This story is partly AU, it doesn't follow the storyline of the show. There are some major changes, for example Jon didn't go to the wall, he went to war with Robb.

Prologue

King's Landing

Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King, was sitting at his desk, concentrated on the papers he needed to read and sign. He had his hands full and he had ordered not to be disturbed. Yet the door to his work room suddenly flew open. Not many people would have dared to defy his orders and he didn't need to look up in order to guess who had just marched in.

"Tell me it's not true," Tyrion's voice demanded.

"And what exactly are you referring to?" Tywin inquired dryly, keeping his eyes on his papers. He was already feeling slightly irritated, his younger son always had that effect on him.

"You know what. Minea. Tell me you're not really going to send her to the north."

"It has already been arranged," Tywin replied. "Her marriage with Robb Stark was one of terms of the peace treaty."

"Have you lost your mind, she's your daughter!"

Tywin looked at his son coldly.

"Watch your tongue."

Tyrion pressed his lips together, clearly trying to control himself.

"Father… I'm aware of how you feel about me, but Minea has never brought you any shame. She doesn't deserve this."

"She is a Lannister, we all must make sacrifices for our family."

"Sacrifices? Those people hate us, surely you must know that! Do you think that they will treat her kindly?"

"She will fulfill her duty," Tywin replied sternly.

"As what?" Tyrion snapped. "Your sacrificial lamb?"

Tywin's eyes narrowed.

"I already told you once to watch your tongue. Perhaps you do not understand the meaning of duty or family honor, but your sister does. As you yourself said, she has never brought me any shame. Your brother lost his hand, your sister her daughter. This is what Minea needs to do for our family. We need this alliance with the Starks."

"Father…" Tyrion pleaded tensely. "Don't do this to her."

"It has already been done. She will leave as soon as possible. Speaking of which…" Tywin paused and stood up. "I want you to escort her to her new home and give her away. Obviously I won't be present at the wedding…"

"No, I won't," Tyrion cut in tensely.

"You won't?" Tywin repeated icily. "You want me to ask your brother? When he is still recovering?"

"No, but I refuse to give my sister to someone who will no doubt take all his anger out on her. After what Joffrey did to Ned Stark and Sansa…"

"He did not do anything to her. The girl took her own life."

"Yes, because Joffrey tormented her! Can't you honestly see what kind of a vile creature he is?"

"Do I need to remind you that this is your king you speak of," Tywin stated coldly.

Tyrion shook his head.

"You still think you can control him…"

"Enough," Tywin snorted. "You will go with Minea and present her and her dowry to Robb Stark."

Tyrion glared at his father.

"How can you sleep at night?"

Tywin almost smiled.

"I sleep well because I always put our family first. For once I ask you to do the same."

Tyrion stormed out without saying a word. Tywin sighed before taking a seat. His younger son was nothing but a disappointment to him. Minea however had always known her place. There was no doubt that her life wouldn't be easy, but Tywin was sure that she would learn how to cope. She was after all a Lannister.