Jaime
The kink in his neck was proving challenging as he sprawled lazily over his throne. King they name me. I do think they chose poorly. A ringlet of gold rested on his naked head, naming him the sovereign of the Kingdom of Meereen. Crowns were tedious things, heavy on the head and irritable to the skin. Nothing he did seemed to soothe it as he repositioned himself. Jaime wore the traditional toraq of nobility, but chose crimson for his style. Crimson suited him nicely. When he looked in the mirror he didn't see the Kingslayer staring back at him, but Jaime. I doubt Cersei or Tyrion would recognize me. Tan skinned and without his impressive golden mane the envy of the lords.
A sea of petitioners streamed into the audience chambers, seeking his justice. Who knew there were that many mice in need of his judgement? Scribes, servants, newly made lords, merchants, pit fighters. All of them blended until they looked the same, with the same complaints and petitions blurring together. Not enough bread to eat. Not enough coin in their pockets. Slain relatives during the bloodshed. Sad stories, every last one. How could he possibly hear every complaint? I'd be here from dawn to dusk.
Kings worth their salt had long hours and short lives. Jaime thought, exhausted.
His supporters received the former Masters of Meereen's estates as rewards during the opening weeks of his reign. He bestowed upon these fine killers pesky titles of nobility. Many of them had been pit fighters with him and were an ambitious lot seeking to build on what they inherited.
Who would have guessed handing out titles had a habit of making friends? Jaime mused.
Dax he sent to the hinterlands with a hundred men to root out the Masters from their marble dens surrounding Meereen proper and secure the vital olive groves. Everything in the city revolved around the slave trade, but Jason told him about the importance of the olives and the copper mines for their coffers and boring things like transitioning the economy. Jaime would have preferred to be with the man instead of here. If I wanted to hear complaints all day and settle disputes, I would have remained as Heir to the Rock.
Occasionally, one of those pesky Masters came to beg his help in reclaiming their estates like a bunch of whimpering dogs. It always gave him a good laugh.
Tya his keen niece, had convinced him to take the lion share of the estates for their personal use. Not that he bothered to try to count the coopers or attempted to administer the property. Jaime was no maester, content to surround himself with parchment and soft men. He left that to Jason, who tackled the issue energetically organizing the scribes and stewards. A flurry of public works projects building ditches in the countryside and clearing roads funded from the seized gold of the Masters. If only I could manage to teach the boy how to swing a sword as he moves a quill. However, the boy was like Tyrion and was no great warrior. He's remarkably clumsy and uncoordinated despite having my good looks. But there was only one of him, after all.
If his sire was here, no doubt he might have even twirled the corners of his lips up at the crown on his brow. Though he could hear the disdain a thousand leagues away over his slouched position. "Act a Lannister. We stand above the sheep." Lord Tywin would never have slouched while holding court. He would have remained straight as an arrow and ignored the kink in his neck. I'm not that dedicated. Jaime thought of the men who had sat thrones like this one and whose company he joined. Robert, the fat oaf when he sat on the Iron Throne, was always drunk or more interested in fucking some whore. And Aerys… Jaime didn't want to think of him. I'm better than either of them. At least I'm an instrument of justice.
Men like Ned Stark or Ser Barristan would judge him for the crown on his brow. But neither of them had saved two cities. Millions of souls lived thanks to him. By what right do they judge me?
Several days of bloodletting by the freedmen before he restored some semblance of order. His lips twirled up as he recalled the justice he dished out on the streets. Justice…My finest hour. Better than even slaying Mad King Aerys. A sword in his hand like a knight of song. For a moment, he truly was the hero they named him. A finer knight than even Ser Arthur. "Ser Green Eyes! Ser Green Eyes!" They called from the rooftops, never kingslayer or man without honor as he enacted his justice amongst the monsters and animals that brutalized the people of Mereen. Rapists he gelded. Murderers, he gutted like rats. The Great Masters he beheaded. The streets ran red with blood. Not a drop of his blood, of course. And the crowds loved him for it. In Kings Landing, they tossed dung at him and here they gave him flowers. The smell of flowers was an improvement to horseshit. Generation of injustice, he wiped away with a few words and swings of his sword ripping apart noble houses extending generations. Dhazak, Galare, Ghazeen, Hazkar, names that lost all power and sway in one night.
The thin man escorted before his ivory throne had seen better days with a torn tunic and a cut on his scalp. He wept hard, ugly tears pointing behind him inconsolably. Not an unusual reaction in his presence. When he wandered the streets, the people tore at his clothes, eager to touch him. He required a lot of tunics.
Behind him draped his banner: A Green eye over a field of broken shackles. He couldn't help but smile despite the tedious nature of ruling. A symbol of justice…I still have a chance for honor here.
"Weep not friend." Jaime remarked. "Speak calmly and honestly and all shall be well."
