Introduction

Cries of pain reverberated from the birthing chamber inside the great fortress of Casterly Rock. But the labor was quick in relative terms, and a new son was born to the great Tywin Lannister, Warden of the West, Shield of Lannisport, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands, and Hand of the King. For years the most feared man in the seven kingdoms could not sire an heir with his beloved wife Joanna. But fortune eventually favored the great lord. Fair Lady Joanna had borne twins the previous year, a son and daughter. They were known as the golden twins, the future of the great and powerful House Lannister. And now the great family gained another asset, Lucien of House Lannister.

Lord Tywin stood at his wife's side and appraised his son. As always, a newborn child appears unremarkable. Beat red, and constantly squalling. Lord Tywin hated the sound, throughout the first year of the twin's lives he had resigned their care entirely to his wife and servants. He would see his newborn son and then return to his solar, he was Hand of the King and he had pressing work to be accomplished. King Aerys levied near the entire burden of the Kingdom on Lord Tywin, certainly the dependent demands of infants should be dealt with by others. When the boy reached the age of four, Lord Lannister would begin preliminary instruction with the boy. He would not be the heir, but Tywin's own brother, Kevan, was a great asset both militarily and politically. The boy would be groomed for this same role. He would be a respected lord, a Lion. Tywin Lannister never smiled, his fool of a father seemed to have a smile permanently plastered on his face. For this reason, Lord Tywin hated laughter, he gave only gave a barest hint of a smile when he was alone with his wife. A full smile had only occurred twice in recent memory. His wedding day and the birth of his twins, his future. After crying for the entirety of his lord Father's presence, the newborn stopped crying, perhaps his mother's attempts at soothing him were finally successful. But the boy seemed to look at Lord Tywin, the infamous strong Lion of the west. Lord Tywin smiled.

Lucien

He was a comely 16 year old youth, but compared to the famed handsomeness and beauty of his older siblings he seemed ugly by comparison. He was tall from an early age reaching two inches over six feet to match the height of Jaime and his father. Always clean shaven. His hair was short and of course the famed Lannister blond.

His horse, a magnificent solid white strode through the grass and approached the Castle of Riverrun alongside his father and a select host. They were an impressive sight as they marched through the bright summer day.

Much had changed in the last few months and the entire seven kingdoms were shaken. There was a new king, Robert Baratheon the first of his name, and Lucien's sister Cersei was Robert's new queen. The Targaryens had ruled Westeros for centuries, but Aerys had been known as the Mad King and had turned the vast majority of his kingdom against him. Then Prince Rhaegar had kidnapped the Warden of the North's Daughter, and when it was argued, Lord Rickard of Winterfell and his son were burned to death. That started the war, but his own father, Lord Tywin Lannister had held back his armies helping neither side, only when it was clear that Robert would be victorious after he killed Prince Rhaegar did the Lannister's pay their debts to King Aerys the Mad.

Lucien had entered Kings Landing with his father as they sacked the city. Any Targaryen loyalists were surprised and quickly killed. Lucien had been on horseback and protected by a personal escort, donning the finest armor gold could buy. He had beaten everyone that he spared with at Casterly Rock, full grown men were thrown back by the young man's physical strength. Two weeks before departure he had surprised Ser Leolydd the Master at Arms and bested him, given Tywin complete confidence to ride into battle. To be fair it was more slaughter then combat, but one guard had swung at him. The strike was pitiful and Lucien's sword swung back and cut the man's neck as he rode past him. His first kill, and he truly felt a Lion as he rode through the streets.

The king was dead, his own brother Jaime had killed him. He had been sworn to the Kingsguard as a way to spite Lord Tywin by preventing his heir from marrying. Also it proved to be an able hostage and was a factor that Tywin stuck with trickery rather than rallying the banners at the beginning of the war. Jaime had been acquitted of any potential crime, which was just as Lucien saw it. Yes he killed the king but after all everyone involved rebelled against the king, all had sworn fealty to the king at one point. They were all oath breakers and it was necessary. He had heard scorn from common people over the next years. All in the land were calling his brother Kingslayer. It would have been an impressive title if it hadn't been said with disgust. Besides, calling his brother out on supposed lack of honor was rich, considering that even though he was appointed as a slight by a mad king, Jaime refused to leave the Kingsguard meaning he could not inherit land nor father children. He could not serve as Lord Tywin's heir, which was why Lucien had arrived at Riverrun today, to fulfill his new duty as the future of House Lannister.

