The Wolf Priestess and the Lion Knight

Chapter 12 Robert's Demands

Jaime watched Ned Stark's eldest daughter walk away with her little sister, laughing. He had the distinct impression they were laughing at him. His eyes narrowed, and he scowled at the girls; no one laughed at the Jaime Lannister. The greatest swordsman in Westeros since Ser Arthur Dayne.

‘Pretentious Northern bitch,’ Jaime thought as he left Winterfell in search of his brother. It didn't take long to find him at the local whore house and tell Tyrion what their dear sister had commanded.

Meanwhile, in the crypt, Robert talked about how he dreamed every night of killing Rhaegar to avenge his Lyanna, the only woman he ever loved. If Ned could have rolled his eyes, he would have. It didn't take Ned long after the Rebellion realized that Robert's so-called love for Lyanna was only an obsession for a girl he couldn't have. If it had been confirmed, Robert wouldn't have visited so many whore houses. Now, Ned realized he was glad Lyanna had never married Robert.

As Robert stared at Lyanna's statue, he suddenly turned to Ned, “You're the eldest daughter who resembles her aunt greatly.”

A cold sweat broke over Ned. This is what he had been dreading, “No, I don't think so, Robert. Lyarra resembles my mother. You never met my mother,” Ned said nonchalantly.

“Perhaps, but there is a great deal of Lyanna, except for her silver eyes. They are very enchanting,” Robert said in a slightly dreamy voice.

If Ned could have shuttered in disgust, he would have. Now Ned's cheerful Lyarra was in danger from the King's advances.

There was a moment of silence, then Ned asked about Jon Arryn. Robert told him what happened, then turned towards Ned, “I need you, Ned. Down at Kings Landing. Not up here, where you’re no damn use to anybody. Lord Eddard Stark, I would name you the Hand of the king.”

This was the moment Ned had been dreading, but he knew he had no other choice. He kneeled before his king, “I’m not worthy of the honor.”

“I’m not trying to honor you. I’m trying to get you to run my kingdom while I eat, drink, and whore my way to an early grave. Damn it, Ned, stand up. You helped me win the Iron Throne; now help me keep the damn thing. We were meant to rule together. If your sister had lived, we would have been bound by blood. Well, it’s not too late. I have a son; you have a daughter. We’ll join our Houses.”

Ned was on the verge of hyperventilating, “I do not think Lyarra would be a good match for Prince Joffery, Robert. She much too old for him.”

“I wasn't talking about Lyarra, Ned; I meant your second daughter, Sansa. I have different plans for Lyarra.”

Ned felt his stomach turn, and he felt faint.

“What did you have in mind?” Ned asked, trying not to sound nervous.

“It's time for the feud between House Stark and House Lannister to end. I'll dismiss the Kingslayer from the Kingsguard and have him marry your daughter to unite your houses.”

Now Ned knew he was going to be sick. He couldn't fathom his sweet girl marrying that pompous oathbreaker and kingslayer. Ned protested, “No, Robert, I will not have it. Lyarra will marry a Northern Lord.”

Instantly, Robert turned red, and rage could be seen in his eyes, “I am your king, Ned, and you will do as I say. Lyarra will marry Jaime Lannister, and there will be no further discussion!” Robert roared, his voice echoing in the tomb.

Ned gritted his teeth and bowed, “Of course, my king,” With that, the two men left the tombs.

Meanwhile, Jaime had returned with Tyrion and was going to his chambers. He opened the door and sighed when he found his twin sister, Cersei, lying half naked on his bed.