A/N: I'd like to believe that I'm not the only one who ships Cersei and Bronn. This chapter is slightly RATED M.

Reviews are very much appreciated.

Chapter Three: Violence in the heart

Lollys found the common sense to nurse her son at last.

She was on the bed with Tyrion while Bronn sat near the large window. He pulled the maroon curtains away so he could glance outside the grim cobblestones and filth of his estate. Only that it wasn't really his estate. His wife isn't the heiress. It was her older sister Falyse, and the true Lord of Stokeworth is her husband Balman Byrch. But that didn't discourage Bronn in ruling over the household when the couple would travel east for leisure.

Margaery Tyrell thought he is doing a fantastic job. She had said so herself last night. Bronn wondered if the young queen regent ever entertained suitors after her husband's demise. He wondered if the girl even realized that she is well loved by the people in the city and she can have everything she wants and anyone she desired.

So why does she covet me when there's plenty of other better fish?

"Bread," Lollys called at him. "Boy needs bread."

"He's a babe," Bronn answered. "He can't eat anything. He needs your milk."

His wife puts the baby on the pillows and crawled towards him. He watched her as she got close. Lollys placed her weight on her elbows as she leaned on his lap. She looked up at him with those dumb blue eyes and her mouth half-open.

He smirked. "If you're trying to seduce me to bed, wife, this is not the way to do it."

Lollys just blinked. She didn't get that. She didn't get anything. This was the only unfortunate thing when he accepted this arrangement. He may have lordship now, guards to train and a household to lord over but the woman who warms his bed doesn't even know exactly how to do that aside from spreading her legs. At least whores make better company. It has been fine with Bronn at first but Lollys has a child's mind. He knew he's going to have to raise Tyrion too and he can't imagine himself being a father. It's not even his damn kid. But this is a choice he has to live with now—unless there's a better offer.

And Margaery Tyrell is a better offer? Bronn didn't think so.

"Kiss me," Lollys looked up at him. Bronn pressed his lips against hers and cupped her big teats for consolation. Still mulling over the strange shift of politics in Westeros, Bronn thought about Cersei again. The debts of House Lannister have finally caught up with her.

She's all alone, Bronn thought. The Tyrells keep her in their cage but they are a thousand times more merciful to her than she was to Sansa Stark.

Lollys laughed without grace or restraint as Bronn kept squeezing her teats. He then unlaced his breeches and had her sit on his lap. She was really quite heavy and his thighs would go numb in this uncomfortable position. But he knew that as dumb as she is, Lollys still has the normal urges of a woman and he had to appease them once in a while even if it's the last thing he wants to do. He allowed his mind to drift back as she moved clumsily on top of him. He thought about the prospect of having Margaery Tyrell the next time she gets too close to him again. He knew she'd be open to it. The girl has been wedded twice and has yet to be bedded. He can see how eager she is to have her petals plucked.

But then again she's a noblewoman and he has to marry her first before he even gets a chance to taste the nectar. He decided to forget about it. Lollys should be enough and right now she's learning, and it was worth the bruises on his thighs later.

He was summoned to court that afternoon. It was no surprise that Margaery Tyrell requested his company. What surprised him was that Cersei joined them—or rather she had also been summoned by her daughter-in-law and she cannot turn the girl down, not after everything the Tyrells have done for her. Margaery claimed her and has protected her since.

The three of them had a luncheon in one of the larger balconies of the castle. Margaery had prepared the most generous amount of food and Bronn consumed everything in the table as long as his stomach can allow it. He didn't see the need to fake propriety in front of the women especially now that he's sure nothing he does will ever offend Margaery. The same can't be said for Cersei, on the other hand, but Bronn enjoys yanking her tail.

Still, he's never had to talk to women before without getting in bed with them first. He certainly has nothing in common with these noblewomen either. Bronn stuffed himself with more food as he waited for them to initiate the conversation.

"I hope I do not keep you from your wife so much, my good lord." Margaery said. "It's just that I grew weary of the company of women sometimes and my brothers do not visit me lately." She brushed a strand of brown hair behind her ear. "I truly do not mean to impose—"

"Not at all, my lady," Bronn helped himself with another wing of chicken. "Lollys usually loves her naps around this time of the day. Tyrion too. He likes to sleep, that one."

He enjoyed saying that bastard's name in front of Cersei. She doesn't show it but he knows she would like to stab him with her fork right now.

