The Lion and the Warrior

In the Name of the Warrior

It has been three weeks since James has returned from Casterly Rock.  He has spent a good bit of time with Rhaella, however it hasn't been any free time.  They have been busy with the lessons they have together, the lessons they have separately, their own duties and practices and then there are duties they handle together.  There are times that he looks at her all dreamy-eyed and just wants to kiss her, and there are times he is grateful for the distractions and people who surround them.  He needs those distractions.

The king and queen are preparing to announce Rhaella's betrothal to James in the coming week and everyone was excited.  Today, though, James and Rhaella were going into the city to spend some time at the orphanage, pray at the sept and enjoy the open-market.

"They should let us go alone, you know, we can both handle ourselves.  We could probably both outfight anybody in the kingdoms,"  Rhaella protested as she mounted her horse.

"Oh come on, now, you know that's not a good idea, Rhae.  We can fight well enough, but if enough people join against us...we may not fair so well.  We have to stay smart.  We have to stay on guard."

"I know we will never go anywhere alone, James.  We never have, and we never will."

"You're not angry about that, are you?"

"No, I'm used to it."

"Good.  I'd hate to see my future wife displeased somehow," he flashed that dashing smile and she could see a gleam in his eyes.

She laughed at him, "Come on prince charming, let's get to the market before they run out of chocolates.  We should buy them all and take them to the orphanage."

"Well, then...I believe we shall," James smiled again.

They stopped at the market first and bought several boxes of chocolates.  They had breakfast with the children, played games with them, and shared some chocolates.  Next, they headed to the sept.  "They were rather happy today, don't you think?"  Rhaella asked James.

"Of course they were happy!"  He laughed, "We brought them chocolates.  You were thrilled and you only got one piece.  They each got three."

Rhaella laughed, "I guess their caretakers will have their hands full today then!"

"Did you do that on purpose?"

"No!  I didn't think of that, I promise." 

"What a naughty princess.  I will have to keep a watchful eye on you."

"Always," she winked at him.

They happily arrived at the sept and walked in.  They both knelt down and prayed before the gods.  They prayed for the kingdom and all it's people.  For their parents, especially Brienne who was due to give birth in two more months.  They prayed for each other and that the gods would be good to them.  They prayed that the realm would prosper from their union and that all that was meant to be, would be. 

After spending about an hour there, they headed back to the market to walk around for a bit and talk with the vendors and shoppers.

Rhaella and James enjoyed their afternoon shopping for the new babies and looking for surprises for Eliana. James was sweet and helped Rhaella shop the perfumery, although she decided not to buy anything. 

James on the other hand had two of everything for the babies - new rattles, new clothes, new booties, and another new doll for Eliana - this one was a knight wearing armor just like their Lord Commander Mother! He had to get it and couldn't wait to get it to his baby sister.

They happily headed home, James feeling quite accomplished. "You are spoiling everyone, you know that don't you?"

"Maybe a little. They say children learn what they live with, so I think that's Uncle Tyrion's fault."