Chapter 76

Jaime sat at the table in the Great Hall, anxiously awaiting his brother's arrival. He had not seen his brother in well over a year – not since the night he had freed him from the dungeons in King's Landing. Not since the night Tyrion had killed their father. I wonder if he still hates me, or if time has allowed his anger to fade. I wonder if he's the same brother I loved, or if learning the truth about his wife has changed him forever.

Lord Tywin had been a hard man, who did not know how to show love or affection for his children. Jaime would never deny that. He was unfailingly critical and his treatment of Tyrion throughout their lives was inexcusable. But, despite his faults, Jaime had loved his father. He had wanted to please him. His biggest reservation about joining the Kingsguard had been the knowledge of how much it would anger and disappoint his father. He still remembered the cold rage in Lord Tywin's eyes when he heard that King Aerys had stolen his heir. In that moment, Jaime had wished he could undo it – no matter what Cersei wanted. He had thought his father hated him. Which, he saw now, had only pushed him more firmly into Cersei's clutches.

I wish he had lived to see that I fulfilled my duty as his heir. I wish he had lived to know about Julianna's birth.

Lord Tywin's death had forced Jaime to take on the responsibilities of being Lord of Casterly Rock much sooner than he had ever anticipated. Now that he was surrounded by dragons and enemy forces, Jaime couldn't help feeling that he had failed. He wondered what his father would have done differently, upon learning that Daenerys Targaryen had returned to Westeros with an army, set to take the Iron Throne. He knew that Tywin Lannister never would have allowed himself to become a prisoner inside the Rock as Jaime was now. Perhaps it's for the best that Lord Tywin is dead. He'd only be disappointed at my failures. Jaime heard the sound of his soldiers approaching the Great Hall and stood, anticipating his brother's arrival.

Jaime had sent word that he would parlay with his brother. Jaime had agreed to allow Tyrion admittance, as requested, though he would only allow one other person, of Tyrion's choosing, to accompany him into the Rock, for their meeting. Jaime had no intention to allow a hoard of Dothrakis inside Casterly Rock, peace banner or no. He'd been surprised that the Targaryen girl was willing to send her representative into the Rock, rather than requesting that they meet on neutral ground. Perhaps because she was sending his brother, she thought her emissary would be safe.

Jaime met his brother's eyes as he entered the Great Hall. Tyrion Lannister looked much as he had when Jaime last saw him more than a year ago. He supposed Tyrion seemed a bit gaunt, though his scars had faded quite a bit in the past year. Seeing him again made Jaime feel the full weight of the loss of his relationship with his brother. I've missed him. He should be at my side, helping me find a way out of this mess, rather than helping the girl who wishes me dead. Tyrion was far better at strategizing than Jaime and he felt certain that if they were working together, they could prevail in this war.

I wish I had never confessed the truth to him.

He noticed that Tyrion had elected not to enter Casterly Rock alone. And Jaime fought mightily to conceal his surprise when Ned Stark's bastard followed him into the Great Hall. I suppose this confirms the Night's Watch is no longer remains neutral in matters of politics. The new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch was on his guard, clearly uncomfortable inside the Lannister stronghold. He saw that the boy was looking around curiously and wondered if he was looking for evidence of Sansa's presence. Jaime stood beside Ser Addam waiting as they approached him.

Sansa had wanted to stay with Jaime when he parlayed with Tyrion. She didn't have to say anything for him to know that a big reason why she wished to remain was as emotional support for her. She knew how difficult it would be for him to see his brother again after what had happened the night Tyrion was freed. But Jaime could not show any weakness when he was negotiating for their lives. He had insisted that she wait with her family, and her guards, in another room. He was Lord of the Rock and it fell to him to negotiate with the Targaryen queen and him alone.

He could see that Tyrion was drinking in all of the details of their childhood home, having been away from it for so long. "Lord Lannister," Tyrion said grandly, addressing Jaime as if he were merely an acquaintance and not his brother. "It has been quite a long time."

