Of Lions, Wolves, and Dragons (Jon Snow)

27. Unexpected Loss

Joellyn's relationship with her family had been tense at best since news reached King's Landing that Robb Stark had been killed, along with his mother and his troops, at his uncle's wedding.  Her father and her sister were delighted that one more obstacle was out of the way for Joffrey's rule of Westeros.  Jaime and Tyrion seemed to feel oddly conflicted.

Oberyn had left Joellyn alone in their chambers this morning.  She was not feeling well, so she decided to let him practice on his own this morning so that she could rest.  She chose to sit and read for a while he was out training.  Then the two of them planned on spending the day together as her father had been to busy making plans for the king's upcomming wedding to call any small council meetings.  Her reading was interrupted by a knock on the door and, as she had dismissed her handmaiden for the day, she stood quickly to go over and open the door.  A wave a nausea rushed over her when she stood up, so she had to stand still to regain her stomach and her balance before she answered the door.  She was pleasantly surprised to see that it was Jaime.

Joellyn had few chances to converse with Jaime since he arrived back at the capital. From what Joellyn could tell, he was still determined to maintain his position in the King's Guard. Even with losing his sword hand. She wasn't sure how she felt about that decision. Jaime probably felt some sense of duty to keep his son safe, but he probably did not want to be parted from Cersei. Even though she had been terrible to him since he arrived back.

She greeted him, "Good morning, brother.  Please come in."

She went back to her seat and marked her place in her book and invited Jaime to come sit with her.  However, he was busy pacing about the room.  He was clearly very frustrated and this was how he dealt with frustration.  He would let her know what was going on soon enough.

After a few more paces across the room, Jaime turned and took a seat beside her saying, in a very frustrated tone, "Our family is going to drive me to insanity."

Joellyn laughed, "We have always known that are family is a difficult one to be a part of."

Jaime shook his head, "Difficult is an understatement.  Do you know that Father still expects me to leave the King's Guard and return to Casterly Rock?"

Joellyn nodded her head, "He has made it clear, numerous times, that he disagrees with your decision.  He still holds onto hope that he will have an heir through you."

Jaime stood and took of his sword belt and dropped them to the ground and took a seat again, "Yet, he had Ned Stark's sword reforged into a new sword for me.  Why would he have this made for me if he expects me to leave."

Joellyn shrugged, "Perhaps he thought he could bribe you into leaving."

Jaime shook his head, "He knows that I am called King Slayer and Oath Breaker, yet he expects me to break another oath.  All because he thinks I need a wife and children."

Joellyn reached out for Jaime's hand and squeezed it, "You know our father thinks only of his family and how to have more power.  I don't think he truly loves any of us.  Just his legacy.  The thought of carrying on his legacy through Tyrion insults him, though it shouldn't.  Tyrion is a better man than our father is."

Jaime looked quizzically at her, "I don't believe I've ever heard you speak so ill of our father."

Joellyn took a deep breath.  She trusted Jaime, but not as much as she trusted Tyrion.  It was probably not the wisest idea to inform Jaime that she wanted her father punished for what he did to the Starks.  She finally formulated her reply, "You know that Sansa is...or I guess was my friend.  He took away the last good she had in this world and, in the same move, took away the only true friend I think I've ever had.  It's going to be difficult for me to move past that for a while."