Lannister Blood: The Shadow Lands

Prologue

Present Time

White Harbor

Waves from the Bite mist his face as he looks off into the horizon. It's mid-day and the summer has come in stride, staying firmly for the past few months. It's been said that this will be the longest summer yet. It's a welcome change really, given the harsh winters that have come and gone over the past decade and even beyond. Still, he can't help but feel troubled by the sunshine and the warm winds. It feels... wrong. Almost out of place.

Robb nearly glares at the peaceful water lapping at the rocks below. His jaw is clenched, his icy blue eyes hard. He longs to rip the sun from the sky and snuff out all the light, leaving the world in eternal darkness. For that is exactly how he feels his world is. Dark, sinister, perhaps even hopeless.

He barely turns to greet Theon as he joins him at the cliffside. Theon hesitates before speaking to his friend. When he does, his voice is strong but gentle.

"It's been six months, Robb."

The Young Wolf closes his eyes.

As if he needs reminding.

"Perhaps..." Theon continues. "Perhaps, we should cease the search."

Robb grips the hilt of his sword, still not opening his eyes. He prays to the Seven for patience before he speaks. Patience he's almost certainly run out of. He's been trying so hard not to unravel. He hasn't wanted to push the ones he cares about away, especially not at a time like this. He knows they're all hurting, just... some more intensely than others.

He opens his eyes and manages to keep his face neutral. He keeps his voice calm and low, the kind of voice he uses when speaking of kingly matters.

"If you'd prefer to return home to Winterfell, Theon, you are free to do so."

When Theon doesn't respond, Robb turns to find his comrade looking at him with a sadness that nearly breaks his own stoic façade.

"Permission to speak freely, Your Grace?"

Robb nods, already knowing he doesn't want to hear one word of what comes next.

Theon sighs, running a hand through his unruly hair. He looks almost as old and lost as Robb himself feels.

"We've sent countless ships to Essos and beyond. Scoured Westeros for any sign of her. She left no note, no inclination as to where she went or for what purpose. She didn't speak to anyone about this. It's as if she vanished. Perhaps-"

"She would never leave me," Robb says, unable to hear anymore. And he hated the small doubt that crept into his thoughts.

Theon's frown deepened. "That's not what I'm suggesting. You know her better than any of us. If we can't find her... she doesn't want to be found."

Robb walks away, unable to smother the fire growing in his veins.

"Robb-"

He whirls on him. "Something is wrong, Theon. I can feel it. I need to find her. She needs me."

"We've searched blindly for months!" Theon says. "There is no trace to be found. You've been away from your throne too long. How long can we expect Tyrion and Sansa to watch over the kingdoms in your stead?"

"As long as I need them to," Robb snaps. "I will not abandon my wife."

The words hang in the air like a veiled threat. The two men stare at each other, their breathing heavy and their hearts unsettled. Finally, Theon sighs.

"I love her too," he says softly. "Not in the same way as you, but I do. But as king, you need to keep your loyalty to the people as well. They count on you to lead them, to protect them."

Robb's jaw clenches, a nerve sorely hit. Dark memories of his time as King in the North push their way into his memory. He casts them aside, thinking only of his love.

"I'm well aware of my duties as king, Theon," his voice turns to a deadly quiet. "Leave me. I'll join you shortly."

"Please, I-"

"Now, Theon."

His friend hesitates before bowing respectfully.

"As you wish, Your Grace."

Only when Theon is gone does Robb finally allow his stoic expression to melt away. He buries his eyes in the heels of his palms, willing away a sob with a shattered breath. Because a part of him knows that Theon speaks the truth.

It's been almost a year since their wedding night, a beautiful and quiet ceremony in the Godswood of the Red Keep. All their loved ones were there, but it felt as if the two of them had been the only people in the realm. He'll never forget the way she looked that night... how the cool summer breeze lifted her hair elegantly from her shoulders. They were finally able to put their past behind them and move forward. They spent months together in their own personal bliss. And for the life of him, Robb couldn't decipher when Lysandra had started acting... off. And then, like a thief in the night, she was gone.

He can't fight off the dread that spears his heart. Perhaps Lysandra did intend to leave without a trace. Perhaps she desired to search for something she believed others wouldn't understand. But she would never truly leave him. Not for good. Not after exchanging vows to never part from one another. Not after all they had been through. No... whatever Lysandra had been planning without him, something had gone wrong. He's sure of it.

But if he's wrong...

His face rests in his hands as he looks out at the bay. The lines under his eyes are fresh, making him look far older than he is. His usually tamed beard has grown slightly thicker from neglect. His body is weary and devoid of the light he tries to carry in his heart. The light she easily gave to him.

He sends a prayer up to whoever will listen before shaking his head in defeat and sinking to his knees.

    "Where are you, Lysandra?"

~

You've reached the end of the Prologue for Lannister Blood: The Shadow Lands.

Surprise! I figured I'd be a little earlier and give you all a slight teaser of the beginning of book 2. Don't forget to vote and/or leave a comment below if you're excited for Lysandra and Robb's journey to continue in the second and final book of the Lannister Blood Duology!

I sure have missed this story, and all of you. :)

Chapter 1 of Lannister Blood: The Shadow Lands will be released in the new year: Wednesday, January 5th, 2022.