A/N: Good Day Everyone! Thank you all for being so patient with me as I got through midterm season. I'm still really busy right now because I just took on a job as a Research Assistant so updates will be coming slowly, but they will be coming! I worked really, really hard on this chapter and had to edit it at least a few/tens of times before I deemed it semi-appropriate to post. Mostly because there are some moving parts that affect later events in the story that I didn't know whether I wanted in this chapter or not. Anyway, please read and review and let me know what you think!
xoxo
M
Euron Greyjoy was decidedly unhappy.
And it was all Queen Helaena's fault.
Despite visiting her often, the Queen had ended up barring her room to all visitors—not to be disturbed unless deemed of upmost importance or an emergency. If someone wanted to get a hold of her now, they had to present themselves formally in court.
Which wouldn't really be a problem for Euron, if it weren't for the fact that there were a lines of high-born Lords vying for her time. And given that the Queen already had a very busy schedule, his next meeting date with her was in 5 weeks. Not even walking throughout the Keep could Euron spot a second of his Queen.
Thus, Euron had taken to his initial idea. Poison.
However, even this proved to be difficult as the Queen had 3 different tasters try just one meal. The lack of success had started to make Balon Greyjoy nervous, Master of Ships and not the favorite of the Queen amongst the Small Council, the Lord was worried that he would be one of the first accused should anyone deem it necessary to investigate the Queen's death.
"Euron, perhaps we should just abandon this plan," Balon whispered nervously to Euron in the corridor they had chosen to hide in and have their conversation.
"She has made me Master of Ships, it is a great honor, and at the very least I can now have her ear,"
"Have her ear?" Euron scoffed, "Brother you don't kiss her feet nearly enough to have her ear. Not even her Hand has her ear!"
"If you try to poison her, she will have everyone investigated. And when they discover that you had a servant paid off in order to bring you're a vial of Tears of Lys from Pycelle's stores we'll all be doomed," Balon whispered harshly, indignant that his younger brother was not taking this issue seriously.
"She'll have us thrown into the Black Cells, or killed, leaving Theon to rule. Theon, who is only days old Euron—think of the Iron Islands. Do not be foolish,"
Euron grabbed his brother by the shoulder and pulled him closer, "Foolish is the last word to describe me, brother," the younger Greyjoy hissed.
Balon yanked his shoulder out of Euron's grip, and stepped up to come only a hair's breadth away from Euron's face, "Independence would mean nothing if we are both dead and unable to see it. The Queen has been generous,"
Rolling his eyes, Euron pushed his brother away, "To you, maybe. Master of Ships, tell me Master of Ships, what use does the Queen have for you when the only pressing matter right now she has to address is who will provide her with an heir?"
"Is that really what has you so unsettled Euron? The fact that the Queen hasn't fallen for your charms? You've barely interacted with her- you cannot expect Helaena to simply fall at your feet," Balon taunted mockingly, knowing that his jabs were a blow to Euron's rather large yet fragile ego.
"All these little high-born Lords running around thinking that they're better. I can easily slit their throats if it comes down to it," Euron jeered, dismissing Balon's gibes.
"Then show them that, instead of blathering on and complaining. People would take you seriously if you actually acted instead of just talked all day long," Balon criticized his little brother, knowing what he said to be absolutely true.
While Euron undoubtedly could follow through on anything of the things he had promised, all the arrogance in the world meant nothing if he didn't show people what he was capable of.
"And what do you propose we do, brother?"
"We throw a tourney, at the Iron Islands if we have to, in the Queen's honor. I will discuss with Tywin the possibility of choosing her Consort that way. The Queen cannot put this issue off much longer, not if she wants to secure her rule,"
"Now I have to win a tourney against those snotty little shits?" distaste marred Euron's face, never having been one for tourneys the younger Greyjoy brother had kept his pursuits strictly to fighting and fucking.
Balon Greyjoy sighed loudly, almost loud enough for anyone walking by to hear, which earned him a harsh look from his younger brother.
"Did you expect to win the Queen without putting in at least a little effort? She's the Queen, her marriage is going to mean everything—it's not a decision to take lightly and if you can't even put a little effort to try and convince her to let you court her what's the point of all this? Do you want to be the Prince Consort, or not?"
"I want the Iron Islands," Euron muttered under his breath but it was loud enough for Balon to hear.
"One thing at a time brother, another rebellion would do nothing but incite the anger of the Queen, all the Lords, and the people—who are looking for peace,"
"Does that mean the poison deal is off?" the utter eagerness in Euron's voice at the prospect of the Iron Islands potentially still becoming independent with the Queen's death made Balon sigh.
