Long time no see. Chronic illness has been progressively making it worse for me. But I got enough messages and reviews in the past week for me to update this, so here you go.

A very Merry Christmas to everybody. Consider this a present for being a kind and consistent community.

For lifeconfused, to getting this story where it is today and making my editing better.

Note: This is unBetaed so any mistakes are my own.

Edit: Now betaed by lifeconfused. Hallelujah.

Arthur I

The day of the royal wedding was nerve-racking for him. He could not imagine what Rhaegar or Lady Azalea was going through.

His best friend, and King, was getting married. He knew how much this meant to Rhaegar, who had been resigned to the idea of a loveless, political match. Rhaegar also had a strange acceptance of it. Some of the reconciliation was a courtesy of Royal expectations but as his steadfast companion, Arthur knew that Rhaegar would have done anything for the Prince that was Promised, and the Prophecy.

Arthur had been wary at first. Seeing Azalea for the first time, and recognizing her Valyrian roots had been a bit unsettling. He knew that betrothal talks with Sunspear were going on and while the Prince was not happy and resigned to the situation, it was still a bit more predictable than adding a Valyrian lady to the mix.

Today, he was glad that she happened.

The prophecy was in a backdrop. How had she convinced him? How her words had gone through to him? Arthur had mulled on it for long before realizing that it was simply because Rhaegar loved her and trusted her counsel above everyone. Azalea had proven to be reliable, trustworthy, kind, ferocious... Arthur never wondered why Rhaegar was so taken by her.

Bless the seven, instead of a political match, Rhaegar was now marrying someone he dearly loved and someone who loved him back. Lady Azalea had gone through enough to persevere through the betrothal and match. She had gone through enough to ensure Rhaegar's safety and happiness.

He hoped things went well today. The wedding would be a linchpin in things to come.

He decided to check on Rhaegar before heading over towards the bridal party. Rhaegar was not alone. Jon Connington had been unable to come but everyone else was there; Whent, Lanmouth, Mooton and unsurprisingly Ser Hightower. As the Lord Commander, Rhaegar was his primary charge now.

Rhaegar looked pristine of course. Silk tunic in his house colors, a rather resplendently embroidered and bejeweled one. It was red with black trimmings and a black embroidered center within which the 3 headed Targaryen red dragon was embedded with onyx eyes. His silvery hair was tucked into his crown. The crown was newly crafted because Rhaegar had not wanted to wear his Father's. Arthur bet that it matched the one meant for Azalea.

His sword hung at his side and he was a picture of royal grace and strength.

But Arthur could tell that Rhaegar was having a hard time settling his nerves. Arthur passed him a flagon of Arbor Gold and gave an understanding nod as he leaned against the wall beside Rhaegar. Others were already huddled on the other side of the room to eat the breakfast that had arrived.

Rhaegar took a swig and returned it, "I keep wondering if Valor would fly down to the sept and take her away before…"

Arthur interjected firmly, "Valor does not control her, Rhaegar. The lady promised you something. I think she is rather good at keeping her promises."

Rhaegar took one look at him and nodded with an understanding sigh.

Arthur made for Lady Azalea's rooms. There were a couple of formalities before she took the wheelhouse to the Great Sept of Baelor.

He knew that apart from Ashara, Alerie Tyrell, Helena Whent and Jeyne Swann were also inside.

He knocked and luckily, it was Ashara who opened the door.

"Oh Arthur, she looks magnificent, ethereal. I wish I only looked half as beautiful as she does in her wedding dress…" Ashara said as she opened the door further to let him enter the rooms.

The chambers were filled with handmaidens, bustling about.

"What are you saying Ashara? You are bea—" He started to protest but it died when he saw Azalea, standing on a stool as someone adjusted the lower hem of her gown.

Ashara was right. He had seen his share of beautiful women and he knew Azalea Sage Lightbringer was probably one of the most beautiful that he had ever seen.

But today, her beauty was unparalleled even by her standards.

She had a snug off-shoulder bodice with quarter sleeves, which flared into a rather full white skirt emphasizing her womanly body. The whole dress was embroidered over and covered with Myrish lace. The skirt was embroidered all over with the motif of flying dragons. And there was a light shimmer to the whole thing.

