GoT (regular): An Oath sworn at the sacred tree

GoT (regular): An Oath sworn  at the sacred tree 

// Bits of dialogue that didn't want to leave my brain. Call it Brain Rot. 

"I am my brother's keeper, Princess. You do know that I swore to protect my family at any cost necessary, even if that means against you. I would never want to come to it because I do see just how happy my brother is when we talk about you. I do see how happy you are when you talk about him. I know your souls are together. I know there is a strong bond between the two of you but I cannot risk my brother's life and I cannot risk the end of my House. I swore to protect the queen and I will make sure that nothing happens to you, or her, or to what's left of my family. I know you can understand this. I know you do understand me. Please, don't cry. I would never be able to make you stop crying. Please, Princess. You must understand why I have to warn you now. I do not want you to think that I oppose your union. I do not. I simply value both your lives and the life of my brother above all. This is why I am taking you here, to the sacred tree so we could make an Oath."

Tyrion's soft voice reached out to the ears of the princess who was standing near the sacred tree of King's Landing. Despite her best efforts, Bäahal was already crying. She choked on her tears, as she tried to put on a brave face in front of the Hand of her sister. What could she do? Ser Tyrion came to her chambers earlier on and asked her to follow him to the sacred tree. He wanted to take an oath, to make a promise before the gods regarding Jaime and she followed him, trusting the man blindly as he had become a friend of hers.  

"Ser Tyrion. I know you are afraid. My sister the queen, had been made aware of the feelings your brother and I both share. I have dreaded this moment for weeks now. I have tried to avoid talking about it since her initial reaction to it was rejection. I have already promised your sister, Kyra, that I would do everything in my power to protect the man I love. I have already promised your brother, Jaime, that I would always place duty and loyalty above my own selfish desires. I would not disappoint the court, I would not anger the queen. I would never want Jaime to suffer because of me. I just find it cruel that Fate put each other on the same path and made us fall in love with one another if it is to deny us this happiness. I've never loved until I met your brother and I've never loved someone as I love your brother. And because I love him, I will make an Oath to the sacred tree, so the gods would be my witnesses.  I swear, before the gods Old and New, that I would never allow harm to come to your brother, and if you have to separate us in order to protect him, please do. I would not stop you because his life is the most important to me. Your House's survival as well.. my promises to all of you and on top of it all, loyalty to my House, to my queen, to my sister."

He was right, Bäahal ended up crying, but she was determined and stubborn. She wanted to make sure he knew that she meant her words. The silver princess needed him to know she would do everything in he power to protect the man she loved and it wasn't just some fancy puppy love. She was committed to him and she wanted nothing more but to make sure he wouldn't be killed by her vengeful sister. Jaime had committed crimes and he had to answer to all of them. of course, he was allowed some freedom because of his actions during the last war and the fact he had been put in prison and didn't participate in the Last War but Daenerys had never truly been happy about it. So Jaime knew that his neck was out and it was just a matter of a mood, a feeling, a decision from the queen to have him exiled or killed. They had to tread carefully. Still, he didn't like to see the princess cry. 

"It pains me, Princess. It breaks my heart to have to listen to your words but I know they are true. We both want the same thing and we both love Jaime. We both care for him. I swear on my life and by the sacred tree that I would always watch after Jaime and Kyra. I would do my best to protect them and the best interests of House Lannister. I would do my best to fulfill my role as the Hand of the Queen even if that involves making decisions that could cost me my relationship with my family, as long as I try my best to keep them safe. I swear, before the gods Old and New, that I will protect Jaime from everyone, including himself and I will make sure that you are protected too."

His voice was soft, and her features softened as well. Her heart was put at ease because she was able to make her oath before the gods. Tyrion's heartfelt content as well and he finished his sentence with a faint but visible smile on his lips.