Margaery took a slice from her cake. She placed it in her mouth as she kept their eyes locked. Bronn smirked at her. She wasn't really seductive but she's not subtle either. He wondered what Cersei makes of this. He risked a glance at her and he found the lioness pouring herself another red. That would be her sixth cup and only an hour has passed. He watched her more closely than before, unable to deny that he was enticed by her silence as much as he loathed her non-response.

Her disinterest means she is paying attention. But just because she wishes to pretend he doesn't exist doesn't mean he would play that card as well. He decided to talk to her. "I've heard that you like to watch the guards practice their swordplay, Your Grace."

Margaery seemed determined to keep his attention to herself so she answered for Cersei. "She doesn't have much to do around here. I suggested we do needlework together but she refused me all the time." She chuckled, placing her hand on top of the older woman.

Cersei kept her face straight. "Swordplay reminds me of the old days."

"What of the old days, my lady?" It was Margaery who asked now.

"The days back home when my father and brother would practice together and you can hear the steel clashing with each other everywhere." Cersei almost sounded dreamy as she talked. "They enjoyed those moments, and even if that excluded me because I was not allowed to hold a sword, it still pleased me to see them happy."

Bronn watched her face the whole time. Margaery may be younger, more spirited and welcoming but Cersei Lannister is still the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. He found himself speaking without realizing it. "You can watch me train the guards if the music of the blades makes you happy, Your Grace."

"Isn't that thoughtful…" Cersei took another sip from her goblet.

Margaery will no doubt want to come as well but then Cersei spoke up before she did and asked Bronn. "Perhaps tonight? I know you train your guardsmen until dark."

"I would be honored." Bronn grinned at her. He looked at the younger girl and asked. "And you, my lady? Got any time to spare?"

"My good lord and lady," Margaery look disappointed. "I must decline the invitation, I'm afraid. My mother wishes to me help her with the arrangements for the next ball."

"Another ball?" Bronn chuckled. "You lovely lot love your parties."

"It keeps the people's spirits up and the peace," Margaery felt wounded. "It is our duty to make sure they get the best treatment, after everything they had to through…all those wars…" she gave Cersei's hand a squeeze. Bronn thought that it was as if to say that the Lannisters are the sole people to blame for that. He was starting to believe Margaery may be just as cruel as any other woman without even knowing it herself.

"You're compassionate as you are beautiful, Margaery." Bronn intentionally left out an address to see how both women will react. Cersei pretty much shut herself down so her expression offered him nothing. Margaery didn't smile but the awakened passion in her eyes pierced through him and almost made his cock hard. That he did not expect. He must be careful not to rouse her with any more flatteries. He got carried away there.

"Guess that settles it," Bronn finished his cup. "I look forward to seeing you in Stokeworth, Your Grace. Shall I come by later to accompany you?"

"No, Lord Bronn." Cersei poured herself another drink. "I will come alone."

Margaery Tyrell should wed another man soon and lose that husband again. She deserves to remain a maiden unloved in her marriage bed; lest Cersei herself sells her to a pleasure house somewhere to get fucked for a clipped copper.

She had always disliked the girl but it only got worse ever since she keeps inviting the parasite into her skirts and makes Cersei watch the slow, repulsive flirtations. The parasite had finally responded and truth be told he can fuck Margaery and all the Tyrell women after that. He can fuck every noblewoman he likes as long as she did not have to bear witness.

Cersei had never been this confused in her life. On one hand she would never let the parasite near her, let alone between her legs but on the other she wanted to spite Margaery and sleep with him a few times. But Cersei no longer has that power.

She had no kind of power whatsoever now. Her children are gone, Jamie has forsaken her and her father is dead. All she has is Casterly Rock. If she marries again then her husband will acquire the one thing left to steal from her: her home.

Meanwhile a despicable scum like Bronn gets to play lord and mock her every chance he gets. She knew that he also desired her and she will use that one of these days to destroy him. She has given him power and she can take that away as well.

Cersei put on a black gown that covers everything even her neck. Black makes her look old and that's how she wanted it. She will not tempt the parasite with her body for now. She would rather see if there are other weak spots she could probe and make them bleed.

The night air was viciously cold and it made her thankful that she selected her garments well. She walked across the castle grounds for a while before she found the main gate that leads out of Red Keep. Her cousin Lancel was already there. No doubt he heard about tonight. She silenced him with a look before he could even begin to complain. On his command, the guards let her pass. It wasn't that dark around the city. There are a few people and some children from one corner to another but they did not look at her, not even if they did recognize her. It should've made Cersei angry again for she is entitled to so much more than a passing glace. But she needed to be inconspicuous for now.

