Chapter 74

...

Sansa felt far more nervous than she had expected when she sat down to breakfast with Arya. She feared that her family would react badly to the news that she and Jaime were leaving Westeros. They will know it's for the best once they understand that Jaime would be killed if we stayed here. However mother feels about Jaime, she would not want me to suffer as I would if something happened to him.

"Where's Jaime? Isn't he going to practice with me this morning?" Arya asked, piling food high onto her plate. It had always horrified Sansa to see how unladylike Arya was at table, but now it made her smile, knowing they would not see each other again for some time. If ever.

Jaime would not be joining them, as he normally did. He was beginning the preparations for their departure for the Free Cities. He had sent Ser Addam with several men to the Lannisport harbor to purchase a ship; and large amounts of gold were being brought up from the depths of Casterly Rock, so they would not want for anything during their exile.

"He had a few matters to take care of with Ser Addam this morning." Sansa saw her mother approaching the dining room. She had asked Pia to invite Lady Catelyn to join she and Arya for breakfast, so she could tell them both that she and Jaime were going to leave Westeros. Her mother always stayed away when Jaime was around. Though she was kind to Sansa and Julianna - and even Tommen - she still was not able to abide Jaime's presence because of what he did to Bran.

"Good morning, Mother," Arya said, taking a bite of her bread.

"Good morning, darling," she murmured, kissing Arya's head, and then also kissing Sansa's cheek. "Your handmaiden said that you wished me to join you this morning…your husband…?"

"He's with Ser Addam this morning," Sansa said. "Please, sit."

She immediately saw that her mother was uneasy – no doubt sensing Sansa's own discomfort. "All right. Is there...a particular reason why you wished me to join you this morning?" Lady Catelyn asked, pouring herself a cup of tea. "I sense you have something on your mind."

Sansa nodded. "We… Daneryus Targaryen – the Mad King's daughter – has returned to Westeros. She…she has a rather large army and…dragons. She defeated Stannis Baratheon in the North and…just conquered King's Landing and the Red Keep. She is calling herself the Dragon Queen." Sansa knew she was babbling, but her nerves were getting the better of her.

"She has dragons? Like Aegon the Conquerer?" Arya asked in excitement.

"Yes," Sansa said quietly, meeting her mother's eyes. "She will…She will likely send men to Casterly Rock. For Jaime." She whispered the last and saw that her mother understood what she was trying to say.

"Why would she want Jaime?" Arya asked.

"Because he killed her father. She…she had one of her dragons burn a little boy in the Capitol that she believed was Tommen."

She saw her mother close her eyes at the cruel act Sansa described. She wondered if her mother was thinking of how Brandon and Rickard Stark died. "When do you leave?" Lady Catelyn asked quietly.

"In a few days. At first light."

Her mother nodded, looking down at her hands.

"Are we going to Braavos?" Arya asked excitedly. "Then I could continue learning to be a water dancer."

"You're not going to the Free Cities, Arya. Only Jaime and Sansa and…the children. We'll remain in Westeros." It hurt Sansa to hear her mother say that they would not be together, but she had known in her heart that her mother would do no different.

"Why must we stay here?" Arya demanded. "I want to go with Jaime and Sansa."

"It's safer for you here, Arya," Sansa said, not wishing for this to be more difficult for her lady mother. "Jaime thinks that Riverrun might be returned to Uncle Edmure. You could live with him. And maybe, one day, return to Winterfell."

"I don't want to live at Riverrun. I want-"

"Arya, that's enough."

After her sister threw down her napkin and stormed off, Sansa looked back at her mother. "Jaime…he said to tell you to make certain that they know you were here as a hostage. That you hate and oppose the Lannisters. That you did not approve of our marriage. He said…you must bend the knee to the new Queen."

"Don't worry, Sansa. I…we'll all be fine."

"I'll try to write you…about how I'm doing and…about Julianna…" Sansa began to cry and heard her mother's chair scuff on the floor as she rose and took her in her arms. "I wish you would come with us. You and Arya. So we could all be together."