"As the hand of the queen?" -She requested, curbing a brow and extending her hand to him-

"As a friend, Princess." -He replied and grabbed her hand. It was time to go back inside the castle now that they had both sworn before the gods.-

-TBC-

Jaime x Bäahal: The Hand and the Princess

Lord Tyrion noticed how upset the silver princess was whenever Cersei's name was mentioned. Unlike Daenerys, she didn't have to remain stoic whenever war was discussed but for the sake of the council and her sister, she didn't openly react. No. Her hands, however, betrayed her state of mind as she mind-absently played with her daggers in order to keep herself calm. There was no denying in her hatred for the golden lioness, the usurper of the throne and her irritation became even stronger when his brother returned to Cersei. It was bound to happen, she knew it from the moment they met and yet, something happened. Something that changed her perception of the tall blonde knight. Tyrion was cunning, he was very observant and he realized that despite her best efforts, the princess somehow grew a little attached to his brother. She seemed to see something about him that nobody seemed to see. Jaime was not the monster they made him be, Tyrion should know, he was the brother of a monster.  Jaime was good, although misguided, passionate and hopelessly in love with a  master manipulator who was ruining his life. Maybe it was too late to save his brother, maybe it wasn't, but Lord Tyrion had to make a choice. 

He chose Daenerys and while he still cared for his family, he chose the silver-haired queen. He tried to talk to Bäahal but she seemed to be angry at him too and avoided him for a while. The days before the war against Cersei, the Hand of the queen found the princess in the empty council room and brought her a glass of wine so the two of them could talk. She watched as he put the glass on the table and went to sit on one of the chairs. Her eyes averted from the table to her right, where Lord Tyrion was sitting at. She sighed at him and leaned a little harder on the table. She knew he was going to lecture her. He probably figured out she cared for Jaime and was asking for her loyalty but he didn't have to worry about that part. She was completely devoted to her sister and no one could ever stand between Daenerys and her. Her anger flashed in her eyes and her voice betrayed the thinly veiled emotions she was hiding behind. 

"You should have been honest with me, Lord Tyrion." -She said, eyeing his peace-offering wine but not touching it yet.- "You should have told me what happened to your family. I heard of King Joffrey's death and the trial...What I didn't know about was that you killed your father while you escaped from prison and how much your brother loved your father."

"I didn't need to lose myself in details that were none of your business, princess. I also didn't need to tell you anything about Jaime because I am not him. I told you how I experienced what happened to me. How it felt to be betrayed by the love of your life. How it felt to know she was bought by my father to testify against me. How it felt to come back and realize she fucked your dad too. I was a broken man--"

"We're ALL broken, Lord Tyrion!" The silver princess raised her voice. "We're ALL broken but we deserve the truth. I value honesty. I trust people who are honest with me. You withdrew this information from me and when I tried to help you make up with your brother, I was told the cold truth and it didn't sit well with me."

Lord Tyrion blinked as he didn't expect to hear what she said. Did the princess really try to help him make up with his brother? Did she really try to better his relationship with Jaime when even he didn't ask her for it? He wanted to be upset and his face betrayed his first thoughts but then he realized that she wanted to help him and it softened his features. She was angry and rightfully so. She put her neck out there and was axed by his brother in cold blood -presumably so- Tyrion was a man of many faults and many qualities, however when it came to his family, sometimes he didn't think rationally. How could he when he loved Kyra and Jaime the most? How could he when they were the only people to treat him like a human being and not a beast? 

"I should have. Had I known you would try to speak on my behalf, I would have."

"He was hurt...And seeing him hurt, made me do something I wouldn't have done if I had known the truth."

"What did you do?" Concern laced his voice as he didn't know how far the princess went with the knight. He still had a pretty good idea that she didn't sleep with him, being as closed off as she was, sex was not going to do it unless she was using it to get something. 

".....Your brother figured me out very fast. I didn't plan on feeling sorry for him and yet I did."

"You've been upset lately whenever Jaime is mentioned. Why is that?"

