Before you read this chapter everyone, I want you to remember that yes, Cersei loves her children (her one redeeming quality, that and her cheekbones), but she mostly cared about Joffrey since he was the heir to the Iron Throne and never really concerned herself with Tommen and Myrcella, except when they were about to be taken away from her. Honestly, I think that was probably for the better or else Tommen and Myrcella may have ended monsters like their brother.


CERSEI I

"I don't understand why we have to visit Casterly Rock."

"Because your grandfather is dead, my sweet boy. We must go there to pay him our respect."

"I am a prince," replied Joffrey. "The heir to the Iron Throne. My vassals should visit me, not the opposite."

"You are right," confirmed Cersei. "But some of your vassals need to be visited from time to time. They feel honored when you do."

"Anyway, how could grandfather visit us if he's dead?" asked Myrcella.

"You, shut up. You're just a silly little girl," said Joffrey.

Myrcella resumed her embroidery work in silence while Tommen kept playing with a new cat he received a week before they left. Cersei was also occupied with an embroidery, though with neglect. She preferred to marvel at her son and to advise him how to be a king. At thirteen, Joffrey already looked very much like Jaime with his green eyes and shining golden hair. Cersei was proud of him. He already displayed very well the pride, the courage and the will that would be necessary when he would become king. Cersei had shaped him ever since he was born to make him a great ruler when the time would come for him to sit on the Iron Throne.

Joffrey had many admirable qualities that would make of him the greatest monarch in history, as long as she would be close to advise him. First, he was strong. No one could insult him without being rebuked or punished. Joffrey didn't allow it more than she did. He even allowed it less than her. She taught him well on that. Second, he was very handsome. All the young girls of the Seven Kingdoms would soon swoon before him, lowborn and highborn alike. He was getting more handsome every day, and Cersei didn't doubt he would keep getting handsomer until he was at least forty. Third, he feared nothing. Nothing and no one could threaten Joffrey. He had no tie to hold him back, and was ready to do everything that was necessary. The respect and the fear he inspired to his younger brother and sister were only proofs of that. Fourth, he was far wiser than anyone at his age. He had ideas to make his rule better and stronger than any other king before him, like the idea to create a permanent royal army or to give the lands and seats to people he trusted instead of letting them pass inside families whose loyalties were doubtful at best. However, Cersei had to make him see things under a different light quite often. Joffrey was very eager to make these reforms, not considering the resistance that could come from some of their enemies. But this was only one of the few minor flaws her beautiful son had, and she was there to prevent them from bringing him to make serious mistakes. She would always be there for her son.

Vylarr came to tell them they would be at Casterly Rock in two hours. It was about time They had left King's Landing two months ago, not long after the new reached them. Jaime had first accompanied them along with Ser Boros, but he had left their retinue three weeks ago, pretending he wanted to pay his respects to their father more quickly. Cersei had not been able to retain him, and truth be told she hadn't really wanted to. Jaime had been more stupid than ever since they learned their father had died. He didn't see the urgency of the situation. Their father was dead. They had to act quickly to get what belonged to them. It was time Jaime became the man Tywin Lannister had always wanted him to be, the Lord of Casterly Rock. But instead of following their father's will and taking the position he was meant for, he hid behind his vows of kingsguard, proclaimed his love for her and said Tyrion was there to rule the Westerlands.

Cersei couldn't believe that her father died and that the little monster who killed their mother now owned Casterly Rock. That wasn't what their father had wanted. He never wanted that. Jaime was supposed to be Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West while Cersei would be queen and Joffrey the future king. Instead Jaime served as a dignified bodyguard and their wretched brother now bore the title that was theirs. Casterly Rock belonged to her and Jaime, and she would make sure it would be theirs.

She wished the journey had been quicker. Jaime wasn't entirely wrong when he said their pace was too slow, but they had no choice. Cersei wouldn't go to Casterly Rock in full speed. She wouldn't arrive at her home only on a horse, with tangled hair and all sweating from a race on horse, just like Jaime had wanted. She would come like a queen should come. She had taken her children with her. She wouldn't let them in the hands of Robert and Jon Arryn for all the gold in the world. She also brought with her a retinue of a hundred red cloaks, leaving the other hundred behind her in the capital so they would remind their enemies that the Lannisters were the real power in the Seven Kingdoms, about twenty servants and two kingsguards, both loyal to her.

The two hours that followed passed very quickly. Cersei spent her time telling Joffrey and her two other children about how Casterly Rock was beautiful and mighty, and how they should behave with the people there. She forbade them to spend time with their dwarf uncle unless their mother was present, something Tommen and Myrcella didn't seem to approve in the first place, but she repeated the interdict and they didn't question her furthermore. Joffrey agreed with her. He was the only one of her children wise enough to understand the threat Tyrion could represent. Her children only had to listen to her and everything would be alright. She wouldn't let the monster approach them, especially not Joffrey.

They rode under the Lion's Mouth and emerged in the first courtyard. Cersei left the wheelhouse, followed by Joffrey, then by Myrcella, and finally by Tommen. She was home. A smile came to her lips, but it faded almost immediately when she saw who was there to welcome them. Tyrion strode in their direction, a smirk on his ugly face. All the other Lannisters remained behind, including Jaime clad I his usual clothes, without cloak, either red or white.

"What a surprise, big sister," said the Imp. "We were afraid you would arrive later. It's been so long since the Rock saw you for the last time. I think we don't need to perform any formality. After all, we're between family. As Lord of Casterly Rock, and as a brother, I welcome you, sister."

The ugly smile didn't leave his face a single second as he spoke. He didn't even kneel before her to the opposite of the others in the courtyard. Perhaps he felt taller when the others were kneeling and he was standing tall, if we could call it standing tall. It was more appropriate to call it standing short. He walked toward Joffrey. Cersei eyed him suspiciously, ready for anything. If he was to try anything on her son, she would immediately order Vylarr to cut him in half.

"Hello, my prince and nephew. Taller than the last time. I do hope that your behavior improved as much as your appearance."

"We cannot say the same about you," Joffrey replied. Cersei smiled at the comment. Joffrey always knew what to say to mock his uncle. The smile didn't leave Tyrion's face however.

"No, indeed. You're right, dear nephew. I'm done growing up. But being short has its advantages." He raised his hand and for a second Cersei feared the worse, but in the end he only patted Joffrey's cheek a few times. "And anyway, as long as I can reach your cheeks, I don't see any problem in being small."

It was a chance the Hound was behind them, or else he would probably have slapped Joffrey, or worse, but the pats were obviously a threat. The little dwarf went to Myrcella, still with this horrible wide smile crossing his face.

"Look at you. More beautiful than ever." He kissed her daughter on the cheek and turned his attention to Tommen. "And you! You… You're going to be bigger than the Hound. But much better looking."

Tyrion, Tommen and Myrcella all laughed. Even Joffrey let a few giggles escape his mouth. Only Cersei and Sandor Clegane didn't share their enthusiasm. The Hound wouldn't like her brother. She could use it against him eventually. Cersei didn't like to see Tyrion close to her children. They were her children, and Tyrion had no right to interfere in her way to educate them.

"Will you show me the watery caverns?" asked Tommen.

"Well, you look old enough now. You're getting taller than me already. I'll show them to you." A wicked smile was on Tyrion's face.

"No. Tommen won't see them," Cersei intervened. "He has better things to do of his days than to visit dark places."

"But, Mother. I want to see the caverns," pleaded Tommen. "Uncle Tyrion showed me the dungeons below the Red Keep with all the dragon skulls one day. I want to see the caverns. My cats love them."

"No cave," Cersei stated, not leaving place to discussion. Tommen dropped his head, accepting the decision. Cersei wouldn't allow her wretched brother to have any influence on her children, and the less they spent time near him the better. She didn't know about the visit of the dungeons. Where else did he bring them?

Tyrion turned to Vylarr after looking at her with something like disapproval. He talked with the captain of the red cloaks while Cersei talked to her other brother, the one she loved, her other half, and to all the other members of House Lannister. They had all bent the knee before her and showed her the respect she deserved. These ones knew who she was at least. She would use it to bring down Tyrion. She would start this very night. She received the appropriate condolences from Genna, Kevan, Damion and all the others, but took her leave quickly with her three children. They were given roomy apartments worthy of their position. It took a lot of time for the servants to unpack everything they brought with them. They weren't done yet when dinner time arrived. Cersei went to see her father's grave in the meantime. She would be the daughter that would continue his legacy to the very end. In a thousand years, they would only talk about Tywin Lannister as the father of Cersei Lannister. She would be the one the history books would remember. This would begin at dinner.

