The Lion and the Warrior

Always

The months went by much quicker than anyone expected. Before anyone knew it, six months had blurred away. The twins were sitting up and even looking like they wanted to crawl. It was going to be fun trying to keep them content during a wedding. "Maybe they should remain in the nursery for the ceremony," Brienne suggested.

James raised an eyebrow, "Forgive me mother, but, have you gone mad?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I am sorry, mother, but they are my brothers and they should be there."

"Yes, I suppose they should, are you going to keep them quiet while you recite your vows?" Brienne asked in a rather annoyed tone.

James just smiled, "they can scream, and coo, and giggle..." he went over to Broox and lifted him high in the air as though he were flying, "all day long!" The baby laughed out loud and James brought him down and blew on his belly for more giggles.

Brienne smiled. "I'm sorry I suggested otherwise, my darling. I'm sure between your dad and I, we can manage."

"Don't apologize mom. I'm sorry. I know it isn't easy. And I know you want to enjoy the day. I love you. I love them too. So much," he said hugging the baby.

"I know you do. Don't forget them when you're a married man with all sorts of responsibilities and a life of your own."

"Is that what has been bothering you for the last few days?"

"Oh who says anything is bothering me?"

"I know my mother."

She cracked a smile. "Nothing is wrong. And I know you won't forget us. We all live in this massive castle together. We will live and work together. But you are my first baby. And...it's just hard seeing you all grown up," she stood and walked over to him, placing a hand on his cheek. "My handsome knight...I love you so much, and I am so incredibly proud of you. You are an amazing young man. I thought I would never be married or have a child. And my son...is about to become a true prince of the six kingdoms."

He hugged her tightly. "I am who I am because of you. I am where I am because of you. I love you. Thank you for everything you have taught me. I know I will learn much more over the years. I am grateful that we will all still be together."

"So am ,I love. So am I," she hugged him one more time, and with misty eyes, "now, you'd better go and find your father. I know he is waiting for you."

James headed for the door and as he placed his hand on the handle, "James?" Brienne called to him.

He turned to look at her.

"You are truly the most important thing in this world, to your father. He loves you in a way that you will never understand until you have your own son. And today means more than to him than you could ever imagine."

The young man smiled, nodded, and closed the door behind him.

Jaime waited in the garden for James. He had a few surprises that he just couldn't wait to give his son on this special day.

"There he is! My golden knight."

"Happy to see me?"

"Always," Jaime beamed with pride.

"I just saw mother. She has her hands full at the moment. Mom mentioned maybe leaving the twins here and not bringing them to the sept. Please don't let her do that."

"What did you tell her you wanted?" Jaime asked.

"I told her that I really wanted them to be there. But that I understood she wanted to enjoy the day. Do you think that between the two of you, it will be okay. You'll help her, won't you?"