The Mystery of Robert's Knowledge: Was Cersei and Jaime's Relationship a Rumor Before His Kingship?

In the world of Westeros, the marriage and romantic pursuits of its nobility can often be as murky as the waters of Blackwater Bay. Among these complex dynamics, the relationship between Cersei Lannister and Jaime Lannister before Robert Baratheon's ascension to the Iron Throne has been a subject of much speculation and debate.

Many assume that Robert was unaware of the true nature of Cersei and Jaime’s relationship until he became king. However, evidence suggests a more complicated landscape. Was there any definitive proof that Robert knew about their affair prior to his kingship, or was it merely the whispers of a gossipy court?

The Lannister Allegiance and Jaime's Allegiances

Jaime Lannister, a member of the Kingsguard, was certainly not a celibate knight as widely believed. His position was a mere fa?ade. As the second son of Tywin Lannister, he was juggling multiple responsibilities, including the maintenance of his family's power and influence over King Robert. Jaime’s superior knight status was a way to mask his true allegiance, which was always to his family first.

We know that Cersei Lannister was no stranger to intrigue and conspiracy. Her beauty and desirability were renowned, and noble families often sought political alliances through marriage. Tywin Lannister had been grooming her for marriage to Rhaegar Targaryen to further solidify their power, but this plan was overshadowed by her brief and controversial union with Oberyn Martell. Despite this, Tywin's laughter at the Oberyn Martell match suggests that he was always determined to secure Cersei for his son with Rhaegar.

Speculations and Evidence

One can argue that there were whispers and rumors about the true nature of the relationship between the siblings long before Robert's kingship. These whispers would have come from various sources, including members of the court, sworn swords, and even Cersei herself. The idea that Robert was unaware of their affair seems highly unlikely, given the political and personal complexities of the Lannister family.

Consider the witness of sersubtotal members and the antics of the court. Baelish, Ellery stain, and even the occasional court seamstress might have seen or overheard something that suggested a lover’s private conversations or deeds. The subtle hints of jealousy in Jaime’s behavior or the whispered rumors of him being with Cersei during what should have been his duty as a Kingsguard could have provided enough evidence for those in the know.

A Looming Precedent

The political landscape of Westeros is a treacherous one, and the history of familial disputes shaped much of the strategic maneuvers by the great houses. Long before Robert's kingship, the idea of sexual impropriety and family betrayal was not distant from his mind. In fact, their relationship could have been one of the many reasons the Targaryens employed the Direnetails to secure Baelor's succession, as mentioned in A Song of Ice and Fire.

Additionally, the character of Robert Baratheon himself was far from innocent. As the heir to Storm's End, he had a brief relationship with Lysa Tully. While this was not exactly pre-marriage intrigue, it set a precedent that his claim to the throne was seen as legitimized by the Tullys. His subsequent marriage to Cersei could have been seen as a continuation of this political strategy, rather than an issue of ethical purity.

Conclusion

Given these points, it seems unlikely that Robert was completely unaware of the true nature of Cersei and Jaime Lannister's relationship. The complex web of political and familial obligations, combined with the known political maneuvering and rumors in the court, make it more probable that Robert had some knowledge or at least suspicions about their relationship prior to his kingship.

The question of whether it was merely a rumor or if Robert had concrete proof remains a fascinating area of debate. The layers of misinformation and political intrigue in Westeros ensure that the truth may never be fully uncovered, much like the dark secrets hidden under the shadow-filled streets of King's Landing.