"Yes, the poisoning is off. It's not a feasible plan Euron. Perhaps if you win the Tourney, the Queen will see you as worthy and you can convince her to give us independence. And if she doesn't, well there are a few sellswords I can come into contact with," a devious glint entered Balon's eye that made Euron smile conspiratorially at his brother.
"I like your thinking, brother,"
…
"Oh my," Grand Maester Pycelle watched as three more bodies were carried in, all of them with stone flesh.
"The problem seems to be getting worse, Grand Maester," one of the guards informed Pycelle, as he dropped the third body on the stone tablet for the Grand Maester to examine. "We found this one right outside one of the gates, it was trying to get in to King's Landing,"
"Perhaps we should inform the Queen now. Or at the very least, the Hand Tywin Lannister," Pycelle's apprentice implored, this was the third case of stone flesh that had appeared after the initial one. At this point it could be seen as an epidemic.
"No, the Queen will be severely displeased if she found out this was happening. Especially if she knew where it had come from—the Seven Kingdoms does not need that kind of unrest right now. We need to let Tywin Lannister know and have him clean up his own mess. Varys will most likely catch wind of this soon if we aren't fast and we can't have him informing the Queen," Pycelle noted worriedly.
They had, just a few days ago, found "patient zero." The cause for why all these stone men were suddenly appearing. And it was a mercenary from Tyrosh. Tywin Lannister had contracted a few hundred of them for his army and it seemed that during their journey here, one of them had contracted the stone flesh and not seen fit to let himself fall upon a sword or inform his superiors. Thus, the Tyroshi had sailed across the ocean only to come to King's Landing an infect what was now half a dozen people all under the purveyance of Tywin Lannister, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands, Hand of the Queen.
This would surely rock the boat far more than it was already being rocked. The Queen would be furious and no doubt try to cut ties or seek revenge by making House Lannister by penance. And that would eventually lead to Tywin Lannister seeking revenge. Pycelle could see it in his mind's eye, yet another war for the Seven Kingdoms to fall into, and all because one mercenary contracted stone flesh and decided to inflict it on a bunch of commoners.
"This problem needs to be contained. Bring Tywin Lannister here so that he can see the trouble he has wrought," Pycelle ordered one of the guards, "And tell no one of what you saw here. No one," passing a few gold dragons over, Pycelle hoped that would be enough to keep the guards silent, at least for now.
…
Three moons after he had arrived, the activity in King's Landing had been relatively tame. But now, Bronn walked briskly, coming to the entrance of the Queen's solar and knocking hastily against the wall. There was news that she needed to hear.
Helaena turned and at the sight of Bronn, motioned for the sellsword to come in. His introduction to court had come without fanfare. He was seen just as another suitor in a long line of suitors that were vying to become Prince Consort. The plan, so far, was working well and Helaena, just for a moment, felt a little more secure.
"What is it Bronn?"
The man in question huffed a little, out of breath from running his way over, "It's the orphanage, Helaena, someone set fire to it,"
Eyes widening in apparent shock, Helaena quickly motioned for Bronn to continue.
"Rebels, no doubt, the words usurper was written in blood of the walls as the orphanage burned,"
"Which one?" Helaena stood taller and eyes glinting with fury, "Which one?" the Queen demanded and Bronn knew it wasn't the fiery, passionate Princess he was talking to anymore but the vengeful Queen.
"Flea Bottom your Majesty," bowing his head slightly, Bronn looked up to see Helaena's face in a stoic mask.
Flea Bottom, the poorest district in all of King's Landing, also housed the biggest orphanage in the city. If it was in flames, that meant hundreds of children were now dead too. Helaena lamented at the arsonist's choice, and anger fueled her emotions. But, it was not a time to let her emotions control her, not when she needed to be levelheaded.
"The fire, is it still burning?"
Bronn shook his head and that was all Helaena needed. Steeling herself, Helaena clenched and unclenched her fist for a moment before storming her way past Bronn and out of her solar.
"My Queen, where are you going?" Bronn called, quickly following after Helaena.
"To Flea Bottom—an announcement needs to be made. Inform my Small Council, we're all going," Helaena called, quickly making her way through the halls of the Keep.
"Have my horse prepared," Helaena barked at a passing servant boy, who, although startled, quickly scrambled toward the stables.
There was a flurry of activity as Bronn went to go inform different servants to grab the members of the Small Council. Helaena proceeded to her own quarters and with the help of her handmaidens, quickly stripped and donned a completely black dress that looked to be made out of dragon scales, a black cape with a red underside flowing behind her as she walked purposefully through the halls. The crown sat heavily on her head, glistening no less than it did the day she first put it on her head.
"My Queen," Tywin approached his Queen who was heading for the stables, "Is it prudent, to go out into Flea Bottom? Now?"
