Harry
The reflection from the crystal clear pool showed the truth of who he was. Handsome Harry. A missing ear where once he had two and a long jagged scar running from his cheek down to his jaw where castle steel had cut several long shallow cuts. It was red and ugly. Girls once threw themselves at him now avoided his gaze. Men who once considered him strong looked at him with mockery or scorn. His cheeks were red and puffy from the wine and he had grown round around his stomach. He did this to me! Harry slashed the pool with his hands with growing rage. It sent his stammering Cousin Wallace jumping out of his skin. "Cousin Harr-ry-." He stammered. "I, uh, still don't understand why we are going to greet Lord Arryn when-"
Harry smacked him with a fierce blow that sent him to the dirt and picked him up by his collar and pinned him to the rocky wall. "I didn't bring you to hear your shitty voice in my ears."
"Ear." Cousin Wallace said.
"What did you say?" His voice went low.
Cousin Wallace disappeared or tried to within his cloak. "Y-o-u on-ly have one ear so youuu can on-ly hear my sh-itty voi-ce with one ear"
He wrapped his hands around his throat and lifted him up. His pathetic gasps music to his ears. "Lets try that again. What do I have?" His face was growing redder and redder as Wallace tried to pry his hands away with his grubby fingers. "S-oo-rry." And he felt he had suitably chastised him for his misdeeds and dropped him like a rag doll onto the dirt. Stammering Wallace was completely useless and a disgrace to the name knight. Squires have more gall than him. It was pathetic once he could have rallied dozens of knights or sons of lords to his side and they would have ridden with him, but such friends melted away like summer snow after the duel in the courtyard of the Eyrie. The weak little shit beat him with some trick, and Harry knew in his heart it was a trick Jasper Arryn was a weak little girl of a boy.
"Oh, Cousin Harry! Do you have a pet falcon too? I have one his name is Artys! I can get you one if you need one!" Jasper Arryn babbled in his childish voice.
"I have no need for a silly pet."
"Well, we could play with my toy knights! I love reenacting the Battle of the Trident! King Robert is a noble hero!" The boy was eight name days and his hands were soft without a single blemish. He was five years his younger, but when he was that age he didn't play with girlish toys. This was to be his liege whom he had to bend his knee too? Harry thought not. Why should he accept this weak, coddled boy? "I know we can become as close as brothers!" His voice was filled with conviction.
Harry laughed at the thought.
Jasper Arryn paused and cleared his throat. "Oh, um." He laughed belatedly. "Shall you play Robert or Rhaegar?"
"I don't have time for such childish games."
"But you have time for something?" He begged.
He called himself a boy and was actually begging him. It was appalling and required a swift correction. He was practically asking for it. A grin formed on his face as he whispered for him to meet him tonight in the courtyard outside the abandoned watchtower. He pledged to give him lessons in swordsmanship. Jasper Arryn beamed at the thought like the stupid little shit he was. "I can't wait to play using actual practice swords with you!" Later in the courtyard, after he was done toying with him, he pressed his face into the mud where he belonged. Bruises and scrapes for the first time in his life covered his body. He told him exactly how people thought of him as a coddled little boy. A pathetic stain to the name Arryn. The useless son of Jon Arryn. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, that made him smirk. "I yield, I said I yield."
"And have I accepted it?" Harry rolled his eyes.
"But you have to! It would be dishonorable not to!"
Harry pressed him further into the mud. "Make me." He grinned. "go on, try?" He squirmed like a trout on land, flopping about underneath him. It was so pathetic looking he laughed for weeks whenever he thought of it. "Are you even trying?"
"Please, I said I yield."
It grew less amusing hearing him beg. He wanted to make him piss himself, and he knew he could. The fear was visible in his eyes. He placed the wooden sword dangling above his eye. "Kiss my boot or you die." He inched the tip closer and closer to his soft throat. His blue eyes went wide, and he pissed himself. The puddle grew around him. It sent him roaring with laughter. He was no Arryn, but a cravenly boy. "I'm waiting?" Of course, he wasn't actually going to kill him. Mya Stone would ask too many questions. Jasper Arryn told him he told Mya Stone he was going to see him and Harry doubted Jon Arryn would stay in Kings Landing after the death of his heir. And he would likely believe even the word of a bastard.
Jasper struggled for one more moment before he broke and placed his lips against his boots. The so called Heir of the Eyrie actually kissed his boots! "Don't ever call me your brother again." Harry hissed into his ear. He left him curled up and sobbing on the muddy ground.
No matter the tales of courage, deep down he was a weak-willed shadow of a man.
Harry bent down and took a swig of his ale. HE FUCKING RUINED MY LIFE! And he was going to restore the natural order of things and bring him down low. He's going to be kissing my fucking boot and licking it. His useless cousin picked himself up from the dirt and they mounted up in silence. The idea came to him when he heard of Jons death in the Iron Islands. It gave him the perfect excuse to throw down the gauntlet at the red-haired bastard. Not that he cared for the boy, but he would taste a sweet meal of revenge.
I shall make him just as hideous.
