#eugene simon

"Oh, I see." She nodded trying to think of how to comfort her husband, "Well… Perhaps it's only temporary a smaller keep for you to learn the business of running it so you're more capable of a larger one like Casterly Rock in a few more years?"

"Few more years?" lancel stopped and gave a small bitter laugh "a smaller keep? How is that just? I've fought in battle! I've killed a men! I was promised my rewards for all I have done for this family! I was promised Casterly rock! Promised lordship! Promised Warden of the west! And I get Darry! I was promised a good marriage and I get stuck with you! I am a Lannister!”

Y/n tried to hide her fear, and her tears at his words. But she didn't have time to think as the newborn twins began to cry from the shouting so she rushed to their crib to comfort the little babies, "It's alright, it's alright, daddy didn't mean to shout it's alright." Y/n cooed to the crying twins

Lancel took a breath and suddenly realized what he had said, he hadn’t meant to… but he said it. He felt awful, so guilty. Lancel sat down in a chair. His anger slowly subsided away as he watched his little family. He closed his eyes and listened to her calming voice talking to the children. He let out a slow breath and looked back up to her as she looked at him."I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that." he said quietly,

She nodded still clearly very hurt by his words but the children were more her priority,

Lancel got up and silently approached behind her. He placed a hand on her shoulder as she rocked the little ones. "I didn't mean it. You're a good wife Y/n. A good mother. I'm sorry I said it."

she sniffled and wiped a tear,

He pulled her closer to him, and wrapped his arms around her. Lancel nuzzled against her neck. Holding her tight against him as he tried to soothe her as he spoke quietly "Please don't cry Y/n. I didn't mean it. I'm sorry. I'm an ass. Don't cry because of me"

"it's alright, you were angry." She said but clearly she was still upset. As she tucked the twins back into their cribs they silenced their cries and returned to sleep.

Lancel turned her around so she was facing him. Still holding her tight. He gently wiped the tears from her eyes "I was angry. I still am. But I am sorry. I didn't mean what I said. You have been a good wife to me and a good mother to my children. I should have never said those things." lancel pulled her against him and held her tight against his chest. He felt so regretful. He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head, “I am not stuck with you, you are a beautiful woman, a wonderful wife, a loving mother, you’ve supported me through all my bullshit, and given me two beautiful children… Please forgive me my darling, I’m so sorry.”

“It's alright,” She nodded, “I forgive you.”

“Thank you my darling,” he cooed kissing her lips softly, “I shouldn’t have taken my anger out on you… maybe Darry will be nice, perhaps a nice place for children.”

"she began on the twelfth my lord. We sent the raven as soon as we were sure her labours had begun," He nodded as they headed inside, "just about five days ago now."

"How is she? Is the babe healthy? does she tire?"

"the labours were long and she has been resting since. All is well I assure you, my lord."

lancel let out a deep sign, and a great feeling of relief washes over him. "Thank the gods... thank the Father...The mother… thank all the gods" he paused and looked at the maester "the babe? She brought forth a son? or daughter?"

"... I believe she should be the one to tell you." Olton slyly smiled,

the look in Maesters face was all lancel needed before he understood. he smirked and began to walk faster, he no longer cared to stop and speak with Maester Olton, it was time to see his wife. Lancel climbed the stairs as quickly as he could heading up to their chambers as lord and lady of Darry. He opened the door to their still newly decorated suite of lannister red and gold. He called out to her but stopped short.

As soon as Lancel walked into the room and saw his lady wife Y/n, and the babes, all the exhaustion he felt from the four days ride vanished as well as the aches and pains in his muscles and his bones. the only thing left was a feeling of pure unadulterated love. his heart began to beat rapidly and he could not help the tears that began filling his eyes.

he stood in the doorway for a time, simply taking in the view. he didn't want to disturb the scene before him. The room was filled with a calm that he had never been a part of. the babes were cooing and whimpering and his wife was singing a lullaby. a soft and beautiful song that he had never heard before but it immediately became his favourite. after many long minutes, lancel found the strength to speak. "Am I allowed to walk in?" he asked quietly. hoping to not disturb the babes who seemed to be sleeping

Y/n chuckled, "Yes my darling,"

lancel smiled at his wife. who seemed to be positively glowing as she sat in the bed, cradling their babes in her arms. with another in the crib by her side. he walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, not wanting to jostle his wife or bother the babes in her arms, not wanting to disturb the magic in front of him

"they've been very excited to meet you." She cooed

lancel placed his hand on his wife's shoulder, tracing the curve of her arm down to her wrist, all the while his eyes not leaving the two little babes she was holding, "I'm sorry it took me so long to return to you my love."

