A/N: Hey guys! New chapter for you all, hope you enjoy!

unnamed visitor: Hopefully this chapter is as interesting as you anticipated! Also, some of your questions about Cersei and her family should be answered (although perhaps not all of them just yet). There is a bit more Tywin in this one, his POV chapter is the one after next so not too long to go. He certainly does know how to show a bit of tact when it comes to Amy, bless him. Thank you very much as always, here is the new chapter!

Guest: Wow, you certainly sped through the chapters, thank you so much, glad you're enjoying it so far!

Guest: Thank you. No Sansa and Tyrion I'm afraid (I really didn't see how or why it would happen in this fic.) The royals shall be making an appearance this chapter so perhaps some of your questions will be answered. As for the sex, I know it's been a little heavy in the last chapters but that's because there will be very little of it for a long while to come. It might seem like overkill but I really wanted to do the beach scene since it's something Robb had fantasized about pretty much since he first met Amy.

Boramir: Thank you! This chapter should answer some of the questions about the royals and such. Also, thank you for the suggestions about the tourney, I honestly appreciate them and they were really cool. Only trouble is I've already written it! Hopefully you'll enjoy what I've done when it comes round to it but thank you again for the suggestions, if I ever write a tourney again perhaps I can implement your ideas to some extent then.

Right-ho folks, onwards!

:)

Ghosts

"Say something," Jaime said quietly.

"What is there to say?" Lanette asked just as quietly. "They are coming and that is that. There is nothing to be done about it. Your father has spoken … and so has the King. We will endure it, what else can we do?"

"I promise, when she is here I will not go near her. I will not even speak to her if you don't want me to," he said almost desperately and she shook her head.

"Of course you will speak to her, just as I will speak to her and we will be polite and courteous as we should be to the Queen," she said with finality.

"Whatever you want," Jaime said, taking a few steps closer to her and seeing her stiffen.

This is what he'd been afraid of, her clamming up, remembering what she had seen and remembering that she could not bear his touch after what she had witnessed. When she had forgiven him she had told him she would never forget and the proof of that was right in front of him now. He could only sigh, no words coming to mind that would reassure her or have her melting back into his arms again. They had had over seventeen years of bliss but right now all he could remember were those months when she was cold and distant from him. Those months during which some days she could barely be in the same room as him. Those months spent sleeping alone without her warm body pressed up against him. He met her eyes then and he could almost see her remembering them too and it felt like his heart wanted to break.

"I'm sorry," she whispered then and his eyes widened.

"What have you to be sorry for?" he asked her quietly.

"I forgave you," she said.

"But you told me you would never forget," he reasoned.

"But I promised myself that I wouldn't let her get to me anymore," she said determinedly.

"Tell me what to do and I'll do it," he said.

"Tell me you love me," she said, her eyes shining as he looked into them, "tell me nothing will ever hurt us like that again."

"I love you," he promised, "and I swear to you that I will never let anything hurt us again. I will never hurt you again."

"I love you Jaime," she nodded furiously then before taking the few steps to close the gap between them and almost collapsing in his arms.

He held her then, murmuring his love to her over and over again as he rocked her slightly in his arms as she clung tightly to him. Never would he let her down again. Cersei was coming and she would be endured as Lanette had said. She was coming with her husband and her own children, likely he meant as little to her now as she did to him. Maybe just maybe everything would be just fine. He suppressed a snort then. He had always been good at deluding himself but even he didn't think he could push his imagination that far. Likely it would be hell, but they would both get through it so long as they had one another, he was sure of it.

"Do you not think it odd?" Amy asked Robb as she sat brushing her hair through before bed.

"Think what odd?" Robb asked her idly as he pulled another book off the shelf to examine it before replacing it and reaching for another.

"When my grandfather said the King and Queen were coming … I had thought people would be more excited," she frowned slightly, continuing to brush her hair.

"It's a lot of extra work for everybody I suppose," he mused, pulling another book down, "I doubt Royal visits come cheap."

