Fallen Flames

Chapter Nine

TRIGGER WARNING (Mature Content, containing references to stillbirth)

Casterly Rock

288 AC

          "It's time for bed" Jaime sighed, watching as Elias ran around the room. The father wore a tired smile, pinching the bridge of his nose as the two-year-old simply giggled at his commands 

    "Elias please let us go to sleep" He urged, the small toddler blinked, pouting his pink lips as he stuck his tongue out.

    "No" 

    "Elias" Jaime warned, placing a hand on his hip.

     "No I want Mama to put me to bed" He balled up his fists.

     "I told you before Mama is in Dorne" He now crouched down to meet his son's eyes,

      "I want Mama" Elias repeated.

      "She's not here son" Jaime sighed, now reaching out to push down his son's bright golden curls. But Elias huffed, now throwing his stumpy arms in the air and flopping down on the carpet as a whine escaped his lips. Jaime sighed as he shuffled towards him and scooped his youngest into his arms.

     "I just want Mama" Elias whispered with a small frown as he curled up against Jaime's chest 

    "I know, I know" Jaime softly smiled as he pecked the top of his head. "But Mama will be back soon and when she does come back I promise you she will give you the biggest hug and as many kisses as you want" Elias giggled slightly 

    "Mama gives the best hugs" He cooed as his eyes began to grow heavy.

     "She does, doesn't she"

      "Mhm," He hummed through a nod, now almost asleep as words became too much for his little lips. Jaime had decided then to go to his own bedchambers, bypassing the nursery entirely. Once he entered his room he shuffled to his bed, pulling back the satin sheets, and resting Elias' exhausted frame on it. Ever since Visenya left Jaime had begun this routine, mostly to keep his mind at ease and also to get his toddler to fall asleep faster.

    "Papa?" Elias turned to his father who stood over him.

     "Yes, Elias?" Jaime tilted his head and pushed his son's bangs back to get a better glance at his eyes.

     "Can we go riding tomorrow?" Jaime smirked and let out a small chuckle.

     "Of course" Elias softly smiled as he clasped his hands together and let out a yawn. "But I'm going to need a well-rested squire to attend to the horses before we leave" 

    "Okay," Elias smiled brighter before quickly turning over. Jaime let out a laugh under his breath and began to slowly rub Elias' back to soothe him to sleep. "Goodnight Papa" 

    "Goodnight Elias" The peace that surrounded them continued as the air grew cool. Jaime had never thought this feeling of bliss could be possible. He had spent his entire life dedicating his time pushing away from his father's wishes that he never thought about what would happen if he gave in. He had once wished to remain unmarried. Yet he was struggling with how to mend things with his wife. He had never wished to be a father. Yet here he was tending to his son. And most importantly he had never wished for titles or land. And now the very title and land he received was his home, filled with the warmth and love of his family, a family that was about to crumble all because of him.