Jasper
Red Rain breathed out in the open before the eyes of the Warrior. Like most lords, it was the Warrior he prayed too. The eyes of the Father and Mother reminded him of his parents. The Fathers eyes were as cold and lifeless as the corpse he met, and the Mothers were mad and filled with hate like the woman he murdered. Some days the Fathers eyes softened and Jasper thought mayhaps Jon Arryn watched down with some pride and occasionally the Mothers eyes shifted to Myrcella's beautiful green eyes. She'll always be my Maiden before she became the mother of our children. Incense swirled around him as the benches lay unoccupied save for himself. Septon Layne often advised him to seek private counsel from the Seven.
Lord Stannis plots his treason and I'll have to face him with Red Rain.
The thought of that accursed blade twisted his innards.
It loves the blood and wants to feed. Jasper knew. And I'll aim it at this usurper. Lord Stannis wanted to kill his prince and no doubt Myrcella and his children as well. He'll never touch a hair on any of their heads! Sounds of swords clanged in his head with arrows whistling around him as shields shattered from axes. The smell of burning flesh from oil lingered in his nostrils. Blood it's always the blood of the innocent! Children bled so easily, their limbs torn off as easily as ripping apart parchment. Women wailed over the fallen and men committed foul crimes against them. War was no song, merely butchery without honor. The singers were wrong and only Falcons of Summer were blind to them.
I still have to defend House Arryn, no matter the cost.
The blood of the innocent will be the price we pay for our wars.
Others thought preyed upon him without mercy amid the light of the Seven. They always haunted him in these quiet moments where he could think of nothing else but fear and doubts.
I need to tell Tommen and allow him to decide on the course. He can't be kept in the dark. Jasper knew. It would offend the boy, and it was a crime to withhold information from his future king. But he needed to think of the right words before he provided his counsel. It would not serve him, nor House Arryn, by being hasty.
Jasper tightened, thinking of his ward. This business with Cousin Arya… He mused, recalling the words between them in his solar.
"You must think of your honor," Jasper said sternly. "Even the appearance of impropriety will not serve. You know this."
Tommens smile faded. "And whose spoken these rumors? I wish a word with them, my lord." Jasper wasn't going to reveal who whispered what. Oh, I know what you and Bran would do about it. You no good hellions. And that would undermine his position as Lord of the Eyrie.
"I did not need the words of men to see what my two eyes tell me." He judged him. Even if Tommen didn't know about the threat of rebellion or he would understand how dangerous everything was. He should still know better. "You spend more time with Cousin Arya in the courtyard than is appropriate."
"She is a friend," Tommen protested.
"And a friend she shall remain." Jasper said. "You will ignore her from this moment on. Only when the rules that govern lords and princes demand you acknowledge her will you speak with her. Am I understood?"
"You would have me ignore my friend?" Tommen said, aghast. "For mere rumors?"
"I ask you to act like a prince." Jasper replied curtly. "Not some stubborn boy."
Tommen crossed his arms. "Arya has done nothing wrong, my lord." And it filled him with some pride seeing Tommen defend his friend with steel in his voice. I did something right afterall. He softened and sighed. Tommen was a responsible lad, always keeping Bran from meeting the Stranger and diligently attended to his studies. Mayhaps he was being too harsh, but Jasper was responsible for defending the honor of his ward and his cousin as well.
Jasper grasped his shoulder. "Tommen." He said. "I'm sure it's just a rumor. I know Cousin Arya is a good woman, and is no whore, but appearances matter these days." And offered a small reassuring smile. "Once we have you married to Lady Sansa, things can change, I think."
His knees ached from the bent position. Tommen promised to keep his distance. And Tommen had kept his word, but he watched them like a falcon watching for a hint of some youthful folly.
I'll be waiting a long time. He mused dryly.
Cousin Arya and Tommen understood their duties, and it was likely mere gossip. Myrcella vowed it was only that. And his wife understood the affairs of the heart better than himself. When the whispers first came to him, he wished to send Cousin Arya back to Winterfell, but Myrcella was right: it would only give credence to the gossip.
Myrcella…Jaspers finger clutched around Red Rains hilt until his fingers turned white. That filth coming out of Kings Landing. Jasper wanted to hack the man to pieces and throw him through the moon door for bringing that courtly drivel back to his hearing. "Some whisper Princess Myrcella conspired with her queenly mother to murder Ser Kevan Lannister…" the man said. His words hurt his golden doe and there was nothing to ease her troubled heart. Myrcella shouldn't be blamed for the wicked thing her mother did. Even worse, the gossip was an attack to the honor of his house and a deliberate attempt to tarnish their standing in the realm.
Jasper fidgeted.