He knew there was probably more to the dress, things his warrior eyes missed. But she was beautiful.

The dress did wonders for her slender neck and her complexion. Her high cheekbones glowed. Her green eyes shone. Her hair fell in lush, soft waves.

She wore minimal jewelry. A golden hair ornament studded with yellow gemstones weaved into her braids.

She gave him a questioning, nervous look, "Will I pass as a royal bride?"

"My lady, I don't have words…" He said as the woman around reassured her that she had nothing to worry about.

She was probably the most beautiful bride Westeros had ever seen including every Targaryen woman that had ever been born.

And he knew those declarations were not even flattery or hyperboles.

She was completely ready. All that was left was her maiden cloak. It was traditionally tied by the man giving her away. Today, that charge fell to Arthur.

Two handmaidens presented the cloak to him. It was a strange golden cloth. Ashara told him at his puzzled look that it was Myrish weaving interlaced with pure spun gold. Very, very extravagant in its make.

He took a look at the cloak. It was simple in design apart from its golden thread and Myrish weaving.

Five sigils were at the top and in the center, in a spiral were words in High Valyrian. Because there are five periods in between, he assumed that they are her house words. All of the embroideries are in white.

He asked her what each symbol was and the corresponding house names because he did not recognize any and as he was giving her away, he should know the importance of her legacies.

"The colors gold and white are of Serpens. It outranks the others. From left to right the symbols belong to Serpens, Gwenyth, Peverall, Potter, and Black. They are arranged in order of importance and my primacy in their inheritance. They are all ancient Valyrian symbols. Ouroboros, a wisdom branch, the symbol of Hallows, a winged horse and a mooncalf. The center part is house words." She tells him softly.

She was nervous and unlike Rhaegar, she did not even have an outlet just yet. She would not show weakness in front of these ladies. They were only here because she is their future queen except for Ashara. Quite astute of her, but the astuteness does not surprise him. So far, she had been astute in not just trusting people but in everything.

He knew how reassuring house words can be, so he asked, "What are your house words, my lady?"

She began saying them as accepted proverbs, "Serpens: Triumph comes from skill and valor. Gwenyth: Divine wisdom is just persistent learning…" As she spoke, her voice got stronger and he could see confidence returning to her shoulders, "Peverell: Death is an old friend. Potter: Fortune favors the bold. Black: Always Pure."

"Very impactful and wise words, my lady. Certainly more meaningful than Fire and Blood." He japes lightly.

That did it. She cracked a smile, a small and a little nervous one but a smile nonetheless.

Ashara gently placed/pushed her hair aside from her shoulders and Arthur took the cloak and (put it on/placed it on her). It had golden clasps instead of laces so he just had to press and put them on the hem of the neck.

Arthur and Azalea stood right outside the main chamber of the Sept. The most important members of the realm and Rhaegar were already inside.

Arthur recognized the last few chants of prayers before they will need to go inside.

"Eager, was he?" Arthur saic, a little amused and already aware of the answer.

"He was even more romantic than he is in usual…But that is not the point, Arthur. I am going to be horrible. I am so afraid…what if I trip as we walk and I fall?" She wrung her hand.

"Then trust him to catch you," Arthur solemnly advised, "Isn't that what marriage is all about?"

"Trust him to catch me?" She said thoughtfully, then nods, "I can do that."

"I think it is nearly time," He offered her his arm.

"Thank you for doing this Arthur. I pulled you away from Rhaegar and…" She began saying as she took his arm. It was nervous rambles. Arthur had to keep her grounded.

"It is genuinely an honor, my lady." He shook his head.

"Considering you are giving me away, you should at least start calling me by my given name." She said but it was still a hesitant request.

He thought about it for a minute.

"Of course, Azalea." He agreed finally and earned a grateful smile.

The music changed and it was time for the march.

Rhaegar XII

He was nervous. The couple of sips of that wine Arthur offered had helped but he had not drunk anymore. He did not wish to be inebriated or disinhibited on his wedding. He would not disrespect any woman like that, much less Azalea.

