The Lion and the Warrior

Homecoming

James could see the Red Keep in the distance. His heart felt like it was doing somersaults. The skyline was beautiful with the orange sun just beginning to set. The sky was brilliant shades of blue, pink, purple and silvery clouds.

"We're home, dad. We are finally home." James said looking back at Jaime.

"Finally. I cant wait to see your mom. Do you think she will be excited to see me?"

"You did not just ask that." James said, looking back at his father, giving him the side eye, but grinning.

Rhaella watched as Drogon circled overhead. She had a huge smile across her face, as did Jon, who was relieved that his wife was home safely. Rhaella was speechless at first; her heart skipped several beats and her stomach did at least a dozen flips. She looked at her dad, who grabbed her hand and together they walked to the dragon pits.

Drogon landed and nosed Jon and then Rhaella. Welcome home boy, Jon smiled, as he patted him on the nose.

"And what of your wife?" Dany asked with a smile.

Jon looked at Dany and smiled, "My wife, my queen. Welcome back to your palace, and your loving king." Jon bowed, hugged and kissed his wife.

"Your Grace!" Jaime proclaimed.

"How was that for an adventure?" Jon asked.

"It was wonderful. I loved every moment of it. Quite a way to travel."

"Maybe next time Ser Brienne can join you."

"Speaking of our Lord Commander, I would love to stay and chat, but I am overdue for a visit with my wife."

"She is in the castle." Rhaella said happily.

James walked over to Rhaella, his heart in his throat. "My princess," he held out his hand, and she extended hers. Without breaking eye contact, he kissed her hand as he always did when he greeted her. She smiled at him, "Ser James."

James didn't let go of her hand, he continued looking into her eyes, but then he looked at Jon, as though he were asking permission, without speaking. Jon laughed and nodded yes. James pulled Rhaella's hand closer to him and put his arm around her back and leaned in for a kiss. Jon took Dany by the hand and they walked away.

Jaime took off to find his wife in their apartment. She was standing on the balcony, looking out over the bay. He walked up behind her and slid his hand around her belly. She melted into him, and tears of happiness and relief streamed down her face. She took a deep breath and quickly gathered herself together. He kissed her neck, and rested his chin on her shoulder, his face touched her cheek and he felt her tears. "Aren't you happy to see me?" he asked.

"Yes! Yes!" She twirled around to face him. She put her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. She kissed him and just couldnt stop. Neither could he. With his lips still on hers, he growled, "gods I've missed you, Brienne. You dont know how I've longed for this moment to have you in my arms again."

"Don't let go please don't ever let me go," she whispered.

That night, Jaime and Brienne and Jon and Dany didnt leave their bedrooms.

It was as though Rhaella and James had the castle to themselves. They had dinner on the verandah by candlelight.

"I never thought it was possible for me to miss someone so much," James said.

"I missed you so much. I thought of you, and only you the entire time that you were gone. It was horrible."

"Same."