"It's not as though we don't have the coin, or the room," Amy countered.

"But there is not much time to prepare," he said, retreating to the bed with a book that he liked the look of and settling down against the pillows.

"I suppose," she said, biting down on her bottom lip as she placed the brush back on the vanity, not entirely satisfied with Robb's explanation.

"Do you know what I find odd?" he asked after a moment, pulling her from her pondering.

"What do you find odd?" she asked in return.

"That I am lying in bed amusing myself with a book when I have a wife," he said and she couldn't help but smile widely, her nagging doubts melting away.

"That is rather odd," she agreed, rising up from the vanity and turning to see him lounging completely naked against the pillows.

"I'm glad you agree," he said, a smile playing about his own lips.

"Perhaps something ought to be done about it?" she raised her brows, loosening the tie on her robe and sliding it from her shoulders.

"I suggest you come here," he told her then as she dropped her robe to the floor, "and we can work on a solution."

Everyone was lined up the next day to greet Geanna Sarsfield, Tyrion's betrothed and Jaime couldn't help but flicker his eyes repeatedly towards his brother. Tyrion was stood as still as a statue, not so much as a flicker of emotion in his eyes. Jaime hoped he would at least thaw when his bride made her appearance, if he assumed from the outset that she would despise him then likely he would push her towards coldness all by himself. He had tried before they had filed out to speak some reassuring words to him but it had seemed to him that Tyrion did not want to hear them and so he had given up. For now at least. If Tyrion was cold towards Geanna then he would have to speak with him again, and perhaps ask Lanette to speak with her. He didn't wish to meddle in his brother's affairs but he wanted Tyrion to be happy, and right now that happiness was hanging in the balance. Both he and Lanette had agreed that they would do whatever it took to at least make them content with one another.

The horses were clattering into the courtyard then and everyone seemed to stand up a little straighter, the action making Jaime smile slightly. His father stepped forward as the riders dismounted and grasped hands with a man that Jaime assumed must be Lord Sarsfield before he turned to an older woman who was likely his wife. After he had pressed a light kiss to her hand, she turned to usher another woman forward. She was a petite, dark haired little thing and pretty enough Jaime was happy to note. Her smile was warm as his father greeted her and Jaime slid his eyes to Tyrion whose stance was still stiff. His eyes were trained on his future wife though and at this point Jaime felt that it was progress that Tyrion had even bothered to look at her. Their father was ushering the young woman forwards then and he straightened up even more and fixed a smile on his face that he hoped would put her at ease. Tyrion was last in the line, hopefully if she was happy and relaxed by the time she came before him he might soften a little bit in his stance.

"My eldest son, Ser Jaime," his father introduced then and Jaime inclined his head as Geanna dropped into an elegant curtsey before him.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Ser," she said when she straightened up.

"The pleasure is mine my Lady, I do hope you enjoy the Rock," he replied.

"I am almost certain that I will," she said and his father ushered her on down the line.

"Jaime's wife, Lanette," he introduced.

"It's wonderful to meet you," Lanette smiled widely as the two women curtseyed to one another.

"And you, my Lady," Geanna returned her smile.

"Their daughter, Amella," he gestured to Amy next and again both women were curtseying.

"You can call me Amy," Amy said lowly and he smiled as he heard his father tut slightly.

"Thank you my Lady," Geanna smiled widely.

"And her husband, Lord Robb Stark," his father again moved her on.

"My Lord," she said simply, dropping into yet another curtsey.

"My Lady," Robb returned warmly.

"And finally, this is my younger son, Tyrion," his father introduced.

"My Lord," she said almost shyly, bobbing into her final curtsey as Tyrion slowly raised his head up to look at her.

"My Lady," he said, reaching up for her hand that she gave without hesitation; "I do hope I am not a disappointment to you."

"Of course not my Lord," she stated and Tyrion kissed the back of her hand; "I only hope I do not disappoint you."

