Chapter 10-Love Storm
Tyrion stared at his Father, who sat in front of him with a desk meant for the Hand of the King to work from being the only barrier between them. The old lion decided to glance around the room, ignoring his son for the decorum of the place since he was here last. So far, from what he could tell, nothing had been changed, or was out of place despite the multiple Hands who once worked in here.
Himself included.
Tywin was no stranger to this room since he had been Hand of the King years ago when the Mad King ruled the Seven Kingdoms. Out of all of the others Hands during the Mad King's time, he was the most successful, and the one to last the longest out of all of them. He had seen many things that few could stomach or tolerate as Hand of the King, which was why the death of the Targaryen royal bloodline was not truly missed by the people.
Well...perhaps Prince Rheagar would be missed to some degree, but not by much after what his actions help cause.
"You keep yourself busy. I'm somewhat impressed," commented Tywin while his son offered him some wine and drank it.
"Being Hand of the King is a major responsibility. You told Jamie and myself that more then once when you had this position. Nothing has changed in that regard," said Tyrion while Tywin nodded since the Hand did a lot and usually cleaned up the messes the King made.
The old saying "The King shits and the Hand wipes" came to mind.
"I'm actually more surprised you take your position seriously. I half expected to hear you were out drinking and spending time in the brothels instead of performing your duty as Hand. Yet you have proven to have done the opposite. Even when Joffrey ruled for a time," remarked Tywin while Tyrion gave a weak smile.
"As usual, you underestimate the potential of your youngest. Given how I have done so much for our House even before being named Hand of the King, I would at least think your opinion of me could have been somewhat higher," said Tyrion with Tywin's face showing a minor grimace.
"Your past performance in showing your potential up until recent events was the main reason behind my low expectations of you. You spent your days reading books, drinking wine, and whoring in brothels while spending the wealth of our House blindly," replied Tywin with Tyrion scowling.
"Considering how I was scorned for being a dwarf and considered the murderer of my own Mother upon my birth, is it really such a surprise?" questioned Tyrion while Tywin paused for a moment.
"No. I suppose not. Still, you have proven yourself quite capable. Clearly what you lack in being physically normal you make up for with a sharp intellect. One worthy of our House. I suppose that was why I made you Hand of the King in my place while I was out fighting the North," said Tywin with Tyrion frowning.
"Are you sure? I always felt you did it so I would be close to Joffrey and the brat would unleash his sick cruel tendencies on me with his Mother's backing," countered Tyrion in a somewhat harsh tone.
"The thought had crossed my mind, but you are a Lannister. A smart and clever one who knows how to play the game and knowing who to trust when needing help as I did when I was Hand," said Tywin while Tyrion nodded.
"I learned long ago that my physical form was a weakness. The only way to counter it was with a strong mind. Sadly, the strong mind cannot be seen by others unless events allow it to be seen," said Tyrion with Tywin nodding.
"Indeed. Which leads me to my next question...where is the woman who is keeping you away from the brothels?" asked Tywin while Tyrion paused in his drinking from his wine cup and looked at his Father.
"What makes you think I have a woman in my life? Considering what you did to the last one?" asked Tyrion with Tywin's face sporting a scowl that made many tremble in fear.
"Because I know you Tyrion. You have inherited my keen intellect. Something Jamie did not. The only reason you aren't spending what time you are not working at brothels, is because of a woman. Someone you have come to love and yet kept from me knowing I would most likely disapprove. Like I did last time," said Tywin with Tyrion grimacing, but still held ground.
"Say I did find someone to love? Someone who loves me back? Someone who loves me not for my gold or my position? But for me? All that I am? Are you going to do what you did last time?" asked Tyrion while Tywin simply looked back without giving anything away.
"That would depend on the woman you fell in love with," replied Tywin while Tyrion had a worried yet still angry look on his face.
"Even after all this time, you would punish me, and the woman I love when your other two children have done far worse?" questioned Tyrion while Tywin made a face that looked between anger and disgust.
"Jamie is already been punished for his crimes and will continue to be punished for them long after I am dead. Your...sister has been punished by losing her head. Out of all of my children, you have done the least offending, but that does not mean you can simply lay with any woman who catches your fancy. You say this woman loves you? Not for your House's wealth or your position of power? Prove it. Let me see her and I will decide if she is a good fit for joining our House," replied Tywin with Tyrion frowning.
"Your expectations were near impossible for Jamie and impossible for me. Especially for me. You would never approve of any woman I fell in love with unless our House gained too much to ignore such a union," said Tyrion while Tywin scowled further.
"Which means the woman you are with now has nothing to offer you accept sexual favors and her so called 'love' for you. I'm not impressed," said Tywin calmly, yet it was clear he was not pleased.
"At least the woman I am with isn't related to me? Or would you prefer I find one of my own female cousins of our House and have sexual relations with them? To be like Jamie and Cersei in siring incestuously born children?" countered Tyrion while Tywin got even angrier.
"If you did that, I would gladly go to the Wall after taking your head off myself. Still, I am finding it is impossible at this point to restrain you from being with such a woman. Given your position as Hand of the King and the King himself backing you should it be required, I am willing to let this issue slide. But only if I meet the woman in question first and see if she is indeed worthy of my youngest son," said Tywin while Tyrion scowled and for a moment both Father and son looked very much alike.
"I want your word as a Lannister and for you to swear upon the grave of the woman you love who is my Mother that you will cause the woman I love no harm," said Tyrion in all seriousness while Tywin grimaced for a second.
"I swear it. On our House and the grave of my late wife, who brought you screaming into this world. I will not harm this woman who apparently loves you. But, should I find her lacking in being worthy of courtship into our House, I will ask the King to remove this woman from the Seven Kingdoms to ensure neither of you are together again. Ever!" said Tywin while Tyrion's scowl became more serious to match his Father.
"And should she meet your expectation, there will be no interference from you. If we get married, you will not object to our union. Ever!" countered Tyrion while Tywin was both impressed and upset by his son's terms.
"You assume there is a chance this woman will meet my expectations," said Tywin while Tyrion looked more confident.
"If you are so sure she won't, then agree to my terms. Unless of course, the great Tywin Lannister is afraid of being wrong?!" challenged Tyrion while Tywin once more fumed over his son's words.
And was once again impressed by his son's boldness.
"Have her meet me in the throne room with the King later before my entourage departs for Casterly Rock. I wish for his Grace to be there to ensure everything between us is civil," said Tywin while Tyrion nodded and watched his Father leave the room before letting out a tired sigh.
Tyrion knew Shae was perfect for him. He knew it. Shae knew it. The King knew it. But Tywin Lannister...he might know it, yet still refuse to acknowledge the truth.
At least until the truth smacked him in the face.
(Red Keep-Small Council Room)
"Daenerys Targaryen has taken over the city of Meereen?" questioned Naruto while the Master of Whispers Varys nodded.
"Yes your Grace. All without losing a single soldier. Her plan was utterly brilliant. She brought hope to the slaves and the means to free them from the Wise Masters. Once the slaves were armed with swords and freed of their chains, they descended on their owners with fury, and killed the vast majority of them. Those they spared were those well known for being good to their slaves to some degree and were spared their wrath along with the wrath of Daenerys Targaryen. Already she has been called the Dragon Queen and ruler of the city of Meereen with roughly 8,000 Unsullied and 2,000 members of the Second Sons under her command. Not to mention what is left of the Khalasar who followed her from the start," said Varys while Naruto frowned.
