Silver Stag

Leaving The Capital

[King's Landing - Red Keep, Tommen's Bedroom]

That night, Tommen lied in his bed, unable to sleep. He hears a door creaking

"Ser Pounce?" He called out, believing it was his cat.

Margaery entered.

"How did you get past the Kingsguard?"

"Kingsguard."

"I don't think you're supposed to be here. Mother doesn't allow me to have visitors at niht."

"I'm not a visitor, Your Grace. Word has it I'm to be your bride." Margaery sat on his bed. "Did you know that people in arranged marriages often nevr meet until their wedding day? Before we decide to spend our livs together, we ought to get to know one another. Don't you think?"

"Yes. But if my mother found out..."

"It can be our secret. Hmm? If we're going to be man and wife, we'll have a few secrets from her, I hope. So, Your Grace..."

"Yes? Tell me a secret."

Ser Pounce jumped onto the bed, allowing Margaery to pet him

"Hello. Aren't you a proper fellow?"

"That's Ser Pounce."

"Very handsome."

"Joffrey didn't like him. He threatened to skin him alive and mix his innards up in my food so I wouldn't know I was eating him."

"That's very cruel. You don't strike me as cruel."

"No. I don't think I am."

"That's a relief. Because you know what happens when we marry?"

"We say our vows in front of the High Septon. And after the ceremony, there's a feast.

"When we marry, I become yours. Forevr. It's getting late. I should go. May I come and visit you again? All right, then." Margaery leaned in close. "Remember, our little secret." She kissed Tommen on the forehead, and exited.

The next day, Brienne and Jaime were looking at the history of the Kingsguard.

"Ser Jaime Lannister. Knighted and named to the Kingsguard in his sixteenth year. At the sack of King's Landing, murdered his king Aerys II. Pardoned by Robert Baratheon. Thereafter known as the Kingslayer." Brienne recited.

"It's the duty of the Lord Commander to fill those pages. And there's still room left on mine." Jaime picked up a displayed sword, weighing it, before handing it to Brienne.

She took it, admiring it. "Valyrian steel."

"Mmm. It's yours."

"I can't accept this."

"It was reforged from Ned Stark's sword. You'll use it to defend Ned Stark's daughter. You swore an oath to return the Stark girls to their mother. Lady Stark's dead. Arya's probably dead, too, but there's still a chance to find Sansa and get her somewhere safe. I've got something else for you." Jaime revealed a suit of armor made for Brienne. "I hope I got your measurements right."

"I'll find her. For Lady Catelyn. And for you."

"I almost forgot. I have one more gift."

They made their way to the forest outside King's Landing. Only, now, Aelinor had joined them.

Podrick beamed next to Jaime as Brienne paced. Bronn stood in the background.

"I don't need a squire." Brienne protested.

"Of course you do." Jaime answered.

"He'll slow me down."

"My brother owes him a debt. He's not safe here. You're keeping him from harm. It's chivalry."

"I won't slow you down, ser... my lady. I promise I'll serve you well." Podrick told her.

"See? He's a good lad.You'll get along."

Bronn approached, clasping Podrick's shoulder. He unwraps a bundle. "Compliments of Lord Tyrion. His axe from the Blackwater." He pushed the axe onto Podrick's chest. "What are you waiting for, a kiss? Ready the lady's horse."

Podrick moved to do so.

"Wait!" Aelinor called, walking up to him. "You have been extremely loyal to my uncle. And kind too. I only wished to thank you. I have no idea when we will meet again. So, thank you." She leaned up a kissed him on the cheek.

When she leaned back, she noticed a faint blush on his cheek. He was looking everywhere but at her.

"Yo-you-your welcome?" He stammered before leaving to ready the horses.

She chuckled before returning to her uncle, Brienne, sitting on a nearby rock, allowing them to have a final conversation.

"They say the best swords have names. Any ideas?" Jaime asked.

"Oathkeeper."

"Good-bye, Brienne."

Brienne nodded and walked away. Jaime watched her and Podrick ride off.

"Come on, move." Podrick told his horse.

Brienne looked back at Jaime, before riding on.

"You like her don't you?"

Jaime's head spun to look at his niece. "What?!"

"Brienne. You like her. Is it so confounding to you to have those feelings for anyone other than my mother?" She noticed her uncle's eyes widen. "Yes. I know about that. I was there when she confessed to Lord Stark, shortly before my father 'miraculously' took a blow to the stomach from a boar."

"Have you-"

"Told anyone? No. I've already told my mother I would keep that secret. I may not have liked Joffrey but Tommen and Myrcella are innocent. Am I angry she denied me my birthright? Yes. Do I understand why she did it? Of course. But it doesn't make it hurt any less."

"You would make a good Queen."

"Well, we won't know. Yes, Joffrey is dead, but Tommen is King. The only way for me to become Queen is if he were to die, and I wouldn't dare wish for it. He is one of the good Lannisters. Hopefully it translates in his reign and your father doesn't sink his claws too deep."

"Tommen is a child. Perfectly moldable."

"Exactly my point. He has a chance to do so much good. But the people he is surrounded by, wish to use him for their own selfish reasons."

"You're just figuring this out now?"

"No. My only wish; my remaining sibling's survival."

"I think we all wish for that."

The uncle and niece duo proceeded to make their way back to the Keep. Tommen's coronation was tomorrow and the castle was bustling.