Chapter 8

Strange dreams plagued Cersei as she slept. She saw herself as a proud lioness running alongside a strong, proud lion. The familiar shape of Casterly Rock loomed ahead of them as two little cubs followed after them happily. To Cersei her world was perfect and she felt at peace. As they ran she noticed something was wrong. There were two cubs missing from her pride, weren't there? Cersei looked around her desperately before her eyes locked on a tiny golden lion that had fallen behind. The tiny cub couldn't keep up with them and was left alone as a new lion approached the cub. The new lion was darker than Cersei and the cubs with a golden crown on its mane. It loomed over the little lion, roaring at the tiny creature. Cersei froze, unsure what to do. These were her missing cubs, were they not? She looked next to her for the strong lion that was by her side before, but to her horror he had disappeared. The two cubs were scared now and hid behind her trembling; Cersei knew she had to protect them.

What about the tiny cub? The crowned lion was taking swipes at the cub with its huge paws, as a crowd of sheep gathered behind it, jeering and laughing as the little lion cried. Before the crowned lion could take a bite out of the cub, another lion appeared. This one had a messy mane and was clearly older than the cub, but still much smaller than the proud lion Cersei had been running with. The new lion moved between the crowned lion and the cub as the circle of sheep closed in. Soon both of the small lions were hidden from view with only a defiant roar escaping the circle.

Cersei could only watch as her two cubs nudged her.

"Why didn't you help them?" one cried looking up at her with frightened green eyes

"Do something!" the other pleaded, looking between her and the circle of sheep

No matter how much Cersei wanted to intervene, she couldn't move. She was helpless. Where was the strong lion? Looking around, Cersei instead found an old lion towering over her.

His voice reverberated through her mind "It's better this way. Better for the family. They brought us shame"

Cersei looked desperately for help, but there was no-one there to rescue her. The old lion had disappeared as quickly as he came, but his words continued to echo through Cersei. The group of sheep led by the crowned lion were heading towards her now. Blood dripped from the dark lion's mouth and Cersei felt ill as she saw the two little lions lying on the ground forgotten, the older one covering the cub with his own body, though it was clear neither would move again.

They were coming for her now, and her two golden cubs. She would fight to protect them from the dark lion, the sheep and anyone else. Glancing behind her, Cersei cried out in despair for they were gone too. Her golden head whipped back to where the little lions lay, and she sobbed. For now her two cubs had joined them.

The dark lion moved in front of her, and Cersei could see the golden crown on its head glinting red now as he gazed down at her.

"You disappoint me" he said as he lunged.

The Queen Regent woke with a start, the sound of a baby's cry echoing throughout her chamber. Cersei moved quickly, though shakily from her bed towards the source of the noise. The baby was awake and apparently hungry. Her heart continued to beat too quickly as she lifted the crying child from the cradle. Cersei never paid much attention to her dreams, but this one had disturbed her.

"Your Grace?" enquired the wet nurse, hurrying into the room - more than likely alerted by the child's cries. The woman seemed surprised to see Cersei holding the child, whose cries had quieted somewhat.

"The child is hungry. Feed him and bathe him. The King is coming to see his new brother today" Cersei ordered, trying hard to maintain her composure. Joffrey was coming today and Cersei couldn't afford to be distracted by dreams.

"Yes, your Grace" answered the wet nurse, moving to take the baby from Cersei

"Send for my brother as well"

She did not know when Joffrey would come, but she would prepare as much as she could - even if that meant locking the Imp in her chambers all day. She wasn't entirely sure why she wanted him there in the first place, but with Jamie gone there was little choice.

Moving to the large window, Cersei gazed out across the gardens of the red keep. She'd been hiding in her rooms too long. After Joffrey's visit, it would all end one way or another.

Tyrion had all but crashed into his bed last night after what had been a particularly strange and trying day. It had taken all his willpower to not fall asleep while reciting the third bedtime story for Tommen and Myrcella. Having never been a great sleeper Tyrion was shocked to find it well into the morning when he finally awoke. Even then he had woken only because of Podrick dislodging a stack of books piled on his desk. His squire had brought a message for him, and Tyrion easily recognised his father's hand writing.

Tyrion,

I have heard word from the red keep that your sister went into labour a few days ago, yet there has been no sign of her or the child since. As acting hand of the King, it is your duty to inform the realm of the new Prince or Princess. As my son, it is your duty to inform me of the welfare of my daughter and grandchild. I hoped giving you some power would finally force you to take responsibility, though it seems you still need reminding of your duty to this family. I expect a swift reply with full details to follow this letter. I will not be kept in the dark by my children.

We continue to move against Robb Stark in the field, though he appears to have some strategic abilities and progress is slow. You need to reign in Joffrey, there are disturbing rumours circulating that he has a cruel streak, and this will only aid our enemies. Do not disappoint me anymore than you already have.

Lord Tywin Lannister 

Tyrion sank back in his chair and reread the message. No doubt his father had spies in the red keep to keep him informed and it was only a matter of time before news of the baby spread, regardless of how much Cersei sought to control it.

"It appears my father is anxious for news of his grandchild" said Tyrion, tossing the letter on his desk

"Should I fetch a raven for your reply, my Lord" asked Podrick, standing awkwardly in one corner

"Not yet Pod. I'll have to ask Cersei first. Who knows what she wants to tell him?" Tyrion answered with a sigh. A message from his father wasn't a good way to start the day, and Tyrion felt his mood already darkening.

Tyrion set about readying himself for the day as Podrick moved around the chamber completing his squire duties. A knock on the door disturbed the peace.

"Enter" called Tyrion, glancing at Podrick in surprise

He instantly recognised one of Cersei's trusted hand maids entering the room.

"Begging your pardon, my Lord but the Queen has requested your presence in her chambers"

"This early?" said Tyrion in surprise "She knows the King rarely rises before midday"

"That was her message, my Lord" said the hand maid, shifting uneasily

"Very well. I suppose I can't refuse" said Tyrion with a sigh "Podrick, while I'm gone please sort through the mess of books I've had out. There is still the threat of Stannis hanging over us, and preparation is needed. Though, I apparently have other plans for today than planning the defence of the city"

"Of course, my Lord" answered Pod, nodding his head

"Wish me luck Pod. Spending a day with my sister is unlikely to end well" Tyrion called grabbing the letter from their father and following the hand maid out of his room.