"You and I both saw the Unsullied in action your Grace. They are quite impressive and loyal to those they serve," added Prince Oberyn, who had been made an Advisor, and part of the Small Council.
The Prince of Dorne was also given authority to run all the brothels within the city and keep these establishments properly maintain while respectable. Happy clients were good, but Naruto made it clear unruly clients who abuse the women (or men if the clients were secretly into that sort of thing) would not be tolerated at these brothels. Naturally, Prince Oberyn accepted this of course, and was even allowed to have a nice respectful sum of money made from the brothels become a form of additional income for Dorne.
Not to mention Prince Oberyn got to enjoy the "fruits of his labor" in terms of managing brothels supply of whores.
"Indeed. These Unsullied under her command are even more loyal given they fight for Daenerys Targaryen as free men. Freeing slaves from their chains would give her quite the beloved and fanatical powerbase among the populace," added Naruto while sighing at this latest predicament.
"There is also word of her three dragons growing larger and stronger with each passing day. They are already well beyond the size of a horse and from what I have been told they do breathe fire," said Varys while Naruto grimaced.
"It's hard to imagine dragons being alive again. I never thought I would live to see it, much less hear about it" said Ser Davos Seaworth though it was more to himself.
"This Daenerys Targaryen could be a threat to your rule over Westeros your Grace. She is the daughter of the Mad King and has claim to the Iron Throne as the only living royal member left of their House. With an army behind her...she could move to challenge you for the crown," said Mace Tyrell with a hint of concern in his voice.
"And given who my Father was, I doubt she will be civil should we clash," added Naruto with a grimace knowing his Father killed her brother Rheagar Targaryen at the Trident.
Not to mention Uncle Jamie killing the Mad King and his Grandfather Tywin Lannister betraying said Mad King following the Prince's death.
"For the moment, any plans to invade Westeros are still a time away. My birds tell me that the new Dragon Queen is most likely going to have her hands full with those who are displeased with the way Daenerys is running things. Mainly those who would thrive on the tradition in using slaves and those who make a profit out of selling them. Still, it will be difficult for any dissenters to get near Daenerys as she had Ser Jorah Mormont and Ser Barristan to advise her. Both are well seasoned veterans who have been invaluable to her since they came into her service. In fact Jorah Mormont was spying on her for us at one point in exchange for a pardon. One we have delivered just before the late King Robert Baratheon died. However, I have been informed by my little birds that he has decided to stay at the Dragon Queen's side, and has continued to serve at her side as a key advisor," added Varys with Naruto grimacing.
"What Jorah Mormont does following his pardon is entirely his choice and one he no doubt considered before making his decision. I won't hold it against him. As for the issue with Ser Barristan, this was not entirely unexpected given his own history with House Targaryen. In truth, my half-brother Joffrey was an idiot to remove Ser Barristan from the Kingsguard. He could have been invaluable to us here. Now we have the most seasoned and most experienced swordsman in all the Seven Kingdoms serving as a chief advisor to Daenerys Targaryen herself. There are only a few in all of the Seven Kingdoms who can and would challenge a man like him. Whether out of fear or respect for his skills. Are you absolutely certain that Daenerys isn't planning to invade us anytime soon, Varys?" said Naruto with Varys nodding.
"An army, a city, and people Daenerys Targaryen may have your Grace. But a fleet of ships? She has none," answered Varys while Ser Davos scoffed.
"You are leaving out the words 'not yet' in that sentence Spider. Your Grace, it is a well known fact that this Targaryen woman needs ships to cross the Narrow Sea. While she may not have ships now, anyone can acquire ships by purchasing them, or having them constructed to suit ones needs. This woman is a Queen of a city with a port. A port where ships can be made, enter, or exit to the seas to any destination her heart desires. If and when this Targaryen gets the fleet of ships she wants, I'd bet my remaining fingers on my right hand the army at her command will be on them, and they will sail straight for this city. If the stories about one dragon being worth an army, three dragons can decimate most if not all of the other Seven Kingdoms, and the rest of the army she possesses can be used to keep the other major Houses from all the other Kingdoms in line," remarked Ser Davos since he had been to enough strategy and war meetings with Stannis to learn a thing or two about fighting.
"She is not wrong your Grace. If we are to handle Daenerys Targaryen, now is the time," said Varys while Naruto thinking things over in his mind.
"I don't disagree Varys, but the question on how to handle her is the issue here. My Father tried to have her assassinated long before she was considered a threat. That was a mistake on his part. The action made our now Dragon Queen aware that we knew of her existence and considered said existence to be a threat. Now she has an army, three dragons, and a justifiable reason to use them against us should she wish it. Another attempt will not only fail miserably given her sharp minded advisors, who will spot the assassins easily. Not to mention the act will only motivate the Dragon Queen to speed up any plans she has to invade Westeros," explained Naruto since attempting to assassinate Daenerys was stupid from the first attempt and it would be stupid now.
"What do you propose your Grace?" asked Ser Davos while Naruto was thinking things over in his head.
"We need to open a dialogue with Daenerys Targaryen. Communication and diplomacy is the means to keep Westeros out of another senseless war. Varys, can your birds get into Meereen? To deliver a message to Daenerys herself?" asked Naruto with Varys nodding.
"I believe they could your Grace," said Varys while Naruto nodded.
"Not to put such an idea into question, but...are we sure this is the best choice here? I do not want another senseless war, but isn't communication with a future enemy just as bad as attempting to assassinate her?" asked Tyrion since he felt communication at this point with the Dragon Queen would only make her focus on Westeros more in the long run.
"Perhaps. But the fact remains Tyrion, we have a chance to speak to the woman before the threat of a war can possibly break out. We can gauge her intentions now over later should she attack without us knowing. Varys, you will get a message out to Daenerys Targaryen for me. We will find out what she says back, if there is a response, and keep an eye on her actions to see if the words written in response match her actions. If we can make an ally of the Dragon Queen now, it would be considerably better over making her an enemy in the future. The last thing we want is to have three fire breathing dragons flying over King's Landing and Westeros with them burning everything to the ground," said Naruto while the other members of the Small Council nodded since the none of them wanted three fire breathing dragons descending upon the Seven Kingdoms with the purpose of burning half of it to the ground just to keep the other half in line.
"There is still the issue of the Vale your Grace. I'm afraid Lady Lysa has been threatening to have her Kingdom break away from the Crown and making her son the newly crowned 'King of the Vale'. I believe she has done this due to the fact you executed Petyr Baelish after the battle of Blackwater Bay and the fact no one has killed you just yet to take your place," said Varys while Naruto sighed.
"Everyone wants to be a King these days. I didn't think my late Father made quite the lasting impression, much less a positive one when he ruled," commented Naruto with the men in the room laughing.
"While true your Grace, this issue with the Vale has caused lingering problems that need to be addressed before Lady Lysa can influence her son to embrace the idea of breaking the Vale off from the crown," said Varys with Naruto nodding.
"Sadly yes. What do the Lords of the Vale say on this matter?" asked Naruto knowing the overall support of the Lords of the Vale for this crazed idea would determine whether it succeeded or not.
