Chapter 102
Tommen is your brother.
Jaime didn't know what had possessed him to speak those words aloud. When Julianna had innocently asked if Tommen was her brother, it had not occurred to him to tell her anything but the truth. He didn't know if it was his desire to be honest with his daughter, or if he was simply tired of the lies. Or, perhaps it's the lack of sleep that has dulled my wits. Jaime had not slept for more than an hour or two at a time as he sat at Sansa's bedside. He looked over at her now and saw that she was visibly startled by his words and didn't seem to know what to do. He knew her well enough to know she was debating if she should leave him and Tommen alone or remain. Not that she was capable of leaving the room in her present condition.
Jaime nodded at her in reassurance. She reached out to rest her hand on his arm in comfort and he could see in her eyes that, despite her surprise, she was proud of him. For her part, Julianna didn't notice anything was amiss, and had returned to gently petting and whispering to the newborn babe she held in her lap. In fact, Jaime suspected he had given her the answer she sought when he confirmed that Tommen was her brother. Tommen had been a part of Julianna's life ever since she was a tiny babe and she loved him fiercely.
Jaime chanced a look at Tommen who had been watching him carefully. Once he met Jaime's eyes, Tommen turned to Sansa and began quickly speaking to her about the babies – describing the little bits of their personalities he had somehow discerned in the three days since their birth. Though Jaime had not left Sansa's side since they were born, he recalled the healer mentioning that "the little boy" had spent much of the past three days in the nursery, helping Pia and the nursemaid by holding the babes so they wouldn't cry.
As she listened to Tommen, Sansa stole glances at Jaime and he knew she was just as puzzled as he was by the boy's non-reaction to his statement. Jaime wondered if Tommen had even heard him – if he should address what he had said - but the healer chose that moment to enter the bedchamber, visibly relieved that Sansa was awake. Jaime was certain the poor woman had been terrified at the thought of what he would do to her if Sansa died.
"My lady, you worried Lord Lannister very much," she murmured reproachfully. "I see you've met your sweet babes." Sansa thanked her profusely for helping her and delivering their perfect twins. Jaime knew he should thank the healer as well – and offer her all that he had for saving Sansa's life. But it seemed her work wasn't finished. "My lord, if you and the children would leave me with Lady Sansa for a time. I'd like to examine her – and the babes - once more before I leave. To assure myself that they are all quite well."
"I stay with Mama," Julianna protested as Jaime swept her up into his arms.
"It's all right, Darling," Sansa said. Jaime held their daughter next to Sansa so she could kiss her goodnight, but did not release her from his grasp. "We'll play together with the babes all day tomorrow, all right?"
Jaime knew Julianna wanted to argue. I see Cersei's willfulness in her at times. He understood his daughter's desire to stay by Sansa's side – he wished to do so as well – but it was late and Jaime knew that she needed to sleep. Julianna yawned against his shoulder, even in the midst of her protests. She'd not slept well the past few days curled up with him at Sansa's bedside. I should have shielded her from this, rather than allowing her to comfort me. It was for me to comfort her.He watched as Tommen hugged Sansa and she kissed his forehead. He heard Tommen whisper that he loved her before scampering out of the room.
Jaime watched as Sansa gently placed the babe she held in her arms beside his brother on the bed. She met his eyes and nodded, knowing that he wondered if it was all right to leave her for a moment. Any doubts he had were decided by the healer, who shooed him out of the room so she could look over her charge. Jaime put Julianna to bed before slowly making his way to Tommen's bedchamber. He was already abed, arranging his cats alongside him. He looked up saw Jaime standing in his doorway before quickly returning his attention to his pets.
Jaime felt his heart pounding in his chest, but he forced himself to sit on the bed beside Tommen. It had not been lost on him that Tommen had not said one word to him since he told Julianna that he was her brother. Instead, the boy had wholly focused on Sansa, and only spoken to her. It was unusual for a boy who was normally so happy and talkative with the both of them. And now he could scarce even look at Jaime.
"I'm glad Sansa's better," Tommen said quietly, petting the kitten in his lap.
"As am I. I was afraid that we might lose her…that she might die. We need her very much, don't we?"
