Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 71 - And I love you

               Despite my injuries, I govern without hindrance. To say that I do not appreciate my position would be a lie. I certainly have a ton of responsibilities but carrying them out brings me great satisfaction. I feel altogether highly capable. At any rate, no one has complained yet.

               The maritime blockade was organized at the mouth of the Blackwater Bay. The clashes against Euron Greyjoy have not ceased since our arrival, mobilizing all Yara Greyjoy's efforts. Although we win most of the battles, I can sense she is expecting a reward.

               She will fall from the clouds when I announce to her that she won't have a seat on my Council. I hope the mission I will give her – returning to the Iron Islands and governing them in my name - will suit her. Unless the Ironborn wish to become independent, which is a possibility not to be overlooked.

               Theon will occupy the post of Master of Ships. He is already of great help to me. He accompanies me in all my tasks, to make my convalescence a bit more bearable. Although I have the feeling, he is still trying to redeem his past faults.

               I take advantage of all the time my convalescence imposes upon me to train with Rhaegal and Drogon. We have made great progress, even though I no longer know how to fly. They quickly recognized my scent and accept me now without trouble.

♐︎

               Around the table, Tyrion, Varys, and Royce discuss things as if I weren't there. Occasionally, I hear 'Your Majesty' but pay no attention to it. They are under pressure. We waited until I was fully recovered to organize a meeting with Cersei. And the grand day has arrived.

               By the end of this day, we will have freed Jaime and won a first battle. Or Cersei's madness will redouble, and then, no further turning back will be possible. And Jaime will be...

"Diana?"

               I turn my head toward Tyrion.

"Are you ready?"

"What?"

"We are going to depart," he explains to me.

"Oh, of course."

               I display a determined look. Nothing very convincing. Just enough so they don't worry and resume their conversation. However, they continue to observe me with wide eyes. I imagine they are waiting for me to deliver a speech of encouragement, as I am accustomed to. Only, I don't have the inspiration.

"I... leave us," I hurl at Varys and Royce.

               They exchange incredulous looks but comply without a murmur. I do not utter a word until they have left the room and can no longer hear us.

"I am afraid."

"I know," Tyrion answers me, taking my hand. "We've already spoken about this; the plan is perfectly put together. We will recover Jaime without hindrance."

"And what if he were already dead?"

"Cersei won't do him any harm. Jaime is a Lannister. That is all that has ever mattered to my sister. Just like to my father before her."

"Really? Remind me... how many times has she tried to kill you?"

"Granted, but Cersei has blamed me for our mother's death since my birth. To her, I am but a plague she must rid herself of."

               Whereas she loved Jaime her whole life, and he gave her three children. The memory of Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen is perhaps the only thing ensuring her survival at the present hour.