Happy new year everybody!
After my holidays I'm feeling refreshed and ready for more chapters.
After six days of travel, Jaime, Brienne, Meera, and Gwenhwyfar finally rode through the gates of Winterfell, weary but glad to have arrived. Jaime assisted Brienne down from her horse, noticing she still looked pale. Her morning sickness had persisted throughout their journey despite his attentive care.
Jaime placed a steadying hand on Brienne's back. "Come, let's get you to the Maester straight away," he said, concern etched on his face.
Brienne started to shake her head. "Truly, I'm fine now," she tried to protest, not wanting to be fussed over.
But Jaime would have none of it. "Please, if not for yourself then humour me, my lady," he implored, looking at her beseechingly. Sighing, Brienne reluctantly nodded. She could deny him little when he turned such pleading green eyes on her. Jaime's shoulders relaxed in relief. Keeping his hand securely on Brienne, he guided her swiftly towards the Maester's chambers.
The ageing Maester looked up in surprise as Jaime and Brienne entered. "Greetings, Ser Jaime, Lady Brienne. What ails you?" he inquired, rising from his work table.
"She requires your assistance. Brienne has been afflicted by persistent morning sickness on our journey here," Jaime explained, his tone laced with worry.
The Maester gestured for Brienne to come further into his chambers. "Now then my lady, let us determine the cause of this persistent morning sickness."
As Brienne moved past Jaime to follow the Maester, she paused and placed a hand on Jaime's chest. "Please ser, wait outside. This is...womanly business," she implored, her cheeks flushing pink.
Jaime opened his mouth to protest but Brienne silenced him with a meaningful look. With a reluctant sigh, he nodded. "As you wish, my lady. I shall await you eagerly." Brienne gave him a grateful smile before disappearing into the Maester's inner chambers. Jaime paced anxiously outside the door, wondering what could be ailing his strong warrior woman to make her so ill.
He had barely been there a few moments when a guard approached. "Pardon me, Ser Jaime, but Lady Sansa requests your presence in her solar now," the guard informed him.
Jaime hesitated, glancing back at the Maester's door. He was loathe to leave Brienne but knew better than to keep the Lady of Winterfell waiting. With a frustrated huff, he followed the guard to Sansa's scholar, hoping the visit would be brief. His thoughts remained consumed with concern for Brienne. But the greatest shock was the presence of Margaery Tyrell, very much alive and smiling slyly at him from her seat beside Sansa. Jaime froze, completely taken aback.
"Lady Margaery?" he finally managed to utter in disbelief. "But how...you perished in the Great Sept explosion..."
Margaery let out an amused laugh. "Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated, Ser Jaime," she said smoothly. "As you can see, I am quite well and have been under the protection of House Stark."
Sansa gave Jaime a knowing look. "There is much we must discuss, Ser Jaime. Please, sit." Still reeling, Jaime lowered himself into a chair opposite the ladies. As Jaime took a seat opposite Sansa and Margaery, he felt increasingly discomfited. The presence of the very-much-alive Lady Margaery made him shift uneasily, especially knowing the role he had played in the attack on Highgarden.
Margaery seemed to sense his discomfort and gave him an appraising look. "You seem troubled, Ser Jaime," she noted smoothly. "Perhaps a guilty conscience weighs upon you?"
Jaime flushed under her perceptive gaze. "My lady, I...regret the actions I took against your family under Cersei's command," he said haltingly. "The assault on Highgarden..."
"Ah yes, when you led the Lannister forces against my ancestral home and slaughtered many of my bannermen," Margaery interjected, her eyes glinting.
Jaime looked down in shame. "It was war, but that does not excuse it. You have my deepest apologies, Lady Margaery. Given the chance, I would do things differently." Jaime bowed his head remorsefully as he apologized to Margaery for his role in attacking Highgarden. He knew it was an inadequate gesture, but hoped she could see the sincerity in his regret. Margaery's expression remained cool and composed as she listened to him, giving no indication of her true feelings. When Jaime finished speaking, she was quiet for a long moment.
"Your apology is acknowledged, Ser Jaime," she finally said in a formal tone. "However, I cannot instantly forget the harm done to my house and kin. Forgiveness will take time."
Jaime nodded grimly. "I understand, my lady. I merely hope we can find a way to cooperate amicably for the wars still to come."
Margaery inclined her head. "For now, we face threats that endanger all Westeros. So I will set old grievances aside, for Lady Sansa's sake and the good of the realm." Her voice softened slightly as she glanced at Sansa, who gave her a grateful smile. Turning back to Jaime, Margery's expression grew serious once more.