All the members of House Lannister, from Cersei to Joy Hill, the bastard daughter of her uncle Gerion, were present. This was a family dinner. She wore black, like half of them, and Genna hugged her. She had tried to take the place Cersei's mother once occupied after her death, but she had failed miserably. All the same, Cersei had her compassion, which could be useful when the time would come. They only started the dinner late. Tyrion took all his time to come, and Kevan said they couldn't start it as long as the Lord of Casterly Rock wasn't present. Cersei couldn't manage to get them to start without Tyrion, but she began all the same to prepare the field by subtly remembering Tyrion's flaws to everyone, from his small size to his taste for whores. She would bring them all against him.

Tyrion finally waddled inside the dining room. "Forgive me for being late, everyone, but I had several important duties to attend. I'm afraid the work as lord is much longer and demanding than I thought." He sat at the head of the table and everyone followed his example. He wore a black doublet, as if he was grieved by their father's death. Cersei found herself at the other end of the table, facing the little monster, with her children and Jaime close to her. Genna and Kevan sat at Tyrion's left and right. Cersei decided to launch a first assault as the first course was served.

"I suppose the work as Lord of the Rock must be exhausting for you, little brother. Surely it is too much demanding for someone like you." She displayed a satisfied smile as she said that.

"Well, I work no more than our father did when he was still alive," replied Tyrion.

"Tyrion is right, your Grace," added Kevan. "Lord Tywin used to work from dawn to sunset. He did it until the very end. Tyrion does nothing less."

"It must be very tiresome for you all the same," insisted Cersei.

"It is," confirmed Tyrion. "Much more than if Father was still alive and I could ask him to rescue me each time I demand something to the person I'm married with."

How dares he? Tyrion turned his attention to Kevan. He talked with him about some matter concerning the Iron Islands, though Cersei couldn't make out entirely what it was about since the others started their own conversations at the same time. Cerenna and Myrielle Lannister were giggling together while their father, Ser Stafford Lannister, talked with Kevan's wife, Dorna. Genna joined Tyrion and Kevan in their discussion, ignoring her husband and her children. Jaime spoke with Tommen while Myrcella discussed with Joy Hill. Joffrey was amiable with everyone, like always, except when they behaved incorrectly towards him. At one moment, Cerenna asked Joffrey if he would walk with her next morning in the gardens, which he accepted with all the grace a prince should have.

"Princess Myrcella," asked Tyrion from nowhere all of a sudden, "is there some young man who invited you to spend some time with him yet? You're more than beautiful enough for that. This must be the main feature you inherited from your parents. I'm sure a few knights have already turned their eyes when you passed before them."

Myrcella got redder than a tomato. "I… I… I don't know, Uncle." Tyrion was smiling at her daughter. Cersei wanted to kill him. Couldn't he let her little daughter quiet?

"Of course, she doesn't know," said Joffrey. "She's just a child. No knight would care to look at her." It was directly said, but it was the truth. Myrcella was still too young for young men to take an interest in her, and Cersei wouldn't let any of them approach her daughter.

"I think they would look more at her than to you, nephew," countered Tyrion. "Unless the knight in question is Loras Tyrell, though he's not a knight yet."

Genna chuckled and Jaime too. Everyone knew the heir to Highgarden was very close to Renly Baratheon and about the nature of this proximity. At least, most of the people. Cerenna whispered something in Myrielle's ear, and they both giggled. Some however, like Joy or Genna's grandsons, didn't seem to notice the significance of these words. Joffrey got red from anger and humiliation, and Cersei as well.

"At least, Joffrey stays away from places of dubious reputation," said Cersei with a smirk.

"I wish the same could be said of his father, or his dog," replied Tyrion. "I like your husband, Cersei. Our king is one of the very few people who can compete with me at drinking. Just like your son's dog. But since I'm half their size and that I can drink more than half what they can before I pass out, I guess I'm better at drinking than them. I also make better jokes than them. Wouldn't you agree Tommen?"

