Note: It's a Flashback chapter playing out as if it was the present. It's a story I've always wanted to tell, and I think it serves as a good springboard to book 2.
Jasper
The field of battle was the stuff of song and legend, the charging knights on beautiful steeds as white as snow, lances lowered, tearing apart the villainous men who followed the wretched Prince Rhaegar. The army of the rapist bled blood as dark as sin. Though Jasper didn't really understand what the word rapist meant save, it was bad, but he was the heir of the Eyrie, so he pretended to know. He was a grown man of nine name days after all.
I'm on the Trident. Jasper told himself and went back to the battlefield where heroes were made. The valiant knights of the Vale smashed all of them with the flying falcon of House Arryn raised high on the fields. Noble Arryns had fallen on fields before the trident. Denys the Daring was as true a knight as any, but the vile Gryphon Lord Jon Connington slew him with some cruel trick at the Battle of the Bells. It was the only way a hero like Denys could have fallen. The source of all evil in the land King Aerys, The Second of His Name, burned brave Elbert when he went to rescue Lady Lyanna with Gallant Brandon Stark. He burned men alive in the Red Keep. It was wicked and not how kings should behave.
But he was on the trident, and he was watching the epic fight between the ultimate hero King Robert Baratheon wielding a giant war hammer and the vile Prince Rhaegar with a wicked smirk clad in the black armor of his house. "Face me, Rhaegar!" Jasper did the voices as they must have been. Robert's voice was noble and forceful, like a hero warrior king. "Give me back, my lady, you foul beast!"
"She is mine!" Jasper cackled like a madman. Prince Rhaegar surely must have done so. "You shall fail, Robert, like all the rebel lords before you! Feel my flames!" They met in a clash of steel, a duel that lasted for hours in the swirling water of the trident. Jasper smashed the two knight figurines together. He wasn't really at the Trident, but in his room, surrounded by all of his closest friends. He had Artys the Falcon in his golden cage, Ser Robert the Rock, Ser Stone another rock. Jasper loved his pet rocks. He had a pet bunny too named Ser Rolland. He was being real rotten as of late and was greedy with his carrot consumption and was getting fat, but Jasper couldn't say no to his big eyes. And finally he had a pet cat named Elbert, a pretty grey cat sprawled lazily on a bed Jasper made for him at the foot of his bed. He wanted him to be comfortable, and he loved snuggling with him. It was like having a mother's warmth around him. I have such great friends!
"Oh, no Artys Robert is losing!"
"No, he isn't." Artys wise eyes told him. "Look more closely, master."
Ser Robert and his friend Ser Stone nodded in silent accord.
And Jasper looked more closely, and he was right. Robert defeated Prince Rhaegar with a single blow to the chest, sending his rubies flying. "He did it Artys!" Jasper shot up and ran around his room. "He did it! He did it!" Giggling as he returned to his seat. "Now, I shall rescue my fair Lady Lyanna! And we shall live happily ever after!" In his mind, they lived happily ever after and she didn't die of a broken heart. She must have thought he wouldn't win, poor lady. If only she had faith in her betrothed, they would have had the perfect story. Still, it was a legendary fight! And he fell backwards on his bed, laughing. If he was there, he would have fought just as gallantly Jasper knew. One day when he was a man grown he would be a great Lord of the Eyrie, like his father, kind and just, but valiant with arms. He kissed Elbert on the head after wrapping him up tightly in his arms. A hiss later and a love bite on his arm that left him bleeding and he let him go, but Jasper still loved him.
The wind howled outside, and he curled up on the bed, suddenly quite sad. He had no one his own age to play with in the Eyrie. No siblings for him to love or joke with. The room was nicely filled with everything he could want, platters of cookies and a pitcher of milk for him to eat. The cooks always gave him whatever he wanted. His room had shelves of books for him to read through, and shelves upon shelves of toys and pets for him to play with, but none of them really played with him. He picked up Arty's cage and gazed out the window to the world below.
The Eyrie was a splendid castle high in the clouds, as if they were actually floating above everyone. As High as Honor. But it felt more like a golden cage than a castle. A comfortable cage, but he was still a captive. "Oh Artys." He sighed. "I'm a caged falcon, just like you." Maybe he should let him go so he could soar where he belonged, but then he would be more lonely. It was nice sharing a cage with someone. Jasper grabbed his plate of cookies and dipped them in his glass of milk. "You know I have a cousin somewhere in the Vale. His name is Harry, and he's a squire." He talked while he ate a mouthful of cookies. I'll have to thank the cooks for this. It was quite good.