Tommen nodded, continuing to look down at the kitten in his lap. "Uncle Jaime? Why did you say that to Julianna? That I'm her brother?" He heard the waver in the boy's voice and knew that it had taken all of his courage to voice his thoughts aloud.
If he can be brave…so can I.
"Because…it's true. You are brother and sister."
"But Sansa's her mother." Perhaps it was cowardly of him, but Jaime waited and watched as Tommen's mind turned. He looked up at him suddenly. "Are…are you my…my father?" he whispered. He could see that Tommen was near tears and almost afraid to hear the answer.
"Yes," Jaime replied just as quietly. "You're my son. And Julianna and the twins…they're your sister and your brothers."
"But…you and Mother are…" Tommen trailed off and Jaime knew his mind must be spinning. "What about Father?"
"You may bear the Baratheon name but…you don't share King Robert's blood."
Tommen was quiet for a long time, petting his little cat for comfort before he suddenly looked up at Jaime. "Did you love Mother? As you love Sansa?"
Jaime took a deep breath, knowing that he had to choose his words carefully. "I loved your mother…from the moment we were born. But, we were both very selfish and…we made mistakes and we hurt people…trying to be together. But you are not one of those mistakes. I'm grateful to have you…to be able to know you."
"Why did you never play with me, as Uncle Tyrion did? I always thought you didn't like us. And Mother always said you weren't much for children, when I asked to play with you."
"Your mother never…she never wanted me to be close to you or your sister because…she wanted to protect you. She thought that if anyone knew the truth…it could be dangerous for you." He couldn't bring himself to tell Tommen that the man he'd called "Father" would have killed him in an instant if he knew the truth. Tommen deserves to keep some innocence. Some happy memories of his childhood with Cersei. "Your mother loved you very much, Tommen."
Tommen considered that for a moment. "Is that why I'm not king? Because you're my real father?" There was some accusation in his tone and Jaime feared that he would take the truth as poorly as Myrcella had – that he would blame him for his change of fortune.
"Yes. That's why you're not king. I'm sorry it took me so long to tell you the truth. But…I was afraid you would be angry with me."
That seemed to soften him a bit. Tommen leaned against Jaime. "I'd rather be here with you and Sansa and Julianna…than be king anyway."
Jaime was finally able to breathe. Perhaps all will be well. "I'm glad you're here with us, as well. You're part of our family. Sansa couldn't love you more if she'd birthed you herself. And I love you." Jaime pressed a kiss to his temple. "I know you must have a lot of questions but…Go to sleep now and…we'll talk more tomorrow, all right?"
Tommen nodded and slipped under the covers.
Jaime stood in the doorway and watched him for a few moments before he returned to his bedchamber and found that the healer had already left Sansa. She was curled up in bed, with their newborn babes lying beside her as she cooed at them and touched them as if she could not quite believe that they were real. Watching her, Jaime almost felt as if he were dreaming. If I believed in the gods, I'd thank the seven for the sight before me. A sight I feared I would never see.
Jaime had never been as terrified as he had been when Sansa lay near death. Not even when he was forced to watch the Mad King carry out his atrocities. He feared losing Sansa far more than he feared losing his own life. As he had sat there, facing the possibility of going on without her, Jaime had realized that he was nothing without her. He had not a clue how he would have been able to go on. He'd never known what it was to be truly happy before her. Before Sansa gave him her love, and gave him their precious Julianna. The only comfort he had felt was when their sweet little girl had sat with him, assuring him that "mama" would get well.
It had occurred to him more than once that Sansa would have wanted him to keep the babes in the bedchamber with them as he sat at her bedside, and that thought was confirmed when he saw her reproachful look the moment she learned the babes had been turned over to the household staff and a nursemaid. She wanted me to hold them and let Julianna meet them. She wanted me to love and comfort them in her absence. When he saw her expression, he knew that all of his fears about his ability to be a father were justified.
Jaime continued to watch Sansa with their babes and saw that she was gently stroking the babes little bodies – examining their fingers and toes - as she quietly hummed. And he felt so grateful that his sons would know her. That they would know her love and know the feel of her arms around them. They'll have the mother I never had and the memories that I scarce recall. And I'll have Sansa's love for a long time to come as well.