She knew the way to Stokeworth so well even though she had only visited the dreary estate once. Lady Tanda Stokeworth was an old woman who was well-acquainted with the Lannisters only because she was looking for a husband to marry her daughter Lollys. Cersei answered that prayer. As she neared the entrance of the household, she slowed her stride and realized that this may have been a mistake after all. She can't possibly enjoy her stay when the host is that parasite. He wouldn't fool anyone, especially not her. But this was the first time in months that she walked out of Red Keep castle. There was nowhere else to go from here. She must adjust her temperament and put on an act just a little longer.

There were three of them who guarded the main gate and she guessed that they were sellswords. The parasite likes to surround himself with familiar people. One of the men ogled her as they let her pass but it was slightly flattering and even more so disgusting. Has she gotten desperate for attention that she would freely accept a savage's lust? Suddenly, the cold was unbearable. She rubbed her hands on her arms as she walked.

It didn't take her long to find where the guards practiced with their swords. The unmistakable shrill songs of their blades filled the air. She breathed it all in.

The parasite stood still in front of the fifty-something men in the yard. From this distance, he looked almost like her father. The resemblance wasn't anything physical (her father was blond while Bronn's hair is the blackest black she had ever seen) but it had something more to do with the way he carried himself. Like a true commander. Cersei wasn't sure how to feel about that so she willed herself not to feel anything as she watched him some more. The parasite may have known she was there all along and was just ignoring her. Or perhaps he was too consumed with the training, just like her father was when she was only a child. Tywin Lannister would not let training be derailed just so he could talk to his only daughter. It used to make Cersei ache but as she got older, it made her so proud of her father's resilience. It was something she admired and lived by for years to come.

"Your Grace," the parasite acknowledged her at last. He was in his evening wear and the fact that he was already dressed for bed somehow insulted her.

"What do you plan to do with these men?" Cersei couldn't help but ask. "Will you give them to the army after they've seasoned?" She clasped her hands together and did not look at him directly as she spoke. She would glance at some of the men.

"I don't know what to do with them and I'm in no hurry to figure out," he replied. He stood a foot from her but it still made her want to take a few steps away.

"I took you for a planner," she remarked nonchalantly.

"No, this time I just gather these men for a whim." He grinned as he watched the sight before him. "They're good to look at. It reminds me when I swordplay in groups."

Cersei was curious about his past in some way but she didn't want to ask.

"You should've worn a coat, Your Grace."

"You need to stop calling me that," she said without thinking.

A young man with a slight built managed to overpower his bigger opponent. He struck him on the underside of his armor. Cersei smiled and nodded at his direction. He nodded back. The parasite was closer now. She tried not to inhale his scent.

"I'm not sure if 'milady' suits you," he remarked.

"Margaery is Your Grace now," she retorted. "And I'm milady, whether you will have it or not. You must address me as such."

"Or else?"

She risked a glance at him. "It was not a threat."

The parasite grinned. "How about I call you milady when there are people around and I call you Your Grace again when it's just you and me. What say you?"

Cersei cocked her head to the side as she stared him down. "Must you always be so insolent?" She looked away and now folded her arms in front of her.

"How about just Cersei then?"

He was baiting her. She would not bite back.

"And you can drop the 'lord'. I'm better off just Bronn for you."

She said nothing and kept watching the pairs of swordsmen before her.

"Are you sure you're not cold, Cersei? I can get warmer garments for you."

"I'm warm enough." She didn't engage him further.

The parasite was silent for a minute. They just stood beside each other, watching the men trade blows, the comforting metallic melody filling the rest of Cersei's senses.

He spoke up again. "Why did you come?"

She looked at him but not really seeing him. It proved to be difficult with the kind of black eyes he owns. Their gazes are locked again. "You offered," she said blankly.

"You're not fooling me," he began, closing the distance between them once more.

"And why did you think I came?" she challenged.

His eyes were smiling for him instead of his lips. "If you want something, just take it."

Cersei held his gaze for a moment and then she walked off from him. When she was sure he would follow after he signaled his men to keep practicing, she hastened her steps as she crossed the threshold leading to the house. She was unfamiliar with the estate's rooms but she found a huge antique door at the end of a corridor and decided that it's perfect. She stopped there and waited for him to get close before she faced him.

He was standing far from her, not unlike their proximity when they danced in what felt like ages ago. He didn't make a move although she knew he could easily do so. The man moved like a cat and his reflexes are quicker than anyone she has ever seen.

"You're not claiming anything by being coy, Cersei."

She didn't like the sound of her name in his mouth but she decided to ignore it. "Come close," she commanded. He chuckled and stayed where he was.