"You do not," Tyrion said quietly and Jaime was relieved to see shy smiles on both of their faces. Maybe, just maybe, this could be something good for both of them.

Robb was sure he had taken a wrong turn somewhere as he returned from the tiltyard after sparring with Ser Jaime again. He had decided he would take part in the hand-to-hand at the tourney and his good-father's response had been to insist on training him twice as hard. Now he was exhausted and in desperate need of a soak in the bath, preferably with Amy, but somehow in his tired state he seemed to have taken the wrong route back. He glanced back then at Grey Wind who was following on behind him, his wolf's head rising up and meeting his eyes. They looked just as blank as confused as Robb felt and he couldn't help but smile slightly. He turned back to look ahead again then and almost stumbled over his feet when he saw Tywin rounding the coming corner. Since arriving he had yet to be alone with Amy's grandfather and he swallowed hard as the man fixed his eyes on him, his expression utterly unreadable. "Lost Stark?" he finally asked in an amused tone.

"I think I may have taken a wrong turn somewhere," Robb admitted.

"It can be difficult adjusting to a new place," he said evenly and Robb nodded; "but here, your loss is my gain … I have been hoping to speak with you, come."

Robb could only follow him then as he gestured him closer, trying not to feel panic as Tywin opened one of the highly polished doors and ushered Robb inside. He went in as he was bid and cast his eyes around the space. It seemed to be a study and he let his eyes take in the features, lingering on the portrait that was hung up behind the desk. He imagined it must have been painted not long before Amy had left the Rock as she looked much the same as she did now. Her parents and uncle almost looked the same, as did her grandfather. He turned to face the man himself then and tried to keep his features smooth as the man appraised him, his expression still utterly unreadable.

"We sat for it just before Tyrion went travelling," Tywin said, "one of the longest days of my life … but it turned out well in the end."

"It's fine work," Robb commented.

"A drink," Tywin stated, moving to the side table, "no doubt you could use one after being in the tiltyard with Jaime all morning."

"I cannot disagree with that my Lord," Robb said as Tywin poured two measures.

"An impressive beast," he commented, nodding to Grey Wind sat at his side as he handed Robb a full glass.

"He is quite something," Robb agreed.

"Sit," Tywin invited and Robb automatically did as he was told, taking the seat in front of Tywin's desk as the man himself settled himself behind it; "Jaime tells me you are to take part in the hand-to-hand combat."

"That is quite true my Lord," Robb said.

"I hope for my granddaughter's sake you will try and watch yourself," he said.

"I have no intention of leaving her a widow my Lord," Robb assured him.

"Good," Tywin stared at him intently for a few moments, "because I can see what you mean to her."

"She means just as much to me, I assure you," Robb said.

"I can see that too," he nodded slowly, "I have only ever wanted the best for her."

"I will only ever endeavour to deliver it," Robb said.

"I have something for you," Tywin said, standing abruptly, "something that will perhaps aid you in your endeavour."

Robb sat still where he was, taking a sip of his wine as his mind raced. Part of him wondered if he should stand too as his knee jumped up and down slightly nervously. Tywin had moved behind him and he was desperate to turn around to see what he was doing but he kept his eyes firmly in front of him, glancing up at the portrait again. He focused on Amy's eyes and tried to let them soothe him. They weren't quite as helpful as the real things would have been but they calmed him enough that he stopped his knee jumping, raising his glass to take another sip. Tywin slid back behind his desk in the next moment and placed a fat leather pouch in front of Robb. It clinked slightly as he set it down in front of him and Robb knew instantly that it was full of coin.

"My Lord -," he began, not even sure how to respond appropriately.

"Take it," Tywin interrupted, "Amella is a woman who should have all manner of fine things, deserving of being spoiled. Don't you agree?"

"Of course," Robb said at once.

"Then take it," he repeated, "and I would suggest the jewellers."

"Yes," Robb agreed, swallowing hard.

"Just don't make it too Stark," Tywin said, his lip curling up into a half smile.