"I can't do that, Sansa. You know that." Sansa nodded, clinging to her mother. "I'll miss you very much, my love. I always knew we would be separated one day, when you married. I always knew that you would leave Winterfell – leave me – and live with your husband. Just as I did, when I married your father. I may not approve of your husband…but I know you'll be safe and that he'll protect you. Even if I never see you again, knowing you are safe and happy is all I need. It's enough that I no longer worry that you are being hurt."

"I'll miss you, Mother" Sansa said, hugging her tightly. Sansa had no doubts or regrets about leaving with Jaime, but she knew that she would miss her mother and Arya very much. We'll be reunited one day. I have to believe that one day it will be safe for us to return to Westeros.

…

Arya stormed into Jaime's solar, just as his men were leaving. He saw determination in her eyes, and correctly guessed that Sansa had told her that they were leaving Westeros.

"I want to go with you," she announced, seating herself opposite him.

Jaime leaned back in his chair, looking at her across the large desk that had been Lord Tywin's. He could recall many conversations with his father as they sat across from one another, with only this desk between them. He imagined that Lord Tywin was a much more intimidating sight than Jaime was. "I know you want to come wiht us. But...Arya, you have to stay here."

"We're supposed to be a family. You said that we were a family now that you and Sansa are married. Families don't leave each other."

Jaime sighed. He wasn't good at this. He wasn't good at feelings. Nor was he good at being part of a real family. The Lannisters were never sentimental and Lord Tywin had never flinched at separating his children when it suited the needs of House Lannister. "I have to leave, Arya. You wouldn't wish for me to die, would you?"

"No."

"Nor would your sister. Nor would I, for that matter. We have to go. If Sansa and I stayed here, it would not be safe. This…dragon queen…she's the Mad King's daughter. She'll want revenge for her father's death. Just as you wanted revenge for your father's death."

"You don't have to stay here," she said quietly. "But, can't you take me with you? Please?"

"What about your mother? She's your family, too, and she would miss you very much. The both of you spent so long trying to find your way back to one another. You would just give that up?"

Arya looked down, uncertain how to respond. "Can't you make her leave, too?"

He shook his head. "You know she would not be happy. Arya, you know I'm right. I promise you, Sansa and I will both find a way to keep in touch with you. Maybe, someday, we could return. Or when you grow up, you could come see us."

Arya looked up at him and he saw tears in her eyes. "But…I'll miss my sister and…I'll miss you, too. Who's going to train me now? You were going to teach me to joust in the spring. Father and Robb are both dead…Who will protect us?" She said the last bit so quietly that Jaime barely heard her.

He rose to his feet and hesitantly sat down beside her. Sansa had told him that Arya had come to see him as an older brother, if not a father, but he had not really believed her. The little Stark girl was so hostile toward him when they met. But he saw now that Sansa was right. He gently rested his hand on her shoulder. "If you ever need me – really need me – I'll know. And I will do anything I can to help you. You're a very brave girl and I know that you will be well. I know that you will take care of your mother, so Sansa won't worry about her. We will see each other again, Arya. I feel certain of that."

Her tears began to fall as she nodded and hugged him fiercely. Jaime returned her embrace, rubbing her back as she cried. "I'm going to miss you as well, Arya. Very much."

…

That night, Sansa brought Tommen to their bedchamber, so they could tell him that they were leaving Westeros. He held her hand as they walked down the hall, and Sansa smiled at the sight that greeted them when they entered her bedchamber. Julianna was standing on the bed, bracing herself on Jaime's chest as she jumped up and down, laughing hysterically when he scooped her into his arms. Sansa noticed how tightly the babe held onto Jaime. She remembered how safe Sansa had felt in her father's arms when she was a little girl and was glad that her own daughter had that same security with Jaime. Little Julianna was a big part of why she and Jaime were leaving Westeros. She needs her father. I won't let her lost his father as I lost mine.

"Go get on the bed so we can talk to you," Sansa told Tommen, following behind as they joined Jaime and Julianna in bed, cuddling under the furs. Tommen reached for the baby and she took his hands, walking into his arms and letting him hug her. Sansa smiled at Jaime over his head. Tommen loves his baby sister so much.

"Tommen," Jaime began. "We wanted to tell you that we're going to leave Casterly Rock in a few days."

"Are we all going?" Sansa heard the fear in the boy's voice, and her heart broke, realizing he thought they were going to leave him behind as so many others had.

