(Ra's POV)
It has been a year since the sack of King's Landing, and I have spent my time protecting, painting, and making healing broths.
Robert was married a couple of months ago, and he is far from the man he was a year ago. He is fat now, a whoremonger, and always drunk.
I have never spoken to his wife, but I have sensed her wounds. The fat fuck hurts her.
It was early morning when I was walking the halls of the Red Keep and found her looking at the rising sun, gripping the balcony's edge tightly.
"Queen Cersei," I called out softly, not wishing to startle her. She looked at me and nodded. "Ser Ra," she greeted.
"Forgive my intrusion. May I have a moment?" I asked, and she gave a hollow smile before nodding.
I approached her gently, thinking of how to say it. Forget it, I'll be direct.
"I apologize for my crass words," I said after a breath. "I have sensed some injuries on you." Her eyes widened slightly.
"I am adept at making healing concoctions," I said and took out a wooden flask from my belt. I keep two on me for Elia. I will make more for her later.
"Please, take it. If it helps, ask me for more." I handed her the flask and stepped back.
She did not speak for a while, only glancing between me and the flask. Then she looked back out over the city. "I don't need healing," she said through gritted teeth.
I knew what she meant. She wanted Robert dead.
"I understand," I told her quietly. "Ask me to do it, then."
Her eyes went wide. She glanced around, checking for anyone listening.
"No one is listening" I told her. "I will do it if you ask. That is who I am." I shrugged. "I have not done it by now because it would mean innocent deaths."
I could easily kill Robert and run away with Elia and the children. I have ways to reach Father, and it would not take him long to bring us safely to Nightshade.
I know it will lead to the deaths of many innocents if I kill the king, that is why I have stayed my hand.
Cersei opened her mouth as if to speak, then exhaled slowly. "Thank you for the healing brew. I am clumsy and hurt myself often," she said, and I understood her message.
I turned to leave. "I will bother you for more," she said, shaking the flask slightly. I nodded once and walked away.
Not far from there, I crossed paths with her brother. "Ser Jaime," I greeted him.
"Ser Ra," he returned the nod as we passed.
I reached Elia's chambers and knocked softly. She didn't answer, so I entered.
She was asleep on her bed, her children resting in their own small beds nearby.
I removed my helmet and gloves before walking to her side and touching her shoulder gently. "Wake up," I whispered.
She opened her eyes and looped her arms around my neck. "I can't get up," she mumbled sleepily.
I sighed at her antics and picked her up, setting her on a chair. I took out the second flask and uncorked it.
She wrinkled her nose as soon as she saw it. "I don't need it anymore. I'm perfectly healthy now. I'm sure I can outrun even the king."
"Even cripples can do that," I said, and she gave me a mock glare.
She crossed her arms and refused to take the flask, so I sighed, knelt beside her, and began to feed her gently.
"I am not a bother to you?" she asked.
"You are," I said, "but I'm used to it by now."
She hit my chest, only managing to hurt her hand against my armor. I held her hand and checked it, finding no bruise.
She looked embarrassed. Her gaze flicked toward the children to make sure they were still asleep before she cupped my face and kissed me softly.
When she leaned back, she studied me for any displeasure. I smiled and leaned in to kiss her again, just as softly.
She smiled against my lips and brushed her thumb along my cheek. "Thank you for entering my life, golden sun," she whispered.
I smiled back and kissed her hand as my answer.
"I imagine Oberyn will accuse you of brotherly treason if he finds out," she teased.
"Now that I have committed high treason, why not bask in it before your brother comes running at me with a spear?" I whispered, earning a laugh from her.
Today we are leaving for the North, as Jon Arryn has requested Eddard Stark to foster Elia and the children for the next five years.
"You should pack some clothes for the cold," I told her.
"I dislike that me and my children are theirs to command," she muttered.
"I think it will be good for the children to be in the North for some time. Eddard Stark is a man worth learning from," I said, and she nodded reluctantly.
"Or," I added with a grin, "I can just whisk you and the children away to my homeland."
She laughed when I kissed her neck. "It is not time yet, my golden knight. I wish to give that choice to the children," she said and kissed my nose before standing.
She spread her arms with mock authority. "What are you waiting for? Bathe me and ready me," she said.
I ignored her command and turned instead to Rhaenys. "Wake up, little one," I whispered.
She stirred and looked at me before mumbling, "Not now," and turned over.
"She is just like you," I told Elia, and she smiled proudly as if it were praise.
I took off the rest of my armor, leaving only simple clothes, and picked up Rhaenys, tossing her over my shoulder like a sack.
She yelped and whined, but I ignored her as Elia followed, amused.
I handed the pouting girl to her mother. "I will call for your attendants. Until then, get ready for your bath," I said and left the room.
We departed for the North later that day. Our party was small, mostly attendants and a modest guard.
Elia and the children rode in a large, comfortable carriage. I had worked on it myself and carved runes to make the journey gentler.
The guards and I rode on horseback. Elia's attendants followed in their own carriage.
A/n: I think about 2-3 more chapters in the GOT words and we will move back to HP after that.
Gimme power stones and reviews.