"Gwen," Jaime whispered her name as she closed her eyes once again and felt her body relax to sleep. She had turned during her sleep and found Jaime still by her side. She moved her head under his chin and nestled closer to his neck as she rested her hand on his waist. Jaime moved his own hand and placed it on top of hers. He had spent most of the evening awake and watching her as she slept. He had watched her with wonder, every strand of blonde hair and every breath she took. He didn't know what he was going to do with her.
He knew he was falling for her. He was well aware of that. And then she had turned over in her sleep and moved against his chest. He had tried to wake her up but her eyes had fluttered closed once more as she refused to move. He knew she had to be drained and tired but he didn't know how bad she truly was.
She was underfed and her body still held cuts and bruises. Yet he couldn't help but see how lovely her bright blue eyes were along with her dirty blonde hair. He moved his hand from hers and slowly dragged his fingers down the limp curls. She shuddered under the movement but did nothing but sight contently.
Jaime looked out the tent as he saw the sun rise through the material and he groaned, knowing that they ought to move sooner or later. He took a moment to watch Gwen once more before he decided to push himself upwards.
He sat on the bed and Gwen finally opened her eyes, looking up to him whilst she lay on her back. Jaime turned his head over his shoulder to glance down at her and she beamed up to him, pushing her hair from her face as he smiled back to her.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked; her voice hoarse in the morning. Jaime nodded at her.
"Did you?" he wondered
"Once your squire had stopped moaning," Gwen replied with a wry smirk and Jaime chuckled, flopping back onto the bed before moving his arm automatically. Gwen moved her upper body as Jaime's arm moved under her body and wrapped around her shoulders. She moved closer to him and rested her hand on his chest as he looked down at her again.
"We should arrive at the Eyrie this evening, Gwen," Jaime said to her. "I'll do my best by you but I cannot promise that no harm will come to you."
"I know you will," Gwen muttered back to him. "You've changed, Jaime. I know you've changed and I...well...it is better than the old you."
"But you haven't changed whatsoever," Jaime told her. "If anything you've become much more appealing."
"Perhaps that is just your view," Gwen mumbled and Jaime chuckled deeply before she smirked and patted his chest. "But we need to go. We have to go and find Sansa."
Jaime watched as Gwen sat up and she pulled at her dress. She placed the material over her shoulders and began to lace the dress up at her back with her one good hand. Jaime sat up too and pulled at the laces for her. He pushed her hair over one shoulder before pressing his lips to her neck once the laces had been tied.
"Jaime," Gwen complained to him. "We need to go."
"I know," Jaime promised her and she shuddered before moving away from his grasp. She stood up and looked back at him, her face stern yet holding a look of teasing as she did so. She laughed once at his actions and shook her head. She couldn't help but feel like a foolish girl who was falling in love. Is this what Sansa had dreamed of? Is this something which Sansa had always wanted? Gwen didn't know but she did turn her back to him as he watched her.
"I suppose you will need to wake your men up," Gwen commented as she took a goblet of water. "Especially Peck. Are he and Pia always up all night?"
"Most of the time," Jaime mumbled in agreement and he stood up, sorting out his appearance before looking to his armour. He would normally have a squire to help him into it, but they were still sleeping soundly. "You get used to it after a while. Of course it does make me slightly envious of them."
"Does it really?" Gwen responded with an arched brow before she saw Jaime struggle to dress himself. She moved over to him, knowing that she would not be much use with only one arm intact. Yet, put together, they both had two working arms. She helped him struggle and he smirked as he finally managed to dress himself, pushing his hand through his own hair.
Gwen and Jaime moved in silence as the pair of them left the tent. Gwen stood to the side as Jaime woke everyone up; informing them that the night would be upon them by the time they surfaced. He smirked smugly before coming back out to Gwen and leading her to his horse. She kept her head down, her hand pushing her hair behind her ears as she thought about what was to come. Jaime helped her onto the horse before pushing his own body onto the creature.