"He could join us in our next battle, then!" Artys suggested.
"Exactly Artys! I know Harry and I could be as close as brothers!" And they were just going to do everything together. He would play toy knights with him, and maybe he could teach him how to actually swing a sword. Jasper so badly wanted to learn, but mother and father commanded him to remain in the Eyrie and forbade such strenuous activity. I'm a dutiful son. And if he was good enough, mother or father would come home and he would actually see them for once. I wonder what they look like. Some servants said he had father's nose, but his mother's hair and coloring. But in his mind, father was strong and noble looking with kind eyes, and mother was kind with a sweet voice as soft as honey. She would hold him and would tell him she loved him and he had been very good.
Servants entered his chambers in the Moon Tower. "Mi lord, tis time to dress you for your decent down to the Gates of the Moon."
Jasper jumped to his feet, wiped the milk stain from his lip, smiling from ear to ear. "Lets get ready then!" He babbled to them about how amazing the tourney was going to be. They talked little save milord like always, but he pretended otherwise. It was the first time he had ever left the Eyrie! Ever! It was going to be amazing watching the tourney at the Gates of the Moon, all the skilled knights that would be attending. He would finally get to see what lay outside of his castle in the sky. And he knew Harry was going to be fighting in the Squires tourney and he would win it! I shall cheer for him. The servants dressed him in his finest cloak and doublet, and wrapped him in a thick cloak. Jasper stuck one of the wooden knights into his pocket for good luck. In the Crescent Hall, they assembled the party, taking him down. Among them was a tall young woman whom he liked the best. She was 14, with short black hair and deep blue eyes, dressed very unladylike in leather. Mya Stone was his favorite though, cause she told him stories of the world down below and she always promised to feed the mules for him. She was also King Roberts' bastard daughter, the hero lords daughter, and he loved her for it. Heroic Roberts daughter and she was amazing!
"Mya!" Jasper announced high and happy. "How was the climb up?" He asked, practically jumping with excitement.
She offered a small smile. "It was well, Lord Jasper. The mules did most of the work."
And Jasper nodded his head. "And we shall reward them for it! With plenty of carrots," He declared.
It was then stuffy Maester Colemon came down. He always tried to enforce some boring rules with him like a bedtime, but when he learned if he just narrowed his eyes like a falcon and say. "I'm the Heir of the Eyrie." He would bend to him, and he could stay up as long as he wished now. Though he still tried to go to bed at the official time because he had to be good for father while he was away. I'm the lord of the house until he returns.
"Lord Jasper, I think we are ready for your trip in the basket." Basket? Jasper recoiled. He was not some radish. He would go down the ladder like all the men did.
He narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "No." He commanded. "I shall not go in the stupid basket. I'm a lord, not some lettuce."
Maester Colemon gave a tired look, and that made him feel a little guilty, but not guilty enough. Lords didn't ride in baskets! They tried to reason with him. Cajole him, and even threaten, but he knew he would get his way if he simply held out long enough. "Lord Jasper," Mya interjected. "You know Lord Jon went in the basket at your age." Really? Jasper wondered. How would you know that? She wasn't old enough to know that.
"Indeed, Mya speaks honestly." Maester Colemon chimed.
And Jasper had the sinking suspicion it was some big trick, but he wanted to go to the tourney. And it was embarrassing, causing this tirade with the group of men watching him. His cheeks were flushed. "Very well." He mumbled. "I'll go in the dumb basket just this once."
The basket ride wasn't too bad. It was kind of fun if he was being honest. Maybe more lords should go by basket instead of ladder! Though yet again, they tried to get him to do something stupid, like riding with the mule rider, Mold. A man of the most experience, but he didn't want him. He wanted Mya, and that's who he got. There was no way King Roberts' daughter would ever let him fall. He trusted her without a single doubt. She was amazing and very skilled and knew so much about the world beyond the Eyrie. When they were done, he hugged her tightly. "Thank you Mya!" And then released her blushing lightly. "Have a good day, and please feed the mules for me!"
"Enjoy the tourney, my lord."
"I will!" Jasper promised.
