"Why must we travel to Winterfell? Can't the King just send a raven requesting Lord Stark to come here?", I asked stubbornly as I sat with Cercei drinking wine. We had just enjoyed some alone time together as Robert was spending the day with the children, and my little brother was too busy in the library or the brothel. Not sure where he was these days.
"Because Robert wants to see his best friend, and he had always wanted to see the North.", sighed Cercei as she poured herself another goblet of wine and sat down across from me at her small table.
"It will be terribly boring, I've heard Northmen don't do much for entertainment", I said, sipping my own wine.
"You'll survive", replied Cercei coldly. Recently she had been treating me more like an object rather than a brother and a lover. It was starting to annoy me to no end but I kept my mouth shut. Last time I said something, she did not take it lightly, refused to speak to me for months, constantly tried to make my day worse by have father write about Casterly Rock and his need for me to be his heir. Then she would make me watch and listen to my children's laughter, knowing full well that I wanted to be there, making memories with them, making them laugh. She was a hateful woman, but somehow I always found myself drawn to her. Like a moth to light, a fish to the sea, a wolf to sheep, a lion to it's prey.
We heard a knock on the door and I quickly got dressed and fixed my hair, making sure that I looked presentable.
"Relax, I'm sure it's just a servant", said Cercei walking to the door but she did make sure that she was also dressed. She opened the door just as I clipped my armour on but it was just our little brother.
"Tyrion", I greeted him.
"Jaime", he greeted back and looked up to Cercei. "Beloved sister". Cercei just sighed and closed the door behind him, walking back to her table.
"What is it that you want brother? I have things to do", said Cercei annoyed. I clenched my jaw at her tone. She never treated our brother well, and I despised her attitude but I learned not to say anything unless I wanted a tongue lashing.
"I had just come to say that I will be joining you on your journey to Winterfell", began Tyrion and Cercei scoffed into her goblet but didn't say anything. Me and Tyrion exchanged a look but he continued. "And since we will be leaving tomorrow morning, I was wondering if there was anything that I needed to do before we leave".
Tyrion had always been polite and generous. He had his moments where I wanted to cut him in half but I refrained from doing so. He was my little brother, and I quite enjoyed spending some evenings in his company. He had a lot to say about everything, giving me a whole new point of view at a situation. He had saved me many mistakes and I would forever be thankful to him for that.
"No, now if that's it, please go. You too Jaime", said Cercei impatiently, pouring herself another goblet of wine. I sighed silently, and followed Tyrion outside, closing the door behind me softly.
"Why is she always like this? It's as if nothing either of us do, will ever be enough to satisfy her", complained Tyrion and I chuckled.
"She's in a mood. Although I can't imagine why", I reply, remembering that we did just spend a rather relaxing time together in bed.
"Oh don't even mention it", said Tyrion waving with his small hand, realizing what he had just walked into. "Change of subject. I had Pod look into the Starks so we have a better idea of what we are walking into. Turns out Lord and Lady Stark have 6 children and a bastard son", continued Tyrion and I paid little attention, he would always blabber on about something that would not really interest me.
"Bastard son?", I asked, that got my attention. I have heard that the honourable Eddard Stark had fathered a child with another woman but I had completely forgotten about it.
"Jon Snow", continued Tyrion. "Then there is Robb Stark, Brandon Stark, Rickon Stark, Sansa Stark, umm... Arya Stark and another one. Her name is rather unique, never heard it before. But she is known as one of the most beautiful women in the 7 kingdoms", said Tyrion, snapping his fingers as he thought.
I had heard little about the beauty of the North, it had never interested me. I had a beauty right here with me in King's Landing, I doubt I would ever need someone to replace her. But since I would be travelling North, and I don't think they will have much for me to do, I could see what all the fuss was about.
"Audelia! That's her name", exclaimed Tyrion finally as he remembered the girl. That was a strange name,where would her parents had found it from? I wondered for a moment what she would be like. Strong willed, feisty, a little cruel and stubborn like Cercei? Or perhaps kind, generous, and soft like Margaery Tyrell. "I see she interests you", teased Tyrion as he saw my thoughtful expression.
"She does not", I argue as we entered his chambers. "But would it hurt finding out about her and perhaps getting to know her when we get there?", I asked unsure and Tyrion smirked.
"No it would not. Well, unless Cercei sees, then no one will be able to escape her wrath.", he said in full seriousness. Cercei was a jealous woman, and although she treated me like I was nothing important, it warmed my heart knowing that she still cared.
