Chapter 12: A White Lion’s report (Jaime – I)

Summary:

Jaime Lannister goes to see Cersei and informs her of the outcome of his confrontation with the foreigner that dared humiliating her son and protecting Arya Stark...

Chapter Text

As evening was settling, I made my way through the dimly lit corridors of Darry Castle, my white cloak flowing behind me, a stark contrast to the shadows that surrounded me. The encounter with that foreign commoner, weighed heavily on my mind. His audacity had left a lingering impression, a mix of amusement and intrigue that I couldn't easily shake. The way he'd stood his ground in the face of my taunts had piqued my curiosity and wonder.

As I neared the entrance to my sister's chambers, I couldn't help but ponder on how Cersei would react to the unfolding events. I knew her well enough to anticipate her disdain for this Marc, a man of foreign birth and lowly status who dared to challenge our family's authority. She would undoubtedly view the confrontation as another an affront to the Lannister name and an insult to our power. I could almost hear her voice in my head, dripping with disdain, condemning him as a threat to our legacy.

My thoughts drifted back to the confrontation itself. I had to admit that this peasant had handled himself remarkably well, especially when faced with the Hound's fury. His clever retorts and unwavering resolve had left me both impressed and somewhat baffled.

I found myself wondering about his true identity. This was no ordinary foreigner, that much was clear. There was an air of mystery about him, something that set him apart from the other smallfolk. Even his clothes and manner set him apart. I couldn't quite place my finger on his true agenda, and that bothered me more than I cared to admit.

As I reached the door to Ser Darry's chambers, I couldn't think about Marc's last words to me—the reference to "the Valonqar." This message was clearly meant to be ominous. It was as if he knew something I didn't. Why would he asked me to tell Cersei those words? Perhaps it was another of his blatant provocations.

Just as I was about to enter the chambers, I noticed a group of servants huddled together, their hushed whispers and furtive glances drawing my attention. A pang of curiosity tugged at me, but I knew duty demanded I inform Cersei of the day's events first.

With a deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped into the chamber, ready to recount the events that had unfolded and brace myself for my sister's reaction.

Pushing open the heavy door, my white cloak trailed behind me like a ghostly reminder of my role and the duties that came with it. Inside the lavish chamber, Cersei sat in a regal, high-backed chair, her impatience thinly veiled behind her expectant expression. Her hand clutched a goblet, and the rich aroma of wine filled the room. Her eyes bore into mine, and her voice dripped with irritation as she addressed me.

"Jaime, you've taken much longer than I anticipated. What delayed you?" Her tone held a hint of annoyance that I couldn't help but notice.

Drawing in a slow, deep breath, I prepared to recount the day's interesting turn of events. "I was overseeing your husband," I began, my voice carrying a trace of exasperation. "When I left, he was meeting with Ned Stark to discuss Joffrey's punishment following the incident with the Stark girl."

Cersei's lips curled into a contemptuous sneer at the mere mention of Robert, a sentiment I shared with her as he was a drunken fool that disrespected her.

"That oaf of a husband of mine," she muttered bitterly. "Always stumbling and making a mess of things."

I nodded in agreement. "Indeed," I agreed, "it seems that this foreigner's presence has added more fuel to the fire."

Cersei's attention sharpened as she focused on the mention of the lowborn. She fixed me with an intense gaze, her icy eyes searching for answers. "Tell me, brother," she demanded, her voice carrying a chilly edge. "Did you confront this peasant as I asked you?"

I nodded.

"I did, sister."

Her eyes bore into mine, with expectation and impatience.

"What transpired when you confronted him? Did you put that foreign commoner in his place?"

I sighed, aware that she wouldn't like what I would tell her.

"I confronted him, expecting him to cower or to lash out. But he did nothing of the sort."

My sister's eyes narrowed dangerously, "He did not?"

I shook my head, "No. He addressed me not as the 'Kingslayer' like others do to taunt me, but by my title. He was firm, respectful and yet provocative. Each time I try to strike back to his words, he had an answer. It was like facing our brother, but a taller and a soberer version of him."

Cersei's expression turned from impatience to a mix of curiosity and annoyance.

"He dared to speak to you with such audacity? To a member of the Kingsguard? This commoner continues to overstep his boundaries" she seethed, her grip on the goblet tightening.

"He did. He didn't hesitate to question how power works, suggesting that the Mountain should be king if brute strength were the sole measure."

Cersei's eyes flashed with anger as she processed the audacity of Marc's words. Her voice dripped with disdain as she responded, "A commoner like him, and a foreigner, questioning the very foundations of power? He clearly lacks the understanding of how the world truly operates."

I nodded in agreement, though a part of me couldn't help but grudgingly admire Marc's boldness. "Indeed, but he seemed to possess a certain cunning and intelligence. It almost felt like talking to a Maester. It was as if he had studied our family and understood our weaknesses."

Cersei's lips curled into a bitter sneer.

"Go on," she urged impatiently, her voice tight with irritation.

I continued, "The Hound then arrived and he informed the Stark girl about her friend's death, as per your and Joffrey's wishes."

"And how did the little bitch react?", my sister asked with some eagerness and scorn.

I took a breath and continued. "The Stark girl was deeply distressed by the news."

Cersei's lips curled into a predatory smile to the mention of the Stark girl's distress.

"Good," she hissed, her voice dripping with malice. "Let her feel the price of crossing our family."

I continued, though a bit hesitantly, "The Stark girl's reaction had been a spark for that peasant to react as he challenged the Hound and addressed him as "Ser Gregor", saying he was like his brother."

Her expression turned sour in hearing my words.

"How did the Hound react?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and longing, probably expecting some retaliation of Clegane.

"The Hound was furious and about to draw his sword. But that didn't seem to trouble the lowborn. He even dared the Hound to kill him. His words were "Go ahead, kill me. Prove to me that you are a mindless beast, a soulless soldier, a scarred puppy beaten by his masters to be a mere tool of fear. Prove to me that your prince and his mother's family can piss on every tradition and rule of the Seven Kingdoms"", I answered her while remembering the tense atmosphere when it occurred.

Cersei's eyes widened at the audacity of the stranger, Marc's words, a mix of anger and intrigue flickering across her features. She leaned forward in her chair, her gaze fixed on me as she awaited the rest of the story. I knew she would perceive it as a new slight against our House and even I was puzzled and troubled by the fact this foreigner didn't relent when faced to the threat of death.

"And then?" she pressed, her impatience and irritation growing evident.

I continued, "A Stark guard of the escort accompanying him and the Stark girl intervened and put an end to the encounter before it could escalate further."

Cersei's face contorted with a mix of anger and frustration as my account of the events unfolded. She had likely hoped for a more satisfying resolution to the confrontation, one that involved Marc's submission or demise. My sister's pride and the honour of our house had been challenged, and she did not take such affronts lightly.

Her eyes blazed with a fierce intensity as she responded, her voice dripping with ire. "A Stark guard intervened," she repeated, her tone laced with bitterness. "So, this foreign commoner managed to escape unscathed, thanks to his new ties to these Northern savages. It seems that he's not only audacious but also strangely fortunate."

I nodded solemnly, well aware of Cersei's displeasure. Her frustration was palpable, and her desire for retribution was evident.

"He will not escape unpunished for long," she declared, her voice cold and determined. "This foreigner has stirred the pot, and he will soon realize that House Lannister does not tolerate such insolence."

I nodded, thinking that the commoner was indeed foolish to challenge the lion. Yet, there was something unsettling about the way his words affected me more profoundly than if he had called me the Kingslayer or spoken of my dishonour. It was as if he knew what I was thinking, and that troubled me deeply.

Cersei looked at me, her icy eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and sombreness. She asked, "Is that all?"

I hesitated for a moment, knowing that the final part of the tale would likely elicit a strong reaction. "Not quite," I replied evenly, my gaze unwavering. "When he left, he told me to deliver a message for you."

Her elegant brow furrowed with a mixture of confusion and concern. She leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.

"What did he say?" she asked, her voice tight with anticipation.

"He said," I began, " 'Tell your sister that the Valonqar sends his regards.'"

Cersei's reaction was immediate and frightening. Her eyes widened in shock, and her lips parted in disbelief. She seemed momentarily frozen, as if grappling with a revelation that had struck her to her core. She even let her goblet fall on the ground, hitting the stone loudly!

I watched her, puzzled by her reaction. I wasn't expecting this message to have such an impact on her. I could see fear and dismay in her eyes and I knew she was overthinking too much. I couldn't help but wonder what could provoke such reaction from my love to those words.

Cersei finally broke her silence, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and determination. "This lowborn," she began, her tone cold and calculated, "will never mock us again! I will ensure that he pays dearly for his foolishness."

I couldn't help but sense another of her schemes coming.

"Sister," I said in a nonchalant voice that sounded false in my head, "he's just a commoner. An annoying and disrespectful one, sure, but no real threat for our House."

My words seemed to fuel her anger rather than quell it. She turned to me with a fiery gaze, her voice dripping with frustration.

"You're utterly clueless, brother. He's privy to something he shouldn't know. His words are a veiled threat. This is no mere peasant from foreign lands. It's a mummer's show orchestrated by a skilled pretender who aims to diminish our House's standing."

Cersei's words sent a shiver down my spine. There was an intensity in her voice, a conviction that made me pause and once again consider the possibility that there might be more to this foreign commoner than met the eye. If she believed there was a hidden threat in Marc's words, then I should take it more seriously as well. And now I knew that the commoner was doomed. It was unfortunate that I could not catch up with him, to make him pay for his words.

"You're right," I conceded, my tone more serious now. " His words were chosen carefully, meant to provoke and unsettle us. It's possible that he knows something, or he has friends who do."

Cersei nodded, her expression grave. "Exactly," she replied. Her eyes having a dangerous glint in them.

Her determination was contagious, and I found myself caught up in the gravity of the situation. If there was a hidden plot against House Lannister, it was our duty to uncover it and protect our family's interests.

"What do you propose we do, sister?" I asked, my voice steady.

My sister's eyes glinted even more, with a dark shed, her eyes burning of anger like wildfire, her resolve unwavering.

"This uncouth scum must die. He now dares to threaten me! Whatever else he plans will be halted before he can enact them."

I couldn't deny that her reasons were valid. Marc's audacity had not only humiliated Joffrey but had also challenged the very essence of House Lannister's power and authority. His veiled threat, referencing the Valonqar, had struck a chord of fear within Cersei, and I understood her desire to eliminate this perceived threat. While I had reservations about the real extent of his threat, anyone who threatened my sister must be dealt with. I nodded in agreement with her assessment, acknowledging the severity of the situation.

"You're right," I concurred, my voice steady. "This foreigner has crossed a line that cannot be ignored. He has openly challenged our family's honour and authority, and we cannot allow him to escape the consequences of his actions."

Cersei's lips curled into a predatory smile, her determination clear. "Good. Since he is now riding with the Stark brat to the North, we must swiftly send some of our men to deal with them. Those Northern lands are rife with dangers including those savages of the Vale whom ambush travelers. No one would expect us to attack as he is now riding with the Stark brat. We can easily dispatch men to take care of them. As long as its in the areas common with the savages that come from the Vale."

I understood Cersei's plan, but a sense of unease crept over me. While I was willing to act against those who threatened our family, I couldn't help but feel that Cersei's anger was clouding her judgment.

"Sister," I interjected cautiously, my voice tinged with prudence, "Robert would surely notice some of our men missing from the cortege, especially if Stark becomes vigilant with his daughter returning to the North."

Cersei's response was dismissive, her resentment towards Marc, that fool, evident. "Robert is a drunken idiot who cares more for his wine than the affairs of the realm. And as for Stark, he is blinded by his honour and loyalty. He will not suspect a thing until it's too late."

Cersei's response came off as chilling ignorant of my concerns. This was not the first time she left me with a gnawing sense of unease. Still I loved this woman. I would admit, her bitterness towards that stranger was understandably palpable, and yet I couldn't deny that her resentment had clouded her judgment. Why should she care about this obnoxious peasant? I knew better than to press the issue further at that moment. But I also knew that if we wanted to take care of this insignificant troublemaker, we must be smart. An idea came to my mind that hopefully would help my love make a better move against this foreign pest.

"Sister," I began, choosing my words carefully, "sending our own men might attract unwanted attention and raise suspicions, especially with the recent incidents we have with the Starks. If any one of them recognized our men's faces and escaped, we would be exposed. However, there is another way to deal with this problem. Have you heard of the Brave Companions, the sellsword company?"

Cersei's gaze softened slightly as she considered my words. "Not much, other than they are in Essos" she replied, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What about them? It would take to long for them to sail here and aid us."

"Not quite," I said, "These men are easily finding recruits as they are made up of criminals. They have some recruiters just as those who take the Black do. In some areas of Westeros, they set up branches for jobs as well. Our father has been in contact with them. He told me when we were at Casterly Rock for Joffrey's nameday. And I've heard that they have a branch in the Riverlands that would allow them to ambush the escort. No one would suspect our involvement thanks to the use of these outsiders. If we were to discreetly hire them, they could take care of this foreigner and his Stark companions for us. Our hands look clean in the eyes of Robert."

Cersei's eyes narrowed to a calculating gaze as she pondered the idea.

"Yes," she said slowly, "that would be a wise move. We must ensure that this foreigner and companions are dealt with swiftly and without leaving any trace leading back to us. Send a raven to the Brave Companions, discreetly offering them a substantial reward for their services. Make it clear that the success of this mission will be well compensated."

I nodded, relieved that my suggestion had been taken. "Consider it done, sister," I replied. "I will send the message immediately and make that the Brave Companions understand the importance of being discrete about this."

Cersei's lips curled into a sly smile. "Good," she said, her voice filled with a dark satisfaction. "Let that foreign fool and the Stark brat learn the consequences of daring to threaten House Lannister. And let it serve as a warning to anyone who forgets about the debts we might pay."

A.N. :

1. Surprise ! I told this chapter would be about the journey and a promise in the previous publication. However, this chapter is delayed because thanks to a good advice, I decided to be back on my initial plan for this part of the story, i.e publishing Jaime Lannister's POV Interlude just after the confrontation chapter.

2. Like Cersei's interlude, this chapter is among thoseI have loved to imagine, even though it has changed a lot in shape since the very first draft. Probably because no matter my personal opinions on the Lannisters (and they are very scathing and harsh), they are among the characters of ASOIAF/GOT I think are the most fascinating and amusing to tackle. And with the Valonqar reference, it was too good not to imagine the whole set and ripples to be introduced.

3. I hope Jaime's depiction is faithful enough because I am aware he is a very complicated character, an arrogant and brash façade with a tormented soul and a complex relation with Cersei. And of course, I hope Cersei's depiction in this chapter works well, especially in regards of her own interlude.

4. This chapter and the following ones have the honour to have been reviewed by a beta reader that help me to refine the text and gives me ideas and perspectives that are very refreshing and welcome in addition to my intents for the story

5. In the case of the Brave companions, their mention and incoming presence is the result of a work with my beta reader : we consider that due to canon (their presence at the "very start" of the War of the Five Kings), they have some presence in Westeros, especially with how some of their members were Westerosi and the fact the way they recruited their members might be similar to the Night's Watch and that their number were higher than suspected. And I would add to this fact that if historically, german lansquenets coming from the Holy Roman Empire were mercenaries, why wouldn't be the same fo Westerosi sellswords selling their services for anyone in Westeros or Essos ? Not to mention the presence of "free" sellswords like Bronn at the start of Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire.

6. Teasing : well, as previously, the start of the journey and a promie (and this time for real ! ^^)

7. Good reading !