"I'll do my best," Robb allowed a relieved smile of his own to grace his lips.

"Good," Tywin seemed satisfied as he leant back in his chair and appraised him again for a long moment; "I'll not keep you young Stark."

"Thank you my Lord," Robb said, setting his glass down and rising to his feet, his hand hesitating slightly before he reached out for the coin purse; "truly," he said as he took it.

"Keep her happy Stark," Tywin met his eyes.

"I will," Robb promised and the older man nodded, a faint smile on his lips. Robb turned to leave then, Grey Wind padding almost silently after him as he went for the door. He turned back towards Tywin as he opened it but he was not looking towards him. His eyes were fixed on something in his hands that Robb could not see, it looked almost like a locket. There was a look of fondness on the older man's face and a softness in his eyes Robb had only ever seen the like of when the man looked at Amy. He decided against saying anything else, slipping round the door and leaving the man with whatever fond memory he had conjured up for himself.

Lanette walked along the terrace, peering over the edge into the gardens and smiling slightly as she finally caught sight of Tyrion and Geanna. They were walking side by side and Geanna seemed to be looking down on him with interest as he gesticulated about something. Lanette could only assume he was telling her a jape or a tale of his year travelling as laughter filled the air in the next moment. She felt immensely satisfied then, a smile gracing her lips as she drummed her fingertips lightly on the railings, her eyes looking out over the gardens now. Even after all these years the views at the Rock still stunned her. Her eyes flickered back towards the pair walking in the gardens then, seeing them ambling towards the bench that was set under one of the cherry trees. They sat down when they reached it, sitting close to one another but not quite touching. Lanette thought that a rather good sign, Geanna could have easily moved slightly further away from Tyrion but she hadn't. She could only imagine they were continuing on their conversation, tentatively getting to know one another. Her mind cast back to when that was her and Jaime walking around the gardens of King's Landing and slowly learning more about one another with every passing day.

"You're spying," his knowing voice came behind her then and in the next moment he had placed his hands on her waist.

"I'm not spying," she said, leaning back into him, "just admiring the view."

"You're a terrible liar my love," he breathed against her neck before kissing it tenderly.

"I'm concerned for him," she said by way of explanation.

"And what have you observed so far?" he murmured against her skin.

"Nothing to trouble me," she said.

"Good," he returned, encouraging her to turn around and face him, "then perhaps you could move your keen gaze elsewhere."

"And where would you like it?" she asked, raising her brows in amusement.

"Right here," he said, pressing her up against the railings and capturing her lips at once.

She lost herself in his kiss. Letting his lips melt all her troubles away. She had been so tense for the past few days. Tense at first with worry for Amy but after her daughter's worries had been soothed away she had had Tyrion to worry about. Then Cersei. Her body almost tensed then but she didn't let it, her hands running firmly through Jaime's hair as their kiss deepened. It was all too easy to let him take her away from all the stresses for a few blissful moments. To feel his want for her. To allow him to show her over and over that he was hers. She needed to know that now more than ever. Now when all her hidden insecurities and vulnerability that she had buried so long ago were creeping back towards the surface without invitation. She didn't want to feel that way again, never again. Jaime's lips pulled away from hers then, hovering just an inch away as they both breathed hard against one another.

"Gods I love you," he panted out.

"I love you," she returned and he seemed to press her even more firmly against the railings.

"Do you remember when we made love out here?" he asked her huskily.

"I do," a smile crept onto her face, "but as I recall dear husband, it was the dead of night and there was very little chance of being caught."

"You think someone might notice?" he pulled back slightly further and raised his brows.

"I think someone would definitely notice," she smiled widely up at him.

"Such a shame," he grinned.

"Such a great shame," she agreed.

"Look there," he said then, his attention caught as he nodded over her shoulder. She turned in his arms and looked towards Tyrion and Geanna, a smile stretching widely across her face as she watched Tyrion reach his hand hesitantly up to pull a cherry blossom from Geanna's hair. In the next moment he had handed it to her and her heart felt like it melted a little bit as Geanna moved her hand slowly to take one of Tyrion's.

