If there was one thing that no one could deny, then it was that Highgarden is one of the most beautiful castles in all of the Seven Kingdoms. Countless gardens, filled with roses, shady courtyards and musicians everywhere. To Allyria Lannister it was one of her favorite places to visit, only surpassed by her birth family's ancestral home, Starfall, and the Water Gardens near Sunspear, where she lived with her husband and children.
This was already her third visit to Highgarden in her life and she still enjoyed this castle very much. The Tyrells had always been very welcoming to her family, back when she was still Allyria Dayne and now even more, after she had become Allyria Lannister, wife to Jaime Lannister and one of the guardians of the last dragon princess in Westeros.
She had just left the Sept of the castle, a magnificent building with artful decorations that rivaled the splendor of the Great Septs in King's Landing and Oldtown. Though it was much smaller than those Septs, the Tyrells had spared neither costs nor efforts to build a place of worship that would do Highgarden justice. And now it looked even more beautiful, with all the preparations for Margaery Tyrell's impending wedding.
It would be a grand celebration, that much was sure. But for the moment Allyria was just happy to follow the paths through the castle's gardens, accompanied only by Tyene Sand, one of Prince Oberyn Martell's bastard daughters, and two guards of House Dayne, who were part of the guard that her lord brother had insisted on sending along with his sister and son. 'Too many Dayne's had already died because they got too close to those rebels', he had said. Allyria couldn't fault him for that.
Tyene, who had come along as further protection on Rhaenys behest, was currently dressed in the robes of a Septa, a role that she liked to assume in order to remain undetected. And only few people would suspect a Septa of any ill intentions, so Tyene would be free of any suspicions. Not to mention that her own mother had been a Septa, though she had not seen the woman in her life before. To underestimate Tyene would a mistake. A grave mistake for anyone she considered to be an enemy.
"This wedding will be a grand affair, one that will be remembered for a long time," Allyria said, before she let out a wistful sigh. "Sometimes I wish that Jaime and I had been given the chance for a bigger celebration. Our wedding had been so simple in comparison."
Tyene tried to remember that time, when Jaime Lannister had brought the dragon princess to Dorne. Tyene had been a small child of seven. Her father had brought her to the Water Gardens to be fostered a few years before that, but in all the years she had grown up there, nothing noteworthy had happened... until Ser Jaime Lannister had brought Rhaenys Targaryen there. And with those two newcomers, life had become much more interesting, for all people.
Allyria herself saw Tyene for the first time when she was brought to the Water Gardens for her wedding. She had taken to the girl almost immediately, mostly because she and Tyene had one thing in common. Two girls with fair hair, looking oddly out of place in a land where most people had dark hair and tan skin. Ever since that day the young girl had followed Allyria almost everywhere. At least whenever she could escape from her lessons.
"I don't think that such a wedding would have been good at that time. A war had just ended and many good people had died, while most butchers survived." Tyene said. "And you do have a happy marriage, even without all this splendor and wastefulness at your wedding."
"Maybe... but it was all so forced and..."
"Ashara?" Someone exclaimed nearby, a man, judging by the deep voice. Allyria looked around until her eyes found the man who had interrupted her. Near her and Tyene, in the shadow of some marble colonnades, stood Eddard Stark, together with a man in the armor of the Kingsguard. She had to guess, but she was sure the man had to be Ser Barristan Selmy, one of the members of the Kingsguard who had served with her brother, Ser Arthur Dayne. At least it was the only other Kingsguard, except Jaime, her brother had talked about and he did seem to fit the description, if only slightly due to his age now.
And Eddard Stark... he had grown old since the last time she had seen him. The day when he had brought her brother's remains and the greatsword Dawn. The day her sister had killed herself by jumping of the highest tower of their castle. She had only watched him from the window of her room, refusing to meet him in person. Her older brother had fulfilled that duty on that day, greeting him, Helping him find a wet nurse for the babe he had with him... back then she had blamed Eddard Stark for all of it. For the deaths of her siblings, for the sadness and misery that had befallen House Dayne. She had been a girl of sixteen, but she felt like her world had ended because of this man. Had it not been for her marriage to Jaime, she would have likely followed her sister...
"You are mistaken, Lord Stark," Allyria said curtly.
"Yes... forgive me. You look so much like a woman I've once known..." Eddard said, still studying her face. Allyria knew that she and her sister shared their looks, except for the color of their hair. She had taken after their father, Ashara had the hair color of their mother.
