iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 652 White Robe and Black Clothes 2
Pia (Chapter 447)...

This was a name James thought he had forgotten.

On every night of pleasure, he did his best to please Cersei, because he loved her.

That night, he was pleased by another woman for the first time, and the feeling... was hard to describe precisely, but perhaps it could be described as—physical and mental pleasure.

For a moment, James's soul trembled. Pia hadn't lied to him; she truly loved him.

James understood at that time...

Cersei betrayed him, perhaps not because she didn't love him, but because she loved... happiness more.

Deep-seated memories resurfaced, and James' knuckles turned white on his fist.

He put away the letter and left the stable.

Pia was illiterate, so the letter was written by a monk on her behalf. It mainly contained her careful concern and longing.

Finally, she told him that the Kleber Company had settled her in a mansion in King's Landing, with servants to look after her and exquisite jewelry and clothing she had never seen before.

Pia said she had made a friend named Shee, who told her that she had been James's brother's most beloved lover.

"..."

Upon entering the Night's Watch's house, Jaime sat blankly on the edge of the bed, then picked up a wineskin and gulped down the wine.

Myrcella, Tommen, William, and Jenna (Kevon's children)...

Another chain was added to Green's neck.

Green was a truly benevolent and virtuous ruler who kept his word and settled them very well.

Jaime suddenly laughed. Both his and Tyrion's lovers had fallen into Green's hands. This king was truly fair and just.

Damn it, Green's chains must be more than just these!
James felt he should hate Green, but after thinking about it for a long time... he couldn't find a reason to hate him, nor any evidence of betraying their friendship.

Green's actions were all reasonable and legal; he did his best to restore Cersei's dignity and allow her to close her eyes in peace.

He fulfilled his dying promise to Cersei, and even after the bloodline of Myrcella and Tommen was revealed, he still only "exiled" them to the old lands of Clyber.

Targaryen returned to the Iron Throne, but Green continued to silently keep his promise.

So, in the end, it's actually him who owes Green.

Lannisters, debts must be repaid.

So what can he do now? He can only stay obediently on the Wall, waiting to fight the White Walkers to the death, in order to repay Grimm's deep friendship.

"..."

Thinking of this, James inexplicably felt a long-lost sense of ease, and then... he fell asleep immediately.

……

The next morning, James shaved off his beard, changed into a clean black outfit, and walked out of the house toward the main castle.

He planned to meet with Duke Mace Tyrell.

The main castle corridor was bustling with people, and James stood until his legs were numb before finally being summoned by the King.

The study was lavishly decorated, and Prime Minister Mays sat there with his cheeks puffed out; clearly, he was not in a good mood.

"Prime Minister Tyrell".

Upon hearing James's voice, Prime Minister Mays did not look up, but nodded slightly as a response.

James wasn't in a hurry. He stood a short distance from the fireplace and quietly warmed himself by the fire.

After a while, Prime Minister Mayes couldn't help but say angrily, "Speak quickly, Night's Watchman, my time is precious."

Sir James shrugged. "Your Excellency, I've come to ask if there's anything I can help you with."

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Mayes' cheeks puffed up again; he detested such arrogant remarks from the lion.

He scoffed, "What can you do?"

Sir James spread his hands: "Perhaps I can recommend food more suitable for the Rose Soldier?"

He paused, then continued, "Or perhaps, I could contribute to defeating Stannis?" Hearing this, Prime Minister Mays's sarcastic expression froze. This man was actually trying to steal his credit?!

The Lannisters are truly despicable!

Prime Minister Mace immediately saw through Jaime's scheme: "It's just Stannis. I will lead the Reach and the North to wipe him out."

He snorted coldly and warned, "It is your duty to guard Eastwatch, Jaime, the Night's Watch."

"Then I will await your good news in Tunghaiwang. Your Excellency, please allow me to take my leave."

Having achieved his goal of meeting the King, James nodded slightly, flicked his black cloak, and turned to leave the study.

After the door was closed, Prime Minister Mays realized what was happening and was furious. He felt that James's last words were a sarcastic remark about him.

Hmph, if it weren't for King Green's mercy, and if Lady Olenna hadn't written a letter of advice, he would have ordered his men to deal with all these Lannister remnants long ago!
Taking a slow breath, the magnanimous Prime Minister of the Kingdom did not remain angry for long because of James's offense.

What truly enraged him was—Edward Stark!

Early this morning, Stark's ravens arrived at Eastwatch with a very brief message: the Northern army would be conducting military operations soon, and then... nobody.

What does "recently" mean?
The Stark army not only disobeys the King's orders, but also wants to claim all the credit for their victory?!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Prime Minister Mays suddenly stood up, then went to the table and leaned over, tracing a thick, fat finger between the Last Hearth City and the Black Castle on the map.

Military operation, is it?

Benlang underestimated him—the artist of war—a general who was only half a step away from becoming a great general!

……

In the days that followed, Sir James would go to the dockside tavern for hot soup every noon, almost always alone.

Today, Julie had just served James some soup when the Dorne man with sandy brown hair and sky-blue eyes sat down opposite him.

With his arms crossed and a dimple appearing at the corner of his mouth, he said, "I am Damon Shad, the Kingslayer."

James put down his wooden spoon and stared at him for a moment: "The bastard son of God's Grace City?"

Jaime had heard of him; one of Dorne’s finest swordsmen, Princess Arianne’s former lover, and Oberyn Martell’s squire, a knight personally appointed by Oberyn Martell.

He suddenly recalled an interesting anecdote he had heard from Tyrion: the bastard son of Divine Favor was Oberyn Martell's lover... He wondered if it was just a rumor.

If it weren't a rumor, the fact that an uncle and niece share the same lover wouldn't be too surprising, after all, it's Dorn.

The illegitimate son of Divine Grace City tilted his head slightly: "It is an unexpected honor that the Kingslayer knows me."

Ser James leaned back, looked at him, and smiled slightly: "You are more patient than I thought."

"This has nothing to do with my patience."

The illegitimate son of Divine Grace City leaned back in his chair and said, "You swagger around every day, making me feel... that if I did what you wanted, I would be a fool."

James's lips curled up slightly: "Looks like you've thought it through."

Sir Damon Shad shrugged helplessly: "Hmm, staring at you like this makes me feel like a fool."

Blue eyes clashed with green eyes, and his voice sounded almost joking: "Someone told me to kill you."

Sir James's smile remained unchanged: "I thought you came for Oberyn Martell."

Upon hearing this, Ser Damon's expression shattered instantly, and the flames in his eyes seemed capable of burning Jaime to ashes.

Staring intently at Jaime, he forced out a chillingly cold voice: "You should have died long ago, Lannisters."

However, Ser Jaime suddenly smiled and said, "The Dornish are really passionate. Bastards of Divine Grace, don't forget, this is Night's Watch territory."

Ser Damon's eyes gleamed dangerously: "Are you afraid, Kingslayer?"

Sir James shrugged: "Let's make a bet."

Sir Damon narrowed his eyes slightly, paused, and asked, "A bet?"

Ser Jaime shrugged, the smile on his face fading. "Yes, a bet. I lost. You take my head, and I promise the Night's Watch won't bother you."

Sir Damon's dimples reappeared: "Sounds good. What if... you win?"

(End of this chapter)