𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 || 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫

Chapter 30

Lord Bolton arranged a carriage to take us to King's Landing. Initially, he planned for a carriage for Jaime and one for the women. Brienne refused special treatment though, instead choosing to ride alongside the men on horseback. I, of course, opted to ride with Jaime. Cream-colored curtains had been drawn up to cover the windows as a precaution. It would be dangerous for anyone to see Jaime Lannister being escorted through forests and the like.

The carriage bumped along the dusty road as I sat next to Jaime inside. His arm was wrapped around my waist, his flesh hand resting on my hip and I was snuggled into his side, my head on his shoulder. The sun filtered into the carriage, warming me up. I let out a sigh as worries filled my head and anxiety settled in my chest.

"What's wrong, love?" Jaime's soft voice broke me from my thoughts.

His fingers caressed the part of silky material of my dress that hugged my hip, sending shivers up and down my legs.

"Jaime...what are we going to do?" I asked tentatively, gazing up at him.

He smiled down at me before pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. His big green eyes bored into mine and I saw warmth there.

"I'm taking you to King's Landing with me, of course," he told me.

I shook my head.

"No, I mean...what about Cersei?" I asked him.

His smile faded then and he sighed, his arm wrapping tighter around me.

"I thought I loved her. I truly thought I did," he admitted quietly, "But one day, I woke up and realized I never had..."

I watched him intently, patiently waiting for him to continue.

"That was when I realized I was in love with you..." he told me softly, his green gaze meeting that of my own brown orbs.

I felt my heart soar in my chest at his declaration and smiled up at him as he returned the gesture.

"And when was that?" I asked, a playful tone to my voice.

He shrugged and that famous smirk of his lit up his face.

"Probably a day when you shouted at me," he teased and I slapped him on the arm, grinning.

He laughed out loud and shook his head.

"No... Do you remember that day in camp when you spared my life? When you threw yourself over me to keep your mother from executing me?" he asked.

I nodded, remembering it clearly.

"Of course," I said simply.

He leaned close to me then, his forehead touching my own. I could feel his warm breath mingling with mine and it sent shivers down my spine.

"That was when I just knew you were the one..." he confessed, his voice husky.

His smooth lips crashed into mine and I melted into it, losing myself in the intoxicating way he tasted. Warm rose-petal softness glided over mine and butterflies erupted in my stomach. I broke way just then for air and Jaime pouted at me. Giggling, I shook my head at his adorableness while turning in my seat fully to face him. His hand dropped from my waist as he watched me.

"It's my turn now," I grinned before licking my lips.

"Don't do that to me, Joan. It makes me want to kiss you again," he smirked and I rolled my eyes playfully, starting my story.

"You remember that day that I first arrived at King's Landing?" I asked, smiling up at him.

He brushed an unruly strand of hair away from my cheek and hummed in response.

"I stood in the throne room - in front of the king and Cersei...and then I saw you..." I said softly, my mind going back to that day.

Suddenly, the swish of a cloak on the floor and jangling of metal reached my ears. My head pivoted around and my eyes landed on a tall, blond man dressed in armor from head-to-toe.

A long golden-hilted sword hung at his side, ready to be withdrawn at a moment's notice. As he walked in, he nodded to my father and went to stand by the Queen. And then his cat-green eyes met mine and I sucked in a breath. He was beautiful, gorgeous even. His unkempt blond hair hung around his face and his jawline looked like it was cut of stone. In all my life, I had never seen a man such as him.

"I'd told myself I wouldn't but I did... I fell in love with you that day..." I finished, glancing up at him.

He looked at a loss for words for a moment before speaking.

"But...you were so young back then. You're older now. How could you have felt love at such a young age?" he asked me.

I shrugged.

"I guess, I just knew you were the one..." I smiled up at him.

He smiled back at me before capturing my lips with his once more as the carriage bounced along, taking us back to where it all began.