As promised, here's the next installment!
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"Look, Mama!" Gerion exclaimed, pointing at the Red Keep in the distance and patting her shoulder.
"I see it, Sweetling," Sansa answered in a shaky voice, hugging him tight against her and stroking her fingers through his golden curls as fear gripped her. King's Landing was the last place Sansa ever wished to return to. It was the last place she wished to bring her children. She'd never felt such a strong urge to protect another person until she had her babes, and now it felt wrong to bring her little ones to such a dangerous place.
As the towers of the Red Keep came into sharper focus, she began to think about all that had happened the last time that she had been there – her father's beheading, every time Joffrey had her stripped and beaten. It was there that Sansa was trapped while her family members were murdered one by one and she was powerless to stop it. She remembered how excited she had been to travel to the capitol and how awful it had all turned out. This is where all my dreams and all of my innocence died. Just as Father did.
Jaime moved closer to her, wrapping his arm around her waist, and his nearness was a comfort. Sansa unconsciously leaned in towards him as Jaime whispered in her ear. "Are you all right? You have nothing to fear." She looked at him and nodded, trying to take strength in how certain Jaime was that this was the right thing for them to do. Jaime has an entire army here that will protect us. Sansa knew that there were even more red cloaks meeting them in King's Landing and tried to assure herself that this visit to the capital would be much different and of much shorter duration than her last.
"What's wrong, Mother?" Julianna asked, resting her head on Jaime's shoulder as she gazed at Sansa. She wore her finest gown and had insisted that Sansa put some braids into her hair so she looked "like a princess." As the Red Keep came into view, Julianna had consented to Jaime picking her up so she could see over the railing. She seemed to have forgotten that it was "undignified," judging by the way her arms were wrapped around her father's neck as he held her. She seemed in no hurry to be placed back on her feet.
"She's just nervous, Lioness. It's been a long time since we've been here in King's Landing and since we have seen your Uncle Tyrion."
"And Papa is going to be honored for killing the White Walkers!" Gerion added.
"We will get to see the tourney, won't we, Father?" Julianna asked.
"Of course, we'll all go to the tourney together. Remember, we'll only be here a few days, but you'll see all the spectacle the capitol has to offer." His tone was reassuring, but Sansa saw the concern for her in his eyes as he spoke to their children. She forced herself to smile, if for no other reason than to reassure the children.
She looked past Jaime, where Tommen stood holding Rickard and pointing out the landmarks of King's Landing. Though Rickard was nervous about their new adventure, Jaime and Tommen had both told him stories about the good things that awaited him in King's Landing and Lannisport. Her little wolf seemed to have come around with a guarded anticipation, asking her and Jaime a million questions about the tournament. His delight in listening to Jaime's stories of tournaments he'd competed in was plain to see.
"And then we're going to the Rock," Gerion said triumphantly and Jaime laughed in response to his son's single-mindedness.
"Will we really meet the Queen?" Julianna asked again, as she had countless times during their journey.
"I expect we will, Julianna," Jaime murmured.
She's already met the Queen. She's just too young to remember. Sansa looked at Julianna and remembered when the Dragon Queen and her army of Unsullied had taken Casterly Rock, and held Julianna hostage. She was only a baby and the Queen's men threatened to harm her. Sansa shook her head. That was Littlefinger's doing. She knew that Tyrion would not have urged them to return to Westeros if they wouldn't be safe.
Sansa had been anxious about their return to Westeros from the moment it was suggested, but her fear had only grown the nearer their ship got to King's Landing. Jaime had not said anything, but she knew he sensed her unease. He had simply held her in his arms at night, and spoken about their return to the Rock and traveling North sometime in the future to see her family and Winterfell – choosing to avoid the subject of King's Landing as much as possible, so as not to upset her.
She noticed Gerion looking at her with a happy smile and she squeezed him tighter and kissed his cheek before he turned his attention back to the approaching docks. Sansa sensed Sandor Clegane standing behind them – at a safe distance so as to respect Jaime's wishes regarding his wife and children.
