Jeyne stared at the man standing in front of her, watching her through his squinty little eyes. "My husband? But he can- He-he has no trouble to-" She couldn't think of a good way to put this.

"Aye, he has no trouble spilling his seed inside of you," the maester helped her out. "But his seed itself may be unsuitable."

She straightened her shoulders. "That is unheard of."

The man snickered softly. "Outside of Oldtown, it is unheard of because people do not like to hear it, but at the Citadel, it is common knowledge that in some cases, the man is to blame when a woman cannot conceive. Tell me, does your lord husband have any natural children?"

"Tytos? No. He would not-" She stopped herself. Don't be a fool, Jeyne. Just because he refused Ellyn does not mean he's never been with another woman. "None that I know of."

The maester nodded. "Good. Good. I've made some inquiries myself, and people seem to agree. Your husband strikes me as the kind of man who would make sure all his children are well-cared for. If nobody knows of any bastards he's fathered, perhaps he does not have any."

"That proves nothing." Jeyne studied the man. He's put some thought into this, asking around. It was a bold move. He did not strike her as the kind of man to take such risks, but looks could be deceiving. "Let's say the fault does lie with Tytos... Even if it is true, even if he believes me, his father never will. He... he's losing patience...He will-" She turned her head. "It has been six years since I wed his son."

"Lord Gerold's health is failing him, and he wants the matter of succession settled before he passes," the maester said calmly. "He will force Tytos to set you aside as soon as he can, no doubt. Your husband is a gentle man, perhaps too gentle. He won't be able to stand up to his father for much longer. I could try to treat him, but I'm afraid you're right, Lord Gerold wouldn't take kindly to the suggestion his own blood may be to blame." He paused. "It is a curse from the gods, they say, and no lord likes to hear his house is cursed. Much less with what they already say of him."

A brother and a niece dead, followed by a childless marriage. A curse from the gods for the gravest of all sins. People had whispered about it for years. Of course, the Lady Alysanne must have been at fault, for Gerold the Golden had fathered four sons on his second wife. Still, first he remained without child, and now his son and heir. A generational curse from the gods they will call it. The kinslayer is accursed in the eyes of god and men, they will say. "Lord Gerold will have your tongue if you tell anyone his son is to blame."

"This is where you are wrong, Lady Jeyne." The maester took a step towards the hearth to add a log of wood to the fire. "He will have my head. There is much in your goodfather that I admire. He is a strong man, and a capable ruler, much more so than any of the Targaryens will ever be. But the rumors surrounding his brother's death have been eating away at him over the decades. They have turned him into a smaller man than he used to be. He would sooner kill the messenger than face the truth."

Don't tell him then, Jeyne wanted to say. Just give Tytos whatever it is he needs to get me with child. But even if her husband agreed to keep this secret from his sire, sooner or later, Lord Gerold would find out about it. He always did. "Tell me, what would Tytos have to do?"

"I've read of a man who was cured through fasting, and another who consumed the testicles of an aurochs. There are texts that claim a man must drink the blood of a cockatrice – or its seed, according to another source." The maester shrugged. "The truth is, we know little and less of what it takes. At the Citadel, even the Archmaesters are beginning to recognize that oftentimes, nothing can be done at all when a couple is unable to conceive. It's not a very popular opinion with the lords we serve, but so are most truths, wouldn't you agree?"

His words were like a stab in the gut. You are telling me there is no hope. A few more moons, and Tytos will be forced to set me aside, and there is nothing I can do except pray I won't be wed to the Stranger. "Thank you for your honesty."

"There may be another way. Your husband may not be able to get you with child. But as long as your womb is fertile, you can still save yourself."

Jeyne's face turned pale. "You should not say such things. If Tytos learns of this... gods forbid, if Lord Gerold were ever to hear such talk-"

"But he won't hear of it, will he? Who would tell him? You?"

"The walls of Casterly Rock have ears."

"Aye, they do, but not up here. Lord Gerold offered me a space near his own quarters, warm and comfortable, yet generous enough to accommodate a king. There are good reasons why I chose the highest tower of Casterly Rock instead."

"I would rather live my life as a Silent Sister than betray my husband."

The maester turned around, slowly walking towards the small window of his study. "Your husband loves you madly. It would break his heart to have to set you aside. You could spare him the pain." His voice was calm, reassuring. No, manipulative, Jeyne thought. He's trying to manipulate me. He was good at it, too. His act of subservience even had Lord Gerold fooled.

"What do you think the Golden Lion will do if the High Septon tells him Tytos cannot divorce you?" He continued. "The Faith is loathe to give its blessing without good cause, and I fear it is common knowledge that your marriage has been consummated."

So you're threatening me now? "The Father will judge him justly for whatever he chooses to do in that case, I suppose," Jeyne said icily. He's right though. If the Faith does not allow Tytos to set me aside, Gerold will have me killed. "Pray excuse me. I must be on my way."

The maester nodded. "Very well then. Could I ask you a favor though?" He picked up a small scroll from his desk. "A raven came from Tarbeck Hall with a message for Lord Gerold. Could you bring it to him when you go back down?"

Jeyne took a look at the sealed letter in his hand. "Fine, yes, I'll take it with me."