The feast he attended was beyond overwhelming. Jasper had never seen so many people or seen so much movement and noise. He gripped his armrests until his hands went white as snow, and he slunk further in his chair, speaking little save when spoken too. It seemed everywhere he looked, people were moving around and talking and doing things. Some server drooped a tray of plates and Jasper all but jumped out of his seat. He went into his pocket and grabbed his toy knight. Be brave, it's just new, be brave like a knight. The world was a lot, and he blurted out an incoherent string of words when Nestor Royce asked him if he was enjoying himself. "Yes! I'm Yes! We Everyone! Especially myself are having a good time, Lord Nestor! You have a fine beard as well! Very strong looking!" His cheeks were flushed and the ancient lord raised his brow.
"Um, thanks my lord." He coughed. "Are you well, Lord Jasper?"
Jasper nodded rigorously.
The young maester to the side of him remarked. "Mayhaps you are tired? You've traveled much over the day. Would you wish to retire?" A bedtime actually sounded really nice. He jumped at the chance to depart from all the commotion, noise, and the eyes. Oh gods, the eyes were terrible. When he got ready for bed and went into the covers snuggling his toy knight, he made a sacred vow to himself he would do better on the morrow. It's just new, don't be sacred. Arryns were brave and he would be no different. When the sun crept over the horizon, he leapt from the bed with great energy, eager to get ready for the tourney. He didn't even use the servants to get dressed and did it all by himself. And the tourney was like the feast, but he just focused on the knights competing and it wasn't so bad. There were many fine knights and lords competing Lord Yohn Royce a kind man who offered him a smile, he wished him and his eldest son Andar good fortune in the event, Jasper Redfort whom looked as red faced as his father, and tittered in his saddle, Lord Belmore and two of his brothers rode as well. Many other fine men competed as well, shattering lances against one another in the finest display of valor ever witnessed. Though it wasn't perfect since Grand Uncle Brynden, the famed Blackfish wasn't taking part. Duty kept him at the Bloody Gate.
Though when the day was done, Lord Yohn stood the victor and named his wife the Queen of Love and Beauty. "My dear." His noble voice rang out. "For the most beautiful woman in my heart." Jasper clapped hard and loudly for the display. It was so amazing. I want to do that for my lady wife. And everyone clapped as well. When he married a woman, he would love and cherish her and they would have an enormous family together and he would spoil them all rotten. Though how children happened still confused him, but it couldn't be that hard. Lord Yohn dipped his head when he rode by him. "Lord Jasper." He said. "I shall see you on the field one day, no doubt."
All the eyes went to him, and he didn't know what to say. "Yes." His voice shook a little. "One day. You were great, my lord. I like your bronze armor." He blurted out the last part.
Lord Yohn chuckled, a pleasant sound. "Thank you, Young Jasper. I like it too." Before riding off down the field.
And it would have to be soon. He hoped father would reply to his letter and would send him to Winterfell or Runestone. Ive been extra good father has to send me away. It would be nice to have playmates around.
However, it was the Squires Tourney that got him to the edge of his seat. Lord Waynwoods squire Cousin Harry took part. A boy of thirteen name days, Harry was tall and blond, but Jasper could see they had the same nose. A falcons nose and Jasper knew they were going to be great friends. Jasper cheered for every bout he was in and did not hide his favoritism. Maybe I should? The other squires are worthy of good treatment as well. But he felt they would forgive him for cheering for his cousin. He did well enough, but the Belmore boy bested him. Jasper still cheered for him, though. A tough loss, but he'll get him next time! He was great! Jasper knew he would be a fine knight one day. And he paid little attention after that with who actually won the squires tourney, but he went to Harry's pavilion with some guardsman trailing behind him. He bade them to wait outside as he pressed a bit nervously past the flaps to finally meet his cousin.
Everything is going to be perfect!
Harry
Harry tossed his helm to the ground in fury. The Belmore boy was a fatass, and to lose to him was beyond embarrassing. Though he beat his other brother bloody on the ground while he watched and that brought a smile to his face. Gods, he looked as if he was going to cry. He would have done better if that fucking little brat wasn't cheering for him like some girl. It was honestly quite sad that such a boy was going to be his liege lord one day. He was so pathetic looking, and he had the coloring of the trout bitch. The mother wasn't even a good Vale woman. He doesn't even look like an Arryn. Everyone has told me I actually looked like Jon Arryn in his youth. Jon Arryn was a frail old man, but in his youth, he was strong and worthy of respect. Not now. A cold would take him any day now and then they would look to him to lead the Vale. At least he was looking forward to taking a woman tonight in the tavern, as a man had every right. Harry could feel it now, some woman's mouth around his cock sucking him as he forced her to pleasure him. It made him hard just thinking of it. He loved making them beg for him. It was the natural order of things, with weak-willed creatures serving the strong. Women were made to serve him unless they were ugly old shrews or dirty gutter trash. Harry ignored them unless they back talked himself and then he put them in their place with a swift reminder of who was in charge.