He shifted the conversation to something they both had in mind at the moment. In a way, he was taking the heat off of his shoulders. The princess looked at him and shrugged. She held the glass of wine and started to drink, everything went down in one gulp before she put the empty glass on the table again and looked at him straight in the eyes.

"It is such a waste that he fell in love with Cersei. It is a waste because he returned to her. After all the things he heard, all he witnessed, all he knew...he still went to her. I cannot explain this. I cannot..."

"He's in love, princess. I know you haven't felt this before, but trust me. When you are in love with someone, your rationality flies by the window. The only thing you think of is to be by their sides and protect them."

"Even when they betray you?" She asked again turning on her heels and leaning against the table. She was now looking at Tyrion, still upset but less at him now that curiosity took over. 

"Especially when they betray you. I am sure that if Missandei betrays you, you will still forgive her because you love her. Jaime loves Cersei and this is a bond nothing, not even prophecy could destroy."

"Is it why you try to save them all, even Cersei? Because of Love?"

"Yes." He admitted, taking another sip of wine. "I might hate her, She's still my sister and I would want nothing but to protect her and the child she's carrying."

"You are a very bad liar.  You're doing all of this because of guilt! Not love! You've always felt guilty about killing your own mother." Tyrion's face hardened and he furrowed his brows. "You said so Lord Tyrion, I'm just repeating your own words. You've always felt guilty for causing so much distraught and pain to your siblings, so of course, you took all of their attacks, especially Cersei's vicious ones. You forgave her, you kept on forgiving her until Joffrey was murdered and she finally lashed onto you for the last time. And even when you were waiting for your death after Oberin's defeat, you still couldn't bring yourself to fully hate Cersei, could you?  That's the power she has on all of you. She made Jaime fall in love with her and she made you feel guilty for being BORN!"

"ENOUGH!" Tyrion yelled, unable to keep his composure as the princess kept pushing him to his limits. He knew she was angry at him and was trying to hurt him with her words. He also knew she was right and hit the bullseye. It was guilt, not love that made him try to protect Cersei the way he did. He wanted to show he was a good brother and a rightful Lannister, even now, as he was the hand of a Targaryen. He wanted to make amends with Jaime for what he put him through and the loss of their father. He wanted to be loved by his family and it didn't slip through Bäahal's eyes. However, her anger felt misplaced to him. Why would she take it personally? Why was she so affected by something he didn't tell her because it was none of her business? he scratched his beard and emptied his cup of wine. "Enough princess! You have no right to tell me what I should and what I shouldn't have told you when it comes to my own family. You had no rights to interfere between Jaime and me because you're not a Lannister and it is none of your business. You chose to go there on your own, you chose to bring my name to your lips when you were talking to my brother and I suspect that you are this heated up about Cersei because of Jaime." He snapped at her, making the princess blush and become stiffer than a wooden board.

"What are you talking about? Your brother was simply a man of honour who showed up when your sister ordered her men to stay with her. I thought the least I could do was to thank him for coming."

"Save your lies to yourself, Princess. You are very transparent. My brother troubles you, I can see it. He tends to do that to women and men alike. He tends to do that to people around him. Jaime Lannister...you either love him or hate him but there is no in-between. Judging by how upset you were with me, I'd say it's the former. You fancy him, maybe a lot, maybe a little bit, but you do fancy him. Let me tell you something, Princess Bäahal. You should run in the opposite direction when it comes to Jaime. Don't waste the precious first time of romance in loving my brother. He is like a wall made of stones you will hit if you keep going. You will hit it over and over again, hurt yourself and become miserable because there is no way in this life or another, that my brother would ever return whatever feelings you might have for him. Would he respect you? Probably. Would he ever love you? Never. His heart belongs to Cersei and Cersei alone. My brother has the terrible tendency to be loyal and faithful, so he would never ever touch you, let alone see you.  I am elated to know that you're trying to trust men. It is good for you to see that life keeps going, love can happen. Look at me!" He chuckled darkly. "But a heartbreak is a pain I do not recommend. I haven't healed from the last one I had and look at me." He pointed out as he stood back up and took her empty glass of wine off of the table.  "You deserve better than a life of pain and misery. My brother is nice, but he's not the only good man you will ever cross path with. Don't hurt yourself with him."