"But make no mistake, Ser Jaime, the debt owed my house has not been forgotten, merely postponed." Her eyes glinted sharply, making it clear this was not fully resolved between them. After reaching an uneasy truce with Margaery, Jaime turned his attention back to Lady Sansa. She gave him an appraising look and advised him to sit once more.
"Ser Jaime, before we discuss the situation at the Wall further, it seems I must enlighten you as to how Lady Margaery came to be here, alive and well," Sansa said. Jaime nodded, leaning forward with great interest.
Sansa folded her hands in her lap. "On the day of the Great Sept explosion, as Margaery prepared for Cersei's trial and the wildfire explosions set off, a mysterious woman came to her aid. She was very striking, with long silver-blonde hair and pointed ears." Jaime's eyes widened at this detail. Sansa nodded knowingly before continuing.
"This woman claimed to be an agent of the Ever Queen and urged Margaery to depart with all haste before it was too late. Thanks to her intervention, Margaery was spirited away mere moments before the wildfire erupted, injured but alive." As Margaery described being spirited away from King's Landing by the mysterious agent of the Ever Queen, Jaime listened intently. Under normal circumstances, he may have dismissed such a fantastical tale as fanciful imagining. However, after everything Jaime had witnessed and experienced - dragons being born amidst fire, Bran's visions coming true, Arya killing the Nightking, and Sansa herself riding an enormous frost bird - he knew better than to scoff. The world held many wonders and magics yet unknown.
Jaime shook his head slowly as Margaery finished her account. "In the past, I may have called such a story far-fetched," he mused. "But I have seen impossible things come to pass before my very eyes. Your rescue by this Ever Queen's agent seems no less miraculous than Sansa bonding with her frost bird."
He glanced at Sansa. "Strange forces are at work in ways we cannot begin to comprehend. We must keep open minds to all possibilities." As Jaime finished speaking, Sansa gave him an approving nod, commenting on the wisdom of keeping an open mind to mysteries and magic. Jaime was pleased by her validation, but noticed that the Lady of Winterfell suddenly looked anxious and tense. She took a deep breath as if steeling herself before speaking again. Before she could continue, the door behind her opened abruptly. Jaime gasped sharply, his face draining of colour as if he had seen a ghost. For there in the doorway stood Myrcella, very much alive and gazing at him hesitantly.
"Hello, Uncle Jaime," she said softly. For a moment, Jaime was too shocked to react. His beloved daughter, who he had thought dead by Dornish poison...how was this possible?
Sansa gave him a sympathetic look. "Ser Jaime, I know this must come as a great shock. But as I told you, forces beyond our understanding are at work."
Finally finding his voice, Jaime rasped out "Myrcella...you live? But how? I do not understand..."
Myrcella glided forward gracefully to stand before him. "It is a long tale, Uncle. I was grievously ill after the poison, but a kind healer saved me when all seemed lost." Her eyes glistened with emotion. "I cannot tell you what it means to see you again."
Overcome, Jaime surged up to embrace his daughter, tears of joy and relief filling his eyes. "My dear girl...this is a miracle..." Jaime clung to Myrcella, overwhelmed with disbelief and joy that his beloved daughter was somehow alive after he had grieved her death. As the initial shock began to subside, confusion set in. Gently pulling back, Jaime searched Myrcella's face. "I do not understand," he said hoarsely. "I was there when you supposedly died by the Sand Snakes' poison. I carried your body onto the ship myself and attended your funeral at the Great Sept."
Myrcella gave him a sad, sympathetic smile. "I know, Uncle. What you saw was real...and yet, here I stand before you." She took a deep breath before continuing her extraordinary tale. "As the poison ravaged my body, I was certain death was upon me. But in my darkest hour, a mysterious knight appeared, garbed all in green. He spirited me away swiftly and left a glamoured decoy in my place."
Jaime stared at her, stunned. Myrcella went on, "He took me deep into the Rainwood to recover. There I met the Lady of the Lake, an ancient sorceress, who healed me with her magic waters."
Jaime shook his head in disbelief. Myrcella grasped his hands entreatingly. "Uncle, I know it seems impossible, yet I speak the truth! The Lady told me my role was not yet done and sent me here to aid in the Great War to come."
Jaime pulled her close once more, marvelling at the incredible turn of events. "I do not doubt you, dear niece," he murmured. "I have seen too many strange happenings as of late. Your return is a blessing I will not question." As Jaime held Myrcella, thankful beyond words for her miraculous return, she took a moment to gaze over at Sansa and Margaery. The two ladies shared a tender smile, their hands subtly clasped beneath the table in a gesture of affection.