"It's alright, you were busy. But they are the fools who decided to arrive while you were gone" she laughed giving one a small kiss, "would you like to see them?”

"Yes." lancel could barely speak. he could feel his throat close up as his eyes filled with tears again. he still could not comprehend how he had become so lucky. he gently took one of his babes from his wife, cradling him to his chest gently.

The little boy was pale with little green eyes and a few tuffs of golden hair. Just like Lancel himself

"That's kevan. After your father." Y/n cooed,

lancel traced his fingers down the side of Kevan’s face, marvelling at his delicate features as he looked at his son. he looked so tiny and delicate in Lancels arms, he was so afraid to move too quickly or too fast in fear of hurting the little boy. he leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on the top of Kevan's head. "hello little Kevan,"

"he's the eldest one. Found his way out fast and easy." She cooed, “Your firstborn, Your heir.”

Lancel nodded, still admiring the tiny boy in his arms tears rolling down his cheeks. He finally looked up from Kevan and at the other babe that his wife still holding. he was a little shocked when he noticed the size difference. "And this one?"

"This is Eddard. After my father." She cooed handing over the other babe she held a little boy with paler skin and green eyes but he had some larger tuffs of brown hair,

lancel repeated a gentle caress of the fingers down his other son, admiring the little boy's brown hair and green eyes. he also was paler in appearance than Kevan, but just as tiny as well. "Eddard." he repeated. taking in the way the name felt on his tongue

"he was second and he is a little bit of a fussy boy" Y/n cooed,

"I can already tell these two are going to be completely different." he chuckled as he looked at the two boys. Edward was awake and looking up at Lancel with wide green eyes. he leaned down, planted a kiss on his face as well, taking in his scent and his touch.

"and this... Is little baby Oscar." She cooed picking up the littlest boy from the crib, "he was last, and we had some worries over him at the time. He was a little bit more trouble being last and all but he's a happy little boy who loves his cuddles." She explained,

lancel watched as his wife picked up the last little boy. he had pale skin, but unlike the other boys, his head was full of blonde hair.

"Oscar," Lancel repeated, taking in the look of the little boy, still so impossibly tiny and light. as though he was a fragile baby bird

Y/n smiled and took Eddard and Kevan placing them in the crib so Lancel could hold Oscar for a moment,

lancel took Oscar in his arms. still with the same gentle care he did with Kevan and Eddard. looking at Oscar who was just waking from his deep sleep, letting his green eyes slowly open to the world around him. he also planted a soft kiss on the top of his head, letting the sweet sent of the baby fill his nostrils, "Hello little Oscar" Lancel then looked at his wife "three boys?" he still couldn't believe it. he looked down at the little bundle in his arms. the one that had given his wife so much trouble. the reason why he rode four days and night without rest just to be back to her side."All healthy and lovely. and you are feeling well?"

"Three boys." Y/n nodded "I am tried. But it is to be expected"

lancel chuckled. that was the obvious answer he should have expected. he laid Oscar back in the crib with his brothers and then climbed up into the bed with his wife, taking her in his arms. careful not to hurt her or cause her any more pain then she already was in. once he was in bed with her he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head, letting his fingers run through her hair. he had a thousand questions that he burned to ask but for now, he just wanted to bask in the moment right before him. "My sweet, strong wife"

"I did miss you very much lancel. I stayed in bed all day before they came, trying to see if I could somehow hold them in and wait until you arrived home."