"I do not...fancy your brother. I was upset because you didn't tell me the whole truth and I want to trust you, Lord Tyrion. So, from now on, when we talk together, I need the whole truth, not the one you're telling yourself to sleep better at night."

She said as she turned on her heels and escaped from the room. He was right, each and every word he said to her was true and she hated that he snapped at her this hard. He figured her out this quickly and if he could, anyone else could and it became a liability.  she hated that with a just a single glance at her, Tyrion could tell she indeed, felt something for Jaime. It was nothing, a tiny little bit of admiration and eventually, her mind drifted a little towards matters she shouldn't be thinking of, but all of this was nothing. it was just her being overwhelmed since she was free. Yes? yes? Yes! so why were her heart racing and tears rolling down her cheeks and her cheeks burning as if she was caught lying? she hit her heart with her fist and shook her head. Enough! she would make it so that Jaime Lannister would not be a problem anymore. He couldn't be, not when there would be a war against Cersei and him in the upcoming days. She would not hesitate and kill the man should she meet him.  It didn't matter how bitter the taste of it, was on her tongue, she would do her duty, out of love for her sister Daenerys. Out of love, indeed.

-TBC-

(got) Bäahal: The greater cause

A/ N: Tyrion and Bäahal discussing before the war against the Night King and his army. It's a bit heavy because of the themes involved in, but oh so damn needed. All the usual disclaimers

xxx

The winds of winter seemed colder than usual, perhaps the seven gods were already weeping at the loss of their children lives. Perhaps it was just the weather that became more difficult to handle for the Southern Child. Bäahal hated Winterfell for its weather. She had seen how resilient the people of the North were, but also how curious and uncomfortable they were with the daughters of the Mad King. It took Daenerys some efforts to convince the Northerners of her good intentions. Yes, she came as a queen, earned the trust of their previous leader Jon Snow and brought with her savages from the South in the form of the Dothraki and former slaves in the form of the Unsullied. She was a foreign queen, this Daenerys and yet, her compassion shone through with each and every one of her speeches. They knew Daenerys agreed to come to the North and help them defeat the Night King's army with her two remaining dragons and her fantastic army. They felt grateful for her genuine interest in protecting them and little by little it became easier to see her walk around Winterfell with Jon or the Stark children. It became less tense between her army and Jon's people. It just became easier. Bäahal praised the people but hated the place nonetheless. Yet, the winds whipped her face that night and for the first time since she arrived at Winterfell, she tolerated them. The night fell upon the North and only the noises of dragon glass being shaped into weapons filled the air.

« I was certain I would find you here, your grace. » -Tyrion's voice tore the silence that had settled around her.-

Bäahal was mildly annoyed by the interruption of her sister's Hand. He always found a way to get to her but tonight, of all nights, she welcomed his company. She found comfort in the relative silence surrounding her and the solitude of the balcony she was standing at but having someone to talk to in the dying hours of the night was more than appreciated. Tomorrow, the great war will begin and everyone around her spent the night with their loved one. The princess already said goodbye to Daenerys and Jon earlier today. She renewed her vows to protect them with her blades. It was solemn, perhaps too much as it did sound like farewells. Daenerys confided in Tyrion that she was afraid her sister might actually seek death on the battlefield and wouldn't return to her. Tyrion comforted the queen as much as he could but he himself was uncertain about tomorrow. He tried to rationalize his fear, thinking that it was normal to be apprehensive about the next day. He had not fought many wars but had already been in a life-and-death situation. He vowed to never find himself in such ordeal and managed to not appear on the battlefield. He wouldn't tomorrow, because what good would an imp be against the white walkers? Instead, Tyrion would be more useful at Winterfell.

