lover's mercy - jaime lannister

THIRTY-SIX

Days, which turned into weeks, passed. Elya was usually always at her sister's side with Brienne following them around.

Elya had dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. She now slept in her own chambers where she would wake in a fit of tears as she relived that night.

She would grab at her stomach, hoping to be comforted by the fact that there was life growing inside of her. But then she would remember that the baby was gone, too.

Life seemed to be Hell but she realized not even Death would bring her relief. Not being here for Sansa; not making sure she ate and smiled was something she couldn't do. She would not let her sister believe she was a lone wolf.

But, even, if life was Hell, there were still some delights.

Jaime.

Every day without fail, he visited her to ask how she was doing. Every day. He visited her right now as she walked with her sister in the gardens.

Sansa had grown used to seeing the Lannister. Somehow, even though she was younger, she was more perceptive than her older sister. She noticed how the lion looked at her sister; she believed he was in love.

"Lady Sansa," he nodded before gazing at dark-haired girl. "Elya."

Sansa smirked a little bit at how he called her affectionately by her nickname. It was so informal and personal...romantic. His voice alone practically bled with the tone of I love you.

"How are you?" he asked.

It was the same question every single day. Things were different in the capital. He couldn't just go to her room and ask her; no, there were little birds everywhere and her honor would be impeached. These were the little moments they were entitled to; just run-ins through the Red Keep.

She considered him for a moment before she looked at Sansa, "Why don't you go on ahead?"

Sansa nodded with a small smile before parting. Brienne followed behind her.

Elya gained an amused look as she stared at the spot where her sister used to be, "I think she believes you have romantic notions towards me..."

His lips parted as Elya chuckled a bit, "But we both know who you desire."

He wanted to protest. He wanted to tell her the truth. But that was impossible. A declaration of love would get her killed.

"Right," he looked down as his jaw clenched.

"Jaime," she said softly. "You can stop asking if I'm okay."

"Why would I do that?" he looked up at her in bewilderment. "I need to know you're okay."

He stunned her for a moment while they stared at one another before she spoke, "Jaime, do you remember after you lost..."

She looked at his hand sadly before she continued, "And I pleaded with you not to starve yourself. To live. For me."

"I remember every moment with you..."

"So you don't need to worry if I'm okay," she confessed. "The mere fact that you want me to be...means that I will be. For you."

He swallowed and nodded before he smirked a bit, "I'll still come see you. Just to try to make you swoon over me."

   She gained a small smile as she giggled a bit, "Don't you remember? I won't. Ever."