Chapter 70: The Twins Namesday
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Third POV
The Great Hall of Casterly Rock was alive with celebration as lords, ladies, knights, and heirs from houses both great and small gathered from across the Westerlands for the tenth nameday of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, the children of their Lord Paramount.
Houses Crakehall, Marbrand, Lefford, Brax, Banefort, Westerling, Farman, and many others filled the feast tables after answering the invitation to the Rock.
As with any great gathering in the Westerlands, each guest had come with their own purpose. Some hoped to form new connections, others simply wished to enjoy the festivities.
Most, however, sought to earn the favor of House Lannister.
That was why many of the houses had brought lavish gifts, so many that the Lady of Casterly Rock intended to make a spectacle of their presentation.
Later in the festivities, she planned to summon each house before the gathered nobility and have them reveal their gifts one by one.
For now, however, the guests enjoyed the grand feast House Lannister had provided.
Servants moved constantly between the tables, carrying silver trays, heavy platters, and pitchers of wine. They passed through the crowded aisles with ease, refilling empty cups and placing fresh dishes before the gathered guests.
The feast tables were already laden with food. Roasted boar rested upon great silver platters, surrounded by vegetables and fragrant herbs. Trenchers held roasted chickens, thick cuts of beef, buttered bread, honeyed carrots, and pies stuffed with meat and mushrooms. Bowls of fresh fruit had been placed between the larger dishes, while sweet cakes, lemon tarts, and sugared pastries waited to be served later in the evening.
Several delicacies from Lannisport were also present, including thin slices of fried potatoes, seasoned beef patties served between warm pieces of bread, flatbreads covered with melted cheese and savory toppings, and pieces of chicken fried until golden and crisp.
Pitchers of Arbor gold, rich red wine, spiced wine, and ale stood ready along the tables, offering the guests something with which to quench their thirst and wash down the many delicious flavors.
As the guests enjoyed the feast, the Lannisters at the high table appeared to be in a world of their own.
Lady Joanna sat at the center, covering her mouth with both hands as she struggled to contain her laughter.
To her right sat Jaime and her dear good-brother, Kevan. Both displayed the calmness and grace expected of House Lannister as they quietly enjoyed their food.
To her left, however, there was only chaos.
Cersei had Tyrion confined upon her lap and was holding both of his hands down. Despite his small size, Tyrion twisted and wriggled furiously, determined to escape his sister's grasp.
The evidence of his earlier mischief remained scattered across the table. Several plates had been overturned, leaving food strewn across the cloth and earning Tyrion his sentence of imprisonment upon Cersei's lap. A servant hurriedly cleaned the mess while Genna, seated a short distance away, chuckled at the scene.
"Mother, could you please tell Tyrion to stop playing with the plates?" Cersei exclaimed. "He is becoming more aggravating."
"Want food! Want food!" Tyrion protested as he squirmed upon her lap.
"Stop being troublesome," Cersei scolded him. "You are not even going to eat it."
Joanna leaned closer to her youngest child. "If you behave yourself today, my little Tyrion, I will read your favorite book to you tonight."
The moment Tyrion heard those words, he stopped squirming and relaxed against Cersei. His expression became adorably serious as he nodded.
"Favorite book tonight," he repeated carefully.
"Only if you behave," Joanna reminded him with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Mother," Cersei said before eagerly passing Tyrion into Genna's waiting arms.
"Who is a good little boy?" Genna cooed as she accepted him.
Cersei rolled her eyes. Aunt Genna doted far too much upon Tyrion, which was likely why he believed he could escape punishment for his constant mischief.
Now free of her troublesome little brother, Cersei allowed her gaze to wander across the Great Hall. Her eyes lit up when she finally found the person she had been searching for.
To everyone else, he was known as Galahad. To her alone, however, he was Rick—or Richard, whenever she wished to tease him by using his full name. He was her secret best friend, though few within the hall knew just how close the two of them had become.
Cersei turned toward her mother, intending to ask permission to leave the high table and greet him. Before she could speak, however, Joanna rose from her seat.
Taking a small silver spoon, the Lady of Casterly Rock gently struck it against the side of her cup.
The clear ringing drew the attention of those seated nearest the high table. Their conversations faded, prompting others to turn toward Joanna. One by one, voices fell silent throughout the hall. The musicians lowered their instruments, and the final notes of their song faded with them.
Within moments, the Great Hall had grown still.
Joanna looked across the gathered nobility before she began.
"My lords and ladies, honored guests, and dear friends, I welcome you all to Casterly Rock."
Her voice carried easily through the hall.
"The past year has been a generous one for the Westerlands. Our fields have yielded strong harvests, our mines remain prosperous, and trade continues to flow through Lannisport. Our roads are safe, our ports are busy, and our people have known peace."
She allowed her gaze to pass over the tables.
"Such good fortune does not come from gold alone. It comes from wise lords, faithful knights, hardworking farmers, miners, craftsmen, merchants, and countless others whose labor keeps the Westerlands strong. Tonight, they have our gratitude."