"Yes. I believe I last saw you the night you murdered our father." Jaime wanted to ask how he could do it – how he could kill Lord Tywin after Jaime saved his life - but they weren't alone, and he couldn't speak freely. They met as enemies, not as brothers.

"That was also the night I learned what a fool I was to think that my perfect, golden brother actually loved me." Jaime nearly flinched at his words. "Besides, Father understood righting a past wrong," Tyrion said coldly. "He and Cersei hated me from the moment I was born and sought to punish me for it. As if I wanted mother to die birthing me. As if I wanted to be a dwarf. I daresay Father would have approved of my actions. If nothing else, I proved myself a true Lannister when I shot that arrow into his belly."

"I never treated you as anything other than my brother."

"Oh, Jaime. If that were true, I'd be happily married to my sweet Tysha. Instead, because of you, and father, I spent my life thinking only a whore would have me. A true brother would never have helped father devastate me as you did." I was wrong. He is very different. Tyrion had a coldness to him now that Jaime had never seen. He wondered what Tyrion had done after Jaime liberated him. He wondered how he came to be at the side of Daenerys Targaryen.

"What does she want?" Jaime finally asked, realizing that there would be no reunion with his brother. He'd rather get on with the parlay and get it over with.

"Would you be rid of us so quickly? I think some refreshment would be nice, before getting down to business"

"Bread and salt, I assume?" Though he found it insulting that Tyrion would feel he needed guest rights to avoid death at Jaime's hand, he made the offer all the same. If he was determined to act cold and detached, Jaime would accommodate him and treat him as a stranger, not his brother visiting their childhood home.

"I'd prefer wine. We have been traveling at a rather punishing pace for the past few months. Truly, the longest rest we had was when the Queen battled Stannis and his red witch. The North is bloody cold. Besides, if you truly wished to kill me, I don't think a few grains of salt would stop you."

Jaime called for a serving girl, and waited as the wine was poured. "What happened to Stannis?"

"Burned, along with his wife and that awful red witch of his. Though the Queen took a shine to the little girl…Shireen. She left her in King's Landing."

Hearing that Stannis Baratheon had fallen to the Targaryen girl did little to ease Jaime's concerns about his and Sansa's current imprisonment at the Rock. He looked at the new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, who had not yet uttered a word. The bastard just stood behind Tyrion, glaring at Jaime. He was just a green boy when Jaime had met him at Winterfell. He still seemed rather young, but there was a maturity in his eyes. Jaime wondered how he had fared at the Wall. From what Jaime knew, it was not a kind place. They boy likely had a difficult time adjusting, after growing up in the comforts of Winterfell. He wondered how the boy had managed to remain at the Wall, knowing what was happening to his family. The Starks seemed to be rather close and familial with one another.

"What about you, Snow? Congratulations on your new title…I suppose. Though it seems a rather dubious honor to be leader to such a group of misfits. Tell me, did Lord Commander Mormont not teach you that the Night's Watch does not get involved in politics? It's most inappropriate for you to take sides in this war. Quite bad form that you are here as an emissary of a claimant to the Iron Throne."

"Oh, Jaime, the Dragon Queen is much more than a mere claimant," Tyrion chided.

"And the Night's Watch is not taking sides," the bastard ground out. "I don't give a damn who sits on the Iron Throne. We came South hunting the White Walkers, as is our duty to protect the Realm from those Beyond the Wall. The Queen's dragons are mighty helpful with that."

"You won't find any White Walkers this far South. My men and I took care of them, and their wights, months ago." His eyes flicked to Tyrion. "All that dragonglass you collected over the years turned out to be good for something. I appreciate the warning and the information about the obsidian, Snow."

"I don't need your appreciation, Kingslayer. I sent the letter to protect Sansa and Arya and their lady mother. Not you."

"Hunting the White Walkers doesn't explain what you are doing here. Surely you don't expect to find White Walkers inside the walls of Casterly Rock."

"No. I expect to find my sisters here. Unless, of course, Sansa's letters were filled with lies and Arya is still lost."

"You think so little of your sister that you don't believe her letters?"

"It's you that I don't believe. You could have made her write that. Since your bastard killed Lord Stark, Sansa's only done what she's had to in order to stay alive. Even if it meant playing the part of the loving wife to an enemy of her house. I don't blame her for what she's had to do. After watching our father beheaded by your bastard, I'd expect she would do anything to keep her head." Jaime felt his anger rise, and turned his attention to his brother, rather than the young man who looked so much like Ned Stark standing in judgment of him. Tyrion knows that Sansa loves me. Yet he's allowed the boy to think the worst of me.

"So, tell me, Tyrion. Why is your Mad Queen putting all of you through such a punishing schedule? I would have thought she'd like to enjoy her throne for a few days, at least. To celebrate her triumph…and the brutal burning of an innocent child for her own amusement. If she's anything like her father, she should have at least spent several hours sating herself in the bedchamber. Perhaps with young Lord Snow here. A good burning always aroused the Mad King. In fact, I think that's how your queen was conceived."

Tyrion smiled and poured himself another cup of wine, while the boy was clearly forcing himself not to attack Jaime. "Tell me brother, since you bring it up, where is Tommen?"

"Dead. Killed by your queen, or weren't you there for her display of brutality?"

"I realize I left the capitol some time ago, but I do recall what my own nephew looks like. It was not Tommen who died by dragonfire."

"If you did not believe the child to be Tommen, I wonder why you would allow her to burn an innocent." Tyrion looked away and Jaime realized that for all his bluster, he still cared something for his family. He realized that Tyrion had been protecting Tommen. "Why did she burn him?"

"The same reason she marched straight here with barely a day's rest – Littlefinger. She knows little of Westeros and has come to rely on him in matters of politics. I expect she'll name him Hand of the Queen. He convinced her that the people needed to see that she was their Queen now. That they needed to see the little ursurper burn. That they needed to see what her dragons could do – to see what she could do to those who opposed her. He also convinced her that it was an insult to her reign to allow the man who killed her father and helped Robert steal her throne, to live in peace, as Lord of the Rock. He's told her that the People would never bend the knee if she showed you any mercy."

"However did he meet up with her and become such a trusted advisor?"

Tyrion shook his head. "The same way I did…there are those of us who crave the power…who long to play the game. When we're kicked out…we find the surest way to climb back in. And then there are those like you who merely wish to be left alone. You always wanted nothing more than to lose yourself in the practice grounds and…the woman you worshipped. I suppose you must have enjoyed your time here with Lady Sansa. I'm surprised you allowed her family to accompany the two of you. I would have thought you'd rather have her all to yourself."

"Will you bring my sisters to me or not?" Jon Snow asked harshly, having no wish to hear about Jaime's marriage to his sister.

"Ah, Snow, forgot you were here for a moment. Yes, Sansa and Arya are both here. They are quite well. Your sister, Sansa, has made…a most devoted wife." Jaime couldn't resist provoking the boy a bit. "Tell me, Snow, what exactly is your relationship with the Mad Queen? Have those vows of celibacy not worked out for you? You must mean something to her, that she would send you as her emissary in such an…important negotiation?"

The bastard glared at him. "I'd like to see my sisters," he repeated.

Jaime wanted to refuse him, but he knew that if he proved to the boy that his sisters were there, he might use whatever influence he had with the Targaryen girl to save them. "Please escort my lady wife and her sister in to join us," Jaime instructed his guards standing at the door.

"Your lady wife," the boy said with contempt. "Do you think I haven't heard – even all the way at the Wall – what your family has done to mine? What your bastard and your sister put her through…and now you."