"One would think that a lord knows the fact, that staring at a lady like this is considered inappropriate and rude," Tyene said in a chiding manner, that she had learned from the Septa that had helped raise the children at home. And Eddard Stark actually looked away when he heard the words the fake Septa had said to him.
"I must beg your pardon again, I've not meant to offend you, lady.."
"Lady Allyria Lannister," Allyria introduced herself with a cold look. The looks on both men's faces were priceless and she saw that Tyene had a hard time not to laugh at them. Both Eddard and Barristan, famous and feared men in their own right, looked like they had just seen a dragon fly by.
"You do resemble your sister very much, milady," Ser Barristan finally said. Allyria wasn't sure what to think of his statement. Her sister had never said anything about this man, so she did not even know if he was merely as passing acquaintance or maybe even a friend of Ashara. But her sister would have surely told her if she had befriended any members of the Kingsguard, if not, Arthur would have mentioned something about this.
She knew that Ashara had met both Eddard and Brandon Stark at the Tourney at Harrenhal. And though her sister had not told her who had done it, it was a widely accepted rumor that it was one of them who had gotten Ashara with child. But which one? Brandon Stark, who had not lived for long after the Tourney or the man who now stood in front of her? It doesn't matter, the child never had the chance to live, but the question was still bothering her to this day.
"And you are?"
"Ser Barristan Selmy of the Kingsguard. I've been a comrade of your brother. I have not met a more honorable man than him in all my life."
"He was a true knight. He lived and died for his ideals." At the last part she narrowed her eyes as she looked at Eddard, showing openly how she felt about his part in Arthur's death. At least he had the decency to look guilty, she thought darkly.
"Allyria!" She suddenly heard Jaime calling for her. Moments later he joined the small group. Jaime looked at the two men, who had accosted his wife, with great distrust. He knew that both men were too honorable to do anything to a woman, but that did not mean that he would entrust his wife's safety to either of them any time soon.
"Jaime, what are you doing here? I thought you would wait at the camp." She tried to hide it from Eddard and Barristan, but she was relieved that her husband had come. She had no idea what these men could possibly want from her and she had no inclination to find out by herself. But with Jaime here, they would surely be discourage and leave her be. Especially now, after Jaime had positioned himself protectively between her and the other men.
"You have been late and I was worried with all those Baratheon servants running around." Jaime said, as he moved closer to her. "And you, Lord Stark, Ser Barristan? What business do you have to bother my lady wife?" Everyone could hear both the protectiveness and possessiveness in Jaime's statement, something that caused Ser Barristan to scowl deeply.
"It was a misunderstanding, Jaime. They mistook me for my sister and were confused. I am sure that both of them were about to leave... right now!" She spoke with insistence, making it clear that she expected the two unwanted men to leave.
"Of course. As I said, we did not mean to offend you, Lady Lannister," Eddard said, before he turned on the spot and walked away, accompanied by Barristan, who muttered much louder than he might have intended. It was obvious that the lord of the north had no intention to start an argument here, not this early during the Tournament. But his scowl when he saw Jaime was enough proof that he had not much positive to say to or about Jaime Lannister.
"What a great shame. By the gods. A girl of such a noble family wasted on the likes of him. That oath breaker should have been sent to the Wall years ago..." They could hear him mutter, before his voice faded away. And just with this one statement, Ser Barristan Selmy had lost any chance for a cordial relationship with the daughter of House Dayne.
"I'll remember that man, he won't like the smack of his next wine," Tyene said icily.
"No, Tyene. No murders, not here, not him. He actually is one of the few good knights that are left in the Seven Kingdoms," Jaime ordered the girl sternly.
"But he must be punished for such a slight. He can't just go around and insult..."
"I said no." And with these words the argument was over. Jaime and Allyria knew that Tyene would not take a slight to those close to her lightly. Though her family and those she liked had nothing to fear from her, her enemies and all those who distrusted her, feared her treachery. That and her extensive knowledge of poisons.
"I will keep an eye on him, regardless..." Tyene said, before she looked away, obviously sulky.
Allyria did not pay her any more attention after that. She knew this girl for years and was aware of her moods and mannerisms. And what worried her more at the moment was the grave look on her husband's face.
"Jaime, what is wrong? Has something happened? Are the children..."
"They are alright, my love. But today is not a good day for meeting new people as it seems. The king is here... and so is my father."
"You've already met Lord Tywin?"
"Yes. And he is not happy. He will join us for dinner this evening." Jaime said, as he watched Allyria carefully.
