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

Ch-5

On seeing that woebegone look on her son's face, Rhaella seethed inwardly. Rhaegar still loved his father, despite what happened. He hadn't listened to her when she'd forbidden him to follow Aerys, and now he knew the truth. Head buried in her robes, he kept repeating that it was all his fault. He is too innocent to understand, Rhaella knew. So, Rhaella quietly sighed and gently pried her son out of her clothes. 'Father isn't well now, Rhaegar. He isn't himself now. I'm sure he didn't mean to blame you.' she consoled him. At that, his eyes sparkled with hope as he replied, 'I understand, Mother. I know now that you had told me not to follow him because of this.' He looked at her enquiringly. 'Can we make him well?' he asked, concerned for his father. You don't deserve such a dutiful son, Aerys, Rhaella mused. 'I don't know, sweetling.' she replied. His face fell, but he instantly perked up. 'I'll make father fine again.' he proclaimed, with the confidence of youth. Rhaella didn't want to disappoint him, as she knew that this malady of her husband's can't be cured, and nodded. Happy again, Rhaegar bounded off, probably to the library. Rhaella hoped he would accept the truth one day.

Returning to Casterly Rock:

Joanna made up her mind to confront Tywin. She heard someone knock on the door. 'My lady?' she heard. 'Lord Tywin is calling for you.' 'Come in, Aurelia' she beckoned her in. The hand maiden entered the room hesitantly and dropped into a curtsy. 'My lady.' she murmured. 'What did my lord husband say, Aurelia?' she inquired. 'Lord Tywin told me to get you ready for dinner in the Great Hall.' she squeaked nervously. 'Don't be afraid, Aurelia.' she reassured her, before questioning her further. 'Did he mention why?' 'No, my lady.' Well, Joanna thought, this is my perfect opportunity. Calmly,she commanded Aurelia to help her get ready. The girl acquiesced.

An hour later, Joanna Lannister was clad in a striking red gown, with white beads dotting it in floral patterns. She had anointed herself with honeysuckle and lilac, he favorite scents. Tywin entered the room, looking awkward, at around that time. 'What is the matter, Tywin? You wouldn't usually go into this much trouble just for inviting me to dinner, I know.' She chided him gently. Tywin looked abashed. He mumbled 'I have to tell you something.' Something about his tone made Joanna feel dread. Stomach twisting, she inquired 'What is the matter?' Tywin silently strode away to his solar. Joanna followed.

'Sit' he uttered. 'How are the children?' he asked. Joanna was understandably frustrated, Tywin could tell, for he had never kept anything secret from her. With a look in her eyes silently conveying the message 'Get to the point!', she tightly replied 'Jaime and Cersei are fine, Tywin. Now, why don't you tell me about what you have been mulling on for days?' Tywin took a deep breath and clarified the King's condition to Joanna. 'When he is outside, he is always the gallant King, but, inside, the facade crumbles and he turns brutal. He hates me, Joanna. I do not know what I have done to incur his wrath.' Flustered, Joanna pleaded, 'Don't go, then.' Sighing, Tywin replied 'I have to obey him or he'll take it out on you and our family.' Sarcastically, Joanna snapped 'And the Lannister Legacy would be no more.' 'I did not mean that, Joanna!' he exclaimed, shocked. 'I know, my love, but you scared me terribly. I'm sorry' she apologized. Still, Joanna was skeptical. She knew about her husband and his obsession with the Lannister Legacy. 'I have no choice.' Tywin groaned. Joanna was struck by an idea. 'Fine.' she agreed. 'You can go.' Tywin looked relieved. 'But, only if I go,too.'

Hey guys, Sorry for the delay! Please comment on my story...Your feedback will be appreciated. Pic represents Joanna's dress.

Dedicated to @jeeboombaa..

For being the awesomest sister ever!