« We have to admit, Lord Tyrion that this is the ideal spot for introspection. I figured that maybe, I could use it one last time to clear my mind before the battle. » -Her voice was soft, softer than usual. He came closer to the silver princess and looked up at her face.-

« I figured you would. I was expecting you to bid farewell to your loved ones. » -He said, looking past the balcony.-

« I already had... » She clenched her fists. «I was expecting you to spend time with your family. »

« The night is still young... »

Tyrion wasn't sure about spending time with Jaime. Had they not already said all there was to say about them? Seeing him for the first time after Jaime helped his younger brother made his heart soar. They were on two opposing sides, but Tyrion championed his brother and believed that he wouldn't die against the Dothraki and Drogon. He feared for him when the blonde Lannister charged on his queen but sighed in relief when the ever loyal Bronn pushed the man into the lake. Seeing him again, to convince him to set up a meeting with Cersei warmed Tyrion's heart, for he could finally talk to his brother, express his gratitude for saving his life and show him that he did quite good on his own. He might have been disowned by his own family, he still remained a Lannister at heart, he still wanted to protect his siblings and ensure their survival. Even Cersei.....Even her. So why would he speak to Jaime tonight? Wish him good luck? He already did. Speak of what would happen once they return victorious? They already knew Jaime would return to Cersei and he would, once again, become an enemy. So what was there for them to talk?

« Yes it is... » -Bäahal answered, her purple eyes glowing slightly- « I have always thought that prior to the war, my mind would be focused on all the happy moments I've ever shared. I don't have many, Lord Tyrion, but I have a few moments where the pain wasn't the center of my life...and yet, all I can see when I close my eyes is the moment I took a life. »

Memories of that day overwhelmed the silver-haired princess. Memories of an endless stream of blood that soaked her dyed pink hair soaked her hands and arms and tainted the torn toga she was wearing. Memories of a man with foam at his mouth, who couldn't contain himself when she saw her perform her famous dance for him, alone, in his room. She could still feel his eyes filled with lust, undressing her as she went with her dance routine and remembered the sense of danger that overwhelmed her all of a sudden. Physical violence was not new in the slave's world, she had been flogged, branded, slapped around and her body used against her will to satisfy her previous owners. The new one was more gentle than the others, demanding but gentle. Exclusive too. Nobody but him was allowed to touch her and those who didn't comply had to face his wrath. So nobody dared. Nobody but this man who requested a private dance. He threw himself at her like a beast, not fast enough for the dancer to escape from his grasp. She ran, hit the table where fruits, meat, and some other edibles were on display. Bäahal fell on the floor, on top of a knife. The cold metal sent shivers down her spine but she saw a sign of the gods. The man was twice her size, a blonde giant with green eyes who held onto one of her wrists while his other hand was busy ripping her clothes off. She tried to scream, but her voice betrayed her, nothing but the wind escaped her lips so she knew she would have to rescue herself. Fantasies of freedom became more and more intense in the previous weeks and with it came a newfound desire. She refused. She REFUSED!

«You are going on the battlefield tomorrow. You're going to put an end to abominations.  I suppose thinking of the last time you had to be this violent comes with the territory. » -Wise words from the Hand of her sister. He was right. 

« Or perhaps, it is a way for my mind to remind me of my purpose and my dreams. Of what's to come next... »

It was a real carnage people said, the room was messy, there was blood everywhere. She was found confused, shaking and covered with his blood and bruises from his angry fists. She did struggle against him and he made her pay her resistance with a few gifts of his own, but she was still impressed by the moment. She took a life, she killed a man and from this moment on, she was free. She closed her eyes and ran her hand through her silver hair. Tomorrow would be the end, she was certain of it. Tyrion stepped closer to her.

« What is it that comes next, princess? »

« My death. » She simply said, her eyes staring at the distance.