"When else would you suggest we go Tywin? After a few more orphans die?" Helaena stepped on a stirrup and swung herself up onto her horse.
"Where is Pycelle? He needs to inform all the capable maesters to open their doors in preparation to receive some very burnt children,"
From a top of her horse, Helaena continued to bark orders at the people around her. Her Queensguard surrounding her and the Small Council as they began to make their way to the Flea Bottom orphanage. Helaena, atop her horse, was the only one besides the Queensguard who felt brave enough to leave herself out in the open despite all the protests from the men around her.
In the carriages held all the members of the Small Council who were looking amongst each other incredulously. Helaena had some rash decisions, yes, but generally they were also relatively well thought. This, riding through King's Landing and heading toward Flea Bottom while out in the open and not in a carriage? It was borderline suicidal. Lucky for her that the Queensguard should be there to protect them, the men all agreed.
There was screaming and crying as Helaena and the rest of the party approached the orphanage, whose walls had turned black from the fire that had burned it. The structure was still standing, but there was ash everywhere and the area was still hot from the residual heat of the fire that had already died.
Soldiers and maesters quickly made their way in, as Helaena swung off her horse and the rest of the Small Council stepped out of their carriages and stood outside watching the progress. Charred children's bodies, dead and undead, were being carried out with the gentlest of care. For those that were alive, each small extra movement sent a stomach churning scream of pain that had even the most hardened men cringe.
"Varys,"
The call startled the Master of Whisperers for a moment before he quickly made his way to the Queen's side, "Yes my Queen?"
"What do your little birds have to say about this?"
Varys folded his hands together and bowed his heads, "My Queen, it was a group of rebels…merely a group of rebels,"
"Somehow I find that hard to believe," Helaena took a step forward toward the charred building, "The words 'usurper' are written in blood against the stone walls,"
"My Queen, there really is no certain way to find out who did this," Jon Arryn approached the Queen, meaning to place a hand on her shoulder but thinking better of himself and stopped.
Running her hand gently across the charred building where the words were painted, Helaena stared at the words before her, "I beg to differ. Tell me, of all the Lords, who hasn't sworn their fealty to me yet?"
Stepping out from the rest of the Small Council, Tywin stood next to his Queen amongst the rubble, "That would be the Houses Karstark, Marbrand, Tully, Florent, and…Martell,"
"All lesser houses then except for Tully and Martell," taking a pause to contemplate a moment, Helaena walked back to her horse and swung atop before approaching her Lord Commander.
"If you would, Barristan," at the prompt, the Lord Commander sent out a whistle that echoed through Flea Bottom and cast everyone's attention to the center, in front of the orphanage, where Helaena sat a top of her horse.
"Citizens of Flea Bottom," Helaena's voice called out to all those who were present and listening, "A great tragedy has befallen all of you and my heart bleeds to see you all disenfranchised in any way," looking meaningfully at each dirty face out in the crowd Helaena's lips were set in a grim line.
"As Queen, I will be sending maesters in order to help the burnt children, contractors that will begin reconstruction of the orphanage, and soldiers that will be here everyday in order to give out food and water to those in need. The traitors who have done this will be captured and brought to you all. It is you, all of you, who will decide how to punish people who are more than happy to make children a sacrifice in their petty games,"
The announcement was met with silence first, but eventually people began clapping and eventually the clapping became a roar of cheering and shouting, people calling for the Gods to Bless Queen Helaena. The Lords of the Small Council looked around astounded, casting their glances between the filthy people of Flea Bottom and Queen Helaena, who sat regally and stoically on top of her horse.
Helaena rode the short distance over to the Small Council, "Send ravens to all the Lords of the Houses who have yet to sworn fealty. Tell them they have until the end of this month to be here, in King's Landing, ready to bend the knee. If not, they are actively participating in treason and at war with the Crown,"
"That is within a fortnight my Queen," Tywin spluttered, unsure of how the Lords would get to King's Landing so quickly.
"Wonderfully observant of you Tywin, but if I wanted you to tell me what I already know, I wouldn't have made you my Hand. Send the letter," Helaena ordered the Lannister Lord.
"My Queen, where will we be getting the resources, to provide for your promises?" Mace Tyrell interrupted the Queen—although his thoughts were on all the Lord's minds.
The Queen knew that the resources had already been vastly overextended after the Rebellion. Most of the gold dragons that belonged to the Crown had gone to repairing the damage that was done and the restoration of the Dragon pit and Summerhall.
Other resources, borrowed from the Lannisters and the Tyrells, were being allocated into the training of the standing army and navy Helaena had ordered to be assembled, molding soldiers that would serve the Crown. To constantly rely on the armies of her Lords was not smart, and Helaena knew that. She needed men loyal to the Crown, her, and only the Crown, her.