"I agree," said Tommen immediately. "Uncle Tyrion, could I visit the water caverns tomorrow?"

"I already said you won't," Cersei cut sharply.

"Your Grace," began Tyrion, "Prince Tommen will probably not come back to Casterly Rock before a very long time. And I am sure that inside the Rock, among his family, he is safe anywhere at any time. I am sure no mother would be able to refuse a request very kindly made by her youngest son." He was saying that on a patronizing tone.

"I'll accompany Tommen," said Myrcella. "He won't risk anything with me."

"Mother, please," asked Tommen, his big eyes pleading. Cersei couldn't hate Tyrion more than in this moment, and her daughter didn't make it any better. Cersei forced a fond smile on her face.

"Alright. You may go. But Captain Vylarr will come with you."

Cersei didn't speak much for the rest of the dinner. But she looked at Tyrion with all the fury she could muster for turning her youngest children against her and for mocking her eldest son, her tall and handsome Joffrey. Cersei was tired when she returned to her chambers with her children. She ordered the septas to make sure her three children were put to bed before she went into her own chambers. Later in the night, Jaime joined her and, for the first time in more than two months, Cersei spent a passionate night with her twin brother. She almost forgave him his refusal to become Lord of Casterly Rock. Anyway, she would convince him to become the lord in the following days.

The next morning, after they broke their fast, Tommen and Myrcella prepared to visit the watery caverns in the depths of the Rock. Cersei realized that Captain Vylarr wasn't among the guards who came to accompany them, and that she didn't remember seeing these men in King's Landing among the red cloaks. However, they assured her it was Vylarr who sent them, so she let her two youngest children go. Joffrey went to the sparring ground with Sandor Clegane and Cersei went with Ser Boros to see Tyrion. She had a good discussion to have with her brother. She didn't remember where his personal rooms were. She never cared where Tyrion lived back when she was still at Casterly Rock, as long as it was far from her own chambers. When she asked a passing servant where she could find Tyrion, she was answered she would find the Lord of Casterly Rock in his solar at the top of the ringfort. With hope, the dwarf wouldn't be called a lord for a very long time.

Cersei was horrified when she entered his brother's rooms. In fact, these weren't his rooms. They were her father's rooms, the personal chambers of the Lord of Casterly Rock. Tyrion had lost no time in claiming these rooms for himself, and he had changed everything in it. Her father's solar had been arranged to inspire fear and respect to anyone who would penetrate it, with objects that had belonged to the lords he had defeated in the past and great banners displaying the golden lion of House Lannister on crimson field. Her wretched brother had turned it into something that looked more like a library, with books, ledgers, scrolls and insignificant things everywhere. There was only one banner of their house, far away on a wall, and you had to know it was there to see it.

The Imp sat behind her father's desk, all made of gold with table legs in the form of lion legs. He was writing something and raised his eyes only for a second when she entered, before focusing again on the piece of paper right before him. His squire, a young boy Cersei thought was one of Genna's son or grandson, announced her and left after Tyrion thanked him, still not leaving the parchment with his eyes. Ser Boros came in with her. She would make clear who had the real power here. Cersei went to him, towering the little man with all her height, stopping only a few inches from the desk. Tyrion kept writing. When he was done writing the first letter, he sealed and stamped it with the seal on a ring at his right hand. Cersei realized this was the same ring her father once used to stamp his own messages. Her greatest wish right now was to snatch it from Tyrion, but before she could he spoke.

"Your Grace," as he took another piece of parchment and started to write again. That was all. He barely acknowledged her presence, not caring to look at her while he said her title. She was the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Who did he think he was?

"I was hoping we could talk," she said, trying to sound amiable though not entirely hiding her scorn.

"Go on then. I'm listening." He kept writing, still not looking at her. "You can sit if you wish, your Grace. Unless you want to remain standing there like a handmaiden or a servant."

That was too much. Cersei snatched the letter from Tyrion and tore in a thousand pieces. "I am the Queen! You will look at me when I speak."

"That's not a very queenly reaction." She slapped him. "That wasn't very queenly either." She slapped him again. "Alright, what is it you want to say, your Grace? I don't have much time. I'm not the queen who can do whatever she wants of her time. I am the lord paramount. I have a castle, mines, lands and bannermen under my responsibility. I have duties, and work to do."