They had talked about this inevitable meeting. They had both dreaded it. But they knew that there was no way around it. Jaime was still a Lannister, despite all that had happened and Tywin was both his father and his lord. And they just couldn't deny the man to meet his son's family at least once.
"I guess I have to prepare for meeting him then. Will the children eat with us as well?" Allyria asked.
"Yes. All of them." Was Jaime's sole reply, before he turned around and escorted his wife back to their encampment. Allyria knew that it would be a long day. Every day would be long and hard until they would return to Dorne. Even here in Highgarden danger lurked around every corner.
It was already dark outside, when Jaime and his family waited for the arrival of Tywin and whoever would accompany him. They had wondered about the number of guests. Would Tywin come alone or with other family members? Would the queen be with him? Jaime said that he doubted that his sister would come, but Allyria wasn't so sure.
All four Lannisters waited outside, to meet Tywin, after they had been informed of his imminent arrival. Allyria could no longer deny it, the nervousness she felt was getting to her. It got worse when she finally saw him, the grim look on his face, as if he was not even able to look any different. But she tried to look calm on the outside. Jaime next to her saw her trouble and gave her hand a slight squeeze.
"Don't allow him to intimidate you. You are a Lannister by marriage, he will not tolerate fear. And there is nothing you would have to fear from him in the first place. He wouldn't harm his immediate family without due cause." Jaime whispered, before he took a step forward to greet his father. He didn't look very enthusiastic either.
"Father, I am glad that you have found the time to come..." Jaime said cordially. All Allyria thought about his words was 'liar' and his actions actually made her smile slightly. Anyone who knew Jaime could see that his words and his feelings couldn't be any more more different at the moment. "Uncle Kevan, it has been so long." Jaime said to the other man who accompanied Tywin. But no other Lannisters were with them, only four guardsmen, who looked around warily. Had they any idea how many eyes were following them at the moment, they wouldn't be wary, they would be making a hasty retreat.
Allyria had recognized Tywin immediately. An easy task since there is no second man quite like him in the Seven Kingdoms and Jaime had described him well. But she had no idea who the other man was, until Jaime addressed him. Kevan Lannister was a name she knew, but not one that Jaime spoke very often. Not that he did not like the man, quite the opposite, Jaime considered Kevan to be one of his favorite uncles, but there wasn't much to tell about the man in Tywin's shadow.
"Father, uncle, may I introduce my wife, Allyria of House Dayne." Jaime finally lead his father towards her, an encouraging smile on his face. Just as he had said, allowing herself to feel intimidated by Tywin was not an option for her.
So she curtsied gracefully, before she looked him directly in the eyes. "My lord, it is an honor to finally meet you." She tried to sound as friendly and welcoming as possible, but no one could guess what Tywin was thinking about at the moment. He simply studied her silently for some time.
"The honor of House Dayne is revered to this very day. And a pretty girl as well. A befitting wife for a Lannister, Jamie. I approve of her." Tywin finally said. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off Allyria's shoulders. Though she wasn't even sure whether this man could do them any harm as long as they stayed in Dorne, she still wanted his approval. Odd as it sounds, now that she had it she felt that her marriage was complete.
"And these are my oldest son, Arthur, and my oldest daughter, Joanna." Then something happened to seemed to surprise both Jaime and Kevan greatly. Tywin smiled. He smiled as he looked at his grandchildren, both of them.
"How old are you, Arthur?" Tywin asked the boy as he stood in front of him.
"Fourteen, grandfather." Arthur replied proudly. The boy did not fear his grandfather. The boy rarely feared anything after traveling with Oberyn for so long. But Allyria feared that this lack of fear and caution would one day be his undoing.
Tywin looked at him for a long moment, his hand on the boy's shoulder, as he obviously evaluated him for some reason. "You do look like your father at this age, strong and proud. Let us hope that you will bring your family more honor than he did." Tywin said, as he gave Jaime a sharp look. Maybe he had expected his son to flinch, but Jaime's face only showed indifference.
"Arthur is a good boy and will be a true knight once he is old enough." Jaime said. His father looked at Jaime, then back at Arthur, before he nodded and moved on to his granddaughter.
"And you, my girl? How old are you?" Tywin moved on to Joanna, his expression turned even softer now.
"I will celebrate my thirteenth name-day next month." Joanna said carefully.
Allyria watched her daughter closely, an admonishing look on her face whenever Tywin wouldn't see it. Joanna had a sharp tongue that would sometimes rival Tyrion's, but Allyria had drilled it into her head to not talk back to Tywin Lannister. And as it seems, the girl followed her mother's order.