"They are divided your Grace. On one hand, they feel they should obey their young Lord, but the others feel it is wrong to breakaway from the crown. Especially given how Lady Lysa wishes her son to do it over the fact Petyr Baelish was executed despite his long list of crimes warranting it," said Varys while Naruto sighed.
"Even in death, the man is a pain in the ass," said Naruto while knowing this was Petyr Baelish's fault from start to finish.
And they weren't even finished yet.
"What do you intend to do about the Vale your Grace? Not to down my own House or its bannermen, but the Vale is said to have some of the finest soldiers and knights in all of Westeros. Not to mention the terrain to get around the Bloody Gate makes invasion by land next to impossible," said Mace Tyrell with Naruto nodding since it was true.
"Tyrion, when you last saw Lady Lysa Arryn of the Vale, was she of sound mind?" asked Naruto while Tyrion shook his head no.
"On the contrary. She was the exact opposite your Grace. The woman had a crazed look in her eyes. and even had the nerve to accuse me of killing her husband of all things when I did nothing of the sort," answered Tyrion since his time in the Vale was one for his own personal memoirs when he had a chance to write them.
"If I may add something your Grace. Stannis's wife was not of sound mind either when last I saw her too. I think the madness she went through is similar to what Lady Lysa of the Vale has, but is also different due to circumstances that made them mad," said Ser Davos while knowing a thing or two about seeing people filled with madness and doing things when afflicted by it.
"It seems madness is spreading in wake of the peace achieved following the end of the war," commented Tyrion calmly though his words were grave all the same.
"So it would appear. Though I think the madness was already infecting people before the war first broke out. We need to handle this with care," said Naruto while the others were nodding in agreement.
"We should handle the issue with Lady Lysa in the Vale first your Grace. Her side has the army necessary to be a threat to us should she successfully muster all the knights of the Vale to march against the crown," said Mace Tyrell while knowing the knights of the Vale could become a threat should they be unleashed on the Seven Kingdoms.
"Agreed Lord Tyrell. But it must be done in a way without bloodshed. A way where the Lords and knights of the Vale do not rise up against the crown, nor have a reason to take up arms. We must look at this from a nonviolent point of view," said Naruto with Tyrion laughing a bit.
"I'm sorry your Grace, but Baratheons and nonviolence do not go well together in a single sentence," said Tyrion with Naruto smirking.
"Perhaps. But its true all the same. If only...," said Naruto, but paused in thought.
"Your Grace?" asked Oberyn since he saw that look before on Naruto in their younger years in the fighting pits.
It was usually when the man was figuring a problem out or was damn lose to it.
"Who knew Jon Arryn back when he was young?" asked Naruto curiously.
"As of today? I believe Lady Olenna and Lord Tywin knew him during his younger years your Grace. But why do you ask?" questioned Varys with Naruto frowning.
"I think there is more to Lady Lysa's not so secret love for the late Lord Baelish. And I also suspect that the boy Lysa Arryn gave birth to...is NOT Jon's child. In fact, I suspect the boy is Littlefinger's bastard," answered Naruto with many on the Small Council with the exception of Varys looking shocked by this accusation.
"That is a hefty accusation to make your Grace. Even for a King. Unless there is proof, I do not see how we can remove Lady Lysa or her son from the position of power within the Vale," said Mace Tyrell while Naruto nodded.
"And I don't make the accusation lightly. But I think the proof we need is in the form of young Robin and whether or not he even remotely looks like Jon Arryn in his younger years," said Naruto with the others nodding.
"It has been awhile since I saw the boy myself, back when your Father ruled the Seven Kingdoms your Grace. Still, I noticed as the boy grew, his features seemed to resemble a certain former Master of Coin. I suspect Lady Lysa and Littlefinger feared others noticing as well. Jon Arryn's death would give the boy's Mother an excuse to flee King's Landing for the Vale and to keep the secret hidden from those who knew Jon Arryn in his youth," said Varys while Naruto nodded in agreement.
"Which is why I need to confirm what Jon looked like during his youth so I can compare his features to Robin. Please have Lord Tywin come into the Small Council Chamber so we can speak with him," ordered Naruto while he saw one of the guards bow and seek out the Lord of Casterly Rock.
"What of the Red Woman at Dragonstone your Grace. Everyday she lives, I fear for the Seven Kingdoms," said Ser Davos with worry.
"There is nothing we can do for the moment Ser Davos. Believe me when I say there is nothing more that I would like to do right now then take her head off for what she has done. What she will no doubt do if allowed to continue. But if we strike now, it will make her a martyr to the religion this woman embraces. Her Acolytes will spread far and wide with the intent of using her and the religion she believes in to covert more followers. All we can do for now is setup a blockade around Dragonstone to contain her enough to keep anyone from leaving the island," said Naruto with Ser Davos nodding since it was the only sound plan they had at the moment.
"And being the Master of Ships, it becomes my duty to ensure the blockade is successful I take it," commented Ser Davos with Naruto nodding.
"Use your smuggling knowledge in reverse this time Lord Seaworth. Continue to think like a smuggler, but use that knowledge on how to keep someone from getting in or out of the island. I'm leaving this situation in your hands with the Royal Fleet," said Naruto with Ser Davos nodding.
"She won't get past the fleet. Not if I have anything to say about it," said Ser Davos since he had not intention of letting that woman escape and spread her vileness throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
"You called for me your Grace?" asked Tywin after the doors opened and the Lord of House Lannister entered.
"Yes Lord Tywin. I need to speak with you regarding Jon Arryn," said Naruto before he explained everything to the man and his suspicions.
"Interesting. While I'm sure everyone else here agrees the accusation is a surprise, it does hold some weight if you know where to look in order to make them," said Tywin after he sat down next to his son after a chair was offered.
"Do you believe my accusations against Lady Arryn of the Vale holds any weight Lord Tywin?" asked Naruto with Tywin thinking things over in his head.
"I knew Jon Arryn when I was a young man. It was before he had taken a young Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark as his wards in a foster Father based relationship. I met him on several occasions, mostly during tourneys the King, or his son Prince Rheagar hosted. I would have to see Lysa's son for myself, but from what has been described of him, there is little chance he is Jon Arryn's son," said Tywin knowing the stories of young Robin being breast fed by his Mother long after it was natural had reached his ears through Tyrion.
At first, Tywin thought Tyrion was joking, but the fact Bronn had confirmed it, and the boy was spoiled to laughable levels. Possibly to the point where the sell sword wouldn't be surprised if the child had someone else wipe his ass when required. Again, Tywin was unsure if such a thing was even possible, but Tyrion knew Catelyn Stark had seen just how much Lysa spoiled Robin.
The fact Lysa still clung to her love for Littlefinger despite his death only strengthened the belief Robin was Petyr Baelish's child. If the boy had been Jon's offspring, she would have fostered Robin off to just about anyone without a care. Even the Mountain himself if she was feeling particularly heartless and given how the woman loved the traitorous dead Petyr Baelish...chances are she would have done just that.
"It is a shame we can't get the boy here away from his Mother. We would know for sure if he was Jon's or Petyr's child," remarked Tyrion while Naruto nodding.
"Sadly, Lady Lysa won't allow young Robin to go anywhere or do anything without her expressed permission. She spoils him too much and no doubt plans to use her influence over him to continue ruling over the Vale long after the boy comes of age," said Varys with Naruto grimacing.
