Bloodline

Tommen froze for a moment, then shouted, "Mother, you can't do this!"

Everyone's gaze shifted toward him as his round little figure stepped in front of Margaery. "She's my betrothed!"

"This is my command... cough... cough..."

Cersei coughed up blood and gasped for breath before looking at the silent Jaime.

"Why... aren't you... objecting... you... traitor... why... won't you... save me... traitor..."

She had once been the woman he loved most... Jaime watched as Cersei's life neared its end, and his heart felt as though it were being carved apart.

If he had not driven away Cersei's messenger, if he had not gone to Storm's End, but instead raced back to King's Landing... Cersei would not have had her head shaved by the High Sparrow or been paraded naked through the city.

If that had been the case, he would not now be forced to watch helplessly as the flame of Cersei's life slowly went out.

Jaime's eyes burned as he murmured in agony, "I'm sorry, Cersei."

"Don't... pity... me... I don't... need it..." A flicker of rage stirred within Cersei's weak voice.

Then, she seemed to be looking at Gryn. "My will... add it... to my will..."

Everyone's eyes turned toward Gryn. His gaze never left her, and he smiled gently. "What else is there, Cersei?"

"Wash me... clean... use a brush... wash me clean..."

With hollow eyes, Cersei forced out the faintest whisper. "Hear... me... roar..."

Her eyelids slowly closed, and she spoke no more.

"Mother!"

Princess Myrcella, who had been shedding silent tears, rushed forward. Her small hands trembled above Cersei. She wanted to shake her mother awake, yet feared disturbing her sleep.

Sob... sob... sob...

Qyburn came to Gryn's side at that moment. "My Lord Regent, extreme pain can make the Queen Regent lose consciousness, but