My enemy lingers nameless in the shadows like a craven loosening arrows at me
Myrcella pretended nothing was amiss. She was too well bred to complain, but Jasper could tell it troubled her. A husband was supposed to defend his wife and her honor, but he was helpless as a newborn. The only thing he managed was forbidding the discussion of it within his walls.
I won't let my children ever doubt their mother is a good woman.
Who was trying to stop the accent of House Arryn or create division between themselves and House Lannister? Jasper wondered. It left his head spinning as he thought of Kings Landing and the men ruled it. Could it have been Lord Stannis? The man plotted treason, but how did he discover the truth? No, it wasn't Lord Stannis; it was too subtle. The man was a soldier, not some spymaster. Varys spun a scandalous tale that it was Cousin Sansa who did it. "Jealousy." He wrote. "Jealousy and envy towards Myrcella." And those were emotions women were known for, but Cousin Sansa was a sweet girl and his cousin as well. No child of Eddard Stark held a dishonorable bone in their bodies. Even the bastard Jon Snow was decent. When he brought the contents of Varys letter to his wife, Myrcella swore Sansa couldn't have done it.
"Sansa is one of my dearest friends, Jasper. Lord Varys heard wrong."
Then who was it then? Surely Varys wouldn't dare. I could take his head quickly… He sighed. Jasper wouldn't find any answers until he returned to Kings Landing and the thought of it rankled.
The doors behind him swung open and Alyssa entered, giggling. A bright pink flower lay in her red hair. My hair, she has my hair. "Father!" He picked her up and swung her around with a broad smile on his face. All the fears and doubts vanished like a wisp of smoke. Her skirts swirled around until they were both dizzy. "Your being silly, father!"
Jasper snorted. "Well, I'm always silly with my little sparrow." He bobbed her little nose.
"I brought you a flower." Alyssa said shyly. "One to match mine." And it was very pink. He raised a brow, uncertain what to say. Should he accept it? Of course you dolt. It's from your little girl.
Still, it was very pink…
"My thanks, my lady." Jasper dipped his head. "It's very beautiful."
"Brynden ate a worm." She scrunched up her face. "It was awful." And he regretted the day Brynden learned how to walk. He was a willful and stubborn boy, much like his namesake. Shall he take a Black Falcon as his sigil? Jasper mused. Brynden was a bit of an odd bird with the tantrums he threw, but the horses always seemed to calm him down. Horses made everything better. Arrow loves him better than me.
Jasper raised a brow before chuckling. My innocent children. "Oh, dear. Does your mother know?"
"She was upset."
"Ah, her nose wriggled like a rabbit." He wriggled his nose." Can you wriggle your nose like a rabbit?" Alyssa giggled and tried to wriggle her nose with him. He laughed, tears enjoying the moment with his little girl. Most days, he felt like he didn't see them nearly enough. Duty of the Lord of the Eyrie always occupied his attention. He always needed to play the knight and the lord with his vassals and household. I strive to be more attentive than my sire. And the looks they gave him told him he was successful with that.
It was amid the laughter an Arryn man came running in haggard and out of breath.
"MY LORD!" He fell to his knee. "Forgive me, you are needed to cast judgement, my lord. Justice needs to be done." His daughter looked afraid as he downed the stern armor of a lord and sent her away with a command. This was not fit for a childs ears.
"Justice for what?"
"Murder my lord."
Jasper sat on the Weirwood Throne of his forefathers. Red Rain sat on his lap. Only a few retainers took up positions by the door and in the gallery. The smaller throne for a consort lay empty. Myrcella rarely attended court and he would have forbidden it if she asked. This crime is too wicked. Nor his wards or Robert needed to be here, either. This sad duty is my own. The sky-blue cloaks were undone and revealed the remains of the mother and son butchered by a sword, with the murder weapon beside them still stained with their lifesblood. The corpses looked terrified. Their deaths were not quick, and the work was ugly. His eyes refused to look away as he understood what needed to be done. "Bring in the accused."
Alen and Uther dragged the man with a tattered sky-blue cloak in. Mud smeared against the blue carpet as the man's chains rattled with every step. Even with the swollen bruised cheeks, Jasper recognized Ser Eldric. Once his eyes had been lively, but now they were swollen half shut. The man had served House Arryn on the field of battle in the Iron Islands and in the Mountains of the Vale. He had been among the party who breached the Walls of Old Wyk at his side.A man who held the honor some nights of guarding his children's room. The thought made him queasy and filled with revulsion.
How did you commit such a terrible crime ser? You were a valiant knight.
Grand Uncle Brynden flanked them. "My lord," He said. "I bring before Ser Eldric to stand before your judgement on the charge of kinslaying." Nothing is more wretched than a kinslayer.