The whore's scream echoed as he took his leave with her. His hands wrapped tightly around her blond strands in a fist and he lifted her head backwards as he entered her. Her eyes were blue, but he pretended they were green, as if this was the princess. After he killed her husband, he would marry her even if she was second helpings. Princess Myrcella would need a powerful man to keep the Lords of the Vale in line for her son, Roland. And who was better than him? He would finally have restored the natural order of things. Anya Waynwood, the old shrew, had kept him on a short leash since the duel and forbade him from marching off with the other men to crush the revolt. "You shall not damage House Waynwoods reputation in the eyes of the Lord of the Eyrie. I can't send you away, for you have some of my blood, but you shall cause me no more trouble." When he vowed to head off, anyway. She had household knights draw steel. "I'll send you to the Watch should you make such an attempt." While other men earned glory and renown on the battlefield, he drank in the tavern and fucked whores. But ever since the news of her sons death, she had been beside herself with grief and, like all women, had collapsed like the weak creatures they were.
I shall soar once more.
The banners of House Arryn flew high and proud down the High Road and Harry had Wallace raise the banner of House Waynwood as they galloped down the stone road. Dozens of Knights of the Vale in their shiny suits of steel surrounded their lord at the head of the column. Harry noted among them the old Blackfish a knight long since passed his prime. "FACE ME JASPER ARRYN!" He tossed his gauntlet on the ground. "I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL OF HONOR FOR THE NEGLIGENT DEATH OF MY KIN JON WAYNWOOD!" Wallace, the coward, gulped at the challenge.
Jasper Arryn did not react as he expected with heat or fury. He looked him over from head to toe and pressed onward, riding past him.
"Go home Harry."
The indifference of his voice cut him down like castle steel. It made his blood run red hot. Harry drew steel. "FACE ME DAMN YOU!" Every knight in his company drew their own, Ser Bryndens was out before any of them. "I would not try with me, boy. The ride has been long and, unfortunately for you, I'm cranky."
But Jasper Arryn raised his hand and bade them to put down their steel, despite some protests. He dismounted. His blue eyes were tired with defeat. "As you wish." He said. "If you wish to pray to the Seven beforehand, you may."
"Say your prayers. You shall be with them soon enough." Harry smirked.
The blade he drew was bloodied red, and Harry knew the tales had been true. A Valyrian steel sword. Soon it would be his own. Harry replied, in kind eager to get it over with. Everything shall be mine! And he started the dance with a slash and the sound of steel kissing filled the air. Jasper looked bored and uncaring as they navigated across the rocky fields. He matched his every blow almost lazily, as if it was some jape. Sweat dripped down his brow. How am I so tired already? It made him furious, and he struck with everything he had in a storm of blows that managed nothing. Absolutely nothing. The sword grew heavy as stone as he struggled to lift it. He was too slow to block the downward slash.
Harry screamed.
It separated his hands from his body. "My hands! You cut off my hands!" He whimpered, falling to his knees. Steel rested against his neck, an icy touch as his blood spilled from his stumps. "This duel is at an end. I leave your fate in the hands of the Father Above. May he judge you justly." Jasper Arryn didn't look back even as he cursed him. He cursed them all as they rode off. Even the lackwit Wallace left him. Left him bleeding on the rocky road.
He stumbled down the road for a time until he collapsed as falcons circled above him.
Myrcella
"Cut them down…Cut them down…Kill them!" Jasper tossed and turned, caught in some night terror.
She shook him gently. "Jasper." She said. "Jasper darling." His hands shot out and wrapped around her throat. Myrcella couldn't speak, nor could she breathe. He pressed her against the bed and was intent on strangling her. She swatted against his face weakly as her vision darkened. I'm going to die! I'm going to die! She heard a loud thud and she could breathe again. She took large greedy gasps of air.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
He was on the ground, curled up and shaking like a leaf. "I'm so sorry, I'm sorry." He repeated. "Oh Seven, I was hurting you. I was hurting you."
Myrcella crawled towards him. She knew it was just some nightmare that gripped him and she had to comfort him.
"Stay back!" He said with some command. "Stay back." His voice twisted into more a broken plea.
She ignored him. "Shhh it's okay." And hugged him tightly. "Just breathe. Just breathe." They swayed together as she tried to soothe his shaking frame as he apologized over and over.
"I…I want you to sleep in your chambers." Jasper got out. "For your own good."
"Okay." Myrcella said, rubbing his shoulder. "But you know I still love you very much." It was probably for the best. The last thing she wished was to die in such a foolish manner.
"It's more than I deserve." His smile was more a grimace.
Another moment passed before he finally stilled with only the occasional shudder. His face was bright red as he refused to meet her gaze. "Do you want to talk about it?" She asked.
He rocked his head.
"Jasper."
"It's not for a woman's ears."
"Jasper…"
"My decision is the law." He tried to be firm, but he softened when she reached for his chin. "Please Myrcella, I'd rather not talk about it. They are my sins." And she cracked under his pleading tone and merely held him, content with such a position on the hard floor. It was hard and uncomfortable, but at least she could hold him. For over a year, she wished for nothing more than to hold him in bed. He stood and picked her up and tucked her back into bed, regardless of her complaints. He brushed her hair to the side. "You deserve the bed this night. I shall sleep elsewhere." She kissed him chastely on his lip. His eyes fell on her throat.
"It'll bruise." Jasper winced. "I should send for Maester Colemon." He turned to do so when she grabbed his hand.
"And how shall you explain such?"
Jasper bristled. "That doesn't matter your hurt." It mattered, and she had to make Jasper understand that.
"It matters." Myrcella sighed. "It's only a bruise. I'll be fine." She would have to wear a high collar dress on the morrow, but it would be fine she would make it work.