He stood on the dais. The Sept of Baelor could not hold more than 150 people, which meant that the invitations for the actual ceremony were very selective. Apart from family and friends, key members of all great houses, all members of Kingsguard, all members of the small council, certain key members of the royal household, the head of gold cloaks, and the master at arms had featured on the list.

Of course, there was more room because Azalea had no family representing her so the Daynes had taken that place by Azalea's request.

So, the Daynes along with his mother, Viserys were in the first row, along with the Hand of the King. It was his family.

Even that thought brought him no more comfort.

He was just watching the ornate gateway which opened into the Hall of Lamps for that was where Azalea would be entering from. At least Rhaegar had the best view in the Sept.

The music changed. He saw Arthur first, and then Azalea came into the view. Rhaegar was enchanted. She was simply the most beautiful sight he had ever seen and would ever see.

He could not believe that this remarkable woman had chosen him for her love. Love shone in his eyes and he saw it reflected in equal intensity. He smiled a small smile of joy, of contentment, of disbelief and found that she returned it unequivocally.

The march ended as Arthur and Azalea approached the dais and Rhaegar still in a visible trance, automatically offered her his hand.

When her soft fingers came into his calloused hand, his world righted itself. They unwittingly pressed and squeezed the hands they held as they together approached the statues of Father and Mother and beside them, the High Septon.

Rhaegar did not remember much of what the Septon said. He probably should have paid attention to the vows he was giving but he felt they were too inadequate, too inconsequential to what he and Azalea had. They continued to hold hands. It was sure to earn frowns but…

"You may now cloak the bride." He heard that.

Azalea gently turned, her fingers slipping from his grasp. He moved her hair to bare her ivory shoulders, unclasped her maiden cloak, and kept it carefully in his arms as he cloaked her as his. Azalea held one of the laces as he tied the knot.

When he moved back to his place and as she turned back to face him, he grasped her hand again. The Septon tied the ribbons around their palms, "Face each other and speak the words."

They stepped closer, both of them cupping each other's palms, and together chanted "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am hers/his as s/he is mine, from this day until the end of our days."

And then Rhaegar cradled her face and pressed his lips to hers. It was like a drunken stupor. He had not kissed her since their discussion in Godswood. He could do this forever but he could not be wanton in public or portray her in that light, so he ended it.

It was not chaste certainly but it was also not wild.

The crowd was clapping. He still held her hands, not willing to let go.

"Let it be known that Rhaegar of House Targaryen and Azalea of House Serpens, Gwenyth and Peverall are one heart and one soul. Cursed be the one who tears them asunder."

The clapping grew thunderous but all Rhaegar could look at was his wife's glowing, glistening happy eyes and a bright smile on her slightly flushed face.

Next came her coronation as she knelt in front of him (how he hated that one, his Azalea was not meant to bend her knee) and took vows to do right by the kingdom as the Queen Consort.

Azalea and he traveled back to the Red Keep in an open carriage with a circle of 6 Kingsguard, the master at arms and the goldcloaks around them in a procession.

A procession had been Azalea's suggestion given to him in private. "They need to know their king, Rhaegar and they certainly need to see the foreign woman he has married."

So, he had gone ahead with it despite skepticism on behalf of everyone. His father's rule was not easily forgotten. He had burned two children from the street. They could very well be injured but he thought a demonstration of power, regality and yet accessibility would do wonders.

It went better than the plan.

He was rather appreciated by the smallfolk in King's landing but right now the chant of his name was very loud. To the surprise of people, the chant of Azalea's name followed rather loudly as well.

'Queen Azalea' they chanted. He liked the sound of that.

Azalea stood with him, they held their hands as together they waved and smiled at everyone. Her hold on him was painfully tight. She was nervous and afraid, but she was a rather fine actress because it did not show on her face one bit.

He wished it was a wheelhouse for a second. That way, he could have stolen a few kisses from his bride to reassure her without anyone being wiser.

Of course, doing so now would only fuel a mad conundrum in the streets.

They reached the royal gardens where the feast was supposed to be.