The flaps of his tent opened and the little brat walked in with the queerest smile on his face. Harry tried so hard not to laugh. "Cousin Harry!' He beamed. "You did great! It was a tough loss, but you fought valiantly."
Harry scoffed. You think I consider the likes of you as kin? He wanted to discipline him for such offensive notions, but he saw the Arryn guardsmen outside of his tent and he knew he had to play pointed a finger at him. "I didn't lose." He voiced sharply. "I never lose. The fat queer of a boy got lucky is all."
"Yeah, that's what I said." Jasper Arryn agreed after an awkward pause, like he was some dumb songbird. He rubbed against his pant legs. "Are you busy, later cousin?" He asked with a nervous disposition.
He raised a brow. "Why?"
"Well, I want to spend time with my favorite cousin, of course!"
Harry laughed at spending even a moment with the weak little shit. It was so fucking funny. Jasper Arryn was so stupid he took his laughter for approval and beamed widely and babbled about strange girly things. Harry took a moment to drink something strong as the high voice was bleeding his ears. It was irksome prattling that he tried to drown out.
"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!"
Harry smirked when he left with just how much fun he was going to have. After I teach him a lesson, I'll have a whore pleasure me.
Mya
The wine was sweet down her throat and the second best part of having a tourney. Lord Nestor decreed that any member of the household was to be granted wine in celebration. Though the best part of the tourney was watching all the sweaty young men fighting in their shiny armor. She smirked. Some of them were very fine. It was good to watch them at any rate, but she knew she had to keep her guard up. The world was filled with those who wished to take advantage of a budding woman with no honorable intentions, save the base desire of a man. I shall not be treated like a whore. She took another swig, feeling warmth in her chest. Mya was on her way to visit Myranda to engage in some gossip. The Royce girl was quite wicked and always told a good bawdy jape that sent her laughing off the couch.
As Mya turned the corner, something ran straight into her leg. Red-haired and bright blue eyes, it was young Jasper Arryn."My lord-"
"Shhhh." He hissed, his cheeks red. "You didn't see me!" In the distance, she heard men scrambling around. "Exploring the castle, my lord, without a guard?" Mya said with amusement. It would do the boy some good exploring. She had never witnessed such a sheltered boy before she met him. He hounded her for information from the outside world as if she was some great explorer. Lord Jon was doing the Vale, nor the boy any favor by having him so secluded. Jasper shot a pleading look, and she took pity on him. He was going to be caught without her help. She tucked him away in a nearby cart of hay. It seemed as good a place as any. "Where are you going?" She asked.
"The Broken Tower."
Mya nodded.
She understood what needed to be done. It didn't take long for some of the quasi fierce looking Arryn guardsman to bend into the same corner. They might have looked fierce if they weren't out of breath running in their chain mail and steel suits. "Stone," He snapped impatiently. "Have you?" She pointed lazily in the direction opposite of the Broken Tower.
"Went that way, sers."
They just stormed off. "Are they gone?" Jasper whispered from the hay.
"Aye my lord, they are gone." She helped him out of the cart and brushed off the hay in his auburn curls. He was giving her a very boyish grin as his eyes gazed at her with hero worship. It felt nice to play that role, she supposed.
Jasper sighed in relief. "Thank you Mya! You are a real friend."
She ruffled his hair. "And why are you off to the Broken Tower?"
"Oh, I'm going to meet my Cousin Harry! We are going to practice with actual practice swords!" Suddenly, she wished she didn't help him evade his guards. Handsome Harry was a terrible bully from what she witnessed. She found it hard to believe he had suddenly developed affection for his younger cousin. Mya frowned. Not that Jasper seemed to notice his smile was broad and infectious. "We are going to have so much fun, Mya."
"And who suggested this, my lord?"
"Well, Cousin Harry of course."
Mya nodded. "Don't you think it's odd he chose such a secluded courtyard?"