Since their idiotic swordfight aboard the ship, Sandor had not spoken to her or any of the children, though he continued to observe their interactions. Sansa had scolded Jaime for his childishness as she tended to the shallow cut he'd received on his arm. I'm his wife and the mother of his children. There's no reason for him to be so jealous. He knows I love only him. Sansa knew the conflict between the two men was partly her fault. She had allowed Jaime's little displays of ownership that were solely for the benefit of the Hound to proceed without comment. She realized too late that she should have said something to Jaime to assure him that he had no reason act so possessive of her.
She blamed her own inexperience. She had never been in such a situation before. The Hound's focus on her had always made her uncomfortable, but she supposed she learned to ignore it during her time in King's Landing. And she chose to do the same once he arrived in Lys with Ser Addam. Sansa had not considered that Jaime was not a man who ignored anything that vexed him. He was a far more aggressive a person for that. I should have realized Jaime would turn to the sword to settle the matter.
"Look, Mother! Look! Is that all for us?" Julianna sang happily, as she squirmed for Jaime to set her down, now that they were close enough for her to see. She stood beside Jaime, gripping the railing with one hand and holding her father's hand with the other.
Sansa looked where she was pointing and saw a small army of Red Cloaks waiting on the docks, their banners bearing the sigil of House Lannister creating a sea of crimson. She smiled at Gerion's delight at the spectacle, as she set him on his feet. Though they had not used their standards while in Lys, the children knew the sigils of all the great houses of Westeros – especially those of Houses Stark and Lannister. Sansa had seen to that. She knew Gerion must be thrilled to see such a strong showing of loyalty and strength for House Lannister.
Besides the soldiers, Sansa saw that a large number of the smallfolk also lined the docks and the roads as far back as she could see. They were all watching The Laughing Lion and many waved small pieces of crimson or white fabric. Could they be here to welcome us? Sansa looked at Jaime in question as Rickard scrambled to her side and took her free hand.
"Aren't they all here to welcome us?" Julianna asked, looking between the two of them.
Jaime looked down at her and smiled, stroking her hair. "The soldiers traveled all the way from Casterly Rock to meet our ship. Remember, Ser Addam told us?" Julianna nodded. "As for the rest…" Jaime looked over his shoulder at Ser Addam, who stepped forward.
"I expect many of the smallfolk have traveled from Lannisport and the North for the tourneys and feasts and the Queen's official coronation. Those people would be most interested in seeing you both return."
Julianna smiled to herself and began humming a tune which Sansa recognized as that of one of the songs about Jaime's bravery that Lady Genna had sent. Julianna had found them during their journey and insisted upon learning them to pass the time. Sansa smiled despite herself at her daughter's innocence and excitement at what lay ahead.
As the ship pulled into the dock, the crowd began to wave and Julianna waved back, as prim as a queen. Sansa looked at Jaime who only shrugged, seeing no reason to stop her. Sansa supposed it was nice for the children to feel welcomed, though she didn't understand it herself. At last they reached the end of their journey and Sansa watched as the crew secured the three ships carrying them and the rest of Jaime's soldiers back from Lys.
"It's Uncle Tyrion," Tommen said with genuine happiness when he saw who was awaiting them on the dock.
Tyrion was certainly dressed for a coronation. And that wasn't until the following day. The coronation feast will certainly be a spectacle. She was glad to have passed the time on their journey transforming their Lysene clothes into gowns and tunics would be suitable for the occasion. Sansa noticed Tyrion wore all black as his father had when he was Hand of the King. And he wore the same pin on his lapel that both their fathers had worn. Though he wore not a trace of crimson, there was no mistaking that Tyrion was of House Lannister. Golden lions were stitched on his shoulders and a roaring lion made of gold hung from the chain of hands he wore about his neck. The Red Cloaks that had traveled from the Rock flanked him on either side, giving him a commanding presence, despite his small stature.
Sansa looked at the faces of her children and saw that they were all suitably impressed with their uncle as he boarded The Laughing Lion and embraced Jaime. It was clear to anyone watching how much the brothers had missed one another and were glad to be reunited with one another.
Sansa had wondered how Jaime and Tyrion would receive one another. Though Tyrion had helped the both of them escape Casterly Rock with Julianna and Tommen, she knew there was still much between them that had not been resolved. Jaime had been reluctant, but eventually told her about the girl Tyrion wed and the lie his father forced him to tell. Sansa hoped that Tyrion was able to forgive Jaime. She saw how much Jaime regretted hurting his brother. Though, she wondered if Jaime could truly forgive Tyrion for the part he played in the Queen taking the Rock and taking them prisoner. And for killing Lord Tywin. As she watched the brother's reunion, she thought perhaps they could.