The Crown's gold was starting to run low. Helaena didn't want to reach further into debt, and Dragonstone's own vaults were only half-filled and the Queen was unwilling to touch those either. That money, in one of the only lessons that her mother had decided to impart on her, was in case of emergencies, only for the use of House Targaryen. There were only two options at this point and Helaena was extremely reluctant to do either.
"Send a letter Mace, to the Iron Bank of Braavos. It's time to call in our own debts,"
"My Queen?" bewildered glances were traded between the Lords, all unsure what Queen Helaena was speaking of. The Iron Bank did not owe anyone anything, they only collected the money they had lent, not the other way around.
"Write the letter Mace, the Iron Bank will know exactly what I speak of," was Helaena's cryptic reply.
…
Rhaella Targaryen carried her daughter Danaerys in her arms as she walked through their home in Braavos. It was spacious and airy, right by the sea and well furnished.
There was a small group of male and female servants that attended to Rhaella, cooking and cleaning but the the former Queen had insisted on taking care of her own children. Helaena had provided for them well, richly even. Thoughts of her first born daughter caused Rhaella to sigh.
"Viserys, please come and eat," the former Queen pleaded, not above beseeching her son to come out from his room. The former Prince had taken to sulking ever since he was ripped from Helaena's dresses.
"I'm not hungry," was the testy declaration that came through the shut door.
Sighing once again, Rhaella made her way to the door of Viserys's room, knocking on it gently with her free hand as she balanced Danaerys on her one arm, "Open the door Viserys,"
There was a moment of pause, but eventually the door did open to reveal a young boy with his platinum/silver blonde hair tousled and his purple eyes rimmed red from the tears that he had been shedding. No doubt Viserys, who was so young, was missing home and his elder siblings. They were close, or at the very least, Viserys was Helaena's and Rhaegar's constant shadow. This separation was probably very painful for him.
"I want to go home," the young boy grumbled, crossing his arms and seating himself back onto his bed.
"I know my love, but this is home now," Rhaella soothed, sitting herself on the bed next to Viserys, taking care not to jostle Danaerys who was sleeping soundly.
"No it's not," Viserys objected impudently, "It's not home and I don't know why we're here when we should be home, home with Helaena and Rhaegar and Father,"
Sighing, Rhaella took her free hand and ran it through Viserys hair, "My love, I've told you before, your father and Rhaegar and Helaena have us sent away for our safety—rebels were attacking King's Landing and it was unsafe for us to stay in Westeros,"
"So once it's safe again Father will have us come back? I want to see Rhaegar and Helaena," the innocent question managed to pierce Rhaella's heart with pain.
No, they weren't ever going home. Viserys's beloved sister had her family exiled, her father and brother killed, and now she was sitting on top of a throne that didn't belong to her. Rhaella desperately wanted to voice all of this but the former Queen was also severely conscious of the fact that the people that Helaena had hired to take care of them were also there to make sure that Rhaella and Helaena's siblings behaved.
Viserys was too young, too innocent to understand death and the treason that his sister had committed when she sided with the rebels. As much as Rhaella hated Aerys, the former Queen also understood her duty and place, and Helaena had cast aside both in order to serve her own ambitions.
But maybe when he was older, Rhaella contemplated, she would tell her son the truth. And together the three of them would take King's Landing and the Seven Kingdoms back for Viserys.
"King's Landing won't be safe for a very long time Viserys," Rhaella answered, "But if you are very, very patient and a good boy, the three of us will go back home one day and maybe you'll even get to be King," the former Queen whispered into her son's ear, causing the little boy's eyes to widen.
"Me? King?" the idea was almost impossible to Viserys, who knew that Rhaegar would get to be King first before Viserys ever had a chance.
Rhaella nodded, "Rhaegar's children aren't pure Targaryens. Their claim to the throne would be much weaker than yours—you can take the Throne, your brother would gladly give it to you," it was a lie.
What waited them was tumultuous future that involved blood and war, if they were going to take the Seven Kingdoms back from Helaena's grasp. Rhaegar was dead, and even if he was alive, he would have sooner given the throne to his son then let Viserys rule. But that wasn't what was important. What was important was that Viserys understand the throne was his so that they could plan their return.
Looking down at Danaerys, Rhaella's heart warmed at the cherub face of her baby girl. Still so innocent to the cruelties of the world. The former Queen was determined to protect her youngest as long as she could.
From anyone, including her elder sister's schemes.
…
"Is there something I can help you with, Lord Umber," Jaime announces the last part smarmily, fully aware that the man before him is a sellsword hired by the Queen and not actually a Lord of a Lesser House in the North.