"Yes. We're all going," Sansa said quietly. "You, Julianna and Jaime and I are all going to be together."

"Why do we have to leave the Rock?"

Jaime looked at her, silently asking if they should tell him the truth. Sansa shook her head. She did not want Tommen to be afraid. "We are going on an adventure," she said. "We're going to the Free Cities. Have you ever wanted to go there? I know you read about some of the Free Cities in that book you were reading. Wonders."

Tommen nodded, a soft smile beginning to form on his face. "The Titan of Braavos is there."

"Well, maybe we can see it, if you like," Jaime said.

"Can I bring my kittens?" he asked, looking between the two of them.

"Of course, sweetling. You can bring anything from here with us that you like. Anything that will make you feel at home. Now, get some sleep, and dream about all of the places that you want to see when we go to the Free Cities. We'll leave in a few days." He nodded, hugging both of them and kissing Julianna, before running off to his own bedchamber.

"He took that well," Jaime commented, as Sansa took Julianna from him and carried her to her crib.

"He only cares about being with us. It doesn't matter where." Sansa smiled down at the babe and leaned over, kissing her softly. "Good night, sweet baby," she whispered before returning to Jaime in the bed. "When do you think they'll arrive? The Targaryen army?"

"Probably not for another moon or two. Once she has established her government, she'll likely turn her attention to her enemies. We should be well on our way to the Free Cities by then. It will take us two or three moons to get there, depending on the wind."

"I've never been on a ship," Sansa said tentatively.

"Well, I've bought us a fine one to travel in. Good thing it's rather large…there's room for us, the babe…for Tommen and his kittens." Jaime looked over at her and smiled. "All the gowns and jewels you've packed might sink anything smaller."

She blushed, looking down. "I didn't want to leave behind any of the things you've given me."

"I'm only teasing," he said with a smile. "Though I'm counting on buying you clothes that are more suitable for the warm weather of the Free Cities. From what I've heard, they will not take up much space in your wardrobe. Just a few strips of silk should do quite well."

She hit him lightly on the shoulder. "Where are we going? Are we traveling or will we have a home?"

"We'll have a home…somewhere for the children to grow up. Pia has agreed to come with us and…I know you'll be far from home. I will do everything I can for you, to ensure that you are happy and feel that you have a home."

Sansa crawled onto Jaime's lap, and kissed him, knowing that he was giving up his home as well. "You're my home," she whispered, trailing kisses over his shoulder and down his chest.

"Sansa," he whispered, gripping her waist. She sat up, smiling as she met his eyes. She held his gaze as her hands moved to the ties on the front of her gown. He watched silently as she slid her gown from her shoulders, leaving herself bare to his gaze.

"You're my home," she repeated, drawing him toward her and kissing him again before wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tight. She loved feeling his skin against hers, and his arms tight on her back as he held her. "Thank you…Thank you for leaving. I know you're doing it for me. For us."

Jaime eased her onto her back, climbing out from under the covers. She sighed at the feel of his nude body moving over hers and wrapped her legs around his waist as he kissed her neck and breasts. "I'd do anything to be with you," he murmured. "Anything."

…

"Your ship is docked in the harbor. Sansa's guards have agreed to accompany you, as well as several other men without families, who agreed to serve as guards, and to help man the ship. They have been trained by the shipmaster."

Jaime smiled. "Thank you, Addam. You've been one of my few true friends. Ever since we were children." Other than Cersei and Tyrion, Addam Marbrand was the person Jaime was closest to as a boy. And their friendship had continued for their entire lives. "Promise me something?"

"What?"

"When the Targaryen girl – the so-called Dragon Queen - arrives…bend the knee. Don't fight her. Don't resist the siege. Raise the white flag and bend the knee."

"Jaime, you can't be serious. You wish me to just…turn the Rock over to a Targaryen? Your father would-"

"Enough people have died in this war. I'd not wish you to die fighting a losing battle. Tyrion has always liked you. He'll likely keep you on as castellan until you inherit Ashmark. There's no purpose to resisting the siege. Tell the men it's what I wish – for them to serve Tyrion in my stead. He's a Lannister. Better him than a stranger…I would not wish you see you imprisoned or killed by dragonfire for so foolish a reason."

