Dozens of candles were scattered throughout the Queen Regent's study, their flickering lights intertwining to illuminate the entire room as if it were daytime.
Outside the window, darkness enveloped the Red Keep.
Cersei Lannister pulled her hand from Jaime's, stood by the window for a moment, and then suddenly said, "I want to see Greene."
The Old Lion's warning had given her an inexplicable unease, and the Lioness detested this feeling. Tonight, Jaime, this sword, had disappointed her greatly in front of her father. Now… she had to confirm the sharpness of another sword.
She disliked the feeling of being passive even more. The Lannister Lioness would never sit idly by.
Hearing Cersei's voice, Jaime Lannister paused slightly and said, "Now?"
He glanced at the dark outside the window and added, "Cersei, it's very late. Tomorrow…"
Queen Regent Cersei turned to face him and said, "Jaime, hesitation… it is also a form of cowardice."
She lifted her chin slightly and continued, "I will go to him myself. I want you to escort me."
These words, which had no hidden meaning, became, in the sensitive Jaime's ears: a dark night… and he had to personally escort his beloved to Greene's mansion?
"You can see Greene first thing tomorrow morning. I will arrange it."
After a pause, Ser Jaime added, "The night roads of King's Landing are not safe, and Father just left. If he were to find out about this, he would misunderstand you."
Hearing Jaime's advice, a hint of disdain, imperceptible to the man opposite her, flashed in Cersei's eyes.
"Perhaps there will be danger, but I have the Seven Kingdoms' strongest Kingsguard to protect me."
Cersei took a step forward, raised a hand, and gently placed it on Jaime's firm chest, continuing softly, "I also know that only you can help me hide this from the Old Lion's eyes, my Jaime."
Ser Jaime's Adam's apple involuntarily bobbed. Facing such a Cersei, he could only sigh softly.
"As you command, my Queen Regent."
Queen Regent Cersei saw a trace of "reluctance" still on Jaime's handsome face. She chuckled, stood on tiptoe, and gently kissed his cheek, offering a small reward.
Ser Jaime said helplessly, "Alright, alright, I swear to protect you with my life."
Hook Alley, Kettleblack Mansion.
Greene Crabb looked up from the map of the Riverlands and said, "Gold Cloaks visiting? Who is it?"
Although there were only the two of them in the Lord's study, Leyton, the young butler, still instinctively lowered his voice: "Lord Greene, it's the Lannister Queen Regent and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. They wish to conceal their identities."
What happened?
Greene thought for a moment and said, "Since they don't wish to reveal their identities, invite them in as normal guests."
He added, "Arrange for Clan Soldiers to be on alert. Don't let anyone disturb our conversation."
After Leyton left, Greene's eyes suddenly moved slightly. He rolled up the map of the Riverlands and set it aside, then… he found the maps of Blackwater Bay and Dragonstone and spread them out on the table.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, Greene, who stood with his back to the door, merely turned his face slightly, as if glancing at the newcomers, or perhaps it was just a symbolic gesture, not truly looking at the unexpected visitors.
"Go tell Sir Damien (Chapter 307) to be a good captain of the Steel Gate guards. He'll be counted on when it's time for war."
His gaze remained fixed on the Dragonstone map: "I still need some time to gather intelligence on Dragonstone. The terrain there is complex, and it won't be easy to conquer."
He tapped the table: "And tell him not to wait too long. I won't let anyone who has offended Queen Regent Cersei go unpunished."
He raised a hand, waved it slightly, and said, "Go back."
He paused, as if not hearing any movement, and then Greene finally turned around.
When he saw the person dressed in black armor and Gold Cloaks, his eyes showed surprise and confusion: "Ser Jaime?"
Then, Greene looked at the figure standing beside Ser Jaime, and he said with some disbelief, "You are… Queen Regent Cersei?"
Cersei was wearing a brown cloak. She pulled back her hood, and her white skin glowed with a faint reddish hue in the candlelight.
She offered a faint smile, but her voice was slightly mournful: "Duke Green."
Leyton, standing to the side, bowed respectfully, then took a few steps back and left the room.
Greene scratched his head, still seemingly in disbelief: "Queen Regent Cersei, you…"
Before he could finish, the Lioness stepped forward and hugged Greene tightly, burying her face in his embrace.
Greene awkwardly held his hands up, looked at Ser Jaime, and raised an eyebrow: What's going on?
Ser Jaime spread his hands, shrugging as if helpless: I can't do anything with her.
Greene and Jaime's personalities did not align, and they rarely correctly understood each other's unspoken meanings. Usually, it was you "saying" your piece, and I "saying" mine.
After Cersei entered Greene's study, when she happened to hear Greene's "inner thoughts," the Lioness didn't mind showing her vulnerable side to the fearless knight.
Cersei inherently understood men's hearts. Greene possessed unwavering loyalty, and she needed his courage and strength, which should be encouraged and was also a reward.
After a pause, Greene's hand stiffly patted Cersei's back.
In the silence, where Ser Jaime could not see, Cersei made continuous, subtle movements in Greene's embrace.
Lord Greene was dedicated to toiling for the Royal Family of the Seven Kingdoms, and it had to be admitted… he was genuinely hardworking at times.
The strong Duke's face showed no change. After a short while, he suddenly said, "Queen Regent Cersei, he's laughing at you behind your back. I'm referring to Ser Jaime Lannister."
Cersei sensed Greene's discomfort. She was very pleased with this reaction, and so… she chuckled as if amused by Greene's teasing.
Cersei separated from Greene. Her gaze first lightly swept downwards, then she glanced at him sideways. Then, her skirt swirled, and she walked towards the long table.
Ser Jaime sat down at the long table with Queen Regent Cersei, while Lord Greene remained standing.
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and the well-trained Crabb young butler brought them wine and fruit. After placing them, he immediately bowed his head and exited the room.
Queen Regent Cersei swirled the cup in her hand. She glanced at Greene, who seemed to be tidying up maps, and the corner of her mouth curved imperceptibly.
Seeing Greene still busy there, Ser Jaime suppressed his doubts and said, "Duke, is there anything I can do for you?"
Greene waved his hand and said, "I can't afford a Lannister attendant."
Queen Regent Cersei looked at Greene again. She raised her cup to Ser Jaime, saying cheerfully, "My Kingsguard, thank you for your escort."
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right nobut who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/TripleCrown
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"