Dragons, Lions, and Wolves, Oh My! (Jaime Lannister)

I brush my hair as one of the Stark's handmaidens pack my things. I look down at the jewelry that King Robert has given me through the years. He never picked up that I never wanted elaborate gifts. I wanted books and swords. I'm like Arya in that aspect, the girl I've quickly grown to like very much. Then there's Sansa, who can be rather annoying but I know she will grow up someday. The poor girl is so naive, already declaring her love for the prince.  I've heard stories about him. All of them. The Lannisters aren't known to be nice. I highly suspect them for pushing that boy, Bran, off of that tower. 

Robb and Jaime have certainly caught my eye. I know that I've caught Robb's but Jaime is so hard to read. Well, I guess, I'm not too good at reading people. I'm still so overwhelmed from being surrounded by so many people. 

"Where are you off to, my lady?" The handmaiden asks me as I stand up to leave the room. 

"Robb Stark is showing me the stables," I tell her. 

"Are you sure the king would be pleased with you fraternizing with a man?"

"I'll be going," I say coldly, hating the thought that everyone thinks that I'm a prisoner to the king. 

~~~~~

I keep the hood of my coat off as I emerge outside. I observe the Lannister guards preparing to leave. I wish we could stay longer. My breath hitches as I notice Jaime speaking to one of his men and I am remembering how his grip on my arm made me feel. 

"You look like a woman of the North," I spin around, knowing exactly who is behind me by his voice. Robb. 

"My lord," I nod politely, feeling the smile grow on my face. 

"Come on," He takes my hand and I laugh as he guides me to the stables. 

"Wow," I look at the beautiful creature in front of me. It appears much bigger than wolves, with smoke grey fur, and yellow eyes. It's a direwolf. "He's gorgeous. What's his name?"

"Grey Wind," Robb calls the creature closer to us, rubbing his fur. "You can touch him."

I reach my hand cautiously out. I've never seen a wolf, definitely not a direwolf. But, they are quite fascinating creatures. His fur is soft against my skin and I relax at the thought that he doesn't see me as a threat. He even nuzzles his nose playfully in my neck. 

"He likes you," Robb chuckles from beside me, both of us on our knees to play with Grey Wind. I feel the young man's eyes on me. "I think he can tell I like you."

"I..." I don't know how to respond. But the warm feeling inside me takes over and a smile appears on my face. "I like you too."

Robb begins to lean toward me and I feel the butterflies and nerves rise inside of me. He wants to kiss me and it would be my first one. It isn't appropriate, but then again, I'm not a lady. I close my eyes as his left-hand cups my face. I've never felt like this before. Unfortunately, his lips never make contact with mine. 

"Vivienne," I pull back from him as soon as Jaime enters the stables. Robb helps me to my feet as the knight looks from Robb to me. "Lord Stark, I thought you to be a man of honor, like your father. You shouldn't be alone with her, especially when the king is so fond of her."

"We weren't doing anything wrong," Robb says before looking back at me. "Will I be seeing you before you leave?"

"No," Jaime answers before I can. "We're leaving now."

"Did you ask your father?" I ask Robb, aware of Jaime's green eyes on us. 

"I have to remain in Winterfell," Robb responds regretfully. "They need a lord and I am the eldest son."

"I've had a lovely time here," I smile at him right when Jaime clears his throat impatiently. "Thank you."

I begin to follow Jaime out of the stables. I wish I didn't have to go back to King's Landing. I'm afraid the king will lock me in that room again. Or worse, find out what his true intentions are with me. 

"Will I see you again?" Robb's voice stops me from retreating. 

"I hope so," I decide to walk up to him and plant a soft kiss on his cheek. "I'll write to you."

"I will too," He promises. 

I leave with a smile plastered on my face. At least I was able to kiss his cheek but I wish it was more. Maybe I would've kissed him if Jaime wasn't there. I felt those green eyes on me the entire time and it made me very hesitant. 

"You're lucky I found you instead of one of Robert's other knights," Jaime tells me as we walk toward the ready carriages. "Or him."

"He couldn't do anything if he wanted to," I say.  "Robb is his new Hand's son."

"What about you?" Jaime raises an eyebrow at me. "What makes you so sure he wouldn't harm you?" He's only known me a couple of weeks and I haven't gotten to know him as I have with Robb. Sure we sparred once or twice, but why does he care?

"I can handle myself," I defend. "He hasn't done anything to me yet."

"Yet," He emphasizes. 

My eyes flicker to where King Robert is walking up to his horse, Cersei miserably following behind him. She shoots a quick glance at Jaime and it almost looks like fear. I notice his similar look, furthering my suspicion. They definitely have something to do with what happened to Bran. 

"Your Grace," I curtesy in front of Robert before he can mount his horse. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course, Vivienne," His tone makes my stomach twist. 

"May I ride a horse back to King's Landing?" I ask, hoping the answer will be "yes."

"You'll get tired," He says. I catch Cersei's angered eyes on me. She is jealous. But why? She despises the king.  

"I have a lot of energy," I insist. "Besides," I give him a charming smile. "I will be able to observe the beautiful nature."

"Very well," He nods before mounting his horse. "Ser Jaime will get you a horse."

"Thank you, Your Grace," I smile triumphantly at Jaime who only rolls his eyes. The king adores me. 

"You," Jaime looks at one of his men. "Give her your horse and find another."

I wait patiently for the knight to get off of the brown horse. I stroke the mare's mane before digging a boot into the stirrup and attempt to mount her. All of a sudden, I feel strong hands around my waist and I'm being lifted easily onto the saddle. 

"Do you even know how to ride a horse?" Jaime asks me as he straps my feet in. 

"No," I answer honestly but know how to properly grip the reins and the direction to point my toes. "But I've studied it."

"Of course you have," He huffs. 

I smirk down at him, pleased that I convinced Robert to let me ride. My golden eyes look up through my very dark eyelashes. I grin as I spot Robb standing next to his mother, Catelyn. He keeps his blue eyes on me, nodding me farewell.