He nodded his head. "As you wish, princess." And kissed her on the brow before departing. Her husband may have returned from his war, but he was not the same gallant youth that departed the Gates of the Moon with a shiny steel sword. Jasper did his duty and managed the household, but sometimes she would catch him just staring aimlessly in the distance or forgetting entire conversations. Once he even seemed on the verge of tears watching Tommen and Bran fight in the courtyard. She wished to help him, but she didn't understand how save by being warm and understanding. I want my husband back, not the ghost that floated in. Her children needed a father, and she wanted the Jasper she loved. What else could she possibly do to see him healed? She was at her wits ends. Myrcella knew she had to get more aggressive. I need to mold him to a proper end for his own good. Every time she tried to understand, he shut down or grew defensive. She figured his mothers death had a hand in it, but when she made an inquiry, he snapped with steel. "I shall not talk of my mother!" And she had meekly accepted such. I can no longer accept such passiveness.
And Jasper was bad, but Tommen was awful as well. He seemed just as fine japing with his boyhood friends like Bran Stark, and getting into boyish trouble with a bright smile, but he broke down in tears when they had a moment alone together. "I was just like him, Myrcella!" Tears formed down his high cheekbones. "I enjoyed doing it. I loved killing the Greyjoy woman! I loved every second." She held him tightly, trying to soothe him as he wept.
"You are nothing like Joffrey." Myrcella reminded. "Nothing."
"I could be." Fear grew in his eyes. "I could be. The Crown I shall one day dawn could make me him. How many shall I have to kill to keep that chair of fathers? Would I even wish to stop? I'm scared Myrcella. Very scared."
She had some minor success with her brother in convincing him he wouldn't turn into Joffrey, but she was uncertain if he truly believed her. My brother and my husband are in turmoil and she had fussy twins as well. The staff was quite helpful with the twins, and Ser Brynden seemed to watch Jasper like a hawk for some reason neither would explain, and Tommen seemed cheerful as long as he was running around. Still, It was a lot for one princess to handle, but she was a daughter of House Baratheon and a Princess of the Iron Throne she would do her duty to her family without complaint and she was determined to make the Vale a home for all of them. If she had to manipulate them both to happiness, then so be it. She would not let this dream fade into some nightmare.
I shall make both of you happy whether you want to be or not!
Naturally, she had to plot to see such come to fruition. Tommen needed to learn he wasn't Joffrey and wouldn't become him and her Jasper needed to let her in so she can build him back up.
"I love your high collar!" Sansa squealed with delight as the servants set the silverware and presented dishes of lemon cakes. Sansa Stark loved lemon cakes, so Myrcella always had them at her tea gatherings. She gathered a feast of lemon cakes for this one since Sansa was due to depart in the coming days back to Kings Landing to be with Lord Stark. Sansa claimed she inspired her to return in order to better serve her father as a daughter of House Stark.
"Thank you Sansa!" Myrcella replied cheerfully. "Tis very kind of you. I love the pendent. Very Stark like."
Rosamund sipped her tea quietly as Sansa thanked her for such a compliment. "I'm going to miss you dearly, Sansa." Myrcella said. "You've been a good friend even during my moody days, when I was quite unpleasant." I could be rather unpleasant during my pregnancy, especially when I didn't get my lemon cakes.
"And I shall miss you as well." Sansa replied, reaching for her hand. "I promise you weren't that bad." A small, teasing smile formed. "Though I think you'll only miss me because you beat me so soundly in cyyvase."
Myrcella giggled. "You won occasionally."
"Only because you let me!"
And that was true. Myrcella blushed lightly.
They continued giggling and laughing as they chatted over gossip of the household, but she had other reasons to have invited Sansa to this gathering besides friendship. Tommen walked through the door in his handsome gold and black cloak. "Tommen!" She exclaimed with delight. "It's so lovely to have you here!"
"Well, you invited myself." Tommen voiced simply. "But I must have gotten the times wrong. You are having your tea party."
She stood up and facepalmed. "Silly me must have gotten the times mixed up." But she seized him before he could even think of retreating. "But you might as well stay. I never see you anymore!" She pouted her lips. "Your not too busy to be with your only sister, are you?"
"Of course not, Cella." Tommen paused. "As long as I'm not intrusive to your other guests. It would not be princely to ruin a lady's tea time. "
"Tis fine with me." Rosamund answered sweetly.
"And I as well, my prince." Sansa agreed.
Tommen seemed satisfied by the response as she dragged him to his seat. Naturally, she didn't get the times mixed up, but how else was she going to kill two birds with one stone? In one fell swoop she would improve Sansa and Tommens relationship and squash the foolish notion he was going to turn into Joffrey. Sansa hid the fact she wasn't actually sending letters to Tommen well. A bit too well, I've grown rusty up here in the Vale. Or mayhaps it was the pregnancy it dulled some of her instincts, but tis no matter she would rectify it. Her dear friend Rosamund had agreed to help with the portion of the plot she designed to tell her. No one would get hurt and everyone shall benefit!
It was absolutely marvelous!
Her brother entertained with some terrible animal jokes he found in some book. "Why are cats bad storytellers?" Tommen asked. When none of them answered, he grinned broadly. "Because they only have one tale." It was so terrible she had to laugh and the way he said it with such pride and confidence, as if it was funny, made her laugh even harder.