She was pretty enough he supposed, no beauty like his own sister but that wasn't surprising. Besides he had a duty, he did not require beauty and the girl would serve his desires enough.

Lysa Tully was tall, just under 6 feet. She was lanky and carried a dopy smile. She was either very excited by his presence or an exceptional actor. Of course it was the later. Jon Aryan the Lord Paramount of the Vale was five and fifty. Without a living child he needed an heir and Lord Tywin's spies had told him that Lysa Tully was his only prime candidate, being a Lord Paramount's Daughter. Lucien was now Tywin's heir and he needed a wife. But his wife needed a prominent position by association and Lysa Tully was the only prominent marriage option outside the Westerlands. Of course she would jump into his arms rather than the bed of an old man so she tried everything she could to please the Lannister suitor as unnecessary her actions were. They would be married should either of them wish it or not. In her earnestness the girl naturally overdid her efforts. Lucien normally offered few words like his father, each word needed to be necessary and impactful, Lysa could not be more of the opposite ranging from topic to topic at a frantic pace, fawning over him, his father, and the Westerlands, which she had never seen. She did not seem very witty, but she would make due. So he did what was necessary and smiled at her, complimenting her (he tried to make the lies subtle and she ate up every word). He described the Westerlands and Casterly Rock due to her questions, he did not have to lie to appeal the area to her. The wealth and spender of House Lannister was known by the lowest commoners in the far corners of the seven kingdoms. At the end of the night he had her eating out of his hand. All an act but necessary and extremely easy, I am the Knight in Shining Armor to save her from a crusty old man whose attempts to pleasure her would sputter and die.

"Oh I do enjoy your company good Ser Lannister" the girl droned on, it was likely she had said this exact line multiple times this night. He hadn't been knighted either but no matter. "Tomorrow if it pleases you I would show you the gardens, they are most lovely early in the morning. I'd provide a chivalrous man such as yourself any experience Riverrun can provide." He stopped himself from snorting. That could almost have been considered an advance. The pure flattery sounded the same as the many girls who wished his advances due to being a Lannister. He refused to associate with whores they were beneath him. It seemed beneath the beautiful dress, great castle, and powerful father this girl was no different. But this girl is what his father commanded he take so take her he will.

"I would enjoy the scenery of Riverrun's famed gardens Lady Lysa, though it is your company that has my interest, I will gladly accompany you."

He didn't consider this compliment exceptionally good, but Lysa looked at him as if he were a God. She blushed and giggled like the maiden she was. Gods what an annoying sound that giggle.

"Oh Lord Lannister you are too kind" she spoke almost breathlessly "I will tell my Lord Father, yes I'll tell him truly of your good character Ser."

Her father was seated at the center of the long high table where the Tully and Lannister family were seated. He was talking with Lucien's father and it was clear Hoster Tully had no need or desire for his daughter's opinion. His father had talked with Hoster Tully the entire feast, securing Lord Tully's consent. Lord Tywin never failed in influencing others, this marriage was already secured across the table.

"I will be a dutiful wife to you my Lord, birth you strong sons and beautiful daughters. My father dotes on me, I have his ear. He can benefit you through me, he loves me so. The seven has blessed me, my sister is tied to a brute up in the cold north and I seemed condemned to lay for a frail old man. But you have come to save me, chivalrous knight. I pledge my love to you brave lion, I will please you Ser Lannister I swear it."

Finally she touches on something I care about, the only thing, though she drones on and on. Like you could manipulate Hoster Tully don't make me laugh, though your wiliness to throw aside your family to greater fortunes with me is somewhat amusing. I need children aided by influence in the Riverlands that this marriage provides. Very well I'll be your Savior. My mother was by all accounts a great aid to my father before she was ripped away. You cannot fulfill this role, but there are worse marriage options than a willing, naive fool.