"Your excellence." He stammered. "I-I-" He sobbed some more. "A group of hellions have ruined me. They stripped me of all the food in the shop like beasts." He sniffled. "My family shall starve. I seek justice-"
"I name what happened justice!" Tya's eyes burned hot as wildfire. "A no good hoarder like yourself deserves every welt you received." And finally, the dull proceedings had an entertaining show as men gasped. And Jaime was content to let it play out.
The man whitened. "I never-" He spluttered.
Tya took no pity. "Of course you deny. So named decent men like yourself always lie." Jaime, looking at the man, thought it likely. Everyone in the city was hoarding gold and food despite the threat of punishments levied against them. "Self-interested cowering dogs like all of your ilk. You should count keeping your head a blessing. The men who did this are heroes! Every last one!"
"Enough sister." Jason said, pointly. "This is the kings court, not some street gathering." She bristled from the barb.
"Princess." Master Saffe of the Artisan Guild chimed. "I doubt our good friend would engage in unlawful practices. The market-"
"Only a coincounter like you cares for markets."
"Master Saffe is a loyal friend of the crown and to the people of Meereen. A noble son that loves this fair kingdom." Jason bit back. Words that had the dignified scribes and merchants shaking their heads in silent accord. They took up the majority of the courts space along with former pit fighters and former slave soldiers. Her words fell on deaf ears save a few of the men who fancied themselves landed gentry. I disdain this politicking, but I'm not blind to what is happening. "We are working to address the problems of the price of bread. Progress is being made."
Lord Belarius laughed. "I'm deeply reassured."
"Friend? One cannot be a friend with these rats. Brother, you should keep better company, like the slaves who toiled in the mines. Those are the true sons of Meereen!" Tya spoke with contempt. "Not those who didn't work an honest day in their lives."
Jason laughed. "You should take such words to heart, sweet sister. Your spend yours with beasts whom have brought back to the vile institution of slavery on their estates." Ah, shit. Jaime thought. Not this again.
He descended the stairs.
"Lies!" Lord Belarius approached. A tall man with thick black hair as dock as coal. A flashy fighter who had a dangerous reputation in the pits. Nothing compared to him, but who was? "I demand satisfaction!" He lunged for his nephew. Before he could so much as part gas. Jaime placed the tips of his sword on the thick neck. A hint of pressure and he would draw blood.
"Take care of how you treat my nephew. I only have the one." Jaime smiled.
Lord Belisarius wisely dipped his head. "Your excellence I apologize."
"You do sound apologetic." Jaime agreed. "I think I can forgive you." He withdrew his steel. "This matter is at an end. I shall hear no further of slaves." He pointed at Jason until he nodded his head stiffly.
"Jaime you must-"
"Your excellence." Jaime corrected. I'm in court, child. "Not one more word from you or anyone here." He wagged his finger. Her head didn't bend easily, but she bowed before the crown on his brow.
Jaime ventured towards the shopkeeper, whistling a pleasant tune. He heard it on one of his patrols. The man smelled foul. He had soiled himself. Jaime helped him up as everyone watched them. "What a stir you have caused, my good man." He brushed off the dirt. "Tell it to me true. Did you hoard?" He said nothing. Sweat beading down his forehead. The silence was damming. "I see. You may leave with your life ser. I grant you that." Tya would have him pulled apart by elephants. The mobs that roamed the streets at night would love that. She inherited such viciousness from her grandsire, but this was a place of justice. "Gelen!" Jaime called him to attention. He represented the City Watch in court proceedings.
"Your excellence." Gelen fell to his knees.
"Instruct your fellow officers that any man caught attacking places of business shall be put to the sword. No matter the sob story. I shall not have this peace shattered." No man of the guard would approve of street rats and hooligans being given free reign and he required their support in keeping the city from esteemed members of the court nodded in approval. Jason gave little away, hiding behind a courtly mask that might mean anything. Jaime knew they needed to be afraid as well. Galen vowed to see it done.
"Hand or eye." Jaime asked the shopkeeper.
"Your excellence?" His eyes went wide as lemons.
"I believe the crime for thievery is losing a hand or an eye. You stole from the people of Meereen." Jaime leaned in. "I'd choose an eye personally." And from the stony silence, the coincounters understood the price of playing with him. It should keep them a little more honest.
Guards took him away, and Jaime returned to his throne, whistling. "Ah, send in the next party." He said cheerfully.
Todays quarrel between Jason and Tya was not the first one. Don't they understand to keep such division hidden? Anyone with proper breeding understood that. Damn it, they are brother and sister and shouldn't act like this. Jaime thought completely at a loss at how to repair things. They fought over everything, like cats and dogs or any married couple. The idea formed in his mind. One of his brilliant notions that came to him from time to time. I could wed them together! House Targaryen had done the same why not them? Cersei should have wedded Myrcella with Tommen. He told her so once or twice. Why did she care what the lords thought? No doubt she was regretting it with inlaws such as the Starks and Arryns. The chance was lost to them. I'll have to think about it.