"How do you plea ser?" Jasper's voice was harsh with judgement. A lord must be firm as a mountain when upholding justice, and so he narrowed his eyes like the falcon of his sigil. Shall you deny it like some coward? Or will you show some courage and admit to it?
Ser Eldric looked up and laughed, tears streaming down his face. "I'm guilty, my lord-"
"Then-"
"But so are you. You share in my crime."
Grand Uncle Bryndens mailed fist sent him tumbling down, wheezing.
"Enough!" Jasper commanded with a wave of his hand. "Let him ramble his mad words." Let no man say he was afraid of the words of some madman who slew his own child.
Ser Eldric took a long moment to catch his breath before raising his gaze up from the floor. "I followed House Arryn. I followed you into every battle." He said. "Every fucking shit hole. I murdered for you. Men, children and women. I hear them, I hear them in my bed when I sleep, I hear them during the day. I heard them when-" He looked on the verge of tears. "You did this to me. You ruined my life." His voice was bitter and filled with hate.
Jasper didn't even twitch.
"In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon, the First of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, by the word of Jasper of the House Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie and Warden of the East, I do sentence you to die by the Moondoor." His knights seized him and dragged him kicking and thrashing like some beast from the woods.
"You did this!" The man swore. "You hacked the boys, same as me, with that fucking sword. You stand up there acting high and mighty! You're just as dirty as me! Everyone will see! The lords! The princess. Your children. They'll see you as I see you!"
They'll see you
They'll see you
They'll see you
Jasper said nothing as Ser Eldric flew out of the Moondoor. His screams fading into the distance.
Myrcella
She moved her jade knight, taking her foes dragon. He thought himself the height of cunning with his move maneuvering around her spearmen and catapults. His green pools had glistened with confidence. Well, he's only a little boy.
Roland's little eyes widened.
"How did?" His voice fell. "I didn't think about that." He mumbled.
"You'll learn, my darling boy. You performed the Dragons Flight perfectly." Myrcella offered a reassuring smile that earned a more cheerful expression her boy should always have on his adorable little face. His focus was already returning to the board to think about his next move. Roland was a courteous boy, always kind to his sister and well mannered at the dinner table. Like most boys, Roland dreamed of being a famous knight, just like his father. Though Jasper was more than merely a knight and Roland will learn that over the years. I'll make sure he doesn't become only a knight. One day Roland would rule the Vale and that took more the strength in one's arms and legs to rule. One needed to use his wits and cunning as well. Games of cyvasse were wonderful ways of encouraging this, along with his lessons with Maester Colemon.
And we get to have a marvelous time doing it!
Servants placed trays of scones and sweet refreshments on the table for their enjoyment. She took a bite from her scone and looked up. Some jelly lay smeared over Rolands face, which she wiped away to his groans. How did her children get so dirty all the time? She suppressed a giggle. I'll always be around to clean them up.
"How does swordsmanship with Ser Edmund go?"
"It's hard, but it's not supposed to be easy and I shall master it." He vowed, before narrowing his eyes. "Mother, are you trying to distract me?" Oh, Roland, I don't need to distract you to win. Her side of the board was littered with his fallen pieces. Still, it was good he considered the possibility.
Myrcella gasped, "I was merely curious about your day, my boy. Do you really think I was playing a mean trick on you?"
Roland shook his head.
"I swear I wasn't playing any tricks."
Her boy nodded his head. "I know, mother." He promised and advanced one of his man of arm pieces forward.
She asked question about his thought process behind his choices and offer constructive words of advice. Learning from ones mistakes is the only way to learn. Though not too harshly, it wouldn't serve to wound his confidence. Her mother often used that tool against them. I'll never do that. Only sweet little lessons to build a happy little family up in the clouds. Eventually, they reset the board when she took his king with her queen. It reminded Myrcella of the match she was in with Sansa over the title. I've already won that game. Tommen would wed Arya Stark and she'll become queen. Both had been shot by loves arrow. "I took your knight!" Roland declared. The only question was swaying Jasper with the right set of words and the perfect time and he'll have little choice but to acquiesce.
My field of battle I shall have to choose carefully.
"Do you think I'll make friends in the Red Keep?" Roland asked.
"Of course Roland." Myrcella chimed. "You'll make many friends amongst the sons of knights and great lords."
Myrcella felt a little guilty keeping secrets from her husband, but he would overreact trying to keep her safe. If he knew about Martyns little plot, Jasper would keep me in the Eyrie under lock and key. A sweet gesture, but it wouldn't be wise for their family.
We work better together. He makes me very happy, and I do the same for him.
Separate them and they are only making their family weaker and she didn't want to be away from her husbands touch or voice.
Besides, she could handle the likes of Sansa Stark or Martyn Lannister.