"Every man dreams of coming to the aid of a fair lady. Your Lord Father will consent to our match. From my short time with him it is apparent that he wishes to see you happy." He will agree because my Lord Father will ensure he does. Hand of the King or no, Tywin Lannister is the most powerful man in the seven Kingdoms. "And you shall be happy in the glamour of Casterly Rock my lady, as happy as you are tonight."

Lysa lit up, even more gleeful than before. Enough of a reaction for the nearby bannermen, ladies, and servants to awkwardly look over at the soon to be couple, it was clear to everyone that this visit had quickly turned from suitor to engagement. Lucien gave a smile as close to a real one to the future lady of Casterly Rock. It was nearly painful for everyone to look his way. Some of these men were his future bannermen. He might as well have been the one to make the scene. His father caught his eye, an experience that had made Lucien cower in fear as a young boy. Tywin Lannister gave no indication at all of the success of this visit, let alone that the girl was fawning over his son and heir. Nor should he, everything is going as planned. This night was easy, ensuring the legacy of House Lannister will be the great task before us. Tywin and Lucien Lannister, every man, woman, and child shall respect our names. Lucien gave his father the slightest nod.

Lucien: 4 months later

They were wed in the beautiful sept overlooking the cliffs of Casterly Rock through large ornate windows. Lucien did not take much heed to beauty but he had to acknowledge the magnificence of the location. He took the time to revel in the scenery before his wife was led to meet him at the altar. After his mother died he hardly ever came here, his father cared little for the Gods of the seven and like with most things he followed his father's example. He was dressed as befitting the heir of the greatest Lord of the seven kingdoms. He found such pomp irritating, but of course he would play his part and do his duty.

All of Lord Tywin's bannermen had come to see their future Lord wed. The majority of Lord Hoster's bannermen were present as well and entertainment was planned as befitting the marriage of the children of two Lord Paramounts and the surrounding company. It was even grander than the wedding of King Robert and Queen Cersei, he suspected Jon Aryan wished to save the crown's finances. That put a smirk on his face. His sister had always wanted to be queen and her own wedding, while grand, felt lesser than the marriage of her second brother, a brother she had largely ignored.

Cersei herself stood at the front of the audience, her radiant beauty slightly undone by the jealous scorn etched on her face. His Lord Father stood beside her, his face as always portraying no emotion despite seeing his heir married. His brother Ser Jaime stood in the white cloak of the Kingsguard, even at his own brother's wedding. All this could have been yours brother, I and my father should thank you, enjoy guarding the King as he fucks your sister, I will stand at father's side where you should have been all along.

Next to Ser Jaime, Lucien had to drop his eyes to see his brother Tyrion, the dwarf, the Imp of Casterly Rock. It must have pained Lord Tywin to bring the Imp publically in front of so many guests. He gazed over him quickly, at nine years old his brother was insignificant. Jaime loved the dwarf, Cersei hated him. In a way Lucien hated him too, with his birth he had torn apart his mother. She had been kind, read to him and taught him lessons. But those memories paled in comparison to how he truly remembered his mother; her screams that carried across corridors as the dwarf slowly killed her. He wouldn't blindly reject him however, however much Tywin hated Tyrion he was given an education equal to his other children. The dwarf may very well benefit House Lannister and Lucien wouldn't push him away. He wasn't kind to the dwarf either, though it was rare he was particularly kind to anyone. A lion wasn't kind, but kindness could be utilized to be cunning.

At long last his bride walked down the aisle arm in arm with Lord Hoster Tully. Her dress was expensive and exquisite and enhanced her fair face. The ceremony passed in a blur, unnecessary pomp and vows. He recited his lines accordingly. He cloaked his bride in Lannister red, gave her a dutiful kiss and strode down the aisle of the sept.

