290 AC – King's Landing
Lyonel's POV
I walked away from the courtyard without looking back, the smile I had worn moments ago was gone replaced by the fury burning in my chest.
Useless, I thought, the word repeating with every step. Useless father. He doesn't care about me, he doesn't care about mother or Joffrey and he does not care for the realm it's people. The only thing he cares about is Lyanna even though she's now a ghost of the past. All he does is yell when I'm just excited about going with grandfather to Casterly Rock a place which i wanted to visit for so long and now I actually have that chance and a place that might end up being beneficial for me.
He hadn't even let me finish speaking. Just boomed and dismissed me like a servant who'd spilled wine. "Boy, you don't need to know everything!" As if I were still a child who's trying to learn how to walk. As if I didn't deserve to know when my grandfather planned to take me with him.
My pace quickened. I didn't notice the courtyard falling behind me or the gates and I didn't even notice I had turned the wrong way entirely. The streets of the city swallowed me all of the narrow alleys, shouting hawkers and the awful stink of fish and smoke. My mind was still in the courtyard, replaying my father's red face, was it red from wine or anger I could not tell.
Suddenly I bumped hard into someone.
"Ow s-sorry!" I blurted, stumbling back.
The man steadied himself with a hand on the wall. He was tall, cloaked in dark wool, face half-hidden by a hood. His sharp eyes found mine.
"Child," he said, with a low and calm voice, "you shouldn't wander around here alone. It's dangerous."
I swallowed, suddenly aware of how far I strayed. "I'm sorry. I was… really lost in thought. Didn't see where I was going."
He studied me for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Then with a knowing smirk tugged at his lips.
"It's no place for little kids," he murmured, leaning in just enough for the words to reach only me. "Best be on your way then… little prince."
My whole body froze.
The world narrowed to his smirk. My heart slammed against my ribs. I didn't know what to say, didn't know who he was, or how he knew, or why he was here.
He laughed softly without any humor and turned away, melting into the crowd
I stood there, rooted, until my legs remembered how to move. Then I spun and hurried back the way I'd come with my heart pounding and eyes darting to every shadow. Before I started to run I looked back one more time.
He was already gone.
But I couldn't shake the feeling that he had been waiting for me.
That he somehow knew I would come here today.
Who was that man...
The man slipped deeper into the Flea Bottom's alleys his hood pulled low and mouth curving in satisfaction.
It's as the master said it would be, crown prince really did wandered into this parts of city, he thought. I should rejoin the others now. We shall meet again soon… my king.
Later That Afternoon – The Queen's chamber, Red Keep
Tywin Lannister sat in a high-backed chair near the window with his hands folded in his lap and eyes fixed on his daughter. Cersei stood across from him, one hand resting protectively on her swollen belly and the other clenched at her side.
"I noticed Robert's behaviour didn't change since my last visit?" Tywin asked, voice flat.
Cersei's mouth thinned. "No it got even worse the drinking never stops and I think every whore in King's Landing knows his capabilities. Father he barely attends council anymore, it's Jon Arryn who carries most of it. When he is present, the only thing he does is shout, or laugh too loudly or even leaves halfway through."
Tywin's expression did not change, but his eyes narrowed a fraction.
"And how is Lyonel doing."
Cersei's face softened. "He is remarkable. He's sharp and very observant and already asks questions most grown men avoid. You'll see once you spend more time with him father. Jaime has begun training him early, the child begged for it and lately i heard even Ser Barristan joined them."
Tywin's mouth lifted slightly. "So he wanted this himself? I just hope he didn't beg Jaime for it just to slack off and avoid his other lessons."
Cersei replied "The boy is diligent. Wakes up even before sunrise and trains at dawn, every single day."
A long silence. Tywin's fingers tapped once against the arm of the chair.
"Good," he said at last. "Discipline now will serve him later. We all know Robert will not provide it to him nor Joffrey or this one" Tywin said poining at her pregnant belly "You must do that. I will also help him understand what it means to be a Lannister while he's with me at the Rock. "
Cersei nodded, though her eyes flashed with something close to resentment knowing her husband won't lift a finger to raise their children. At least you should care more about your heir doesn't he resemble you. "I do every day father. He's really excited about going to Casterly Rock with you."
