A/N: Wow, wow, one thousand times wow! Such an amazing response to the first chapter - thank you everyone so much, I thought this would just be a little side project that a couple of people enjoyed reading, I did not expect so many reviews/follows/favourites. It's crazy, but I am so grateful!

KD: Thank you, I hope the second chapter lives up to the first. Jaime and his bride meet in this chapter, I hope you enjoy it!

Guest: Thank you very much - here's the new update!

ILoveStallison: Here's the update you wanted - hope you enjoy!

Guest: I very much intend to continue and I'm so pleased you're enjoying it so far. As for Lanette, I am basing her looks on Annabelle Wallis who has been in The Tudors and Peaky Blinders (and no doubt many other things but that's where I know her from!)

Right-ho you amazing people, here is chapter two, I very much hope you enjoy it and would appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks again everyone!

:)

Games

Cersei watched, stony faced, as the party clattered into the inner courtyard. She could see her father there, heading down the steps of the keep to greet the new arrivals. A woman shifted down her hood then and she could see the long, golden hair, perhaps a few shades paler than her own. It hung down her back in curls and when she lifted her head to meet Tywin's eyes Cersei could grudgingly admit that she was indeed very beautiful. The girl was smiling now but Cersei kept her own face impassive as she gazed out at her, the woman who would soon be stealing Jaime away from her. She only turned from the window when she heard Steffon's insistent cries coming from down the hallway. Her attention was fixed on him then as she strode back down towards her own chambers, surprised to see that Robert was already in there, bending over the cradle and shifting their son carefully into his arms. Steffon calmed a little but cries were still leaving his mouth so she made her way further inside and Robert moved his eyes to her, sensing her presence.

"He wants something I can't give him," he chuckled.

"No doubt, he's a greedy little thing," she smiled, coming to him and allowing him to ease the baby into her arms.

"Did you get a good look at her?" Robert asked her then as she settled into a chair to feed her son.

"Who?" she returned.

"The Crakehall girl," he raised his eyebrows expectantly.

"Not really," she said, keeping her eyes fixed on Steffon as he nursed.

"We're dining with them tonight," he said then.

"Are we now?" she looked up at him, arching one of her brows and he smirked slightly.

"Your father's orders. How I wound up taking orders from him I don't know," he said heavily.

"He'll be gone back to the Rock soon," she said soothingly.

"Aye … right enough, still … tonight will have to be endured," he said.

"Perhaps we could break out the good wine?" she suggested with a small smile.

"I knew there was a reason I married you," he chuckled.

"Only one?" she asked him in amusement.

"I have something for you," he said then, beckoning one of her maids forward.

"And what is that?" she asked.

"I thought you could wear it tonight," he said as the maid pulled out a dress from the box on the bed she hadn't noticed when she'd come in.

"Is that Myrish lace?" she asked, her eyes wide as she took in the cream silks trimmed with the fine golden lace.

"Yes," he confirmed, "you deserved something fine, after the gift you have given me"

"Thank you my love," she whispered then, fighting to keep her emotions under control.

"I look forward to seeing you in it," he said then and she smiled for him.

He returned her gesture before coming forward and placing a kiss to the top of her golden hair before running his hand tenderly across Steffon's head. She watched him leave then with a small smile playing about her lips. Perhaps Jaime was right. Perhaps the best thing for both of them would be to both move along with their lives without one another. She swallowed hard then. Being without Jaime didn't seem right somehow. Just thinking about him not being with her always made her feel empty inside, like part of her was missing. She loved Jaime. He was part of her. Letting him go was not something that she had ever thought she would have to consider, let alone contend with. She made her mind up then, calling for one of her maids to come in to her. One came after a moment and dropped into a low curtsey before her.

"My brother's intended has arrived," she began, "I'd like you to go to her and invite her to share some tea with me so we can get to know one another before the dinner tonight"

"Yes your Grace," her maid curtseyed again.

"And have someone bring us some tea and some lemon cakes," she added.

"Yes your Grace," the girl repeated before backing from the room.

Lanette hadn't been sure what to think when one of the Queen's handmaiden's had come to her and informed her that her Grace wanted to have tea with her before the evening dinner. Thankfully her mother had flown into action at once, pulling out one of her best gowns and forcing her in front of the vanity so she could make sure that not a single hair was out of place. She tried to calm her beating heart as her mother brushed her curls through until they shone, braiding a plait on either side of her head before pinning it securely at the back, the rest she left hanging loose. Before Lanette even had a chance to appraise her mother's handiwork she was being pulled up to her feet again and practically dragged out of the dress she had arrived in. Her mother laced her tightly into the new one and Lanette knew better than to complain that she could barely breathe in the red crushed silk. A thin golden chain was placed around her neck then with a ruby glinting off the end of it. If this attire did not appease the Lannister's then Lanette wasn't sure what would.