Several lords nodded their approval, while others raised their cups in quiet agreement.
"We have not gathered, however, to speak of harvests, taxes, or trade. There will be time enough for such matters when the celebration is done."
A few knowing smiles appeared throughout the hall.
"Tonight, we celebrate the tenth nameday of my beloved children, Jaime and Cersei."
At the mention of their names, many eyes turned toward the twins.
"And while this feast is held in their honor, I hope every person here will share in its joy. For one evening, let us set aside our burdens and enjoy good food, fine wine, music, and the company of friends."
Joanna lifted her cup.
"To Jaime and Cersei, and to all those who have traveled far to celebrate with us. May this be a night worth remembering."
The assembled guests raised their cups in answer.
"To Jaime and Cersei!" The words rang through the Great Hall, followed by thunderous applause.
Joanna returned to her seat as the musicians struck up a lively tune, louder and merrier than the one before. Conversations quickly resumed, wine began to flow once more, and the feast continued with renewed excitement.
...
Cersei POV
A while later
I stared at the golden unicorn Lord Brax had placed before me and wondered what he expected me to do with it.
The ornament was beautiful, I supposed. Its body had been fashioned from gold, while tiny diamonds adorned its horn and eyes. Lord Brax spoke proudly of the craftsmen who had created it, but I had stopped listening some time ago.
It was merely another expensive decoration that would be placed somewhere in my chambers and forgotten.
Nearly every gift I had received was the same. Lords had given me gold, jewels, necklaces, silver mirrors, and other pretty things for which I had no use.
Jaime, meanwhile, had received carved soldiers, practice swords, wooden horses, and even a finely crafted suit of armor for him to wear when he grew older.
It was unfair.
I kept my back straight and my eyes fixed upon Lord Brax as he spoke. Every so often, I offered a small smile or nod to make it appear as though I were paying attention.
Mother would know if I allowed my boredom to show.
"We thank you for your generous gift, Lord Brax," she said once he had finally finished. "The craftsmanship is truly remarkable."
Lord Brax bowed before us and returned to his table.
I quietly released my breath. One dull presentation had ended, which meant another was about to begin.
Mother looked toward the next guest.
"Ser Galahad."
At once, my boredom disappeared.
I raised my head and searched the hall until I found him.
Rick slowly made his way toward the high table. Everyone else knew him as Ser Galahad, but to me, he would always be Rick or Richard.
He walked with calm confidence while the lords and ladies of the Westerlands watched him approach. Three servants followed behind him, each carrying a large wooden chest.
Rick smiled toward the high table before his eyes found mine.
His smile grew warmer.
Excitement fluttered within my chest, and I could not stop myself from smiling back.
He stopped before the high table and bowed.
"My lady, my lords, and honored guests," he began. "We have gathered to celebrate the tenth nameday of Jaime and Cersei Lannister. In their honor, I have brought three gifts that I hope they will cherish for many years."
At his signal, the servants carried the chests forward and placed them before him.
Jaime leaned closer to me. "What do you think is inside?"
"I do not know," I whispered, though I desperately wanted to find out.
Rick opened the first chest and removed two small statues.
The first depicted Jaime as a grown man. He wore a knight's armor, with a sword at his side and a shield upon his arm. A golden lion had been carved into the shield, and every detail of Jaime's face appeared almost lifelike.
Jaime immediately sat straighter.
"This represents the man I believe Jaime will one day become," Rick explained. "A brave and honorable knight, strong enough to defend his family and the Westerlands."
Jaime could not hide his smile. Mother looked upon him with pride.
"It looks just like me," Jaime whispered.
"Only older," I reminded him.
"And more handsome," he added.
Rick reached into the chest and lifted out the second statue.
My breath caught when I saw it.
It was me.
The statue showed me as a young woman wearing a beautiful gown decorated with golden lions. A delicate crown of flowers rested upon my head, like the crown bestowed upon a queen of love and beauty, while my long hair flowed down my back. The face had been carved so carefully that it seemed as though a smaller version of me stood in Rick's hands.
"And this represents the lady Cersei will become," he said. "A great and noble woman, known throughout the Seven Kingdoms for her beauty, strength, and grace."
I could no longer pretend to be calm.
"I love it!" I exclaimed. "It is beautiful."
Warm laughter spread throughout the hall. Several ladies smiled at my reaction, while others leaned closer to admire the statue.
Mother examined it with a pleased expression. "The likeness is remarkable."
Rick looked at me. "I am pleased that you approve, my lady."
After receiving so many useless ornaments, I finally had something made especially for me.
Rick then approached the second chest.
Inside were two short swords resting upon crimson cloth. Their scabbards were made from red leather and decorated with golden lions.
Jaime's eyes widened.
Rick took one of the swords and slowly drew it from its scabbard. The blade shone beneath the light of the chandeliers, revealing dark ripples running through the steel.
Gasps echoed throughout the Great Hall.
"Valyrian steel," someone whispered.