"If we are wrong then we shall travel to the Trident. Harrenhal will be the last place to look. I doubt Sansa shall be there though. But we need to check Littlefinger's domains first."
"And if none of them prevail?" Gwen whispered as she felt the horse move underneath her. She startled and wrapped her free arm around Jaime's waist as he held her around the waist too. He sighed deeply, his warm breath tickling against her neck as he made the motion.
"Then we simply go for Brienne," Jaime said. "We go there and see what happens."
"I can't help but think of what Brienne is going through," Gwen admitted to him. "I doubt Lady Stoneheart is treating her kindly. I still can't believe what she has become. I don't understand how she can be so cold when she used to be so loving."
"People change," Jaime reminded her. "And it sometimes isn't for the best."
She bit her tongue as she heard him say that before resting her head on his shoulder. He looked down at her as she closed her eyes and he knew she was scared of what was to come. Jaime had to admit that he was apprehensive. He did not know what waited for him in The Eyrie, but he could not see it being anything nice or pleasant. If Littlefinger was there then he should extend him with some respect. He was a Lannister, after all. Yet if Lysa Tully was still in charge, Jaime could sense that there may be some hostility.
He did nothing but keep his thoughts to himself as he rode hard ahead of his men. They were still packing away the camp and if Jaime had to be honest then he would say that he didn't want them there. He didn't want any of them injured. He had to admit that he had grown attached to them after months of travelling. Besides, they did not need to be involved in Gwen's antics.
Jaime and Gwen remained silent as they travelled; simply content enough in each other's company for the time being. Jaime looked down at Gwen often, wondering if she was sleeping or simply closing her eyes. He said nothing as he moved his nose down to inhale the scent of her hair and he closed his own eyes for a moment, wondering what would happen if they got out from the mess which they found themselves in.
Where would Gwen go? Would she continue searching for Lady Arya? Would she stay with Lady Sansa? If Lady Stark had turned into such a monster then Jaime wondered if Gwen would have the heart to leave her with her former employer.
"You're thinking," Gwen spoke and Jaime opened his eyes to find her looking up to him, a small and sly smile on her face. "Your jaw tenses when you're thinking."
"My thoughts don't concern you," Jaime promised her with another grin. "Besides, I doubt you would appreciate what I am thinking."
"Dear Gods," she rolled her eyes. Jaime smiled for another moment at her response.
"We're close now," Jaime commented to her. "The Mountains of the Moon are in sight. I imagine we will soon reach the Bloody Gate which guards the High Road before going to the Gates of the Moon. I suppose it will take a while to climb up the path after that. It is no easy trek."
"Have you ever visited it?" Gwen wondered how he knew so much about everything. "You seem to know an awful lot."
"My father forced me to read," Jaime told her. "Apparently history and geography were very important. I hated it terribly, but it was necessary. Most of the times I would sneak out from the Septa's gaze and practice sword fighting."
"That doesn't sound like something which you would do," Gwen spoke, sarcasm in her voice as Jaime gently nudged her forwards on the horse. She laughed once as he smirked and shook his head.
"Your smart mouth knows no bounds," Jaime said. "Besides, you and I both know how impregnable it is to attack. I'm beginning to wonder why we couldn't think of somewhere nicer to go. Perhaps somewhere flat."
"Do you ever stop moaning?" Gwen wondered from him, her tone playful.
"Occasionally," he replied quietly. Gwen took a moment to watch as the Mountains came into view and her and Jaime prepared for a long trek. He often looked back, wondering how close his men were behind him. He wondered if they would make the climb up the mountains or if they would even manage to enter the Eyrie. All Jaime hoped for was not to be apprehended and declared a traitor for simply being a Lannister. Jaime had come to realise that he was more than his name. He supposed his name helped him, but he knew that there was more. The air was cold and Gwen could feel her body turn numb and she wished she had been more prepared for winter. She couldn't imagine how anyone could live on top of the mountains for it was far too cold.