The feast was grand, he sampled each dish and noticed his skinny wife eating generous portions and clearly basking in the attention given to her. He started the dance early in hopes to ensure her drink did not match her food or before she spilled something on her radiant dress. It wouldn't do well for his image if his wife were drunk and stumbled over him in front of so many guests. The solo dance was finished to the applause of the spectators. And as was customary he danced with other partners. Cousins of his bride, wives and daughters of lords, and his portly Aunt Genna who couldn't resist to whisper barbs at his wife's intelligence. He expected nothing less from her.

"Lovely wedding nephew, though bit of a sad affair for me personally, I'm selfish I know, but after speaking to your Lady wife its clear I'll be resigned to managing the upkeep of Casterly Rock until the day I die while you and my brother scheme to your heart's content. A women's work is rarely recognized and it seems Tywin ensured I will have no useful assistance in this matter whatsoever" She spoke with false despair.

"Why my dear Aunt stop this morose attitude. You should rejoice and kiss Father's ring for arranging this match. The young shall learn from the elder. Just as father has molded myself, you shall influence dear Lysa. Nothing would bring me more happiness then for my wife to take after my dear Aunt."

His Aunt was caught off-guard and her expression portrayed a mix of surprise, amusement, and irritation. "Sarcasm is unbecoming of you Lucien, perhaps married life has begun to change you from the stone statue you currently resemble."

"Statues are erected to commemorate valor and men of great legacy, it is appropriate I am in the image of greatness."

"How chivalrous to allow the slight on your woman but take an opportunity to praise your own self."

The next partners were unmemorable, he did dance with the bastard daughter of Lord Horace Margave of the Riverlands. A surprise that she was in attendance, famed for her beauty and cursed with natural birth. While restrained, she appeared enamored with him or at least what he represented. Subtlety is rare these days, shame it's wasted on a bastard daughter. She had nothing meaningful to say however and blended with the rest. Until he came to dance with his own sister Queen Cersei, a wicked smile plastered on her face.

"Dear brother what a wondrous occasion, such glamour and extravagance for a second son."

"Quite true, I am surprised you would grace me with your elegant presence sister, did you desire a rest from the capital? Court not what you expected? The King is attentive?"

That hit a mark, her face twitched for a moment, she hid it quickly but the short action spoke a thousand words. He concealed a satisfied smirk, he found Cersei insufferable, and anything that disturbed her fairy tale story without harming House Lannister satisfied him greatly. Lucien took charge leading the two of them away from the majority of the crowd. He spoke so softly that only Cersei could possibly hear him, the low volume caused the words to hold a terrifying edge.

"Do not fret and chase after the Kings affections, you only need to birth his heirs. His grace is like most men and pines after what he cannot have, most likely he laments the Stark girl that he lost."

His sister recovered and smiled sweetly at him, her voice with feigned courtesy laced with venom.

"His grace adores me greatly, coming to my bedchamber every night and I will carry the heir of the Iron Throne."

"He must have a long cock to reach you from King's Landing, be sure to do your duty."

"I am Queen, my son will be King, I have power through the Crownlands, everything that I wish. I fear you do not have everything brother, Father will live a long while. I also spoke with your dear wife, it appears she left her wits in the Riverlands."

Lucien regarded her coldly, he hated to concede this point but he wouldn't lie to defend Lysa, an obvious lie would fall right into Cersei's hands. Lysa could be molded over time. When trading barbs with his sister he learned how to take charge and deliver the final strike.

"Children and alliances are not conceived and fostered by a women's wits, she has given us a foothold in the Riverlands. You believe Robert's crown gives you power? The lout is not suited away from a battlefield. I shall stand at father's side, my rightful place, and mold Westeros to our design."

Before she could respond, Lucien turned to his side and called out to the person next to him, a young man of 18 and blond hair that made him look nearly a Lannister, though he was far to kind to be one, "Gentleman, Jiyason Wedlland I believe, would you do the groom the honor of taking a dance with my sister Her Illustrious Grace?"

"If it would please Her grace it would be my honor" the young man answered respectfully. Enough people had heard and Cersei could ill afford to be so publicly rude to a noble. She accepted with a fake smile and gave Lucien a look as she moved away.

