act ii. chapter lxii

ALCHEMIST PLOT
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Jaime stood behind the king as he looked out at the army that Rhaegar had mustered together. 3,000 men left from Jon Connington's army that Barristan Selmy and Jonothor Darry had brought back. And the 10,000 Dornishmen that Rhaegar convinced Doran to choke up. Rhaegar rode up and down the lines with Barristan, checking on all the men and making sure everyone was ready to go.

Aerys stood atop the battlements, smiling at his son as he lead the largest army in the seven kingdoms. Jaime kept his eyes away from Aerys, always praying he may become invisible.

"Let's go take a closer look at my army," Aerys said, leaving the battlements. He turned a stalked his way off the battlements and Jaime followed, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword.

When they reached the outside gates of Kings Landing, Aerys slinked over to Ser Barristan's and began talking his ear off about whatever insanity that Jaime didn't bother to listen to. He began to let his mind wander. He didn't get much time off from Aerys. Jaime took his meals while on guard. He fell asleep while on guard when Aerys was no longer looking. Any seconds away from the madman was when Jaime could take a mental break.

He dreamed about what may come after this battle. Jaime hoped Rhaegar would win. But he didn't think it would end too badly for him if not. A new king would not release him from his position as kingsguard. He'd go on to serve Viserys, with Jon Arryn as regent, Jaime assumed. Maybe his father would come back to King's Landing and take a position on the council. Jaime assumed that would happen either way. If Rhaegar wins, he would offer Tywin a position in his court as well. All Jaime had to do was survive the coming battle.

And he certainly wasn't worried about that. Not many men could stand against his sword. And the ones he was truly afraid of were on his side. Rather Dayne ... Rhaegar Targayan... Barristan Selmy. Now Jaime imagined that he certainly wouldn't want to face Robert Baratheon with that great Warhammer. He hand heard Eddard Stark was more of a commander than a fighter. That didn't make the Northman any less formidable, however. Jaime was not excited about the battle.

"Ser Jaime," Prince Rhaegar's voice broke Jaime out from his thoughts. Jaime looked up to Rhaegar mounted on his horse. He immediately dismounted. "Were you able to speak to my mother alone?"

No. I haven't seen her in months. Not without bloodied lips and bruised arms. "Yes, Prince Rhaegar," Jaime lied. He couldn't bear to tell Rhaegar the truth. Not before the biggest moment of Rhaegar's life. Jaime wished that someone had lied to him when he asked about his mother as she lay dying on the birthing bed. "She was so happy to hear that you are back. She told me that she wished more than anything to see you." She cried and screamed as Aerys took her for the fourth time last night.

"Anything else?" Rhaegar asked. Jaime feared that he may question his lie. Or that he was doing the wrong thing. Jaime could see the desperation in Rhaegar's eyes. A look Rhaegar had never shown. Rhaegar might have known that Jaime was lying. But he didn't want to know. He was just like Jaime as a boy, waiting outside, just praying to hear his mother's voice one last time. If he had spoken to Rhaella, Jaime was sure she'd say the same. Jaime wondered what he'd like to have heard from his mother before they never saw each other again.

That's when Jaime realized:

Rhaegar Targaryen, Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms, the Dragon Prince, one of the best swords, and sharpest minds of all time thought he was going to die.

"She said that all she wants you to know is that she loves you..." Jaime thought about the rumors about Lyanna Stark and his mind flickered to Cersei... "And she loves you for all you are, no matter what you do ."

Rhaegar smiled with his mouth. But never with his eyes, Jaime noticed. Rhaegar was staring at his father who was making a wild gesture in his discussion with Ser Barristan.

"I know it's been hard, Ser Jaime."

Goosebumps arose on his skin. Jaime believed that it had been a lot harder here in kings landing than the Prince knew. How could he have left us all to dry for two years during a rebellion? Jaime had nothing but time to think about all the horrible things he witnessed. Who else to blame but the single man who could save them and doesn't?

But he couldn't blame him now. Not now that it could be over. And he could protect Rhaella at last.

"She doesn't leave her chambers anymore... Aerys won't let her. But I see her. She is well along with child now."

Rhaegar was quiet. "Aerys hasn't announced it?"

"He's afraid they are all out to kill he, himself, you, and Viserys. He wants to keep this new heir a secret."

"Who is they?" Asked Rhaegar.

"Exactly."

"I have lost a lot of brothers and sisters," Rhaegar said. "If this one is lost, I fear my father's reaction."

"We will end this rebellion. My sword on the battlefield will a flame for you, Prince Rhaegar."

Rhaegar sighed and placed his hand on his saddle. "Your blade alight will stay by the king's side."

Jaime's mouth hung open. "I beg your pardon- don't you think- couldn't- where is the Lord Commander? And Ser Oswal? Ser Arthur."

"Ser Jaime," Rhaegar said quietly. "Do you remember what Ser Arthur told me when we rode for Harrenhal?"