Several lords rose from their seats to obtain a better view. The knights nearest the high table stared at the weapon in disbelief.
Even Mother appeared surprised.
"Is it truly Valyrian steel?" she asked.
"No," Rick answered. "It is not Valyrian steel, but it is no less sharp. These blades are stronger than the finest castle-forged steel."
At a signal from Rick, a Lannister guard stepped forward and drew his sword.
I watched carefully, unsure of what Rick intended to do.
Then he moved.
There was a flash of steel and a sharp metallic crack.
Half of the guard's sword struck the floor.
For a moment, no one spoke.
I stared at the broken blade. Rick's sword had passed through the castle-forged steel as easily as a knife cutting through butter.
The silence broke beneath a wave of astonished voices.
Knights stood to see the weapon more clearly. Lords began speaking excitedly among themselves, while ladies stared at Rick in amazement. Jaime looked ready to climb across the table and take the sword from him.
Mother's eyes narrowed as she studied the undamaged blade.
Rick smiled at the gathered guests.
"Has everyone forgotten that I am the greatest knight in all the Seven Kingdoms?" he asked. "Cutting through a castle-forge steel sword with this quality of a blade in my hands is nothing for me."
Laughter and cheers filled the hall.
Rick then turned toward Jaime and me.
"If Cersei and Jaime can master these swords, I expect that one day they will be able to do the same."
The guests applauded, but I barely heard them.
Rick had said both our names.
He believed I could master the sword just as Jaime could.
Usually, Jaime received the weapons and armor while I was given jewels and dresses. Everyone expected him to become strong, but Rick had spoken as though I could stand beside my brother as his equal.
I loved him for saying it.
Jaime grinned at me. "Do you think we could really do that?"
"I know we could," I answered.
Rick moved to the final chest.
By then, every person in the Great Hall was watching him. After the statues and the swords, I could only imagine what wonderful gift remained.
He opened the chest and removed three small silver whistles.
I blinked.
Whistles?
The lords and ladies appeared equally confused. A few whispered among themselves, while Jaime frowned in disappointment.
Rick reached into the chest again.
This time, he lifted out a lion cub.
My disappointment vanished.
The cub had soft golden fur, small round ears, and large paws. Rick carefully placed it upon the floor before reaching into the chest again.
He removed a second cub.
Then a third.
Astonished voices rose throughout the hall as the three little lions gathered around his boots.
I could not look away from them.
"They are two moons old," Rick explained. "I have already begun training them to follow commands from these whistles."
He raised one of the silver whistles.
"One short note commands them to sit. Two notes call them toward the person holding the whistle. A continuous note commands them to fetch."
He blew once.
All three cubs sat down.
Delighted laughter came from the ladies seated nearest the high table. Several lords clapped, while others leaned forward to see the cubs more clearly.
Rick moved several steps away and blew two short notes.
The cubs immediately followed him.
For the final command, he removed three small balls from the chest and threw them across the floor.
The cubs watched the balls roll away but did nothing.
Laughter spread throughout the hall.
I glanced at Jaime, who appeared equally confused.
Rick remained calm. He placed the whistle to his lips and blew one long note.
The cubs immediately raced after the balls. Each chased a different one, caught it between its teeth, and carried it back to him.
Applause erupted throughout the Great Hall.
My eyes shone with excitement.
"Mother, may I go down and play with them?" I asked.
"I want to play with them too," Jaime said.
Tyrion reached toward the cubs from Mother's arms.
"Lion!" he cried. "Want lion!"
Mother looked from us to the cubs. Though she appeared amused, I could see the concern in her eyes.
"Are they safe for the children?" she asked.
Rick smiled and nodded.
"They will do them no harm. After all, they are gifts for all three of the Lannister children."
I stared at him. "They are ours?"
"One for each of you," he confirmed.
The lords and ladies reacted with surprise. Many smiled toward us, while others spoke of how unusual and magnificent the gifts were.
Mother looked down at Tyrion before finally nodding.
"Very well, but you must be gentle with them."
I did not need to be told twice.
I hurried down from the high table and approached the cubs. One of them looked up at me with bright amber eyes.
I knew immediately that he was mine.
I knelt and lifted him into my arms. His body was warm against mine, and his golden fur felt soft beneath my hands. He sniffed my face before pressing his head beneath my chin.
I could not stop smiling.
"Your name shall be Joffrey," I declared. "My brave lion."
I pressed my cheek against his fur and held him close. Joffrey nestled against me as though he had already accepted me as his own.
Jaime picked up another cub and laughed as it placed its paws against his chest.
Mother carried Tyrion down from the high table and helped him embrace the final cub. Tyrion buried his face in its golden fur while Mother carefully supported them both.
The ladies smiled at the sight, and several of the lords laughed when Tyrion refused to release his new companion.
Still holding Joffrey against my chest, I turned toward Rick.
All the boredom I had felt before his arrival was gone. His final gift alone had brought me more joy and excitement than every other lord in the hall combined.
I smiled brightly at him.
Rick smiled back.
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Chapter 71 Coming soon…