken by surprise. He was just in the midst of polishing Lord Tarly's sword in his study -his lordship always insisted his sword be in the same room with him at all times where he could see it, when Jaime Lannister walked in unannounced. Lord Tarly looked up then, masking his surprise at Jaime's visit with curiosity.

"Lannister. What brings you here, looking to badger me before dinner?" He asked while casually returning to his scrolls.

Duncan tried not to be obvious as he stared between the both of them. Jaime now wore a look Duncan was accustomed to seeing him adorn;one like he knew something others did not. And he always held it with a small smirk. Lord Tarly, however, appeared to be impatient. Duncan, over the past week had heard Lord Tarly's opinions on many things -and people. Randly Tarly was not shy of saying what he thought. Yes, he was a relatively diplomatic man but he never held back his opinion -no matter what it was, and certianly did not bother to exercise restraint in front of a lowly squire whose invisibility is a prerequisite. And one of the subjects his new master was never too shy to speak about was the curious case of Jaime Lannister. Duncan had obviously heard what he had expected already from the court itself, the rumors and reasons. "Why did he leave?"
"Good riddance."
"Was it a woman?"
"Was it that the Kingsguard did not want him?"
"Whose orders were it to release him? Did the King order it?"
"Who has bewitched him?"

But though Lord Tarly showed no interest in gossip, he never hid his disdain. Strangely, it was not the matter of honour -or the lack of it, that bothered him. But the curious timing and the fact that everyone else was left to clean up the mess that had been made whilst he was off "picking flowers for some child-bride". He had tried not to get offended at that, he knew they did not know Lorraine. No one did. But it was hard not to think of Addam and how he would have said something in that moment. He did not yet know Randyl Tarly as well as he soon would, but his impatience and impertinence seemed unfounded and Duncan could not help but feel it was some sort of act at times.

"I actually came to have a word with your squire." Both pairs of eyes were suddenly on Duncan and his own only widened in perplexing confusion. What would you want with me?

"My Lord?" He asked. He did not know who he was asking. But Lord Lannister took it upon himself to answer.

"No need to worry I shan't keep you from your..." he looked around and narrowed his gaze at the sword Duncan was polishing before he continued "...duties. I thought it was about time you dined with me. Join for supper this evening in my rooms, there is much we must discuss."

Duncan nodded before he could find the words,

"Of course, my Lord." He could not yet call him brother. He probably could not ever call him brother. He heard a bored sigh come from behind the desk and knew him and Jaime would not be making small talk about how the weather faired today.

"If that's all, Ser Jaime." Lord Tarly challenged Lord Lannister. And the latter lord gave him nothing but a slight chuckle, grinning back widely.

"Yes. I'll leave you to your important work lord Randyl. Good day." Duncan could still see the smile on his face as he left the study and thought it strange but also admirable that he could be so unaffected by people's judgements.

And now, if only I could know what you wish to know, my Lord. He thought to himself. For it was strange of a man of Lord Lannister's standing to personally invite a lowly squire to a private dinner -even if he was to be his good-brother. Perhaps it was his way of being close to Lorraine, though he could not imagine Lord Jaime being that kind of man -he did not look like much of a romantic.

Thoughts of Lorraine quickly led to thoughts of all that he had left behind, and he tried his best not to falter in his steps as he fought off the haunting memories with the swords of logic. You will return, Duncan. He scolded himself the way he knew his father would, and until then, make them proud.

Lorraine

It annoyed me to know end, truly, to know that I liked someone. I had never considered what my openness might lead to or where it may take me, but I must say this is in fact not where I wished to be. Jaime Lannister had left Ashemark, and all that meant was that he had left me. That is how it felt. It felt like my days have become hollow, my life a little grayer, and all this because I let him become important to me.

How is it even possible? I had thought myself steadfast in regard to him. And with the exceptions of the physical comforts I allowed myself to have in his company I was almost proud to say that I was not yet falling in love with Jaime Lannister. And I still wasn't, i'm sure of it. The pain I felt at him leaving was not one of love or yearning, I felt loss -I felt empty.

