Chapter 2
Cruel intentions
"A toast!" Robert announced. "To my dearest friend, Eddard Stark!"
Everyone raised their cups and cheered. Robert was more or less drunk already, as usual. Jaime took a sip from his cup, hoping to calm his nerves. He glanced at Cersei, who was talking with Lady Stark.
"If you wed that little whore, you'll never touch me again."
Jaime knew that Cersei had meant what she said. It didn't matter that the marriage hadn't been his choice. Damn Robert and his whims… Jaime was aware that Robert had never liked him, so this shouldn't have come as a surprise. Surely Jaime's father also had something to do with this. For years, Tywin had demanded Jaime to end his service and take a wife.
As Tywin's heir, it was Jaime's duty to have a son. Thankfully, no one knew that Jaime already had two sons. That was why Jaime needed to do this. For Cersei and their children. Jaime wasn't going to let anyone take them from him. Yet he felt guilt as he glanced at his betrothed. Little Elyse Baratheon. Not that she was so little anymore. She wasn't a maiden; she was a widow. A woman wedded and bedded. Yet she didn't deserve what he was about to do to her. He didn't want to do it, but he didn't have much choice. It was the only way he could keep Cersei.
"Lady Arryn," he stated as he noticed her looking at him. "Are you enjoying the feast?"
"Yes, I am," she replied. "And you, Ser Jaime?"
"I am. This northern food isn't too bad."
"No, it's not. Winterfell is a beautiful place."
Jaime wouldn't have called it beautiful, but he didn't argue. Right now, he needed to focus on his task. He needed to make sure that his betrothed wouldn't suspect anything.
"Ser Jaime," Lady Elyse said after a moment of silence. "I was hoping we could talk."
"Of course. What would you like to talk about?"
She straightened her back and looked at Jaime.
"Our engagement. I doubt that either of us expected it."
"No," Jaime murmured.
"I was hoping that we could keep things civilized between us."
"Civilized?"
"Yes." She paused and moved a little closer to Jaime. "I realize you don't wish to get married, but since the choice isn't ours to make, we should try to get along. Do you agree?"
Jaime felt the guilt again, but he managed to smile.
"I do."
She smiled too, clearly relieved by his words.
"I am glad to hear that, Ser Jaime."
He watched her as she continued eating, her every move graceful. Well, she had grown up in the Red Keep, raised to be a lady. Jaime couldn't deny that she was very beautiful, but not as beautiful as Cersei, of course. No woman could ever match her. Jaime felt Cersei's eyes on him without even looking at her. She wasn't happy at all. He excused himself and left the dining hall, knowing that Cersei would follow him as soon as she could. They had learned to be extremely careful over the years.
"So, did you two have a nice conversation?" Cersei asked as soon as she arrived.
"We barely spoke," Jaime replied. A part of him enjoyed Cersei's jealousy; he couldn't deny that.
"Hmm. We need to get this done as soon as possible."
Jaime hesitated for a moment before replying.
"Perhaps there's some other way..."
"There is," Cersei cut in coldly. "I can get rid of her for good."
Jaime frowned.
"Cersei..."
"Do you want to wed her?"
"No, of course not, but... I don't like this."
Cersei's eyes narrowed.
"Do you care about her?"
"No, but I don't think she deserves this."
"Well," Cersei huffed. "As I said, there are other ways to get rid of her."
Jaime sighed and shook his head.
"No, you're right, we need to do this."
"Good. I believe I found a suitable man."
"Who?"
Cersei smiled.
"Eddard Stark's bastard son."
"What?"
"He's perfect, just think..."
"No," Jaime cut in firmly. "That would destroy her..."
"Exactly," Cersei interrupted, smiling. "Her reputation will be so badly ruined that no nobleman will ever touch her. Not even the King could ask you to wed her after that."
"Cersei, I know you don't like her, but that's too much..."
"What are you suggesting then?" Cersei asked sharply.
Jaime thought about it for a moment before replying.
"Robb Stark. I saw how he looked at her, so I think he would agree to wed her without a fight. She would stay here, and our problem would be solved."
Cersei didn't look pleased, but Jaime wasn't going to give in this time. Maybe he didn't want to wed Lady Elyse, but he also didn't want to ruin her whole life. She had done nothing to deserve that.
"That would be too risky," Cersei stated. "The bastard would be a safer option."
"No," Jaime replied firmly. "I won't ruin her life."
"What about my life?" Cersei snapped. "Or Joffrey's? Tommen's? Myrcella's?"
Jaime pressed his lips together.
"I need to think about this..."
"No, we need to act. Knowing Robert, he could decide to arrange your wedding here. I won't let that happen."
Jaime sighed and closed his eyes. It seemed that he didn't have much choice.
"Alright," he sighed. "We'll do this. One way or the other."