The Lion and the Warrior

Not Just Another Knight

James rose from his position and stood before his parents.  Each of them could not have been more proud.  They were both teary-eyed and all three of them were overjoyed that it was Jaime and Brienne who knighted him.

James looked at his parents in awe.  For a moment it was as though they were the only three people in the room, until everyone at the table clapped and broke their trance; just like the night so long ago, when Jaime knighted Brienne.

Rhaella was the first person whose eyes James searched for.  He went back to his seat at the table and Rhaella began, "Congratulations, Ser James.  I am really proud of you."

The music began to play and the king and queen decided to dance.  Jaime and Brienne followed, and, "Rhaella, my princess, would you care to dance?"

"I would love to my Lord," she answered James.

He whirled her around on the dance floor and took her in his arms, "Proud of me, are you?"  He smiled.

"I am. This is a wonderful opportunity for you."

"I would love to join the Royal Guard.  That way, I can always be near you, and I will always be the one protecting you."

"Do you think I need protection?  I am trained just as well with a sword as you."

"And you are every bit as good."

"Then why would I need you for that?"

"I didn't mean to offend you, Rhae.  You don't need anyone, I suppose.  It's just that you will be queen someday.  And you will not always have your sword at your side.  I can be your sword. Nothing would make me happier than to be the one at your side all the time."

"But James..."

"I would never let harm come to you."  He held her closer and whispered in her ear, "I would die protecting you."

"I don't want you to die," she said quietly in his ear.

He pulled back to look at her and studied her expression.  "I am my father's son, your grace. No one can kill me."

"James, I don't want you to die for me.  I want you to live for me."

"But can't you see, my future queen?  I already do?"  he beamed and whirled her around to the music.

"You don't understand."

"What don't I understand?" 

She looked into his eyes and saw how happy he was.  That smile of his just solidified it.  She had seen him happy, but this was different.  He seemed proud, like the world was his.  His dream came true, and there was so much more to come.  He was certainly destined for greatness and who was she to take that from him?  She had so much love in her heart for him, that all she wanted was for him to always be happy.  Truth was, she was ready to die for him too.  She couldn't bare to break his heart.

"Forgive me, my Lord.  All is well.  You will be a wonderful asset to the Royal Guard.  No one could be more loyal and honorable, and you are right, there is no one I would possibly trust more with my life than you."

They danced the night away.  Tyrion even danced with Eliana, James with his mother, the princess with her father and then with Jaime, James with the queen, Brienne with Jon, and on and on. 

James felt like a king himself, and all was right with the world. 

Lyza came to take Eliana to bed, the wine continued to flow and the adults continued to dance.

"Lady Brienne, have I told you how gorgeous you look this evening?"

"I don't believe you have, my Lord."