« I beg your pardon? »

Had he heard her well? Did she just casually say to him that she was planning to die tomorrow? He couldn't know for sure if all of the men who would fight this war would return alive. He didn't even know if the wrighs won't succeed in invading Winterfell and turn each and every one of them into the undead. That didn't mean Tyrion was willing to die tomorrow or any other day. The princess, however, seemed to be seeking her demise. He had seen it happen with animals who grew up in captivity and once freed rushed to their deaths. Freedom had a bitter taste for the princess, she wasn't used to it, she didn't know what to do with her life now that it belonged to her and he could tell she was scared. Murdering her master was her first choice as a freed slave, joining Daenerys was the second. He suspected that helping the queen get on the throne became the only thing that defined the princess' life. Once that was done, he dreaded she would not have anything more to do and without a purpose, she would try and end her life.

« I am not going to make it. I know it deep down Lord Tyrion. All my life I have been wondering what my calling was. My horizon was limited, my options even more. I was born a property, meant to entertain and amuse. And while I thought this was it, that they had broken my spirit, then came the thoughts of freedom. It was my only purpose, survive long enough so I could see myself as a free woman, fulfill my mother's dream and make sure her sacrifice wasn't in vain. When I did... » She paused and shut her eyes tight. « When I did, freedom tasted heavenly. I was free, I owned myself, I could write my own destiny. I wanted to leave Mereen, see the world and decide for myself what would be best for me. Repaying my sister with my devotion seemed to be fitting. Her goal became mine. We would fight together until she was sitting on the throne. I couldn't think past this, I couldn't think of me. I didn't see /me/. » She said hitting on her chest with her fist.

Her voice was cracking and she covered her mouth with her warm palm and looked away. She didn't quite know why she was telling him so much about herself. She and Tyrion always had a complicated relationship. They started on rocky grounds, with mistrust and anger but as time went by they learned how to trust each other and ended up forming a relationship based on respect. Tyrion sighed and shook his head, definitely not pleased with what he was listening to.

« You have the chance to see yourself and think for yourself. You changed your life when you killed your masters, you changed your life when you joined our queen. You decided for yourself, why wouldn't you do the same once she's sitting on the throne? » -His voice was encouraging as if he wanted her to consider living some more.-

« I would have accomplished everything I had to accomplish. Fate willed Aerys II to have a child with my mother, a slave. Fate willed said child to be free and meet Daenerys. Fate willed this child to help protect Life itself in the battle that will happen tomorrow. I will give my life for the greater cause that is Life. How more noble could I be? » She asked, swallowing back a sob and forcing a smile on her lips.

« You haven't even begun to live, princess. The greater cause is fine for mortals like us who have ambition, but we hide behind this noble cause because we're afraid to look inside ourselves. We're afraid to discover that we're just ordinary men with hopes and dreams. »

« Isn't your dream to be able to reconcile with your siblings, Lord Tyrion? Your brother is here, your little sister is with him. You have the chance to repair your relationship with your estranged family, change the narration imposed by your ascendants and write your own history. You love Ser Jaime and Lady Kyra and I know you're worried you might lose your brother again to the Night King. I would say, go see him tonight... Go see your loved ones tonight. » She said looking away from him.

She was right and Tyrion refused to admit she was, so he stubbornly looked away from her as well, to give her some space. He tapped his fingers against his thigh and then cleared his throat.

« I will, like I said, the night is young. My point, your grace, was that you have hopes and dreams too and if you can't see them now, maybe with time you will find out. Life is mysterious, painful, surprising and I wouldn't stand there in front of you and say that it's worth living if I did not believe my own words. You are a young princess, and you have your whole life in front of you. You have a sister who loves you, a sister who opened her heart for you and one who truly cares for your well-being. We can guide you if you're lost or confused. We can guide you through this free life if you allow us to. »

He then grabbed her hand and pressed his lips to it. Bäahal turned to face him and knelt in front of him. The wind was blowing on the opposite side of her body. Tyrion looked at her intensely but didn't move. The princess moved her hands and gently cupped his cheeks. For the first time since they first met, she was warm to him. His body, stiff like a rock, relaxed against hers as he felt her thumbs stroke against his cheeks. The princess then pulled him into a hug and held him tightly against her frame. He leaned into her a little more and relaxed against her touch. He didn't quite know what to say to the princess for he felt he had said everything already. She was clearly afraid of life without someone to decide for her, but he was hoping that she would trust her sister and him to guide her.