Jaime increased his grip around her as snow began to fall and they delved deeper into the mountains.
"Are you okay?" Jaime called out above howling winds and Gwen nodded. Winter had most certainly come. Jaime held her tightly as she pulled her cloak firmly around her body and she moved her head to rest under his chin.
"I didn't think it would be so cold," Gwen called out loud. "How are you faring?"
"My armour isn't exactly keeping me as warm as I had hoped but I'm coping. I'm just hoping that Peck and the rest of them don't get killed in this weather," Jaime said quickly and Gwen nodded in agreement with him. Gwen's teeth began to chatter against each other and her cheeks turned red with cold. Jaime pressed a free hand to her cheek and he felt how freezing she was before he reached into his pocket for gloves. He dragged a leather pair out and handed them to her.
"I only have one hand. I'll survive," Jaime promised her quickly and she slid them onto her fingers without hesitation.
"The Gates of the Moon should come into view soon enough, Gwen. We'll stop there and tell them who we seek. It would be foolish to continue on when the weather is like this. Besides, I doubt anyone would be in their right mind to stay up in the castles. It would be foolish beyond belief."
She nodded in agreement with what he said and bit down on her tongue, persevering the weather and continuing on the trek ahead. Jaime knew his horse was cold and he knew it was only a matter before the creature collapsed due to exhaustion from the elements.
"It would seem that this weather is as cold as Lady Stark's heart," Jaime called out and Gwen rolled her eyes as he continued to run a hand up down her cheek, trying to warm her pale skin under his fingers. Gwen sighed in relief as the stone building came into sight and she looked on with wonder as Jaime informed her that it was the Gates of the Moon. She looked at the large castle which was seated at the bottom of the Giant's Lance. Jaime looked at the castle as the snow clouded his eyes and made it difficult to see. But he could still note a bunch of men exiting the vast building. Jaime climbed down from his horse and landed in the snow, his boots sinking down in the crunchy material. He moved his arms up to help Gwen, taking her waist and bringing her to the floor.
She said nothing for a few moments and Jaime wrapped an arm around her waist as her dress trailed on the floor, the bottom of the material becoming wet.
"And what do we have here?" a guard asked and noted Jaime's golden hand. "If it isn't the Kingslayer."
Apparently everyone had heard of Jaime.
"We seek Lord Baelish," Jaime informed the man. "We are here on business and were told we would find Lord Baelish here."
"He didn't mention the Kingslayer coming to visit him," one spoke out and Gwen looked at the five men as Jaime smirked and rocked back and forth on his heels. "Why should we trust you?"
"Lord Baelish is aligned with the Lannisters, is he not?" Jaime checked and they said nothing for a few moments. "So I do not see why you would keep us out in the cold for a moment longer."
The men looked at each other and nodded. One took hold of the reins of the horse and began to move closer to the castle. Gwen's eyes focused on it whilst Jaime took to looking at his surroundings. He kept his gaze on the men leading him inside and he said nothing for a few moments, taking to wondering why Baelish would want to stay somewhere as cold as the Eyrie.
They finally entered the castle which was still cool, but warmer than outside. Gwen shivered as Jaime kept his arm around her and held her tight to his side as he shook the snow from his blonde head. Gwen ran a hand down her own curls and wondered why the North was so dismal in comparison to Kings Landing.
"Lord Baelish is rather busy at this moment in time," one knight informed Jaime who arched a brow in wonder. "His daughter is currently in the main hall but I do not know if Lord Baelish would want you near her."
"And why would he not? All we require is some hospitality." Jaime spoke, his voice confident and cocky. "Surely Lord Baelish does not allow his guests to starve, does he?"