"You speak of what was done to Sansa, but did you do anything to help her?" Jaime asked coldly, tired of the boy's attitude. "You Starks speak of honor and family but…where was that honor when it came time to protect and defend your sister? None of you lifted a finger to liberate Sansa from King's Landing."

"You have no idea how many times I thought about riding south and taking my sister home. But I took vows. You wouldn't know anything about keeping vows, would you, Kingslayer? Sansa is blameless in all of this, but not you. I blame you. And I blame myself. You're right. I should have protected her and Robb. I can only imagine what it's been like for her – forced to marry into the family of an enemy house. I'd have wished for nothing more than to leave the Wall and save her. She…She doesn't deserve to be broken as she has been."

From what Sansa had told him of her brother, she doubted he had ever strung so many words together. He cares for her very much. Let us hope he will protect her. Jaime smiled tightly. "You needn't be so overwrought. I assure you, she's quite happy. You may not believe it, but she looks upon our marriage as the end to her nightmare."

He practically snorted in derision, and then froze, his eyes locked on the doorway behind Jaime. He didn't have to turn around to know that Sansa and Arya were there. He knew it had been nearly two years since the boy had seen his sisters. And based on his words, he'd struggled with his desire to abandon his vows and protect them.

"Jon!" Arya ran and threw herself into her brother's arms, though Sansa hesitated next to Jaime's chair as Arya prattled on about the dragonglass and asking after his wolf. Jaime turned to look at his wife and he saw that she carried Julianna in her arms. He smiled to himself, seeing that she was making a point of showing their baby to her brother. He imagined that she wanted to be certain he knew that her baby would die if he allowed the Targaryen girl to burn the castle.

"I had not heard you'd been so blessed," Tyrion said, looking at the baby in Sansa's arms. Julianna met Tyrion's eyes and smiled brightly, leaning her head against Sansa. Jaime didn't understand why his brother seemed so stricken by his having had a child. "She has your eyes, Jaime."

Sansa slowly walked over to her brother and sister. Snow smiled at her tentatively as Arya hung on his arm. He gently embraced her, careful not to crush the baby in her arms. She had written and told him that she was with child, but he seemed stunned to actually see that she was a mother – to see her holding her baby.

"What's her name?" he asked, quietly, looking at the babe carefully.

"Julianna."

"She's beautiful, Sansa. She looks just like you."

"Please don't let the queen hurt Jaime," she whispered, though Jaime heard her. He saw the surprise on the boy's face and he led Sansa a few steps away, wishing to speak to her out of his earshot.

"Has he hurt you?"

"He's never hurt me, not ever," Sansa continued. "I love him, Jon. I need him. Please." He saw the boy touch Sansa's face and realized he was wiping away her tears.

"Arya…return to your mother now. We have business to discuss." He looked up at Sansa. "You may stay if you wish." She nodded, giving the baby to Arya and sitting next to Jaime. "Are you all right?" he whispered, resting his hand on her shoulder. She nodded.

Arya reluctantly left the Great Hall, once Jaime promised she would be able to see her brother again before he left. Arya walked slowly, carrying the babe, who watched them over her aunt's shoulder. Jaime turned back to Tyrion, noticing he was staring after Julianna with a troubled expression on his face. "What does she want?" Jaime asked bluntly.

Tyrion shook his head, looking at Jaime once more, tearing his gaze away from the baby being carried away. "Sorry?"

"Your Mad Queen. She sent you here to negotiate peace on her behalf. What does she want?"

Tyrion took a sip of wine before he responded. "She wants you to surrender the castle."

"She's promised it to you, I take it?"

"Yes."

"You actually believe the people of Lannisport will accept the man who killed their liege lord? A kinslayer?"

"They'll not have a choice," Tyrion said tightly. Jaime felt Sansa rest her hand on his arm, trying to tell him to be less harsh on his brother. "The Queen's dragons will ensure their allegiance."

"Fear and loyalty are not one in the same," Jaime said quietly. "And what do I get in exchange for the Rock?"