"That's terrible Tommen! Please, no more!"
"But the next one is fantastic, I swear it." Tommen pledged. She mouthed to Sansa. I'm sorry about this. "What do you call an alligator who solves mysteries?"
"What Tommen?" Myrcella asked.
"An investigator!"
Tommen sniggered.
It was the perfect time she figured to take a bite of lemon cakes and feign choking. It was far enough along in the evening it would seem natural and not some trick on her part. Myrcella brought her hands to her throat. "Myrcella?" Sansa asked, eyes widening as Rosamund screamed. "By the Seven she's choking!" Right on cue.
"Cella!" Tommen leapt from his seat and started patting her back with forceful blows. She let him hit her a few times before spitting out her food she placed on the roof of her mouth. She coughed. "Are you okay?!" He fussed over her and Myrcella noted in the corner of her eye the look of approval in Sansas eyes. It could have gone wrong if he froze up. But she figured time in the training yard had made him more decisive and his love for her would make him act quickly. I was right! Tonight she would let slip how Joffrey never would have saved her and she would have killed two birds with one stone! Binding her friend and brother closer together and making her brother sleep more soundly at night. He would come to the right conclusions on his own with the seed she planted in his mind.
"My heroic brother!" Myrcella praised and kissed him on the cheek.
"I'm just happy you are alright Myrcella! You must chew more carefully."
Myrcella's cheeks reddened from the gentle chastisement as he hugged her, burying his head into her chest.
Sansa clapped for him. "Tis was knightly of you, my prince! You shall be a brave king, I'm sure"
"My thanks, my lady." Tommen replied politely. "anyone should have acted so."
Myrcella was quite pleased with herself and how things turned out. Now, she only had to get her husband squared away and she would have won her little game. Tonight she would finally break down his walls by using his Arryn honor against him. She was tired of letting him hurt himself and not letting her help him. Kindness and patience were taking too long. I'm going to get my way and all of us shall be happy! Myrcella vowed.
Tommen
"Ours is the fury!"
"Winter is Coming!"
The words of House Stark and House Baratheon rang out once more in the courtyard of the Gates of the Moon.
Practice swords collided with speed and vigor as Tommen pressed his friend back with blow after blow as sweat dripped down his brow. He enjoyed every moment of the fight, and a lazy smile formed on his face as they fought across the courtyard. "Close one Bran!" He praised. "I'm actually sweating."
"I liked you better when you weren't this cocky!"
"Well, you are simply a sore loser, Brandon Stark!"
Tommen slid underneath his guard and sent his practice sword flying. "You are beaten." Tommen declared. "Yield with honor!"
Swords came naturally to him. It must be from Uncle Jaime. Everyone claimed he was one of the best swordsman in the Seven Kingdoms. At first, he considered it a curse rather than a gift. He would rather have been clever or witty like Myrcella, but he could not pick the gifts the Gods gave him. He had practiced little since the Iron Islands, but he was throwing off the rust now. It came to him after Myrcella's tea time that maybe he was different from Joffrey. I have a piece of him inside of me, but I'm still my own person. I should not be too afraid of it.
Cautious. Tommen thought. But not afraid. Bran would never let him get so bad, or Myrcella, or Lord Arryn. Besides, he wouldn't need to kill too often. Even if the fear remained, he still needed to hone his craft. Mayhaps, my skill would deter the need for violence? And he believed that with all his heart.
His reign would be a peaceful one. And a beatless world! No one liked beats!
Bran scowled. "Fine, I yield Tommen!" He offered a hand to help him up, but then he saw Lady Sansa approach and took his eyes off him. She wore a simple gray dress, with her long beautiful hair flowing past her shoulders. She had Brans coloring. He had never seen her watching before and he wondered why the change? Am I not still a boy in her eyes? But he didn't look too long as Bran swept his legs and wrestled him to the ground.
"Never take your eye off an opponent Tommen!" Bran smirked as he groaned in defeat. Lord Arryn and Ser Brynden had drilled the notion into their skulls. But they forgot to mention what to do if you saw your betrothed watching you.
"Brandon Stark! That was a wicked trick!" She chided with a high, sweet voice in the distance.
Bran grinned sheepishly as he helped him up. "It is fine, my lady. It was fairly earned!" He yelled back. A small smirk emerged. "Besides, how else is Bran to win?" He winked.
"You wish another go!" Bran said with heat.
Tommen would love nothing more, but he figured Lord Arryn would be disappointed if he didn't speak some words with Lady Sansa. "In a moment, Bran, I should speak with your sister." He ran in a light jog to her. "My lady." He kissed the back of her hand as Septon Layne had taught. "Is there something I could help you with?" She gazed at him, and Tommen swore she looked uncertain as she smiled.
"Well, my prince." She leaned down and gave him a chaste kiss on his cheek. It made his cheeks hot. "I wished to give proper thanks for saving Bran on campaign. You ran back for him. Very gallant of you."
Both Bran and Adrian were going to mock him for that. Oh well, I can always best them in the courtyard. In the corner of his eye, he could see Bran scowling. "I would always go back for Bran." Tommen promised. "He is like a brother to me."
She looked down. Lady Sansa was quite tall for a woman. "I know I haven't been quite fair with you, my prince." Shit bit underneath her lip.
"I understand." Tommen nodded.
"You do?" She raised her slender brow.