"Progress," she said happily, leaning back contentedly in Jaime's embrace.

"Progress," he agreed, placing a lingering kiss to the top of her head.

Jaime tried to appear calm and relaxed as they all lined up in the courtyard three days later to await the arrival of the Royal party. Amy was beyond excited, thrilled that she would finally be meeting her aunt and Queen and he and Lanette had somehow forced smiles for her. Thankfully she wasn't paying them much mind at this moment as she was having a rather intense conversation with Robb about whether or not her hair looked alright and if she had chosen the right dress to wear. Jaime couldn't help but smirk slightly as Robb told her rather exasperatedly for about the tenth time that she looked completely perfect. He couldn't fault his good-son's way with words but still Amy was fussing with her hair. He watched as Robb snatched her hands away from her head in the next moment and held them firmly by her sides. She began to protest then but he leaned in and kissed her. Ordinarily he probably would have intensely disliked seeing such a scene but at this point he was rather tired of his daughter's fussing and glad Robb had found some way to quieten her.

He turned to Lanette then and she sent him a rather strained smile which he did his best to return before moving closer to her and lacing his hand firmly with hers. He didn't need to ask her if she was alright, he knew simply from the look in her eyes and how stiffly she was standing that she was dreading this. Like him, he imagined that Amy's excitement had only caused her to feel even more on edge. The last thing they needed was Amy striking up a friendship with Cersei, but then again how would they deter her from it? Amy could never find out anything about the relationship he had once had with his sister. She would despise him he just knew it. He swallowed hard as he looked back towards her, her eyes finding his for a moment and lighting up in a smile. His own lips twitched up in response and he determined that she would remain ignorant to his past indiscretions. Never did he want her to look at him with betrayal or disdain shining in her eyes. It had been hard enough to face it from Lanette all those years ago, he didn't think he would be able to stomach it from his beloved daughter.

Jaime turned back to Lanette then and they both moved as one to take their places next to his father as the sound of hooves and the rumblings of wheels against the stone cobbles reached their ears. The Baratheon sigils came into sight then and Jaime swallowed hard, hearing Robb hiss at Amy again that her hair looked perfectly fine. If only his own troubles were so trivial. As the first men came into view he took a breath, not able to even face looking at Lanette. He recognised Robert in a moment. The man had aged but well enough, he was a little more thick-set but Jaime could see he was still more muscle than fat. No doubt he could still swing his war hammer. A young man was riding just behind him and Jaime recognised him once as the crown Prince. It struck him then how long it had been since he had left the Capitol and never looked back. Steffon Baratheon had been a babe at the breast then. Again he swallowed hard as Robert and his son dismounted. Everyone dropped down to one knee then as the King approached them, only rising when he jovially told them to.

"Your Grace," his father greeted.

"Lannister," Robert greeted with a nod, "lots of Lannisters … this must be the daughter Kingslayer," he raised his brows towards Jaime as he took a few steps towards Amy; "a true beauty."

"Thank you, your Grace," Amy curtseyed gracefully for him.

"No need for curtseys my dear, we are kin after all," Robert beamed at her, "and here … this must be your husband," he turned his attention to Robb, "you look like your mother," he stated. "Which is a relief, here I thought you'd be as grim as your father … tell me, how is Ned?"

"He is well, your Grace," Robb inclined his head.

"Good," Robert nodded distractedly, "I suppose I will see him soon enough when I can bear to part with the coin it will cost me to organise a damn wedding," he chuckled.

"No doubt," Robb grinned.

"My son Steffon," Robert introduced then, gesturing towards his son who was still hanging back slightly. He smiled though and inclined his head towards them; "what is taking your mother so long?" Robert huffed at him then and Steffon shrugged and rolled his eyes, his father doing almost the same thing in response.