"No longer. Leave this place immediately. These rooms don't belong to you."

Tyrion looked all around himself, as if he tried to see where he was. "As far as I can remember, these rooms belong to the Lord of Casterly Rock."

"Jaime is the Lord of Casterly Rock," Cersei said with a poisonous voice.

"You're wrong, big sister. I'm afraid he's not."

"He is. Don't contradict me. I am the queen."

"Yes, you are the queen. Because you are married to the king. Hence, you are a queen consort, and your duties are mostly to sit next to the king and to give him babies." Again, Cersei slapped him. "You're perfecting the art of slapping people. Anyway Cersei, your husband already acknowledged me Warden of the West. I don't think he will come back on his decision. Father is no longer alive, so you can't threaten Robert with him like you always did. As for Jaime, the matter is settled."

Tyrion produced a document from under the desk and handed it to Cersei. She snatched it from his hands, to show how she hated him and how she gave him no consideration. She unrolled the scroll and read it. She recognized Jaime's writing, but couldn't believe what he wrote.

I, Ser Jaime Lannister, son of Tywin Lannister and Joanna Lannister, hereby confirm the vows I took in 279 AC when I was raised to the Kingsguard by its Lord Commander, Ser Gerold Hightower.

I give up all claims I could have on all lands, castles, keeps, titles and territories, including and not limited, on Casterly Rock and its lands, on the Westerlands, and on all the titles attached to these lands and castles. I renew my vow to never hold lands or castles, to never marry, and to never father children. I repeat my vow to serve my king, to keep his secrets and to protect him with my own life, from this day until my last day.

Ser Jaime Lannister,

Knight of the Kingsguard

This was Jaime's signature. How could he do something like that? Cersei tore the paper in rage. "Is this meant to be your shield? A piece of paper?"

"These are Jaime's words," said Tyrion.

"These were. His words will change. Leave this place. I won't repeat it again."

Ser Boros made a step forward. Tyrion rose from his seat and walked to the door. He knocked on it. She thought he muttered something on the other side, then closed the door and looked back at her. "I will give you the same advice, sweet sister. Leave this place. You are in my rooms, behaving quite unsuitably with one of your husband's bannermen. I'm ready to forget about this and to attribute it to some weariness or illness, and to Father's death that affected you deeply."

"You will leave these rooms immediately and leave them to me," Cersei shouted.

"To you? I thought Jaime was the Lord of Casterly Rock, or at least that it was what you believed. Or said. There is often a great difference between what people say and what they actually believe."

Cersei smirked. "Jaime never thinks. He laughs at everything and everyone and says whatever comes into his head. Jaime is a handsome fool."

"And you want a handsome fool to lead House Lannister?"

"I will lead House Lannister. Casterly Rock is mine. Jaime will be lord, and I will rule. You have no right over Casterly Rock. I have every right over it. I am the queen!"

"I heard enough!" Cersei heard a voice behind her and froze immediately. That was the same voice that whispered in her ear this night. She turned to face her twin. Rage marked his face, and he was shaking. He didn't wear an armor, but had a sword at his belt. "A handsome fool. Is that really what you think of me?" He spoke between his teeth, anger plain in his eyes. "It seems you were right, Tyrion. She wants Casterly Rock for herself. You won't have it, your Grace. The Rock belongs to Tyrion. I bent the knee before him not long after I arrived. There were knights, lords, all our family and most of the household to witness it. The coronation ceremony already took place. All the lords and landed knights of the Westerlands recognized Tyrion as their liege lord. He is our lord, from this day to his last day."

Again, Cersei couldn't believe what Jaime was just saying, and that he was actually here. How couldn't she see him? There were curtains. Perhaps he hid behind one of them. That meant he heard everything, all their conversation. Cersei took back her composure. "Casterly Rock is ours, Jaime. He killed our mother. He can't have it."

There were knocks on the door. "Yes, sister. I can have it, and I have it. Come in," shouted Tyrion. The doors opened and about ten guards came in. Cersei recognized the man leading them. It was Vylarr, the commander of the red cloaks in King's Landing. There was her chance.