"I'm still a boy." He rubbed his arm. It was an awkward conversation to be had as he spoke with a solemn voice. "but I swear to you on my honor as a prince I shall treat you justly. Maybe we could even be good friends as well." As High as Honor! Those were noble words to live by. A king needed to have his honor.
Sansa smiled. "I'd love that, my prince."
Tommen grinned."Well, I am my fathers son. I do love you Starks." House Stark would always be welcome in his halls when he was king. She curtsied perfectly and Tommen walked back to a red face Bran.
"What was that about?" He demanded to know.
"Oh, she loved my animal japes! She was showing some appreciation for my sense of humor." He didn't wish Bran to feel indebted to him. It would make things awkward between them.
Bran blinked in disbelief. "Tommen, those jokes are terrible!"
"Arya seems to like them as well." Tommen would have to send her a few more. The thought of making her smile made him snigger with giddiness. Making a fierce girl smile is quite the feat. And no one was more fierce than Arya Stark. It felt good to have so many great friends to spend his days with. Starks and Arryns have been good to me. Maybe he would invite her to his court in a few years? Or suggest some tourney in the Riverlands? Arya could take part as she always talked about, and they could embarrass Bran a little. His eyes shined with some mischief at the thought. "Maybe you should learn a few Bran." He punched him on the arm.
"I think not." He gave a wolfish grin. "Now, let's continue with another round!"
They went at it and Tommen was as happy as could be.
Myrcella
Jasper retired late in the night. Far too late. He spent another night at the sept praying for what she had little idea. But she knew if he hadn't found it by now, he never would. She fought the urge to yawn when he finally opened the door. Yesterday she had laid in wait here, but Jasper did not walk through the door. Though she swore she heard him outside in the halls and he bolted when something gave her away. He avoids me ever since he almost strangled me. She stood still and took great care to control her breathing, as if she was stalking him. She supposed she was. His eyes widened to see her in his chambers. "The hour is late, Myrcella. Are you well?" He asked with some concern. But behind the concern in his voice, he looked at her with ice in his eyes and a stern look as he tried to scare her off behind a mask of authority and for a second it weakened her resolve. I need to do this! For the good of our family
"Are you?" Myrcella shot back, frustrated.
"I'm going to bed. You should do the same." His face kept its hardness, but she heard the defensiveness in his voice.
He took a single step forward when she answered him.
"You are not living up to your house words, husband."
Myrcella knew the words had some impact. He bristled as if she struck him. "Excuse me?" For the first time, she heard some life and heat back in his voice.
"You heard me Jasper. You dishonor myself and your children with your actions." She said. "you are hurt and you refuse to let me help you! You go through the day as if it's some chore! Shall you treat our children so!"
It was playing with fire, but it needed to be done. Though it seemed the fire went out in his eyes and he sighed. "I suppose that is true. Good night Myrcella." His tone was defeated as he brushed past her. Victory was slipping from her grasp. Her nose wriggled madly. It required her to resort to stronger measures. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sniffled louder and louder. It was her greatest weapon against him, and she had no shame in twisting it against him.
"Stop your crying." Jasper commanded. "Stop it this instant." He barked, trying to be firm with her. "Such tricks shall not sway me!"
She wept louder and his guarded face disappeared and the worry he masked came spewing out. "Oh, I'm sorry, please don't cry. Please stop." He dabbed away her tears with his handkerchief, and she wished to embrace him, but she had to hold firm. It was a foothold, but she still needed more for him to open himself up to her.
"No, no, no." she snapped back. "Don't play the knight when you hurt me so."
Jasper winced and sulked. "I can't."
"Why not?"
"I don't deserve such help." He paused, flustered. "And you would look at me differently."
"I look at you differently now." Myrcella showed no quarter. "Your hurting me, my lord, with every act you take to safeguard myself." His eyes went wide, and he twisted away in shame, leaning against the wall.
"That was never my intent." Jasper said.
Myrcella figured it was true, but she would give him no credit for that. "You can fix such Jasper, but you have to be honest with me." She cupped his cheeks. "I swear I shall only listen." He fought her some more, trying to get her to break before he did, but she had him and they both knew it. The silent gaze was a desperate move to get her to cave and give him the space he needed to recuperate. A long moment passed as they gazed into the others eyes, and she thought she imagined it when he nodded his head lightly. He nodded. He agreed. She hugged him tightly and showered him with kisses from his jaw down to his neck. Capitulation needed to be rewarded. "Everything is going to be okay!"
"I'm sorry for hurting you." He caressed her jaw with his thumb.
Myrcella nodded her head in acceptance as she leaned against him while he spoke. It was like pulling teeth getting to this point. They moved to the velvet sofa, and she sprawled over him as he talked. He spoke of battlefields far away, and the guilt he felt for his deeds. Guilt for living where other men died. True to her word, she only listened with the occasional nod of her head to show she was still listening and when he spoke of how Lysa Tully died everything became clear. She's not worth your suffering. The woman was wicked and vile, without an ounce of decency about her. For God's sake, she murdered his father and plotted his own death! Twice! She did it twice! Myrcella wished to say those words, but she held her tongue. But she understood the wretched feeling of kinslaying. It stained the heart, she still felt great guilt for Ser Kevan. However, when Jasper spoke of his reaction, she nearly broke her word she was so wroth. How dare he?! She wished to strike him. "You are upset." He saw her reaction well enough.