"Not to mention she will ensure the woman he marries is a dimwitted girl who is easily controllable. Only the Gods know how that will turn out when it comes time for Robin to lay with his wife," remarked Tyrion before he shuddered at the thought.
"A troubling thought to be sure. She's clearly unfit to rule during this time. If the Lords of the Vale were to agree that Lady Lysa is unfit to rule, would they appoint someone who would take over until Robin was old enough?" asked Naruto while looking over at Varys since he was the most knowledgeable of all of them.
"Possibly your Grace. But simply asking them to consider it is not enough. You must give them some measure of proof to convince them what they are doing is right," said Varys with Naruto nodding.
"I can think of a reason. Lord Tyrell, please get me some parchment and a writing quill to write with. I think its high time we use the knowledge of what happened to Jon Arryn to our advantage," said Naruto while Mace Tyrell nodding and got what the King asked of him.
It was time the quill showed why, at certain times, it was mightier then the sword.
(The North-Winterfell)
"My daughter! Thank the Gods you are safe," said Catelyn while she hugged her eldest daughter and practically crying over the fact.
"I have King Naruto to thank for that Mother. He has done much for our House and for the Seven Kingdoms," said Sansa while she saw her Mother's smile lessen slightly at the mention of the King.
"Yes, well he is a much better King then Joffrey," said Catelyn while Sansa frowned at the mention of the bastard would-be Prince.
"I would rather not speak of him. His very name makes me ill," said Sansa while the two women of Winterfell walked into the castle with Brienne of Tarth walking almost beside them.
"What do you wish to talk about?" asked Catelyn curiously.
"About the current King actually. I was wondering if...if perhaps Robb could arrange for a marriage between myself and King Naruto?" asked Sansa while Catelyn stopped and looked at her in shock.
"Marriage? I would have thought after what happened with...the other one, you would be against such a thing. Not to mention the man is several years older then you," replied a concerned Catelyn Tully Stark while Sansa smiled slightly.
"I saw the bad side of people Mother. The people were rioting in the city when...he was in power. They wanted him dead you could practically taste the hatred in the air. But then Naruto came, killing those wicked among the City Watch who were loyal to him. Naruto is a man worthy of being called King and one day will need a Queen to help him not only rule the Seven Kingdoms, but provide a suitable Heir," said Sansa with Catelyn looking away from her.
"I don't know Sansa. I just got you back after this bloody war. The idea of you marrying the King...," said Catelyn was hesitant to say more.
"You don't like the King in some way. Why?" asked Sansa curiously.
"He wants to legitimize your half-brother Jon up at the Wall. The King wishes to make him a Stark," answered Catelyn though there was a bitterness in her voice.
"Really?! Mother that's wonderful news. Jon deserves it," said Sansa, but the bitterness in her Mother's eyes told a different story.
"He is the proof your Father broke his marriage vows to me during Robert's Rebellion all those years ago. You may think legitimizing Jon is great news, but when your husband breaks his vows one day, whoring with woman after woman, and siring his own army of bastards like his Father did before him...you won't be so happy," said Catelyn angrily.
"Mother! Father only broke his vow once, in a drunken state brought about by grief, and it was after his sister had died," said Sansa while Catelyn looked away again and knew her daughter was right.
She still didn't like it.
"Bastards have no business being legitimized Sansa. They are a stain on all that is good and pure. Joffrey himself was proof enough. The same with the bastards once brought about by Walder Frey and one who was considered a monster of House Bolton," said Catelyn while Sansa frowned further.
"If that were true, Jon himself would have been a monster like them. But he isn't one Mother. You may not care about Jon, but he is still family. Father wouldn't have taken him in if he didn't believe without question Jon was of his blood. You know that!" said Sansa while Catelyn didn't answer right away.
"You will understand one day Sansa. When your future husband decides to be unfaithful for even one day and results in a bastard being born," said Catelyn with a note finality in this discussion about Jon's legitimization.
"What is this about a future husband?" asked Robb after he came around the corridor with a smile on his face while walking with his clearly pregnant wife beside him.
"We will tell you in the Main Hall," said Catelyn while hoping to convince her son that having Sansa marry the King was a bad idea.
(Essos-City of Meereen)
Daenerys Targaryen sat on her throne while she read the parchment handed to her by Ser Barristan Semly and was surprised to see it was from the current King of Westeros. Ser Barristan confirmed it was in fact the symbol of House Baratheon and was expecting it to be the writing of King Joffrey. With his Mother's influence no doubt, they half expected it to be a demand she return to Westeros alone, and face judgment for being the daughter of the Mad King.
Only to find themselves completely surprised by what the parchment said and who it was from.
Greetings to you Daenerys Of House Targaryen. I wish this conversation could be face to face instead of in writing where the conversation between us is clearly one sided. I have no intention of starting a conflict with you and the fact my Father tried to have you killed in the first place was a mistake. You were no threat to him and your crazy brother was even less of a threat to the Seven Kingdoms. From what I heard leading up to his death, your brother was more of a danger to himself. I would say I am sorry for your loss, but I have been told by my Master of Whispers that your brother was consumed by madness just like his Father.
But I will digress and not speak ill of the dead.
What I will speak of is an alliance between us. A chance to end the bad blood between my House and yours without the need for senseless violence and death. A chance to see a day where House Baratheon and House Targaryen are not sworn enemies with those loyal to our Houses helping us kill each other. I personally have had enough of Houses betraying each other and trying to advance themselves for greater power when they should know when to stop.
Which is why I want to prevent a war before it could possibly begin. I have heard of your exploits from my Master of Whispers. Freeing the Unsullied, launching one campaign after the next to free the slaves from each city you have taken. I not only applaud your success, but gaining the support of the people in each one. Like you, I despise slavery, and was powerless to stop it when I was in Essos before heading for King's Landing. I am glad to know someone has been able to succeed in such a task.
But again to why I am writing you here and now. As I mentioned, I wish to propose an alliance between us. One between the King of Westeros and the Dragon Queen of Essos where we can work together to make the realm of men a better place. With your help, I know we can succeed in making this world a better place when we leave over those who came before us.
If there comes a time you wish to return to Westeros, I wish it to be on civil terms. I know by being the daughter of one of the previous Kings of Westeros, you have a claim to the Iron Throne. I do not wish for us to fight over the horrible thing or the authority that comes with ruling over the Seven Kingdoms. Enough people have died before and after wars were fought over it. Fortunately, I have taken measures to remove those who would profit from us fighting each other, but there are still threats to both of us in Westeros who still need to be dealt with.
I await your response on whether you wish to be an ally.
Sincerely,
King Naruto of House Baratheon
"Is this truly legitimate Ser Barristan?" asked Daenerys with the old knight nodding.
"It is your Grace. Young Naruto was King Robert's first born, but something happened the night of his birth that made the King reject his son. I never knew the entire story of why King Robert dismissed his eldest son. What I do know is the boy was sent here to Essos during his childhood and was not seen again by anyone who knew of his existence. He must have returned shortly after I was discharged from the Kingsguard by his younger brother Joffrey your Grace. Alas, we do not have a spy network in Westeros so knowing what has transpired there will be based mostly on rumors," said Ser Barristan while he saw his Queen study the parchment carefully in her hands.