To the right of him, Jason retired, gathering with men like Enrique and Ynis hovering around his nephew like vultures. Merchants and scribes found an ear in his nephew, representing their particular interests. Guild masters like Master Safee supported them religiously. According to Tendred his eyes and ears on the ground they met regularly in a secret room in the Red Lamb a shop on the harbor front. "What do they speak off?" Jaime had asked.
The small man that reminded him of a mole smiled. "Many things. They wanted to know what taxes should be collected. By whom? The rights and privileges of the Crown. New laws and edicts they wish to be adopted." How dreadfully dull and tedious.
And his nephew wasn't the only family member taking an active role in court to his growing headache. On the opposite end Tya lips pursed up in a thin line of disdain loved to flame the tensions of the crowds gathering in the streets. She riled them up into a blood thirsty lust. The masses loved her desiring to rip apart anyone she blamed for their woes and misery. Her tounge is like wildfire. And it had his dedicated watchmen of former slave soldiers and pit fighters stretched thin to uphold his peace in the slums. One did not see such viciousness when you gazed at was captivating in a dress of crimson silk. How could such a pretty thing cause him this much trouble? Several newly made lords fought for her favor and her hand in marriage. But she toyed with them all behind icy indifference and they marched to her tune like good little playthings. Lord Belarius was one of these creatures, One of the most influential lords outside Meereen. He had taken up residence in Master Moreq estate and laid claimed to her incomes with the blessing of the Crown. A political match between their houses held merit. "Wed and bed them. Shore up your position." Lord Tywins ghost commanded. Especially with storm clouds gathering on the horizon. Revolting slaves made nearby slave owners fearful. Rumors of gathering armies circled in his halls. A prudent king would make the match over her protests and screams. Did not his council advise such?
However, it was cruel and too soon after what Renhsan did. Jaime vowed. My sword is all I need to keep the enemies at bay.
Maybe in a few years we could find a more agreeable match.
I suppose I'm becoming my father. A dreary thought.
Tya's eyes burned as bright as wildfire for him and only him. In her dress of silk she looked like a Lannister, fierce and proud. Jaime hardened, gazing at her. She shot him a knowing smirk.
No, no, she is Tyrions daughter. Jaime thought, suddenly ashamed. He shifted in his seat. If Tysha was here, she would have cut him down with her eyes. She was of common birth a mere millers daughter while he was a Lannister, but she could make him squirm like a worm. I've made her children a prince and princess. What more does she want from me? Still, she judged him for the act of his father. I didn't know…I didn't know that what he would do. The woman lived like a queen and she still judged him. The Gods were kind that she didn't partake in court and spared him her sharp looks.
He dismissed court for the day. Jaime needed some criminal to slay in a dance he understood.
Jason
The world spun around him as he saw a dozen different forms of his uncle gazing down with his accursed smirk. "Are you alright lad? How many fingers am I holding?"
"Your not holding any." Jason groaned, dying.
"Excellent! You're fine." The famed Ser Green Eyes clasped his hands together before extending his hand, which Jason accepted gingerly. And his prowess with a blade was no exaggeration. He could have ended the fight in a thousand different ways, but he toyed with him like a cat does a mouse. Jason never knew which way he was supposed to turn or how tight to hold the sword. He was the same height and had the same broad shoulders as his uncle, but still the weapon was an unfamiliar weight in his hands. We have the same colored eyes. He didn't require any convincing from Tya they were related. Nor did he need to hear mother's confirmation.
Lannister…My last name is Lannister.
It was just a name and meant nothing to him.
My fathers family never cared for us. Jason loathed his golden hair and green eyes. I'm my mother's son. Not a Lannister.
A round of cheers went out for him in the gallery. His wards cheered the loudest. Lucio even whistled for him. They were sweet children who should be tending to their studies. Being a tudor was more rewarding than being a Prince of Meereen and ruling a kingdom with an army of scribes and stewards. However, looking at the innocence on their faces, it was worth it. No one deserves the bondage of chains. How could Tya think of that? Tya had been such a sweet girl and now she was filled with such vitriol. Somehow, it must be his fault. You failed to protect her. You failed as a brother. They had argued bitterly in the kings chambers over the fate of all privileged classes. He didn't understand how Tya could propose the things she did or why she associated herself with men like Belarius. He'll allow the institution of slavery to take root in the countryside! I'd die before I'd allow that institution to endure. The gods were kind and Uncle Jaime had sided with him and pardoned all subjects of Meereen as long as they bent the knee to him. But on the matter of slavery, Uncle Jaime had said little, save he would own no slaves. Jason managed another victory with his excellence issuing an edict declaring the rights for all subjects of the realm to worship whatever gods they wished. The make up of Meereen was a diverse group from all over the world with different customs and cultures. Under the masters, they had to worship the gods of their homelands in secret.