And it was not only him that had left. For over a moon I have had the immense pleasure of having my entire family under one roof and Jaime was a nice addition to it. But over the course of a few days Reina, Duncan and Jaime all left followed by Janyne and her own family. There was a void I knew I would never learn to fill. I tried to comfort myself with the knowledge that at least I still had Elaine, as well as Addam and Margot -who was now family to me. I still had Father. But it was still different, it was still quiet. Everyone had their role and everyone had their place, and I would miss the sound of Janyne's children's laughter in the morning and how they would sneak into my chambers to wake me. I loved the people I had left, but Addam will never be what Duncan is and vice versa. I can not take solace in replacing one sibling with another. I had felt the loss of Addam's presence in the household when he had been gone, and Duncan himself knows that no one could change that for me. So I knew from the day they had all been gone that I would only miss them, and everything else would be a distraction.

I would probably not see Reina for a very long time for she was now married to a future Stormlord and that is the salty earth she will come to know. Her children will be born of the Stormlands and will have rain in their eyes and thunder in their voices, and I know Reina will grow to love all those parts of them. But I also know that perhaps she will forget the sting of the sun, or the stillness of the mountains around us, and maybe then she will forget how she longed for it, for us. Gallowsgrey is a long way away, and my heart aches every time my eyes settle on a map of our Seven Kingdoms, for my dearest sister was now away from me and I almost hated myself for the happiness I felt for her. Yes, she was away from me and I should always want her close, but Steffon will make her happy -if he hasn't already.

Nevertheless, I surrounded myself with the people I had with me now in a transparent attempt to not feel as lonely. For the most part, it worked. I tried to attach myself to Margot a few times but I knew I would be limited in my attempts; Margot was Addam's wife now. And although I do enjoy her growing company and growing confidence I also know that Addam has grown fond of her and this time spent together was imperative for their relationship to blossom. My father also found me sat on his study floor a few times, and he said nothing as I silently sifted through his papers and organised his things. He would never tell me he appreciates my company, or that he would miss it, but he would pat me on the head sometimes and I knew what he meant to say. He would miss me, and I would miss him. But my visits to his study would not be too often. As I knew I was not of any real use to Father; he could not really discuss any important matters with me and I did not like the stuffy room too much. I had far more success with Elaine, who must have felt whatever it was I was feeling, so she in turn sought me out for company. She liked talking, I always knew that about her, and it did not matter if I ever responded for she only ever needed me to listen. And these days I was all too happy to do just that, I wanted to remember her voice. It helped steady me, and when I was with Elaine lying on the bare grass with her head against mine it was like only we existed. It made me forget that soon I would be someone's wife -and that meant a lot of different things.

Oh how I hate walking on my own these days. I once enjoyed and even wished for a moment of solitude but now all it did was allow me the space to revel in thoughts I would much prefer to keep away. I took a sharp left in the maze and passed by my "oasis" but did not falter and carried on. I needed to keep walking, I did not want to sit down -especially there. I lazily swung my hands farther outwards and the tips touched the veins of the surrounding bushes, I wanted to feel each and every one. Gods only know how much longer I will have to experience it all. Soon I will have a new home to revel in.

I wonder, is Jaime thinking of me now? Better yet, is he thinking of me the same way I think of him? In my mind's eyes his hair is even more golden than I remember it, his laugh a lot louder. I even miss his golden hand and the way the sun hit it when we would sit outside for hours upon hours. Why has he not written to me yet? Yes, it had only been little more than a week since he had gone but even Duncan had written us. Though I suppose Jaime would have much more pressing matters to attend to, and he said he would not be long. Why was I being so nagging about this? Why was I so insistent? I must have looked like a lost cat begging for reassurances. I am not lost without Jaime, only bored. And a little sad.

He had taken up so much space in my life in so little time. It made me angry that he had pursued our friendship so with such determination only to leave me to wither without it. Regardless of the complaints I had I knew they would never amount to anything. I may have let my emotions get the better of me at the time, but I understood what Jaime needed to do and why he needed to do it. He was Lord of the Rock now, and he had to find closure for his uncle.