Addam nodded, sadly. "We'll speak again before Sansa and I depart. Lord Tully, please come in," Jaime said, noticing him standing in the doorway. Jaime gestured to the seat across from him.

"I was summoned," Edmure said, reluctantly sitting down, as Ser Addam left. Jaime saw the younger man looking him over. "You seem to have recovered. Despite your best efforts."

Jaime smiled to himself. "I've never been much for the sickbed. Thank you…for getting me back here alive. I'm sure your every instinct was to leave me to freeze to death in the snow."

"Sansa's fond of you. As is my lady wife. And Arya. None of them would have forgiven me if I had returned without you." Edmure looked at him curiously. "Why did you have the guards bring me to your solar?"

"We've had several ravens from King's Landing. It seems…the youngest Targaryen child has returned to Westeros with an army." He saw that Edmure understood the significance to Jaime's safety. "The capitol has fallen. Kings Landing – and the Red Keep – belong to the Targaryens once again. I expect…you recognize that fact does not speak well for my prospects of keeping my head...or not being burned to a crisp by dragons."

"Dragons?" Jaime nodded in the affirmative. "Why are you telling me about this?"

"I'm leaving, with Sansa and the children, for the Free Cities. You may get your parole sooner than you thought."

He watched as Lord Tully considered his words. "Fleeing Westeros - that's her idea, not yours. I can't imagine you'd choose to run. You were always the type that would rather die than show weakness or fear."

Jaime chuckled. "Yes. Well…after all that's been done to Sansa, she deserves to have a say in her future, rather than just being told what's going to happen. And, I suppose, I now have something to lose. You'll look after Arya and Lady Catelyn in our absence? It would relieve some of Sansa's anxiety, to know that her family was safe."

"Of course. They're my family, too. You don't have to ask."

"When the Targaryen forces arrive…bend the knee. Make it clear that you were here as a hostage. That you have never supported the Lannister cause…that you fought to remove my…my bastard from the throne. That he was a false king. You may get Riverrun back in your hands, yet."

"You'll take care of my niece, won't you?"

"Do you really need ask me that…now? You actually doubt my love for Sansa?"

Edmure shook his head. "I suppose not. Her mother, and her sister, will miss her greatly."

"I know. Perhaps…fortunes will change again and we can return. I don't know for certain but, I will try to find a way for Sansa to send messages every now and again to Arya and Lady Catelyn. Even across the Narrow Sea, we'll know how all of you are faring here in Westeros."

"When do you leave?"

"The next dawn."

Edmure nodded. "I suppose…I should thank you as well. For removing me from the Frey's noose and…for my wife. We may not be together now, if not for your actions. I do hope you and Sansa return one day."

"I'll wager you never before thought you'd one day hope to see me."

Edmure looked at his hands. "Perhaps not but...it seems this war has changed many things. And many people."

…

Their preparations for the Free Cities had been completed the day prior, and now all that was needed was the light of dawn. Jaime had told her that he wanted it to be light when they left the harbor, though much of their travels would be in darkness, until they neared the Free Cities. Until they escaped the winter that had covered Westeros in snow and darkness.

Jaime was still asleep but Sansa was sitting at the window, hoping that today the sun would rise and their new life could begin. The dawn could not come fast enough for her. She would have fled the first day news came that Daenerys Targaryen had marched to King's Landing. She leaned against the window and saw a light coming from the west and felt relief that time for their departure had arrived. Sansa looked towards the horizon to watch the sunrise.

A loud screech rang out. So loud it shook the glass in the windows. A massive creature flew through the sky, breathing fire and lighting up the darkness. A dragon. No…No. They can't be here already. She saw two other dragons circling Casterly Rock and choked back a sob. Sansa had never seen something so foreign and terrifying.

She looked down at the gates to Casterly Rock and saw rows and rows of soldiers marching in formation and felt the full weight of defeat on her shoulders. The dragons screeched again, continuing to circle. She turned to Jaime, who was sitting up in bed, having heard the sound.

"What was that?"

Sansa felt tears filling her eyes. "They're attacking us."

…

I know - cliffhanger! The next chapter will pick up where this one left off. And perhaps we'll learn what Dany has planned for Jaime...