Jaime didn't know why the Queen insisted on keeping the man so close. He was only here to find the traitors, not actually be a suitor. The increased time Helaena had been spending with Bronn made Jaime uncomfortable and caused the Kingslayer to try direct the Queen toward routes that he knew the sellsword would be not frequenting during the few times Helaena had asked him to take her to the gardens recently.
"Just here to see the Queen," Bronn answered nonchalantly, unfazed by Jaime's sarcasm.
The presumption that he could just have access to the Queen irks something with Jaime and fills him with an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. No one, not even his Father, would presume to see the Queen right now without express permission. Usually written, sometimes verbal but that was less trustworthy.
Jaime shook his head, "The Queen is not taking any visitors," not even members of her own Queensguard.
With the exception of Lord Arryn and the Lord Commander, no one was allowed in Helaena's rooms anymore. She had taken to sequestering herself and very rarely asked Jaime to escort her to walk about the gardens now.
"Oh I don't know, I'm sure she'd love to see me," waggling his eyebrows suggestively, Bronn's actions caused Jaime to sneer and stand up, coming face to face with the sellsword.
It was disrespectful, to speak of the Queen in such a way and Jaime felt compelled to protect her honor, because of duty and…otherwise…though the Kingslayer was not yet ready to fully admit it to himself.
"Aren't you supposed to be hunting traitors? As far as I know, none have been caught. Thus, there is no reason for you to be entering the Queen's chambers," at the assertion, Bronn laughed good naturedly. Jaime Lannister was certainly taking his duty seriously now.
"If you must know, the Queen enjoys my company and we have the most marvelous chats," a sly smirk crosses Bronn's face, "Although chatting isn't all we do,"
Fury erupted in Jaime's belly and his face turned a slight pink but the Kingslayer managed to not portray any of his anger and instead said his next words slowly, carefully, calmly, "Do not speak of our Queen that way,"
"Now, now Kingslayer, just because you can't technically get any action with…well anyone really, doesn't mean the rest of us have to live a celibate life like a eunuch,"
"You're vulgar," Jaime spat.
The statement amused Bronn. Really, the whole situation amused Bronn. Perhaps the only person who didn't know the extent of Jaime's true feelings for the Queen were the Queen herself and Jaime. The looks he would cast at her when she wasn't looking, the attention he would pay. Bronn knew he had to nip it in the bud while he still could, Helaena had far more pressing issues to worry about and Jaime's attentions would distract her.
"Ah but not as vulgar as you though am I, Kingslayer? What does it feel like to fuck your sister? I couldn't say I've ever tried the experience," Bronn's words cause Jaime's face to whiten, the Kingslayer taking a step back before gathering himself and trying to appear unaffected.
"Are you wondering how I know? Varys has little birds everywhere you know, and for the right price they're willing to give up information to other people instead of their master," Bronn took Jaime's shoulder in his hand, giving the man a pitying glance.
"Doesn't seem right, does it? To pine after the Queen who is unsullied and fuck your sister in dark corridors? I'm sure if she knew, Helaena wouldn't want you anywhere near her. After all, it would surely break whatever trust that is between you two,"
"I'm not fucking my sister," the lie was unconvincing and both men knew it.
Bronn shook his head sympathetically, "The odds are stacked against you Kingslayer. Best to let go of her while you still can and go run away with that little tart of a sister of yours. The Queen has more important matters to consider and relinquishing her attention from you will do all the world some good. After all, she has to pick a Prince Consort soon and it surely wouldn't be you if she knew the truth,"
"It doesn't really matter though," Bronn continued dispassionately, "You are just a Knight in her Queensguard. Not to mention the whole ordeal of you murdering her father. Not worthy either way,"
Jaime stood still and didn't even stop Bronn when he walked passed the Knight and knocked on the Queen's door. The door swung open immediately, revealing an irritated Helaena. She hadn't wanted to be disturbed, by anyone. But the sight of Bronn causes a very small smile to grace her face.
"Lord Umber," the Queen purred, an amused look crossing her face, "Come in,"
Bronn patted Jaime on the shoulder once again before making his way into the Queen's chambers. Jaime turned in order to speak but the door was shut in his face. Helaena hadn't even acknowledged Jaime's existence. And for some reason that hurt more than the Kingslayer could admit to himself.
…
"Is the Queen actually going?" Lord Jon Arryn had kept himself out of the usual squabbles of the Small Council, although appointed Master of Laws, the high-born Lord had spent most of his time trying to secure and restore the Vale again as it had been overrun during the Rebellion by fighting.
"Reluctantly, but she agreed to consider," Varys admitted, displeased with how little progress any of them were getting.
"You mean she actually let you speak to her of matters not concerning the orphanage and hanging men?" Tywin inserted sarcastically.
