The Lion and the Warrior

Love's Fury

James and Rhaella walked through the garden, each with a sword at their sides and daggers in their boots. Rhaella's long silver hair was in braids like her mother's and her eyes were shining in the sun. James's hair rested in lose waves just above his shoulders, golden, like a lion, and Rhaella just couldn't get enough of his deep, emerald green eyes that seemed as though they knew her soul.

"I'd hold your hand, but I know the king is watching." James grinned as he looked at the tower window.

Rhaella teased, "Funny, I've never heard of a chicken lion before."

"Oh, you're quite the court jester, aren't you? I nearly killed a man once. Have I told you that story?"

"Only a million times in the last seven years."

"You love that story, and you know it. I could be your knight in shining armor."

"Or, I could be yours, I'm just as good as you."

"You are, no doubt." He picked an apple from a tree, and offered her first bite.

"Look at you being all chivalrous." They sat on a bench and shared the apple. Not that it was necessary, there were a hundred apples in that tree.

"Gods! I've forgotten, I have to meet my father and Uncle Tyrion at the docks."

"For what?" She called out as he took off at a jog.

"We're meeting Gendry Baratheon and his son Raider at the docks. They're fitting us for armor tomorrow." Suddenly he stopped in his tracks and looked at her apologetically.

"What?!"

"Sorry Rhae, I've got to go!"

He barely made it to the docks where Jaime and Tyrion were waiting when he could see the ship coming in.

"Let me guess. You were in the garden with the Princess."

"What would make you say that?" he asked his uncle.

Tyrion gave him a glare and grabbed the apple core from his hand and tossed it into Blackwater Bay.

"Right."

"Why are you late?" Jaime asked.

"Let's not argue. You know why I'm late."

"As long as she's not late." Tyrion snickered.

"What?" James asked, confused.

"Nephew, let me give you some advice..."

"No! No...thank you brother, I will handle that little chat with my son."

"But I have so much more experience."

"What are you talking about?"

"Son, tomorrow you're being fitted armor. Try to be on time."

"Yes, father. Tell me why, again, I had to be here to greet these people?"

"Because Gendry's son Raider is coming with him. He has never been to the capital and you will be his host for the next few days." Jaime said.

"What about Rhae?"

"The Princess will survive a few days without you." Jaime said.

"I don't think that's what he means." Tyrion said.

"Oh, right...I assure you son, no man has ever died from not spending time with his love for three days."

"She is not my love."

Tyrion and Jaime looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"The two of you have issues." James said, looking at them as though they had six heads.