The Lion and the Warrior

Long May They Reign

Samwell Tarley stood in the throne room holding the two most beautiful crowns he'd ever laid eyes on. They were gold, of course, and adorned with diamonds and rubies.

Beside Sam, stood Danaerys Targaryen and Tyrion Lannister. On the other side of two beautiful thrones, stood Sers Jaime and Brienne Lannister, Master of War and Lord Commander of the Royal Guard respectively.

Eliana was part of the court, and she couldn't be more proud to be here on this special day. Sansa and Arya were present, as were Ser Podrick Payne, and countless other members of the court.

Jaime stood beaming with pride. Brienne seemed to light up the room. Rhaedyn and the twins stood in front of Jaime and Brienne. A harp played as Prince James Renly Lannister and Princess Rhaella Targaryen-Lannister walked into the room, arm-in-arm. They smiled as they entered and greeted their guests. Although this was a formal, very reverent and important moment, they took the time to wave, shake hands with guests, and kiss their parents as they made their way to their thrones.

Tyrion began, "my lords and ladies of the court, on behalf of Houses Lannister and Targaryen, we welcome you to the coronation of Rhaella Targaryen-Lannister, and her beloved James Renly Lannister."

The court cheered and clapped. Dany took the crown from Sam, "it is my honor to proclaim Rhaella Targaryen-Lannister, first of her name, queen of the Andals and the first men, and protector of the six kingdoms. Long may she reign!" Dany smiled, and kissed her daughter.

The court responded, "long may she reign!"

Dany continued, "it also an honor to proclaim James Renly Lannister, first of his name, king of the Andals and the first men, and protector of the six kingdoms. Long may he reign!"

The court responded, "long may he reign!"

The court cheered and clapped and they bowed to their new king and queen. Rhaella and James smiled and held hands. James called Rhaedyn over to him and held up his little prince proudly, and they each gave him a kiss.

The two dragons soared above the Red Keep encircling the castle and each other, each letting out a mighty roar and breathing fire in celebration of the crowning.

That evening, there was a great feast. The king and queen were celebrated with toasts of great wines from Dorn. Dany spoke, Tyrion spoke, Jaime, and even Brienne spoke. Rhaedyn stood on a table and said congratulations to mommy and daddy.

James looked at his father. They shared a look. Jaime raised his goblet to his son and James raised his as well. He walked over to Jaime who was sitting alone for the moment, "What a day this has been," James said.

"It has. Your son seems to have had a nice time," Jaime nodded over to Rhaedyn sleeping in Dany's arms.

James laughed, "do you think he drank too much?"

"Ah...the life of a prince."

"I suppose he should get used to it."

"I suppose. James...you will never know how proud and honored I am to be your father. I am thankful I had all this time with you, to be a father to you. I wish you the same with Rhaedyn."

"I am thankful the gods chose you to be my father. There is no one better than you, I mean it. No one. I love you so much."

"Make no mistake. There is someone better than me."

James looked at him with doubt in his eyes, and Jaime continued, "you."

"Dad..."

"You," Jaime insisted.

*****

That night Jaime laid in bed with his wife. Brienne had her head on his chest, and her hand was caressing his stomach. "Bri?"

"Yeah Jai?" she asked half asleep.

"Can you believe where our lives are? From you and I pretending to hate each other, to falling in love, to our little warrior cubs...and now...our son is king."

"Pretending?" she asked with feigned sarcasm.

He laughed and ran his hand through her hair and kissed the top of her head.

Jaime Lannister was many things: a kingslayer, oathkeeper, man with honor, a selfless fighter, and a lover. But above all...Jaime Lannister was truly, madly, deeply loved by his wife and their children.

This is not the dynasty that Tywin Lannister craved so desperately. This is Jaime Lannister's legacy.

THE END