DAGGERS TO THE HEART Part 2 - CLASH OF THE KINGS

Jaime II

Tommen's coronation stretched on, a tedious affair that held little of the grandeur it once did for Jaime. This was the third such event he had borne witness to, and the spectacle had lost its lustre. Instead, it was a procession of monotony: the High Septon droning on, anointing the new king with oil, placing the crown upon his head, and then the obligatory gathering at the Red Keep. There was no joy in the air, no celebration; the memory of the deceased king still lingered, casting a pall over the proceedings. For Jaime, there was a bitter truth to it all, more so than in any previous coronation.

No matter the atrocities committed by Joffrey, Jaime couldn't help but love him. He was his son, albeit one he regarded more of a nephew. Yet, beneath that familial bond, Jaime couldn't ignore the truth of what Joffrey had been—a cruel and capricious ruler, despised by many, and perhaps deserving of his fate.

Tommen was a different matter. He was undeserving of the weight of the throne thrust upon him at such a tender age. Jaime's youngest son deserved better than to be burdened with the responsibilities of kingship before he had even come of age. Jaime struggled to comprehend the fervour of those who coveted the power of the Iron Throne, for he saw it as a curse, a burden that corrupted those who sat upon it. He had witnessed first-hand the toll it took on those who coveted its power, and the tragic outcomes it wrought.

Jaime's foremost desire was to keep his children as far away from the corrupting influence of the Iron Throne as possible. Regrettably, in the eyes of the world, he was their uncle. Both his father and Cersei were caught in the treacherous machinations of the Game of Thrones, heedless of the needs and safety of Jaime's offspring. Though his lordly father may entertain notions of Jaime relinquishing his position in the Kingsguard, Jaime remained steadfast in his resolve to stay by Tommen's side until he felt assured of his son's security on the throne.

As the muted festivities drew to a close, Jaime retraced his steps back to the White Tower, the quarters designated for the Kingsguard. While the accommodations were Spartan at best, even cramped for the average member of the Kingsguard, Jaime, as the Lord Commander, enjoyed the privilege of a fourth-floor apartment. It boasted his personal sleeping quarters and solar, affording him a semblance of privacy and comfort amidst the rigours of his duty.

Ascending the stairs, Jaime felt the weight of exhaustion settling into his bones. The past few days took their toll, with the impending trial of Tyrion weighing on his mind. Lost in thoughts of how to protect his brother, Jaime finally reached his chambers and pushed open the door. As he stepped inside, his gaze fell upon a stray piece of paper lying on the floor. Stooping to retrieve it, he unfolded the parchment and read its contents.

I have it on good authority your brother will be found guilty, despite his innocence. I know the identities of the murderers, but my testimony would be ignored. If you wish to save your brother's life and get revenge for the death of your son, meet me on the morrow, at the hour of the Nightingale in the gardens behind the ivy trellis. I know you are not on guard at that time. I am working on behalf of a friend.

No One

Jaime surveyed his surroundings with a furrowed brow, bewilderment gnawing at him. He distinctly remembered securing the tower doors upon his return from the coronation. Yet, despite his precautions, someone had breached the impenetrable defences, leaving behind a cryptic message. The implications of this intrusion weighed heavily on Jaime's mind, sparking a flicker of unease that refused to be extinguished.

However, amidst the worry caused by the unauthorised entry, Jaime grappled with a far weightier concern—the looming spectre of Tyrion's trial. Despite his deepest desire to believe in his father's sense of justice, Jaime couldn't shake the nagging suspicion that Tyrion's fate had already been sealed. The prospect of his brother's exoneration seemed remote, leaving Jaime grappling with a profound sense of helplessness and resignation. Deep down, he knew that placing his faith in his father's fairness was futile—a bitter truth he struggled to accept. This left him no alternative but to meet with the mysterious person.