Two Women

Her voice echoed through the empty room. "If necessary, I will publicly declare to the Seven Kingdoms that Martell was responsible for Kevan Lannister's murder, or use that as leverage... to make Prince Doran bring his heir to King's Landing and pledge loyalty to my son."

Jaime folded his arms across his chest, a hint of mockery appearing on his face. "My wise sister, you must at least convince others to believe you, mustn't you? The power of the regency is not an excuse for you to act without restraint, and your tongue is not the law of the realm."

Fury flashed in Cersei's eyes, and her voice rose. "You truly are stupid. Do you not understand what I mean? I intend to use Uncle's death to avenge him, while also cleaning up the mess Old Lion left me!"

Jaime could not help but sneer, the mockery on his face deepening. "Use? Yes, I'm the fool. Which corridor of Maegor's Holdfast was it last night? Was your excuse for using Osmund Kettleblack that you could not distinguish the occasion? What I wonder is what value he possesses that would make him worthy of my good sister's use. Was it to drive Gryn away? If so, please allow me to pity that lord. Setting aside his past service... I recall he helped you win control of the Small Council only a few days ago."

Cersei stared silently at Jaime, the fury in her eyes seeming capable of swallowing him whole. After he finished speaking, time seemed to freeze for a moment. Then a slight curve appeared at the corner of her lips, and she leaned down toward him.

Jaime clearly saw the generous curves and the expanse of pale flesh. They stared at each other from little more than a handspan