The Lion Knight and Dragon Princess

13 - Facing Cersei Lannister

"Princess Vaella!" Jaime's voice could be heard behind me but it only made me want to go faster.  My silver hair was loose except for one small strands in a braid blowing in the wind while I ran on horseback. 

I laughed with Amber riding beside me on her own horse when we ventured our way deep into the Kingswood without a care in the world. "I'll only stop if you can catch me, Lannister!"

"Yeah Lannister.  You may be a good swordsman but are you the same on a horse?" Amber teased him by sticking her tongue out.

Jaime growled under his breath galloping towards me as fast as he could, seeing some water up ahead trying to gain my attention. "Princess!  We need to pull back.  The horses won't be able to jump that water."

"Pffft let us have our fun, Lannister." Amber galloped ahead of me going to jump it until her horse stood up on its hind legs and threw her down onto the ground. "Ow! Vae, listen to him."

I began to panic tugging at the reins but my horse didn't slow down getting closer to the water where I was sure he was going to launch me into the water. "Woah, woah, woah slow boy. Slow down please."

"Vaella! Easy boy, easy, easy." Jaime kicked his horse in the stomach charging forward and shoving his horse in front of mine, he snagged the reins turning the horses body away from the water.

I finally released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding inside. "I thought I was going into the water...thank you, Jaime."

"You're welcome, princess.  Are you alright?" Jaime's eyes scanned over me not seeing any injuries.

I nodded, placing my hand over his holding my horses reins till a new noise broke through the woods where I removed my hand from his. "I am.  Thanks to you."

The three of us could hear the clatter of more horse hooves coming in our direction showing us none other than Lord Commander Barristan Selmy. "Princess." He dismounted his horse and gave me a bow.

"Commander Selmy, what brings you out here.  I have Ser Jaime here with me for my protection." I eyed the knight before me.

Ser Selmy responded. "Your father has requested your presence back at the castle."

"What does he need me there for?" I raised a brow.

The knight placed one hand on his sword and gestured with his other in the air. "He told me he wants you to meet Tywin Lannister's daughter Cersei."

"She's your sister?" Amber asked, glancing at Jaime who hadn't said anything.

Tucking some loose wipes of hair behind my ear. "Tell him I shall return to the castle before nightfall.  We shall let the horses rest for a short spell."

"Safe travels on your return back, my princess." Selmy bowed a second time speaking towards Jaime before he rode in the direction of the castle back on his white horse. "Remember your vow to her, Ser Jaime."

That was the day I would meet Cersei Lannister years before she became the Queen of King Robert Baratheon.

Months after Tyrion's Trial

Guards had moved most of the crates from mine and Jaime's room, loading up the supplies on a set of ships that we had set ready for Casterly Rock months after  Tyrion had escaped and Tywin was killed by him.  I winced feeling a soreness in my lower back where I gently stumbled down in a sitting position on the edge of the bed before a knock bounded on my door. "Just come in, Jaime!"