"The Lion Still Has His Claws…"
Chapter Three: You Will Marry The Elf.
The next morning the king had called a small council meeting though instead of having in the tower of the hand as they usually had it, the king ordered it to be his chambers, much to Tywin's irritation. Tywin had all small council meetings in the tower of the hand because it saved him time, and also provided him with more time to discuss the important matters needed discussing, though it seemed his grandson couldn't get that in his head. Once Tywin arrived to the king's chambers he noticed that his daughter and son were already there and Joffrey was standing by his window with that mischievous smile plastered all over his boyish face. Once Joffrey caught sight of Tywin he walked over to him happily, he was clearly up to something.
"Grandfather! You're here, please take a seat!" Joffrey said happily as he pulled out a chair for him, motioning to take a seat.
Tywin arched his eyebrow curiously as he walked over to the table and took a seat, noticing his children were avoiding his gaze which wasn't usually a good sign.
"You seem to be in a merry mood today, your grace." Tywin muttered as he looked over to him with his cool sullen gaze.
"Yes, your quite right grandfather!" Joffrey chuckled as he placed his hands on his hips.
"And might I ask why that may be?" Tywin asked curiously, he was in no mood for his grandson's childish games.
"I have come up with a solution for our elf problem." Joffrey smile softly. "I plan to marry her off and I have chosen the perfect man to give the elf bitch too!" Joffrey chuckled happily. "Isn't that right, mother?"
"Yes, your idea was positively wonderful, my love." Cersei said softly as she offered a small smile loving smile in her son's direction.
Tywin arched his eyebrow as he looked over to his daughter and back at his grandson, the king's choice of whom the elf was marring would obviously upset Tywin due to their idiotic expressions and the king's irritating giddiness. Tywin's eyes then shifted over to Tyrion whom was sitting quietly in his seat with a smug smirk on his face and a cup of wine in his greedy little hands, there was most defiantly something going on.
"And who may I ask do you plan on marrying the princess too?" Tywin asked growing annoyed at the delay in information.
Joffrey smirked as he poured himself a glass of wine, taking a few sips before walking around the room. He then set the glass aside and leaned against his grandfather's chair, looking quite pleased with himself.
"I thought about it long and hard, I wanted to untie our families as you said." Joffrey explained as his eyes twinkled mischievously. "Though Uncle Tyrion was already married, and Uncle Jaime has taken a vow never to marry, and I am pleaded to another. Then a wondrous idea hit me, I could make the elf bitch a Lannister by marrying her off to you, grandfather!" he said happily.
At that news Tywin sat there for a long moment, his icy blue gaze never leaving his grandson. Tywin never wanted to remarry after Joanna, he would refuse all proposals given to him, his heart only belonged to Joanna he couldn't possibly give it to someone else, even though most marriages weren't based upon love he couldn't stand the thought someone laying in the same place Joanna had at his side.
"What do you make of that grandfather? Perhaps you could even put a Lannister baby inside the elf bitch." Joffrey said happily.
Tywin then slowly stood from his seat, over towering his grandson slightly which caused the king to shrink back nervously as he looked up at his grandfather.
"You will not marry me off without my consent, your grace." Tywin said calmly.
"The king can do as he likes!" Joffrey snapped back, gaining a bit of courage. "Now, you will marry this elf bitch, or are you defying orders from your king?" Joffrey hissed, with venom in his eyes.
"Denying orders from your king is considered treason, father." Tyrion smirked as he brought his glass of wine to his lips, taking a small sip.
"Silence!" Tywin snapped as he glared over to his dwarf son. He then turned his gaze back to his grandson, he was still obviously quite irritated. "I am far too old to marry this girl, your grace and I have no need for heirs." he said simply.
"Oh, you are plenty young enough, grandfather. I'm sure you can manage to lay your seed inside the bitch's womb." Joffrey said simply as he gave him a cocky smirk. "Now, will you agree to this betrothal or are you committing treason by ignoring the command of your king?" he hissed.
Tywin started back into his grandson's face, it was obvious to anyone with eyes that Tywin was quite upset, especially by the way his jaw was tightly clenched. After a few moments of intense silence Tywin gave the king a swift nod.
"I will agree to this marriage, your grace." He said through his tightly clenched teeth.
"Wonderful! Congratulations to the both of you!" Joffrey said as he clapped his hands happily. "Now, who shall inform your lucky bride?"
"I will inform her, your grace." Tywin said.