The men looked hesitantly at each other but nodded once. Jaime followed them after a nod with a smirk on his face. Gwen walked silently with Jaime through the corridors, looking around the eerily lit place. Jaime kept his eyes peeled and open, watching everything they passed with interest. They finally entered the main hall and Gwen looked around at the roaring fires which lined the walls, heating the vast room.
Candles lined the wooden table which sat in the middle of the room and a few guards stood in the corners of the room. Jaime did nothing for a moment as he saw the black haired girl sat on a bench, chewing delicately on some meats. He never knew Baelish had a daughter. He supposed it possible after all of those years in a brothel. It only made some sense.
"Lady Stone. Ser Jaime Lannister is here on business with your father, yet Lord Baelish is indisposed."
Gwen said nothing as the girl finally lifted her gaze upwards and looked to Jaime and Gwen. She slowly felt her mouth drop open as Gwen narrowed her eyes and the black haired child stood up too.
"Leave us be."
"My Lady-"
"-I said leave," she interrupted the guards who slowly left the room as Gwen moved forwards. Jaime dropped his arm from her waist as Gwen moved around the table towards the pale girl. The Kingslayer stood back, his arms folded across his armour whilst he watched Gwen move with caution.
"Lady Sansa," Gwen whispered and the black haired girl felt her body begin to shake before she stepped out from her seat and moved over to Gwen, making sure it was her. She couldn't believe it. Many moons had passed. She hadn't seen her family. She had known nothing but pain. And now Gwen was in front of her.
"Gwen," Sansa whispered back to her and the maid finally moved towards her. With her one arm she pulled Sansa closer to her, enveloping her in her hold as Sansa wrapped her arms around Gwen's neck, hot tears falling down her cheeks as she rested her head against Gwen's shoulder. She laughed once in disbelief before she felt Gwen's hand move down her hair. She'd missed the soothing touch. She'd missed everything about home now that she didn't have it.
"I've been so worried...so worried...Sansa...I've missed you so much...my darling girl..." Gwen spoke as she pulled back, running her hand down Sansa's cheek and removing the tears. The girl sniffed once and beamed back at Gwen.
Jaime stood back and watched as Gwen held Sansa tightly to her one more time and he couldn't help but see the love between the pair of them. She cared for Sansa more than Jaime had thought possible.
"I didn't think I'd see you again," Sansa spoke clearly. "I thought my family were dead. I didn't think there was anything left."
"No...my sweet...I'm here..." Gwen promised her.
"I've missed you so much," Sansa mumbled. "Everything has gone wrong, Gwen. I should never have left Winterfell...I should have stayed with you and Arya...Robb...I should never have left."
"No," Gwen shook her head. "You weren't to know, Sansa. None of us knew that this would happen."
"I can't believe you found me," Sansa said and wiped her eyes with the back of her hands before sitting back down before her knees gave way. Gwen sat beside her on the bench, their bodies angled towards each other as Gwen took hold of Sansa's hand. Jaime wandered through the room, looking at the plain stone walls before he sat beside Gwen, his presence completely unnoticed between the two women.
"What are you doing here, Gwen? How did you know where I would be?"
"It is a long story, my Lady," Gwen admitted to her. "One which even I am struggling to come to terms with."
Gwen turned to look back at Jaime for a moment as he rested his elbow on the table and leaned forwards, his head turned to the side to look at her as she smiled softly at seeing her so happy. Sansa noticed the motion and couldn't help but notice something happening between the pair of them.
Gwen wondered if she knew what had happened to her. She wondered if she knew that Jaime had pushed her brother from that window. She wondered if she knew of the whispers of him and his sister. She was sure she wouldn't be swooning over him like she had done the first night she had seen him.
She looked so much older and wiser. Her hair was black instead of auburn and Gwen barely recognised her if it wasn't for the cheekbones and the vivid eyes. She had changed from the little girl Gwen had been with for years.