"Aren't you going to come to bed?" she asked quietly, her gaze never moving from the babes.
Jaime crossed the room and quietly sat on the bed beside the babes. Sansa looked up at him and smiled, though he could see she was uncertain about what to say. He looked down at the babes and saw that they were holding hands as they looked around the room. Their full attention had been on Sansa, but once he sat down, both turned their eyes towards him. He couldn't deny that he saw himself in these babes. And Tyrion, Lord Tywin…and Cersei as well. They were every inch of them Lannisters in appearance. Except for the one babe blessed with Sansa's blue eyes.
"Tommen…did you…did you speak to him?" she asked, stumbling over her words a bit.
"It will be all right, Sansa. He…he'll be all right."
She nodded, though he could see she was still concerned about the both of them. One of the babes began to whine, and Sansa carefully picked him up. He could see that she was still in some pain, but he knew she'd never allow the twins to be removed from her sight. He recalled her panic when she'd awoken and they had not been there. The pain in her eyes for the moment she thought they may have died. The babe cooed happily as Sansa kissed his cheek and gently rocked him, while the other babe – the one with blue eyes – simply stared up at Jaime.
"Won't you hold him?" Sansa asked. He could hear in her voice that she thought he would refuse. "I could hardly get you to put Julianna down when she was born but with them…" She thinks I don't want them.
Jaime rose to his feet briefly, to strip off his clothes for bed before joining Sansa, picking up the tiny babe as he did so. He didn't have to look at Sansa to know that she was watching him carefully. The babe in his arms stared at him intently, and he felt as if he were staring into Sansa's eyes. He reached toward Jaime, his tiny fingers flexing, and Jaime allowed the babe to wrap his hand around his index finger, rubbing the babe's tiny fist with his thumb.
"They're as much a part of you as Julianna. And you love her so much." He felt like such a failure, to hear Sansa practically beg him to love their sons.
Jaime nodded, holding the babe closer, feeling the warmth of the babe's soft skin against his bare chest, as he leaned back against the pillows. Sansa moved closer and Jaime wrapped his free arm around her. She smiled at the babe who yawned before settling against Jaime's chest.
"Why…Why did you not want the babes in here with you when…when I was sick? Why did you order them taken away as if they were…a curse on our family instead being our darling boys?"
"I thought…I thought they had killed you."
He heard her sigh and felt her hand on his cheek, turning his face to look at her. "I'm not dead. I'm right here with you." He nodded, turning his head to kiss her hand. He was more grateful than he could express to have his sweet wife back at his side. To know that they would raise their children together. "But, Jaime…even if I had died…it would not have been their fault. Our sons would have needed you even more than they already do."
"I know that," he managed. "In my head, I knew that but…when I looked at them as you lay there…dying…I wished more than anything to have you instead of them." As he spoke the words aloud, he couldn't look at Sansa or at their tiny babes. "I wish I were a better man but…I love you more than anything, Sansa, and if I lost you…" Sansa was silent for a long time. She's disgusted with me. As she should be.
He was finally able to breathe when she rested her head on his shoulder. "When I was lying there…I dreamed that your lady mother was with me." Jaime was surprised by her words. He himself had been thinking of his lady mother as he sat at Sansa's bedside. He'd thought about what his father had gone through, losing Lady Joanna as he had. "She said you'd be lost without me."
Jaime nodded. "That's true. Seeing you…bleeding and dying…It was as if my own lifeblood was draining away. I knew how my father felt when she died. Why he hated Tyrion."
"But…Jaime you always knew that the way your father treated Tyrion was wrong."
"I know," he said quietly, looking down at the babe who was now fast asleep in his arms.
"They're so innocent. They haven't hurt anyone. And they'll grow up to look just like you. I know it." Jaime smiled as he turned toward her, the tiny babe in her arms gripping her gown tightly and nuzzling against her. He looked at the babe in his arms and saw his own features reproduced in miniature on the babe's face. These sons that Sansa's given me…they can know that they are loved by both their parents from as far back as they remember. They won't know the loneliness that Cersei and Tyrion and I knew. The babe squeaked and gripped his finger tighter.