He returned to the high table, his wife was leaning back in her chair speaking with her Lord Father. Lucien's own father hovered over the two of them. Hoster Tully spoke softly but Lucien could hear Lysa from afar. But when she saw her husband she disregarded her father.

"My love, you've returned! I've missed you so. Our dance was so graceful, so passionate. No man could match you. Too much cold courtesy in their stance, but your dwarf brother was the worst, he must have done it as a cruel jape, I had to bend down for the little boy and he stepped over my feet at every step."

Her speech was slurred enough to put her drunkenness beyond any doubt. He had heard snickers from those seated close by as he approached. This had to end immediately, laughter at the expense of House Lannister in the vicinity of Tywin Lannister could not end well. She had surrounded herself with supposed well-wishers and bathed in the attention, drinking along the way. He noted that Tyrion was close enough to hear Lysa's words and looked disheartened. Perhaps he meant it innocently, but the boy should have known better than attempt a dance with his towering bride.

He could imagine Tywin berating him for not keeping a close eye on Lysa, but it was customary to dance for a prolonged time to socialize. It appeared Lysa preferred to have people ascend the dais to greet her. Tywin could have stopped the flow of wine at any time, it was likely he allowed this to teach his son a lesson, which would aid the relationship in the long term. It would do well to remove Lysa from others eyes before she said another foolish thing too loudly, like announcing her eternal love and attempting to kiss him before the whole host. The look in her eyes showed that to be a dangerous possibility. Lord Hoster was of the same mind.

"Goodson" Tully said in a resigned manner "Perhaps the bedding should commence"

"Agreed" Lord Tywin said dryly, the unspoken lesson communicated through eye contact with his son. He seemed to approach from thin air.

Lysa beamed "An excellent idea father, why I would just sit here for the rest of the time and the food and wine will soon stop. No reason at all to dawdle."

The wine and food was flowing liberally at the other tables, but she did not notice this.

She rose unsteadily and beamed at him. Hoster Tully looked dismayed seeing his little girl acting in her current state.

"The bedding should commence" Lucien confirmed simply in the same tone as his father.

Lord Tywin immediately addressed the feast and formally announced the bedding as if it were mundane as describing the weather.

"Lord Lucien and Lady Lysa of House Lannister have been wed and fed, by tradition now they shall bed."

And the bride shall soon be dead, should her wine intake inflate at the same rate as her ego. She is acting an absolute fool. At least with a host this large, not all reached the dais when she was drunk. Too busy feasting and partaking in merriment themselves. This mummery must end before an embarrassment occurs.

He encouraged the men who participated in the ceremony to come up and pick her up before she left her place on the dais so that the whole audience would not see her inebriated state as she fumbled down the stairs. Jaime knowingly smirked at Lucien as he passed him.

Lysa was carried away, blushing and giggling fueled by the wine she had consumed. Lucien saw Jaime among the men carrying her, his hand suspiciously close to groping and could hear him as he spoke loudly "Apologies to those attempting to sleep above and near their bedchamber, you'll hear the lions roaring all night." That brought bawdy laughter from many men. Lucien could imagine the irritation on his father's face, as children risking the ire of their father was considered suicide by the Lannister children, but Jaime had grown bold with his position on the Kingsguard.

In contrast to his wife being carried. Lucien took long confident strides, calmly towards the bedchamber like a proud lion, requiring the ladies attending him to keep his pace. As the son of Tywin Lannister they were cautious with him and did not say anything. His Aunt Genna made the first move unbuttoning his doublet "Come on ladies he cannot do his duty in the bedchamber dressed" she scoffed. That motivated them enough to take the majority of the clothing on his upper torso off. Margrave's bastard was the most aggressive, they didn't dare reach below his waist. Due to his brisk pace it may very well trip him.