"I am." Myrcella admitted she saw little reason to lie.
He nodded. "I was selfish. I thought only of my honor. I forgot about you and the babes."
And it was true. Myrcella didn't know if she would ever forgive him for it, but she was happy he was still with them. "I don't have a good excuse, but I promise I shall stay." A hint of resolve flooded back to his voice. "By what remains of my honor, I do so swear." He entangled his hands with her own.
"I do love you Myrcella." Jasper whispered. "I thought of you every night I was away. Writing letters to you was the highlight of my day."
Myrcella squeezed his hands and snuggled against his chest. "I love you too, Jasper. Tis why your behavior has frightened me so."
"I can't promise you every day will be good." Jasper whispered. "But I shall try to make more good days than bad."
"I'd love that, Jasper, as long as you're honest with me." He leaned in and looked for her approval first. She gave it, and he kissed her. And Myrcella swooned into him and she hoped she had secured their happy ending after all.
When they finished their lovemaking that left her satisfied and content, she gazed into the blue eyes she loved and drowned.
"Myrcella." He voiced as she lay on top of him, her breasts pressing into his firm chest. She enjoyed having his arms around her. "I love you, but I'm not blind to what you've done. "some annoyance filled her breast. It annoyed her he had some wits about him. Yes, he was honorable, but he wasn't stupid. "You knew how I would react to the words you crafted, and you navigated this to your ends as if this were a game of cyvasse."
She stroked his chest. "And what of it, husband?" Myrcella asked in a serious tone. The words disquieted her, for they sounded similar to mother even it was her voice. Am I my mother? For a moment, she felt a brief spasm of shame.
Only for a moment. It's completely different. No one is getting hurt.
"Should I have let you mope around lost in your own world? How would that have benefited any of us?" She kissed him on his lips when he didn't answer. "We are going to be happy, you and me." She promised. A light giggle left her throat. "Don't worry too much about how we get there." Why did it matter how they achieved it? Happiness was the only thing that mattered. And they were going to be happy. Even if she had to drag him along kicking and screaming.
The things we do for those we love.
Jasper
Today was a good day.
The moment he woke up in his bed without a nightmare, his limbs felt lighter and he actually smiled at the sunrise. The fog had cleared around his mind and he knew the moment he threw off the covers, he would have to take advantage of this good fortune. I'm having a good day! It made him almost giddy, like some child. Jasper's first instinct was to bolt to the stables in a mad dash and saddle Honor or Arrow and take them on some half mad ride across the beautiful valleys and meadows of the Vale. And he would love that, but then he thought of Myrcella and he knew he had been a rotten husband as of late. Guilt swirled in his chest. I've not behaved as High as Honor!
I must woo her!
Jasper paced across the room as he considered his options and shook his head as he dismissed them all as inadequate. I need the perfect romantic gesture! He snapped his fingers as the idea came to him and he was determined to keep it a secret. Myrcella had her Lannister cunning, but an Arryn could be as calculating as the falcons soaring in the sky. And he was going to surprise her!
Prince Tommens' yawning form came into his solar. He still had his bed hair. "Lord Arryn-"
"No time for that, my prince!" Jasper shot off. "I have a mission for you. A mission of great importance for your sister." He finished in a more solemn tone, trying to contain his enthusiasm.
He perked up, suddenly awake. "Myrcella?" He asked. "Does she need help?"
"Yes!" Jasper answered. "We are going to make her very happy! You and me with a secret plot." He winked.
Prince Tommen nodded in understanding and sported a grin. "Oh, I love making Cella happy." He frowned lightly. "But I don't think I've ever fooled her."
"Ah, but my prince, you have me." He voiced cheerfully. "I think the Lord of the Eyrie and the Crowned Prince stand a chance, don't you?" He knew he sounded confident, but he wasn't quite certain they would pull it off. Myrcella was as sharp as Valyrian steel, and it was hard to pull the wool over her eyes on anything. Accursed Lannister cunning. But he was going to make a valiant effort to do just that.
"Okay!" Prince Tommen exclaimed. "What do you need me to do?" He brought a chair for him to sit in by his desk.
"You, my prince, shall spend this day with Myrcella and keeping her well away from the garden or the kitchen."
Prince Tommen sighed deeply. "I don't think that would work. She would see through that." And Jasper agreed with that assessment as a smile spread from to ear. He hadn't been this excited about a plot since he schemed to get Mya married with Mychel Redfort. What a fun time that was!
"Which is why you'll tell her you had a nightmare and are terrified. And she'll be fussing all over you."
"A nightmare about beats!" Prince Tommen declared.
Beats? Jasper thought, confused. How could you have nightmares about them? "Maybe." He said gently. "Something a bit more frightening?"
Prince Tommen scrunched up his face and crossed his arms before sighing. "Fine, but beats are scary." And he sent him off praying to the Seven Tommen could prove a useful distraction. Naturally, he cleared appointments with his stewards to go over Arryn's finances. I still have to see to the petitions in court. It would be the buzz of the castle if he canceled him hearing them today. It also left him with enough time to send for Grand Uncle Brynden. I needed the stubborn old goat! He won't let me down. He had never let him down.
His Blackfish walked in with a raised brow. "I haven't seen that look in some time-"
Jasper waved him off. He was on a schedule and had little time to chitchat. "Planning a surprise evening with my lady! I have need of you ser. Do I have your support?"