Jaime knew that Julianna would always have a special place in his heart – the first babe he was allowed to love – but he had room for these little boys. They were part of him and part of Sansa. They made them together. How can I hate them when they so much a part of her?
"What would you like to call them, sweet girl? I suppose they've gone long enough without names." He knew Sansa must have given it some thought while she carried them.
"I thought…this one with green eyes, who was born first…we could name him Gerion after your Uncle. Gerion saved your life and…our sweet babe looks so like a Lannister…he should have a Lannister name."
"If you're looking for a Lannister name, why not Tywin?" Jaime could scarce contain his laughter at her expression. She quickly realized he was joking and scowled. "Gerion is perfect, Sansa. And this one?" he asked, nodding at the babe in his arms.
"Would it be all right…if we gave him a Northern name?" She asked shyly, gently rubbing her finger over the babe's tight little fist clutching Jaime's finger.
"It's only fair," he said with a smile. She can't truly believe I would deny her that. That I would deny her anything. Not after I nearly lost her. "What did you have in mind?"
"Perhaps…I thought we could call him Rickard? For my grandfather? I always thought, even as a little girl, that I would have a son named for him."
Jaime looked down at the sleeping babe in his arms and recalled Lord Rickard Stark's death and how he had wished someone – anyone – had stopped the Mad King from burning him alive. He had wished that he had the strength to stop it. But he'd been a terrified boy. Even in his fear, he had seen that Lord Rickard was a brave and honorable man.
"Rickard it is." Sansa leaned over and gently kissed the babe's head, as little Gerion in her arms squeaked in protest at being jostled.
She smiled and gestured to the basket beside her. "Perhaps we should put them down for the night."
Jaime chuckled as she carefully placed Gerion inside the basket. "Sansa, you forget that they're unlikely to sleep through the night."
"I know," she said softly, taking Rickard from Jaime and placing him beside his brother. The babes curled up together, their tiny hands grasping for each other. "But they'll sleep for a time. Our sweet babes," she murmured. "I don't know that they'll fit in there together for long. Though they are so tiny…and perfect."
Jaime really looked at her and could see that she was feeling better. Her color had returned and she was glowing with love for their new babes. It's helped her to have her children near her. Sansa turned to him suddenly, having felt his gaze on her. Jaime reached over and tucked her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her face. I almost lost her. My sweet girl. She seemed to know what he was thinking and threaded her fingers through his.
"You're all right?" She nodded. "The healer…she said you're all right?" Sansa looked away then, though she nodded, and he felt his blood run cold. She's lying. "What is it you're hiding?" he whispered.
He saw that she was fighting tears. "She said…she said I'll recover but…there won't be any more children." She said the last in a whisper, looking at him as if she feared he'd be angry.
"Do you truly believe I care about that, Sansa?" Jaime tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at him. "You are all that I care about. We have our little girl and…now our sons. We don't need more children. Even if we didn't have any…Sweet girl, there is nothing more important to me than having you here with me." He gently took her in his arms and stroked her hair as she cuddled against his chest. "I love you."
Jaime settled back against the pillows, holding Sansa in his arms, as their babes slept beside them. As her breathing evened out, Jaime allowed his eyes to close and just listened to the sound of her breathing and felt her breath against his chest. For the first time in days, Jaime was able to let sleep claim him, now that his sweet wife was back in his arms.
…
This has to work.
Tyrion knew the solution was right in front of him – ready for the taking. Learning that young Brandon Stark had the ability to control the dragons – using only his mind - had set Tyrion to thinking. He knew the most difficult part would be to convince the Queen to accept his plan. Though they had helped her win the throne, the Queen's dragons were a source of terror to the smallfolk. And their continued presence by her side was now a threat to her throne, not an asset. If she had any hope of winning the love and loyalty of her people, the dragons could not return to King's Landing.
