"What is your request?" I asked Sir Benedict Broome, my voice calm but curious.
He met my gaze steadily. "I want you to take my son as your squire—when you're knighted." His tone was serious, his expression carved from stone.
For a moment, I simply looked at him. I underestimated him, I thought. Having his son serve me would raise his House's standing immensely. A clever move—subtle, yet ambitious.
Still, I couldn't deny it was mutually beneficial. There were few knightly houses left I could truly rely on; most were weak or had fallen out of Father's favor. In the end, this alliance helps us both.
"Very well," I said finally, a faint smile tugging at my lips. "I grant your request."
Sir Benedict bowed deeply, and for the first time, I thought I saw relief flash in his eyes.
---
A Few Days Later
Barracks
"There was some trouble," Sir Benedict said as I entered. "A fight broke out between a few of the new recruits and some of the veterans. I've had those involved flogged." He handed me a parchment listing the names.
"Good," I replied, scanning it briefly. "I also came to tell you I won't be visiting as often for a while. I'll be at Casterly Rock for most of the moon."
Father had received a raven from Deep Den—they'd hosted Jaime recently. It wouldn't be long before my brother arrived at the Rock. Until then, my men were to remain in the old barracks east of Lannisport. Father refused to allow them inside the Rock until they were properly disciplined.
"I'll make sure the men are in better shape when you next see them," Benedict said firmly.
I gave a curt nod and left for the stables, Monty following close behind.
---
We stood in line, waiting for Jaime to ride through the Lion's Mouth. "We" no longer meant the grand household of years past—only Father, Tyrion, and I remained to greet him, along with a small retinue of guards and officials.
Uncle Kevan was away on business. Tygett was tending to his pregnant wife, Darlessa Marbrand. Gerion, no doubt, was wandering the streets of Lannisport in his usual carefree manner. Aunt Genna was at the Twins, and Cersei was halfway through her pregnancy in King's Landing.
Jaime came not merely as my brother but as a royal envoy—representing the King himself. That meant ceremony and formality, whether he liked it or not. Father insisted on it. Practice for the day when the King himself might stand here, he said—though such a day was unlikely.
The rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed along the cobbled path. A line of riders appeared, armored in red-accented plate atop coursers draped in crimson barding. Redcloaks—King's Landing men, by their bearing.
Jaime rode behind them, dressed not in the white of the Kingsguard, but in Lannister red and gold. I'm fairly certain that's not allowed, I thought, hiding a smirk.
When he dismounted, I noticed how much he'd changed. Broader shoulders, steadier eyes—no longer the golden-haired boy I remembered, but a man forged by war and duty.
"Father," he said, bowing.
Father nodded curtly, his face unreadable. The anger still lingered from the day Jaime had chosen the Kingsguard—abandoning his claim, abandoning Father's legacy.
Then Jaime turned to us. "Look at you," he said to me, grinning as he pulled me into a hug. "You look more fearsome than I do."
His eyes flicked to the scar on my cheek. I chuckled dryly, resisting the urge to scratch it. Always the same Jaime—never missing a chance for a jest.
He turned to Tyrion next, saying something I missed, though it made my brother laugh and cling to him tighter. They'd always shared a bond stronger than mine with either of them—perhaps Jaime saw in Tyrion the brother who needed him most.
Father's pointed cough shattered the moment. His glare could have frozen the sea.
"Now that you're all reacquainted," Father said coldly, "get changed into something appropriate, Jaime. Meet me in my study. You as well, Cerion."
Then his gaze fell to Tyrion. "You have a lesson with Maester Creylen. Do not be late."
With that, he turned and strode into the Rock, his cloak trailing behind him like a shadow.
Jaime watched him go, then smirked faintly. "So," he said, turning to me, "I hear you've been busy while I've been away."
"Busy enough," I said with a small grin.
"Good. Then you can show me what you've been up to—after Father's done with us."
I nodded, feeling an unexpected warmth stir in my chest. It would be good to have Jaime back… even if only for a while.