Now they could do so freely.
Already some of the freedmen had constructed septs throughout the city. They wished to worship the Gods of their King who freed them. Uncle Jaime found amusement in that, even joining some of them in reciting some prayers. The crowd that tended to him stretched as far as one could see.
"Enjoying the praise, nephew?"
"A tad." Jason replied.
"Your getting better." Uncle Jaime smiled lazily. "You could beat a crippled. Maybe." He winked. "Fancy another go? You might even get a hit in this time."
The man was a warrior undefeated in the pits and the streets of Meereen, and it made him ungodly, arrogant. You insert yourself into my family and you think I should be grateful? The way Tya looked at him rankled. I protected them well before you bothered to discover us. Mother was right to be wary of him. He was no savior, but a dangerous man with a crown on his brow and soldiers who followed his every command. An army of pit fighters and former slave soldiers, some six thousand strong. The strongest force in the city. And the way he looked at his sister made his skin crawl. How dare you leer at her like that? Jason wanted to cave his teeth in for it.
None of that matters. Only the future of Meereen matters and hes the King of Meereen with the support of the people.
They had the potential to enact great change for millions. The possibilities were endless. His mind was racing, leaping from one thought to the next. Jason dreamed of turning Meereen into the Braavos of Slavers Bay. An industrious and free people tied not to the estates, but to the sea and coin. Already they had the infrastructure in place to become more than an exporter of slaves. We shall do away with that peculiar institution. Jason vowed.
Guild masters like Master Saffe and Master Enrique or well-learned scribes like his friend Ynis made natural allies. They should have other voices from among the lower orders, but they didn't have the wisdom to rule. The loudest voices in the room easily misled them. Only the learned could be trusted in seeing Meereen blossom into something beautiful. In the hidden bowels of the Red Lamb, they met and debated over what to do to quell the boldness of the gangs that roamed the city streets at night or preventing the proposed blood tax from being enacted on artisans and all other privileged orders. The privileged had formed gangs to protect their property and families, arming themselves with long spears and dueling canes. These men really hate the notion of a blood tax. It was the one that truly united all of them, preventing the freedmen from consuming them in a storm of blood and vengeance.
"I think I shall pass ser." Jason offered a false smile. "We should be getting back to discussing the position of the guild masters. I believe they are willing to negotiate on the ban of freemen joining their ranks."
"Good. Good." Uncle Jaime said absentmindedly. They spoke for a moment longer about the details, with him refusing to commit. Uncle Jaime wasn't a man who liked to commit himself to deep changes of any kind. Details bored the man. It required a shift in tactics on his part. Know the man you are speaking to. Every student requires a unique touch.
"Court lasts far too long. Wouldn't you agree?"Jason asked casually. He noted the intrigue in his green eyes. Jason knew he had him hook, line and sinker.
Uncle Jaime looked him over. "It does drag a bit."
"Indeed." Jason pulled the string of the trap. "A king shouldn't trouble himself with such tedious affairs. You should shift the responsibility of minor cases to courts established with your authority." Names I'd suggest, of course. They'll share my desire for a new Meereen. "It'll allow you more time to enact swift justice on our streets."
Jason had him right where he wanted. "An order of knights." Uncle Jaime said oddly pensive. "Instruments of justice." He smirked. "My justice."
"Justice." Jason agreed.
"Well, this talk of justice is making me famished. I think I could go for Red Lamb oysters. Heard they were the best." Uncle Jaime said innocently, far too innocently. The hair stood up as he smiled.
"Really? I heard they were lousy."
"I suppose I heard wrong then." Jaime clasped him on the shoulder. You know that's where we meet, you smug bastard.
"I shall see you for dinner, Jason. No politics, though, at the table." As if it would make the affair any less awkward between them. Mother will skewer him with her eyes without saying a single complaint and a thick uncomfortable silence would surround them when Tya would utter a sharp barb as their forks scraped the plates. All of their family dinners followed the pattern, but Uncle Jaime was committed to the mummers farce. If he could sup in his room, he would, but they had to keep the performance.
Meereen was worth uncomfortable dinners.
In his chambers of a room far too large for him, servants had laid a fresh change of garments for him. A handsome crimson tunic. "Lady Tysha wishes entry, my prince." The guardsmen on duty informed him. It took him aback. He hoped it wouldn't be another argument. Guilt gnawed on him for refusing his mother's pleas. I'm needed here, mother. I'm not leaving. Was she still upset with him? Tyas hatred hurt worse than any beating. Shall you hate me as well, mother? Have I lost my mother as well as my sister? The look in her eyes dispelled his worry. She embraced him and pinched his cheeks.
