Lancel Lannister Imagines

The Blackwater

Lancel stood on the docks of King's landing, in the shadow of the red keep. War had long been looming, but it was known that someday... Soon. Stannis and his forces would arrive to take King's landing. And all those here would have to defend it... Or die. He watched as the small boat made its way out of the harbour carrying Princess Marcella to Dorne where she would be safe, many noble ladies and young lords went with her. All those who couldn't fight or those whose blood needed protecting. But some remained... servant girls resigned to their fate, the queen regent Cersei remained as a show of faith, as did Lady Sansa, King Jofferys betrothal both staying here as a show of faith that they would win the battle.

Another who remained was Princess Lyanna Baratheon, King Robert's first daughter, a legitimised bastard. She stood far from the other royals

"Lady Lyanna," Lancel approached the Princess as the last of the rowboats left the harbour. "I understand you are remaining in the city?"

"I remain by the side of My king, my half-brother. And for all those in Kings Landing," she nodded,

"That is admirable of you," Lancel tried to sound respectful but knew that he did not do a good job. "But you are still a Princess. A Princess of House Baratheon. I think I speak for everyone that if the keep were to fall, you should be a high priority..."

she chuckled quietly eyes still on the water "The queen regent, doesn't think so" She briefly glanced at Cersei as she began the walk to the keep

"I am well aware," Lancel responded dryly. "As I said, I think I speak for everyone else when I say you should be one of the first out of here." He paused a moment. "...Do you wish to be saved? Should the keep fall?"

"... I have hope, that should the city fall. My uncle would not be unkind to me"

"Uncle... you speak of Stannis. Of the Lord of Dragonstone." Lancel paused. "That man has no love in his heart for anyone within these walls."

"I do not believe he has love for me. I believe he will have mercy for me. As his brother's daughter."

"I hope you're right," Lancel responded in a rare show of sincerity. "For your sake." he sighed a moment before he spoke once more, "What if the city holds?" He asked. "What if Stannis is defeated?"

"Then I'm sure my half-brother will hold feasts and tourneys where all of us shall rejoice and prosper in peace." She nodded

"You trust too much in that," Lancel mumbled under his breath. "foolish, spoiled boy."

"I do not trust him." She chuckled "I trust his men. I trust his army, his lords, his advisors all men who have seen battle enough to know it better than him." she nodded before she turned and began the walk back inside to the red keep,

"Perhaps," Lancel responded. "But the King is their leader. He sets the rules and decides the path. A foolish and spoiled boy at the head of an army is still a foolish boy." Lancel continued to walk alongside Lyanna, his cloak billowing behind him in the afternoon wind. "Is that where you find your hope?"

"no, I find hope in numbers, in walls, in the experienced men who will take charge... I know my half-brother is a fool who never once led a horse to water let alone an army to battle, but I imagine louder, hopefully smarted voices will be above his that night. I'm sure the queen regent will not allow him much harm anyway"

"Your faith is admirable," Lancel said. He walked in silence for a bit, taking in the city that might burn before nightfall. "Wh- what of us? Do...we... have any hope of survival? Should the keep fall and Stannis gains entry? The city will likely burn."

"... True, I don't know. But I can be hopeful"

Lancel nodded, though he couldn't share her hope. In his experience, there was no hope left. "I see two options then. Survival or Death. You are staying to fight for survival. I am staying for my oaths, but I fear I will still die regardless."