The Lion and the Warrior

Sweet Boy

Jaime and James saddled up and mounted their horses. They started out slowly walking toward the city and then took a turn out into the Kings Wood. They began to race. Clouds moved swiftly across the gray, dreary sky mostly hiding the sun, only allowing it to peak out for brief moments. They raced so fast past the trees that they were just a blur. The horses galloped through puddles splashing thick mud and water all over their riders, who were both tired, full of rage, and ready for revenge; ready to be finished with Cersei.

James and Jaime ducked under branches and jumped over the creek. Finally they came to a spot they knew well. The creek grew wider into a larger body of water rushing into rapids with small waterfalls. The trees formed beautiful canopies with hanging moss. "This isn't just where you would spar with me, is it, dad?"

"No." Jaime said climbing down from his horse.

"I guess most hidden places around here know you and Cersei well."

"That's exactly why we are here."

"I thought as much."

The air was cool and crisp, and being wet, didn't help. They were here for a reason and knights don't let the cold bother them. They sat under the tree, leaned back against the rough, wide bark, and talked. "Dad?"

"James."

"Are you really going to let Eliana put you in a dress?"

"Do you think I am going to fit in the queen's dress?"

James laughed out loud. He sat leaning against the tree, one leg stretched out, one knee bent up to the sky, his arm stretched out over his knee. In his other hand was a small branch that he was haphazardly twirling between his fingers. Jaime sat on the other side of the tree, in the same position; like father like son.

"Was she always so...vile?" James asked.

"Cersei?"

"Yes."

Jaime paused a moment before answering. He half smiled. "She was. But she had her moments. There were some really good moments too. Fun times. Mostly when we were children."

"I guess I missed out. Having a twin."

"Perhaps. But I think you had a rather special, unique childhood. You had mom and me always with you when were at Casterly Rock, and then we came here and you really had the best of everything, a wonderful education, lessons from the three greatest fighters in Westeros, and your princess."

"I've been lucky I suppose."

"I didn't have my mother at all. I didn't have my father nearly as much as you had me. I wanted to be a better father to you than he was to me."

"What was he really like?"

"He was ruthless. And she was just like him."

"I'm sorry things were the way they were for you."

"Oh, don't be sorry. The things that happened to me and the things I've done lead me to where I am now. Exactly where I belong. With you, your mom and Eliana. I couldn't ask for a better, happier life than what I have now. Your mother is best thing that ever happened in my life. It took all the bad, to get to the great thing I've got with your mom."

"You think that's true for everybody?"

"If you're talking about you...no way. I think you've learned well from your mom and I, and I think you know what is true, real and good, healthy love. I don't think you will have any issues," Jaime looked out into the distance at the grey sky, squinting his eyes at the glare.

"I'm glad you and mom found each other. You both deserve the best."

"You think we are the best?" Jaime beamed.

"Well, you both have to be for putting up with Eliana."

They both laughed.

"There was a time when my brother thought only I was best for him." A voice said.

"Cersei?" James called out.

"Aunt Cersei. Have respect for a queen."

"You're no longer a queen." Jaime said without moving to see her.

"I died a queen, and queen I shall remain for all eternity."

"They have queens in hell?" Jaime asked, finally standing.

"I've spoken to your wife. She called me a dried up old cunt."

"And you called her a...hog wench or something?"

"You called my mother a hog-wench?"

"Don't act so offended. You don't really care."

"Of course I care. She is my mother. I love her. You do know what a mother is, don't you?"

Cersei glared at James. She lost her mother long ago. But of course she knew what a mother was. She had three children. "Don't be coy with me, nephew..."

"Don't call me that. I would never claim you as family. And neither would my father."

"We'll see about that," she said caressing James's cheek with her thumb. Her touch was soft and almost sweet, but tainted with hatred. His mind and his heart wanted to recoil in disgust, but his body wouldn't let him.

"See? You can love me," she said looking into his eyes as though she was searching his soul and hypnotizing him.

"James!" Jaime grabbed his shoulder and squeezed it. It seemed as though he were in a trance. Jaime shook his son. Still, no answer or movement. "James! Cersei, what's happening?"

"I've told you. I've told your giant bitch whore. You will be mine, and your precious James Renley will deliver you to me."

"No. He is stronger than you think."

She gently entwined her fingers through the back of James's hair, just like she always did to Jaime. She softly kissed James's lips and whispered, "He is mine. He belongs with me. I know you feel it. Give me what is mine, sweet boy."

He drew his sword.