Tywin replied "I'll make sure to show every part of it then." he studied her for a moment longer then changed the subject.
"What about Joffrey?"
"He's quick to anger but he listens to Lyonel. The older brother keeps him in line."
Tywin gave a single nod. "That's good, keep it that way."
Cersei opened her mouth to reply.
Then her face changed.
Her hand flew to her belly, a sharp breath hissed between her teeth. She swayed, clutching the back of a chair.
Tywin rose at once, his voice was calm, but urgent. "Cersei?"
Her eyes met his wide and startled, then narrowing with pain.
"It's time," she said, voice tight. "The babe is coming."
Tywin crossed the room in three strides, catching her arm before she could fall. "Guards!" he called, sharp and commanding. "Fetch the midwives. Now."
Cersei gripped his sleeve, breathing shallow. "Father—"
"Quiet," he said. "You will be fine. The child will be fine."
Nearby – A Quiet Corridor
Jaime found Tyrion leaning against the wall with a goblet of red wine, watching a pair of courtiers argue over a hunting dog like it was the fate of the realm. The little man looked up as Jaime approached, raising the goblet in lazy salute.
"Brother," Jaime said, voice low.
Tyrion smirked. "Brother. Come to drag me back to my hole before I start any new scandals, or just checking if I've survived the day?"
Jaime snorted softly, stepping closer. "You've been here less than a day. Give yourself some time."
Tyrion took a sip, eyes glinting. "This city still stinks like it did some things never change."
Jaime leaned against the opposite wall, shoulders easing, "It's worse every year." then he looked at Tyrion with a smirk "Though the whores are prettier from what i heard."
Tyrion chuckled. "Oh really? Thanks for that information I'll have to see them for myself then"
Jaime laughed softly, the sound low and brief.
Tyrion studied him for a moment. "You look tired."
"That's part of being Kingsguard," Jaime said, voice dry. "Sometimes I wonder why there's only seven of us when we're responsible for the royal family and we need to always be at our best."
Tyrion swirled the wine in his goblet. "Because brother some guy with his sister nearly 300 years ago both thought 7 is a lucky number or just couldn't count higher."
Jaime's mouth twitched. "We're not that lucky."
Tyrion raised his cup again. "To the poor members of Kingsguard then."
Jaime lifted an empty hand in mock toast. "Aye."
They drank in quiet, the sounds of the Keep drifting past like distant waves, two brothers reunited and catching up
Then came the cry.
Sharp, sudden and echoing down the corridor from the queen's chambers. that cut through the stone.
Jaime's head snapped up. "That's Cersei."
Tyrion set his goblet down on the ledge, face tightening. "What could happen? Wait do you think it's today, is she giving birth right now?"
Another cry louder this time, edged with pain and followed by a maid's voice calling for the midwives, the clatter of basins and running feet.
Jaime pushed off the wall. "I don't know but she was with father. I know they were talking, something must have happened"
Tyrion was already moving, short legs carrying him faster than most would expect. "Come on. If it's the babe, she'll want you there."
They hurried down the corridor, Jaime's white cloak snapping behind him, Tyrion half-running to keep pace as the cries grew sharper
When they reached the queen's chambers, the door was open, maids rushing in and out with linens and hot water. Tywin stood just inside, face carved from stone, but his hands were steady as he directed the women.
Cersei lay on the bed, gown soaked, face pale and slick with sweat, breathing hard between pains. Her green eyes found Jaime first and something like relief flickered there.
"Jaime," she gasped. "Tyrion—"
Tywin turned, his voice commanding. "The babe is coming. Stay if she wants you but do not get in the way."
Jaime decided to move and guard the door as a exemplary kingsguard would do. Tyrion lingered near the door, new goblet in hand and watching with quietly.
The room filled with the sounds of labor cries, instructions and the rustle of sheets.