"What do you think?" she asked her mother nervously then.

"You look perfect, a proper Lannister lady," her mother beamed in response.

"Not quite yet mother," Lanette smiled faintly.

"Soon my dear," her mother said, grasping the tops of her arms and placing a kiss on either of her cheeks before releasing her.

"Wish me luck mother," she said, taking a deep breath and smoothing her hands down her skirts.

"Good luck," he mother smiled and she managed to return it before making her way to the door.

Once in the hallway she asked one of the guards outside to kindly point out the way to the Queen's chambers. He offered to escort her there and she agreed gladly, it would do no good to get lost and be late for tea; that would not be the best first impression to make. Her stomach fluttered nervously at the thought of coming face to face with the woman who would soon be her good-sister, her betrothed's twin. She had not yet met Ser Jaime himself, his father had assured them all that he would be present for the dinner. She had wanted to ask where he was but she had held her tongue and nodded and smiled as was expected of her. Lord Lannister had bestowed a smile on her but he seemed a rather cold sort of man and her father had already warned her that he was not a man to cross. She wondered if the Queen would be warmer as the guard in front of her came to a halt, gesturing to the door to the right and bowing lowly to her. She thanked him and managed a smile for him before she stepped up to the door and took a deep breath before knocking twice. The voice that told her to enter sounded kindly and she took some strength from that before doing as she was bid.

"Lady Lanette I presume," the beautiful woman smiled at her from her armchair.

"Yes your Grace," Lanette replied, dropping into a curtsey before her.

"Come, please, sit with me," Cersei gestured to the chair opposite, a smile fixed on her face.

"I must thank you for inviting me your Grace," she said then as she sat herself down.

"It is the least I can do given Jaime's inattentiveness," Cersei said, leaning forward to pour the tea.

"Your Lord father explained that he was otherwise engaged," Lanette said then.

"In the tiltyard no doubt … one would think he was already married, to his sword," she raised a brow.

"I hear there is no better swordsman in the Kingdoms," Lanette accepted her cup.

"No indeed," Cersei took a sip from her own.

"Forgive me your Grace … I have not yet congratulated you on the birth of your son," she smiled.

"Thank you," Cersei forced a smile for her, up close the woman was irritatingly beautiful.

"I hope I will be as blessed as you," Lanette commented.

"Don't we all," she said quietly, trying not to narrow her eyes as the woman sipped on her tea.

Cersei appraised her then, wondering how best to play her. Should she make her feel welcome, as though she could be a friend and a confidant or should she put her on her guard, make her feel on edge and as though she was a woman to be feared? The second option was one she thought she might enjoy but in ran the risk of pushing Jaime further away from her. If she befriended the girl perhaps she would be less eager to leave so soon for Casterly Rock. She caught her deep blue eyes then and brought another smile to her face which the girl returned almost shyly. Yes. Cersei could be the friend, the perfect good-sister. She could play that role if it meant Jaime would stay.

The door opened then and she looked towards it, expecting Robert but faltering when she saw it was in fact her brother who had stormed in. She saw the look of panic set deep in his eyes which were just like looking at her own and she fought to bring another sweet smile to her lips. He narrowed his eyes at her then for a moment before brightening his expression as his betrothed turned in her own chair to see who had entered the room.

"My Lady Lanette, you must forgive me for not greeting you," he said then and she rose to her feet.

"There is no need for forgiveness Ser, it is a pleasure to meet you," she curtseyed to him.

"The pleasure is mine I'm sure," he said and Cersei saw him appraise her closely.

"Don't worry, I kept your intended entertained," Cersei said then, her eyes cold on his.

"I'm sure you did, thank you sweet sister for being so attentive," he returned.

"It was my pleasure dear brother," she simpered.

"If I may pull her away, I had thought my Lady that I could show you around the grounds," he smiled.

"That would be most wonderful Ser," a slight blush appeared on Lanette's cheeks.

"We will trouble you no longer sister," Jaime said, holding out his arm to his intended.

"Thank you for the tea your Grace, it was most kind," Lanette smiled at her.

"It was nothing, no trouble at all for my soon to be sister," she forced a smile back.

"I'm sure we'll see you at dinner," Jaime said.

"You can count on it," Cersei said softly enough but he heard the underlying threat in her voice.

Jaime looked sideways at Lanette as the wandered out in the gardens. His mind was racing with something to say to her but nothing he thought of seemed the right thing and so he kept his mouth shut. She seemed perfectly content in the silence, her steps relaxed and her grip on his arm gentle as they ambled along.

"Have you seen my father yet?" she broke the silence.

"Yes," he smiled, turning his head to her, "when I was looking for you … it is good to see him well"

"Thanks to you," she said, meeting his eyes.

"I may have save his life but it was his own kindness letting me practice in the tiltyards all hours that gained me the skill," he told her.