Lancel chuckled. "It was days ride back here and it was the longest five days of my life. I wanted nothing more than to be here. To see you and hold you and to meet our boys..." he let his fingers continue to run through her hair "It seems they had other plans."

"Perhaps they simply couldn't wait a moment more to meet their daddy so they had to make sure they arrived home first to meet him properly"

he chuckled again and planted another kiss on the top of her head, "It seems they are going to be troublemakers. all of them." he paused for a moment, and his tone turned more serious "How difficult was the labours love?"

".. long and tiring"

Lancel could tell the answer was an understatement. even though it had been five days her skin still looked pale, as well as the dark rings under her eyes. he felt a pang of guilt that he hadn't been present to help her go through the labours. he placed another kiss on top of her head again. "You're strong. Stronger then ever. For not only bringing three healthy boys into this world... But for enduring all those long hours of pain by yourself. without me being here to help you" he cooed, "I wish I could have been here to help you. to hold your hand and wipe your brow. to give you support while you struggled." he took a moment and then gave her a smirk "If I was here I could have made you laugh, or at least distracted you." he laughed, “But I promise I will not miss a moment of their lives from this day on. I swear it by all the gods. And… if we have any more little children, I will be here to hold your hand thought every moment of your labours.”

Lady Sansa Stark stood foolishly with her hair down and in her grey house colours. She was fearful picking at her nails, her eyes already glossy with fearful tears.

Beside her, shea her ‘handmaiden’. Calm and collected with quiet confidence to her, her dress was hemmed shorter than usual to aid in running if needed.

And finally the Lady Y/n Stone, King Baratheon’s bastard daughter and King Joffrey’s ‘half-sister’. Even though Queen Regent had sent her own daughter away for safety’s sake, she did not offer the same to King Robert’s bastard girl. And had made her Lady Sansa’s lady-in-waiting as a way to keep her torment of both efficient. She stood in an all-black or dark grey dress that had also been hemmed short hiding her leather trousers below, her dark hair pinned up tightly with only a single strand hung by her face, a concealed dagger in her hair.

“My lady Sansa!” Joffrey called out,

“You’re grace,” she bowed as he approached her,

Y/n also bowed but of course, Joffrey had no care for her,

“You should not be fearful, my uncle would not dare truly break our walls.”

“I fear for your safety, my king.” she lied,

He chuckled, “You will make a most perfect queen.” He smirked, “You should see your king off with a kiss?” He drew his sword, “My new blade, Heart eater I’ve named it.”

“A very powerful name your grace.” she nodded,

“Kiss it,” he demanded,

Sansa knew she had no choice so bit back her worries and did as he commanded, leaning down to press her lips to the cold blade,

He smirked, “You shall kiss it again when I return.” he told her, “And taste my uncle’s blood.”

“Will you slay him yourself?” she asked,

“If he’s foolish enough to come anywhere near me.” He snapped,

“So you will be in the vanguard?”

“A king… does not discuss… his battle plans… with stupid girls!” he told her making it up as he went,

“Yes, of course, I am a stupid girl…” Sansa agreed, “Of course, you will be there, my- my brother always would go where fighting is thickest.” she explained but was only met by a glare, “...But he is only a pretender,”

“His time will come.” Joffrey barked, “And you can lick his blood from heart eater too.” he nodded, “Remain in the tower, with my mother. To ensure your… safety.” of course he didn’t truly care for her safety, merely if she was to feel pain he wanted to know he inflicted it, not some unnamed man from his uncle’s army,

“Yes, your grace.” she nodded,

Joffrey turned his attention away from her, and briefly caught the sight to the side. He had not paid attention to us thus far.

But Lancel stood with Y/n, his hand softly holding hers as they spoke softly pleas of safety and care for one another. Lancel fixed the one stray strand back into the tight undo of Y/n’s hair and forced a tender smile to his lips. She met him with the same and handed briefly over a small item that he immediately hid away.

“Come dog.” Joffrey spat at Sandor, before marching off forcing both Sandor and Lancel with him. Once far enough away Joffrey spoke up again. “You seemed concerned for my bastard half-sister?”

