The Maidenvault was a small, squat keep set behind the Royal Sept. Her chambers were comfortable enough, if a bit cramped. They even had a few windows overlooking the Godswood. She and Tommen didn't lack for any comforts; servants brought them everything they asked for. Myrcella often caught them looking at her and Tommen with pity. By all appearances it was a charmed life, but Myrcella knew they were prisoners.

Guards watched them constantly. They stood in the doorways and wouldn't let anyone in or out without permission. Myrcella felt eyes on her all the time; as she took her meals with Tommen, as she practiced her needlework, even the servants watched her as she prepared herself for bed. The days blended together; there was only so much to do in the Maidenvault. But the worst part of their imprisonment wasn't boredom or the constant feeling of being under scrutiny. No, it was the fact that Myrcella had no idea what was going on outside or any clue what would become of her and Tommen.

The only person from her old life who would visit at all was Uncle Renly (no, Lord Renly now, Myrcella reminded herself) but he never told them what was happening beyond vague statements, and his visits had become less and less frequent. Just a week ago (or had it been longer?) Tommen had broken down in tears, asking when they would be allowed to leave and see Mother and Father or even Joffrey again. Myrcella had tried to comfort him, but her promises had sounded empty even to her ears. The servants had been no help; only looking on with a mixture of sympathy and apprehension. Myrcella wished she could be of more help to her brother, but he didn't help matters by being such a baby all the time.

Myrcella sighed and put down the book she had been attempting to read. The Rogue Prince, or, A King's Brother by Archmaester Glydayn was a ponderous tome, but one of the few interesting books that had been left for her. However, the text was sometimes too difficult for her and she was forced to skip words that she didn't know. As a result, she sometimes couldn't figure out what the Archmaester was talking about, and her mind was prone to wander. She was just about to get up from her seat, when the door was opened and the monotony of the day was shattered.

Two Baratheon guards entered the Maidenvault's common room flanking a woman. For a moment Myrcella didn't know who she was, until she recognized her mother. The changes in her appearance shocked her. Gone was the usual proud expression, replaced by a dull haunted look in her eyes. Her once carefully styled hair had deteriorated into golden tangles, and her beautiful rich gowns had been replaced by a simple grey shift. But it was still her mother.

"Mother!" Myrcella cried as she ran to embrace her. She was a little surprised to realize she was crying as she hugged her. She was even more astonished to see tears in the Queen's eyes.

"Oh my darling Cella, thank the gods you're safe, I was so worried," Mother murmured as she ran her hands through Myrcella's golden curls. And then Tommen was with them, and Myrcella was being squeezed between them as her mother clutched at her youngest child. But it was all good, because they were together again.

When they finally broke apart, Myrcella had a hundred questions she wanted to ask her mother, but she didn't want to upset Tommen. She decided on the most basic first. "What happened to you?"

"The King's men arrested me for treason and took me to the Black Cells," Cersei answered cooly.

"And… and what they said about you and Uncle Jaime… is it true?" Myrcella asked hesitantly. She had to know, she had to hear it from her mother's lips in order to truly believe it.

But the Queen only smiled sadly. "I was already pronounced guilty at the trial. I'm afraid the execution is tomorrow. They let me see you one last time before, well…" she trailed off, absentmindedly stroking Tommen's hair.

No! How could they? Uncle Renly had promised that he would get the King to be merciful! This can't happen! They couldn't do this! She sat in stunned silence unable to move or speak.

But Tommen let out a small shriek and clutched at their mother again. He was sobbing uncontrollably now. Mother held him close, patting his back.

She looked at Myrcella, tears threatening to fall. "I'm so sorry about all this; it's all my fault. I've put you in so much danger, I'm sorry."

Myrcella could only sit numbly as she tried to process this impossibility. Mother can't die, she just can't!

The Queen took several deep breaths and seemed to collect herself. Gently, she pushed Tommen away from her until he was at an arm's length. "I want you two to remember something whatever happens. You are lions of Casterly Rock. You are proud and you are strong. No matter what, you must keep that strength inside you. A lion doesn't show fear; a lion doesn't care what others say. We are lions and we are strong.

"When I was a girl at Casterly Rock, there was a caged lion in the cellars that my grandfather had kept. I remember playing with Jaime down there. He was never as brave as I was; I would reach through the bars to yank its tail, and dart back before it could get me. It always watched us though, probably thinking 'One day I'll show those two little kids'…" Cersei continued on telling stories from when she was little. Myrcella knew she was just trying to keep their spirits up, but she appreciated it all the same.

They sat like that for a while, oblivious to the eyes that watched them, until finally a guard coughed. "We've got to take you back to your cell now," he said, almost apologetically.

Cersei Lannister rose, hugged her children one last time and allowed the guards to separate a weeping Tommen from her. As she was taken out the door, she called over her shoulder, "Farewell my little lions. Be strong for me."

And her mother walked out the door and out of Myrcella's life forever.

Tommen clutched her, sobs racking his little body, but Myrcella choked her tears down. I will be strong, Mother. I will be a Lioness like you.