"It could be a trap. A means to bring Daenerys into a false sense of security," offered Ser Jorah knowing such a scheme was not uncommon.
"This is simply a communication between two rulers Ser Jorah. I don't have to leave for King's Landing like you believe this message implied. We will communicate with this Son of the Usurper first before I even consider any form of alliance with him. At the same time, we need to create a spy network of our own in Westeros. If I am to know my future ally, I must first find out if he is really an enemy in secret," said Daenerys with the two western knights nodding.
"Your Captain from the Second Sons should be able to help in that regard your Grace. A man of his talents has clearly been to Westeros a few times and knows people who would provide us with information," said Ser Jorah knowing Daario Naharis was a man of many talents and creating a spy network would be easy for him.
"I agree with Ser Jorah. Our Sell Sword Captain was also part of the fighting pits here in Meereen from what the man has told me in passing your Grace. Perhaps he has heard of Naruto Baratheon during his time here," offered Ser Barristan with Daenerys nodding.
"Send for him. I wish to know more about King Naruto and if he is every bit the fighter he claims to be in his message," said Daenerys while she considered how to handle this development on the other side of the Narrow Sea.
Perhaps she could use this King to her advantage. A means to an end? Or perhaps...have him become something else to her?
(The Vale-At the Moment)
"What is the meaning of this?" demanded Lysa angrily after she was taken from her bed by the knights of the Vale ,who for all intensive purposes should be protecting her with their very lives.
Not coming into her room and basically kidnapping the woman within her own castle and brought into the main room with the other Lords of the Vale.
"Be quiet Lady Lysa. As for the meaning of this action, you have been charged with the crime of treason against the crown, the Vale, and your late husband Jon Arryn," said Lord Royce coldly while he held up the parchment that was given to him by the Maester, who got it from a raven that came from King's Landing.
Written by the King himself.
"Treason?! That's absurd! Who made these charges? The King? He is unfit to be King after what he did to Lord Baelish. You would take the word of that monster over me?! Your late Lord's wife?!" demanded Lysa angrily.
"The King has proof. He has the confession of the former Grand Maester Pycelle and the open confession made by Petyr Baelish before the man's execution. The Spider has also provided us with the means, motive, and the name of the poison used. The fact you still have an infatuation with the late Lord Baelish is also your undoing. If you truly wished justice done, you would denounce the man who conspired to kill your husband. Not weep for the man who helped orchestrate it," said Lord Royce while Lysa glared at him.
"I am the Lady of the Vale. My word is law here. If not mine, my son Robin's is law due to being Jon's Heir. You must obey one of us Lord Royce. You and the Lords and knights of the Vale belong to us!" exclaimed Lysa angrily with the madness showing in her eyes.
"Wrong. As of now, given your current mental state, and the fact you are so devoted to your husband's killer, we are questioning the overall parentage of young Robin," said Lord Royce while seeing Lysa's face go pale with fear.
Fear for her son. Fear for the truth behind Robin's parentage being revealed to the Lords and knights of the Vale.
"You dare! My son is the Heir to the Vale. You have no grounds to challenge his right to rule. This is treason!" exclaimed Lysa in a state of panic.
"Treason? You, who poisoned your husband at the behest of a lowly snake would call this treason? You clearly still love the late Lord Baelish over that of your own husband, yet call our actions treasonous. You, who would make false accusations to hide your actions, and the actions of others in order to conceal your crimes. You, who would rather wage war with the crown, kill hundreds if not thousands of knights to avenge the death of a monster who deserved his death, if not worse," said Lord Royce while Lysa's eyes went from being filled with fear to anger and madness once again.
"Lord Baelish was a gift sent by the Seven! You have no right to judge him. None of you do! He was a man with vision. A man who was destined for greatness. Destined to be a future King with me as his Queen! Yet some upstart has him killed out of fear of being surpassed! You are the monsters! Standing in his way. In the way of his greatness. You should all be hanged or thrown through the moon door for your treachery! Every single one of you!" exclaimed Lysa while she was struggling against the iron grip of the two knights of the Vale holding her in place.
"More like a curse sent by the Seven. His crimes stretch as far from here to Essos to the Shadow Lands and beyond. The fact you still deeply love such a monster after everything he is done is proof enough in our eyes. Take her away. Prepare Lady Lysa and her son Robin for transport to King's Landing," said Lord Royce while ignoring the protests from the irate woman as she was being carried off out of his sight.
"It had to happen Lord Royce. The fact she held a torch for the dead snake of a man even now speaks louder then any confession given," said Lady Anya Waynwood while seeing Lysa Arryn being carried away.
"Agreed. Still, we were blind to the madness of Lady Lysa. It was staring right in front of us all this time and we ignored it. The way the woman looked at Lord Baelish when he first arrived here in the Vale. How she would denounce the King of the Seven Kingdoms for killing the man. The madness in her eyes when she accused Lord Tyrion Lannister of killing Jon Arryn. How she had her own son suckling on her breast at the age of eight of all things! Disgusting. We have become slow and weak in our old age my Lady. We have become blinded by the truth of the world I'm afraid. And what is worse, we did not even realized it until our sight on the issue was restored," remarked Lord Royce before letting out a sigh.
"We have all been blinded Lord Royce. We are too old and the young are either blind to it just as we are or they choose to ignore the horrible truths around them. Some siding with our enemies for their own benefit. Whether its money, glory, or titles that make them feel untouchable to others," replied Lady Waynwood before letting out her own sigh.
"Such a state the realm of men has been reduced to in our elderly twilight years. It is unbefitting of Lords, Ladies, and Knights of the Vale," said Lord Royce with a hint of anger in his voice.
"If Lady Lysa's child is in fact Littlefinger's offspring, what will become of him?" asked Anya curiously since she knew Lord Royce would have the most senior authority here.
"If he is proven to be Littlefinger's child, Robin will be a bastard. As the way things are, he will most likely have to take the Black. Such a spoiled child has no business being a Lord of the Vale. Much less a bastard of Littlefinger's blood," answered Lord Royce with a sense of finality to it.
(The Wall-At the Moment)
"Is this...is this legitimate?" asked Sam Tarly while Jon had given him a parchment to read that he had just gotten from a raven sent by his half-brother Robb at Winterfell.
For sometime, Jon had a hard time being on the Wall. His late Father, Ned Stark had not told him what the Wall was like these days prior to coming here. Everyone said it was a great honor to serve on the Wall. To keep Wildlings from getting over and causing untold horror on the smallfolk. When Jon was planning to go there, it was the only time he had seen Catelyn Tully Stark smile knowing the boy she hated since being brought to the North was going to be away from her family at Winterfell.
She never did warm up to him no matter what he did to prove himself.
What was worse, is the Wall was filled with the lowest scum the Seven Kingdoms had ever produced. Murderers. Thieves. Rapist. Child Molesters. And others vile people who were morally lacking in all things honorable like himself. Those who took their vows to become members of the Night's Watch who were honorable were too few and too old to truly enforce the Wall's more strict rules. The only real reason they were enforceable was because if the vows were broken, you were a wanted a man, and were hunted not only by the Night's Watch, but all of Westeros.
Sure, you could probably escape to Essos if truly desperate, but there was no guarantee agents from Westeros wouldn't catch up, and kill you outright.
