Chapter 12: Ladies of the West
…
Joanna Lannister POV
Two thousand feet atop Casterly Rock, the wind carried the salt of the nearby sea, and I sat in a quiet courtyard garden, watching my son and daughter spar with small wooden swords.
Cersei's progress had been remarkable over the past few moons. Her strikes were sharp, her movements swift. She had even started sewing with patience, something I had feared might never come. My unruly little girl had turned a corner, causing less mischief, showing more restraint.
What pleased me most was how she'd grown apart from Jaime. Not too long ago, when I asked if she wanted to share a room with him again, as they had when they were younger, she'd flatly refused. It surprised me, but I was relieved.
My efforts to keep them separate, to stop the troubling closeness between them, seemed to be working. She was growing, maturing.
And yet, there was still a shadow in my heart. Lately, Cersei had been talking nonstop about a hooded man—a strange figure she claimed had took her out of casterly and they went to the beach, or Lannisport, or some "playground."
All fantasies, of course, but at nearly eight years old, I had hoped she would have grown past such tales. If this continues, I may have to take firmer steps. I can't allow her to lose herself in childish dreams.
The sharp clack of wood breaking my thoughts pulled my gaze back to the yard. Jaime had dropped his sword, his small fists clenched in frustration, while Cersei stood beaming triumphantly, unladylike but radiant in her joy. For a moment, she was wild and free, her golden hair tangled in the breeze as she laughed, while Jaime, stubborn as ever, snatched up his wooden sword and charged back into the fray.
I couldn't help but smile. They were my children—my precious twins—and seeing them like this, so full of life, filled me with a deep sense of love and pride.
A sudden kick from within my belly made me look down. I placed my hand over the swell, feeling the strong movement beneath my skin. "Now, now," I whispered to the child I carried. "Don't be jealous. I'll love you just as much when you arrive." My voice softened into a lullaby as I stroked my growing belly.
A servant approached quietly, bowing before offering me a letter sealed with the lion sigil. I opened it to find Tywin's familiar writing. His words were brief but welcome—he would be returning next moon, having been granted leave from King's Landing in time for the birth. For once, Aerys had allowed it.
I set the letter aside, my hand resting protectively over my unborn child. My thoughts shifted, lighter now, as I watched Cersei and Jaime continue their sparring. Laughter echoed in the courtyard, filling the air with joy.
For a moment, everything felt right. Peaceful. I closed my eyes, breathing in the scent of the sea and the earth, letting myself believe—just for a little while—that this happiness could last.
…
Maria POV
In Richard solar of the Lionheart mansion, I sat with my daughter, poring over the endless stacks of documents that kept the family's business running. The weight of it all felt crushing at times, and I couldn't help but marvel at how Richard managed it. How did he carry this burden, lead the family, and keep track of every detail without succumbing to the pressure?
Thankfully, I wasn't alone in this. Alicent, along with her friends Sharra and Rosa, had become my constant companions, assisting with the paperwork. The previous madam of the brothel I once worked at had taught me how to read and speak with elegance, skills I'd passed down to them. I used to be one of the best, able to coax information out of merchants and lords, but those days were behind me. I didn't look back anymore, not with Alicent to brighten my world.
"Mother, a letter from one of the underbosses," Alicent said, pulling me from my thoughts as she picked up a sealed note.
"Give it to me," I said, extending my hand. She passed it over, and I couldn't help but study her as I took it. My baby girl was growing up so fast—at eleven, she was already on the verge of womanhood. Her figure was changing, but her face still held that youthful sweetness. With her long dark hair and those same sapphire eyes, she was so much like me, and yet more than I could have ever hoped for.
I opened the letter, recognizing Laenor's handwriting. His request was predictable: more recruits, more funds. Richard had made it clear he wanted control of the entire city within two moons. I admired his ambition, though it made things difficult for us here.
I signed the necessary documents, sealed the letter with our heart-shaped insignia, and handed it to Humphrey, a boy of ten who often handled our messages. "Take this to Conrad, won't you?" I said. He nodded eagerly and dashed out the door.
As the day wore on and we finally finished our work, we all let out a collective sigh of relief. The stress of it all was immense, but as we exchanged tired glances, we knew our minds were on the same thing—Richard. His last letter had spoken of making the Lionheart family a legitimate force, establishing us on paper so we could expand through Westeros.
We could only wait and hope for his return, praying that his ambitions would soon become our reality.
…
Alicent POV
I sat by the window, staring up at the pale moon that hung over Lannisport. The silence of the night seemed to stretch on, deepening the ache in my chest.