Jaime remembered. Three years ago, but he remembered. "He said I had a knight's heart."

"He did. I want you to protect my back on the battlefield. You are one of the best swords in Westeros. But the fact remains that you are Tywin Lannisters son. And your father has had plenty of time to declare for the rebels, or us. Aerys fears that no response from him means the worst."

"Prince Rha-"

"He is a madman. But it doesn't take a madman to assume this. Your father won't order you killed. If I face Robert and things go badly... you'll be needed here."

Jaime's face is free hot with anger. "I don't appreciate being a hostage," Jaime seethed, not afraid to have a free discussion with his Prince. He wasn't afraid of Rhaegar burning him alive. "I don't want to die protecting a man I hate. A man who hurts good and kind people: his kin. If I die in the coming months, I want my sword raised for a man I believe in."

Rhaegar sighed. "You realize you aren't the only hostage," he reminded intensely. "And you are a hostage with a sword at your side. Jaime that gives you power. And you don't have to fight for Aerys. Fight for me and protect my wife and children who are held hostage against a man who's given him 10,000 men. Aerys hates her and my daughter because they have dark hair. Dark skin. He hates them because I love them. Jaime, I need you to protect them. Not the king."

Jaime sighed. "I am sorry, Prince Rhaegar. I should not have begged. It was childish of me. But the things I've seen... the things I've heard..."

"When the battle's done, I mean to call a council," Rhaegar confided in young Jaime. And Jaime knew by the way he said it that Jaime was the first to hear of these plans. He would do right by this kingdom. Jaime knew it "Changes will be made. I meant to do it long ago but..." he trailed off, and Jaime's mind went straight to Harrenhal. It was the reason for the entire tourney. It didn't take a fool to see that. And it didn't take a romantic to have their heart broken when Aerys ruined the attempt. "... well, it does no good to speak of roads not taken. We shall talk when I return."

He patted Jaime on his gold armored shoulder and strode toward Barristan and his father.

Rhaegar left upon the hour. And with him, he took Prince Lewyn, Ser Barristan, and Ser Darry of the kingsguard, 13,000 men, and the remains shred of hope that the loyalists had left.

Jaime's stomach had been churning ever since. He wished the king would call upon his council and Jaime wouldn't have to stand guard with him all alone. Instead, Jaime watched as Pycelle would come in and out of the throne room, asking if Tywin had pledged to House Targaryen yet. Varys would snake in and out, whispering things in the King's ear. Symond Staunton, Lucerys Valaryon, and Quarlton Chestled came in together at one point and check in with the king and Jaime, they made sure everything was fine and that all matters were in order.

But they didn't push Aerys to lead a small council meeting. They didn't need to. Life was on hold until Rhaegar face Robert and one or the other fell. The castle was silent. And dead.

Jaime was left alone to listen to Aerys incoherently mumble to himself. The king would sit there and scratch the thin yellow skin on his arm until it bled. He picked at his scabs and his chapped lips. He would pull his hair out, one strand at a time, fascinated by it. Never taking food or water out of fear of poison.

Eventually, when the day had nearly dwindled. That's when Rossart hobbled in. They talked in whispers. Every time Jaime tried to listen, Rossart artfully steered the conversation away. Or quiet down. Jaime did not like that.

It made him nervous.

What would a king with a mad obsession with fire, and his devout pyromancer be conspiring about?

They talked for hours that evening. And when Rossart left, Aerys began to laugh. Aerys laughed alone to himself for almost ten minutes until he abruptly stopped his laughing.

"Ser Jaime," Aerys boomed. "Ser Jaime, your king is a genius."

Jaime had to be careful when the king pulled him into conversations. Saying the wrong thing could be fatal. "Of course, my King," Jaime agreed.

"I have a plan, Jaime."

"A plan, your Grace?"

"Yes, Jaime a plan in case it goes wrong."

In case Robert comes to storm the castle. Jaime realized.

"Robert fucking Baratheon will not step foot in this castle, no. He will not step into this city." Fear paralyzed Jaime. What is he talking about?

"We've been working hard on this one, Rossart and I. So many tunnels under this wonderful city. Tell me, Jaime, what happens when a man encounters fire?"

Jaime took a deep breath, almost shaking. "He burns, your Grace."

"You're right. Rich, poor, fat, sick, healthy, woman, man. Tell me, Jaime: can a city burn?"

Jaime felt nauseous. "Anything can burn, your Grace,"

"Your mind serves you well, young Jaime." The young knight watched as Aerys melted into the seat of swords as if it were plush.

"A dragon doesn't burn," he continued.

"A dragon doesn't burn," he repeated.

Over and over again, he repeated that until he passed out on the Iron Thrones. And Jaime let a single tear fall down his cheek. When the drop hit the red marble floor, Jaime thought he heard thunder. But it was only silence.