The Kingsroad was the highroad of Westeros running from King's landing all the way up to Winterfell, passing through the Riverlands into the North with roads linking into the Vale and the Westerlands. It was a road often extremely busy and although the men in front of the procession cleared the road for the King's party the road seemed no clearer to Lucian.
Men rode on horses laughing and japing with one another, the King himself shouting the loudest often openly insulting anyone and everyone within reach. Lucian himself rode beside Tyrion on his horse. Cersei had originally organised a donkey for Tyrion to ride but Lucian had instead exchanged it for a horse making Tyrion smile widely and Cersei scowl.
He and Tyrion had quickly fallen into the routine they always had maintained when together. They would talk through most of the day and jape at individuals they deemed worthy of joking about. They would receive glares from the knights and lords and they would simply smile back… although the routine had changed somewhat.
Lucian found it harder to smile now and when he did it looked like he was hardly smiling at all. He could no longer laugh with amusement it always seemed so cold even to himself now. When people would look at him he would look back with cold green eyes. Gods what happened to me?
He knew Tyrion noticed it, if anything Tyrion's laughter was filled with even more merriment and his gaze was always warm and accommodating. Cersei had once told Lucian that Jaime was the other half of her, it was something similar with Lucian and Tyrion.
Lucian would never say he need Tyrion to be whole but Tyrion had the smiles and warmth that had ebbed out of Lucian and Lucian needed that warmth, he needed the smiles and laughter because he kept on believing he'd forgotten how to.
The procession was moving so slowly that Lucian doubted they would ever reach Winterfell at this pace. They had already been travelling for a week and they had only just come into a normal hours ride of the Trident, of course the King's procession would take double that time to reach the Trident.
The sun was almost setting when the king roared out his order, "That's enough for tonight! Set up the fucking camp!" roared Robert Baratheon and all hurried to do his bidding.
Lucian left Tyrion for the Queen's carriage with the intent on opening it for Cersei and her children but when he lay his hand on the carriage another hand clasped his wrist.
He looked up to his right to see a stream of golden hair and eyes as green as his own, the smirk on the face finished the description of Jaime. Lucian had always been in awe of Jaime from a young age much as Tyrion had been. Lucian had been stunned, as Jaime would test his skill with a sword in the yard with Lannister men. Lucian had proceeded to attempt to become skilled with a sword and although he knew how to use it well he was nowhere near as superior with it as Jaime was.
"Nice to see you brother," Jaime remarked his grin growing. He and Jaime were yet to talk since Lucian's arrival in King's Landing but he had no doubt Jaime knew why Lucian was there.
"Release my hand."
"Is that the hello I get after all this time?" remarked Jaime with fake hurt and Lucian smiled slightly.
"It is good to see you too brother now allow me to open the queen's carriage." Jaime did not.
"I believe I am more than capable of opening a door dear brother."
"As am I, now release me." Jaime pulled at Lucian's wrist but Lucian held firm.
"I'm a member of the Kingsguard, the king has ordered me to see to our sister's comfort." There was something in that sentence that sounded awfully out of place to Lucian but he couldn't put his finger on what it was.
"You are aware of why I am here, aren't you Jaime?" Lucian asked driving away from the previous topic.
"I read the letter, same as Tyrion and Cersei."
"Then I want you to take fathers request seriously, this is not a jape."
"What isn't a jape?" Jaime asked smiling, his hand still on Lucian's.
"The Starks, Winterfell, none of it some joke and father doesn't want you angering Lord Eddard."
"You may have trouble there," Jaime spoke suddenly serious, "the honourable Ned Stark doesn't much like me already."
"Be that is it may, do not anger him further."
"As you say father," Jaime spoke with a mock bow before swiftly removing Lucian's hand and swinging open the carriage door for Cersei and the children. Cersei took Jaime's hand as he helped her down from the carriage before Cersei's children dutifully followed.
Out first came the golden headed Prince Joffrey, he had inherited that Lannister trait from his mother as well as the green eyes. Joffrey was dressed in the customary Baratheon colours with some Lannister gold and reds patched about the fashion also. He kept his head high, inspecting the scene before his eyes came to rest on Lucian.
"Uncle," he greeted curtly before stepping down from the carriage and strutting off.
Young Marcella came out next the spitting image of Cersei, it was as if someone had taken the Cersei from the past and pulled her into the present. Unlike her arrogant brother she smiled to Jaime, who was occupied with Cersei, and then wider for Lucian who bowed dutifully.
"Princess,"
"Hello uncle!' Marcella almost bellowed, bringing Cersei and Jaime's looks as she rushed forwards and hugged Lucian. Lucian hugged her back if only lightly ignoring his siblings stunned looks. Some years ago Marcella had been sent off to Casterly Rock, there had been rumours of Targaryen assassins in the citadel and Cersei had wanted her children safe. Robert had refused to allow Joffrey or Tommen to leave but Marcella had been permitted to leave and had been brought under the watchful eye of Tywin Lannister.