A moment later the door of the carriage opened and Jaime held his breath, again not trusting himself to look at Lanette. Two dark haired girls stepped down first, one about a head shorter than the other one. There was just over a year between the two Princesses and from their looks they could almost be twins. They had Robert's dark colouring and his pale eyes but the features of their faces were far more delicate. Far more Cersei. They scuttled forwards to stand with their brother then, their eyes dancing about the place as they took in their new surroundings. "Karenza and Eleanor," Robert gestured to them, "make the most of them being quiet … it will not last long." He sounded exasperated but Jaime could hear the underlying pride in his tone and see the warmth in his eyes as he looked at them. His eyes moved from his little Princesses then and back to the carriage as his Queen finally made her appearance. She had not changed much over the years, Jaime noted that almost at once. Still beautiful. Still Cersei. But no pounding heart and no nagging longing in the pit of his stomach. No needle of jealousy when she took hold of Robert's hand. No flicker of irritation when her husband pressed a kiss to the back of it. No urge to narrow his eyes when he saw the affectionate glance that passed between them before Cersei turned her eyes on those present to greet her.

"Father," she smiled as their father moved forward to greet her formally, kissing both her cheeks and murmuring something Jaime couldn't make out. "Jaime," she looked to him then and he gazed back evenly; "it has been a long time brother," she walked towards him, hesitating a foot away from him, her eyes flickering towards Lanette almost nervously. "Indeed, sister," he agreed with her, not trusting himself to say anymore he took the hand she held out and pressed the lightest of kisses to the back of her hand before dropping it. "Lanette," Cersei moved to her and Jaime could definitely see apprehension in her eyes now; "so wonderful to see you again," she said, moving in and pressing a kiss to Lanette's cheek. "I'm sorry," Jaime distinctly heard her whisper to his wife and his brows raised despite himself. This was not the sister he remembered. "And this must be your daughter," Cersei said when she stepped away, "such a vision … you must be so proud. And married already, such a good match. This must be your husband," she smiled at Amy, "don't you make a striking pair."

"Thank you my Queen," Amy managed to stutter out, curtseying before her.

"No need for formalities, not with kin," she said, much the same as Robert had; "such a well cut dress, where did you get the silks?"

"They are from Lys, I believe," Amy said, her voice coming more evenly now.

"Utterly beautiful. I can see you have an eye for fine things, what a lovely brooch," Cersei smiled and Amy's hand came up to lay on the metal.

"It was a gift from my husband," she said, her eyes flickering to Robb.

"You are obviously not the only one with a keen eye," Cersei looked towards Robb then, "you have fine taste young Stark."

"Thank you my Queen," he inclined his head to her and she smiled again before turning back to Amy.

"Have you a dress made for the celebrations yet?" she asked.

"Not yet," Amy shook her head, "I am to see the seamstress tomorrow."

"Perhaps I could join you?" Cersei raised a brow, "I could benefit from your delightful taste."

"If you wish it," Amy practically lit up at the suggestion, "I would like nothing more."

Jaime shared an uneasy look with Lanette then. This was exactly what they had feared would happen. The idea of Cersei spending time with Amy put him completely on edge. The apology she had uttered to Lanette had sounded sincere enough but he knew his sister well enough to know her talent at manipulation. He looked towards her again as she greeted Geanna and Tyrion in a somewhat gracious manner before she turned back to her husband. Robert offered his arm and she took it, ushering their children to come into the keep as they moved away. Jaime watched her carefully, watching for any hint of her insincerity. Any small flicker. There was nothing so far but he was not placated. He would have to keep an eye on her with Amy, make sure her usual poison didn't slip from her and into his daughter. Lanette's hand found his then and he squeezed it hard as they made their own way into the keep, his eyes fixed on Cersei as she walked in step with Robert. She was well and truly back in his life. Only time would tell if she had changed at all in their time apart.

A/N: Well she's back, and there will be POV from her next chapter to perhaps give you some more insight! :)