"My handsome boy. I never see you anymore."
Jason coughed. "I've been busy mother tending to old men. How foolish of me." He offered a kind smile. "Mayhaps I could join you for tea some time? Just the two of us."
Tears pooled in mother's eyes, her face scrunching up as they began to fall. "Mother." He tried to soothe her.
"Forgive me my boy." Mother said, wiping them away. "I have to tell you the truth if I have any chance of swaying you. It's why I truly came."
"Swaying me." Jason said softly. Oh mother.
Her eyes shined with desperation. "I must. To save our family." Mother vowed. "Promise me you'll listen." Her nails dug into his skin, nearly drawing blood. Jason was a dutiful son and nodded his head. Her voice never wavered as she told her tale of meeting his father. All of it. The bandits on the road. Fathers rescue. The love that blossomed between them. "He was kind and made me smile." Mother said with a ghost of a smile. "I loved him despite his deformity. I thought he did aswell. I was a foolish summer child. Maybe we both were?" Her voice didn't waver as she spoke of Lord Tywin. Not a single tear fell from her cheeks as she told the tale without emotion how the guards stripped her naked in the courtyard and had their turns with her before a crowd of onlookers, even his father. "I was his wife before the gods, and he named me a whore." She sighed. "I later found out that it was Jaime who told his father about us."
Jason stood up. His face was burning as he shook his head. I'm nothing like them. I'll never be like them. He swallowed the anger that threatened to consume him. You dare name yourself a symbol of justice! You lost claim to that long ago
"I'm sorry for telling you, Jason." Mother said. "I never wanted to, but your sister is making the same mistake. Don't you understand why we have to leave?" She begged him. "Go to a place without Lannisters." Jason wished to weep for her. He understood her reasoning and his heart ached, but he couldn't give what she sought. He twisted to face her.
"Mother, we can't leave. I'm sorry." There was too much good he good do in Meereen. He couldn't turn his back on that. It makes me a terrible son and brother. He knew. Jason squeezed her hands. "But we won't let Tya make this mistake." He promised hope in his voice. "She hates me, mother." He spoke the hard truth. "But you can make her see the truth. Tell her what you told me and her love for that man will wilt on the vine."
Mother's head lowered. "I can't. Tya is more delicate than you, Jason. I scarcely recognize the girl she is."
"You must." Jason said. "You will."
He hugged his mother tightly, trying to show her a fraction of the love and support she had given them over the years. "Show courage mother. Everything shall be fine." Jason dared to hope.
Tya
The mass of humanity pressed tightly together, shoving to get a better spot. Freemen lifted their chains and shackles in the air. Men and women who toiled in the pleasure rooms, the docks, the mines, and fields. Scars littered their bodies from where the lashes had torn flesh. A sea of color, the copper colored Dothraki or olive-skinned sons and daughters from Ibben. Every shade under the sun gathered, seeking justice. People banged their chests with fists and shook their chains. Eyes burning for revenge as their throats screamed. "TEAR IT DOWN! TEAR IT DOWN!" Sweet music to her ears. A thin line of Jaimes watchmen stood behind her with orders to protect her. Fierce looking with long spears in their hands.
"WE SHALL TEAR DOWN THE SYMBOLS OF OUR OPPRESSORS!" Tya twirled around. "Good ser, you heard them! Tear down this statue!"
The bronze statue of the famed Ghis conqueror King Grazadan atop a horse was tightly bound with ropes, the metal cold and hard to the touch. According to Jason, he had founded the empire of New Ghis. You don't look so impressive to me. Less than dirt. The ropes choked the life out of him Tya imagined as if she were strangling him with her own hands. The bronze head transformed into the face of every privileged man and woman who ignored and humiliated her. All of them deserved to die grasping for air. Two dozen watchmen heaved and pulled down the conqueror. The head rolled with a dozen men fighting over it like buzzards.
The crowd roared.
It made her feel larger than a king.
"Shall we stop merely at the Great Masters?" Tya asked. "Should we content ourselves that they have seen justice? Will we forget everyone who had a hand in our suffering?"
"KILL THEM ALL! KILL THEM ALL!"
Tya pressed on. "Don't let the weak of heart, or the meek among you to temper our passion! Anyone with a drop of privileged blood shall have his day of reckoning! Anyone that stood with indifference at our pain shall feel it!" She thought of her the so named decent men who didn't spare any of them a glance. The shopkeepers who fed their masters. The freed artisans who kept their heads down low. Moral cowards that needed to suffer. "The forgiving will say we should spare the children. Did they spare our children? Did they show them mercy?" Nearby shop owners closed their doors and locked their shutters. A couple of sellswords outside their place of businesses quivered in their boots. Tyas hands curled into fists. I could whip the crowd up into a frenzy and they would rip the vermin root and stem. But now wasn't the time. Jaime needed to be wrapped around her finger first. Jasons notions still held sway in his head and he was squeamish to this form of justice. A weak man who defended the pathetic and not his own blood. Tya thought bitterly. And to think she once admired her brother.
