Kingslayer

Goodbyes

Jaime made his way to the Lord Commander's chambers and began to pack away his things. Meryn would soon be taking over. Jaime was angry, seething. Jaime didn't care whether he was Lord Commander or not, but as long as he was part of the Kingsguard, that was all that mattered. He had to prove his loyalty, to show the people he wasn't his father's lapdog.
In the month he had been given, he needed to find a way of convincing Joffrey that he should remain. If he didn't hate his father before, he did so more now. Tywin couldn't afford to lock him up again, Jaime knew that. He knew what he needed right now though, and that was to get out of the Red Keep.
After spending a year in Stark's camp in captivity then two weeks in recovery and another month as a punishment from his father he needed out, even if it was facing down someone in the arena. He went into the armoury and picked out a sword that would suit his needs. He hadn't used a sword in over a year but that didn't mean he'd lost the practice. If there was one thing Jaime Lannister wouldn't forget, it was how to fight.
He found Balon Swann battering a straw man in the arena.
"Ser Jaime," the other man said when he saw the Lannister walking towards him. Balon was a good fighter. Not the best, but he was up there.
"Ser Balon. Care for better practice than a straw man?"
"Sure."
They sparred over three matches, all of which Balon won. It was no surprise. Jaime had just recovered and hadn't picked up a sword in over a year. Jaime wanted to know if the other members of the Kingsguard knew anything about his replacement before he did.
"So, has there been any talk of my replacement?" Balon's facial expression suddenly became uneasy.
"I'm sorry, Ser, but we have been instructed not to say anything to you. I would if I had clearance to."
"No, it's OK." Jaime had expected as much. He knew his father would want to keep him in the dark about it.

Three Weeks Later...

Jaime had one week left until he was officially removed from the Kingsguard. He needed to convince his son. Jaime was on duty outside the King's chambers. This was the perfect opportunity. Jaime knocked on the door and waited for the boy to allow him entry. Joffrey looked up to see the knight standing in front of him.
"Uncle. Aren't you meant to be standing outside the room?"
"I wondered if I might speak with you, Your Grace?"
"What is it?"
Is this really the boy Cersei and I created? Jaime thought. He kept it to himself for obvious reasons.
"I wanted to discuss my position on the Kingsguard."
"I thought that was made clear. In a weeks' time you will be removed and another will take your place."
"Have you found a replacement yet?" Jaime asked. Joffrey glared at his father.
"No."
"Then wouldn't it work better if I remained in the Kingsguard? Would it not be better if you had someone you knew and trusted by your side rather than a complete stranger?" This seemed to stun Joffrey.
"I need to see my grandfather. Come, Ser." Jaime followed Joffrey to Tywin's room. The Hand opened the door to see the King and his eldest son standing there. Tywin inclined his head.
"Your Grace?"
"I must speak to you regarding the Kingsguard." Tywin glared at Jaime knowing this was him trying to sway the young king's mind. Joffrey entered the room. Before Tywin followed him in, he turned to Jaime.
"Get Ser Meryn Trant and both of you come here. Do it now." Jaime nodded and walked away. Tywin re-entered his room and shut the door.

Jaime found Ser Meryn in the Lord Commander's chambers. He knocked.
"Enter!" The other man boomed. Jaime went in. "Lannister. What can I do for you?" Trant was smug. He was enjoying his new position Jaime could tell.
"My father requires both of our presence at his chambers."
"Well I can't deny the Hand." And Jaime made his way along the corridor he had just walked the other way.
Jaime and Meryn stood outside the room until Tywin and Joffrey had stopped talking. He permitted both Kingsguard entry. Tywin looked at each of them in turn before speaking.
"Ser Meryn would you please relieve Ser Jaime of his duties? I need to speak to him as a matter of urgency."
"Of course, Lord Hand," Meryn replied and left with Joffrey. Tywin slammed the door after them.
"You are testing my patience," he snarled. Jaime stared at him. "Joffrey became unsure of his decision. I have set him straight. He now has a task for you that will take a few weeks. You will break a siege. You will be given the details as you leave tomorrow. By the time you return the position will be filled. Go now. You will leave at first light." Of course Tywin would get him out the city.

Jaime sat in his chambers, contemplating. He would not go to wherever Joffrey, or rather his father wanted him to go to.
But he would leave King's Landing. Here it was just poison. He could live freely. Be his own person. He packed for the next morning.

As he walked through the corridors, he came across Kyra.
"Well, this is me going. I'm glad you've found somewhere you feel safe. Good luck."
"Thank you for everything Ser. Good luck to you also." Tyrion and Cersei were waiting at the main gate, as was his father. There was no way Tywin was letting Jaime go without seeing it with his own eyes. He hugged each of his siblings in turn. He mounted and rode away, saying goodbye to his family, the Red Keep and to Kings Landing.