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

I don't know how long I've been staring at the Iron Throne, but I know that it has been for a long time. I am still attempting to picture my father sitting on it with the features my mother claimed he had. My family lived here once, ruling the Seven Kingdoms. I know that Aerys was mad, but King Robert isn't that good of a king himself. I begin to wonder if Viserys would ever come back and claim his right to the throne. 

"Are you picturing yourself on it?" I don't turn my head to look up at Jaime as he comes to stand next to me. "Most do."

"No," I answer truthfully. "Aren't you supposed to be protecting the throne?"

"Are you saying you're a threat?" He asks. 

"How is the garden?" I ask him curiously, dismissing his question. 

"What?" He is taken aback by my weird question. 

"I was thinking I would go for a stroll," I explain. "I've only ever seen it through my window."

"Robert's finally let you out and you want to go for a stroll?" I finally look up at him and realize he has been observing me this entire time. 

"What do you suggest I do instead?" My curiosity is getting the best of me. 

"Train," He shrugs. 

"Ser Barristan isn't here," I point out. 

"I wasn't suggesting you train with him," He corrects. "With me."

"I don't think that is appropriate," I say after a second of silence. 

"You said it yourself that you're not a lady," He reminds me. "And I thought you were proving that you can get what you want back in Winterfell?"

"Challenge accepted," I say. "But I would prefer to train in the garden. I can still admire its beauty and still take joy in defeating you."

"For a woman who claims she doesn't know how to talk to a man," He walks dangerously close to me. "You're doing quite well.

"I-" I cut myself off as Ned Stark enters the Great Hall and I immediately step away from Jaime. "Lord Stark."

"Lady Blake," He nods politely. I'm still getting accustomed to people referring to me like that. Ever since King Robert has let me out, others besides the Royal family have treated me as a "lady."

There's a long pause of silence and I grow uncomfortable by the obvious tension between the two men. I know exactly why they dislike each other so much. 

"It must be strange for you coming into this room," I purse my lips as Jaime breaks the silence. Of course, it is words that will bother the Lord of Winterfell. "I was standing right here when it happened."

"Ser Jaime," I look at him sternly. He shouldn't be mentioning Ned's father and brother's death to him like this. Jaime only smirks down at me and I know this tension will only grow. 

"You just stood there and watched," Ned tells the Kingslayer, remaining a neutral facial expression. 

"Five-hundred men and this room were silent as a crypt," Jaime corrects. "Except for the screams, of course, and the Mad King laughing." 

My jaw becomes tense at the mention of my father. It's not out of anger or sorrow, but fear. Fear that someone or anyone will realize who I am. But, I shouldn't fear anything. My hair and eyes are too contrasting from the classic Targaryen features. I only have to fear my own movements or anyone digging into my past that will give away who I truly am.

"Is that what you tell yourself?" I was too caught up in my thoughts that I forgot the men were still talking. I look into Ned's blue eyes, seeing how much he loathes Jaime clearly. "That you were defending my father when you shoved your sword in Aerys Targaryen's back?"