We shall butcher them all and place them in bonds. Tya darkened. Then they can apologize as they feel the whip.
The response was deafening with venom.
"NO MERCY!NO MERCY!"
"DEATH TO THE PRIVILEGED! DEATH TO THE PRIVILEGED!
"There are such men who stroll the halls of our palace." Tya thought of Jason and the company he kept. "They counsel leniency to our noble king in pardons and name it wisdom. The generous will say they mean well." She paused. "BUT THEY ARE WRONG!" The crowd cursed the most hated names in the city. Supporters of Jaime in name only. "They are traitors to our movement and deserve traitors ends!" Tya placed her hand over her breast. "Fret not my friends. Good men speak the truth still and Ser Green Eyes isn't misled so easily. And with your constant support, we shall make a new Meereen!" She motioned to the stewards. "Your pleas have not gone unanswered. I come with bread and wine. His excellence remembers his people."
The chants grew louder still.
"SER GREEN EYES!"
"SER GREEN EYES!"
"PRINCESS TYA!"
The adorations of the masses followed her back to the Great Pyramid and her chambers. Tya laid on a soft velvet sofa couch with thick purple pillows, soothed by the cries for vengeance and justice. Three serving girls tended to her with their pretty delicate hands. All of them women of noble birth who never would have spared her a look in the halls of Master Renshans estate. Now they are servants. Lower than dirt. Tya smirked. And I'll never let them forget it. One fanned her, sending a pleasant breeze to kiss her skin as she thought of Jaime wearing a suit of crimson armor astride a white stallion leading his fierce watchmen across the city streets. Soon he would share her bed, as she would become his queen. Tya cared little that she was his niece. Jaime was power and she would never be parted from its sweet embrace. Power was the only thing that mattered, and she would not surrender her place at the top. All the little details had been handled. Servants had been browbeaten and favors exchanged with Jaime's guards.
They might as well call her queen. Tya thought with complete confidence.
In her room, she had the finest silks and jewels a slave girl couldn't even dream of touching, nonetheless wearing. And it was all hers! Even the bed, oh gods, the large bed she could melt into. Jaime delivered everything she asked for and made her strong as stone.
What if you lose it? A little voice whispered in the back of her head. Her heart smashed her chest like a drum at the treacherous thought. The fear gnawed at her. She couldn't go back to the meek mouse who Master Renshan… It almost sent her into a round of tears as she recalled his stench and the wine on his breath. I'm not her! I'm strong and fierce as a beast!
Tya opened her mouth as they fed her a cherry. She savored the taste and swallowed. As a girl, it was a blessed day if they split an orange between the three of them. She thought it was the sweetest taste back then. Tya understood how much of a naïve fool she was. Now she feasted on cherries, grapes, oranges, apples, blueberries, blackberries and drank the sweetest wine. Every morsel was better than the last while her servants watched green with envy. She ate another cherry only to feel the unpleasant shape of a pit with her tongue and spat it out.
"Whats this?" Tya demanded, holding it between two fingers.
"A pit princess." The woman squeaked.
"I said no pits, did I not?"
"It was simply a mistake." Head lowering submissively.
"Don't make excuses!" Tya snapped and sent the bowl of cherries flying into the air. "Pick them up. You spoiled my appetite." She could barely contain her smirk as they scurried around like rats with fear in their ugly eyes. Do I matter now? Do you see me now? When they were done, she informed the guard on duty to see to their discipline, but elsewhere Tya didn't want their screams to disturb her nap. She put on a soft nightgown and crawled underneath the sheets. Tya dreamed of green eyes and fields of oranges as her eyes flickered open. Tya tensed. What are you doing here? Are you going to ask me to flee with you again? She wasn't leaving Jaime, no matter the pleas of her mother.
"Sweetling." Mother said.
Tya twisted away, refusing to face her. "What do you want?" She asked.
"You always did take up a lot of space." Mother replied, speaking with the casual affection of a parent. "I see that hasn't changed." She chuckled.
"What do you want?" Tya asked again, growing annoyed. "Not this foolishness about Braavos, I hope." She had pleaded with both Jason and her to loot the treasury and disappear into the night. They could live in a beautiful manse in Bravos like lords and ladies with every comfort. I don't want to be a lady. I need to be queen. I want to be Jaimes Queen. She and Jason agreed about little, but on that they had been united in opposition. Mother wept bitter tears, ruining their dinner when even her dutiful son rebuked her.
"Cannot a mother visit her daughter? You used to beg me to sing you to sleep." Do you think childhood stories will sway me? I'm not a girl of eight.