"You look a lot like your grandmother, Joanna. A true Lannister... except for your eyes." Tywin studied her even longer than Allyria, obvious fondness on his face. Jaime himself had once commented that Joanna had inherited the distinct Lannister looks he had received from his own mother. The only thing that gave away that she wasn't a full Lannister were her deep violet eyes. A haunting color that sometimes made people believe that Joanna could stare deep into their souls. And she loved to unnerve people with her eyes.
Her brother, though, had not just inherited the Dayne eyes, but also their pale blond hair. He looked like a combination of both his father and the uncle whose name he shares. But with the combination of eyes and hair color the young Lannister could have easily been mistaken for a Targaryen. He resembled that family more than Rhaenys, something that amused the princess greatly.
"And your other children?" Tywin asked, without looking away from Joanna.
"The twins are still in Dorne. They are too young for such a journey... and the danger of such events." Jaime said. "Damon and Myra are only four, far too young. You may see them when they are older."
"You should have brought them. Leaving your children alone in that desert..." Tywin said disdainfully.
"My lord, shall we move on to dinner now? It is about time..." Allyria finally said, to stop Tywin and Jaime from arguing about the twins any longer, they wouldn't have stopped, she could see it in Jaime's eyes. The Lannister lord merely nodded, before he followed his daughter in law.
Luckily the introductions outside had given the servants enough time to prepare the table for the number of guests, everything would be as impeccable as possible, Allyria would not give him even one more reason to judge her family badly. Not if she could prevent it.
Once inside the large tent Tywin immediately moved to head of the table and sat down, as if he belonged there. Allyria remained silent, but Joanna nearly complained that that was her father's place. But Allyria caught her daughter's arm and pulled her back, giving her another admonishing look, before she sent her daughter to her place.
Jaime now sat to his father's right, his uncle Kevan to Tywin's left. When Allyria saw this she couldn't help herself but wonder why this looked so right... as if it has always been meant to be like this. She saw that there was a side that her husband tried to hide... to forget maybe. The life as a Lannister of Casterly Rock. Next to his father he easily fell back into the mannerisms he had learned as a young boy. He looked... different.
When all family members were seated, one place remained vacant. Tywin looked displeased, as it was the place directly across from him. "Where is your brother?" He said tensely, as he looked at Jaime. "Can't he be on time at least once in his life?"
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Tyrion will not join us tonight. He is busy elsewhere." Jaime said apologetically.
"Where is he?"
"Traveling, learning. Doing all those things he likes to do." Jaime replied. Allyria was sure that Jaime somehow enjoyed giving his father only vague answers. She saw his smirk, though it was small and he tried to hide it.
"Then who will join us for dinner..." Tywin said, as the tent-flap opened once more and the one person Tywin expected the least entered the tent.
"Forgive my lateness, I had some business to attend and there have been unforeseen complications." Rhaenys said, as she approached the table and sat down across from the man who once commanded her death, so many years ago. But now, with Arthur and Joanna to her right and left, and Jaime and Allyria on the other side of the table, she knew she had nothing to fear from him. Not that he would have been a threat to her, regardless of the number of people in the tent.
"What is this girl doing here?" Tywin demanded to know. He clearly looked offended by her presence. "She has no place here, this is a family dinner..."
"You presume much, Lord Tywin. You are merely the guest here," Rhaenys said, as she smiled condescendingly at him. To her he was not frightening. One day she would have justice for her mother's death, but until then Tywin was merely a very dangerous enemy. One that she would not underestimate.
"Father, Rhaenys has been and always will be a member of my family. She may not be a Lannister by blood, but she is an older sister to my children and a most valued and trusted confidant and friend to me and Allyria. You wanted a dinner with my family, that includes her as well." Jaime said calmly, as he watched his father's reaction. It was easy to see that Tywin loathed the idea of accepting this girl into his family like this. She was a threat to all his carefully laid plans.
Allyria had talked to Jaime about having Rhaenys join them tonight. It was a dangerous gamble. The Targaryen princess was the greatest known threat to Tywin's daughter, the current Queen. How would Tywin react to being in her presence? Even now it was not clear what he would do. Would he leave and give up on his son and his grandchildren with him? Or would he stay and play his game of treachery and deceit?