And I am to be Lady of the Rock. How strange is that? I never thought I would go anywhere that was not home. I would start and end in Ashemark, and had resigned myself to being happy with that. Enthusiastically so. But being Lady Lannister did not just mean an awkward wedding where the bride's sister would be reciting her vows, it meant doing one's duty. Even if I did not already know what went on between husband and wife we have just hosted two weddings in quick succession, talk of wifely duties has hardly been scarce. I feel like I must constantly reiterate to myself that whatever attraction I must feel towards Jaime may be strong enough to illicit lasting touches and a few kisses on his cheek, but I hardly think it is enough to induce such passion just yet. I have never been touched by a man, so logically it was natural that I should want some semblance of intimacy with the only man that had ever showed interest. But when that was paired with the fact that I felt that a core had been built between Jaime and I, that we had trusted one another and bathed in each other's company so often that he had now become some sort of extension of me, I strangely am not worried at all about any "duties" I may have to perform. And am also strangely calm in my knowledge that Jaime Lannister will be good to me.

As I laid on the grass somewhere, I can't even remember where I had gotten to, I closed my eyes and turned my head to face the sun, ignoring the sensations of grass prickling my skin. Bathing in the new sunlight, I found my mind blank -which is always a bad thing. I wanted to think of dragons, how would their flames compare to this sun shining bright on my face? But I did not think of dragons. Instead, to my fractional dismay, I thought of Jaime Lannister once more. And I promised myself it would be the last time I will let him cross my mind until tomorrow. I thought of him lying on the grass next to me telling me about King's Landing and how he wished I had seen it and how well Duncan is fitting in there. I looked to my right then and found him there looking back at me grinning widely as he raises himself up off his shoulder so he is hovering over me, I could almost feel the shade his imagined shadow afforded me with. His fingers proceeded to remove stray hairs off my face and he continued to look at me like I would disappear at any moment. My lids drooped lazily, and before I closed my eyes I reached out and placed my hand on where his heart should be but was instead met with a lump of grass,

"Come back to me" I whispered, and before long I fell deep into slumber, dreaming of a green eyed man losing very badly at chess.

Jaime

She sat solemnly on her balcony, she did not even bother turning to him when she finally spoke.

"You're a little too late, brother. I don't suppose you've come to be my champion." Her voice sounded broken, resigned. Jaime had never thought he would hear her like that, but he forced himself to not care what he heard from her. He straightened his back and simply said,

"No." A breathy laughed escaped her at that. She's definitely not got her wits about her.

"Then I suppose you're too late for our dear uncle as well." She finally turned around to face him in a swift motion. Her bony fingers gripped the top of her chair and her matching eyes burnt through his own. Her face had lost every glow it ever had, and Jaime was left with only a shadow of the woman he remembered. The golden tresses that he used to have as well were torn and shaved off and her head protruded strangely, somehow it did not fit her body.

"I am here to pay my respects to him. And to return my cloak to my king."

"And when you are done, will you be on your way? Off to marry whichever child you have chosen? Call her Lady of the Rock? Give her our mother's jewels?" Anger was the only thing he could see as he stormed over to the table and slammed his palm to it, shaking the lunch dishes in the process. He fumed and silently took a moment to breathe down at her as he fought the urge to shake her down. She ignored him, not even flinching at his close proximity and obvious rage.

"Do not ever presume you may speak to me that way again." He whispered violently.

"Casterly Rock should have been mi-"

"But it's not." He removed his hand then, cursing himself for letting her get the better of him as she always could. He turned away from her, refusing to show her the effect she still had on him, and spoke once more,

"And you will never speak of Lorraine that way, or at all, ever again." He could feel her eyes on him now, and he indulged her enough to look back. The sun was slowly setting and her eyes only darkened in obvious anger.

"I am the Queen! You can not tell me what to do or how to speak!" Her teeth, now yellow, gritted and her mouth turned into an ugly frown as she looked up at him in an almost feral way.

He had the sudden urge to laugh at her now. Not long ago he would compare every beautiful woman he came across to Cersei. Long ago her beauty was renowned throughout the Kingdoms and the smallfolk would talk in wonder about the Queen with sunlight in her hair. Little did they know of the blackness in her heart. Instead, he found it in him to face her fully and leant down so both his hands rest on the arms of her chair. His face was level to hers and he could tell she was fighting not to look away from him.