"The Queen won't have her dragons burn it to the ground with your wife and daughter in it. If your men bend the knee, and agree to serve…their new Lord…they'll not be harmed or imprisoned. I understand you have some hostages here?"

Jaime nodded. "The Northern lords who were imprisoned by Walder Frey after the Red Wedding." He saw the Snow boy's jaw twitch at the mention of the murder of his brother. "Lady Catelyn and her youngest daughter are here. As well as Lord and Lady Tully and their babe."

"If they bend the knee, recognize Daenerys as the true and rightful queen of Westeros, they may remain here, as my honored guests, until a proper home for them may be located. The Northerners are free to return home."

"And me? And Sansa? What does she propose to do with us, should we agree to her terms?"

"Lady Sansa…won't be harmed but...there will be no pardon for you."

"Then there will be no surrender," Sansa said immediately.

Jaime wasn't surprised, and looked at his wife for a long moment before returning his gaze to Tyrion. "You didn't seek to use your influence to spare your own brother's life?" Jaime asked, though after observing Tyrion's manner toward him, he had not expected anything different. "Tell your queen that if she allows us to live in exile, and won't harm anyone in the keep, she can have Casterly Rock. We'll leave and never return."

Tyrion shook his head. "There will be no negotiating. You reject her offer?"

"I do. If she won't negotiate, then I suppose the siege continues."

Tyrion shook his head, rising to his feet. "No. It won't. She's not a patient woman."

"What does that mean?"

Sansa turned her head as the sounds of screams and swords clashing filled the castle. Jaime reached for Sansa and drew his sword, looking at Tyrion in question.

"I'm sorry, Jaime."

He turned at the sound of marching and saw that many Unsullied were in the castle, dripping wet and foul-smelling. "You forget…father put me in charge of the plumbing here at the Rock. The pipes are plenty large enough for people to crawl through. The Queen did not wish to negotiate with you. She merely needed someone inside to…distract you and your men."

Jaime ordered his guards to attack, but the words died on his lips as he saw that one of the Queen's soldiers held Julianna in his arms, a blade at her throat. Arya was struggling fiercely with two other men who held her arms and Sansa began to cry.

"What are they doing, Lannister? I didn't agree to this. Let her go. Let my sister go. Give her the child." Jon Snow was clearly surprised by Tyrion's actions and tried to draw his sword, though several Unsullied held him back.

"Don't fight and the babe won't be harmed," Tyrion said, unable to meet any of their eyes.

"You came in here under a peace banner!" Jaime yelled.

Jaime was disarmed and held at the point of a multitude of swords, but Jaime didn't care about that. He only cared about Sansa and Julianna. She was crying and screaming for them to release her baby. She was also looking at Tyrion with utter hatred.

"What did I ever do to you?" she screamed. "I tried to help you when you were on trial. I thought we were friends."

"I apologize, Sansa. You may not believe this, but I am doing you a kindness. I'm sparing you a fiery death. Once the castle is taken…your child will be returned unharmed."

Jaime was shaking with rage. "Is this how your Mad Queen plans to win the loyalty of the people? Waving the white flag and tricking people into a parlay? By proving that her word is worthless? By ordering her uncivilized beasts to hold babies at swordpoint?"

Tyrion looked down before meeting his brother's eyes. "Daenerys Targareyen is not known for her honor. Nor for keeping her word."

…

Sorry for that…both the cliffhanger and Tyrion's treachery, but I don't see Jaime magically being forgiven by Tyrion or Dany the moment they march into Westeros. Both of them have had a lot of time to brood over their anger and work themselves up into a state. Dany has probably spent her whole life hearing how the throne was stolen from them and how Jaime betrayed her father. But…there's more to come and we'll learn more about Littlefinger's influence and why Tyrion has had to go along with this plan to take Casterly Rock.

Next chapter: Sansa pleads with Dany for Jaime's life