Myrcella's expression turned solemn as she met Jaime's eyes once more. "Uncle," she said quietly. "Now that I have been given new life, I think it is time you told Lady Sansa and Lady Margaery the truth about my parentage." Jaime paled slightly but nodded. She was right - the secrecy and pretence had gone on long enough.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to address Sansa and Margaery. "My ladies, there is a confession I must make, which may come as a shock. But you should know that Myrcella...is not King Robert's trueborn daughter." Sansa's eyes widened as understanding dawned on her face. Margaery looked surprised but remained silent.
Jaime forced himself to continue. "She...she is mine. Myrcella is of Lannister blood. I am her father." Myrcella slipped her hand supportively into Jaime's as he finally admitted the truth after so many years. Jaime braced himself as the truth about Myrcella's parentage finally emerged, holding his niece's hand tightly for support. He watched Sansa and Margaery closely, anxious for their reaction. To his surprise, the two ladies exchanged knowing glances and brief nods. It seemed they were not entirely shocked by the revelation of incest between Jaime and Cersei producing a royal child.
Sansa spoke carefully. "Ser Jaime, while quite improper, yours and Queen Cersei's...closeness was rumoured in King's Landing for many years. Tales of your twins' relationship reached even my young ears in Winterfell and then I witnessed it myself."
Margaery inclined her head in agreement. "And among the court, whispers of Queen Cersei's infidelities were widespread. Many suspected her children were not the late King Robert's." She gave Jaime a considering look. "So you confess the truth of it here and now?"
Jaime let out a heavy sigh, shame boiling within him even as a weight lifted from finally revealing his greatest secret. "Aye, my ladies. On my honour, every word is true. Myrcella is mine and Cersei's daughter." He squeezed Myrcella's hand. "I beg you, do not think less of her. She is innocent in this."
Sansa studied them both keenly before replying. "You are brave for admitting such, Ser Jaime. You have my word, Myrcella will be treated with respect regardless of her parents' sins." Relief swept through Jaime at her pardon.
Margaery added gently, "Yes, she is welcome here. We shall speak no more of her birth." Myrcella's eyes glistened at their understanding.
Jaime bowed his head gratefully. "You are most kind, my ladies. You honour me with your mercy." With the truth about Myrcella's parentage finally revealed and forgiven, the conversation moved ahead. Jaime once more assured Sansa and Margaery that his allegiance was to them alone, not Cersei. Soon after, he was dismissed from their presence.
Anxious to check on Brienne's health, Jaime hurried to the maester's chambers. He hoped the wise maester had discovered the cause of Brienne's sickness. However, the wizened man gave Jaime no answers, instead urging him to go speak with Brienne directly in her chambers. Perplexed, Jaime made his way quickly through the halls of Winterfell until he arrived at Brienne's door. Taking a deep breath, he knocked softly.
"Enter," came Brienne's voice.
Jaime stepped inside to find Brienne sitting up in bed, colour returned to her cheeks. "My lady, I am gladdened to see you looking improved," Jaime said earnestly.
Brienne gave him a shy smile. "Come and sit, Ser Jaime. There is something of import I must tell you."
Jaime settled on the edge of the bed, searching her face with concern. "Does the maester know what caused your sudden fever and faintness on the road? Are you fully recovered?"
Brienne took his hand, a blush rising on her cheeks. "Ser, I am with child...your child. We are to have a babe." Jaime's eyes went wide, shock and joy surging through him at her words. A babe! He gripped Brienne's hand tightly, a smile spreading across his face. Jaime was momentarily stunned into silence by Brienne's news that she was with child - his child. He stared at her wordlessly as shock and elation surged through him in equal measure.
A baby...a babe created from their love. The thought left him overwhelmed with emotion. Never had Jaime imagined he would have the chance to be a true father. Seeing Brienne begin to look worried by his lack of response, Jaime shook himself from his daze. Unable to form words adequate for the moment, he simply moved closer and pulled Brienne into a tender yet fierce embrace. She relaxed against him with a sigh as his arms enfolded her. Jaime pressed a fervent kiss to her temple, hoping it would convey the depth of joy and love swelling within him.
After long moments wrapped in each other's arms, Jaime finally found his voice. "Brienne...this is wondrous news," he rasped, emotion choking his words.
He gently cupped her face in both hands, gazing at her with awe and devotion. "I never dreamed I could be so blessed. You have made me happier than I ever thought possible."
Brienne's eyes shone with tears even as she gave him a radiant smile. She placed her hands over his. "I felt the same, my love," she whispered. "Our child shall be so loved." They came together then in a passionate kiss, celebrating the promise of new life and family they had created together. Caught up in the joy of Brienne's pregnancy, Jaime kissed her ardently, thrilled at the new life they had created. As they held each other close, a solemn thought came to Jaime, stilling the elation inside him. Fate had not been kind to Brienne's siblings. She was the sole remaining heir to Tarth. Any child of hers would be vulnerable, seen by many as a bastard unworthy of rights. The realization pained Jaime deeply. Their babe deserved better than stigma and scorn.