As for Jon, he had taken his vows, pledged himself to the Night's Watch, and was put as the Steward of the now late Lord Commander Jeor Mormont. The man had been killed when over at Craster's Keep by his own men, who had not wanted to be members of the Night's Watch, but had to or else be put to the sword. Only for a moment of opportunity to present itself where several of those men turned on the Lord Commander and those loyal to him.
Now those same men who killed the Lord Commander were at Craster's Keep, eating the food, drinking wine, and raping the women there to satisfy their urges. In their minds, they were free of their obligations to the Night's Watch, and no one was going to come after them to enforce the rules or vows that were suppose to keep these men in check.
They were no better then the Wildlings.
Jon had vowed to make them pay after he had recovered from his wounds given to him by the Wildling girl Ygritte. He had been very fond of her. Even loved her. Jon had to kill a fellow brother of the Night's Watch to convince the Wildlings around him that he was one of them. It had gone so far that Jon had slept with Ygritte, who teased him half the time, and tempted him every other time. For Jon, he knew there was possibly no going back after sleeping with the woman, who had invaded his mind with pleasure, and even love to some extent.
It was like she was fire that threatened to consume him. Burn away his very soul. Yet he endured, stayed near that fire, let it in close, and basked in the warmth this woman was creating. Sadly, it was he who was burned by the touch of this woman, but the woman herself when fleeing from the group of Wildlings sent to flank the Night's Watch during Mance Rayder's planned night attack on Castle Black. She had tried to kill him, as it was clear as day given the three arrows in his back, and each one on a vital spot that hurt when each arrow was pulled out.
It was to his shock and horror that he learned of the Lord Commander dying and a new one would have to be nominated in a vote by all his fellow brothers available at Castle Black. Though Jon had a feeling not all of them would call him a brother and would want to see Jon dead for what he did to get here.
"Yes. Yes it is Sam. My brother Robb just sent me this message only a few days ago. Its papers saying I have been officially legitimized as a Stark. That by upon reading this message, I am no longer Jon Snow, but Jon Stark of House Stark!" exclaimed Jon with his eyes wide and a smile on his face.
"Congratulations! I know you wanted this for a long time since we've known each other. I can't imagine how good it must be to finally join your family in name," said Sam while he saw Jon smiling further at the additional part of the message declaring Ned Stark clear of all charges of treason against the crown.
"It was something I have wanted since I understood what it meant to be a bastard. I tried so hard to please my family, my Father, and prove myself in being a member of House Stark. My Father's wife wouldn't allow it. She hated me from day one and continued to dislike me long after I was full grown. I tried to show her I wasn't a bad person, but...I never could get through to the woman," said Jon with a sigh coming from his mouth.
"With all due respect Jon, I don't think any woman would accept their husband's bastard into their House. I'm not saying she was wrong to scorn you since your birth, but look at it from her point of view. Here she is, married to High Lord like your Father, only to find out he broke his marriage vows, and had a child with a woman not her. A woman scorned is not something you want targeting you my friend," said Sam with a small smile.
"But I do have a woman's scorn aimed at me Sam. The Wildling girl I mentioned to you earlier? She is part of the group seeking to attack Castle Black from behind while the rest of us deal with Mance Rayder at the Wall. I need to get a message to Robb to get some men to patrol behind us for a large Wildling attack party. If we can stop the attack aimed at our backs, we might have a better chance of handling the one at our front," said Jon while Sam was nodding in agreement.
"Since you are his official brother and a member of House Stark, it shouldn't be too hard to convince him," said Sam while Jon nodded.
"Alliser Thorne wants me dead. You can see it in his eyes," commented Jon seriously since he knew the man could use this fight to secretly kill him and say a Wildling did it.
"I know. Everyone can see it. But he needs everyone here alive to defend Castle Black. Without us...without you...he won't have the means to fight off the Wildlings. Like it or not, Alliser Thorne needs you Jon. Stark or Snow, he needs you to help repel this attack," said Sam while Jon nodded in agreement.
"How do you think he will react when words gets out I was legitimized as a Stark and the charges against Father were cleared?" asked Jon with Sam laughing.
"I imagine he will be furious at the news. Not only at you, but at the current King who made it happen," offered Sam Tarly with Jon laughing now.
"One can only hope Sam," commented Jon with a grin on his face.
"Is it true you laid with a Wildling girl?" asked Sam curiously since he heard the rumors about his friend.
"Yeah. I did. I had to Sam. They wouldn't have believed I was one of them if I didn't," answered Jon with his smile leaving him.
"I don't think you have to worry about being punished for that. If she were carrying your child, you would be dead. But the laws of the Night's Watch only say you are punished for having a child after taking your vows. It doesn't say anything about not being with a woman. Only you just can't have a baby with her," said Sam since he studied the laws and rules the Night's Watch had for all of their members.
"I don't think Alliser will see it that way. If it were some whore in a brothel, I might just get a yelling or reprimand. But a Wildling girl? I might as well have put a noose over my neck with that confession to the others," said Jon sadly.
"You had to do it Jon. Like you said, it was either that or the Wildlings would have killed you on the spot. And its not like you didn't gain something from it. You know what this Mance Rayder is planning. All we have to do is make a plan to counter his plan before the fighting starts," said Sam while Jon sighed.
"Its not that simple Sam. No one among my brothers here at the Night's watch will even believe my story or what Mance Rayder has planned. They would sooner send me away or die to the last man. All in some glorious battle where the people write songs and tell stories about their bravery. They stay ignorant of the truth or choose to ignore it in some belief an entire army of Wildlings can never get over the Wall or even take the Wall from them. The fact they would do nothing, but let the Wildlings come to face them is an insult to those like the late Lord Commander. If he were alive, we wouldn't be having this damn discussion!" said Jon with anger in his eyes and in his tone of voice.
"Let's focus on a plan Jon. We may not be able to implement it yet, but we can at least make one up. The Wildlings are going to attack from two sides. We know that much after you came here dressed in their clothing and had several arrows in your back when you escaped. Contact your brother Robb in Winterfell. You can use one of the ravens Maester Aemon has on hand to send out emergency messages. We need help repelling this attack whether Alliser approves of it or not," said Sam while Jon nodded.
"I know Sam. I know. I just need to make it to his room and ask for his permission. It won't be easy with everyone disliking me for what I did," said Jon, who felt he had a big fat target on his back now by most of his brothers.
The man could almost imagine them stabbing him in the back when he least expected it.
"I'll walk you there. It's the least I can do. If I go with you, it will seem like its important business only a Maester can help you solve," said Sam knowing if Jon goes out there, it won't be pleasant.
"Thanks Sam. Sorry I put you in this situation," said Jon while Sam laughed.
"It's all right Jon. Besides, my life wasn't that great before I came here. Nor would it have been if you didn't step up to help me out when I was fumbling around the place like I was some drunk coming out of a bar. Everyone else would have done the opposite of what you did and left me to stumble until I got myself killed. I owe you too much to turn you away. And besides, you make my life at the Wall more interesting. I learned more from you in the first few days then I did from anyone else in the last month, outside of Maester Aemon of course," said Sam, as he had become the steward of the old Maester, who like the late Lord Commander with Jon, had seen the young Tarly as his successor, and was being groomed for the position.