She pierced her gaze through him. "Bronn."

He broke into a grin now as he approached. She waited until he was near enough to take her in his arms, and when he was very close to her, it made her remember their masquerade dance. She could see that he was thinking about it too. Cersei leaned against the door since he pushed her to do so. All she could look into now were his eyes. The darkness in them didn't frighten her at all. She felt his fingers closing around the hair on her sides until he had his hands on her neck. With a single, strong pull, he rips the collar open and exposed her flesh. She balled her hands into fists and never once looked away.

The parasite leaned down and breathed against her skin. She kept her eyes fixed ahead as she felt his thumb circling around her left nipple against the layer of the clothing. She controlled the way her body responded to his touches and she didn't give any indication whether she enjoyed it or not. He took his time though. His hands were back to her neck again and he pressed hard enough to stop blood circulation. Their eyes are locked into each other again as he leaned harder against her body. His knee was between her legs now and it hurt and shamed her but she did not show it. He loosened his grip around her neck and kissed her chin. And then he kissed lower until he was kissing her above the chest.

He pulled away and clutched her waist with both hands. He yanked her closer to his body but touched his lips against hers so gently it made her want to punch him in the crotch. As if he read her thoughts, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them against the wall. He probed her with his knee again and it was so painful that Cersei stifled a scream.

He pulled his knee out at last but replaced it with his right hand. He cupped her mound and before his fingers could invade the space, Cersei instinctively tried to squeeze her thighs shut. He was stronger than she expected, of course, and kept her steady as he explored within. He pulled her long skirts up. When she felt three of his fingers wriggling inside her now, it shocked her that she was drenched, and she readily accepted the weight of his fingers. She shut her eyes for a while, trying not to fall down as he pushed deeper.

When she opened her eyes again, she looked at him defiantly. She never made a sound even if her legs felt like rubber from the way he assaulted what's between them.

He pressed his forehead against hers. Even with their mouths both open, neither of them dared for a kiss. The parasite knowingly scooped her insides with his fingers like he was trying to kill her by pleasuring her first. Cersei bit her lower lip so hard in an effort not to scream that she could taste blood. She was clutching him by neck this time. She could just strangle him right here and then but every time his fingers moved inside her she kept losing the strength to do so. Several more minutes passed before she was reduced into wheezing. Cersei still did not moan or close her eyes to let him now she's enjoying this (because her mind wasn't even if her body disagreed). She met his gaze and he looked just as detached as she is. He mocked her with his smirk and she decided to speak up.

"You finger-fuck like you're skewing me with a sword."

That earned a chuckle from him. He pushed in a fourth finger and Cersei felt herself spiraling down to madness. If that's the case, she was going to take him down with her.

She reached for his breeches and found him hard. She held on, her hand closing around him like death's claws. The parasite did groan but he repaid her by thrusting his fingers quickly that she may be bleeding in the insides by now.

Cersei will not yield. He can even scrape her cunt with a blade as long as he likes. The pain would be nothing compared to the four times she gave birth. She was already hollow there. No amount of penetration will make her scream or cry or beg for him to stop.

A few more minutes passed and the parasite let go at last. When he pulled his hand away, Cersei exhaled and her chest compressed like there were thorns lodged inside. She pulled her skirts down and rested all of her weight against the door behind as she tried to regain her breath. She was sticky with sweat (and perhaps blood) in her black garments.

"Want me to escort you back?" he spoke up as he wiped his fingers with his handkerchief. He looked at her with the most relaxed expression like nothing was amiss.

She was still out of breath so she managed a small nod.

When she tried walking, she almost tripped and he caught her in his arms and held her there for a while. She looked up at him, her vehemence more apparent now.

"Let me go," she softly murmured but her eyes burned with anger.

Never, she heard her brother's voice. Jamie surrounded her with his love it almost suffocated her. I will kill all of them until you and I are the only people left in this world.

The parasite—this sellsword-turned-lord, this lowlife Bronn—cupped her chin and pulled her face up painfully so he could crush their mouths together. Their teeth clashed. She stopped breathing as he inhaled her in. He nibbled on her lips while she bit him just as hard. Her fingernails dug into his wrist as she remained caged in his arms.

He pulled away and released her. Cersei walked a few steps ahead, knowing that he was following behind. They left the corridors and crossed the threshold leading to the yard where the men still fought with their swords. She ignored them even when the metal stayed ringing in her ears. She didn't stop walking until she saw the distinctive iron door of the Red Keep castle. When the guards let her pass, she looked behind her at last.

Bronn wasn't there at all.