"Captain Vylarr, arrest this man. Put him in the dungeons where he can rot and think about where his true place is. Ser Boros, carry him."

Ser Boros walked to Tyrion but was stopped immediately by Jaime's sword on his neck. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Blount."

The kingsguard didn't move. Vylarr didn't move either. He looked at the situation with utter confusion. Tyrion spoke next. "Captain, Vylarr, you swore fealty to House Lannister when my father was Lord of Casterly Rock. Now you owe your allegiance to me, his son and heir. Escort the queen back to her chambers and keep her in to make sure nothing happens to her."

There was a little hesitation, but Vylarr moved toward her with his men. "Your Grace, please follow us."

Cersei fumed. "Captain, I gave you an order."

"Your Grace, I beg you. Follow us."

Cersei understood then. The red cloaks were betraying her. They swore allegiance to her father, and they believed Tyrion was his rightful heir. She turned to Jaime, but his eyes were hard on her. Ser Boros didn't dare to move, her brother's sword still on his neck. Cersei knew he had no chance against Jaime alone. Jaime was the best sword in Westeros, and Ser Boros faced not only Jaime but also ten red cloaks. Conceding the defeat, Cersei followed the men to her rooms. She was raging inside, but once she was back in her personal chambers, she devised a new plan. She lost a battle, but not the war.

Jaime came to see her during the night. Cersei had been confined to these rooms all day. She hadn't even gone to see her children when they came back from the cave. She was happy to see him, even if he turned against her. Jaime didn't come to kiss her or to pull her into an embrace like he usually did.

"That's how you see me? A handsome fool? Someone who doesn't think? A cock between your legs because you couldn't have Robert or Rhaegar? Is that all I am?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, Jaime," said Cersei. "I didn't know what I was saying. I was angry. He took what was us by right."

"The way you talked about it, the Rock was yours, and I was only there so you could use me to have it."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I was furious. He's… I hate him. He killed our mother. You remember the day she died. Now our father is dead as well. And he's here, in his solar, ruling House Lannister. How do you want me to react to this?" She let tears run on her cheeks. Tears are a woman's best weapon, her mother once told her. Jaime seemed to be smoothed by it.

He came to sit by her side on the bed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Tyrion didn't kill our mother on purpose. He was only a baby when this happened. He didn't want to murder her. I don't want to be a lord. If I was to become one, I would have to give up my vows. I would have to marry and to have children with another woman. And I would have to leave King's Landing, to leave you. That's not what I want. I want to be with you. That's all I want." He went to sit behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, while bringing his hands slowly up. "Let Tyrion stay at Casterly Rock. Let him have it. Let's return to the capital where we'll be alone. Just you and me. Tyrion rules well, and he has Kevan and Genna to keep an eye on him. If he ever tries something against you, they will stop him. And if they don't, I will. I promise."

What came next was only an explosion of pleasure. The last night hadn't been enough for Cersei. She could never have enough of her other half. The next morning, Tyrion paid her a visit not long after Jaime was gone. He didn't expect her to bend the knee to him before everyone since she was the queen and would certainly never accept to do it, but he expected her to behave adequately around him and to not threaten him again. She was at Casterly Rock, and the Rock was now his seat, so she had to respect him under his roof. She would be escorted by ten red cloaks all the time to ensure her safety.

Cersei had to accept this little monster's rule. Jaime wouldn't help her, the red cloaks had turned on her and Boros Blount was useless. Her imbecile of a brother made it quite clear. Everyone considered Tyrion as the Lord of Casterly Rock, and Cersei realized it quite quickly during the two weeks she spent there. She spoke with many people during this time, trying to see what were the feelings about Tyrion. Most of the Lannisters didn't object his place as lord, and many even supported her. Those who really mattered were Kevan and Genna. Cersei had managed to obtain from Creylen her father's will. It confirmed her certainty that Tywin Lannister had never wanted Tyrion as his heir. He clearly named Jaime Lord of Casterly Rock. However, Jaime had acknowledged Tyrion as his lord, and there was obviously nothing Cersei could do to change her brother's mind. Kevan was Tyrion's main advisor like he had been her father's before, and he only had good comments to say about Tyrion's rule up to now. As for Genna, Cersei had tried to convince her that Tyrion shouldn't be lord, only to discover that her aunt had been the one to pressure everyone to acknowledge Tyrion as quickly as possible, and that she supported him even more than Kevan. She didn't hide her true feelings to Cersei.