Martyn believed the rumors that Sansa in her stupidity released into the world. Grand Maester Pycelle wrote Martyn tried to secure poison from his stores. Not wise Martyn. Pycelle became my creature years ago. He understood where the power of the realm was located and the legacy of Tywin Lannister lay in herself and Tommen, not in Ser Kevans sons.
My own kin means to murder me.
Years later her hands remained filthy, coated in Ser Kevans lifeblood poisoned by her own lip. I didn't know I swear, I never would have done so. She wanted to curl up and hide beneath the sheets at the mere thought of it, but she couldn't. She was a wife and mother and needed to remain strong.
Poor Martyn. Myrcella thought. I don't wish to hurt him, but I can't have him stealing myself away from my babes.
Her heart sank. Ser Kevan was a good man and didn't deserve his end. If only I could simply talk to Martyn. Myrcella told herself she could sway himself from this violent path and make him understand the truth. She bit underneath her lip
A foolish notion.
There was no wisdom in it and would forgo the element of surprise she still enjoyed. A falling roof title should solve her little Martyn problem.
"Mother, are you well?" Roland asked. "Did I do something wrong?"
Myrcella blinked, horrified. "No, no." You've done nothing wrong." Somehow, her worry must have shown and placed him on her lap. "I'm fine. My mind only wandered." And soothed Roland's worry with a kiss on his brow. She sent him off with some warm milk and cookies.
Later in the evening, the extended Arryn family gathered by the flickering candlelight and the sweet smell of roast duck and sound of forks and knives clanging against plates. Myrcella dressed in sky-blue silk with a necklace of moonstone draped along her neck, a name day gift from Jasper. Her lord husband wore a handsome velvet doublet with the sky-blue falcon soaring on the fabric. Myrcella rested her hand on top of his own, and he squeezed. To their right sat Lord Robert, feeding his wife Lady Jaina from his own plate. Seated to her left was Tommen, who occasionally made funny faces to her children when Jasper wasn't looking. Next to him, Lord Bran was wolfing down his dinner faster than Dawn or Nymeria underneath the dining table. Arya Stark sat in between Bran and Ser Brynden with her children at the furthest end of the table.
"It's very fulfilling eating the food one bagged in the woods." Bran declared and shoved a mouthful of stew down his throat.
Tommen raised a brow. "But Bran? You didn't kill the bear. It was Lord Arryn and Lady Arya."
"Details Tommen." Bran snickered.
Jasper raised his silver goblet. "You rode well, cousin, and the thrust was masterful. Well done!" He offered a genuine smile. "I'll grant you the honor of the kill."
"My thanks Lord Arryn." She dipped her head. "The chase was exhilarating. I'm used to hunting bears." She paused a bit awkwardly. "Bear Island isn't misnamed."
Tommen rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "Lets misname Bear Island then!" He said cheerfully. "Only wrong answers are acceptable." The notion was a lighthearted one that Tommen was known for at the dinner table. Bran answered the call first with Viper Island. Myrcella added her choice of Lion Isles, as all of them shouted names until they were only laughing. Lady Jaina teased Robert Arryn for his choice of Cub Island. "What?" He protested. "Why would you name it Cub Island if they turned into bears?!"
Only Jasper didn't partake, acting stern at the head of the table until Tommen asked him for his choice and he cracked a smile.
"How about Elephant Island?"
"Good one Lord Arryn!" Tommen replied.
Lady Arya couldn't keep her eyes off Tommen, and Myrcella noticed a lustful gleam in them. She even bit her lower lip, looking like a love-struck fool.
Jasper's gaze was about to shift to them. "Darling," she said. "You have something on your cheek. Here, let me get it." He stiffened, cheeks flushed. And she caressed him with her white cloth.
"Thank you Myrcella." She smiled shyly and got lost in his blue pools. "How embarrassing."
"Do I have anything in my teeth?" Myrcella asked, batting her eyelashes.
"No." Jasper shook his head. "They are perfect princess." Aww, he thinks they are perfect!
The doors opened up and a slender Maester Colemon entered with a bow of his head. "My lord word from Kings Landing." And handed her husband a letter sealed with the grey direwolf of House Stark. Jasper opened it without another word and read the contents. His faced turned solemn as a statue as she observed hints of pride and worry as he gazed intently at Tommen. Her heart pounded in her chest at the change in her husband.
"King Robert has abdicated. We have a new king." Jasper bent his knee. And when their lord went to his knee, everyone in the room followed suit. The sound of chairs scuffing the marbled floors with only Tommen left standing.
Lord Bran sported a rare, serious expression. "I shall stand by you no matter the end."
"The end will be as brilliant as the Dawn." Tommen replied. "An age of justice governed by the honor of the Vale."
"It will be." Lady Arya swore. "We shall see to it by steel."
