Lannister Blood: The Shadow Lands

2 - A Heavy Crown

The waves of Blackwater Bay are dark and peaceful. My hands twitch, missing the familiar hilt of a sword in my palm. It's been weeks since I've trained or had any need for a sword. It's strange, really. Especially since I've gotten so used to carrying one around at all times, not to mention multiple daggers hidden on my person. I was always traveling, always unsure of who to trust on my journey and ready for even the slightest sign of danger. But here, in King's Landing with the safety of the guard and Robb, it isn't as necessary.

Truthfully, I stopped carrying them so I would make a better first impression as Queen of the Six Kingdoms. Having a Lannister on the throne isn't ideal... and the people, despite the amount of time that has passed from the Lannister reign, have not been easy on me. It's nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be, and Tyrion was right. Though skeptical, the people have softened towards me over the years. Lysandra the Loyal and her duties to the Crown and Westeros have been known far and wide, more than I ever realized.

Even so, the last thing I wanted was the people feeling threatened by their new "Blood Queen" as I've heard myself whispered as now and again. I've stuck to the traditional queen wear of dresses instead of breeches and feminine tunics. It's not a bad change, but it just feels a little less... me. Like the life I used to have so long ago, and that person is no longer someone I recognize. Nevertheless, the gown I currently wear is simple, yet beautiful. It's a lovely maroon of a thick, soft material complete with a portrait neckline.

My gown just barely drags against the ground as I make my way along the stone shoreline. I take a deep breath and let the sound of the waves relax the unease nagging at me. The Sight has been distant, which I don't know whether to take it as a good sign or a bad one. I still feel things when I see people, especially if I touch them. If I focus hard enough, I can see what I need to. But these dreams... they're becoming more frequent. And the more I have them, the less certain I become. I've tried to remember the details, but it's almost like a physical pain overwhelms me when I do. I've kept that part of the dreams from Robb. Not entirely on purpose, but he worries so easily lately when it comes to me. He's protective. Which I love, but I also don't want to cause him concern unnecessarily.

"You're pacing, Your Grace. Should I be worried?"

I turn towards the familiar voice and smile at Samwell Tarly, adorned in robes fit for the Grand Maester. He bows and returns my smile, though I can see the slight twitch of worry in his brow.

"I'm just fine, Grand Maester Samwell, thank you. No need to be worried."

"Please. For you, it's always Sam."

I nod. "Very well, Sam. You merely caught me lost in thought."

"Anything I can help with?" he asks.

"No, thank you. What brings you all the way out here? Is everything alright?"

"Yes, my queen. It seems, well- respectfully, Your Grace, you seemed to have slipped away from the guards again. We were worried-"

"That I'd run off?" I ask with a raised eyebrow. "Or that I'd befallen some tragic fate?"

Sam smiles shyly, avoiding my direct gaze. "You do have a habit of slipping away, if I may be so bold as to say so."

"You may." I smirk a little, amusement on my face. "Forgive me, Sam. I'm not used to such hovering. Even after nearly a fortnight of being queen. I require a bit of... distance from time to time."

He nods and walks to meet me near the water. He looks out at it, admiring the sun sparkling against the dark water.

"Do you miss traveling, Your Grace?" he asks quietly.