Rhaegar climbed down the stool and then offered Azalea his hand, which she took.

As she stepped on the stool though, he wrapped his arms around her, lifted her and put her back on the grass.

He knew they could steal a moment, so he murmured in High Valyrian, "Are you alright my love?"

"I am okay as long as you don't leave my hand..." She murmured back in High Valyrian.

"Never," He said and stole a small kiss and when they parted, she had the telltale flush. He whispered, "You look breathtaking."

"Rhaegar, the Kingsguard…" She murmured.

"We are married now. They cannot judge…" He said to her rolling eyes.

But he would take her hand and start walking to the gardens regardless.

Rhaegar had declined the tradition of accepting presents in the morning breakfast, instead, he wanted to receive them with Azalea once they were married. It seemed rather dismissive of the bride to not have her there for the presents. His mother had pursued her lips but he had been adamant.

So, the pavilion would be where entertainment would happen with musicians and dancers along with refreshments while they received presents. After that, the pigeon pie would be cut and then, they would proceed to the great hall for the feast

Azalea and he had decided to give each other their gifts privately.

The first gifts were of course, from the royal family.

Her mother and Viserys gave Azalea and him matching pieces of jewelry: a set of Targaryen brooches.

The next one was from the Daynes as Azalea's family. It was a matching set of daggers with one key difference; his had a jade hilt and hers had amethysts. The significance of it was not lost on them and they had graciously offered genuine thanks.

The Tyrells gave them a set of Destriers with golden saddles. The Starks had given them matching bows made of Weirwood. The Lannisters (Tywin, Kevan and Jaime) had gone for golden chalices.

And it went on and on.

They had gotten a few books from Lord Hightower, who said that he had been speaking to Azalea about her interest in learning during his stay in the capital.

"More like trying to convince me to give him access to my books from before the doom." Azalea whispered after he left.

Rhaegar chuckled and taken a sip of his wine.

With anyone else, this would have been a charade but right now, he sat with her, holding her hand, one of them passing whispered barbs at everyone much to the entertainment of the other.

He knew that they made a very good picture without even trying. Their banter and camaraderie had been rumored in the keep as they worked together even before they married. Now, it was pronounced as everyone saw it.

"If you hold her hand for any longer, people might think that you are stuck together," Whent whispered to him from his side.

"But we are stuck together, Oswell, till the end of our days," Azalea piped in good-naturedly having heard the remark. The wine could not have made her sassier because she was still sipping her first glass. He could only guess that she was feeling at much ease to crack jokes on his friends. That gave him some satisfaction.

Whent's ears went red, "My lady, I…"

And then Rhaegar and she burst into laughter. That earned them several looks, a lot of looks but most of them were curious and somewhat surprised, and some were rather furtive.

They did not expect a royal marriage to be happy. And the ones who did were displeased that they were not a part of the couple.

"It is your grace now, Oswell." He corrected it immediately.

"Oh, leave him be. I have had enough flattery for a day." Azalea waved it away.

When it was the time for the pie, they held her sword in both their hands and cut through it and doves flew out.

Rhaegar knew that they had a short window of time as the guests eventually settled for the feast inside the great hall because Azalea and he would be making an entrance once everyone was settled.

Azalea was still as resplendent as she was in Sept, walking with Ashara.

They had to walk separately of course, even if they were going to the same place. It was unseemly.

He remembered the conversation he had with his mother this morning.

She couldn't believe that he was marrying for love. She was happy. She had thought that he was going to be in a forsaken marriage like hers as well…it was a relief.

He was being escorted by Whent and Azalea by Ashara. He sent Ashara a pleading look, hoping she would understand and when he received a barely perceptible nod with a knowing smile, he knew that his request was rather apparent.

There was a brief break in between the pavilion festivities and the feast, something that Rhaegar intended to take advantage of.

It was meant for ladies to freshen up, straighten their appearance, and all of that. It would begin in a bit as lords and ladies mingled and then Rhaegar would enter, followed by Azalea.

Rhaegar was in a side room by the Great Hall.