When the brothers finally parted, Tyrion smiled at Sansa. "My dear good-sister. I see you've looked after my brother these past years." She nodded, allowing Tyrion to kiss her hand. "Your…brother…Jon Snow will arrive tomorrow with Bran and Lady Arya." She had hoped to see her family and was glad that a few of them would be in King's Landing for the feasts. "I see Sandor and Ser Addam got all of you here safely."
Jaime grunted in disgust at the sound of Sandor's name, and Tyrion smiled at Sansa's sigh. "I apologize, my lady, if it was unwise to send my shield to you," Tyrion whispered. "I've come to trust him with my most vital affairs and…I knew he'd see you here safely." Sansa nodded, recalling that Tyrion was in the capitol at the same time as the Hound, and may have noticed the man's preoccupation with her.
"And I'd know Tommen anywhere," he continued with a smile. "You look so much like Jaime did at your age. But who do we have here?" he asked looking between the little boys grasping Sansa's skirts and Julianna who stood beside Jaime, holding his hand. Jaime released Julianna's hand and rested his on her back, gently urging her forward. "This beautiful young lady couldn't possibly be the babe I last saw in Sansa's arms so many years ago."
Julianna beamed as Jaime introduced her to her uncle. "Yes, brother, this is Julianna."
"Hello, Uncle. It's a great pleasure to meet you."
Tyrion quirked an eyebrow as he looked at Jaime, who nodded for his brother to play along. Sansa stifled a giggle as Tyrion bent at the waist and gravely proclaimed his joy at meeting Julianna. She had wondered how her daughter would react to Tyrion Lannister. He was her uncle, but he was not as handsome as her father and Julianna sometimes put too much emphasis on appearances. Though she seemed charmed by him and Sansa decided that Tyrion's position as Hand of the Queen must have made up for his physical shortcomings in her daughter's eyes.
She also knows how much Jaime loves his brother. Sansa thought that face, more than anything, did Tyrion credit when it came to the children. They so idolized Jaime that anyone he favored they did as well.
"And who are these little ones?" Tyrion asked, looking at the twins on either side of her.
Sansa stroked each boy's hair in turn as she introduced them to Tyrion. Rickard was shy and remained at her side, looking at Tyrion curiously, though Gerion stepped forward to meet him. They spoke briefly and Tyrion promised that they would meet their cousin, Tabytha, who was very nearly their same age.
"And will we meet the Queen, Uncle?" Julianna asked.
"Of course you shall," Tyrion promised. "But first we must get there. I've brought two carriages with me and, as you see, your father's army has traveled from Lannisport to escort the lot of you." It was all Jaime could do to keep Julianna from dashing off the boat and into one of the elaborate carriages that would take them to the Red Keep. Sansa knew she would have been delighted to ride in such a carriage when she was Julianna's age.
"Tommen, ride with me, won't you? We have much to catch up on. Tell me, do you still keep cats? You always were so very fond of them." Tommen nodded happily and went to get his cage of cats. "Excellent. Jaime, you and Sansa will follow, with the children?"
Sansa couldn't help smiling as she watched Tommen and Tyrion disembark from the ship, chatting the whole way. It was nice for him to have more family that he loved and who loved him back. She took the boys by the hand while Jaime walked with Julianna, and followed Tommen and Tyrion off the ship and into the crowd of Red Cloaks that surrounded the carriages.
"Isn't it beautiful, Mother?" Julianna purred as she sat beside her on the plush seats.
"Yes, Sweetling," Sansa replied, watching as Jaime lifted the boys into the carriage. Rickard quickly scrambled into her lap, while Gerion settled between Julianna and Jaime. As they traveled through the streets of King's Landing, Jaime pointed out the sights to the children and Julianna waved at the crowd. As Sansa looked at the massive crowd lining the streets, she couldn't help but recall the day of the bread riots – when Myrcella was sent to Dorne. Sansa had truly believed she was going to be raped and killed that day. And she was all alone with no one to help her. Sansa looked ahead to the carriage in front of them and wondered if Tommen was thinking about it, but he seemed quite engaged with Tyrion.