"Your mother lives, Lady Sansa," Gwen spoke and Sansa's eyes widened as the news continued to spill. Gwen shook her head sadly, not sure how she could tell her that her mother was a monster. "But your mother is not who she used to be, my Lady. She has changed and looks nothing like Lady Stark. She leads the Brotherhood without Banners and has changed. Her good nature is no more...she...I barely recognise her, my dear. I don't know how to explain it."
"What do you mean, Gwen?" Sansa wondered. "She is my mother, isn't she? She cannot have changed that much."
"She truly has," Gwen said. "She looks nothing like Lady Stark. She has no compassion or mercy. You see, she sent me and a female knight to bring you back from Kings Landing in exchange for Jaime. We made it to Kings Landing after a few mishaps but you weren't there. You had gone and Jaime told us to go. He sent Brienne and I to find you and bring you back. We were intercepted by your mother...she...she threatened to kill us for failing to bring you home. She didn't believe us that we were still trying to find you. She told me to prove my loyalty by killing Jaime or she would kill Brienne."
"Yet here I sit," Jaime said and helped himself to a goblet of wine. Gwen said nothing to his comment as Sansa's eyes continued to widen at what she was hearing.
"I thought that if I brought you back to her then she may spare Brienne's life...and I don't have to kill Jaime...because I can't," Gwen informed Sansa.
"Gwen," she said after a moment. "This...it all sounds ridiculous...it all sounds so farfetched..."
"I assure you it is not," Gwen promised her. "You have to believe me, Lady Sansa."
"I do," she said without hesitation, knowing full well that Gwen would never lie to her. She trusted her more than she cared to admit. Even after all those months alone she could look at Gwen and believe everything which she said.
"And no one has called me Lady Sansa is a while, Gwen."
"They say you are taking the alias of Lord Baelish's daughter."
"Alayne Stone." Sansa said in a whisper. "He took me from Kings Landing when it was accused that I had been the one to kill Joffrey. I did no such thing."
"I know," Gwen said, the trust in her voice comforting Sansa beyond belief. She began to retell her story of how she ended up at The Eyrie and Gwen's heart went out to her. She had been so alone through everything. She had never been as tough as Arya. But Gwen was coming to see that she was becoming stern. She was still a Lady, of course, but she had some spirit inside of her.
"And you are here to bring me back to my mother?" Sansa checked and Gwen bit down on her lip.
"Yes," Jaime answered for her and Gwen turned to glare at him. He looked at her with a stern gaze as she groaned lightly. "A life rests on it."
"I do not think Lord Baelish would let me leave," Sansa said to them. "He has...well...I don't think he will let me go."
"Why?" Jaime wondered, dreading the answer as Sansa turned to glare at him. She had heard all about Jaime and his antics of the past. Gossip still travelled everywhere.
"And why are you here?" Sansa wondered. "Why would Gwen trust you after everything you and your family did to her?"
"Lady Sansa-"
"-Gwen has taken a shine to me," Jaime spoke back to her. "We've grown a mutual affection for each other. Although I would say her affection stems deeper than mine does."
"Shut up, Jaime," Gwen interrupted before turning back to look at Sansa. "That is another story which is quite long, but I will explain everything."
"I do hope so."
Gwen turned her head around as she heard the cold voice enter the room. She saw Lord Baelish move forwards, his hands held in front of his stomach as he glided into the room. Sansa looked down onto the table, wondering what Petyr would say. She knew of his plan to restore her to Winterfell. But perhaps he would change his mind if he knew her mother was still alive.
"Lord Baelish," Jaime spoke and he stood up from his seat, his hand slowly running down Gwen's arm as he moved. "How nice to see you once again."
"I would say the same," Petyr replied, "if I knew why you were here. Your motives seem odd to me."
"I do not wish for that," Jaime spoke back. "We are here on business. It may be best if we speak privately away from prying ears."
"My daughter-"
"-Do you think me blind?" Jaime wondered. "The Lady Stark is safe in the hands of her former maid for a few moments. Now, can we speak in private or are my commands falling on death ears."