Earlier that evening, Tyrion had overheard a great deal of arguing between Brandon Stark and Lady Catelyn as the boy tried to convince his mother that he should remain at the Wall. Whatever their differences in the past – taking him hostage for starters - Tyrion felt for Lady Stark. He could not deny that she loved her children more than anything. Much of the war between House Lannister and House Stark had begun because of the love Lady Stark had for her son, Bran. She had just found her boy, after years apart and believing him to be dead, and now he was refusing to return home with her.
Tyrion wondered what the two Stark boys had been through on their journey. He imagined they had many interesting – and terrifying – stories to tell. Tyrion has always liked a good story. These young boys had spent years on the road, away from their home, without their families to care for them. That had to have changed them. And Brandon Stark was nearly a man, now. No longer did Tyrion see the boy who believed his life was over because he was a cripple. He'd grown strong – in his mind, if not in his body. The boy did not show any sign of relenting, and Tyrion knew that Jon Snow would never force the boy to leave Castle Black.
Tyrion had spent the day with Lord Commander Snow, outlining his plan to unite the Realm behind the Queen. Though he had not voiced the words aloud, he knew that Jon had understood that his plan also required the Realm to unite behind the men of the Night's Watch. He knew that Jon had been reluctant to assume that sort of authority or implication that he had any part in ruling. That is, until Tyrion had explained to Jon how his plan could allow Lady Sansa – and Jaime – to return to Westeros. They may not be brother and sister by blood, but he cares for her as I care for Jaime.
Tyrion and Jon both rose to their feet as the Queen entered Jon's solar, Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah following close behind. Though he had requested this audience with Daenerys and the Lord Commander, Tyrion could not help feeling a bit nervous. If she did not agree with his plan, Tyrion feared that she could lose the throne before long. And if she loses the throne, I'll likely lose my head.
"Your Grace, thank you for speaking with us."
She nodded, taking a seat, her loyal knights standing behind her. "Of course. Though I'm a bit confused by the formality of all this. It's so unlike you, Tyrion. It makes me nervous."
Tyrion glanced at Ser Jorah and Ser Barristan, who also knew what it was he intended to suggest to the Queen. He had made the decision to inform the both of them about the subject of this meeting beforehand. Tyrion wished to ensure the agreement of both men before approaching Daenerys. If her advisors do not present her with a united front, she'll never agree.
"Your grace, I wished to speak to you about the…rather extraordinary skills of young Brandon Stark."
The queen's eyes darkened. Tyrion knew that she had been just as amazed as him, but that she also disliked the thought of another having such control over her dragons. Her most powerful weapons. "What would you like to discuss?"
Tyrion shifted before deciding to sit. "The Stark boy has decided to remain here at the Wall. He…believes it to be his purpose in life. To help protect the Realm from the creatures beyond. It seem the Reed children have him quite convinced." Tyrion also though it rather convenient that Lord Reed had left, with his children, just that morning, so as not to deal with the wrath of Lady Stark.
"His mother will allow him to stay here?"
Tyrion glanced at Jon Snow. "Lady Stark wishes for him to return and serve as Lord of Winterfell. But I know my brother. Bran won't change his mind. It won't be a pleasant parting for them but…I expect him to remain here, and Rickon to become Lord of Winterfell in his stead." Tyrion saw that Jon would prefer it if Bran returned to Winterfell. He was just a boy himself when he signed up for a lifetime here in the cold and ice. When he traveled with him from Winterfell to the Wall all those years ago, Tyrion had seen that the boy was woefully unprepared for the fate that awaited him. He had often wondered if the boy regretted his choice. Just as he had often wondered over the years if Jaime regretted joining the Kingsguard – giving up any chance of having a life of his own. I suppose things worked out rather well for Jaime, in the end.
Daenerys looked at Tyrion expectantly, wondering why they were discussing the future of Brandon Stark. "Your grace, I've been thinking and…it seems that young Bran Stark's skills could prove useful in addressing the…difficulty you're having controlling the dragons." She looked at him sharply then. "I mean no offense, your grace. I've read quite a lot about dragons and…perhaps they are not meant to be tamed. You must agree that they do not belong in King's Landing. Not as it is now. The capitol has changed since your ancestors conquered the Realm and kept dragons there. There are far too many people around…it's too easy for them to cause harm or…death. The smallfolk don't want them there. They are terrified of them. And as a result…they are terrified of you."