"No, sister. You are not. You have been your own undoing. You are, and have always been, far less intelligent than you believed yourself to be. Margeary is the Queen now, and you will live out the rest of your miserable life watching her be everything you could not be. For that, sister, I hope you live long."

"You're so weak, Jaime." Her eyes were glassy now and he tried not to care. But any sympathy he may have had for her shattered once laughter started bubbling through her, malicious and ugly and so...repugnant. He looked on in confusion until she had calmed, and once she was silent once more she pulled herself closer to him so their noses were almost touching, her breath damp on his face.

"How weak you are. That you would turn your back on me, all because I opened my legs to those I needed things from. I used the weapons the Gods gave me. No one would ever point their fingers at you for wielding your sword."

"I loved you."

"And I love you. You are a part of me, Jaime. You could not possibly think for a moment that any little cunt could change that you belong to me!" He shook the chair violently then, lifting it for a second and bringing her face even closer to where it was before. Suddenly her shoulders caved in and she lifted her hands in surrender, craning her head down in fear.

"I told you not to speak of Lorraine! Don't you understand, Cersei? You betrayed me, the only thing I ever worshipped was you. I gave up my life, my rights and my right hand all for you! You only serve yourself." He roared at her.

"Do you love her?" She asked him in defiance.

"Not yet." She laughed.

"Adorable, you think you stand a chance."

"I assure you it is far better than wasting away in a city where everyone from the small council to the beggars shitting on the streets despises me."

Looking away from him Cersei gulped down whatever remained of her voice and strength and calmly spoke, ignoring Jaime's burst at her,

"Why are you here, Jaime?" He got up and straightened his doublet, taking a step back from her. Away from her.

"For Tommen. He wanted me to see you. And now I have."

"I suppose you've done your duty then. You may leave." She said quickly, returning her gaze back towards the bay. Without offering a response, he turned on his heel and made his way to the door.

"Lord Lannister?" He heard her call, and he allowed himself to turn to find her meek form once again twisted to his direction.

"My Lady?" He asked, willing himself to keep his blank expression firmly on his face.

"You will tire of her eventually. She's not me." And even with her stoic figure Jaime could still see the glimmer of malignancy shimmer through her eyes. It seems that is all that can sustain her. He gripped the handle firmly, and before unlatching the door and leaving Cersei for the last time he turned to her with a soft smile and responded to her prediction,

"Thank the Gods, sister. My wife will be nothing like you." And without sparing her another glance, he exited the room and closed the door behind him.

He made the long walk back to his chambers twitching in anger. How dare she? But he did not know what else to expect from Cersei, she was unchangeable. He knew he was bound to see her since being here, but he still avoided it like the plague. When the time came though, he knew he could not refuse Tommen.

"I beg of you Uncle, just go see her."

"I do not think she would want to see me, Your Grace." The look in the young King's eyes spoke leagues for him.

"Please." He whispered. And Jaime could no longer refuse him.

He had given Jaime everything he had asked for, it was the least he could do to brave being in Cersei's company for a short visit. And now that he had seen her he would not have to see her again, she was bound to her room in shame and soon he would be gone. Though his unfortunate encounter with Cersei made him think why he would have ever decided to return to this cauldron of filth, he was still glad he did.

He was right in assuming the less than savoury circumstances regarding his Uncle's death. His uncle Kevan had been murdered, along with Grand Maester Pycelle in the same night and same room, and the killer remains unidentified. And now Tommen lacked a Regent as well as a Grand Maester. It was the first thing he had asked of him, but Jaime knew he could not possibly accept. He couldn't do it, which superseded the fact that he certainly did not want to. So he had to prolong his stay to help his King where he had failed him, finding a suitable Regent.

He wished Tyrion were here. He wished any capable Lannisters were here. Instead he had to pick and choose someone responsible enough to look out for the King's best interests while he could not. Perhaps Mace Tyrell, he would surely want his daughter's best interest -which meant Tommen's by extension. But he would probably name Randyl Tarly hand as well as interim regent and that only gives too much power to the Tyrells and the Reach. Gods, I despise politics. So exhausting. He had never had the mind for it, and so he scoured for an answer until he found his rooms.