Once returning to the castle, Helaena was a swirl of furious energy and had taken to actively investigating which men exactly were in the group of rebels. The only reports she would receive right now were ones about them or the reconstruction of the orphanage and the feeding of the poor in Flea Bottom. Otherwise, she was holed up in her room.
"What was Balon Greyjoy thinking, holding a tourney now of all times?" Lord Mace Tyrell asked the men among him.
"The Queen is busy, hunting down rebels and traitors and he wants her to pick a formal suitor. Obviously the man has something up his sleeve," Olenna answered sagely, making all the men in the room nod in agreement.
"Undoubtedly, but a former suitor does not mean a betrothal. Helaena could just as easily reject whoever wins," Lord Tywin Lannister was sitting at the head of the table.
Not long after Tywin and Mace had sent off their respective letters, Balon had sprung them all with the news of the tourney that he wanted to host. Obviously the man was very unaware of what the appropriate time for such an announcement was and so the Small Council, bar Balon, had gathered in order to discuss the issue.
"True, but the fact that the Queen announced that she would consider attending also means that she has a plan," sipping from her goblet of wine, Olenna glanced between all the Lords.
"Of which, none of us are privy to,"
"When have we ever been privy to her plans?" the Small Council was surprised to hear this coming out of the mouth of Mace Tyrell. Even Olenna raised an eyebrow at Mace's rather astute observation. Usually the man was much more oblivious.
"What do we do then? Sit here like ducks?" it was clear that Varys was unhappy. Despite being a fervent Targaryen supporter, the man was not pleased with the way that not even his little birds knew what the Queen was up to.
"We do as she ordered Varys, help with repairs and good will until Queen Helaena deems us worthy to her thoughts," Jon Arryn defended, extremely protective of the young woman the girl he had fostered had become.
"Which Houses have come to swear fealty?" the transition was abrupt, but Tywin Lannister was a man that always went to the heart of the problem instead of speaking around it.
"All of them…except for Houses Tully and Martell," Varys answer manages to send a tired groan throughout the rest of the Small Council.
"Of course it would be two Great Houses and not any of the lesser houses that decide to not come and swear their fealty," Grand Maester Pycelle observed tiredly, speaking for the first time.
The man had been sorely overworked for the past fortnight as he and a team of other maesters worked to heal the burnt children. This was the first time he had properly sat down and drank in a very long time.
"They still have time though,"
"Three days, that's little to no time and they could have sent a raven,"
"Doran Martell is undoubtedly still smarting about the death of his brother and who knows what the Tully's are thinking,"
"The Queen sent a raven recently, to Ned Stark," the information startled everyone, causing all eyes to swivel toward Jon Arryn. Of everyone, Jon Arryn had the most contact with the Queen since the burning of the orphanage. Only he and Barristan Selmy were privy to what the Queen's thoughts and actions were at the moment but even that was limited.
"When did you find this out?"
"What did it say?"
"How could she not inform us?"
The raised voices all swirled together, causing Jon Arryn to lean back in his chair and wait for everyone to quiet before he continued.
"She asked Ned to send a message to the Tullys," Jon continued cryptically, "Lysa Tully resides in Winterfell with her sister right now as Catelyn Stark has just given birth,"
"Does she plan to hold the girl hostage?" Olenna's question resonated deeply with the other Lords, could they afford to antagonize House Tully like this?
An uncomfortable look settles across Jon Arryn's face, causing a shiver of unrest to go through all the people of the Small Council. Whatever news the Master of Laws had, it was not good.
"Lysa Tully's eyes have been gauged out and sent to her father. Hoster's daughter will be returned, alive, once the man bends the knee and relinquishes his armies and ships to the Crown…to prevent further rebellion,"
Silence settled amongst all the Small Council. This was not news that they were expecting. It wasn't news anyone could have predicted.
"And Ned Stark…do we know for certain that he has done this?" Mace Tyrell's face had colored into a slimy green shade, no doubt from his nausea at the information.
"According to the raven that I intercepted before giving it to the Queen, Lysa Tully is currently recovering under the care of their Maester and Catelyn Stark has threatened to leave her Lord Husband," Jon intoned stonily to the men and woman around.
Tywin sighed, rubbing a tired hand along his face. "Well then, now we wait,"
…
"Jaime please, talk to me," grabbing her brother by the arm, Cersei tried to stop him from walking away from her.
For the past few days, Jaime had been avoiding Cersei like the plague and the eldest Lannister daughter was not happy. She didn't know what Jaime's problem was, well she did, but she thought it irrelevant, so they were going to resolve it now.
"I am busy Cersei," yanking his arm out of Cersei's grasp, Jaime made his ways through the halls.