He could see that Daenerys had an idea what he was suggesting. And she didn't like it. "I'll not abandon my dragons. That is what you're asking, isn't it? To leave them here in the snow and ice? To banish them?"
"It might be for the best, your grace," Tyrion said gently.
"The best for who?" she shot back.
"The Realm." It was Jon who answered, and both Tyrion and Daenerys were surprised. "If there are any more Walkers, any more wights, we'll see them here, first. With the dragons, I won't be forced to risk the lives of my men to kill them. The dragons could kill them easily, before they are even a threat to the Realm. Bran could…take control of the dragons and send them out hunting. The people would feel safe, knowing that dragons are patrolling Beyond the Wall."
"And what is to keep your brother from using my dragons against me? From taking the Iron Throne? It was the Starks that fought to remove my father from the throne."
"He won't do that. You have my word." Jon looked at her intently. "You did wish for me to…acknowledge my relationship with House Targaryen. What better way than to…keep dragons and guard the Northernmost border of your Realm?"
"That is not what I meant!" she said furiously.
"I won't allow the dragons to be used against you. And Bran does not desire the throne. He wants to stay here and protect the Realm, not rule it," Jon said calmly. "If he wanted to use them against you, he could have done it already."
Tyrion sighed, uncertain that was the correct argument to make. However true it might be. He didn't understand why Daenerys insisted on treating these dragons like they were her children. Tyrion saw them as nothing more than weapons.
"Your grace," Tyrion began, "I truly believe that allowing the dragons to remain here at the Wall will unite the Realm. The people of King's Landing will see that you are responding to their concerns about the dragons. They will see that you care about their well-being and that you don't wish any of them to be hurt. The smallfolk don't care who sits on the throne. They care about those who protect them and provide for them. The songs they sing are about the many battles against the White Walkers, not whomever is king or queen."
"Songs that glorify your brother," she said in annoyance.
"A few," Tyrion allowed. "But there are many moving tributes to the men of the Night's Watch as well. I would propose that, in the Spring, when the snow has melted and the flowers have begun to bloom…you host a tournament in the capitol and a festival to honor the brave men who fought the White Walkers and saved the Realm. They will sing songs about you, your grace. About your dragons and how you turned them over to young Brandon Stark, to protect all of the Seven Kingdoms. Songs of Northerns and Southerners working together for the greater good. Dragons and Wolves united. The People will learn that you and your dragons also played a part in our victory." And the people will demand that Jaime be honored as well. And pardoned. Though, Tyrion kept those thoughts to himself for the moment.
Daenerys walked to the window and looked down. Tyrion knew she was looking at her dragons. We haven't convinced her. He looked over at Jon who shook his head in defeat. Ser Jorah followed her to the window and took her hand. Tyrion was surprised by such an intimate gesture in their company, but the Queen did not seem offended.
"Khaleesi…They are right. This is best for the Realm and best for your reign. And it's best for your dragons. You know that's true. Don't allow your attachment to them to lead you to make a foolish mistake." She looked at him sharply and he smiled faintly. "I do recall you saying that you do not have a gentle heart. Prove your words correct. They're not your children."
Daenerys turned away from him and Tyrion could see the pain on Ser Jorah's face at having to hurt her. He could plainly see the love that the knight had for his queen. Tyrion had realized long ago that she need only say the word and Ser Jorah would gladly share her bed. I wonder if she realizes how much he truly loves her. Tyrion hoped that she did. He hoped that she would realize that he would have no reason to lead her astray. He hoped she realized that Ser Jorah only had her best interests at heart. Just as Tyrion and Jon did.
"I've made my decision," Daenerys said, surreptitiously wiping her eyes and turning to face them.
…
Sorry this update took so long – but this is a longer chapter to make up for it. I took a few days off from writing. The Jaime/Tommen conversation was very difficult. I hope it happens in the book, because I would like to see how it is handled. This chapter only scratched the surface. I expect to write future conversations between Tommen and Jaime and Tommen and Sansa about his parentage and what it means for him.
As for the fate of the dragons (and Bran) …we'll see in the next chapter…