His face scrunched up as he looked a bit puzzled. "Well, I guess, but he's family, and a squire, so I suppose he must have a good reason." His head was in the clouds imagining a perfect day of play. He didn't have a single instinct of caution or weariness. Life was as sweet as milk and as lovely as a song in his mind. She didn't think it would be possible to sway him, but she felt she should at least try. "Maybe you should just do some exploring instead?" She dangled the carrot in front of him as if he were one of her stubborn mules. "I could join you too." She figured it was worth it sparing him from a day with Harry.
Jasper Arryns' eyes went wide, and she could tell she almost had him. "That sounds like a grand time." He admitted. "But I did promise Harry I would go and an Arryn must keep his word." He said, as solemn as an old lord of sixty. Of course now, he acts like Jon Arryn. "We can do that tomorrow!"
She tried one last avenue save, summoning the guard, which she wouldn't do. "I could come watch?"
He sighed apologetically. "Sorry Mya, he said for it just to be the two of us. We are going to be as close as brothers. I just know it!" He beamed.
When she tried to sway him with a third option, his eyes narrowed as tight as a falcon gazing at her. "You are trying to stop me. Why?" He crossed his arms. "I demand an honest answer."
"Don't you think?" She chose her words carefully. "He's a bit big for you."
Jasper laughed. "Oh, he won't go that hard with me." He waved away her words. "It wouldn't be gallant, and he's an Arryn just like me." He said with childish certainty.
Mya half considered summoning the guard, but it would earn Lord Jasper's ire, and that would not be a good place for her to be in. He has to get burned some time to learn. Maybe Harry really did want to spend some time with him? And it wouldn't be that bad, but she didn't believe that. "Alright, my lord." She said. "But promise me you'll tell Harry I know where you are and who you are with."
Her request completely puzzled Jasper, but he vowed to do just that. He then hugged her and called her a true friend of House Arryn before sprinting across the courtyard to meet his cousin. Mya felt for him and she told herself she would check on him in a few hours. He was a kind boy, if very naïve. The world was going to hurt him, eventually. It always did. If the Gods were good, not too badly.
They rarely were.
Jasper
Jasper arrived in the secluded courtyard behind the Broken Tower and was pacing around with excitement. Wow, an actual fight with practice swords. He giggled at the thought of how much fun they were going to have. Harry was waiting for him with a displeased look and he supposed he was a bit late, but shaking his guard and Mya had taken forever. She was being silly about trying to stop him from going, but she was still a good friend. It was nice to know she cared enough to look after him. She really was King Roberts' daughter! "Your late." He said, annoyed. "I almost left figured you were wasting my time."
"I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry." He babbled. "Please stay."
He narrowed his blue eyes. "Did you do as I said?" He asked.
Jasper shook his head. "Well, I told Mya Stone I was going to meet you."
"You really are useless can't even follow simple instructions." Jasper bristled at the tone. A feeling of discomfort filled him, but he shook it off. Things are just a little bumpy, you'll smooth things over.
"It's just Mya. I don't think it a big deal." Why did it matter if Mya Stone knew where they were?
Harry darkened and Jasper suddenly grew aware of just how tall and strong Harry looked compared to himself, and the thought shamed him. He's your cousin, you dolt he loves you. He shoved the training sword into his hands and it felt very heavy, but he wouldn't complain. I won't be a baby and complain. "Get in your stance." Harry barked.
"Well, cousin." Jasper tried to explain, a bit embarrassed. "It's just I've never-
Harry roared with laughter. "Of course you haven't, your as weak as a bitchy girl."
It was vulgar of him to say that and was hardly honorable, but he figured it was just teasing. Brothers tease each other all the time. So Jasper laughed. "Oh, yeah." He agreed. "Good one."
And it made him laugh even harder as his cheeks became flushed. "Well, if you are an Arryn. It should come naturally." Harry grinned. "It did for me." And that made sense. His discomfort eased. He was going to do great. I'm the son of Jon Arryn.
His mood improved a little bit when they first started swinging. It seemed like it was going well. "As High as Honor!" He called out in a high voice. But then Harry swung harder and harder. "Can you please go a bit slower?" Jasper breathed heavily. "Harry please go slower I don't know-" He panicked. Harry struck him on the back. It sent him tumbling to the ground wincing. It hurt terribly.
"Don't beg to me." Harry smirked. "gods that was pathetic."