They were surrounded by hundreds of red cloaks on horseback, but Sansa still felt a fear from being in this crowd with her children. She held Rickard and watched for any sign that the crowd was hostile to them. She only saw smiles and curious faces. Even shy little Rickard returned some of the crowd's waves. Sansa felt eyes on her and looked to see Sandor riding beside their carriage. He nodded at her and she knew that he was thinking the same thing she was. She looked over at Jaime and reassured herself that no harm would come to them.
He met her eyes and smiled, inclining his head to Julianna who was entranced by everything and very much enjoying the attention of the crowd. Sansa smiled back at Jaime. She was astonished by the crowds, though in addition to the coronation and the coming spectacle of the tournament, there was also the prospect of seeing dragons which may have brought many from all parts of Westeros.
When the Red Keep finally came into view, Julianna's mouth dropped open in awe. Sansa wondered how she would react to the sight of Casterly Rock.
"What's the matter, Lioness? No words of praise for the castle?" Jaime asked, the laugh plain to hear in his voice.
"It's beautiful," Julianna breathed.
"The Rock is bigger, isn't it Papa?" Gerion asked, though he appeared impressed by the structure before them.
Jaime chuckled. "Casterly Rock does reach further into the sky."
"Will we be able to see all of the castle? And when will we meet the Queen?"
"Julianna, calm down," Sansa said gently, her eyes slowly moving over the castle. It was just as she remembered. Though, why she thought it may have changed, she couldn't say. Perhaps because her life had changed so much. Because she had changed so much.
But, there it was just the same. Sansa looked at the faces of her children – Julianna especially – and remembered when she had been just as excited to see the Red Keep for the first time. She had thought it so beautiful and magical. She had dreamed of the day she would be Queen of all of it. It had not taken long for Sansa to wish for nothing more than to leave that place forever. And she had fought so hard to get away from there.
And now Jaime and I have returned.
She felt Jaime's hand cover her own as the carriages entered the gates of the Red Keep and came to a stop. It appeared Daenerys Targaryen had rebuilt the Tower of the Hand after Cersei burned it to the ground. It all looked just the same.
"Where will we stay, Mother?" Julianna asked as she looked at the different towers.
"I think we'll be guests of your Uncle in the Tower of the Hand," Jaime said as he offered Sansa his hand to help her out. Once she was on the ground, he quickly pulled her to him, moving his mouth to her ear. "We're quite safe here, Sansa. It's all right. Try to enjoy the feast and the tournament. I know you like such things as much as your daughter."
"I used to," she said quietly, turning to lift the boys down to the ground.
"May we see the Iron Throne?" Julianna asked. Before Jaime or Sansa could answer, the twins asked as well to see the throne room.
"Of course they may see the throne," Tyrion said having walked over to join them. "We can't have you visiting the capitol without seeing all of the Red Keep. Come," he said, walking towards the main castle, rather than the tower of the hand. Tyrion stopped, when he noticed that they weren't following. "Jaime, your men will bring your things to your chambers. You don't want me to run off with your children, do you?" he asked with a smirk as he held his hand out to Julianna.
She looked at Sansa who nodded that it was all right for her to go, and the twins followed after her. Of course, Julianna took Tyrion's arm like a proper lady, and the boys trotted along on either side of them.
"I'll go with you, if you like, Sansa," Tommen offered. She smiled at his sweet face and nodded her assent. She, Tommen and Jaime followed Tyrion and the children through the Red Keep, winding their way to the throne room. Even Tommen remarked to her that it was all just the same. Sansa stood back with Jaime as Tyrion showed the children the iron throne and the dragon skulls that decorated the throne room once again. Tommen joined them and told them all he knew about the throne room and the skulls, without mentioning that he used to sit on that throne himself.
She felt Jaime press a kiss to her temple and wrap his arm around her waist. "It is surreal to see our little ones running around here isn't it?" he whispered.
She nodded quickly. "It's all the same but…different at the same time. It doesn't feel as dangerous as it did before."
Jaime chuckled. "For all her faults, my understanding is that the new queen does not share Joffrey or her father's fondness for burning men alive and ripping out tongues."
"And we'll be at the Rock soon?"
"You sound like Gerion. Yes. We'll return to the Rock as soon as the tournament and feasts are over. You'll have some time with your brother and sister," he added, hoping that was some enticement to enjoy her time in King's Landing.