Once he got there he sat by his table and stared down at the scroll he had begun writing on.

Dear Lorraine,

I

Was all it yet said. Jaime had never been one for words and could still not find it in him to write to his intended. What would he say? That he missed her? That with every gallop the horse took away from her he considered turning back? That he would trade all the exotic foods and grand halls to lie on the grass with her? No, he could not say that, nor could he yet fully admit it to himself. Perhaps I am weak, just like Cersei says I am.

He pushed the empty letter away, saving it for another time when his mind was not close to exploding. He needed to find some sort of a solution for the King's council, he could not trust anyone else to do so. He began his begrudging thought process with Harys Swyft.

A toad, a bannerman but a useless one. He will never do for a Regent. My aunt will not be taken seriously as a Regent, and I would not even know if she would be a wise choice. Though, beggars can't be choosers. Baelish can not be trusted, he serves himself, but perhaps instating him as the hand would give Tyrell less power. Mace Tyrell, though he is an oaf, is the best option for a Regent. The Hand of The King must be steadfast, Randyl Tarly would be a good option if he were not so loyal to the the Tyrells. The Martells absolutely can not be trusted with any power. No, it seems the council is overtaken by the Reach. I could have sworn there were Seven Kingdoms, where are they? The North is still unstable, and can not be trusted with any respresentatives. Perhaps...no. I do not even know if it is possible. The Tully's have it out for the Lannisters, Edmure Tully remains my prisoner. But what if Riverrun could be returned to him? If I could convince him to take his place as the hand -or any place on the council for that matter, he would have to reside in King's Landing until released from his duties or a replacement could be found, then perhaps Riverrun can be his again. In King's Landing he would still be paroled and watched, a semi-hostage. But it would also appease relations between the south and the Riverlands, I suppose.

He was surprised that his thoughts had taken such a turn, and wondered who would be proud of him for being so diplomatic. Thinking he had had enough of that for one day, he threw his idea on the back-burner and decided to return to it tomorrow and bring it to the council to discuss the technicalities of it, and see if it was even valid. The sun had fully set now, and he could have sworn there was something else he needed to do before he heard a knock on the door. He made his way to open it and realisation dawned on him as he opened the door, he had almost forgotten about Duncan.

"My Lord?" He greeted him, still unsure he was even invited.

"Yes, Duncan. Have a seat. Lewys should be here with supper shortly -I hope." He motioned for the chairs by the fire and took a seat across from him. Looking at Duncan now, he realised how similar he looked to Lorraine, they shared the same physical traits. Apparently the fiery Marbrand hair slipped through the cracks and Duncan and his sister inherited their mother's hair, keeping their father's eyes. It was a little funny, he thought, how he shared the same eyes and hair with both his siblings but with the Marbrands it was a little pick-and-choose situation. Addam was fully his father. Janyne, Reina and Elaine fully their mother. And Duncan and Lorraine -the last of the litter, were a mixture of both.

"How are you finding King's Landing?" He ventured to ask. By the Gods, I must resort to small talk.

"It's umm..grand, my Lord."

"And Lord Tarly? How do you find him?"

"He's as fine a lord as one could hope for, my Lord."

"You needn't be so formal with me." Duncan shied away slightly, which was the first Jaime had ever witnessed that. All throughout the time he had known him Duncan had shown nothing but brazen adolescent confidence that Jaime could only laugh at and slightly pity. For the world will harden him, surely.

"I suppose it's a little strange to think of you as my future good-brother." He confessed. He tried not to sigh out in response, there is no part of this that is not strange to me. Instead, he poured a chalice of wine and lifted his goblet expectantly.

"I'm sure you'll find stranger things here, Duncan."

A/N: This took me way longer to write, I honestly didn't know how to start it off -maybe I just wasn't that inspired to write this week. The dynamics have changed since i've moved it down to King's Landing so it took a bit of planning to know what I was gonna cover. But it will not be this way for long, I hope.