« Thank you for your words, Lord Tyrion. I still believe that tomorrow I will meet my fate, but I won't forget what you said if the seven gods want me alive and Fate wills me to survive, I shall....try. »

It was the best she could say under such circumstances, but it was enough.

-TBC-

got: Farewell, my friend

//That's the alternative ending for Bäahal!!! I also really wanted Tyrion and her to reconcile and introduce the bittersweet ending. I mixed both. <3 It's very bittersweet.

King's Landing at dawn was a beautiful view for those who knew how to enjoy it. Tyrion surely did. He contemplated the view from his balcony, enjoying the warm breeze that blew in his face as he remembered the life he once used to lead here. Pride had his heart swelling, his eyes were filled with unshed tears as the painful memories of his previous existence resurfaced. He lifted his hand, to raise a toast to the fallen member of his family. His father, his sister, His nephew, those who constantly belittled him and thought nothing of him. The dwarf, the evil-doer, the shame of the Lannisters. He was seen as a curse for some, a waste of space and skin, the one who should have been killed when he was born. He had been lost to alcohol, betrayed by those he loved, deprived of everything he held dear, including love. King's Landing was nothing but painful memories of humiliation, sadness, anguish, and guilt. Today, however, he was somewhat at peace. He returned victoriously. He returned with a queen and not just any queen. He returned with a truly good soul, a savior, an unspeakable strength, and beauty. He returned with his heart full of pride and love, love for a woman he would never have. So he drank. He drank this early in order to celebrate the coronation of his Queen. He drank this early, in order to drown his own sorrow over the fact she chose Jon Snow. He couldn't compete, the Red Lady told them that the Ice and Fire had to be reunited and they were. He had witnessed them grow close to one another, he'd witnessed the way she was looking at Jon, the way she listened to him and the moment she went to save his life, he knew she had given her heart to the young man and he would never have the chance. Had he ever? At least, he returned home and he lived long enough to witness her rule on the seven kingdoms.

He heard the noise of a door being open but didn't turn around to look at the newcomer. The sweet perfume of dawn filled his nostrils, which informed him that Bäahal was in the room. The Hand of the queen cleared his throat and welcomed her. "Good morning, princess." he could almost hear her smile as she sat on the chair of his chambers. He heard a loud sound, which made him turn around and finally notice her bag."Are you going somewhere?" He lifted a brow, surprised. Bäahal's purple eyes seemed of a lighter shade and he realized that her eyes were swollen from tears she cried at night. "The time has come for me to go on adventures." She spoke with the softest voice, her elbow rested on the desk while her cheek rested against the warm palm of her hand. "Is the queen aware of your departure?" the princess nodded and put her other hand on the table."How did she take it?" She looked at the distance and shrugged. "She understands." He walked towards the princess and fetched her a glass of wine he handed to her. They never had a good relationship until the war against the Night King. He was the one who outed Bäahal to her sister, in fear that she might cause troubles in the future. He was the one who refused she went with them to Dragonspit, in fear she ruined the truce he wanted to make with Cersei. He was the one who realized she fell in love with Jon Snow and forced her to admit it to herself. Once again, they didn't have a good start. But it got better. He learned to trust the woman after spending time with her. She was far from the portrait he had painted of her in his mind. "If you're going to leave King's Landing, we might as well have a conversation." The princess smiled at him and grabbed the glass of wine he pushed towards her. "I guess we have to. Do you want to start or should I?" Tyrion smiled and sat on the chair next to hers. His deep blue eyes stared at her intensely and he took another sip of his wine. "Allow me." Tyrion said as he leaned into his seat. "I should apologize to you, Princess. All this time I was doubting of your genuine affection towards the queen. I thought you were after the crown or revenge for the way your father treated your mother." Bäahal furrowed her brows and shook her head. "No. You couldn't have been more wrong. I am devoted to the queen. Her success was my true desire. She's on the throne now, ruling the seven kingdoms...She even found love."



