Game of Thrones: Season 8 and Beyond

A King's Kindness

-A few months later-

Jaime

Brienne was showing. Her stomach had an undeniable bulge now, and Jaime was certain that everyone had noticed. Her Kingsguard armor barely fit her anymore so she had given up wearing it at all. That was how the king had taken notice to her bump. It happened today, and Jaime could see the conflict in his eyes. He looked from Brienne to Jaime, before sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose. 

"I'd like to speak to the two of you later tonight. In my chambers," He had said to them and then went on with his business. Apparently there was trouble with the Free Folk.

Jaime and Brienne had fretted all day since that moment, thinking the worst. Would they be exiled? Possibly even killed? Breaking an oath was a huge crime in the eyes of every past king, so why should it be different with Aegon? Adding to that, he was raised by Eddard Stark, the most honorable man in Westeros.

Soon enough, it was time. As they were guarding the door to his chambers, it opened and Aegon beckoned them in.

Jaime looked to Brienne with a look of uncertainty, before taking her hand and entering the room.

Inside was both Daenerys and Aegon, along with their children on the bed. Aemon and Rhaella held looks of curiosity as they laid.

"You know why you're here," Aegon spoke, looking between the two oath breakers.

Jaime gave a nod. "Brienne is pregnant, because of me. We both broke the oath we took when we became part of your Kingsguard."

The king gave an affirmative shake of his head. "And do you know the price of breaking an oath?"

"Death or exile," Brienne spoke softly, with a hand on her stomach. Jaime squeezed her hand in comfort.

"Indeed. That's how it has been for centuries. But you are my friends, I cannot exile you or kill you. Killing a friend is not honorable, and exiling my most trusted knights seems useless. So, I'm at a loss," Aegon sighed.

The Queen rolled her eyes from beside him. "Who made these rules? It sounds like people think that having children makes someone weak. Jon, are you weaker now that you have Aemon and Rhaella?"

He shook his head. "Not in the slightest. In fact, I believe I am stronger now that I have a family to fight for."

"Exactly. That's how it is with me as well, and I was the one that birthed them. Love is not the death of duty. It is the birth of hope and purpose for someone to carry out their duty. Which I believe Ser Jaime and Brienne will do for years after they have their child," Daenerys finished, as she went to pick up Aemon who had rolled a bit too close to the edge of the bed.

Jaime gave her a thankful smile and waited for Aegon to decide.

"Perhaps Maester Aemon was wrong. He had never had a family of his own, so he couldn't have known for sure if love was truly the death of duty." Aegon gave another sigh. "I guess that we are done here. I will allow you to keep serving as my Kingsguard, Ser Jaime. Brienne, on the other hand, I would like you to take a break until you deliver your baby."

Brienne nodded. "Of course. Thank you, your Grace."

"Call me Jon, I keep telling you this. We're friends," Aegon told her.