"But it was just my-"
He struck him again, and he whimpered. "I said don't beg. Now get up." And suddenly he didn't think it was going to be a fun time, but he did as bid and got back in his stance and swung. A lord had to show courage. As High as Honor! It didn't end well as another powerful blow smashed into his chest. It sent him to his knees, wheezing. "Can I have a moment?" He coughed.
The sword touched his cheek, kissing it. "And that is exactly why everyone mocks you behind your back. The coddled son of Jon Arryn, a weak girlish looking boy who plays with toys."
His vision darkened with fury. "YOU'RE A NO GOOD LIAR! NO ONE THINKS OF ME LIKE THAT!"
"Oh?" His voice was filled with mockery. "You know I'm right. I can tell you know how pathetic you are." They don't think of me like that. Or do they? No, no, no, they know I'm a dutiful heir. Right? Right? Then he recalled the looks in the crowd and maybe they were judging him.
"Prove me wrong then. Try to get just one hit on me."
Jasper's blood was hot, and he was going to make him bleed and slashed down with all his might.
Harry parried and laughed. "Ah, a weak falcon just like your brother." Tears streamed down his cheeks as he fell to the ground when Harry kick him savagely. Air left his lungs and he couldn't breathe. He smirked. "Will you die before him, I wonder?" Why was he saying those things about his sickly little brother Robert? It angered him. It is my brother he speaks of.
"That's unchivalrous Harry. I'm the heir of the Eyrie and you speak of my brother." Jasper said, crawling away from him. He was trying to hide his fear, but it was as plain as day. Why was he doing this? They were cousins, they were family. This wasn't right at all. But Harry didn't seem to think of him like that. He hated him. Why did he hate him? What did he do wrong? He felt very stupid for coming here. Stupid, stupid, stupid
"I told you." His boot squashed his hands as he pressed down. He cried out and tears truly flooded down his cheeks. "You are a laughingstock. The weak, coddled son of Jon Arryn hiding constantly behind the skirts of women." Harry smirked. "That's why I'll be name heir. I don't look like the git of a trout." He paused and lifted his foot off his hand while Jasper nursed it.
"I'll-I'll…" His voice trailed.
"You'll what? Cry to your mother? Shes not here. Complain to a father that never returns? I wonder why. I certainly wouldn't return with an heir like you."
Another blow struck him as he curled up on the ground and he knew he was beaten. He had to give up. "I yield." He mumbled. "I yield."
Tears were streaming down his cheeks. That only seemed to please him further. It was monstrous, and he shivered before him. "I yield, I said I yield." He repeated.
"And have I accepted it?" Harry rolled his eyes.
"But you have to! It would be dishonorable not to!"
Harry pressed him face first into the mud. "Make me." He grinned. "go on, try?" Jasper tried as he wept, but he was too big and he couldn't get him off him. It wasn't fair, it wasn't how the day was supposed to go. Why was he doing this? Jasper didn't understand. "Are you even trying?" The words cut him down to nothing and broke his resolve.
"Please, I said I yield."
Harry dangled a sword in front of his eye. What is he going to do? Is he going to take my eye?
"Kiss my boot or you die."
Jasper was too scared to say anything. He's going to kill me. He's going to kill me.
The tip of the blade inched closer and closer to his soft throat. His blue eyes went wide, and he pissed himself. The puddle grew around him and the shame and embarrassment that followed.
It sent Harry roaring with laughter.
Jasper was sobbing hard, ugly tears.
"I'm waiting?"
For a moment he considered defiance to refuse as an Arryn should, but his entire body froze and then started shaking like a leaf and he didn't want to die. He pressed his lips against his leathery boots and placed a kiss on it. Jasper regretted it instantly. I should have just died. It would have been the honorable thing to do. He was the worst Arryn who had ever lived. No wonder why father hates me so.
"Don't ever call me your brother again." Harry hissed into his ear.
Jasper curled up, sobbing on the muddy ground. Everything hurt, but he still got up even if his legs felt like butter. Every step was agony as he hobbled away from the Broken Tower where a part of him died. A part of him that would never grow back. Harry was right. He was weak as he smelled his own piss. It burned straight through him as he collapsed on the ground like a useless crippled. I'm a weak, girlish boy. He crawled and leaned against a wooden post. The sobbing slowed to only the occasional bout, but the shame and hatred remained. I'll show him, I'll show all of them. No more toys. No more songs. Or stories. Or dumb pets.
