My pride and my grief: For my sister...A Jaime Lannister Story

Ch-4

Barristan Selmy could not tolerate the screaming anymore. Yet, he was a Sworn Brother of the Kingsgaurd and he had to obey. So, he stood, silent, eyes downcast. Suddenly, his keen ears noticed a sniffling sound from near the doorway. He glanced at the Lord Commander, who nodded. Barristan was surprised. Who would be here, at the Red Keep, during this time? Surely not a spy. Barristan tensed. But then, a silver blond head peeked hesitantly at them. He exhaled. It was only Rhaegar, the Crown Prince. The head vanished. A split second later, he saw the boy running full-tilt towards him. Ser Gerold also looked surprised. The boy cannoned into the Lord Commander's legs, startling him. Ser Gerold knelt before the boy. 'What happened, my Prince?' It seemed obvious to Selmy. He had often seen Rhaegar follow His Grace around, staying hidden, peeking around occasionally. He felt pity for the boy. He was barely a child and today, he had the misfortune to stumble across his idolized father torturing his beloved mother. Selmy turned to look at the boy. He stammered 'Mama's crying!'and burst into tears. Impulsively,the Lord Commander hugged him. ' Ser Gerold, I want to see her!' He exclaimed. 'She would not like it, my Prince.' Rhaegar hesitated. 'Call me Rhaegar, Ser Gerold.' He mumbled unexpectedly. Barristan saw that the Lord Commander was taken aback. 'Rhaegar, then,' he murmured soothingly'. 'Your mother would not like it, Rhaegar.' Rhaegar stood stock still between the two Kingsgaurd. Suddenly they heard the King shout 'Rhaegar, you call him. To think that I thought that he would be the prophesied hero! He is a bookworm, he does nothing worthy!' Rhaegar stiffened. To his utter dismay, he heard his mother shout 'Rhaegar is my son! He is a good son, he adores you!' Barristan and Ser Gerold stared at the boy, transfixed. He tugged at the door. Ser Gerold was spurred into action. 'Rhaegar, no!' He yelled. But the boy was in a frenzy. 'All this is my fault!' He wailed. Ser Gerold, looking traumatized, shook his head and picked the boy up. Rhaegar flailed and trashed, finally banging the door. After what seemed an eternity, the door opened and the King stormed out. At this presice moment, Rhaegar wriggled out of Ser Gerold's grasp and ran to the King. 'Why do you hate me, father? What can I do to make you love me everyday?' He asked innocently. Queen Rhaella emerged. 'Rhaegar!' She exclaimed. She led the boy away. 'I'll do anything!' He cried out. Rhaella hugged her son close and ruffled his hair. 'Shh, little hero.' She soothed. But he was not to be pacified. 'Mama, I'm sorry!' He exclaimed. ' It's all my fault!'