“Oh- Well,” Lancel stuttered, “I am concerned for all of the ladies of kings landing, if Stannis was to breach the walls… he would spare no lady I have no doubt.”

“She is not a lady. She is a bastard. Granted the title only by my drunkard of a father who could not bear his bastard be kicked to the curb as she should be.” Joffrey spat,

“Yes, your grace.” Lancel nodded,

“What did she give to you?”

“Oh- uhh- Nothing-”

“I saw an item exchange hand, what did she give you Ser Lancel?”

“...It not nothing,”

“Show me.” Joffrey held out his hand expectantly,

Lancel sighed knowing he couldn’t hide it any longer, and he pulled out a small bundle from his pocket,

Joffrey snatched it away and took a look,

The item Y/n had given Lancel was a small but sharp paper paper-thin dagger, slid between the pages of a small leather-bound pocketbook, all wrapped up in a cloth of red silk embroidered with black lilies blooming from golden stems.

Joffrey looked it over a few times before his eyes met Lancel’s “Explain.”

“Well, she- she worries for me, said she would rather I take another blade.”

“You already have three on your person?”

“...She said it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it, and not have it.”

“The book?” He asked flipping the pages,

“Her uhh- her poetry book,”

“Poetry?” he laughed, “Is she foolish enough to believe you will have the time to read in battle? Or does she think you can stop an army's approach with her foolish writing?”

“No, your grace it… it simply brings her luck. And her words do bring me comfort and if I do have a moment perhaps I may reflect on them in the quiet before or after battle.”

“And this?” he tugged on the cloth,

“...Her favour. Nothing more.” Lancel always was a bad liar,

“Humm,” Joffrey scoffed, “Red silk, for House Lannister. A black flower blooming, for a Baratheon maiden now grown, with the gold of the crown and richest house in the kingdom as its stem. sewn as one.” Joffrey smirked,

Lancel gulped,

“Hardly just a favour, cousin.”

“Well, I uhh I ummm…”

“Are we to expect, a Lannister golden flower blooming with black baratheon petals?”

“...I… I… I-”

Joffrey handed the items back to Lancel and whispered close into his ear, “If you desire her so much, you could have asked. I don’t care, You can have her. Make it my gift to you when we see the battle’s dawn tomorrow.”

“Y-You- Truly your grace?”

Lancel sighed wearily as he sat by the crackling fire, savouring the rich aroma of his fourth cup of wine. The flames danced and flickered, casting a warm glow across the dimly lit chamber. Suddenly, a loud, insistent tapping at the door shattered the peaceful ambience, jolting Lancel from his thoughts.

"Come!" He called,

The door opened revealing Elsa a young King’s Landing maid who often looked after Lancel, The two were fairly close even freindly, she smiled and sheepishly came inside his chambers in her light blue gown with a cloak around her, she appeared to be hiding something behind her. "Good Evening Ser Lancel,"

“Elsa,” he replied with a slight bow, his eyes drifting down to her attire before returning to meet hers, a hint of amusement dancing across his face. “You look lovely tonight, as always.”

she blushed "Thank you Ser Lancel," she moved slightly closer but kept her hands secretly behind her back "I... I missed you at the midwinter feast?"

His gaze lingered on her flushed cheeks before he rose from his chair, setting his cup aside. “Ah, yes... the midwinter feast,” he said, his voice low and smooth as he stepped closer to her. “I'm afraid duty called, my lord father had need of me elsewhere.” His eyes locked onto hers, a subtle intensity creeping into their depths.

she softly nodded "Understandable, of course, duty comes before such festivities... But I am sorry you missed it. You would have enjoyed it I think..."

A gentle smile spread across his face “I'm sure I would have, But perhaps there's another celebration we can attend together soon... one where duty won't keep us apart.”

"We can but hope," she agreed, "But still I didn't want you to go without any celebration of the midwinter festivities," she said slowly pulling out a red and gold-wrapped package from her cloak,

His eyes lit up with interest, “A gift?”

she nodded sweetly,

"Why?" Lancel asked,

"For midwinter"

"and what do you want?"

