The Last Stag • Game of Thrones

27.

Chapter Twenty-Seven.
The Family

"When you attack the faith, you attack the crown. Anyone who attacks the crown is unfit to serve as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard."

Tommen's voice echoed around the throne room, the palace guards and citizens of the court deadly silent. Ren was trying hard not to stare at her brother beside her, seated in the Iron Throne, dressed in gold.

Across from them, Jaime clenched and unclenched his fists, his Kingsguard armor sitting uselessly on the floor by his feet.

"I've been a member of the Kingsguard since before you were born." Jaime locked his jaw, trying hard to keep anger from seeping into his voice. "You don't have to do this. You don't have to do anything."

"I have to answer to the gods." Tommen pulled an uncomfortable face.

"Not when you're sitting in that chair."

Tommen looked to Renfri, standing on the opposite side of Kevan. She pursed her lips, unsure of exactly how to react to the situation. 

"The crowns decision on this is final." 

"Will I be walking naked in the streets?" Jaime asked. "Or will I be spending a few months in the Sept's dungeon first to teach me about the God's mercy?"

"You have served your House and your King faithfully for many years." She watched as Tommen clenched and unclenched his jaw, his voice wavering as he spoke. "And you will continue to do so. But not in this city."

Renfri's eyes snapped to Tommen. Her hand found her stomach, brow furrowing. 

Tommen waved his hand, dismissing the court. Renfri and Jaime shared a look.

"Tommen." Ren approached the King as the court dispersed. "I ask that you reconsider."

"You may not ask this of me, Renfri." Tommen looked at her with tired eyes, taking her arm in his. They exited the throne room, Tommen leading her up the winding route towards the gardens. "I have done enough for you as of late."

"He is our uncle, Tom." The words felt wrong as soon as they left her tongue, but if Tom noticed the snub, her said nothing. "Must you send him away?"

"The faith and the crown are the two pillars that hold up the Seven Kingdoms, dear sister. He attacked the faith, and thusly, attacked the crown."  Tommen looked down. "I'll send him to Riverrun. He can overlook the forces." 

Ren stayed silent. They entered the garden, the mid-day chill entering Renfri's bones, a sign that the cold was beginning to creep into the South.

"You seem more calm." Tommen mused as they took in the vibrant flowers. "Last week when you arrived you had this look in your eyes like a feral cat. I'm happy to see that you've grown comfortable here."

"It's been...tricky." Ren pursed her lips. "But I'm glad to be back with you, Tom."

The ghost of a smile flickered past Tommen's lips.

"Nobody's called me that since Joffrey passed." He mumbled. "I did miss you, Renny."

Renny. That old, stupid nickname that had been so appropriate when she was a tot bumbling around on fat legs. To an adult Renfri with a jumble of scars and a child growing in her womb, it felt melancholic.

"Tom." She mustered up the courage. "I know I've asked a lot of you since my arrival in King's Landing. You've been so gracious by welcoming me home."

"You're my sister, Ren." Tommen answered. "I would never let anyone lay a hand on you, no matter what you've done."