"No, no. Don't bother yourself, I think it would be better if I were the one to do it." Joffrey chuckled darkly. "Besides, I am the king…it would sound more official coming from me. Please sit and drink your fill, Ser Meryn bring my grandfather's lovely bride here, so I can tell her the wonderful news!" Joffrey said with a smile as he took a seat at the head of the table.
"Of course, your grace." Ser Meryn nodded as he turned on his heel and left the room with haste.
Meanwhile Alanna sat on the floor in the middle of her room with a book translated in Elvish in her lap. The reason being for her seat on the floor was she began growing tired of sitting at the window or sitting on the soft cushions of the chairs and her bed, so she decided on sitting on the floor. As she read the book in her lap a sad smile began to appear upon her inhumanly beautiful face, she truly missed her father and her kingdom, even Lasdir. She then turned the page as she ran her delicate fingers across the words gently, as a few tears began to fall down her beautiful pale cheeks.
"Edraith enni, ada." she whispered as her tears fell onto the pages of her book, in Elvish she said 'Save me, father.'
Then suddenly a knock at her door caused her to jump slightly, so she quickly wiped away her tears and hid her book to the best of her abilities before standing to her feet. She then smoothed out her dress and put on a pretty smile for the visitor on the other side of the door.
"Enter." she called softly.
When the door opened revealing Ser Meryn her stomach began to tie itself in knots, she didn't like that man. Even his facial features looked harsh and heartless.
"May I help you, ser?" she asked softly.
"The king has ordered me to escort you to the small council." he said abruptly as he grabbed her by the arm causing her to let out a small gasp in surprise at his touch.
"Might I ask what his grace wants with me?" Alanna asked curiously as she attempted to pull her arm out his grasp.
"Hush elf!" He snapped as he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword as if to threaten her.
The walk to the king's chambers seemed like a long one in Alanna's eyes, she couldn't help but wonder why he wanted to see her. From what she gather last night at supper she was to be treated as an honored guest, though is this how the king treats his honored guests? By sending his knights to grab her harshly and pull her from her chambers without so much as a simple explication? As they began getting closer to the king's chambers Alanna felt her heart beating fast against her ribs, it felt as if it was beating as fast as a humming birds wings.
Once the reached the door, Ser Meryn opened it and roughly pushed Alanna inside to see Joffrey smirking at her which made her skin crawl. As she looked around the room she noticed Tywin and he couldn't seem to look at her again, nor could Tyrion look at her. They eyes upon her belonged to the king and his mother which made her feel even more uneasy.
"Princess Alanna of the Kingdom of Edareweth, your grace." Ser Meryn announced in a gruff voice.
Alanna then slowly took a step closer to the table as she offered the king and his mother her best curtsy she could manage.
"You wished to see me, your grace?" she asked softly.
"Yes, yes! Please have a seat and drink for these are happy times and we are in need of celebration!" Joffrey said happily as he stood and walked over to her, pulling our her chair and pouring her a glass of wine.
Alanna arched her delicate brow as she slowly made her way over to the chair that was pulled out for her, taking a seat. She wasn't sure about the king's behavior, it was obvious he was up to something by the look in his eyes. Though Alanna took the glass offered to her and put on her best polite smile.
'Celebration, your grace?" She asked curiously as she brought the glass to her lips, taking a small sip.
"Yes! We have your betrothal to celebrate!" Joffrey said happily.
Hearing those words almost caused Alanna to spit out her wine, but she swallowed it and looked up at him with her curious blue eyes. Betrothal? Who was she marring, and when was this decided?
"Betrothal? I'm afraid I do not understand, your grace." Alanna frowned as she looked at him for a long moment. "Who am I to marry?" she asked.
"You are to marry my grandfather of course, and you will become a Lannister! Uniting our families!" Joffrey said proudly.
Alanna arched her delicate eyebrow as her gaze slowly shifted over to Tywin who was still avoiding her gaze.
"I beg pardon, your grace." She said softly. "Though I do not remember agreeing to this betrothal, not that Lord Tywin isn't a handsome man." she said softly.
Joffrey glared at Alanna for a long moment, it was quite obvious he wasn't pleased with her statement. He then walked back over to his seat and sat down, his crown crooked on his head once more.
"I do not remember asking you if you agreed to this betrothal, elf." he said sharply. "I am the king, and you will do as I say!"
Alanna frowned as she slowly shook her head, she couldn't understand how this young boy force her to marry his grandfather. Especially knowing that elves had different traditions considering marriage.
"I will not agree to this marriage, your grace." she said simply as she brushed a strand of her golden hair behind her pointed ear.
"You have no right to tell me what you will not do! If I command it, you will do it! Or I will have your head, elf!" Joffrey snapped as he slammed his fist down on the table.
"And you have no right to push me in a marriage I did not choose!" She snapped as she stood from her seat, causing everyone to stare at her curiously. "In my kingdom we have traditions, we view marriage much differently than humans do! How dare you treat my traditions so lowly!"
"I haven't a care for your stupid traditions!" Joffrey said as he rolled his eyes. "And the next time you raise your voice to met, I'll have Ser Meryn teach you a lesson."
"So be it, he could teach me a thousand lessons and I will not change my ways, your grace." she said simply, standing her ground.
"How dare you-"
Though before he could finish his sentence Tyrion butted in offering Alanna his kind and charming smile, calming her nerves a bit.
"My lady, what if his grace would consider your traditions?" Tyrion asked curiously. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind hearing them out."
"I am hearing nothing out, imp!" Joffrey snapped.
Tyrion then let out an annoyed sigh as he looked over to his nephew with an icy cold glare that looked much like his father, causing the young king to fall in a nervous silence.
"You have pushed this poor girl into a marriage, the lease you could do is hear her traditions out. That is if you'd like to make an impression on her family." Tyrion said sternly.
"Fine, what are your stupid tradition's elf?" Joffrey sighed as he crossed his arms.
Alanna slowly took her seat as she attempted her calm herself, she didn't want to be married, but she could play the part for the king. She knew once she sent word to her father he'd stop it.
"Well, we must give each other silver rings which we will wear throughout the betrothal, it's a symbol of our commitment." Alanna explained softly. "Though if you wish to know more of the traditions I must insist you call my father here, he would want to meet my future husband I'm sure. He must give Lord Tywin his blessing in order for this to actually happen." she muttered.
"Well, that all seems quite reasonable enough, wouldn't you say your grace?" Tyrion asked as he looked over to his nephew who waved his hand and nodded.
"Fine, call her father here. I haven't a care." Joffrey said as he stood from his chair. "I grow board, you finish the details uncle." he muttered as he stalked off, Cersei following close behind her son.
Tyrion then turned to Alanna and offered her a small smile as he reached out to pat her hand gently with his warm one, Tyrion was always so nice to her she couldn't believe she was afraid of him when they first met.
"I will sent a raven to your lord father, immediately." Tyrion said softly. He then looked over to his father and offered him a slight nod. "Congratulations to you both." he said as he climbed off his chair and waddled out of the room just leaving Alanna and Tywin.
Once she heard the door shut she let out a sigh as her gaze slowly shifted over to Tywin who was sitting besides her. She wanted to say something to him, anything…but she couldn't find her words. So she gripped the necklace she was wearing tightly and offered him a sweet yet rather nervous smile.
"So, you are to be my husband." she said softly as she looked at him with her bright blue eyes.
"So it would seem." Tywin said without even so much as a look her way.
"I hope I prove to be a good wife to you, my lord." Alanna said softly as her golden hair fell into her face.
Though Tywin said nothing to her, he didn't know what to tell the girl. He was in an arrangement he did not want to be in, she looked too much like Joanna it was as if her face was haunting him and it brought up feelings deep inside him that he vowed he would never allow himself to feel again, it was quite irritating to him. He then slowly stood from his chair as his icy gold gaze shifted over to her, as if he was studying her which made Alanna feel a bit nervous.
Then without another word Tywin turned on his heel and made his way out of the king's chamber, leaving Alanna alone in the silence with her thoughts. Alanna liked Lord Tywin he was a kind man or so she thought at least, though she could feel that he was as upset on the situation as she was. Alanna then slowly stood from her seat and made her way out of the king's chambers and began to head back to her own, her heart racing once more. She felt as if she was trapped, a bird in a cage. Alanna never wanted to marry she never found anyone she would like to spend her forever with, and this marriage being forced upon her and so quickly wasn't an appealing thought. Though as she made her way to her chambers she held her head up high she was the princess of the Kingdom of Edareweth and daughter to the third of the nine Elven Kings she had to be brave, she couldn't let these humans sully her honor as an elf. Alanna would have to put on a polite smile and welcome everything the humans would throw at her, nothing could bring her down she wouldn't allow it. Father will be here soon, he will save me. He will end this betrothal and take me home where I belong. she thought to her self, she knew her father would save her he wouldn't let her go through with this, or so she thought.
