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

Ch-9

In King's Landing, the court was in flurry, getting ready for the move to Casterly Rock. Rhaegar loved every moment of it. Yet, there was an undercurrent of something, some emotion Rhaegar couldn't fathom. Deep in thought, he wandered the Red Keep, silent as a ghost. Ser Barristan trailed behind the boy, unnoticed, so lost in thought was Rhaegar. Suddenly, he started running towards the courtyard. Barristan Selmy followed. Reaching the, the little prince stared at the billowing tents, lost in wonder. He turned to a servant. 'Can I touch them, my lady?' he asked innocently. The servant girl turned, about to laugh at him for having thought her a lady, but then saw who he was and blushed. 'Of course, My Prince.' she replied demurely, eyes cast down. Barristan was astounded. The Prince was so shy, well-mannered even with servants, and this was the son His Grace was ashamed of.

Rhaegar was excitedly playing with the rich fabric, when he suddenly stopped. 'Ser Barristan!' he exclaimed. 'Yes, My Prince.' he moved towards the boy. 'Were you standing there for a long time?' he awkwardly asked. The knight shook his head. 'No.' 'Can you do me a favor, Ser?' 'Of course.' Suddenly shy, the boy looked down. 'Mother said that Lord Lannister has two babies.' he stopped. Flustered, he rushed over the question. 'Can you teach me how to behave with them?' Shocked, Barristan laughed. 'I am sure your mother would teach that to you, My Prince, but if she does not, I will gladly help you.'

'Rhaegar!' Rhaegar heard his mother calling him. 'Thank you, Ser' he smiled sheepishly. Mother was in the courtyard now. Ser Barristan was struggling not to laugh. Rhaella saw them then. 'Get ready, dear.' she hurried the boy. His eyes sparkled. 'Are we going now, mother?' he asked happily. She nodded, smiling. 'Yes, little hero. We are leaving soon.' Rhaegar grinned, and ran off. Soon, he returned, almost bursting with excitement, clad in a doublet of red and black, with a crimson jerkin. 'Mother,' he bubbled, 'Can I ride a horse?' 'No, you may not.' responded Aerys, who had arrived there by then. Looking crestfallen, he quietened a followed his parents, getting into the carriage.

Rhaegar leaned his head out to look at the streets of King's Landing as the carriage started. He gasped. The streets were strewn with flowers, and smallfolk crowded the waysides cheering 'King Aerys! Long live His Grace!' People reached out to touch Rhaegar. Some even cheered him. Rhaegar beamed. He loved it. He made up his mind to mingle more with the smallfolk. They'll love it, and so will he. But will father allow it?

Tywin's guards had just dragged Besha off, when Maester Frenken entered. 'My Lord.' he announced his presence. Joanna had fainted when she saw what he had done to Besha. He had summoned the Maester to revive her. He was in a frenzy. 'Joanna!' he called, again and again. 'Joanna!' 'Lady Joanna will be well, My Lord.' assured the Maester. 'She is merely in shock.'

Joanna opened her eyes. 'Oh, Thank the Seven!' exclaimed Tywin, relieved. 'Joanna, are you alright?' She nodded, and stood. 'Tywin I am fine.' she replied. 'I am not saying that what you did was incorrect, I was merely shocked.' she assured him.

'My Lord.' Frenken hesitantly addressed him. 'There is a raven from King's Landing.' He handed the letter to Tywin, who looked at seal. The Targaryen seal. 'A letter from the King.' he announced. He broke the seal and read the letter. 'The King and his court will be arriving here in a fortnight's time.' he addressed everyone. Joanna looked worried. 'Why?' she asked, nervous. 'To commiserate with us for my father's death.' he tried to convince her, who was feeling dread.