"I am a short fuse. I am a wrecking ball, crashing into your heart like I do. You're like a Sunday morning, full or grace and full of Jesus. I wish that I could be more like you."- Hard To Love, Lee Brice

VII. JAIME
Talking with Lord Eddard Stark had never been a pleasant experience for Jaime Lannister, not since Lord Stark had found him sitting on the Iron Throne. Ever since then every conversation with the Lord of Winterfell had been harsh and cold. This conversation was worse because Ser Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, was marrying his niece. There had just been an awkward pause in the conversation, one that promised to drag on and on because Tyrion dared not say something crude and offend Jaime's future father-in-law, when there came the clatter of feet.

The first figure to burst through the door was Robb Stark. He was followed by he cousins, Lucia and Jon, and the ward of Winterfell, Theon Greyjoy. "Yes?" Ned Stark asked them, sounding almost amused.

"We want permission to leave Winterfell," Robb said briskly. His expression was business like but his blue Tully eyes were dancing with humor.

"You know what your mother has said about that," Ned Stark returned and Jaime barely concealed a wince. He had not intended to bring Catelyn Stark's wrath down on the children when he had left the meal to follow them. Doubtless it had made his future bride hate him more than she had before.

"We want to go to the godswood to pray for our souls before Mother kills us all," the heir to Winterfell said, somehow managing to keep his face composed though he was unable to hide the humor in his eyes. Jaime concealed a laugh in the form of a cough at the thought of slim Catelyn killing anyone.

"Very well," Lord Stark said and Jaime was startled to see the hint of a smile curving about his mouth. It was then that he reached an epiphany of sorts. Eddard Stark loved these children, whether they were related to him by blood or not. That was why he was being especially cold to Jaime and Tyrion and even Robert Baratheon. He probably felt as if he were giving away his own child. The children in question managed to hide their grins as they scrambled out of the room, leaving the two Lannisters and Lord Eddard Stark alone once more.

The meeting with Eddard Stark went very quickly after that. Lord Stark had been explaining the ceremony that would take place the following evening but previously Jaime had been dragging his heels and refusing to learn. Now he settled into the work, hoping to have a chance to make up his slip to at least his bride to be. He didn't understand that sudden compulsion to be friendly with the girl who was quite possibly ruining his life but it was the same compulsion that led him to Cersei's side so he followed it. By the time Eddard Stark finished his lecture the three children were just returning from the godswood. Lady Catelyn was waiting for them.

The fire haired woman had just opened her mouth to begin berating the children when Jaime spoke. "Excuse me Lady Catelyn but I really must apologize to you." She blinked once, the only sign that she was confused as her mouth closed. "It really is my own fault that your children were out last night."

"How so?" Catelyn asked coolly and Jaime felt several pairs of eyes focused suspiciously on him. One set of eyes, Jaime was sure, belonged to Tyrion.

"I left Winterfell to ride last night, to give myself time to think," he informed the Lady of Winterfell. "These four saw me and came after me and it is a good thing that they did. Myself, my brother, and my guards became lost in unfamiliar territory and they guided us back."

"I see," Catelyn said in a tone that implied she suspected something was up but could prove nothing.

Jaime Lannister gave her a smile and added, "May I borrow my bride to be for an hour or so Lady Stark? I promise I shall bring her back unharmed."

"Very well," Catelyn said with a brisk nod, turning and sweeping off. Jaime offered his arm to Lucia then with the same smile he had given Catelyn. The younger woman took it, retuning his smile with a cool look. She did, at least, wait until they were out of hearing of her constant companions before she confronted him.

"So what is the game?" Her voice was cool and disinterested.

"What game?" Jaime asked innocently and she actually glared at him, though he could almost see amusement lurking in the glare. Then she rolled her eyes.

"Fine," she said shortly. "Be that way." Her arm slipped free of his and she walked ahead of him.

"Lady Lucia," Jaime called after her and she paused, turning back to him.

"Yes?" she said patiently, the shock of her eyes meeting his stunning him into silence for a moment. Most people avoided looking into his eyes, mostly because he was the Kingslayer.

"That was my apology for last night," he said and then turned away. he could feel her watching him as he walked away.