Tommen looked every inch a king tall and strong from his fostering. A far cry from the pudgy little boy from boyhood, but Myrcella only felt afraid for her little brother as Jasper declared with conviction. "LONG MAY HE REIGN!" It echoed around them as the direwolves let out a loud piercing howl.
"LONG MAY HE REIGN!"
"LONG MAY HE REIGN!"
Arya
Arya still felt guilty.
A traitor draws breath, and I do nothing.
There was nothing that needed to be done.
Father and Sansa are safe.
One more sword would not alter the balance.
Be as solid as stone - show no weakness.
Some troubadour serenaded - most terribly, she thought - the grand, eye-watering feast of boar and duck. Ser Mychel Redfort and Lady Mya held pride of place, as the stone tables and benches of the Falcon's hall were filled to bursting with Knights of the Vale. Men who had seen battle in Roberts Rebellion and the War for Margaery's Ear. Few green boys remained among their company.
They may be dead soon enough. Lord Stannis plotted to usurp his nephew from the Stormlands like his treacherous brother Lord Renly. Good King Robert's brothers were rotten at the core - and here did the chivalry laze about, feasting and singing songs. She thought back to their heated discussion with Cousin Jasper.
"Forgive me for intruding, your grace," Cousin Jasper said in a formal tone.
Tommen ignored it - his embrace was quick, but his voice was warm. "There is nothing to forgive! You are always welcome."
"Mayhaps not this time." He answered dryly. Dark wings, dark words.
Cousin Jasper boots lingered close to the bed - Arya had been too deep in her drink to run for it before he came in, and so under the bed she hid, and listened as he explained.
"Uncle Stannis plots rebellion?" Tommen's voice shook. "By what right?"
Cousin Jasper spoke of Lord Stannis trips throughout the Stormlands. The transfer of the Royal Fleet towards Dragonstone and Storms End, with the Onion Knight spotted in Bravos - and the Free Cities gathering coin and meeting with companies of sellswords.
"I know not the reason. Ambition mayhaps? Bitterness? Pride? It matters little - he is a threat Tommen. You must nip it in the bud."
"Why has Lord Stark not arrested the man?"
"Lord Stannis has not returned to Kings Landing in several moons since his foray into the Stepstones. If we botch the arrest, it shall mean a rebellion, and Lord Stannis is not his brother." Jasper lectured like her father. "He is a capable commander - not a man to underestimate. We cannot assume he will give us such a chance."
"We shall not entertain the dishonor of other means." Tommen sounded dismissive. "I will not have men name me a kinslayer."
Cousin Jasper paused for a moment. "Then, let us remove the fleet from his grasp! Have Lord Stark command him to return with the Royal Fleet. Should he refuse, we shall brand him a traitor. No one could deny that."
"No, we shall do no such thing." Tommen declared, with steel in his voice. It was very unlike the lighthearted boy she had come to know. " I shall not spook him. He'll attend the wedding and we shall place him in chains. I shall not risk a war that could be prevented with one swift stroke." He vowed.
"He may simply fail to appear, my Prince." Cousin Jasper cautioned, with a hint of worry.
"If he does not show, then we shall proceed with your plan, when I ascend the Iron Throne." Tommen said. "Surely you've already thought of this?"
Now her cousin spoke with all the bluntness of a soldier. "Your Grace, I seek to protect your image as well. Men may whisper you simply wish to lay claim to your uncle's lands." No one would believe that. Tommen had been raised with Arryn honor in mind. "Let Lord Stark do his duty. His time as regent is near an end, and his honor could certainly survive this."
"A king's image is important." Tommen admitted. "But I shall not risk a war on what men may or may not think." Good.
"Then we shall see it done." Jasper vowed. He lingered for a long moment before he departed with a dutiful Your Grace. Arya did not hesitate to crawl out as soon as he'd departed. Tommen, ever gallant, offered his hand to help her up, but she ignored it.
His gaze was sheepish as she scrambled to her feet. "Sorry I ruined our evening. I enjoyed where it was going." He mumbled and sat at the foot of the bed. Ser Pounce crawled over to his lap, and Tommen scratched behind his ears. "But I'm king. I fear I shall become an old, stuffy man." He cracked a weak smile.
Arya chuckled. "Then I suppose I shall be an old, stuffy queen as well."
"You? Stuffy? Never." Tommen sighed deeply. "I hope I'm choosing justly." She joined him by his right side.
"My cousin means well." Arya said. She would never deny that Jasper cared for his wards. "But you're the King-to-be; the Lords of the Stormlands will arrive for your coronation, and the tourney held in your honor,"she placed an arm around him and whispered into his ear. "Convince them of your Uncle's treason -"
"- Or mark them out as traitors." Tommen finished. "I love it!" He kissed the top of her head.