"All the same, be on your guard when I'm not around. Something tells me you could be targeted simply for supporting me," said Jon while Sam nodded.
"I always keep my eyes open and sleep lightly. It is one of the things I learned how to do here. If I wasn't such a disappointment to my Father, he would almost be proud of me for having such a skill," Sam semi-joked before he escorted Jon to Maester Aemon's office.
(King's Landing-Small Council Chambers)
"Lady Lysa is on her way here your Grace. Along with young Robin. A large contingent of Vale Knights is ensuring they make it here alive and in one piece are their escort," said Varys knowing the Hill Tribes of the Vale required a large escort.
"Good. One less problem to deal with. The question now is, who do we entrust to help make a determination if Robin if Littlefinger's child or not. We need a skilled Maester who is essentially an expert in understanding the ways of the human body," said Naruto with the others nodding since only an expert Maester could truly make such a decision official.
They dare not use Pycelle again. Besides, the old man looked ready to meet the Seven at this point from the way his health was showing a decline.
"I believe I know someone your Grace. He came with my Father to King's Landing after the Mountain and my siblings were...detained. I spoke with him when I heard of a very suspicious man going around asking questions about the city. I thought he might be a spy of some kind and had Bronn bring him to me at the Tower of the Hand. As it turns out, he is a former Maester, but was kicked out of the Citadel for his...unusual experiments," said Tyrion with Naruto focusing on him.
"Unusual experiments?" asked Naruto with Tyrion nodding.
"Yes. He is fascinated by the human body and its potential to go beyond what we believe to be our limitations. Both mental and physical," said Tyrion while having met the man, who was also interested in the dwarf of House Lannister.
"The name of this individual?" asked Naruto curiously.
"Qyburn I believe is his name," said Tyrion while Naruto seemed intrigued.
"Your Grace, not to overstep my bounds, but if this man has been cast out by the Citadel by the Archmaesters, there must be a good reason for it," said Mace in a minor protest.
"All the same, I would like to meet this Qyburn. Besides, our choices in experts are not exactly forthcoming Lord Tyrell. The Citadel hasn't sent us a new Grand Maester since we requested one and Pycelle is too old and untrustworthy to enlist for this task. At this point, our best option is to use our new found former Maester to perform the examination for us. Under close supervision of course," said Naruto while knowing some Maesters had questionable hands.
"Yes your Grace," said Tyrion.
"News from the Iron Islands your Grace. Balon Greyjoy is dead," said Varys while this got everyone's attention.
"How?" asked Naruto curiously.
"Rumor has it he fell off a bridge during a storm. But my little birds tell me the act that caused the fall was due to another person on the opposite side. His brother Euron Greyjoy to be exact," said Vary while Naruto scowled since he had heard of the man during his time in Essos.
"Another fucking Greyjoy. What about Balon's daughter? Where is she in all of this?" asked Naruto while Varys shifted a little in his seat.
"Yara Greyjoy moved to claim the Salt Throne, but sadly she was ultimately denied by Euron's return during the nomination process. The fact the campaign against the North failed was another reason they chose Euron over her. Even after admitting he killed his brother, they still chose Euron over Balon's daughter. As such, she took those loyal to her side, took all the ships they had, and set sail for Essos at all the speed the winds could take them," said Varys while Naruto narrowed his eyes.
"She's going to form an alliance with Daenerys Targaryen," said Ser Davos knowing it was the only reasonable conclusion.
"If she does, our Dragon Queen of Essos will have the start of a fleet should she need one to sail across the Narrow Sea," said Tyrion while everyone grimaced.
"It will be the start of one. She will literally need one thousand ships to take her entire army from Essos to Westeros. Fortunately, the ships Yara Greyjoy took doesn't come close to that number. Which means we still have time to communicate with the Dragon Queen and keep the idea of an ally over a future enemy in her mind," said Naruto while knowing he didn't want there to be a battle, much less with one that had three dragons on the side of the opposition.
"There is another solution we have yet to consider your Grace," said Varys while Naruto looked at him now with his full attention.
"Another solution?" asked Naruto with the Master of Whispers nodding.
"Yes. One I had thought you might be able to use, but I was hesitant to mention it," said Varys while Naruto frowned.
"And why is that?" asked Naruto curiously.
"Because in doing so, the solution greatly insults House Tyrell in the process. I would not suggest it now your Grace unless this was a possible option we might need to consider in order to avoid a future war," said Varys while glancing at Mace Tyrell, who had an idea of what this solution was and was slowly getting red in the face with anger.
"And this possible solution?" asked Naruto while motioning for Mace to hold his tongue to let Varys speak it.
"A possible marriage between Daenerys Targaryen and yourself your Grace," answered Varys with Mace looking insulted and the others in the room looking a tad uneasy.
"The King is already courting my daughter and yet you would dare suggest he end their growing relationship for a marriage with no foundation?!" exclaimed Mace angrily at the idea.
"I must respectfully agree with Mace on this Varys. An arrange marriage between myself and Daenerys would be like the one with my Father and my Mother. There is no love. No real connection. It is like mixing dirt and water. You get mud. At times, it can prove to be beneficial as it was with House Stark and House Tully. But more times then not, it ends in a bitter, and quite possibly brutal failure," said Naruto while Mace breathed a small sigh of relief at the King's words.
"It is merely an option you should consider in the future should all other plans to keep the Dragon Queen from being our enemy fail your Grace. A last resort," said Varys while Mace looked furiously at him for suggesting it.
"Which means any desire for my daughter and his Grace to marry is put on hold for the Gods know how long!" protested Mace angrily while Naruto sighed.
"Calm down Lord Tyrell. First, I have no intention of getting into an arranged marriage with Daenerys Targaryen so you can unclench your intestines before they rupture from all of the stress they are under. Second, such an option while indeed a last resort, will not be implemented since I intend to marry on my own terms, and with the woman of my choice. I will not have a marriage like my parents did where it was arranged to be for the good of the realms, but turned into a nightmare. When I marry, it will be because I wish to marry, and not because the fate of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance," said Naruto with Mace looking relieved to hear that.
Still, he would have to speak to Margery about possibly increasing the speed of the relationship with the King as humanly possible without it being considered offensive.
(Red Keep-Throne Room)
Shae could see why Tyrion was concerned for her safety while she stood in the presence of Tywin Lannister. The man, despite his elderly years showing, had a look, a posture, a form about him that screamed intimidation. He was a man who had done much in his life, seen much in his life, and still intended to do much in his life should the Lord of House Lannister wished it.
And at the moment, she was caught in his gaze, his ever judging gaze while circling her with his arms crossed behind his back. Behind him and in front of her was the King of the Seven Kingdoms, watching this with amusement, and at times glanced over at his Hand of the King Tyrion standing beside him. Shae saw her lover looking back at her with eyes that said "be confident" or "show you are intelligent" and other number of things that in Tywin Lannister mind make her worthy of being with the young Lannister.
"Lady Shae, you are originally from Essos, correct?" asked Tywin while he secretly admitted the woman was beautiful for a foreigner.
"Yes Lord Tywin. I am from the Free City of Lorath. I came to Westeros to start a new life here." answered Shae while Tywin nodded for a second.
"A new life spending your days as a whore," said Tywin while sending Tyrion scowling further.