"There had been whispers of this girls involvement with you and your family, Jaime. I ignored them all. I ignored it when they claimed that she has become your paramour, I have ignored it when they said that you have become a slave as punishment for killing the mad king. I dismissed all the rumors. I punished those who have spread them severely. But allowing this girl into the midst of your family... This is either the worst... or the best decision a Lannister has ever made." Tywin said, as he stared at Rhaenys. No one seemed to understand what he meant with this statement, but Rhaenys obviously smirked because she had realized some hidden meaning.
"I have no regrets. At least none ever since I have fled the capital with Princess Rhaenys."
"No regrets? Foolish boy. The day you joined the Kingsguard you threw your lordship away. For what? To serve a madman as a glorified guard? And then, in the moment of our greatest triumph you ran away with that child. You have forever doomed yourself to a life in the shadows. You will never be able to inherit Casterly Rock and my titles, not as long as the Baratheon's hold the Iron Throne." Tywin said in his cold fury. But Allyria was sure that there was another message, hidden in between the angry rants. Maybe she was imagining things, but she was sure that he implied that Jaime would be Lord of Casterly Rock and the West, if the Targaryen's somehow manage to reclaim their birthright. But she may just as well be imagining things.
"I made my decisions and you made yours."
"And now our family is in a precarious situation. The sons of the main line of the House cannot inherit, a situation we have not seen before. You endanger the strength and reputation of our family. You should have been my heir, you should have taken over my legacy and increase our House's fame and fortune. All for naught." Tywin said, a displeased frown on his face. "But you have done one thing right. You married a woman befitting of your station," at this he looked approvingly at Allyria, before his expression became stony once more as he looked at Jaime again, "and you have given me a legitimate grandson and heir." Now he looked at Arthur, who did not seem pleased with this kind of attention.
"So my son stands to inherit Casterly Rock from you?" Jaime asked with great distrust. He had not expected this. He had expected for his family to be treated like outcasts by all kingdoms except Dorne and the Reach. But to hear that his son was considered as the heir to the Lannister name... that was both unexpected and worrying. Allyria knew as well as her husband that Tywin would demand something soon. Something that they would not like.
"Yes. And for that reason your son has to accompany me to Casterly Rock once this Tourney is over, so he can learn what he needs to know as a lord. In fact I wish for all your children to come with me to our family's home. Your youngest may follow once they are old enough to for such a long and arduous journey. Dorne is no place for a Lannister to grow up. Their morals are different," just by the way he said the word 'different', Allyria could easily recognize that he meant inferior. She didn't like that in the slightest... and by the looks, neither did her family. "And the Dornishmen are a bad influence."
"A bad influence? Where I come from it is considered rude to insult other people's home based on rumors and conjecture!" Joanna exclaimed, as she glared defiantly at her grandfather. Allyria had known that her daughter wouldn't remain silent for long. But now she was not even inclined to chastise her. Joanna had all right to feel offended.
"And where I come from, young lady, children show their elders proper respect. But we will rectify that once you are home." Tywin said surprisingly calm to the girl.
"A place where children are forbidden from speaking their minds, how lovely. If you want someone to dress up and just look pretty, then go and get yourself a doll. I will not follow you to your oh so great castle, Lord Tywin." Joanna sneered, before she stood up and quickly left the tent to vent her anger. Allyria knew that her daughter actually liked dressing and all that, she did it all the time with her friend, Arianne Martell, but her daughter would never allow anyone to lord over her who had not gained the right to do so. Obviously she did not consider her grandfather as worthy enough for that.
"My sister is right, Lord Tywin. We are Lannisters of Dorne. Desert Lions. And we do not submit to those who threaten or insult our home." Arthur said, as he stood up. "Father, mother, I shall take my leave and watch over Joanna if you permit."
"Go, son, take care of your sister. We will speak later." Allyria said, before her son left quickly.
Tywin looked extremely angry by now, but he was good as restraining his feelings as it seemed or else he would have shown a stronger reaction than the anger in his eyes. "Have you not taught any manners to your children? They act like those dornish savages."
"My children are dornish. All four of them. You may yell at them, curse them, beat them, but you will never be able to take that away from them." Jaime said coldly.
"They are Lannisters!"
"They are. But they are not your Lannisters. They won't grovel in front of you like the rest of the family. They won't obey you blindly. Arthur is on the best way to follow his uncle's path and become a true knight. And Joanna isn't a dainty, petty girl like her cousin." Jaime looked defiantly at his father. And he looked proud. Proud of his children and the way they would not allow anyone to dominate them, not even the mighty Tywin Lannister. Allyria felt just as proud, but also worried about what this man might do now. Many people considered him to be even more powerful than the king himself. Rumors said that the realm was nigh on bankrupt and that most of its money these days came directly out of Lannister gold mines.