When she asked what he intended to do about Storms End and Dragonstone, Tommen looked older. "Thrice in recent memory the Stormlands have risen up in rebellion against the reigning monarch." He said. "This has to be nipped in the bud - else our heirs, and their heirs, may face the same rebellions over and over again! Storm's End shall be claimed by the Crown - and the Stormlands incorporated into the Crownlands." Arya's eyes widened.
Tommen continued, "Lord Arryn often told me that Jon Arryn erred in failing to seize Gulltown. I shall not make that mistake." He paused, staring pensively in the distance. "I have plans. Plans for a just realm for all my subjects down to the peasant. Plans I must keep even from Lord Arryn!" He sighed guiltily.
"I trust him with my life, but there are some things a king has to keep to himself and with his queen." Tommen rubbed his chin. "Dragonstone I shall keep. Mayhaps, I'll name Myrcella Princess of Dragonstone? She is my heir until we have a child. At the least a castellan shall serve. But I shall have to speak with my Small Council on-" Tommen laughed. "See? I told you this crown makes me stuffy. I sound like an old man, Arya."
Arya rolled her eyes. "Doesn't Lord Stannis have a daughter?"
Tommen looked a shade guilty. "He does. My poor cousin Shireen. If I send her father to the Wall and take her lands, I suppose she'll have to swear the oaths of a septa. I wish there were another way."
And that made sense, Arya supposed. She would be a threat to Tommen, and his claim of Storm's End and Dragonstone - the oaths of a septa would put that to rest. "There isn't," she said sternly. "Lord Stannis shall go to the Wall. Lady Shireen to the Silent Sisters. And your lips are mine."
High above them, Cousin Jasper sported a dignified smile, hands entangled with his golden princess. Sansa had named Princess Myrcella a vile creature of deceit and trickery.
Arya saw nothing of Queen Cersei in her. If she was rotten, it was well concealed behind a friendly façade; she had been nothing but kind to her since her arrival - even after learning about Tommen and her intentions. Tommen told her Myrcella vowed to soften the blow, with Cousin Jasper.
"She knows of us and approves. My sister wishes me to be happy."
"Why did you tell her?" Arya sobered a little from drinking in Tommen's eyes.
It amused Tommen. "I didn't. She simply knew. Maybe we aren't as subtle as we thought? It's really hard. You're so kissable." He complained and looked a shade less sunny. "Myrcella wants to wait for the right time to tell Jasper. I don't like this sneaking around, lying to Bran and Lord Arryn." He groaned. " We would be better served by announcing it and letting the dice be cast."
She drank in his eyes and drowned. It thawed her icy heart and everything became simple. "Then marry me tonight. Wrestle some septon from his sept. He'll say the words if you ask."
Her reply took him back. For a moment, he seemed to consider it before shaking his head. "You would be kicking yourself come morning." Tommen said. "And myself for going along with it." A dark scowl formed as she huffed in annoyance.
Inaction was unbearable to her, even if it meant acting imprudently.
Arya needed to act. To do something.
Anything.
Simply waiting was impossible. But they had to wait. They were already causing enough trouble as it was. Princess Myrcella giggled as Cousin Jasper whispered into her ear.
Focus! She chided. Focus on the princess.
Appearances could be deceiving, but nothing gave life to Sansa's words. Why do you think the princess is so wretched? Mayhaps this was the work of some crook within the King's Court, seeking division between Stark and Arryn?
King's Landing was filled with vipers like that. You should have helped her. Not seized the opportunity. Some guilt swelled in her breast.
Sansa wanted me to manipulate Tommen and abuse my friendship with him. It still angered her. How could she ask that of me? It was shameful. Her letter read like a conniving woman seeking to control her friend. Arya needed to set her straight and remind her of how a daughter of Ned Stark should behave. Duty demanded that of her. Duty of a sister and a duty of a daughter of House Stark.
Instead, she rode to the Eyrie like a maiden warrior in one of Jory's songs, intent to steal away a prince. Duty could not be her shield.
Arya imagined her father's long face gazing with disappointment. She knew not what to say to either her lord father or lady mother. Both would be furious for stealing what belonged to Sansa. She wanted to be queen her entire life and was their perfect daughter. "Thief! You stole what belonged to me," Sansa would screech as her mother held tears in her eyes. No apologies could make things right.
Arya needed a dummy of straw to skewer until the guilt dulled.
I don't care about being queen. I want him. And Arya was not a creature that could content herself with inaction. I needed to hear a rejection from his lip. Then she could move on with her life. Instead, he confessed feelings he harbored in his chest and they kissed amid a field of straw. Queen Arya Baratheon…A queer thought she never desired, but somehow she stumbled into wearing a crown. She understood some sacrifice would be required of her. What daughter of Winterfell didn't understand that? I swear Sansa I did not mean for this to happen. I tried. But it wouldn't matter. She was going to hate her until the day she died. Tommen believed otherwise, but Arya knew his optimism was misplaced.