His grand uncle snorted as his the corners of lips twirled up."Do you need to even ask?" His voice was dry. And Jasper sent him off to the kitchens to make his will and wishes known. He carried with him a list of everything he needed from the cooks and his presence hopefully would make them work faster! When he left him, Jasper pulled out the will and made some final adjustments to it before locking it away. If I pass along with my children, I can't let Robert inherit the Weirwood throne. His poor sickly brother had no claim to even the name he still held, but Jasper couldn't hurt him so by speaking the truth. Robert may have been a bastard made of lust, but he still viewed him as the boy he had always defended with word and steel. I don't think it would be just to make him suffer for the sins of his parents. It seemed a suitable compromise.
Jasper hoped his father would agree.
It was a good idea to have sent the Blackfish to the kitchens when he arrived everything was prepared exactly as he ordered, trays of lemon cakes, truffles, and chocolate coated strawberries and the finest Arbor wine in their stores going back to before Aegon the Conqueror! Jasper laid his sky-blue cloak on the stone walkway next to the white rosebush. Myrcella's favorite! He quickly used the accursed Red Rain in the most pointless display of a Valyrian steel sword, mayhaps in all history, as a gardening tool and whacked himself a couple of roses. Jasper checked over everything: sweet food, books on poetry, candles that were lit, flowers, a cyvasse board for a game if she wished it. It seemed like everything. If only they had some music, but he only wished it to be the two of them. I'll have to purchase Myrcella, a songbird, when I venture to Gulltown next. Though maybe that wasn't ideal. Those things might give none of them a moment of rest.
If I buy her one, I'll get two. It was terrible to be a lonely bird soaring alone.
Yet, he was missing something, and it was on the tip of his tongue. What am I missing? It seemed like it was obvious. "I'm missing something." He mumbled as he rubbed his chin and mentally went through his list. He had everything except Myrcella's company. "My lord," Ser Marwyn approached with a bow. "I've been informed to tell you Prince Tommen has fallen ill." Ill? Jasper thought, puzzled. He was perfectly fine when we spoke this morn. And then he knew what he was missing. Myrcella, I'm missing Myrcella. He had a rough idea of what must have happened. Tommen feigned illness when she tried to leave, but then he wouldn't be able to get her in the garden at the agreed upon time. He recalled grand uncles' wise words. "A plan never survives contact with the enemy." Well, he supposed he would have to rescue his ward. Ah, you tried your best, my prince!
"It hurts! So much pain." Tommen winced on the bed with Myrcella at his bed side stroking his hair. Maester Colemon had an impressive array of medicine at his disposal.
"Now Tommen, you must take the medicine to ease your stomachache," Myrcella chided. "Now open up your mouth."
Tommen, brave Tommen, held fast and shook his head.
He coughed, announcing himself. "You can stop Tommen. The day is lost." He offered a sheepish smile.
Myrcella raised a slender brow. "Game? My lord, my brother is ill. Such is hardly a game."
Tommen gave a cheeky smile and kissed her on the cheek. "All better! Have fun Cella with Lord Arryn!" He offered quick apologies to Maester Colemon for the false of alarm, and thanked him for his services to House Arryn. I do not know how this plan went this wayside. He left with a light bow of his head, leaving him alone with a slightly annoyed Myrcella.
"Were you plotting something, husband? Using my innocent little brother as some pawn?"
Jasper smiled. "May I have the pleasure of your company Myrcella Arryn?" He emphasized that last word to earn him some favor as he extended his hand forward. Playing the dashing knight is usually successful with her.
She giggled. "You may." mischief shined in her green eyes. "Though where are we off to, Jasper?"
He bobbed her on her nose. "You'll have to wait and see wife of mine."
Myrcella pouted. "Fine!" She huffed adorably that made him feel even more like a love struck fool than before. "I know I won't be disappointed." She entangled her arm possessively into his own.
The evening was truly quite wonderful. He fed her chocolate strawberries as he read poems that warmed both their hearts. Her laugh and giggles made him beam with pride. She whimpered softly as he caressed her bare back, and she rested her head on his shoulder. It was perfect. Maybe a bit too perfect? "Did I truly fool you Myrcella?" He whispered as he kissed her brow.
"Absolutely, I did not know!" She said sweetly. "You were very clever husband."
He wondered how true that actually was. Myrcella was quite skilled in lying and he knew how easily she could see the situation ended in her favor. She could be playing along as part of the game she seemed intent on playing. It bothered him slightly how she maneuvered him to her ends so effortlessly. But he saw no ill intentions behind anything she did, and he could forgive it.
Love makes me blind, I suppose, and I do want to make her happy.
And it was so easy getting lost in her green eyes.
"I've heard a tourney is being organized in Runestone." She chimed. "Shall you attend?"
It was true Lord Yohn and many lords of the Vale wished to celebrate their victory in the wars fought, but Jasper had enough of traveling for a time. And he no longer felt he had to prove himself to anyone. Jasper shook his head. "I'm exactly where I need to be. Keeping you and our growing flock happy and safe." Their children, Roland and Alyssa, would grow happier than either of them had. He hoped the words satisfied her. House Arryn was safe. He had seen the old alliances propped up between Riverrun and Winterfell. Lord Stark still ruled in Kings Landing, secure in his office. Fosterings and marriages had tied them all together, and the wars, while shameful, removed every obstacle to them. The Westerlands desperate for friends had sent feelers out to Riverrun, seeking a union between Tully and Lannister. Lord Tywin was gone and the new Lord Lannister was a more manageable partner. The Stormlands under Lord Stannis Baratheon was a strong bulwark against the Reach. No friendship would ever exist between him and Highgarden. Dorne remained adrift, and that suited him just fine.
