Chapter 13

Chapter 13: The Lion returns

…

Tywin Lannister

A moon later

I rode at a steady pace, the road beneath my horse's hooves familiar, each mile bringing me closer to Casterly Rock. The seat of House Lannister loomed ahead, a towering monolith carved into the very bones of the land. It was a fortress unlike any other—a mountain of stone that signified the power of my house, my legacy. Soon, I would return to it, and with it, to my family.

The thought of Joanna and my children filled me with a rare warmth. Away from the capital, away from the prying eyes of court and the politics that bound my every step, I could be a husband and father again. For eight moons without Joanna and my cubs, I'd been in the capital, forced to keep a cold, impenetrable mask to protect myself and them.

At court, enemies lurked behind every smile. As Hand of the King, my every action was scrutinized, and the pathetic king, Aerys, seemed to delight in stirring the snakes that hissed around me. It was hard to believe that we had once been friends. How petty and small he had become.

It was jealousy, I knew. Our friendship had ended the day I married Joanna, the only woman who could have ever truly been mine. She was my equal in all things, my sweet, steadfast wife. But Aerys had seen her, wanted her, and from that moment on, I had become his enemy.

The memory made my fists clench around the reins. Joanna had suffered humiliation under Aerys's lecherous gaze, and I could do nothing to stop it then. 

He had ridiculed her in front of the court, tried to touch her in ways that made my blood boil. I had to watch, had to endure, because the king still held the crown, and I had not yet played my hand. But the day would come. He would pay for his insults.

For now, I had to be patient. There were greater plans in motion. I needed Aerys alive just long enough to secure the betrothal between my Cersei and his son, Rhaegar. When that was done, the dragon would fall. I smiled darkly, letting the thought sharpen my focus.

One hundred Lannister soldiers flanked me, their red cloaks billowing like banners of fire. We moved as one, the might of House Lannister on display, a warning to anyone foolish enough to challenge my rule. 

Casterly Rock awaited me, but before I reached its gates, my mind was already spinning with thoughts of the game that lay ahead. The game of thrones was long, but I was always three moves ahead.

"Brother, are you happy to be home?" came the playful voice of my youngest brother, Gerion, from behind me. His tone was light, as it always was, a stark contrast to the burdens I carried on my shoulders.

I glanced over to see him, clad in his Lannister armor, a smile playing on his lips. He had accompanied me to court, serving at my side, though not burdened with the same weight of responsibility.

"Let him be, Gerion," Tygett's gruff voice cut in as he rode up beside us. "He's thinking of his lioness and cubs." With a smirk, Tygett smacked the back of Gerion's head.

"Hey! Why'd you hit me?" Gerion grumbled, attempting to retaliate. But Tygett, the stronger of the two, easily maneuvered his horse out of reach, evading Gerion's playful swipes.

"Why can't I hit my little brother." Said Tygett with a smile.

I watched them tussle for a moment, their laughter and banter filling the air. Though I didn't show it often, I was thankful for these brothers of mine. In the capital, they had kept me sane, helping with messages, discreet tasks, and just being present when the pressures of court weighed on me. Without them, the burdens might have been heavier.

They continued their mock fight, trying to wrestle each other off their horses like boys rather than men. It was a rare sight, one that stirred something close to amusement in me.

A small laugh escaped my lips, surprising even me. It was a sound I hadn't heard in a long time.

Gerion and Tygett both froze, their eyes wide in disbelief at the sound. Laughter wasn't something they were used to hearing from me.

"Oi, brother, did I just hear that? Are you laughing at your poor, bullied baby brother?" Gerion called out, a teasing grin spreading across his face.

I straightened my face, determined to keep my composure. I needed to be serious; I couldn't have my brothers teasing me, I was after all lord paramount of the west.

"You're seventeen now," I replied, trying to keep my tone light, though it came out more serious than I intended. "An adult lion. Why would you need my help?"

Gerion, unfazed by the fierceness of my words, simply smiled. His jovial nature was a gift. Unlike me, he had not known the same hardships growing up. I had kept him sheltered from our father's cruelty, from the endless stream of mistresses. Perhaps I had sheltered him too much, but I had no regrets about that.

I turned my gaze to Tygett. Though we didn't always see eye to eye, he had remained loyal to House Lannister and to me. That loyalty was more important than our differences.

"And you brother, a lion should not bite its kin." I said with a fierce tone. Though I didn't mind the banter. It wouldn't do well for gerion to be ridiculed or joked at.

"Yes brother." I could see Tygett face becoming fierce. He didn't show it but I knew he didn't like my words. Though he was loyal to the house, sometimes I don't know if he's loyal to me.

"Enough playing. Quicken the pace. I want to be at Casterly Rock by noon." I urged my horse forward, setting the pace for the rest of the group.

The Rock awaited, as did my family. 

…

Third POV

Cersei crouched low in the tunnel, heart racing in excitement as she tried to stifle her giggles. The thrill of hiding from Galahad, her uncle's new squire, was one of her favorite games. 

She had known who he really was from the moment she saw him up close—the hooded man, Rick, who took her on secret adventures at night, the one who always brought her Turkish delight and whispered to her that she could be both a lady and a warrior.

He had told her not to tell anyone, a secret just for the two of them. If she did, their nights exploring the beach, the playground, and the rooftops of Lannisport would end. Cersei had sworn herself to silence, loving the mystery of it all.

