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

Ch-6

Tywin was shocked. 'Joanna-' he began. His wife cut him off. 'I know.' she responded softly. 'I know that this will be dangerous for me, for both of us. But, you won't be alone anymore. You'll have me and I'll have you.' Tywin's facial features softened. She sensed that he was about to give in. He opposed her halfheartedly. 'I will not allow this.' he stated. Joanna paid him no heed. 'Maybe I'll befriend the Queen, or even soften the King. I want to help you, Tywin' she uttered, in a spontaneous display of emotion. Tywin's face softened further. Taking that as assent, she added 'The Crown Prince would be a nice influence on Jaime and Cersei.' Tywin nodded. Everyone had heard of the Prince's quiet and scholarly disposition, much to the annoyance of the King, who wanted his son to be a warrior. 'The twins are very feisty anyway. Maybe the Prince could calm them down a bit.' she jested. 'Or maybe the Prince could become a bit feisty because of the babes.' he parried the joke. He rarely felt this good humored without Joanna at his side. I need you at my side, Joanna. he thought to himself. Joanna doesn't take well to commands. She's a true lioness, my soulmate...

Joanna felt a bit nervous. She had written a letter to Queen Rhaella, asking to be included in her household, and had received a gracious letter of acceptance. 'I hope we shall be good friends.' the letter ended. Joanna wasn't so sure. What if she messed up? As if sensing her disquiet, Aurelia murmured, 'Don't fret, my lady. You'll fit in fine, I'm sure.' Joanna smiled. She and Aurelia had grown quite close. Sighing, she whispered, 'Let us go, Tywin will be waiting.' And they hurried to get ready and go. Tywin and the rest of the household was already astride horses, except for the babes, who were in Tywin's arms. He handed the twins to Joanna. 'Look at them.' he whispered, awed. 'They always are within each other's arms, entwined.' 'They are our children, Tywin, of course they will be like us.' teased Joanna. Suddenly, Tywin's mood changed. 'Let us go.' he intoned solemnly. And so they set off for King's Landing.