Night

Ra and the family were given two luxurious rooms to stay in within the keep.

“I might have pressed him for more, had you not stayed my hand.” Ra said to Elia with a chuckle.

Elia smiled at him and shook her head before giving him a passionate kiss.

“You can still say the word and we do not have to follow what Robert says,” Ra told her, holding her in his arms as they lay on the bed.

“Four years will pass swiftly. The North may temper the children in ways Dorne never could.” Elia said.

Ra hummed at her words. “Have you had any trouble with the advanced magic training?” Ra asked and Elia just shook her head.

Elia had been given the dragon blood like Ra and his brothers, but the effect on her was different.

She had not grown much in height, an inch or two at most.

However, she had gained the ability to perform magic at a very high level and, because she was blessed by a demigod, she could access some divine spells based on the domain of the gold dragon.

A moment later, Elia and Ra both sensed someone standing outside their children’s room.

“He is guarding the door,” Ra said and rose. He did not put on his armor and simply pulled on some clothes before glancing at Elia, who had covered herself with the sheets.

Ra opened the door and saw the man he had sensed. Jaime Lannister stood there.

“Ser Jaime,” Ra said and inclined his head. “Ser Ra,” Jaime replied.

Ra glanced behind Jaime toward the room of Rhaenys and Aegon, then looked back at Jaime with curiosity.

“I just hoped I could guard their room, to ease you and the princess,” Jaime said, and Ra sensed his honesty.

“Thank you, Ser,” Ra said and nodded before stepping fully into the hall as he knew no one else was nearby.

“This is the first time I have seen you without the helmet. You look more like a Lannister,” Jaime said with a chuckle, and Ra smiled.

“I wanted to thank you for the….gifts you sent for Cersei,” Jaime added.

Ra nodded. “There is nothing to thank me for. It is my duty,” he said.

Jaime sighed. “I should have been there that day,” he whispered.

Ra shook his head. “You were at the place you were destined to be, killing a mad tyrant,” Ra said. “As was I, protecting my love,” he added.

Jaime nodded at the words. “Congratulations on the wedding,” he said, earning a thanks from Ra.

“Please, contact me if you ever need any help from me. You have my word I will be there,” Jaime said and Ra placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Jaime, she is safe and so are the children. You do not need to feel guilt over that day,” Ra said.

“If you wish to help me, do some good in the world,” Ra added, and Jaime nodded before Ra turned to enter his room.

“Could I have a spar with you tomorrow?” Jaime asked. Ra glanced at him and nodded.

Ra returned to the room to find Elia smiling. “You heard?” he asked and she nodded.

“I have never counted on anyone except you to protect me,” Elia said, cupping Ra’s cheek as he sat beside her.

The next day, afternoon

Jaime stood in the white sword yard, waiting for Ra as he twirled a practice sword in his hand.

He winced inwardly at the number of people gathered to witness the spar.

Jaime had told Cersei in his delight, and the word had spread through the Red Keep.

Jaime glance at Cersei who wore an apologetic, embarrassed expression while Robert, Jon Arryn, and other members of the kingsguard were present to watch.

Jaime sighed as he saw Ra approaching in full armor, his halberd in hand.

Ra stopped in front of him and surveyed the crowd, then tilted his head toward Jaime.

Jaime stepped closer and said “Cersei” in an apologetic, low voice.

Ra chuckled and shrugged. “I have no qualms with witnesses,” he said, and Jaime relaxed.

“Please put on your armor. I will not be removing mine,” Ra said, and Jaime signalled to a page who fetched his gear and helped him don it.

Ra, rested his halberd in the rack and twirled a practice sword idly as he waited for Jaime. “Shall we?” Jaime asked once he was fully armored.

Ra glanced at him and asked, “Do you wish to spar with me, or do you wish for me to train you?”

“My heart tells me both is the best answer,” Jaime said with a chuckle, and Ra nodded.

For the first half hour, Ra hardly spoke. Words would not help Jaime improve at the level he was at.

Jaime attacked relentlessly, doing everything he could to land a blow on Ra.

He danced around Ra with single minded focus and sheer will. Ra blocked every attack.

Ra parried strikes from all angles without moving his feet. Jaime struck at places he imagined Ra could not see because of the helmet, yet Ra intercepted each thrust.

The second half hour was the true training. Ra moved with a grace and agility that astonished Jaime given the bulky armor.

Ra danced around Jaime in all directions at a pace that Jaime could just barely follow.

He would parry Jaime’s attack and press his sword to Jaime’s neck without connecting. He repeated those movements as Jaime strained to memorize every pattern Ra made.

After an hour, Jaime was breathing hard. Ra placed a hand on Jaime’s shoulder and handed him a bamboo flask.

“Drink slowly. It does not have the best taste,” Ra warned. Jaime accepted the flask.

He took a sip and winced, then looked at Cersei, who offered him a smirk.

Jaime swallowed in large gulps, then finished the flask and panted for breath.

Ra chuckled and patted Jaime’s shoulder. Jaime flexed his hands in surprise as he felt his strength returning at an astonishing pace.

“It seems it is time for me to depart. Take care, Ser Jaime,” Ra said, glancing at Jon Arryn, who stood stunned, while Robert sat with a similarly dazed expression.

“I hope the gifts are ready,” Ra added, and the old man nodded. “They are, Ser. I thank you for your visit on behalf of the king,” Jon said, and Ra inclined his head.

A/n: Please leave your thoughts on the chapter.

And leave the power stones, do it or the next chapter will not be freed from the basement.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep