"Is it amusing to toy with me?" Ser Jaime asked, the corner of his eye twitching before he managed to squeeze out his voice.
Gryn tipped back his head and laughed. "That settles it. You truly never doubted my knightly character."
His tone shifted, his voice turning gentle. "There is no need to worry about your children. They are living in a beautiful manor, cared for by servants and protected by guards."
Myrcella—
Ser Jaime calmed slightly and said in a complicated tone, "Thank you."
Gryn gave a slight nod, then swept his gaze over the two men beside Jaime. "Oh, and this is a great secret. To the outside world—they have been exiled to Crackclaw Point, repenting in the Sept every day."
Ser Daemon silently bared his teeth in a grin. "Your Grace, I was distracted just now. I can swear it."
"—" Ser Jorah was still staring motionlessly at a sword hanging on the wall.
Withdrawing his gaze, Gryn stepped forward and patted Jaime's still-solid arm. "You have adapted well here. I have not heard you make a joke in a long time, though they are still as dull as ever."
"A Lannister always pays his debts."
Ser Jaime met Gryn's eyes for a moment before continuing, "I remember owing you a great deal—so much that I do not know how I could ever repay it. Tell me, what do you want me to do?"
"Your creditor is not merely me, Ser. You also owe this kingdom." As he spoke, Gryn paced a few steps.
He stopped, his gaze settling on Jaime again. "For me, for the Seven Kingdoms, and even more so for yourself, hold fast at the edge of this world that belongs to the living."
A sharp glint flashed through Jaime's green eyes. "Are those