"They just have to be educated at Casterly Rock. They are still young and their faults can be corrected." Tywin insisted, "They will both come with me as soon as this madness here is over. I will not allow the next generation of Lannisters to bring shame on our family."
"My children will not go to Casterly Rock. That is my final decision." Jaime declared loudly. "You are a servant of our enemies and I will not allow for my children to become hostages in case of a war."
"You are making a mistake here, Jaime. Another mistake... your last mistake!"
"Are you threatening me, father?" Jaime looked furiously at Tywin and Allyria already feared that they might draw swords.
"I really hope that this girl is worth it, Jaime." He pointed threateningly at Rhaenys, who simply sat their and smirked as she watched the show. "You are on your way to destroy everything I have ever built for our family. For once in your life forget your selfish notions and do what is good for the family!"
"My decision stands. My children won't go with you. They stay where they are, with their true family." Jaime repeated once more.
"This is a mistake! I won't forget this." Tywin said, before he stalked away in anger. Allyria wasn't sure whether this was good or bad, but she was glad that Jaime would not allow for their children to be taken away from her forever.
"Well, this certainly was the shortest dinner we've ever had,"Rhaenys drawled in a bored manner.
"I believe I must apologize to you, Jaime. My brother is just not used to being denied. And he does care a great deal about you and your children." Kevan said, after he had been silent the entire time.
"He has a strange way to show that he cares," Rhaenys retorted. Allyria could see that the young Targaryen felt just as offended by Tywin's words as the young Lannister children did.
"Father has always been rather secretive about his feelings... well except for his contempt whenever Tyrion was involved."
"You don't understand, Jaime. The day you ran away from the capital, a part of his world has collapsed. You were his son, his heir, the future of our family. He had hoped that with your sister as queen there would be a way to release you from your Kingsguard oaths. But you threw it all away in his opinion. For a long time after that he had been even more closed up than he was after your mother's death. But..."
"But?" Jaime asked, suspicious of what his uncle would say next.
"Your father had not smiled a single time after your mother's death. Her passing had hit him very hard. To loose his son as well, not to death but to the enemy, has also destroyed all his hopes for the future of our family. But I saw him smile once. I was there the day he read your letter. The first letter you had sent after your escape to Dorne. The message you sent about the birth of your son. He smiled that day. A true smile. He smiled every time you announced the birth of your children. And today you saw it, as he met your lovely wife and children. A genuine smile."
Allyria watched her husband, gauging his reaction to his uncle's words. She only knew about Tywin what Jaime had told her. This was the first time she had heard about his rare smiles. She knew that Jaime had sent Tywin letters when their children had been born. It was a sign of respect to tell Lord Tywin about his grandchildren. But judging by Jaime's expression, Kevan had told the truth.
"And today he finally met your family. He wouldn't have bothered coming here, had you not come with your wife and children. Your son is the future Lord of Casterly Rock and your daughter... had it not been for her eyes, I would have believed it was your mother standing there. But again your father had to face rejection. Thrice today. First from you, then from your daughter and finally from your son. He might loose everything again."
"By disrespecting our home and ordering my children around he is bound to loose everything." Allyria said somberly. She wasn't sure whether she should pity him or hate him for his words.
"He did not mean to offend you, my dear. He holds you in high regard, believe me. And though he forgot about it," Kevan said, before he stood up, "on behalf of my brother, welcome to the family. You have already done all of us a great service, both by giving Jaime children as well as by making sure that my dear nephew fights for a cause he believes in."
"Jaime chose his cause himself." Allyria replied.
Kevan smiled slightly, before he replied, "The only thing that is truly worth fighting for is family. No matter if it is the family we are born into or the family we choose for ourselves." At the end he looked at Rhaenys, not in the condescension or anger that Tywin had shown, but with the same smile he had before. "But I believe that it is my time to leave. Thank you for your hospitality." He inclined his head in respect towards Jaime, before he finally left the tent to return to his brother.
"Your uncle is a strange man, Jaime." Rhaenys mused loudly.
"That he is. Well at least this dinner is over, without bloodshed." Allyria said.
Jaime chuckled lightly, though it lacked any true amusement. Kevan's words did nothing to dismiss his worries about his father's intentions. He would have to watch over his children much more carefully now.