After a strong round of congratulations and back pats and hugs from his friends, he simply wiped away his face with a damp cloth that Myles provided and had a cool drink of water.

"Shall we?" Arthur asked him.

"Just a minute," Rhaegar said, eyeing the passage.

"Ashara, I am fairly sure that the room I am supposed to go in is on the other side…" Azalea's soft voice floated. Then, they heard their soft voices arguing.

"Seriously," Whent snorted.

But then, both the ladies came by turn where Rhaegar stood followed by Selmy and Hightower, and Azalea's lips formed a soft, surprised 'oh', before her face colored in shyness.

"I owe you, Lady Ashara," He simply nodded towards her.

"Three songs, Rhaegar," Arthur said, and Rhaegar gave a solid nod.

And then he and Azalea were left to their privacy.

Azalea was not looking at him, so he strode forward and gently tilted her chin upwards, kissing her nose and her cheeks.

"Words cannot express how fortunate I feel right now. Words cannot express how grateful I am that you considered me worthy enough to be tied to me for the rest of my life. And I must ask forgiveness for this move, but I could not last a minute without doing this," Rhaegar said with solid, soft conviction and embraced her tightly.

Azalea's arms came to wrap around his neck as she leaned into his chest, "How long is the feast supposed to be?"

"Longer than I could have held my sanity for," Rhaegar scoffed.

She let out a small laugh, "And here I thought I was the only one who felt like raging against the guests to get them to leave us alone."

"I am not letting you go for the rest of the night," Rhaegar murmured, taking over her lips with soft pecks.

"We cannot do that," She murmured back in between the kisses, "We will have other people asking us for dances."

"I am going to kill them if they lay their hands on you," Rhaegar's eyes got sharp.

"They cannot dance with me without touching me so you can stop acting like a possessive caveman," She told him pointedly.

"Caveman…" The reference is lost on him.

She bites her laughter, "Yes, a caveman. The only thing remaining is for you to beat your chest with your fists and carry me over your shoulder."

"I can do that too," Rhaegar said mock-seriously, making a move to lift her.

"Rhaegar," The scandalized reproach in her voice stopped him and he let out a chuckle, tugging Azalea back into his secure embrace.

"I meant any man who makes unsolicited advances or slips or raises his hands…I know I will have to share your company with them for some part of the night. I do want more than half of your dances, though." He admits and requests.

"You shall have them and thank you. I do not want a sleazy man to spoil our day so I asked the Ser Selmy, Oswell and Arthur to rescue me with a dance at my gesture. I think Whent was rather excited at the thought of subterfuge." Azalea murmured back.

"My apologies Azalea that you have to go to such lengths to avoid and escape this. It is uncouth and unacceptable and it is even more ghastly that you are the one whose honor they would question…" Rhaegar feels a simmering rage, but he gently kisses her hair, "Let me know also. It does not matter who I am speaking to or dancing with, you come first. Propriety can go rot itself."

"I told them I will touch my crown thrice if I need them to come in, but Arthur assured me that he would be keeping such a strong eye that it would not come to that," She gently told him, nudging him in comfort.

This was wrong. She should not be the one assuring him.

He said so.

"We do not keep a tab in love, Rhaegar. You can assure me when I need it and I will assure you when you need it. Stop being so guilty…I never thought I would love someone as I love you, nor did I think that someone could move my heart as much as you do, you make me love you and I am simply grateful for that. We will cross other bridges when they appear and take care of obstacles if we must, but we will do it together. That will always be the saving grace of any indignity people do to me or us…" She murmured to him, "Your love holds me up; I can only hope that mine does the same for you."

"It does not just hold me up, it makes me fly high and soar. I love you and I could never tire of saying that." Rhaegar kissed her deeply again.

Whent cleared his throat and when Rhaegar looked at him, he said rather apologetically "It has been five songs."

Rhaegar kissed the top of her head again, "Remember your promise, your grace. I am to have more than half of your dances."

"I cannot possibly break one on my first day as royalty," She nodded and shot back cheekily.

He pecked her lips again and left with Whent as Ashara appeared again.