"Then I have to make sure she doesn't find out", I reply with a smirk of my own. We clink our glasses and sat in silence, watching the outside world buzz around.
A month has passed and we have finally arrived at Winterfell. Dreadful place, the Northerners aren't exactly welcoming, and it is very quiet when we ride in the streets. Everyone just seemed to continue what they were doing, not paying much attention to us, only the King. Some stopped in the streets to watch us ride past, the others just spit on the ground, stared and continued walking. I truly hated it here and I really doubted that the 'Beauty of the North' will be much more pleasant.
Finally we pulled up to the castle where the Starks awaited us. Joffrey and the Hound rode in first, followed by the carriage carrying Cercei and my other two children. Sorry, niece and nephew. I arrived right after the King, stopping my horse and taking off my helmet.
I couldn't stop myself but look down the line of the Stark children, somewhat excited. And it didn't take long to spot the person I have heard so much about. She was already looking at me when I had spotted her. The people were not wrong. She was gorgeous.
I could see her piercing blue Tully eyes watching me but she turned her attention somewhere else. Not noticing how intently I was watching her. She was different from what I imagined. Cercei demanded the attention of everyone present without asking for it, or at least, rarely asking for it. Her body language was strong, and she rarely let herself relax. Margaery was kind, and she attracted everyone's attention as well, but she made everyone comfortable in her presence. Audelia on the other hand, attracted everyone's attention but at the same time, she tried to hide from it. It was as if she didn't want it. I could see the many guards that had arrived with us and they were all looking at her. She could tell, and she tried to ignore it. Audelia was weird, all women were supposed to feel happy that they had the attention of everyone, that she was the star but she seemed to not like it.
"Will you always stand there or will you go find our little brother like I had asked you to five minutes ago?", asked Cercei as she approached me. I shook my head, getting back to reality and nodded, leaving to find Tyrion. Before I left though, I stole another glance at Audelia and she was leaving the line with her little sister in hand, and I couldn't help but smile.
I walk to the whore house Tyrion's guards showed me to. And without knocking burst into the room he is currently occupying.
"Don't get up", I said as I entered. The woman he was with didn't even move while Tyrion sighed in annoyance.
"Should I explain to you the meaning of a closed door in a whorehouse, brother?" asked Tyrion rhetorically.
"You have much to teach me, no doubt. But our sister craves your attention", I reply with a small smile as I walk over to get myself some wine.
"She has odd cravings, our sister", sighed Tyrion and I nod into my goblet.
"A family trait, now the Starks are feasting us at sundown. Don't leave me alone with those people", I continue, finishing my wine.
"I'm sorry, but I've began my feast a bit early, and this is the first of many courses", replied Tyrion with one of his fingers up. I rolled my eyes and walked to the door.
"I thought you would say that but since we are short on time", I said and open the door wider and motion for the girls to come in. "Come on girls. See you at sundown". The women file in and practically throw themselves onto my little brother. I sighed and walked out of the door.
"Close the door!", yelled Tyrion but I ignored him, leaving it open.
A few hours had passed and I had made myself comfortable in my new room. It was nothing special, and everything seemed to be different shades of grey or brown. Rather depressing if you ask me. The feast was not much better. I could tell that the Northerners were used to having loud conversations, laughings and singing. It was nothing that I was used to in the south.
As I was sitting there, looking around the room, I couldn't help but spot the brown haired woman that had attracted my attention since the moment I met her. She was sitting beside her sister Sansa, almost on the opposite side of the room from me. Usually I would be looking at Cercei but she hadn't crossed my mind this whole evening and apparently she began to notice. As I sipped on my wine, looking around the room I saw her angry stare directed at me. I almost choked on my drink.
She was not happy by the lack of attention I was giving her so I send her an apologizing look but she ignored it. Great, now I wouldn't have sex for the next year.
I saw Audelia stand up, obviously going somewhere but nobody from her family seemed to notice. She walked past the dancing bodies, pushing through the crowd gently and before I could think about what I was doing, I followed her.
"Excuse me", she said trying to push past me but I stood in front of her, not budging. She looked up at me slightly annoyed.
"Where is this gorgeous lady going from her own feast?", I asked cockily, regretting my choice of words right away.
"Outside. Now please, Ser, move", she replied, trying to push past me again but I didn't let her.