Tya blinked in stony silence.
Mother sighed. "Listen sweetling. I know you're hurting. Believe me, I understand more than you know." You understand nothing! "But Ser Jaime is not who you think-"
"DON"T YOU SPEAK POORLY OF HIM!" Tyas face burned. "HES DONE MORE FOR ME THAN YOU EVER HAVE!" The man saved her from a life of misery and subservience under the repulsive thumb of Masters like Renshan.
"Tya, there are things you don't understand." Mother pleaded.
"I understand plenty." Tya said.
Mother looked pained. "Ser Jaime is the son of Lord Tywin Lannister and is not to be trusted. You can't trust any of them."
Tya scrunched up her face. "And father?" She felt bold as bold as Jaime and tackled the ghost they never spoke of. "Did you ever trust him? Or love him? We could have lived in the Rock and grown up in a castle." Jaime told her about the Rock and the places her father had played as a boy. The Halls of Heroes and the Lions Mouth. She pictured the bowels of the giant rock castle where lions were kept caged. "Tyrion." Jaimes green eyes went elsewhere. "Your fathers name was Tyrion." When she pressed him for more, she earned nought but silence. He spoke nothing of father and mother, but she read between the lines and understood who was to blame.
"He was not who I thought." Mother whispered, pale with sadness and some bitterness as well.
Pity crept into her at the anguish written on mother's face. For a moment, she thought of embracing her. We didn't have to grow up like lesser creatures.
"I won't lose Jaime's interest like you lost fathers. He won't throw me away like father did you." Tya mumbled.
The blow that struck her cheek was heavy as iron and left her seeing stars. Mother had never struck her before, not even when she was furious. Her heart quickened, suddenly afraid. She wasn't a princess, but a meek mouse again as she slumped against the bed, shuddering. Mothers hands were shaking like leaves as both of them stared in disbelief at the other. "You think I had a choice in the matter?" Mother yanked her by the hair. "You think I wished to leave the only home I knew and all of my family?" Mother laughed bitterly. "Lord Tywin chose for all of us."
Her mouth was dry. "You hit me." She said dazed. "You hit me."
Mother flinched. "Oh sweetling." And reached out to soothe her skin. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." She slapped the hand away, her chin quivering.
"Get out mother." Tya found her voice not caring for the reasons. "Get out before I have you thrown out." When she stood affixed. "I'm not bluffing, mother. Guard!" She called out, and Daiden peered his head in. "My mother requires an escort." Mother's lip trembled, and she looked close to tears. Daiden escorted her out. I can't believe she hit me. She hit me. Tya sunk into the cushions and nursed her tender flesh. Mother was half crazed. She must have loved father deeply. It must have been a tragic tale then, with this Lord Tywin at the center. Jaime did not speak much of his sire much either. She would have to ask about him. But tonight the past didn't matter.
Tonight Jaime would be hers.
Jaime
"A bit drafty isn't it? Aren't you cold."
"Do you wish to make me warm?" Tya purred.
Jaime wished he was anywhere else. Tya was as naked as her name day with soft breasts and flawless skin lay bared for his gaze. His eyes lingered over her good heart for a moment before rolling his eyes. If he had known what was waiting for him in his chambers he would have stayed out all night with the City Watch finding more gangs of criminals to be taught a sharp lesson. Criminals never seemed to learn their lessons well. Always another rapist to geld or vicious street gang to bash into the dirt.
I must be a poor teacher as I am an uncle and brother.
"I think that's why we have clothes Tya." Jaime brushed passed her.
Tya giggled and flung herself at him as quick as a cat, but his reflexes were faster. He caught her hands and bent her small hands back with one of his own until she was presed against the hard stone. "Don't deny it Jaime. You want me." She whispered into his ear. "Take me. Make me yours." Desire swirled as their limbs pressed together. If he closed his eyes it would be like Cersei was pressed up against him. And he hardened at the thought. She was a Lannister in every way.
"Bold of you to think I'd like a child like yourself." Jaime laughed and released her. Laughter always cut down a woman as well as steel did a man in the training yard. Her cheeks flushed a bright red and her eyes burned like wildfire.
"Why are you saying this? Is this because of that other woman? She isn't here!" You've never asked her name.
Jaime shrugged. "Your simply too plain for me." And that made his dear niece furious. Good be mad at me. He might actually keep some decency to his name.
"I hope that cut on your cheek stung!" Tya seethed.
"What?" Jaime asked. "This is merely blood." He wiped it off. "Not mine of course. From one of those mobs screaming about revenge and blood. Tedious fellows. Not very bright." They had started looting in the harbor front, and dragging scared merchants out of their beds while their children watched crying and afraid. Jaime struck a swift blow to keep the peace, sending the freedmen fleeing into the alleyways.