"Jaime smiles like Gerion, fights like Tygett, and he serves like Kevan in some small way too. But he has nothing of your father in him. As for you Cersei, you have your mother's beauty, and you have the ruthlessness, the ambition and the cunning of your father. But none of you are Tywin's children, or your mother's children. But Tyrion is the son of Tywin and Joanna. He has the intelligence of his father, his instinct for politics and affairs, his cunning as well, and he can be ruthless when he needs to be. He also has your mother's heart, and her compassion. You don't know it Cersei, but your mother wanted a second son. When she realized Jaime was no fit to become Lord of Casterly Rock one day, she decided they needed a new son, she and Tywin. And she got him. Tyrion is the son she hoped for, and the heir Tywin dreamed of, even he was too stubborn to admit it."

Cersei was furious and wanted to tear out her aunt's head from her neck each time she thought about her words. How could she say Tyrion looked like their father, and even worse like their mother? Tyrion was a twisted little monster who carved his way out of Cersei's mother to live, and let her die. He was nothing like her mother. He wasn't even human, except when it came to his manly needs.

Cersei had secretly tried to convince some people that Tyrion was unworthy to be Lord of Casterly Rock, but to her surprise it didn't work out very well. The people, the household, the family, the bannermen had recognized him officially. There was some grumbling among the guards of Casterly Rock about something he made to prevent the men from enjoying the company of some servants, and Cersei could use that eventually, but it was not enough to set them against him immediately. With Jaime who had knelt before Tyrion and more than a hundred people who saw him do so, there was no alternative for people. If Cersei had been a man, they might have considered her to take Tyrion's place, but she was a woman, something that enraged her even more.

All the same, Cersei gathered some information she could use against the usurper of the Rock when the time would come. She wouldn't allow him to stay Lord of the Westerlands for long. She planted seeds for a coup. When she left, she was confident in the future. She had even let Tommen and Myrcella spend time with their little uncle to let him believe she didn't care anymore about his position. Anyway, she would bring back her children in the right direction once they would be on the Goldroad on their way back to King's Landing. Tyrion wouldn't see her next strike come. She did all she could to look amiable to him, though it pained her to do so, but that was necessary.

Two weeks later, she left the Rock. Tyrion had decided to keep the red cloaks who came with her from the capital and gave her new men from the guardsmen of Casterly Rock. Even Vylarr was replaced and remained in the Westerlands. Cersei decided in the end to not worry about it. The other red cloaks in the capital right now were still loyal to her, to the opposite of Vylarr and his men who betrayed her. She would bind the new red cloaks to her like she did for the previous ones.

Two days after leaving the Rock, Cersei was lying in bed along with Jaime. He had left with them, and Cersei had managed to make sure her children would be in another carriage when she would spend her nights with their father. They were done with one their dances and Jaime went to pour himself a cup of wine.

"It's good to be gone. I didn't think I would hate to visit our home," said Cersei.

Jaime came back at her side and gave her his cup of wine that Cersei drank with a seductive look. "We're far away now. Don't bother about Tyrion anymore." Jaime kissed her and came on her again, resuming their lovemaking. "Anyway, he will be too much occupied in the following months with his marriage. He won't think about you and how you hate each other."

Cersei looked at Jaime as if he just slapped her. "His marriage?"

"Yes, our little brother will marry soon. Kevan is arranging a marriage for him."

Cersei ignored this up to now. Why did no one tell her? Why did Jaime only tell her now? As Jaime lost himself in their joining once again, Cersei's mind remained set on this new information. If Tyrion got married, then he might produce an heir. And if he produced an heir… Cersei would have to stop it, by all means necessary, as soon as they arrived in King's Landing. This thought didn't leave her mind for the rest of the night. Not even Jaime could make her forget about it, though he didn't notice she wasn't with him as they made love.


I hate Cersei (in case that's not obvious enough). As always, her plans don't go as well as she thought, but that doesn't make her less dangerous. The future Lady Lannister should be careful with her sister-in-law.

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Next chapter: Margaery