Petyr moved his gaze from Sansa and Gwen looked at the young woman who had lowered her own gaze. She wondered what she saw from the look before Jaime moved closer to Baelish.
"As you wish, Ser Jaime."
Jaime turned back to look at Gwen, winking once at her as she rolled her eyes at the motion and turned to look at Sansa who was still glancing down at the table.
"Sansa," Gwen whispered, taking hold of her hand once more. "Lord Baelish...has he..."
"No," Sansa said, knowing what Gwen was trying to ask. Her gaze found the maid's and she shook her head back and forth. "He hasn't hurt me. He has kissed me and he watches me...but he has not hurt me..."
"You're safe now," Gwen promised her quickly, running her hand down the girl's curls. "I won't let anything happen to you. I won't let anyone hurt you now."
"You have no say, Gwen," Sansa replied. "He's powerful. He's a very powerful man."
"So is Jaime," Gwen said and Sansa cocked her head in the maid's direction.
"You owe me the story of how you came to tolerate him," Sansa said and Gwen sighed before telling her story slowly. She told her how she had been held by him and how she had held him. She told her how he had changed and how he wasn't the man she had known in Kings Landing. She told her everything and Sansa seemed to understand.
Gwen came to see the hopelessly romantic girl form before her eyes once more.
"How romantic," Sansa said soothingly. "Apart from everything bad that has happened."
Apparently she didn't know how Jaime had pushed Bran from the window. Gwen held her tongue and said nothing, hating to keep secrets from her but knowing that it was necessary. The two girls sat and conversed for a while, Sansa making sure that Gwen ate her fair share. She smiled for a moment at simply having her maid back in her company.
"Gwen."
She turned around as she heard Jaime's voice enter her ears and he moved back into the hall.
Lord Baelish stood behind him, his jaw set in a stubborn manner and his gaze narrowed on the maid. She did nothing for a couple of moments as Jaime looked at her, his face full of anger yet he contained it well.
"I have rooms for you and your maid, Ser Jaime," Baelish said. "You do not want to travel in such weather today. Lady Stone shall not be travelling with you."
"What?" Gwen snapped and Jaime looked at her for a moment. "She has to. Her mother-"
"-Is dead," Baelish spoke. "And you will do well to hold your tongue, girl."
"My Lord," Sansa whispered, "please may I converse with Gwen a while longer. It has been-"
"-No," Baelish interrupted. "Our guests need rest, my dear. Now, come along. It has been a long day and we should all retire."
Lady Sansa stood first and Gwen followed her, watching as she moved over to Baelish who studied her intently. Gwen said nothing as Baelish placed his hand on Sansa's back and he then turned back to look at Gwen, his gaze firmly set.
"Did you tell him that Lady Stark lives?" Gwen snapped at Jaime who rolled his eyes at her. "Did you not persuade him?"
"Apparently not," Jaime replied through gritted teeth. He held his hand out for Gwen to take and she did so hastily, lacing her fingers through his as he led her away from the main hall. She looked at him, her mouth half hanging open as she waited to question him some more. But from the look he was giving her, she thought it best to leave it.
Jaime finally opened a door which Baelish had showed him earlier on in the evening. He pushed it open and Gwen moved into the room behind Jaime who released her hand and instantly began combing his fingers through his fine locks.
"You don't understand, Gwen," Jaime said. "Littlefinger has plans for Sansa. He sees her as being his gateway to power in the North. She is the rightful heir of Winterfell and he intends to restore her there. He told me himself. He doesn't see the Lannisters as a threat, especially because Tommen is so young and an inexperienced ruler without his mother."
"If he told you that then did you tell him Lady Stark lives."
"I did. He didn't believe me. He's infatuated with the girl." Jaime shook his head and dropped his hands to his hips before walking back and forth. "I will talk to him again tomorrow and try to change his mind. I cannot promise anything. My smart tongue isn't as smart as it once was apparently."