Jasper knew he had been beyond successful with his moves, even if it made him feel guilty. "I'm not leaving the Vale Myrcella. I have everything I need."
She shook her head. "And if my brother had need of you, would you stay perched on this mountain?"
"If my wards ever need me." Jasper vowed. "I shall fly to wherever I'm needed. The dragons learned such the hard way." And he would defend his wards in the name of Arryn honor, but it went beyond that. He loved them as if they were his own family, and such love could not be so easily squandered. But he saw no dangers that needed to be squashed. Where are these threats? He looked on the map and saw the balance of power favored them. They were safe in the noble Vale and he really wasn't a lonely falcon anymore. "But enough of such dark words, I didn't come to bore you with these things!" He winked. "I'm here to charm you." He clasped his hands together. "Now it's time for our cyvasse match!"
Myrcella collapsed against his chest ever soft. "But I'm faint Jasper."
He gazed at her with alarm. "Then I shall get Maester Colemon!" Had he exhausted her somehow? But she grabbed his arm with a rather iron grip for a woman.
"Jasperrrr…. I'm faint." She said again, her cheeks a pretty red from the wine. The tone of her voice suggested he was missing something. It took him a moment to understand what she meant. Such subtle things always confused him deeply. A hint of heat flushed his cheeks as he picked up his giggling wife.
"Then I best tuck you in!"
"Only tucking me in?"
She was too adorable.
What a happy day this is! What could ruin it? Nothing! Absolutely nothing!
He hoped all days were like this one.
Varys
"The quiet wolf remains unaware." He chimed, giggling. "Unaware of the rot underneath his own nose." A network of his own prepared to deliver the lethal blow to the Baratheon regime.
His old friend nodded. "Indeed, and we've contacted the Roses. They seem to wish to grow once more."
And they were not the only ones. The vipers still hissed for the deaths of Princess Elia and her babes. Starks efforts at justice came too little, and too late and when they saw the true heir of the Iron Throne appearing before them in the flesh they would rise. Supposed son of Princess Elia. He giggled ever louder, imagining their faces when they pulled it off. A black dragon disguised as one with red. The Griffin Lord would sell the deception well.
"I think we should act." His friend suggested. "Why wait?"
"Dragons." Varys eyes sparkled. "Dragons have been born in the east." And they needed to grow to become the assets of legitimacy they required. The things they could do with them were endless. Aegon the Conqueror didn't have any imagination. "Besides, our friends in the Reach need time to recuperate. Tensions needed to be inflamed." Varys understood the board well. They could wait for the perfect time to act. They needed patience to win, but he didn't wish to win without a fight. A fight needs to be had to solidify the tale of the heroic prince reclaiming the throne of his father
"We should kill King Robert." A fair suggestion, Varys agreed, and Robert needed to die, but not yet. And it was a tough thing. The fire sorceress at his side made him a hard mark. All of his agents had made untimely ends.
"Nay, he shall be an agent of chaos for us." Varys saw it clearly. Already the actions he had taken, naming himself as the Son of the Warrior, had caused a great uproar amongst the faithful and in time their noble prince shall right the coming storm. A storm of his own creation.
But that was a story for another day.
Book 1 End
Authors note: Yep, I finished this portion of the story. It's getting closer and closer to being a year since I started this projected. Now, I'm 41 chapters in with 250K words written. It's been a lot of fun? Now is this the end? Nope, but we are moving into the next phase of the story. A phase will have less frequent updates as I decide to catch my bearing and take a breather from my break neck pace! Next time we shall see robert, Jon, Dany, Jaime and the story in Essos. However, I don't want to leave poor Jasper too ignored. I'll have snippets of him and his days in the noble Vale. I also intend to do a snippets chapter before I begin Book 2 where we go over briefly some powerful events like Tywin becoming LC, or Tyrions fate in the Westerlands, and Cersei in her new septa role!
Also sorry for the animal jokes they were very corny, but I figured it would be a Tommen thing. It made sense to me!
But until then it has been a lot of fun!
And I'm very proud of how things have gone! I only started this project with some ideas and they snowballed. I wanted to make changes and see where they led me.
As always thank you for the reviews/comments! I've always enjoyed reading them!
Jean de arc: I'm glad you liked it. Yeah poor Lysa. I honestly considered adding that Jon Snow reasoning in her POV "Ned, has lied to me once, maybe I'm owed one aswell." But I thought the chapter was long enough and her other reasoning was sound enough, but yeah in the back of her mind she likely thought that.
Guest: you think so, but thats not how honor works! It's a complicated system!
Juristen: I will say this, we are seeing this from Cats, Jaspers perspective would Ned actually do it. I think it would bother him, but I think Ned would ultimately sweep it under the rug aswell. He is more than willing to lie for the innocent or family. But Ned is very much Mr Honor, and thats what everyone sees. So this are the opinions of the charachters if that makes any sense. Though if he did sweep it under the rug, I could see him demanding Bran was returned to him. Not wishing him to be raised by a kinslayer.