Forgiveness

XXVI

"Is everything alright?"

Tywin questioned in a hushed tone when he seen Hellen and her sister return to the table. Hellen gave him a small poliet smile and a nod.

"Just plotting against our enemies like true Lannisters."

Tywin looked at Hellen for a moment before he caught his lips trying to curl upward. But Hellen seen it. Hellen seen him fighting his smile. And then, it was in that single moment, he couldn't help but chuckle.

The small noise caused Kevan to glance shocked at the man. But Tywin ignored his brothers baffled gaze and focused instead on his new wife. He folded his hands over his knee while still fighting his smile.

"True Lannisters? We've just married and your sister has yet. But you're already acting as one."

"Do I sense... pride from you my King?"

Tywin blinked slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. It was as if the two of them were in their own little world and they were the only ones that mattered. Everyone else, well, to them there was nobody else.

"I'm a Lannister, my Queen, we're all prideful."

This time it was Hellens turn to grin and chuckle. And that's when it dawned on her. He was flirting with her. Tywin Lannister was trying to woo her. And it seems that Hellen wasn't the only one to notice.

"Perhaps it is time for the bedding ceremony?"

Cersei questioned her gaze looming from the end of the table. She had returned shortly before Hellen and her sister. Tywin sighed deeply through his nostrils. Annoyance. Hellen was able to spot it easily now.

"It has been a rather trying day. Perhaps rest is needed."

Hellen said placing her hand over her stomach to remind Tywin what might rest within her. His eyes flickering from her hand to her eyes. The one side of his lips twitched upward.

"There will be no ceremony, but we shall retire."

Tywin said standing to his feet. He rose to his feet and took Hellen's hand and for a brief moment, Hellen noticed a softness to his gaze.

One that she had never seen before.

Slowly opening her eyes, Hellen was met with the morning light peering through the window of their room. She sighed deeply, inhaling the sweet bold sent of Tywin's naked body that held her.

She couldn't help but smile as she laid there along side of him, he held her tightly. They had sex last night as they had managed to put each other into the mood and then retired for the night afterwards.

Now waking up together was something all too familiar yet different.

Hellen was officially Queen.

She was Queen and he was her King.

It was strange. Not long ago Hellen had been completely against the idea altogether. She wanted no part in ruling. She wanted no part in the marriage except to protect her sister.

And now as she laid there beside Tywin she couldn't help but feel something swelling inside her - and not the suspected child.

No it was an emotion that she had never had. A swelling in her chest. A true happiness that she couldn't describe.

Slowly slipping out of bed Hellen sighed deeply the cold morning air hitting her naked body. She shivered as she walked quietly across the room to the bowl where she would wash her face.

Pouring the water into the bowl she dipped her hands into the icy water and splashed it upon her face. Her body shivered. Opening her eyes she glanced in the mirror before her seeing Tywin's sleeping form still under the sheets.