"I've known that for a while," Gwen snorted and Jaime looked at her with amusement before he moved closer to her and placed his hands on her waist.
"Jaime," Gwen complained as he drew her closer to him. "This isn't the time for your distractions. We need to bring Sansa back with us and save Brienne."
"And what do you intend to do once you take her back to Stoneheart?" Jaime wondered; pushing her hair behind her shoulder as his hand grazed her neck. "I know you won't leave her with her if you say she is so terrible. You care for that girl as if she was your own flesh and blood."
"I will cross that bridge when I come to it," Gwen said to him. "First we need to escape Baelish."
"Keep your voice down," Jaime warned her as he looked around the room. He knew Baelish and he knew how he worked. He had spies everywhere. Gwen rolled her eyes at Jaime as he bent down to whisper in her ear.
"Baelish will have spies looking into this room. If you talk about taking Lady Sansa then he will find out. We will talk later when everyone sleeps," Jaime promised her and pulled back for a moment, his forehead resting against hers. He curled a finger under her chin and she looked at him, nodding once in agreement before he kissed her quickly.
"And where is my chamber?" Gwen wondered and Jaime looked at her for a moment.
"I told Lord Baelish that I needed some perks now that the rest of the Knightguard aren't watching me," he mumbled and Gwen slapped him across the arm as he chuckled and kept her close to him.
"You idiot," she grumbled.
"Besides, this way allows us to talk later in the darkness," Jaime muttered. "And I don't have to come knocking on your door and raise suspicions."
"No, you do that by claiming that we are sleeping in the same bed," Gwen complained to him and he released her from his hold. He moved around the sparsely decorated room and poured a cup of wine for himself and Gwen. She took hold of one and drank the liquid as Jaime sat in the chair at the desk, turning it to face her.
"It's even cold inside the bloody castle," Jaime complained to himself as he began to pull at his armour and Gwen folded her arms, rolling her eyes as she wondered where Sansa was. "Was it this cold in Winterfell?"
"You've been," Gwen reminded him and pulled the furs to the bed back. "You should remember."
"Don't tell me you're turning in already?" Jaime wondered and Gwen placed the goblet on the bedside table.
"It's been a long day," Gwen complained, refusing to change from the dress she wore as she pulled the laces and loosened it around her body. "Besides, there is nothing left to discuss at this moment in time, is there?"
"I am sure we could discuss all matters of trivial nonsense," Jaime informed her and drained off the remainder of his wine. He drank it quickly and then stood up, trying to clumsily remove his armour from his body. Gwen groaned before helping him and he took a moment to watch her as she left him in his simple attire and ran her hands down the lapels of his jacket which he wore.
"Did you mean what you said earlier?" she whispered to him. "About there being mutual affection?"
"I hardly say things which I don't mean," Jaime said and then reconsidered for a moment. "Actually, I do say things I don't mean, but that is not the point."
Gwen rolled her eyes and removed the white cloak from his shoulders and looked at it. As long as he wore it then nothing could happen. He served his King. He served his King and had no other loyalties.
"But I suppose I do mean what I said before," Jaime contemplated. "Of course you do have more affection for me than you care to show me."
Gwen smiled before hitting him across the shoulder. He chuckled as she finished helping him and climbed into the bed.
"None of it matters as long as you wear the cloak," Gwen replied.
Jaime studied her for a moment as he finished removing his outer layers by himself and she lay on her side. He took a moment to stand and watch her stuff a hand under a pillow and close her eyes before he muttered to himself;
"Maybe I won't always don the cloak."
...
A/N: Once again, it has been quite a while. I apologise but it could be a while again before the next update but I promise to stand by the story! I hope you enjoyed the longish chapter! Anyway, thank you to smilin steph, Jofrench22, Yakitori-Chan, xXRoweenaJAugustineX x and Miss. Lori MacManus for reviewing the previous chapter. I do hope you will let me know what you all think until the next time!