Jaime pulled back to meet Brienne's eyes, his expression serious. "My love, our child should not suffer as a baseborn outcast. You are the Evenstar's only living heir. Our babe has every right to the sapphire waters and stony shores of Tarth."
Brienne's eyes misted at his words. Jaime continued fervently, "When the war ends, I swear to you, I shall do all in my power to ensure our child is raised with honour as your legitimate successor. We shall find a septon and make vows before the Seven if that is your wish." Taking Brienne's hands in his, he finished solemnly, "I will see you and our babe protected and provided for, this I promise you."
Brienne smiled through her tears. "You are good and kind, Jaime. Our child could wish for no better father." She kissed him softly. "When the time comes, we shall make it official before gods and men." Reassured, Jaime held her close once more, silently vowing to keep her and their precious baby safe, no matter the cost.
After the eventful dinner, Sansa and Margaery retired to Sansa's private chambers. As they walked, Margaery gazed at Sansa, her eyes trailing appreciatively over the beautiful redhead. Already, her mind was filled with vivid imaginings of how she would worship and ravish her lady love once they were alone. The moment the door closed behind them, Margaery pulled Sansa into a passionate kiss, unable to resist any longer. Sansa melted against her with a sigh of pleasure. Breaking the kiss, Sansa swept Margaery up in her arms, carrying her over to the luxurious bed.
Laying down gently among the furs and silks, Margaery hovered above her, eyes dark with desire. "My sweet lady, you are the most gorgeous woman I have ever beheld," she purred. She captured Sansa's lips again, kissing her deeply. Lost in passion, Margaery kissed Sansa fervently as her hands roamed over the redhead's body. Deftly, she undid the laces of Sansa's gown, exposing smooth ivory skin that made Margaery ache with desire. Sansa shivered beneath her heated touch, eyes glazed with need. Margaery's fingers teased at the edges of the fabric covering Sansa's breasts, eager to expose the delicate flesh hidden beneath. She was just about to free those perfect mounds from their confines when a sudden knock came at the chamber door. Margaery froze, cursing under her breath. Sansa's eyes flew open, her cheeks deliciously flushed. They remained frozen for a moment, loath to stop yet knowing they must.
Reluctantly, Margaery withdrew her hand and helped Sansa refasten her gown. "One moment!" she called out in frustration towards the closed door. Turning back to Sansa, she pressed a swift, apologetic kiss to her love's lips.
Margaery pressed an apologetic kiss to Sansa's lips, regretfully halting their lovemaking at the interruption. "We shall continue later, my sweet," she promised softly. Sansa nodded, though her sigh showed her disappointment. They shared one last lingering kiss before Margaery rose to see who was at the door.
When she opened it, Maester Wolkan stood outside, a rolled parchment in his hand. "Pardons, Lady Margaery, Lady Sansa," he said with a respectful nod. "A raven arrived from King's Landing bearing a message for Lady Sansa. It is from Lord Jon."
Margaery stepped back, allowing the maester entry as Sansa sat up with interest. Maester Wolkan approached and handed Sansa the scroll. "Thank you, maester," Sansa said politely as she accepted it. Margaery moved to sit beside her on the bed as Sansa unrolled the parchment and began to read. Sansa's blue eyes quickly scanned over the letter from Jon. As she read, her brow furrowed in concern. According to Jon, the combined armies of the North, the Vale, and the Riverlands had reached King's Landing and begun their siege on the capital, Cersei's final stronghold. However, troubling news marked the end of the message - Daenerys and her troops were still missing, their location unknown.
Sansa looked up, meeting Margaery's gaze. "It seems the assault on King's Landing proceeds, but Daenerys has yet to arrive with her forces," she explained worriedly.
Margaery frowned, considering the implications. "That is strange. Do you think she could have run into difficulties on the march south?"
"It's possible," Sansa said slowly. "Or she may have chosen to detour for her own reasons. Whatever the cause, her absence puts the other armies in greater peril." She shook her head. "Jon urges patience, but our troops are vulnerable without her dragons to offset Cersei's defences."
Margaery nodded gravely, taking Sansa's hands in hers. "You speak wisely, my love. Let us trust in Daenerys' judgement for now. She and Jon together shall find the surest path to victory."
Leaning forward, she kissed Sansa softly. "Have faith. United, we are strong."
I still struggle with the chapters that need me to keep the events of the show present, I hope it'll get easier once the siege of King's Landing is off the table.
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