Tya stared at him agape before shooting scathing words and curses out of her quiver. They were too kind for him and bounced off like rain drops as he found the berating made him thirsty. He poured himself a drink and the bitter contents went down his throat. Now I know why Robert drank so much. "Thirsty?" Jasime asked.
She knocked the goblet out of his hands.
"Not thirsty then."
Tya slapped him.
Jaime smiled. "You seem troubled."
Tya slapped him again.
He could have stopped any of the blows, but he was enjoying it far too much. "Careful Tya you might make me angry."
"You should be concerned over my anger." Tya said eyes burning. Oh Cersei would have loved you or she would have killed you. He could never tell what went on in his sweet sisters mind.
"I'm shaking." Jaime smirked.
He caught her next blows with ease.
"You side with Jason then and his ilk. How can you be so spinless and stupid." It amused him deeply, as he shoved her away from him. She thinks I side with her brother and Jason thinks I side with her. Maybe I'm doing something right afterall.
" I'm not blind Tya I see everything you and your brother do." His tone turned cold and she quieted. "Mobs in the streets. Reformers in the halls of my palace." Jaime said. "Grasping. Reaching for whatever advantage not caring whom you step on to get what you seek. My sire Lord Tywin would be proud. Everyone claims they represent Meereen and her subjects, but none of them do. Lords. Merchants. Soliders." He chuckled amused. "None of them are agents of justice." They had their clever plots. Jaime would never pretend to be a clever man, but he understood what the people truly sought. "I've seen what the silent majority desires peace in the streets and bread on the table and that is what they shall get."
Tya glared daggers at him.
"I'm never sleeping with you Tya. Now kindly depart my chambers."
He expected a hail of curses to spew from her slender lips, but Tya watched him with stony silence and opened the door to the balcony. The cool air kissed his cheek as he followed her warily. What are you thinking Do you think cool air will make me love you? Not very clever niece. "I'm not going back." She mumbled. "I'm not going back to before." Tya climbed over the railings. "If I can't have you Jaime. I shall not live." The smirk faded from his lips as the determination in her voice shook him. He swallowed something in his throat it was heavy and painful. Was this some jape? The threat couldn't be true. She wouldn't jump it was some call for attention.
"Tya." He inched forward. "Come down from there." He commanded, but it came out as a broken plea.
"If I can't be Queen. Id rather turn into dirt." She vowed. "I'm not going back." He had seen a similar look when Cersei was a girl. She vowed that she could stick her arm into the lions cage. "I'm not afraid Jaime. I can go further than you." And she reached her arms through the bars unafraid of death or injury as fierce as the lion of their sigil. It made him afraid.
Jaime was not surprised when Tya leapt into the darkness content with the fate below. His hand shot forth and the Gods favored him with his fingers making contact with her arm. Another moment and she would have been lost to him forever. She twirled and a gust of wind swallowed her shrieks and his curses. He yanked her up. She fell ontop his body as their heavy breathing swirled together. Too furious and aroused for words. Jaime didn't say anything when she kissed him. A frantic and desperate kiss. "Tya." He moaned.
"Kiss me." And he did. He kissed her hard until she wrapped her legs around his waist. He left a stream of clothes on the way to the bedchambers as she stripped him. They made love all night and it was sweet as it was with Cersei as they became one body and one flesh. He cried out her name more than once as he took her from behind yanking her golden hair between his fingers. It had been so long since he felt such bliss. Tya lay peacefully in his arms asleep, but Jaime stared at the celing feeling ashamed. The golden crown on his bedside tormented him. Jaime twisted his gaze and closed his eyes praying for a mindless sleep. The gods ignored his prayers.
"I hoped you enjoyed yourself fucking my daughter." Tyrion mocked him.
I tried Tyrion, I tried. Please.
"Oh yes. I can see you tried really hard. Was it not enough you took my wife from me?"
"He didn't try that hard." Cersei voiced in agreement. "What of me Jaime. We came into this world together."
I didn't want any of this.
"You replaced me Jaime." Cerseis green eyes dug into him.
Jaime winced as he woke.
Unlike the ghost of his brother and sister , he would have to feel the sharp looks of Tysha in the flesh. What more could he have done? Tya actually jumped and wouldn't accept anything less than the crown on her brow and him in her bed. You wanted her. Don't hide behind that shield. Jaime rubbed his temples. He needed to make this right. Somehow he would make it right. I'll marry her, I'll take her as my queen and my wife. I shall spare her the dishonor of being some whore.
Tya Lannister would become Queen of Meereen.
Authors note: Well, this was a long chapter! Hope you enjoyed it. But Jaime is always an enjoyable POV. Next up Dany is going to be making her debut and cause a bunch of sweety chaos in the city. After that chapter, we'll be heading back to the Eyrie and KL with wedding preparations hard at work. As always I enjoy reading and replying to the reviews.