In the few months she was at the rock Lucian had been Marcella's guide and unintentionally they'd become rather fast friends, even if she was far younger than Lucian himself.
"I missed you uncle," Marcella whispered in Lucian's ear making him smile.
"I missed you too princess," Lucian replied releasing Marcella and she him smiling widely.
"Mother told me you were here but said you were too busy for me to see you." Lucian supposed that was true in a sense.
"I was princess my father has much work that needs doing and the least I can do is help him with it."
"How about we let Uncle Lucian have some time alone, I suppose so much racket about him must do his head in," Cersei spoke slowly dragging her daughter over to her as Tommen departed from the carriage.
Tommen was rather similar in appearance to Joffrey other than he was shorter and his demeanour was much kinder. He smiled at Lucian before rushing over to his mother and the royal family walked away with Jaime by them.
…
It was much later at night when Lucian was talking with Tyrion in his tent when the messenger came into the tent. Lucian was able to quickly identify him as his cousin, Lancel Lannister.
"Excuse me my lords," Lancel said with a quiver bowing slightly as the twins looked him over.
"What business do you have here?"
"His grace sent me, my lord, he requests that you sup with him." Lancel Lannister said looking to Lucian and Lucian frowned.
"It is a kind offer but-"
"Lucian," Lucian turned to Tyrion who was smiling slightly, "you don't say no to Robert Baratheon in any shape or form." Lucian blinked before rising and walking over to his cousin.
"Then I shall attend."
The night was dark but the camp was bright with torches illuminating every turn of the camp. Lancel lead Lucian through the camp to the massive pavilion in the centre that marked the King's tent. As they went they passed a group of some of the whores brought from King's Landing who skittered past them and Lucian glared in disgust.
His twin may indulge in whores but Lucian found it repulsive. Father had told him how dishonourable and downright horrible whoring was and Lucian wanted no part in it. Tyrion told him everything their father said was mostly shit and told him he found it an extremely relaxing pastime. Lucian steered well clear of it and adopted his father's policy… although maybe not so harsh…
The guards stood aside as Lancel and Lucian approached and entered into the yellow and black coloured pavilion.
A large table had been set up in the main part of the pavilion, at the head of which sat the King. Candles illuminated the pavilion on the table and the children sat on the sides of the table with Cersei sat looking away from him and to her husband. As Lucian entered the king looked up.
Robert Baratheon was said to have once been a warrior and a glorious man, Lucian still remembered Cersei's wedding, and he had been a stunning man then. Now he was fat and the massive jug of wine in his hand confirmed all rumours that Robert was a drunkard. It surprised Lucian how one man had gone from being a legend to a fat king who couldn't fit in his armour… yet again… Tywin Lannister was said to have changed the day his wife died.
"Ah and here's the last one!' roared Robert smiling like an idiot, "the last golden headed Lannister shit!" Lucian remained unperturbed and simply bowed at this.
"You asked for me, your grace."
"I did, sit." Lucian complied taking the free seat next to Marcella who immediately shuffled her chair closer to his. Lucian sat opposite Joffrey who was inspecting the food as if judging it and observing whether it was good enough for him.
"Would you care for some food?" asked Cersei motioning for a servant to get Lucian some food since his plate was empty. The servant looked to Robert who grunted and the servant ran off.
"I am honoured to be sitting at the royal families table," Lucian said looking more to his familiar sister than the foreign Robert, "thank you for the hospitality." Despite Cersei's hostility when Lucian had arrived in King's Landing Lucian knew it was just her being angry, she often lost herself when she was in a rage. This was more like the sister he knew. Cersei had never loved Tyrion and could never love Lucian more than she loved Jaime but that did not leave them without love.
Cersei had often seemed to turn and care for Lucian whenever possible when they were younger, as if compensating for the love she refused to give Tyrion. Cersei maybe a woman of politics but she was not without kindness, a kindness which Lucian often saw.
When the food was laid delicately before Lucian Cersei made a little smile.
"Well then… shall we begin then my love?" Lucian had taken note that Robert Baratheon had already finished his first helpings before anyone else had begun.
"Yes, get on with it! Boy!" Lancel jumped at that title, "another portion now!" Lancel nodded before hurrying out of the tent and Robert laughed after him before downing more wine.
Lucian had a small goblet of wine before him which he sipped slightly before deciding it was far too strong although it didn't seem to much affect Cersei as she continued to drink from hers.
The dinner was largely in silence with only the odd conversation between the siblings or Cersei and her children. Lucian watched as Robert Baratheon acted as if none of them were there and gobbled down yet another portion of food. There are hungry in King's Landing and this man eats enough at one dinner to feed them all.
When the plates were cleared and Cersei ushered the siblings off to bed, Marcella hugging him slightly before departing, the table was silent. Robert sat at one end the food done with and the wine supply empty, Cersei at the other looking down to the table wringing her hands and Lucian in the centre of the both looking from one to the other. This had been more than some friendly dinner.