"She did." He took another sip of his wine while she finally set her purple eyes on the Hand. She couldn't conceal her heartbreak, it was obvious to the eye, especially one that went through it. "I accept your apologies. They did cause me great turmoil. I couldn't understand why you couldn't see how genuine I was. She set me free when she freed Mereen. She gave me a purpose when she sailed to Dragonstone... Ah... I should apologize to you as well. I have been harsh with you. Bitter and angry and I did threaten you several times. I should not have but I did." She said, taking a sip of his beverage. "Apologies accepted. I did push you over the edge. I should not have. I was trying to find a flaw in your narrative, to find a weakness I could exploit but all I did was setting fire to your fears. I shouldn't have done that." She blushed and looked down at her hands. "We learned...we changed. I hold no grudges against you and as a matter of fact, you are one of the bravest men I have ever met, Lord Tyrion." She said, smiling at him "Does that mean we can move on?" She nodded. "Does that mean I can speak freely?" She tilted her head to the side and she tapped her fingers against the table. She already knew what he was going to say. After all, she almost was invisible during the coronation ceremony and when Daenerys and Jon kissed in front of the audience, she looked the other way briefly. "Go ahead." Tyrion cleared his throat. "Are you leaving the castle because you are running away from... your sister's romance?" She looked at him, her eyes flashing brightly before she wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "No. I am not trying to run away from Jon S-- Aegon..I don't know how to call him otherwise than Jon Snow, for now. Would you have thought I would have found not one but two members of my family?" Her voice was shaking. "We were as shaken as you are." He said, taking another sip of wine. "So you're not running away from him, yet you love him. I saw you at the ceremony. You can't possibly tell me you're not trying to run away."

She shook her head, her silver locks falling onto her chest and clenched her fists. "No. You're wrong once again. My sister has been through Hell. She overcame so much more odds than you can imagine. She liberated people, challenged the old kings and lords, unified the seven kingdoms... She lost her children, the loves of her life. Leave her be. Let her be happy. She couldn't have found a better man to love." Her voice broke. "The heart wants what the heart wants and sometimes you can't have it. I accepted it."She then looked away again. "She has what she wanted and the hardest is yet to come. I give her my blessings. She doesn't need me, however." She looked at Tyrion again and put her hand over his. "She has you. She has Missandei and Grey Worm. She has ser Joras and she has Jon...She doesn't need me around, not for her protection, not for sitting there and smiling. I am not made for counseling, I have no real purpose here. And... perhaps... she would feel less guilty if I was not around, so she could focus on her life." He held her hand in between his. "So you are saying that you're doing this for her sake?" Bäahal nodded. "What about yours?" She smiled faintly at him. "What about you, Lord Tyrion? You will have a lot on your plate. I assume you finally got the victory you dreamed of?" He smiled at her and emptied his glass. "Indeed. Everything I have ever wanted and possibly even more...Princess.." She took a deep breath and swallowed a lump. "Princess, you ought to be careful, for your own sake. I hope you will find meaning in your journey. I hope you will find.. perhaps, love." She chuckled and took a long sip of her glass of wine. "Haven't you heard, Lord Tyrion? I am of those who can't be loved... not in that way. But I love my sister and I guess, it shall suffice me." He didn't have the heart to disagree with her or stop her from leaving but at least they shared another glass of wine before she left the castle, looking for a true meaning to give her life.