"Either way, I know he is very grateful to you … as am I," she said, blushing slightly.

"It was my pleasure my Lady," he smiled and her cheeks reddened even more before she turned away from him shyly.

"It's beautiful here," she said then after a few minutes of silence, "I thought that perhaps it might have been a little worse for wear after the war"

"Certain parts were," he replied, "but the gardens remained untouched"

"There it goes to show that war cannot destroy everything," she said softly.

"It destroyed plenty," he said, slightly more harshly than intended.

"I'm sorry," she apologised at once, "my mother is always telling me to think before I speak … forgive me, I meant no offence"

"It's alright," he said more gently, "I know you didn't … it's just, some memories are still rather raw"

"Of course," she said softly, wanting to say something about the Mad King but not finding the courage to do so.

"The war is over now," he forced his voice to sound bright, "now is a time for happiness"

"I quite agree," she smiled up at him and he returned her gesture.

"If you enjoy the gardens here you will love the ones at the Rock," he told her.

"I cannot wait to see them," she said, "will we leave for there right after the wedding?"

"We will stay a while … the King has requested I help train up some new Gold Cloaks," he said irritably, certain Cersei had been whispering in Robert's ear.

"Her Grace mentioned your skill in the tiltyard," she said lightly but he was instantly on edge.

"Did she?" he forced his own voice to remain even.

"I think it's wonderful that you're passing on the knowledge," she said and he relaxed slightly.

"Thank you," he said, "but I'd best be sure not to pass on all my secrets"

"No indeed," she agreed with a smile, "best save them for your own sons"

"Yes," he smiled slightly.

"I'm sorry," she blushed, "I'm getting ahead of myself … we are not yet wed and already I have you in the tiltyard with our children …"

"Don't apologise," he soothed, "I have often thought of it myself"

It wasn't a complete lie and it seemed to satisfy her as they walked on. There was still a light blush on her cheeks that Jaime found rather endearing despite himself. If it weren't for Cersei and all his feelings being tugged in any number of different directions he imagined that he would find Lanette Crakehall rather more than satisfactory. She was beautiful, that he couldn't deny, she also seemed sweet and kind but he knew well enough that women were skilled manipulators who could put on any number of disguises. Lanette might turn out to be a monster. He had hopes that she wouldn't but one could never be too careful, being around Cersei had taught him that. Cersei. Damn it. He was beyond furious with her for coercing Lanette to her chambers. She may think that his sister was being kind and welcoming but he knew better. Cersei had invited her to rile him and appraise her, no doubt she would give him a list of reasons why Lanette was no good when she next got him alone. He determined then that he would not let her poison him against his intended, he could only hope that she wouldn't succeed in dripping enough poison in Lanette's ear to make her turn on him.

"Ought we to return to the keep?" her voice pulled him from his thoughts, "Dinner will be soon will it not?"

"Yes," he smiled, "best not keep them all waiting."

Lanette could feel her mother's tension as they walked down the hallways towards the private dining hall where they would spend the evening with the King and Queen as well as Ser Jaime and his father. She had fussed and fussed over Lanette's hair before giving up and braiding it back into the style it had been in before. If Lanette had her way she would just leave her hair loose, it was far too fussy and time consuming to stick endless pins in it and worry over which clasps and jewels would look best in it. Still, she was to be Lady of Casterly Rock and she imagined that jewels in her hair would be the least of her worries. As they approached their destination the two guards on either side of the door bowed lowly before pushing them open so they could walk right through. Lanette was suddenly nervous as she walked slightly ahead, her parents flanking her. Usually she would walk in their wake but she was the focus of all attention now and it did not make her feel comfortable. Jaime smiled at her when she walked in and she felt the tension leave her somewhat. They had not had much interaction besides their walk in the gardens but she felt comfortable in his presence even though she had a feeling that he was being rather guarded with her. She couldn't blame him much for that though, she supposed it would take them both time to get used to one another and she doubted very much that she had helped matters by bringing up the notion of children. She had wanted to take the words back as soon as she had said them but it had been too late. Jaime seemed to have taken it in good grace though and he looked happy enough to see her as he stood up to pull her chair out for her.

A quick glance showed that only he and his father were present so far and she curtseyed and gave her greetings to Tywin Lannister before she seated herself next to Jaime. Her future good-father smiled thinly at her but she didn't take it to heart, her father had told her that he was like that with everyone. Jaime poured some wine for her then and she noted the steadiness of his hand, had she been the one to pour it she imagined that her own would shake. Gods, she needed to get a grip on herself, this would not be the last time she dined with Tywin Lannister so it was best she get used to it. When the King and Queen swept in not a moment later they all stood up from their places, bowing and curtseying to the regal couple. The Queen looked stunning in a beautifully cut cream gown with golden lace trimming it. Lanette bit her lip slightly and wondered if she should comment on it. After the Queen sent her a wide smile she felt brave enough to voice her compliments.