Swords and lances would be his life from dawn to dusk. He was going to restore his honor. I'll make him kiss my boot, I'll make him beg for his life, I'll soar higher than him.
Mya Stone was the first to find him. This part of the castle was seldom used. "Oh, gods my lord. Your hurt." He couldn't meet her gaze he looked away and studied the ground. When she touched his shoulder, he recoiled.
"Don't touch me!"
"Did Harry…"
Jasper raised his puffy eyes from the ground. "He didn't show. I fell climbing the Broken Tower." He lied. I will not be a baby and tell on him. His honor had been stained and he would reclaim it like a man. As High as Honor!
"Jasper." Her voice softened. "It's-"
He was shaking his head. "That's how it happened, bastard!" He knew the word hurt, and he felt a hint of shame for it as he curled up on the ground. "I just want to go to bed. Can you please get a maester? Please Mya." He added in a half sob that he wiped away with his filthy sleeves.
Mya nodded and vowed to do just that.
Present Day -Jasper
Myrcella was so beautiful curled up on the bed even if she snored worse than Grand Uncle Brynden. He suppressed a snigger. Jasper carried with him a tray of sweets for a surprise breakfast in bed: chocolate strawberries, sweet tarts, and lemoncakes. For seven days, he worked his arse off so he could clear an entire morning of just him and his wife together in bed. These days, he felt more and more like his old self. Better than my old self. He set it on the dresser."Wake up sleepy head." Jasper said, rubbing her shoulder. Her green eyes slowly opened up, and she looked happy to see him as she pounced, wrapping her arms around him. It still surprised him she reacted this way when she saw him. She is too good for me.
"Jasper!" she squealed sweetly as she kissed him on the cheek. "What are you doing here?"
"Breakfast in bed, of course!"
Myrcella giggled. "That's so romantic, but you don't have to spoil me this much."
"Well, I could always take it back." He teased, and he moved to do just that.
She gasped. "Don't you dare." Myrcella giggled. "I'm a princess. Spoil me." She batted her eyes shyly.
Jasper kissed her on the lips before leaving her pouting as he grabbed the tray of sweets and got in bed with her. She pressed against him as she rested her head on his chest. Myrcella slept in a silky nightgown. Her golden hair was messy, but it seemed to be even more beautiful that way. They feasted on sweets together. He even fed her morsels from his own plate, and he could see the desire in her eyes. It took a while for him to understand that about her. Women, it seemed, had similar lusts to men. He was half tempted to toss the tray off the bed and make love to her. Maybe sire a babe this morning. But a falcon could be a patient hunter and he was beginning to understand the value of patience. "Is there something you want, darling?" He asked, drowning in her eyes.
She bit underneath her lip. "You know what I want."
"Only if you speak plainly."
Myrcella blushed as she whispered the words he wanted to hear into his ear. He tossed the tray off the bed, as plates shattered while she squealed with delight as he secured his blushing wife underneath him. When they were done, she was on top of him with his arms wrapped tightly around her as she placed her hand over his heart. It quickened at her touch. "Did you have any nightmares this morn?" She asked ever slyly when his guard was down, as he was lost in her smile.
"I had one." He admitted. "But then I woke up to the sweetest dream." And offered a wink.
It was easy talking with his wife, and he wasn't even faking with her. He felt like Jasper again, or as maybe he always could have been.
Myrcella smiled. "I like the sound of that." And they merely laid in the others' arms for a moment before she added. "Though husband," her tone turned serious. "I must have words with you."
"Words?" Jasper raised his brow. He did not like the sound of her voice. "Have I done something ill?" And that could be very well be true. He didn't always understand what she wished and the thoughts that swirled in her head.
Her voice turned more playful. "Have you been in the nursery as of late?" Was something wrong with the nursery? He was there not a day passed and everything seemed fine.
Jasper nodded. "I was there yesterday. I saw nothing wrong."
She bobbed him on the nose as she giggled. "You, Lord Arryn, are such a falcon, creating a nest for your children." He still didn't follow and told her as much. She rolled her eyes. "Jasper, there are far too many toys in the room! They barely fit on the shelves and in the chests."
"I had just as many growing up."
"Then you had more than me! And I was a princess!"
Jasper flushed, a bit embarrassed." Aye." He rubbed the back of his head as he gave a nervous laugh. "But what if they need that much? I think they need every toy in that room."
"Jasper! You are going to spoil them!"
"And that's a bad thing?"
"Jasper!"