"I forgot about you," Robert said finally drawing Lucian's gaze, "you're the silent one aren't you?" Lucian was silent as Robert threw the jug aside and leaned forwards slightly, straining his stomach, "when I'm told to retell of Tywin fucking Lannister's children I tell them, my wife, the imp and the kingslayer. I never say anything about Tywin the second." Lucian watched the King carefully as he leaned back in his chair again a smile breaking out on his face.
"Tell me then boy, why did the mighty Lord Tywin send you here? Was it to ask for the return of taxes or perhaps simply to aggravate me further by putting another golden headed shit in front of me?"
"I was sent to secure friendly relations between Lord Stark and my father, nothing more."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, your grace."
"Well you see I received another letter this morning," Robert said keeping his eyes on Lucian, "apparently your father wants you to stay in King's Landing when you return from Winterfell." Silence yet again fell and Lucian moved is eyes to Cersei she looked… almost sympathetic… why?
"Well aren't you going to ask why boy?" stormed Robert angrily.
"Why, your grace?"
"Your father wants you to marry," Lucian almost fell off his chair in astonishment. Marry? His father, never once mentioned had never approached this subject, "he wants you to stay in King's Landing and have your sister find you a worthy match that he approves off. Seems he finally gave up on the kingslayer and turned to the boy too scared to come out from under his rock." Was that what they said about him? That he was hiding under Casterly Rock, that he was afraid? The lion was never afraid… yet again the lion did not concern itself with those below it… if it was his father's command then he would have to comply.
"Have you any ideas?" asked Lucian cursing himself for the slight shake in his voice. Why was he so angry, this should've been expected? Lucian had always known it was going to happen… so why did it feel like such betrayal? Why did he never ask me if I wanted to be married?
"Not yet," Cersei said a sad look in her eye that Lucian couldn't help but be soothed by. Cersei despised weakness and rarely showed it, the fact she was here meant a lot, "we were thinking Margaery Tyrell." Lucian almost lurched again. He had been to Highgarden once and had ended up discovering he was allergic to the roses that grew there.
"What's the matter Lannister?" chortled Robert, "don't know where to put it?" he laughed at that and Lucian glared. He knew exactly where to put it, not that he'd ever done it before.
"Apologies, your grace," Lucian excused himself, "it comes as a shock… my father never broached me on the subject."
"Aye that sounds like Tywin's way," Robert snorted looking around for wine and not finding it to his distaste, "when we return to King's Landing Cersei will find you a wife and you can wed and bed her and have little heirs for Tywin. Won't that make your father proud? That's all you fucking Lannisters want isn't it, to make Lord Tywin proud?" Robert rose then a large grin on his face, "I'll let you two talk it over." He left then stumbling around and Lucian turned to Cersei.
"There was no more?"
"No. All he said was he wanted you to be wed, he didn't care where as long as it was soon." Lucian felt like he was sinking, sinking down and down and down forever. He had thought he knew his father, he had thought his father loved him. If his father had loved him he would've at least spoken to Lucian on the subject but Lucian didn't even get that. Lucian knew that none of this showed on his face, his mask had become almost permanent.
"I don't want to marry," Lucian said absently looking at a flickering candle on the table, "that was never my purpose."
"What was your purpose?" asked Cersei but not cruelly, kindly.
"I don't know…" Lucian admitted silently, "Jaime was the heir, he was meant to marry whilst I was meant to… I don't know…" Lucian rubbed his head slightly hoping it was a dream.
"You'll still do it," Cersei said more as a question really and Lucian nodded making her sigh, "You've always been good like that, no questions asked. That's what father always liked you for. You'd be told to do something and you'd just do it but you weren't stupid either. You're smart too and he knows that." Lucian was silent as he watched the candle continue to burn into nothingness.
"Has it brought you happiness," he ventured dangerously, "being married?" silence.
"The children have," Cercei said silently, "and perhaps if Robert was a different man… he could've too." They were silent after that until Cersei bid him goodnight and Lucian headed to his own tent.
Tyrion was gone but a small note was left behind telling him that if Lucian needed him he wasn't to disturb Tyrion, he had company. Lucian knew he meant whores and Lucian should stop him but he was too tired and too pained. He would deal with Tyrion's whore addiction tomorrow, he had his own problems to worry about for now.
...
Author's Note;
2 chapters in one day, aren't I kind? :D Chances are updates won't be this frequent in future updates but I'll try and keep them going. This chapter was largely about Lucian's relationship with the royal family, particularly Cersei, in this I try to make her seem kinder in the last chapter since in the last chapter she was so angry. I don't think it unreasonable for Cersei and Lucian to be friendly with one another. Not as close as Cersei and Jaime but still close all the same. Anyway thanks for reviews, I love you all, see ya next time.
P.S: For the characters involved in the story that are noted as tags I will update that so that it states who I think class as significant characters in the story as it progresses, currently its only Tywin and Tyrion but I think that's fair.