He did owe Ashara a lot. He would have to think of an appropriate present for her. Perhaps Azalea could help him out once they were settled into the married life.

Arthur II

Rhaegar had entered the feast. And Arthur knew that Azalea would take some time before she came in, Rhaegar had not exactly been careful with her appearance in his affections.

She was also likely flustered. Ser Selmy and Hightower were not on bantering terms with her.

"And that is the last of great houses who are attending," Ser Darry said as Lord Tully entered with his girls.

"I am surprised that Quellon Grejoy did not make an appearance. He has been more assimilative and wise than any lord of Pyke." Lewyn Martell commented.

"His health has been failing, at least that is what Rickard Stark suggested and his sons are known to be enamored by the old ways," Whent mentioned.

"And of course, Sunspear is still offended," Darry said disapprovingly.

"Well, they do not have a right to be offended but my sister can be rather short-sighted at times. If only she realized that Queen Azalea is simply unparalleled to anyone in our known world, one only had to glimpse at her today," Martell easily said.

"I couldn't believe the sight when I saw her this morning. It was like…" Arthur admitted.

"The Maiden herself, at least that is what a lot of knights who saw her in the pavilion claimed…" Whent said leisurely.

"Not to say that it is only her beauty that sets her apart…" Arthur emphasized.

"Of course not, I swear they would have intoned the Warrior for her, had she been a man and they saw her fighting the smiling knight. I bet she could take you in a single combat Dayne…" Whent snorted.

"But she is not a man, is she?" Darry's tone was sharp.

"Why don't you decide for yourself, Darry?" Martell said and looked expectantly from where Azalea would enter.

"Announcing Queen of the seven kingdoms, her grace, Azalea Sage Lightbringer, of the house of Targaryen, Serpens, Gwenyth, and Peverall."

And Azalea entered. If they thought she had looked breathtaking in daylight, then the blazing fires and candlelight of the night only enhanced her beauty.

She was escorted by Ser Hightower who gave her hand to Rhaegar, and the newly wedded couple proceeded towards the high table.

"How rich did you say she was, Dayne?" Martell asked.

"I did not and I do not know. Her dowry was extensive…" Arthur trailed off.

"Six million dragons, I heard. I think she might be right and that it is the standard dowry…I don't believe it," Martell murmured.

"What?" Darry asked.

"Her headgear," Martell murmured.

"The crown you mean?" Whent asked.

"No, the other pin with the yellow stones on her braid," Martell asked.

"What about it?" Dayne asked.

"If my eyes are not deceiving me, that piece is worth more than all the jewelry in this room put together." Martell proclaimed.

Arthur was a bit taken aback. He knew Azalea was very well-off. He did but he still had a hard time grappling with her humility in light of her various statures.

But it was time for the Kingsguard to disperse through the crowd.

Azalea II (interlude)

Westerosi wedding customs were strange, to say the least.

Azalea had thought purebloods to be snobs and unnecessarily decadent, but this was on a different scale. She fit in right now, with her wardrobe and face and jewelry. But she wondered just how they would respond if they saw how she had lived (like a pauper or a hippie) all her life.

She never thought she would be grateful to Narcissa or Phaedra or Edan.

But her heart just went to the ongoing feast. Fifty six courses! Fifty bloody six! Oh, this could have fed a war battalion for a month. But that was neither here or there.

This was a feudal world. There was royalty and she was royal now.

And frankly, it was her wedding and she could ignore all that was wrong in the world for tonight.

So despite all her internal commentary on the feast, Azalea was enjoying it.

All great houses, all rich houses, all influential houses. All of them were here in regalia and fineries.

She had already been spun around the room with the Kingsguard, several times with Rhaegar, with Brandon Stark and Rickard Stark, with Lord Swann and Lord Redwyne.

Lord Tywin had cut in congratulating her.

She had accepted it demurely. She still was not sure about Tywin.

The debt was paid. She saved his heir, he saved Rhaegar's throne and did not insist that Cersei be married to Rhaegar instead.

It was all going to be business as usual. The game of thrones.