Her nose was wriggling madly as she giggled. It was adorable. "Alright, alright, I'll take some of them out. I suppose our other children could use them." She seemed content with that. They talked about other things. Politics of the Vale. He always considered her word when he made choices. His wife was quite intelligent, and he always liked her imput. Dark words were coming from the capital that left him ill at ease. A part of him wished to ride down to Kings Landing and see it sorted out, but the last time he did that, it didn't end well. They were having Mya and Michel over for dinner on the morrow, and he knew Myrcella loved chatting with Mya about him. It was deeply uncomfortable that they struck such a quick friendship. She knew me when I was a spoiled, weak boy before I became a knight.
"You know, husband." Myrcella chimed sweetly. "I was chatting with Mya, and she told me you had pet rocks. Is that true?"
He scowled and turned away. "Mya should learn to keep things to herself." He grumbled.
She wrapped her slender arms around his neck as she showered him with kisses. "Turn around. It's not that bad."
Jasper raised a brow.
Myrcella snorted with laughter, and Jasper wanted to die. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She was laughing tears. "I just can't imagine you with pet rocks."
He surrendered to his fate and chuckled lightly. "I was different as a boy. I told you I was pampered." He wondered how things would have gone if he never met Harry by the Broken Tower and had gone with Mya Stone as she wished. Would he have been a pampered lordling until adulthood? Or would he have grown out of it and maybe he would have been happier? Were things better off happening the way they did? Would he have met Myrcella otherwise and sired two beautiful children with her? Jasper knew he would get no answer, but he wondered all the same.
"But you won't even eat sweets unless I make you." Myrcella said, pouting her lips. "Your so hard to spoil, husband of mine. Spending your days doing your duty or working on keeping your muscular form." She jumped on top of him, giggling. "Oh, Jasper, you love fighting me, but you will not win." Her voice softened as sweet as honey. And it sent a shiver down his spine. His dainty little wife sometimes worried him when she acted like this.
"I-" He did not know what to say except to nod his head. "We are going to play those boyish games of yours." His face hardened. Absolutely not. He was no child, and he mentioned it with authority. Though Myrcella only pouted her lips." But it's so sad, you never had a playmate. I'll be your playmate." She declared.
Jasper reddened a shade beyond his red curls. "Myrcella, we are man and woman grown." He said sternly. "We can't possibly do childish things like that." And he was firm on this point and made his will known.
Myrcella nodded, chastised, her voice soft and understanding. "Of course, husband, but I think I would have made a great princess to be rescued by a gallant knight. I'm slightly experienced, you know." And he gulped as his heart exploded in his chest. God, that sounds amazing. And she knew precisely what she was doing. Does she try to be this clever or is it just second nature to her? But he wouldn't give her an immediate victory. He had to play the dance a little and leaned back and relaxed on the soft sheets playing with her breasts and hearing her soft whimpers. He rolled her underneath him.
"Maybe I was hasty, Myrcella." He whispered.
"On what?" She played the oblivious girl. "Please tell me, husband."
He almost rolled his eyes, but he enjoyed the act, too. "I guess we could be childish from time to time. Only occasionally." He tried to keep at least some firmness in his voice. Her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Myrcella sighed happily. "I'm so happy you are permitting us to do so. I think it was the right choice." She kissed him chastely on the lips. "I want to please you too."
She was trying her damnest to make him happy, and by the Seven, she was more successful than he deserved. A hint of guilt flooded his chest about how happy she made him feel. Good men had died while he lived to have this happy life, but that guilt vanished when he drowned in her eyes.
Jasper didn't know if he made different choices if he would have been happier, but he was pretty happy right now with his golden princess.
Authors note: I know you might be surprised that I updated so quickly when I said I was taking a breather, and that is true, but the idea came to me to tell this story. Inspiration struck and I just felt compelled to put the chapter to words. I added the jumping into a cart of hay as an homage to the classic Assassin creed games. I do like putting small little refernces like that in my chapters every now and again. But yes, I'm thinking about Book 2 and the story of Robert, Jon, Jaime, and Dany. Got some more outlining done so thats good I hope.
I've also in the interest of transparency have rewritten the first three chapters cause I've always felt they were my weakest, so if you want to give it a check, I guess thats something extra for you. If I do any further changes to chapters I'll let you guys know.
Anonymous: Thank you appreciate it! I hope you enjoy this little extra tale.
ATP: You'll have to wait to find out!