"May I say you look wonderful my Queen, your dress is utterly beautiful," she said.

"Thank you," Cersei smiled at her, "a gift from my husband," she added, laying her hand affectionately on his arm, watching Jaime's reaction from the corner of her eye.

"That reminds me," Jaime spoke up then, "I myself have a gift for my bride"

"Oh …" Lanette blushed as Jaime stood after a curt nod from his father.

"It's for the wedding," he told her, placing a box in front of her.

She gave him her thanks then, her fingers trembling slightly as she eased the lid free, a gasp escaping her mouth when she saw what was inside. It was a golden circlet set with dazzling rubies that made the one hung around her neck seem small and dull. The stones shimmered in the candlelight as she gently stroked her finger down one of them, feeling the cold smoothness under her touch.

"It's beautiful," she finally managed.

"It was my mother's," Jaime said, ignoring the daggers being glared at him from Cersei.

"You will be Lady of the Rock soon enough, the jewels are yours by rights," it was Tywin who spoke to her surprise and she looked up to meet his gaze.

"Thank you my Lord, I will treasure them," she told him and he waved his hand dismissively although she saw a faint smile playing about his lips.

"You will have to wait for the others, but this I wanted you to have," Jaime told her then.

"Thank you," she said, turning to meet his eyes for a moment as he took his place beside her again.

"It's nothing," he smiled at her, still feeling Cersei's eyes boring into him.

"May I see?" her mother spoke up then and she passed the box to her over the table, "What a beautiful wedding gift … it will compliment your gown perfectly"

"I cannot wait to see it," Jaime said then and she felt her cheeks warm again.

"I cannot wait any longer for this meal," the King chuckled then, "come now – bring it in!"

Cersei fumed as she paced up and down in her chambers. He was keeping her waiting on purpose she knew it and it was only serving to heighten her anger. Damn him. Sitting through that dinner had been hell as she had had to smile and say sweet things when all she wanted to do was dive across the table and wrap her hands around Lanette Crakehall's dainty little neck. Damn her. Damn him. Damn them all. Jaime had goaded her the whole time, telling his intended how beautiful she looked and showering her with compliments, whispering the Gods knew what into her ear and making her blush and giggle. All the time her parents had sat there with identical smug looks of satisfaction on their faces that she wanted nothing more than to knock off. Even Cersei's own father had seemed perfectly relaxed and self-satisfied that he was finally getting Jaime back where he wanted him. Robert had helped in his own way, keeping her glass topped up and applying just the right amount of pressure to her hand when Jaime had presented Lanette with their mother's circlet. She had wanted to wear that for her own wedding but her father had refused her, now he was letting some stranger wear it and all because she had the honour of wedding Jaime. The little bitch didn't deserve it. Any of it.

"You summoned me?" Jaime drawled from the doorway then and she flew at him.

"You bastard!" she screeched, attempting to lash out as he held her back from him, "You complete and utter bastard Jaime!"

"What is wrong with you?!" he demanded.

"You know damn well what's wrong with me! Mother's jewels Jaime … of all the depths to sink to I never dreamed you'd go that far!" she accused him.

"They're Lanette's by rights," he told her calmly.

"Not yet they're not!" she spat, "You haven't married the little slut yet!"

"Don't speak about her like that," he said warningly and she shoved away from him.

"You're pathetic," she said coldly, "you are fickle and weak … Gods Jaime … I never thought you'd be a man to be led around by your cock"

"No?" he raised his brows, "Is that not what you have done to me all these years? At least Lanette will allow me to get between her thighs"

She slapped him then but he didn't regret his words. They were true and she knew it, he knew she knew it from the look on her face. Never before had he seen her look so betrayed and he felt like laughing at the look in her eyes. She had no right to feel betrayed, no reason whatsoever. It was him who should be shouting at her accusingly and reminding her of all the promises she had made to him. He should remind her that it was him who had to stand guard outside her chambers while Robert came to her and took his pleasure. He had had to endure all of that and yet she couldn't stand the thought of him being with Lanette. It was pathetic. He wasn't even sure what she was more angry about; Lanette sharing his bed or Lanette being given the jewels of Casterly Rock. She stepped closer to him then and stroked her hand down the cheek she had just slapped. He wanted to push her away but she brought her mouth to his ear and he could feel her hot breath against his skin. Damn her. What was she doing?

"Enjoy your wedding night Jaime," she whispered, pressing her body closer to his; "enjoy fucking her, being inside her, making her come … but I know when you're with her you will only be wishing that she was me …"

A/N: That's chapter two done, hope you guys enjoyed it as much as the first (or more so!) Anyway, I will have another up for you soon.

Thank you and goodbye for now!

:)