"Why the long face Stark? Not enjoying the singers?" Lyanna grinned.
"The singers are fine." Arya replied coolly.
"Or the pretty southron boys? They are easy on the eyes." She turned her gaze to Tommen and offered a sly smile. Tommen was as radiant as the sun, with a cheerful smile that never dimmed. He wore a handsome doublet of black velvet with long golden satin sleeves. Dark Sister the sword of Visenya at his hip. Perfume clung to him, instead of sweat from the training yard.
Arya preferred sweat to perfume.
After a spar, Tommen's delicate blond curls were always matted with sweat. It streamed down his neck and soaked his tunic. Tommen was beautiful covered in dirt and sweat. As she looked at him, she longed to crush his hair between her fingers and kiss him until he was left gasping for air. Her cheeks grew hot at the thought.
"It's not as exciting as a prince in the stable stall, though," Lyanna whispered. Arya kicked her underneath the table. Lyanna smirked.
Lyanna should have gone with Dacey and the other Northern banners to fight Wildlings, but she was too loyal for her own good and journeyed with her to the Eyrie, poking fun at her heart every step of the way.
You are as cool as ice and unmovable as stone. Arya centered herself.
She sat across from Bran with Nymeria and Dawn underneath the table, gnawing on several bones. "And what's so amusing, Lady Lyanna?" Bran asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I could use some amusement." The ale in his hand made him bold. Not that Bran needed ale to be a stupid idiot. The insufferable hound chased anything with a skirt.
"Ignore him Lyanna," Arya said. "Didn't Lord Arryn teach you it was untold to pry?"
"I must have missed that lesson, sweet sister." Bran offered a contrite smile. "But I blame you, Lady Lyanna. You are terribly distracting."
Lyanna snorted in laughter. "Is that so, Lord Brandon? Go on." She grinned.
"Gladly, my lady."
Arya rolled her eyes at his attempt to charm her friend and annoyed that it seemed to be working. Bran winked.
It made her blood boil, but she managed to maintain a stoic expression, refusing to let him get to her. If only Jon arrived with Ser Barristan and the Knights of the Kingsguard.
Arya could use Jon's advice. Of all the members of their family, he had understood her the best. The girl. He understood the girl. Arya remembered. She had not seen him in years. Mayhaps he had changed the same as her? The White cloak changes a man. He never would have imagined me wearing a dress.
Nor my younger self.
Maybe Jon wouldn't be any help? Who she really needed was Syrio, but he was gone and wasn't coming back. "You have learned all you need to from me, child. I have nothing more to teach you, Arya." He placed his finger over heart when she protested. "You have everything Syrio has taught right here. A true Water Dancer." Pride seeped into his voice. "You will not grow if you rely upon me to discover the answers for you." Arya fought the tears and hugged him tightly, and promised he was always welcome in Winterfell.
I'm as cold as ice. Unmovable as a boulder and completely centered as a warrior needs to be.
She was a Stark of Winterfell and would manage the guilt that gnawed her bones raw.
Bran exchanged a look with Lyanna and smiled a shit-eating grin. Arya raised a brow, puzzled. She was caught off guard when he suddenly moved, launching his foot onto the bench.
"Your grace!" He roared, placing his hand over his breast. Tommen turned from a conversation with Ser Brynden. "I fear my sweet sister is very shy. She seeks a dance with yourself." Her hand twitched around the spoon as her brother irritated her in a way only a younger sibling can.
I could kill you with this dull spoon, Bran. It would hurt alot. Bran merely grinned with self-satisfaction as she scowled. This was nothing more than some jape for him.
"Is that so, Bran? Our Arya?" Tommen asked. "I best remedy that, then! Lady Arya - care to dance?"
She could hardly refuse him - and so smiled, with a false sweetness.
Cousin Jasper stared at them with a look as hard as the Mountains of the Vale. Father would share a similar look. But it was as fleeting as summer snow. Princess Myrcella encouraged him to extend his arm and lead her in a dance.
Ser Mychel led his lady wife onto the dance floor, as well as the songs swirled around them. But she didn't pay any attention to them. If only you weren't so damn pretty I'd be less rash. "You are being unwise Tommen. Cousin Jasper watches us like a falcon. You should not have looked so eager." Arya hissed. "You dumb fool."
"But I'm your dumb fool." Tommen's beaming smile cut her down. "And it's no crime to dance with a lady. Lord Arryn would be upset if I left a lady wanting." He twirled her around. "Besides, I love dancing with you. I would have asked even if not compelled by social convention." He leaned in shaking with excitement.