The ladies scattered when he reached the right side entrance to the bedchamber eager to leave, though the bastard lingered longer than the rest, though he started later, his pace put him in front of Lysa. "Sire my brother a grandson, I would like to see him smile again before he dies." His Aunt Genna remarked as she left him alone, with none of the sarcasm she commonly used. Lucien paused for a moment, the genuine words affecting him. Picturing a smile on his father's face was unconscionable. The one person Lucien loved was his father, it wasn't a warm relationship but instead one of growing respect. He couldn't make his father happy, but he could make him proud. This wedding was the beginning of Lucien's claim for the future. The future Lady of the Rock would need to live up to the high reputation his mother set. Perhaps Lucien was being as foolish as what he silently accused his wife of being, and Lysa Lannister could be more than a tool. A challenge, but one he would do what he could to make a reality. The Lady of the Rock was a prestigious title, his father was owed a dignified successor to that post. If the girl felt the weight of expectations, perhaps she would apply herself.

After he entered, his wife was carried in as well. Her dress was torn and her body was mostly exposed. In fact, there wasn't much left of the dress at all. My brother's doing no doubt, always wanted to make himself known in every situation. Jaime called out to him as they left them alone "Careful with this one brother, she's more like to have wine come out of her then maiden blood." He left before he could reply. All three siblings have mocked me tonight. But the brothers have shamed themselves in father's eyes already and Cersei is more like than not to displease him in some way.

He regarded his wife with a cold look. She didn't seem bothered by his expression or she was drunk enough not to notice. She sauntered up to him, it was a good thing she was carried, she may have not have reached the chamber without falling.

"My Lord" she said lustfully, no hint of shyness at all "I am yours, I wish to truly please you."

Most boys would have dove into such an invitation. But three moons shy of 17 years old, Lucien Lannister was no boy.

He spoke in a low voice, using the same diction he heard his father use many times. A relatively quiet, but commanding and assertive voice.

"It would please me should I have your word that you never publicly act as you have. I have no tolerance for drunkenness, nor does my lord father. I will not have japes made at the expense of a Lady of House Lannister. I have cloaked and made you a lion, a lion is not clumsy, a lion is proud, a lion roars."

His words seemed to momentarily drain the alcohol from her blood. The prideful arrogance from the dais was gone. For a moment, she looked nothing more than a terrified child. The thoughts for the future cause me to sometimes forget how young we are. For the love of any gods, you dare not cry. She seemed to recover and bowed her head. "My lord… My lord I offer most sincere apologies, I…I shall honor you with courtesy that is due." She seemed to be on the verge of shaking. Good the message sank in.

"A mistake you won't repeat, my sweet lady. I say such things for your benefit. I want to see you loved and respected. I am of a proud and powerful family, and you shall sit by my side with our children. Men and women from across the seven kingdoms will speak of the hospitality of the Lady of the Rock, the strength of her sons and fairness of her daughters. You shall be remembered with respect."

She looked up at him with wonder in her eyes, clearly picturing the perfect future he painted for her. "Yes my Lord, as you say" she spoke with longing.

"You shall be courteous dear Lysa, but while we are alone… well I did enjoy the lust in your voice"

Lysa donned that dopey grin again and squealed with renewed drunken glee as she was pulled towards her husband, the remains of her dress discarded.

It was wise of Lord Tywin to ensure no one occupied nearby rooms near and above the bedded couple that night, it was ensured that future bedchambers were isolated. If there was ever a time that Lysa Lannister roared like a lion, it was in the bedchamber.

Lysa

I was a fool Lysa thought as she lay in bed later in the night, her husband asleep. When awake he looked alive and proud, even terrifying to a degree. But asleep he appeared peaceful. A foolish girl who was caught up in the moment, well wishes from men and women I had hardly shared a previous word with. I am better than that old stupid insipid bitch. I will begin anew. I will prove myself to my new house. Grow into a true lion. For my lord husband will provide everything and I can aid him not only with children but with my mind. The gods are good. Cat is frozen in the North an unruly beast burst from her belly. I shall bear Lords and Ladies, I've finally finished ahead of her for once. That put a smile on her face. Not the smile she normally gave, a malicious one. I wanted to see her expression in that frozen wasteland when she heard that I have a golden lion. Unable to attend my own wedding, I sat through yours the somber affair. The snows are too thick, unsafe travel, a new babe. Ha, excuses, jealousy. Her dull Northern husband couldn't have done this to her.