Sansa nodded and turned her head at the sound of armor. Ser Addam and the Hound stood guard at the entrance to the throne room – one following Jaime and the other following Tyrion. She felt safer with them there, knowing that they would defend them, should anything happen.
"They're quite taken with Tyrion already," Sansa said to Jaime, nodding at the children.
"He was always rather good with children, despite not having had any. Though, I suppose he has one now."
Sansa felt her heart begin to race when she saw the Queen, followed by two members of her Queensguard, enter the throne room from the opposite side of the gallery. She stopped at the sight of Tyrion and the children. Sansa was about to go to her children but Jaime gripped her arm, holding her back.
"It's all right," he whispered, and Sansa saw that the Queen was not angry. She was simply watching the children explore the throne room. Julianna noticed her first. Sansa couldn't help smiling as Julianna fell into a deep courtesy and bowed her head. The Queen motioned for her guards to remain where they were as she approached Julianna and told her to rise.
"There's no need for that," she said softly. "You must be Lady Julianna. You look very much like your lady mother."
Julianna's eyes widened in delight. "You know my name?"
"I've told her about all of you," Tyrion said, moving to stand behind her, while the Queen's eyes drifted over to Tommen and Sansa wondered what she thought of the former child king. "Your grace, my nephew, Tommen of House Baratheon." Tommen bowed, though he seemed unsure of what to say to the Queen and uncomfortable being introduced as a Baratheon. Sansa couldn't stay away from her children any longer and walked across the gallery to take Julianna by the hand.
"Your grace," Sansa said with a nod. She heard Jaime's footsteps behind her and took comfort in that.
"Lady Sansa. I am glad we can meet again under more pleasant circumstances." Over the years, as she thought back to the brief time she had spent in the Queen's presence, Sansa had forgotten how young she was. She and Sansa were nearly the same age. Though she was a queen and they were in her castle, the Dragon Queen seemed uncertain of how to proceed.
"Yes. I…I am as well, your Grace." Sansa became uncomfortable under the Queen's scrutiny. "Tyrion, could I trouble you to escort us to our chambers? It's been a long journey here, and I know the children are tired."
"We not tired, Mama," Gerion insisted, looking curiously at the Queen. She seemed to understand Sansa's discomfort and smiled at the twins. "It will be a busy day tomorrow, with the tournament and the feast. You don't want to miss any of it." Jaime picked up Rickard who was pulling at his sleeve and the Queen looked at him then. She could see that the Queen disliked his presence. She still thinks he did the wrong thing when he slew the Mad King. Even if he did save all of King's Landing. She only sees the Kingslayer. Unconsciously, Sansa took Gerion's hand and moved closer to Jaime, bringing the children with her.
Jaime met the queen's eyes and didn't flinch. Of course not. After everything, Jaime still fears nothing. There was a long silence as the Queen considered how to address Jaime.
"Ser Jaime, while your family is getting settled for your visit, might I speak with you?"
Sansa moved even closer to Jaime, shaking her head. No. I won't allow her to separate us so she can hurt him. Jaime looked down at Sansa who was begging him with her eyes not to leave her side and then back at the Queen. Her heart sank when he handed her Rickard. "Go with your mother, son," he said quietly. "I'll join you soon. I will, Sansa."
She nodded. "Tyrion will stay and bring you to us," she asked hopefully, not wishing to leave Jaime alone with the Queen.
Tyrion seemed to understand her fear and nodded, waiving the Hound over. "Escort Lady Sansa and the children to the Tower of the Hand. My lady wife is expecting her."
"I suppose I deserve that," Jaime murmured dryly at the mention of Sandor Clegane escorting his family through the Red Keep.
Sansa smiled faintly and nodded to the Queen while Julianna dipped into yet another perfect curtsey before taking Tommen's hand and following the Hound from the throne room. Sansa glanced back at Jaime one last time before leaving as well. Ser Addam nodded at her reassuringly and remained where he was – to protect Jaime if need be.
Please don't say anything foolish, Jaime, she thought as her boys pulled her along, and peppered her with questions about everything they passed.
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Next Chapter: Jaime and Daenerys speak about the past and the future; Sansa (and Tommen) meet up with Margaery after so many years apart