Two moons had passed since I last saw Richard face to face, and though letters came and went, they were never enough to replace his presence.
My thoughts drifted back to the last time he stood in the mansion, bringing with him a girl no older than seven, her golden hair catching the light, her green eyes wide with curiosity.
Cersei Lannister. She had arrived in a dress finer than anything I'd ever owned, the kind of gown I imagined noble girls wore to tourneys or feasts. Richard, still cloaked in his hooded disguise, didn't say much at first, but it didn't take long for her to introduce herself.
I remembered how I had curtsied, my smallfolk instincts taking over. Cersei was sweet, charming even, a little too poised for a girl her age. It was clear why Richard had brought her here. She was part of something larger—something he hadn't yet shared with me.
She spent the day playing in the playground Richard had built, laughing as she climbed the mini castle and swung from the ropes. I watched them from afar, trying to focus on other things, but the knot in my stomach wouldn't go away.
When he introduced her to the Turkish delight, I couldn't see his face beneath the mask, but his body language told me everything.
The way he leaned in slightly as she took her first bite, the subtle nod of approval when her eyes lit up in delight—it was a kind of satisfaction he rarely showed. That joy, shared with someone else, something that had nothing to do with me, made something inside me twist.
Jealousy. I hated to admit it, but it was there.
I had told my mother about it, and she only smiled knowingly. She said it was natural to feel that way, especially at my age. She reassured me, saying Richard wasn't interested in anything romantic yet, but that only made me more confused.
When I pressed her, she laughed softly and said she'd explain more when I reached my thirteenth name day, that I'd understand things better then.
It didn't help much, though. I'd also confided in Sharra and Rosa, and they'd urged me to speak to Richard about my feelings, to be more open with him. But I couldn't see what they meant. I had never hidden anything from him, never lied, not once. How could I be more open than I already was?
I sighed, resting my head against the window frame, watching the stars flicker in the night sky, wondering if I'd ever find the right words.
…
Cersei POV
The night air was cool as I stood on my balcony, waiting in the darkness. My heart beat fast with anticipation, eyes scanning the cliff face of Casterly Rock, looking for the familiar shadow. The hooded man, my secret visitor, always found a way to me, no matter the height, no matter the night.
He was the one who brought me treats—Turkish delights and pancakes—the one who told me I could be both a lady and a warrior, and the one who always encouraged me to be good. I saw him then, his dark form climbing the rock, metal claws digging into the stone as he ascended closer and closer. It was like something out of one of the tales, a knight rescuing a princess from her tower.
I couldn't contain my excitement. I began bouncing on my toes as he scaled the walls, my heart racing with joy. Today, I wanted to go to the beach, to Lannisport, and to the playground. The hooded man always made everything so much fun.
When he finally reached the balcony, I took a step back to give him space, but the moment he stood in front of me, I threw myself into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"So, little princess, what do you want to do today?" he asked, his tone warm and playful.
"I want to go to all the places we went before—the beach, Lannisport, and the playground!" I exclaimed, barely able to contain my excitement.
He chuckled. "Alright."
He gently released me and started setting up a small table with food—pancakes and Turkish delight, just for me. I quickly sat down and began eating, barely chewing as I stuffed my mouth, eager to finish so we could go explore.
"It's so good, thank you!" I mumbled through a mouthful of food.
"Slow down, princess," he laughed. His voice was always kind, and the way he called me princess made my heart soar. I felt so special.
After I finished, it was time to go. He would take me down from Casterly Rock, and it felt like I was the princess in a fairytale, and he, my brave prince, was whisking me away from my tower.
As we walked the beach, curiosity bubbled up inside me. "Ser Rick, are you handsome?" I asked, peering up at him, my head filled with questions.
He laughed softly. "Yes."
"Can I see your face?" I asked, my curiosity burning.
He hesitated for a moment, and then, slowly, he removed his hood. Blond hair, just like mine, tumbled free. He reached up and took off part of his mask, revealing only the upper part of his face. His green eyes, bright and kind, stared back at me—eyes that were just like mine. Though I could only see a portion of his face, I knew. He was handsome. My heart skipped a beat, excitement rushing through me at this secret glimpse.
But before I could ask to see more, he pulled his mask and hood back on, concealing his features once more.
"I'll show you my whole face in the future," he promised.
I nodded, satisfied. That was all I needed for now.
After this conversation we began our adventure—down to the beach, through the bustling streets of Lannisport, and finally, to the playground of his hideout.
Each moment with him felt like a dream.