A shadow.

Jaime had noticed them a few moons after he arrived at the Red Keep, freshly knighted and wearing the crisp white coat of the Kingsguard. It was a bit embarrassing, for someone who claimed to be as vigilant and watchful as himself. They were always there, lurking and watching, a dragon hiding in the darkness. Those keen violet eyes never seemed to stray too far from him, and now that he knew, he was appalled that he had not noticed before.

The young ᴛᴀʀɢᴀʀʏᴇɴ royal was not exactly secretive with their spying.

It was almost flattering to be pinned beneath their gaze. Almost. It gave Jaime a distraction, at the least, a momentary respite from the guilt that seemed to linger, his thoughts that clung to his sister. This new admirer of his was thrilling. He started returning those looks, those hidden smirks, as he stood guard while the royal family ate their dinner, when he caught their gaze whilst he trained. The words they shared had always been sparse and formal, and he found himself wondering to himself. Late at night, when Jaime was left with nothing but the darkness and his loneliness, his mind drifted to them. Always them, not Cersei, not anymore. He thought of their voice, their distant laugh, the way their hand lingered on his arm for longer than necessary when he helped them down from a step or carriage. His thoughts betrayed him, betrayed his oaths, betrayed what he knew was right ─ but could thoughts truly damn him? That was all they were, all they ever would be, distant figments of his imagination. Jaime wished to rid them from his mind, and he wished to draw them closer to his heart.

The sun of King’s Landing was unforgiving. Jaime was sweltering beneath his armor and cape, but duty did not rest because of some gods-awful weather.

They were there again, willingly in the heat, as they stood on the balcony over the courtyard. Knights below sparred and spoke, the clash of metal lingering in the air. Jaime did not miss the way their brow furrowed, or the way their full lips pulled into a frown. They were looking for him, of course they were.

Jaime kept his footsteps measured and careful, though the clink of armor was audible as he halted behind the ᴛᴀʀɢᴀʀʏᴇɴ. "You'd be more subtle if you weren't so consistent with your stalking," Jaime's words drew their gaze. The teasing lilt of his tone was unmistakable. "A fool would know they're being watched by you. Am I truly so captivating that you must lurk in the shadows to catch a glimpse?”