"And I'm dying to tell you a hilarious joke I learned from some freeriders. It's incredible." He said with complete confidence. "Bran said it was my best yet." For a moment, she forgot about her irksome little brother or the guilt that gnawed at her bones. Tommen's lighthearted voice could always cheer her up.
Arya smiled. "Oh?" She voiced in a playful tone. "Your best yet?"
"Without a doubt."
"Better than your dancing bear joke?"
"Let's not get carried away," Tommen said in a serious tone. "Nothing can top that one!"
A genuine giggle escaped her throat. The wine and the sheer closeness of their bodies was intoxicating. She fought the urge to reach out and touch the rippling muscles of his broad shoulders and powerful chest. While they twirled around, her hands shook, and she nervously bit her lower lip. In that moment, she yearned to throw him to the ground and make him hers. He should be the one weak at the knees. Not me.
Arya would have to remedy that.
"I swear my hardest choice as king will be picking the court fool. All of them are hilarious. How can I possibly pick one?"
"Ah, another smile, or is that a grimace?" Tommen couldn't decide. "No matter, I'll call it a smile. A Stark smile!" He snickered.
She leaned in close, guiding his hands to her inner thighs with a rough touch. The snickering stopped as they lost themselves in the moment. His hand brushed against the leather sheath, feeling the weight of the dagger hidden inside. And Arya knew his heart was racing like a horse.
"You are one of a kind, Arya." Tommen said cheerfully. "I'm the luckiest king who has ever lived." He said confidently, securing her close to him. "And I'm going to get luckier." The thought of spending time alone with him was dangerous but intoxicating. Do you wish to kiss me Tommen? Arya wondered. Some guilt gnawed on her as she thought about Sansa, but she had made her choice.
A warrior acts and follows her gut.
Tommen is mine.
All is fair in love and war.
"Have you forgotten Lord Arryn's household?" Arya teased.
Tommen rolled his eyes. "I know you could get past them without anyone recognizing you! Your Arya Stark and never cease to impress. I'll see you tonight." And he was right.
She had already had a plan to sneak in. I shall scurry in like a mouse dressed in a servant's garb. A woman servant could pass almost without suspicion through the halls. People saw what they wished to see. Tommen expected something daring, like scaling a tower.
I could scale a tower, but that would take too long. And Arya wondered what fun he had in store for her. She didn't wish to waste a moment Arya thought of his lips and blushed.
The clay model of King's Landing was a masterpiece, capturing every nook and cranny of the foul-smelling city. Figurines of knights and little banners covered the city. She suggested that their foes should be the Lords of the Stormlands and Lords of the Narrow Sea.
We should be prepared for a campaign. By the Mud Gate, a figurine of a king with golden hair fighting where the fighting was thickest. A queen at his side a sword in her hand cutting down her foes. He had it made just for her.
It was very sweet.
Arya pressed herself against him in a tight embrace, her arms wrapped around his lower back. She had shown incredible restraint thus far. "You know this isn't what I thought when you meant loads of fun Tommen." She teased as his heart race increased when she rubbed her hands over his chest.
"Are you not having fun?" Tommen gasped
"I never said that." She said playfully brushing a lose strand behind her ear. And rolled the dice. She never saw what they landed on. Tommen seized her in a kiss.
And this time Lord Arryn wasn't going to interrupt them!
Authors note: Well, there we go! Next up we are heading back to the East to Meereen and see the fallout from Jaimes charge! After the wonderful feedback from you guys I've decided to keep the ending as it is and go from their. The most convincing argument was the fact, it took a POV off the board and thats true with our set of POVS increasing it does help ending Jaimes story here. Though I will miss writing him, don't know if you guys could tell, but it was one of my favorite POVS to write. This chapter took a little longer than I thought cause Jasper POV gave me some trouble since it's been a while since I've done it. But I think I mainly got it down.
I do have a question though what do you guys think FAegon is doing in Kings Landing. Whats he up too? Anyway thanks for the comments. Always enjoy reading and replying to them.
Link to a Falcon of Summer Discord. /ffEQGR43Mz
Reviews:
ForgetfulAtheist: That would be really cool, but I think it's proably best Jaime stays dead now that I've thought about it. I think a part of my hestiation was simply due to how much I enjoyed writing him I had some remorse about offing him
SambhavShandilya: Yeah I agree with you about not all Lannisters should be cunning, just like not all Starks should be honorable. People should be differnt. This isn't Harry Potter where everyone in one house is a certain personality type. Honestly you gave me the most convincing reason to keep Jaime dead. I want to increase my Tommen POVS!
Lilspooky221: Well, he's staying dead!
Dzerk: Well, I can't help that tried my best on that front. Hope you find something else on this site to read! Theres a lot of good stuff on here.