"Yes, I know. Attending to your Whore-Queen," the sneer that Cersei's face adopted made her normally beautiful face ugly.
Jaime turned quickly around and glared down at his sister, his other half, the woman that he loved..loves…? "Don't speak about our Queen in such a way,"
The reprimand startles Cersei but quickly her whole demeanor changes, from supplicating to cold, "Don't you love me still Jaime? Why are you forsaking me, your other half?"
"I have duties Cersei, oaths that I have to keep. And so do you," Jaime pushed his sister away.
The statement only further reminded Cersei that she was betrothed to Stannis Baratheon. Robert, although the Lord Paramount, had declared to all and sundry that he would never marry, in honor of Lyanna's memory. His actions resulted in Stannis Baratheon being named his heir.
Helaena was livid when she found out, it was another issue that had to be dealt with in the long line of problems that she was currently facing. With Robert out of the picture, Stannis could easily agree to wage war against her if he didn't swear his fealty once Robert died. Even worse, whatever children they had could just as easily start another rebellion.
In order to try and be some use for his Queen, Tywin had offered up his daughter. Cersei would marry Stannis Baratheon and unite the two Great Houses. In return for the considerable amount of Lannister Gold that would come as Cersei's dowry, Stannis Baratheon would come to King's Landing and bend the knee. The Stormlands were also smarting from the Rebellion and in dire need of gold.
Helaena had been severely skeptical at first, not trusting what Tywin was saying and knowing that the man was plotting something. Having two Great Houses join? There were too many dangers to that. So Helaena managed to extract one more promise out of Tywin and Stannis concerning the betrothal—their first born son would be fostered with her and be betrothed to any daughters she may have-no matter when those daughters came, even if it was a decade after their first son was born.
Cersei had become insufferable at the news. Stannis Baratheon wasn't handsome like Robert or charming like Renly. He wasn't set to be King like Rhaegar was and she didn't love him like she did Jaime. The eldest Lannister daughter had tried stalking down the Queen, trying to get an audience with her and asking Helaena to reconsider and change Tywin's mind.
But Helaena's time was busy and she had taken to isolating herself and she wasn't about to break that isolation for some high-born Lord's pouting daughter.
"I don't want to marry Stannis!" Cersei shrieked, "You know that Jaime! But I have to, so the only way for us to stay together is if you come with me,"
He had heard this before. It was the same speech Cersei had given Jaime when she had been taken to King's Landing and was trying to convince him to become a member of Aerys' Kingsguard. But now he was older, and Jaime wasn't about to disrupt his life again to give into Cersei's whims. Especially now when the results were that she was going to be marrying another man.
And there was the Helaena issue.
"We all have to do things we don't like Cersei," they were approaching the gardens now, and Jaime was hoping the conversation would end soon before they got to the courtyard.
"When have you ever done anything you didn't enjoy Jaime?"
Aerys' dead body flashed in Jaime's mind but he did not voice his thoughts to his sister. There were quite a few things that Jaime had to do, or didn't do, that he didn't like. Sit back and watch Aerys burn people, rape his wife, abuse his daughter. No, there was a great many things Jaime did that he didn't like, but Cersei wouldn't understand.
Beautiful and cruel Cersei, who had the world at the palm of her hand but was greedy enough to want more. She didn't care what Jaime had endured, never even though to ask. Only demanded more and more out of him.
"Jaime, please, just come with me. If I have to marry Stannis at the very least I'll have you," Cersei Lannister rarely, if ever, truly begged in her life. But she was willing to do it, if it meant that Jaime was still by her side.
"That's something that you'll have to bring up with the Queen, dear sister," rounding the corner, the two siblings walked up the courtyard, where Helaena sat sipping tea and looking out into the ocean.
Ser Gerold was seated with her but at the sight of Jaime, stood and made to leave so that Jaime could start his shift.
"Gerold, come to my chambers later. I have a few things to discuss with you still," Helaena called without turning around, Gerold bowed to the back of her head before turning on his heel and leaving, giving a swift nod to Jaime before he left completely.
"My Queen—" Jaime started but was quickly interrupted by Cersei who stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I beseech you to listen to my plea," curtsying deeply, Cersei bowed her head.
Helaena made no move of recognition at the cry, merely kept sipping her tea until her cup was empty. Glancing down at the empty cup, Helaena turned it over a few times before settling it onto the table next to her.
"What is it that you want Cersei Lannister?" the exhaustion could be heard in Helaena's voice but neither Jaime nor Cersei could see her face.
Straightening, Cersei entered further under the canopy and approached the table, unwilling to go all the way around and face Helaena, "I know that by yours and my father's orders that I am to marry Stannis Baratheon,"
The announcement was met with a wave of acknowledgement of Helaena, who was still staring out at the sea, and no more.