Of course, Tywin's position in court had taken a hit. He no longer ruled the country in all but name. Rhaegar had been swift in replacing Tywin's loyalists with more capable or more Targaryen friendly people.

Of course, in all the machinations that Tywin had used for Targaryens, he had never accounted for live dragons. He could not threaten or play against them directly.

She had not allowed Valor to set people aflame, but he had demonstrated his fiery breath to clear forests or hunt a deer. And Valor listened to her.

A wild dragon was dangerous, but a dragon that listened to a battle strategist was even more lethal.

She would have to be very careful of Pycelle. He was going to go for Valor and Gwen soon enough.

But maybe not, they had more dragons: Dragons they could unleash on the Lannisters, should things go sour.

"He is planning something," Rhaegar said about Tywin, who looked even more brooding than usual.

"Hmmm, Cersei was absent from the great council, the coronation, and the wedding. Jaime is also in shallow waters considering the move he pulled. So, Tywin is in a tight spot of sorts. He is going to concentrate on his family, hopefully. But we need to keep an eye on Pycelle, a very strong eye."

She was surprised when Jaime asked for a dance. It was considerably late into the evening and she could see the hesitance and the conflict in his eyes. He had stewed on his decision for long before finally approaching her.

"Congratulations, your grace," He said.

"My gratitude, Jaime of House Lannister. How are you enjoying the festivities? Your father put quite an effort into them."

As she had predicted, he stiffened at the mention of his father and his eyes blazed with anger.

She paid it no mind, "It must be hard living in his shadow. He has a great legacy but he can be a tough man."

"I can only hope that I match him in his prowess," Jaime said with gritted teeth. He was trained in diplomacy but he was still a green boy.

"Do you?" She would ask him lightly, "There are a great many ways to be great. You do not have to be your father if you do not want to be."

"You gave me up to him," He said quietly, accusation clear in his voice. A green boy he may be, but he was certainly bolder than diplomacy dictated.

"I did," She did not deny, "There was a great play in hand. And you were a pawn. It is not nice being one, is it? But at least, you won't be a pawn in the game between Lannisters and Targaryens for the rest of your life."

"I was surprised that your sister is not here. She is magnificent at so many things. It would be an appropriate time for suitors considering the best match for her has gone to me." She added.

He stiffened. She did not give him enough time to react.

"I have been reading on the Westerosi history. Duncan the Tall and Duncan the Small and Aemon the Dragonknight. Young knights all want to emulate them, don't they? The greatest swordsmen of all times," Azalea said, as they spun around.

Jaime relaxed at the change of topic.

"Did you want to be like them? The knight who defeated his circumstances and rose to Lord Commander, or the prince who married his love despite the social consequences or perhaps the most beloved of them all, the prince and the guard who bedded his King's queen? Or maybe all three?" Azalea teased lightly, her eyes glinting.

"I did not…"

"Yes, yes. You don't have a design on me. I am aware. My suggestive remarks to your father were a coded message. He knows that and I know that" Azalea eased his concern before burgeoning him, "I was speaking about someone else, the woman you currently admire. It must be some love. You were ready to shirk your duties to submit to a man who would not be favored by your vision of knighthood."

Jaime's face was sweating now.

Azalea felt no remorse. She could not coddle the boy. Too much rested on it.

She continued, "Love is the bane of honor. Love is also the bane of duty. Don't let it be the bane of your intelligence and independence. Learn the game Jaime because you are in between threads of great power and you are ripe for being a pawn. You are not surrounded by mere sheep. You might be a lion but there are more dangerous predators out there. Learn the game, because a foolish lion can only survive against his prey for so long. It only takes ignorance for the predator to become prey. Even a dragon isn't immune to that."

The music changed, Jaime had to swing her around and she landed in the protective arms of Arthur who gave her a deep questioning look. He may have raised Jaime to a Knight, but his suspicion of Tywin ran deep enough to question any interaction.

"I was just teasing the poor boy," Azalea smiled it away and watched as Arthur's eyes relaxed.

Tada. Dont' kill me. I am dying of pain most days. I will try to update it. I will, I swear. It just does not come easy.

Happy holidays and please send some love along to me.