The Wolf Priestess and the Lion Knight

Chapter 15 Healing Brandon

Lyarra's parents sat in the room, Ned holding Cat so she wouldn't interfere. Cat had wanted to sit with Brandon and hold his hand, but Ned knew that she would only be in the way. Ned watched his daughter closely to ensure that Lyarra wasn't draining herself too much. When Ned saw fatigue set in, he would make Lyarra stop for a little while and rest. He knew how stubborn his daughter was, and if he didn't take care of her, no one would.

It took Lyarra another two days to heal Bran; the damage was extensive, but Lyarra was determined to heal him. Finally, Lyarra took her hands off Brandon's body and looked at her parents, "It's done; I healed Brandon. He'll need to sleep for a while, but Bran will make a full recovery," Lyarra said, smiling at her parents.

Catelyn lunged for her daughter and held her tight, "Thank you so much, darling."

Lyarra hugged her mother, "Mother, you do not need to thank me. I would do anything for my family."

Catelyn smiled at her daughter through her tears, and Ned stepped forward and took his daughter in his arms. He hugged her tightly and kissed her head. Ned pulled away from Lyarra and ordered her to go to bed and rest.

"I shall have one of the servants prepare a bath for you. Afterward, I want you to eat and rest."

Lyarra didn't argue; she was too tired and needed rest.

In the training yard, Tyrion was talking to Joffery, "you will call on Lord and Lady Stark and offer your sympathies."

Joffery sneered, "What good will my sympathies do them?"

"None. But it is expected of you. Your absence has already been noted."

"The boy means nothing to me. And I can't stand the wailing of women."

With that, Tyrion slapped Joffery so hard he fell to the ground, "One word, and I'll hit you again."

Joffery glared at his uncle, but tears were gathering in his eyes, "I'm telling mother!" Joffery said in a petulant voice.

"Go! Tell her. But first, you will get to Lord and Lady Stark, and you will fall on your knees in front of them and tell them how very sorry you are, that you are at their service, and that all your prayers are with them. Do you understand?"

Joffery nearly stomped his foot like the spoiled brat he was, "You can't..."

Tyrion raised his hand, "Do you understand?" Tyrion asked menacingly.

Joffery nodded and stomped off to tell his mother.

Sandor looked at Tyrion, "The Prince will remember that, little lord."

Tyrion smiled, "I hope so. If he forgets, be a good dog and remind him. Time for breakfast..."

Tyrion walked toward the castle with a spring in his step. He went to have breakfast with his family. When he arrived, the royal family had gathered, except for the king. Tyrion sat down and asked the servant to bring him his breakfast, "Bread. And two of those little fish. And a mug of dark beer to wash it down. And bacon, burnt black," The servant curtsied and left.

"Little Brother," Jaime greeted.

"Beloved siblings," Tyrion answered.

"Is Bran going to die?" Marcella asked.

Tyrion finished chewing, then looked at his niece, "Apparently not."

Cersei stiffened, "What do you mean?"

"I spoke with the Maester earlier, and he said that the boy will live," Tyrion informed them. He oversaw his siblings. Jaime was indifferent, but Cersei was worried. Instantly Tyrion knew that Cersei had something to do with Brandon's fall.

"It's no mercy, letting a child linger in such pain," Cersei said, trying to hide her nervousness.

"Only the gods know for certain. All the rest of us can do is pray. The charms of the north seem entirely lost on you."

They continued their breakfast while Tyrion talked about traveling to the wall to piss off the top. Cersei pretended to be affronted by Tyrion's language and ushered her children out of the room.

Meanwhile, Ned went to the kitchen to order breakfast for his wife and daughter. As he left, he ran into Robert, sitting alone, eating breakfast and drinking. Ned walked toward the king and sat beside him to keep Robert company. Robert gulped down his ale and then looked at Ned.

"How is your boy, Ned?"

Ned gave Robert a rare smile, "Brandon will make a full recovery."

Robert looked at Ned in amazement, "I thought your son was badly injured."

Ned shrugged, "He was not as injured as we thought. Though Maester Luwin said, he may never recover his memory from that day."

The king nodded, "Then, once your boy is healed, we'll proceed with your daughter's marriage to the kingslayer."

Ned gritted his teeth but agreed.

Once Lyarra had rested for a while, her mother came in with her wedding dress for her to try on. Lyarra grimaced at the dress; though it was a beautiful dress, she was not looking forward to getting married. Lyarra wanted to marry a Northern Lord to be close to her family and Robb. But she knew that if she was going to keep her father safe, Lyarra had to marry Jaime Lannister and go South.

The wedding preparations continued and Catelyn and Sansa work diligently to finish Lyarra's maiden cloak on time. A few days later, Sansa and Catelyn presented Lyarra with her maiden cloak. Lyarra gasped, it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen and though she was anxious about the marriage she was at least happy about her wedding dress and cloak. Soon the dreaded day would arrive and Lyarra Stark would become Lyarra Lannister. She was not looking forward to it.