"Oh but why don't we dance? A fine lady like you must know that it is rude to leave in the middle of a feast, especially when someone as charming as me offers to dance with someone as gorgeous as you, my lady", I tried to persuade her but she rolls her eyes, but then she smiled politely, making me think for a moment that she was considering it.
"You're cute", said Audelia and my smile only grew. "Like my wolf, he also chases his tail for entertainment. Now if you'll excuse me, I have places to be, things to do. I did hear that there was a whore house down near the village, perhaps you would like to go there", she continued and pushed past me forcefully this time. I looked after her in awe. No lady, aside from Cercei had ever rejected me, not that I really tried to get with other women, they just seemed to throw themselves at me. I looked after her retreating figure, contemplating what I should do, and deciding to go after her but before I could take another step, Ned Stark stood in front of me in a somewhat protective way.
"Your pardon", he said through the noise, trying to get past me now.
"I hear we might be neighbours soon. I hope it's true", I say cockily, trying not to show how annoyed I was with him. He stopped me from following Audelia but perhaps that was for the best.
"Yes, the king has honored me with this offer", replied Ned and tried to push past me once again but I stopped him.
"I'm sure we'll have a tournament to celebrate the new title, if you accept. It would be good to have you in the field. The competition has become a bit stale.", I continue to torment him lightly with a smirk on my face.
"I don't fight in tournaments", replied Eddard, fixing his posture.
"No? Getting too old for it?", I asked.
"I don't fight in tournaments because when I fight a man for real, I don't want him to know what I can do.", explained Ned and I chuckle.
"Well said", I replied and he walked past me, pushing my shoulder a little.
I have never liked that man, and neither has he. The ride back to King's Landing would certainly be more difficult then the ride to Winterfell.
The door through which Audelia disappeared was closed now and I had to fight my urge to go and follow her outside. Now was not the time, besides she expressed her feelings towards me already.
"Giving up so soon?", asked Tyrion as he walked towards me. I give him a questioning look.
"I just saw your Beauty, or well... she's not yours... yet", said Tyrion motioning outside. "Why aren't you with her? Or has she rejected you already?"
"She doesn't seem very fond of my charms", I reply, and Tyrion laughs.
"Good Luck then brother, besides your charm I don't think you have very much to offer that may interest her", he says and walks by towards his seat. I roll my eyes at his insult but can't feel that it is true.
I'm in the King's Guard, I have vowed to never take a wife and father no children as long as I am serving and guarding the King. There is no way I am getting out of it, not that I want to. Which really limits my options of what to give her. She is a young beautiful woman who will eventually want to get married and have children of her own, and I cannot offer that.
So I sigh in defeat and go to my seat, not sparing another glance at anyone. Why must my life always be so difficult?
For the rest of the evening, I tolerated the Starks and all the other guests but it was getting increasingly hard. The dirty looks, the hushed whispers behind my back, that was getting on my nerves. To top it all off, Cercei was angry and whenever she is angry at you, you will know without her even having to tell you.
So it came as a surprise when she had dragged me up a tower so we could be alone. I was even more surprised when she pushed me against a wall and began making love to me. And I wasn't one to protest until we were on the ground and Cercei suddenly stopped.
"Stop. Stop!", yelled Cercei and I immediately stopped and looked at her line of view. A boy I recognized as one of the Stark children was staring at us. He had climbed the tower from the outside. I quickly got up and held him by his shirt before he had the chance to escape.
"Are you completely mad?", I asked as I held him there. He looked at me with fear in his eyes, and he held my hand.
"He saw us", said Cercei as she covered herself. I looked at the poor little boy, and let go.
"It's alright. It's alright", I whispered backing away a little so he wouldn't be as scared.
"He saw us!", yelled out Cercei in frustration.
"I heard you the first time", I replied a little angry but then I turned back to the boy. "Quiet the little climber aren't you? How old are you boy?", I asked.
"10", he replied quietly, and his voice still full of fear.
"10", I said, realizing how really young he is. But I knew I couldn't let him go, he saw me and Cercei and would certainly tell his parents. That would not only destroy Cercei's marriage to Robert but would most likely put my and her, and our children's heads on the line. I could not risk that. I still liked my head on my shoulders, thank you. "The things I do for love", I said as I looked at Cercei and quickly, before the boy had any time to realize, I pushed him out of the window.
I heard Cercei gasp lightly as we heard a quiet thump below us and I quickly walked over, getting dressed. All my lust for her had disappeared and now I just wanted to get away from the crime scene. My sister got the idea and she quickly also left, not saying another word.
What had I done?