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

Ch-14:- Secrets

Hey, there!
First, I'm freaking happy! :) I got my results (All A's)! Secondly, I'm really sorry for neglecting this fic! Actually, I started working on a Historic fic about the Russian Revolution for an SST assignment, and am hooked now! Anyone interested? (Its called the Last Romanovs, and is published in Wattpad and Fictionpress.)

Rhaegar was shocked. Father had toasted lady Joanna right in front of Mother! He sat stock-still for a moment, in great confusion. Finally, his impulsive side won out, and he rushed to his mother. She was the only one who was unfazed by this display. She sat, serene, and looked surprised when Rhaegar ran up to her. 'Mamma!' he called out. 'Sweetling, what is the matter?' Then, seeing the alarm on his face, she smiled. 'Rhaegar, it is customary to toast the Lady of the castle by the guest at such feasts.' 'Oh'. Rhaegar visibly relaxed, and Rhaella rose. 'Come son. Let us talk to our hosts.'

Her words had the desired effect, for her son had taken a shine to Lady Joanna, and he bounded along, happily chattering all the while. She caught little snippets of his monologue like 'Mother', 'Lady Joanna', 'Friends', and nodded along, a placid smile on her face.

Inside, though, her mind was in turmoil. Aerys had made no secret of his interest in Lady Joanna, and the atmosphere between him and Lord Tywin seemed tense, to say the least. Lady Joanna needed to be warned about court, Rhaella thought. She was merely a passing acquaintance, but it was Rhaella's opinion that everyone needed to be protected from Aerys. Rhaegar suddenly stopped, looking up at her worriedly. Rhaella forced herself not to think of Lady Joanna Lannister, and turned her attention to her son.

'Mother,' he asked solemnly, 'Why does Father hate Lord Tywin Lannister so?' Rhaella fumbled about, looking for something to say, finally settling on the words 'Your father and Lord Tywin had a quarrel, sweetling. It's nothing serious.' He did not look convinced, but was prevented from asking further by the sight of Lady Joanna elegantly dipping into a curtsy. 'Your Grace, My Prince.' she greeted.

Rhaella drank in the tall, graceful form of Lady Joanna Lannister. She was truly beautiful, and seemed kind, too. As Rhaella watched, Lady Joanna asked Rhaegar 'Is Casterly Rock to your liking, My Prince?' He nodded vigorously. 'It's beautiful, My Lady!' he exclaimed. Joanna turned to Rhaella. 'The King honored me today, Your Grace. An honor I do not deserve.' Nor need, thought Rhaella. 'My husband admires you, My Lady.' she replied nonetheless. 'Call me Joanna, Your Grace.' the Lady requested. Rhaella nodded. 'Very well, Joanna.'

Suddenly, an orange cat appeared and nuzzled itself to the lady. Lady Joanna laughed. 'Buttercup,' she chided gently, 'You are not to wander here and there.' Joanna turned, about to ask Aurelia to put the cat to bed, she heard the twins cry, as the Prince asked 'Is the cat yours, my lady?' She nodded absently, and the Queen reproached her son 'Rhaegar!' Instantly, the boy turned, looking contrite. 'I am sorry, My Lady.' he mumbled. 'It's all right.' she replied, smiling, as she rocked the twins gently to sooth them. Jaime calmed instantly, needing only his mother's embrace. He was always the less demanding of the two, though, and Cersei, too, quietened eventually. The Prince was looking curiously at the babies.

Queen Rhaella suddenly came closer to Joanna. 'Your grace?' she asked, arching a delicate eyebrow in question. Casting a lilac eye on her son, the Queen whispered, 'You'd best be careful, Joanna. My husband isn't used to being refused. You've already eluded him once.' Take care to elude him again, hung unsaid in the air. Joanna shivered involuntarily.

Cynthia and Elia rushed about in their chamber, packing their belongings hurriedly. They were due to depart for Casterly Rock the next day. Cynthia, true to her nature was very excited about returning home. Elia asked 'What is Casterly Rock like?' At the mention of her home, Cynthia brightened, and launched into an enthusiastic litany of the wonders of the Westerlands. Elia listened attentively, and queried, 'Do you not like Dorne?' 'Of course I do!' she retorted. Suddenly, she flushed. 'What is it?' inquired Elia.

Cynthia did not reply, instead turned and greeted, 'Hello, Arthur.' Elia smiled. 'Are you going tomorrow?' he asked. Cynthia nodded, looking downcast all of a sudden. Arthur laughed. 'One would think that you were leaving home, not going back.' 'I am leaving, am I not?' she snapped back. 'Come with me.' Arthur beckoned to Cynthia. She followed him. So did Elia, without their knowledge.

They stopped at a secluded glen and drew their wooden swords. Arthur lead Cynthia through an elaborate dance, until, at last, the girl yielded, exhausted. 'You are improving.' Arthur complimented her. 'Thank you.' she replied graciously, bowing. Arthur laughed again. 'You are a good pupil. I shall miss you, Cynthia.' he drawled sadly. Spontaneously, Cynthia hugged him. 'I'll be sure to write.' she promised. Then, suddenly smiling, teasing, she commanded, 'Be sure to become a legendary knight, okay? And show me Dawn someday. Seems a great sword.' 'Yes it is. I shall do as you say, hoping to be worthy of it someday.' he replied. 'You are. You will be.' she stated confidently. 'Am I?' he asked. Laughing, they parted.

Elia found herself envying their easy camaraderie. Everyone acted deferentially around her, for she was a Princess of Dorne. Cynthia was different. Perhaps because she, too, was of one of the Great Houses. Elia sighed, and walked back to her rooms. Cynthia was waiting there. 'Cynthia?' Elia called. She was looking particularly curious. 'Do you know anything about babies?' she queried, rushing over her words. Elia shook her head, amused. 'No, Why?' Cynthia shrugged. 'Just nervous.' she answered. 'Oh? You have a- brother? sister? The babe is not going to eat you, you know.' Elia teased her. Cynthia looked wounded. 'A brother and a sister.' was all she uttered. Oh. Twins. Elia thought. 'I don't want to hurt them!' she exclaimed. 'Don't worry.' Elia reassured her. 'It's natural, alright?'

Cynthia was not to be pacified easily. 'The Royal Family?' she asked, worriedly biting her bottom lip. 'I heard the King doesn't like Father.' That's putting it mildly, thought Elia. The King's hatred of his Hand was so potent that it was common talk even in Dorne, which was usually removed from the affairs of the Realm. Elia almost flinched. King Aerys Targaryen was renowned for his fondness for the Lady Joanna Lannister. The words were at her tongue when she checked herself and shook her head. 'It will be alright, Cynthia.' she reassured the younger girl. After all, how was she to tell a 6-year-old child that the King was losing his mind and was paranoid about Lady Joanna? Little did she know that another child, same age as Cynthia, was struggling with the knowledge of the same...

Notes:

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