As she waited in the shadows of the tunnel, she felt a surge of confidence. He won't find me this time, she thought. She had chosen the perfect hiding spot. But just as she was beginning to feel smug, the soft sound of footsteps echoed closer.

"Princess," a familiar voice called out, playful and low.

Her heart leapt as Galahad's shadow stretched into the tunnel. He always found her, no matter where she hid. She bit her lip, trying not to move, but it was useless. He stepped into the tunnel, his tall frame ducking slightly as he came closer.

"There you are," he said, a smile in his voice.

Cersei couldn't help but smile back as she jumped up from her hiding spot. "You always find me!" she pouted, though the laughter in her voice gave her away.

Rick knelt down to her level, his golden hair shining in the dim light, his green eyes gleaming warmly. She could see his face clearly now—no mask, no hood to hide his handsome features. He looked so much like her, with hair like gold and eyes the same striking green. It made her heart race just to see him like this, unguarded, just for her.

"I always will, little princess."

She grinned, feeling that familiar flutter in her chest as she studied his face. Even though she saw him so often, each time made her heart beat a little faster.

"But next time, I'll pick a better spot," she said, crossing her arms with mock seriousness.

Rick chuckled and ruffled her hair. "We'll see about that."

Then, with a swift movement, he lifted her up onto his shoulders, and Cersei squealed with delight. "Now, let's get you back before your mother starts wondering where you've gone. After all today is a special day"

As they made their way back through the tunnels, Cersei leaned down, whispering in his ear. "You'll still come tonight, won't you?"

"Of course," he replied. "But remember, it's our secret."

As Galahad placed Cersei down, they approached the bustling hall where Cersei's uncle, Kevan, and her mother, Joanna, were overseeing preparations for the feast. Joanna, sitting in a plush chair with her hand resting on her belly, was directing the servants with her usual grace, her eyes occasionally flicking toward the door in anticipation of her husband's return.

"Milord, milady, here is Lady Cersei. She was hiding," Galahad announced, feigning exhaustion. His chest rose and fell dramatically, as though he had exerted great effort in finding her. His performance was flawless.

Joanna smiled faintly, though her eyes lingered on Galahad for a moment, perhaps sensing something beneath his act, but she said nothing. "Thank you, Galahad," she replied before turning to her daughter. "Cersei, darling, let the servants help you change. You've dirtied your dress again."

Cersei's pout was fleeting as a servant led her away, and Jaime, her twin, entered the room just then, brought by another servant. He greeted his mother with a proud grin, his golden hair a perfect match for hers.

"You've grown so handsome, my boy," Joanna said warmly, her eyes gleaming with pride as she looked upon her son. Jaime, with his golden hair and bright green eyes, was already showing the features of a young lion in the making.

"Come give your mother a hug," she beckoned, opening her arms.

Jaime didn't hesitate, rushing to her and embracing her fiercely. Joanna laughed, though she winced slightly at the force of it. "Gentle, Jaime, I'm not as strong as you."

Kevan watched with a smile. "The future heir of House Lannister, already stronger than us all," he teased, his tone light as he greeted Jaime.

Jaime grinned up at his uncle, then gave him a respectful nod. "Uncle Kevan," he said with all the seriousness a seven-year-old could muster.

Joanna's smile softened as she turned the conversation to her husband and his brothers. "It's been too long since we've all been together. Tywin, Tygett, Gerion,… it feels like a lifetime since we've last gather."

Kevan nodded in agreement. "We'll have quite the feast to celebrate their return. And this time," he added with a hint of pride, "Tywin will be here to witness the birth of his child."

As they continued to talk, Cersei returned, her hair neatly brushed and her new gown fitting her like the little lady she was expected to be. She beamed as she approached her mother, her eyes shining with the same pride that glinted in Jaime's.

"You look beautiful, my sweet girl," Joanna said softly, her heart swelling as she took in her daughter's radiant smile.

"Come, give your mother a hug," Joanna invited, opening her arms once more.

Cersei moved forward carefully, her steps deliberate and gentle. Unlike Jaime's fierce embrace, Cersei's hug was soft, delicate, as though she was mindful of her mother's growing belly. Joanna felt the tender care in her daughter's touch and smiled, stroking Cersei's golden hair as she held her close.

"There's my gentle little lioness," she whispered, pressing a kiss to her daughter's forehead.

Joanna said as she gesture for Jaime to come join in the hug. 

"Now then both of you behave okay. Show your father that you've mature."

"Show him your lions, make him proud." Joanna said with a smile as she hug both of them.

After those words she bid them off.

Kevan and the children left soon after, heading to the gates to greet Tywin and the rest of the Lannister retinue. Joanna, heavily pregnant and eight moons along, stayed behind. The climb down the thousands of steps to the gates of Casterly Rock was too much for her in her condition.

She watched them go, her hand resting on her belly, a calm yet eager anticipation in her eyes. Soon, her lion would return home.

Rising from her chair, Joanna took a moment to smooth her dress, ensuring everything was as perfect as she had planned. The hall was ready, filled with the scents of roasted meats and sweet pastries, the candles flickering softly in the dim light. With a determined step, she made her way to the grand entrance, her heart swelling with excitement at the thought of finally meeting her husband again.