"Uhhh... well nothing I suppose" she said back

"I'm no fool Elsa, no one gives without expectations" he glared a little,

"I... I don't want anything in return,"

"But I'm a Lannister, a Lannister always pays his debts, the second richest family in the land, so go on what do you want? money? jewlery? Some big pretty gown?" he asked

"Lancel!" she complained putting the box in his hands, "I don't want anything, I wouldn't expect you to give me anything in return, I just wanted to give you something nice for midwinter."

He looked at her, a mixture of surprise and curiosity etched on his face as he held the package. “No expectations, no strings attached?” he repeated, his voice softening.

"None whatsoever." she smiled "I promise."

His gaze lingered on hers, searching for any hint of deception, but her expression remained genuine. He felt a flutter in his chest, a sense of wonder at the simplicity of her gesture. He felt so strange no one had ever just given him anything without expectation, without him owing them in return, or wanting something back. He was happy, but he almost didn’t know how to react. And he suddenly realized what an utter ass he had been for assuming she had wanted something. How cruel and mean he must have sounded when she just wanted to do something nice for him. “Tha...thank you,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s alright, I understand… Lannisters likely aren’t the gift-giving type of family.”

“Not really no,” he chuckled, “everyone always asks of a lannister.”

She giggled, “True, but this is just for you.”

“Truly Elsa… Thank you.” He nodded, His fingers tightened around the package, the wrapping paper crackling softly as he turned it over in his hands. He could feel the weight of the gift inside, a subtle pressure that seemed to grow more pronounced with each passing moment. “May I?” he said, his voice low and husky, his eyes locked intently on hers.

“Of course,” she smiled,

Lancel's heart swelled with gratitude and warmth as he carefully untied the ribbon securing the lid of the box. As he lifted the lid, he was greeted by a sight that melted his heart. Nestled within the confines of the box was a beautifully crafted small stuffed lion, its golden mane flowing majestically and its emerald eyes twinkling with an almost lifelike vibrancy. In one paw, the lion clutched a tiny wooden sword, adding a touch of whimsy and courage to the adorable plush creature.

A soft gasp escaped Lancel's lips as he gingerly lifted the stuffed lion from the box, marvelling at the intricate details and the love poured into this precious gift. The plush fur was incredibly soft to the touch, and the tiny wooden sword was exquisitely carved, a testament to the care and thoughtfulness behind the present.

A tender smile graced Lancel's features as he held the small lion in his hands, feeling a rush of affection and appreciation for the heartfelt gesture. The warmth of the moment enveloped him, and he couldn't help but be moved by the touching display of kindness and love.

"It's a little Lannister Battle Lion." she giggled, "I made him for you."

“You… you made him… for me?” he whispered tearing up,

She happily nodded,

“It- it’s perfect.” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. “You're too kind… You’re so sweet Elsa…” he said, looking up at her with shining eyes.

"I'm glad you like it," she smiled, "Happy Midwinter Lancel." she cooed giving his forehead a little kiss before she turned to leave,

He watched her walk away, the little lion clutched to his chest, a gentle smile on his lips. As he stood there, lost in thought, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and connection to this woman who had given him such a simple yet meaningful gift. Without thinking, he called out to her, his voice low and husky. “Wait.” He took a step forward, his eyes locked on hers.

She stopped and turned back to him, a questioning look on her face. "Yes Ser Lancel?" she asked,

“I… I missed the feast because I was with my uncle. Preparing for my leave to Darry…” He began, “I… I leave next week, I’ll be lord there.” he nodded, “If- if I am not imposing by asking… Would- Would you come with me?”

“Co-Come with you?” She asked,

“Yes, come with me.” He nodded, “Please, I do not want to leave King’s landing without you Elsa. I… I want you in Darry with me.”

She smiled and blushed, “You don’t have to offer me that-”

“I want to, regardless of this.” He smiled taking her hand, “I mean it, truly,”

“Thank you, I look forward to becoming your maid in Darry-”

“No. not as my maid. As… As my wife.”

“You- You mean it,” she blushed,

“I do,”

“I’d be delighted Lancel,” She smiled,