"But I don't know Stannis and the Stormlands are a strange place to me. So I ask you, your Majesty, that if you have any kindness in your heart, please release my brother from the Queensguard so that he may come with me to the Stormlands as my own sworn shield," Cersei had never supplicated herself before a person to this extent prior to this interaction.
What little Helaena knew of the eldest Lannister daughter, her pride was something all the Seven Kingdoms were aware of.
She must truly be desperate. Helaena mused.
"My Queen?" Cersei stood, waiting anxiously for Helaena's answer.
The golden lioness held no love for the Queen; however, that didn't mean she couldn't acknowledge that Helaena was powerful and deadly in her own right. If this request displeased her, Cersei knew that Helaena would have her head faster than she could blink.
"Cersei Lannister, you want me to release a Knight from my own Queensguard so that you may take him as your sworn shield? Men only leave the Queensguard if they die while serving the Crown" finally turning around, Helaena looked entertained.
"You are either extraordinarily presumptuous and disrespectful or incredibly brave and naïve,"
Chewing her lip nervously, Cersei bowed her head, "My Queen— "
"But, exception can be made, and I will not keep a Knight that's loyalties are divided within my own Queensguard. So, Jaime, if you are sure that you want to leave me than you can. I will not keep you if you have no love or loyalty for me," the declaration startles both Lannister siblings who were surprised to find Helaena giving Jaime a choice.
Two pairs of inquisitive eyes settled upon Jaime then and the Kingslayer glanced nervously between the two. Helaena had given this decision to him, but it was obvious what she expected his answer to be. It was also obvious what Cersei wanted his answer to be.
Silence was cast over the three of them, only the crashing of the waves against the cliffs below gave any sound. Jaime's eyes settled on his sister, Cersei, the woman he loved who he had given up everything for. The same woman he had come out of the womb with, his other half. The half who hadn't asked him about the trauma of serving under Aerys or asked him of his opinions. The same woman who was to be married to another man soon enough, becoming his wife and bearing his children.
Then he looked at Helaena, who had forgiven him for his crimes against his family and had treated him like a real person—never asking him more than what he had already sworn to do. At the same time, whose temper could mean the death of anyone he cared for and himself if he wasn't careful. Helaena, who, Jaime wasn't certain where his feelings lied as they were still developing. Helaena, the Queen, who was still actively look for a Consort and had men lining up in droves within the Red Keep.
A future was nearly impossible with both women, but one more than the other.
"I love my sister," a triumphant look crossed Cersei's face but quickly fell as Jaime continued.
"However, I swore an oath and I am not an oath breaker. My dream has always been to be a Knight, and the Queensguard is the highest honor that a Knight could possibly reach. My Queen, I love my sister and I want her protected, so I beseech you to allow me to name someone worthy of protecting her while I cannot,"
Helaena stood, walking passed Cersei without even a spare glance at the Lannister lioness who was now fuming with her head bowed as the Queen went by.
Holding out a hand, Helaena waited for Jaime to take it. Hesitantly, the Kingslayer did and she led him back toward the table she was seated at, motioning for him to sit as well. Only when Jaime had comfortably sat next to her, did Helaena ready herself to speak.
"And who would you like to name as protector over Cersei?"
Jaime didn't even have to think, "Lord Bronn Umber," the words came out so quickly that Jaime almost stumbled over them.
Raising an eyebrow, Helaena crossed her arms over her chest, "Oh? Bronn isn't a Knight though, he is a high-born Lord of a Lesser House,"
"I have seen him, he is capable. And I was a high-born Lord of a Great House. He would be a good and loyal protector for Cersei until she has settled in her marriage to Stannis. After that, he could return to King's Landing if he wished," the last part came out tasting bitter but Jaime pushed through anyway, there had to be some compromise or else Helaena wouldn't agree to it at all.
They both knew that Bronn was more than capable of protecting Cersei. He was an experienced sellsword. However, Helaena was reluctant to release the man and knew why Jaime wanted him gone. Scrutinizing every aspect of Jaime's face, Helaena turned to look at Cersei who was watching the interaction between the two people sitting with fury on her face.
Not happy about Jaime's choice then, I see. Helaena scoffed internally, taking another glance at Jaime who was looking at her earnestly, before making a decision.
"Four moons. That's it. I have plans for the Lord Umber and any longer away from King's Landing would disrupt them," Helaena turned to look at Cersei.
"Is four moons long enough for you to settle into your marriage with Stannis, Cersei?"
The question brokered no other answer than an affirmative. Cersei did so reluctantly, casting daggers at Jaime every now and then as Helaena dismissed her and Cersei quickly made her exit.