My pride and my grief: For my sister...A Jaime Lannister Story

Ch-11

Rhaegar was tremendously excited. They were nearing Casterly Rock, everyone said He bounced in his seat. 'Rhaegar, relax!.' His mother smiled. 'Look there.' He looked, and his eyes sparkled at the sight. They were at a cave, a huge gaping cavern. Its entrance was carved like a lion's teeth. When he looked inside, there were huge golden sandstone gates, carved with great red likenesses of lions.

Seeing Rhaegar's scrutiny, Aerys sneered 'Like the Lannisters, don't you?' Rhaegar stayed quiet; as the great gates were raised, and Lord Tywin and his retinue emerged. They all knelt, heads bowed. 'Rise, my lords, my ladies.' Rhaella commanded with poise. Fluidly, they rose. 'Your Grace, My Queen, My Prince, the hospitality of Casterly Rock is yours.' Lord Tywin bowed, and Lady Joanna curtsied. Rhaegar watched all this formality with an expression of wide-eyed wonder.

'Lord Tywin', asked Rhaella, 'Would you permit me to walk with you to your home?' 'Of course, My Queen.' Rhaegar felt uneasy. If Mother went with Lord Tywin, and Father with the Kingsguard, what was he to do? Someone touched his shoulder. Rhaegar looked up, surprised. It was Lady Joanna. 'Would you like to come with me, My Prince'? she asked. Rhaegar nodded dumbly. Lady Joanna soon put him at ease, asking about the court, his mother, the Kingsguard, and his life at King's Landing. He talked animatedly, much to Joanna's relief. She had feared that the Royal Family would be difficult to entertain, what with the eccentric King and the shy Prince. She came to an abrupt stop.

The Prince looked at her, confused. 'Would you like to the children when we get to Casterly Rock?' she asked gently. He nodded enthusiastically, then looked forlorn. 'What happened, My Prince?' 'I didn't bring anything!' he exclaimed. 'I'm sorry, My Lady.' Joanna laughed. 'It matters not.' she told him. They continued on to the Rock.

Rhaella watched her son go with Lady Joanna Lannister. He was apparently at ease, and chatted animatedly, which was surprising, for he had always been shy, and retreated into his even more these days, now that he knew of his father's condition. She sighed. She had failed at keeping him innocent. Forcing back the remorse that flooded her, she turned her attention to the lady, who had the grace to look interested. She would be good for him, Rhaella thought.

'Shall we, Your Grace?' She was jerked to the present by Tywin Lannister's voice. Regaining her composure she replied 'Yes, of course.' As they walked on steadily towards Casterly Rock, Rhaella took a deep breath. 'Aerys is steadily growing worse. I would advice you to keep him away from your wife. I heard him remark that it was a shame that he did not have his way with your wife during your wedding.' Tywin's face darkened. 'I'll be sure to follow your advice, Your Grace.'

Aerys had almost violated Lady Joanna during the bedding after Tywin and Joanna's marriage. Lord Tywin came to a gradual halt. 'There's Casterly Rock, Your Grace.' he told her, pointing. Rhaella focused her gaze on the castle and gasped.