"Tywin, be civil. You would want the same for you if being questioned by say...myself," warned Naruto while seeing his Hand was getting angry at having his lover being called a whore.
"My apologies your Grace," said Tywin while knowing he had to tread carefully when it came to questioning this woman in front of the Queen.
"Yes Lord Tywin. I will admit, I was a whore for a time. I was with many men in order to survive with what little money I possessed," said Shae while knowing denying what she was until now would only hurt her.
"And since you have been with my son? Have you whored yourself off to anyone else?" asked Tywin while Tyrion's hands became fists.
"No. I have not been a whore since I met your son. He was kind to me. Good to me. More then any other man I have been with in the past," said Shae while she sneaked a look over at Tyrion, who smiled despite this inquisition.
"Really? And this relationship between you two formed when exactly?" asked Tywin while he saw Shae look at him with sharp eyes.
"Since your son learned of my existence when I was a camp-follower in your army Lord Tywin. It was before you named him temporary Hand of the King in your place until the war was resolved," answered Shae while Tywin narrowed his eyes at her looking for the lie to that statement.
And found none.
"So you slept with him for his money at first," accused Tywin while Tyrion watched and really wished he was as tall as his Father with a sword in hand.
Namely to run his Father through or take his head off.
"Lord Tywin, what did I say about being civil?" asked Naruto in a warning tone with more force behind it.
"It is all right your Grace. I am no stranger to being looked down upon by those of high standing for what I once was upon coming here," said Shae while she would not flinch in the face of accusations.
"My son seems to believe you are a woman of intelligence despite your time whoring yourself to men prior to being with him," commented Tywin while not impressed by her determination.
Not yet.
"Your Grace, don't let him humiliate her. Not for my sake," whispered Tyrion while he glanced at Naruto, who looked at his Hand for a second.
"Lord Tywin, this is your last warning. If you do not behave in a more civil tone, this conversation with Lady Shae is over, and there will be penalties aimed at you for defying me," said Naruto with his threat being clear to the Warden of the West.
"I am intelligent Lord Tywin. I am observant. I learn quickly. If someone intends to harm me or cause problems for Lord Tyrion, I make them realize it is not wise to cross me. As a woman growing up in one of the free cities in Essos, I learned that my body will only take me so far, and that I needed to be skilled in some manner of a blade to defend myself from unwanted advances," said Shae while Tywin raised an eyebrow at her.
"And you have some skill with a blade?" asked Tywin curiously.
"With a knife. Swords are too heavy. Knifes can be drawn faster and can kill quicker. Especially if you know how to use them," said Shae while Naruto chuckled.
"She's not wrong," commented Naruto since knifes were close quarter weapons.
The kind you can draw fast and kill with even faster. Sword swings were wide and could be dodged or blocked easily. But at close range, they were a crutch. Knifes up close were at their most lethal.
"I am not some meek weak willed woman your Grace. Lord Tywin. If necessary, I will show I am a woman not be crossed," said Shae while Naruto chuckled some more.
"Oh I like her Tyrion. She's perfect for you. Sharp mind. Sharp tongue. Clearly knows how to use a knife when necessary and not afraid to use it," commented Naruto with a smirk on his face.
"Thank you your Grace," said Tyrion with a small smile on his face.
"And why do you think a woman of such low standing is worthy of being with my son? My son, who is not only the Hand of the King, but also comes from the most wealthiest House in all of Westeros?" asked Tywin with Shae frowning.
"Because I do not care about his title or wealth. Lord Tyrion is smart. Cunning. He knows what people want to hear and what they need to hear when necessary. When the King's younger brother Joffrey sat on the throne, Lord Tyrion was not afraid to speak his mind on the boy's actions. He knew what needed to be done to save this very city from turning against the crown. To me, the mind is the most beautiful thing a man can possess, and Lord Tyrion's mind is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen used," said Shae with Naruto smirking further.
"Hold onto this one Tyrion. You cheat on her with another woman...I will NOT protect you from her wrath," said Naruto while Tyrion nodding.
"I would be a fool to do that your Grace. I am no fool," said Tyrion while Naruto laughed at that.
"Indeed. I think we have heard enough! Lord Tywin, what do you think of Lady Shae here," said Naruto while Tywin just looked at her before glancing over at Tyrion.
"She has a backbone. Which is surprising to see in any woman, save for you few. She has intelligence, is observant, and from what I understand, has been faithful to my son since they have been together. As much as it pains me to say this, Lady Shae is worthy of my son Tyrion. For now. But should she stray from him, should she be unfaithful to him, even once, or should she sire another man's bastard child...I want her dead," said Tywin firmly while Shae glared at him and so did Tyrion.
"I would never do that to Lord Tyrion!" exclaimed Shae angrily at the old Lannister who would dare accuse her of being unfaithful to her lion.
"Easily Lord Tywin. Let's not go that far. I have known about this relationship for quite awhile now. Neither have strayed from the other. I have complete faith in these two and will not have you throw dirt on what they clearly have for a union. It is unbefitting of a Lannister," said Naruto with Tywin grimacing at the last part since it was true.
"Yes your Grace," said Tywin while moving away from the close proximity of Shae and turned to face the King.
"Now, as things stand, you have to return home to Casterly Rock to deal with your eldest son Jamie to carry out your end of the deal we made earlier. I expect to hear some good news regarding you being a Great Grandfather within a year from now. And who knows, maybe Tyrion will beat Jamie to it if he and Shae try hard enough," said Naruto with a small chuckle with Tyrion making a noise.
"I expect a wedding between the two before that happens your Grace," said Tywin calmly despite his glance at Tyrion saying "marry the girl before she gets pregnant or else!" told his son this was not something to refuse.
"And there will be one in the future so don't worry Grandfather. I understand the overall importance of family. Otherwise, I would have left House Lannister to die at the hands of the wolves from the North," said Naruto with Tywin understanding his meaning and gave the King a nod.
"If there is nothing else, I will be leaving for Casterly Rock your Grace. I have left the information with your new...Maester regarding Jon Arryn. I am hoping he will be able to put it to good use," said Tywin with Naruto nodding.
"Agreed. You may go Lord Tywin. I wish you well on your journey home Grandfather," said Naruto while meaning it since the man was his family after all.
Lord Tywin gave his Grandson a small bow and despite everything that had happened, a small genuine smile. Tywin knew his Grandson for a King would keep some measure of his legacy alive that did not bring him shame like his children had done in years past.
"My apologize Shae. My Father is not what you call...reasonable when it comes to people he feels are trying to exploit the power of our House," said Tyrion after walking over to the woman he loved.
"I understand my lion. You were right to warn me of him and I was foolish to act like it was nothing," said Shae since she had felt until today that Tyrion's Father was not the man his reputation made him out to be when spoken.
Now she knew better.
"Don't be ashamed Lady Shae. Many who don't know Tywin Lannister, except through his reputation would simply ignore such warnings. His very fear of people exploiting his House comes from when his Father was Lord of House Lannister and made the lion seem weak. Grandfather corrected that in his own way by putting down to rebellious Houses and made House Lannister a feared name to be respected when spoken," said Naruto before got out of his chair and walked toward the two.
"I would never do that to my lion. Or his House," said Shae with Naruto nodding.
"And I believe you. I also believe my Uncle here loves you dearly simply because he has not set foot into one brothel since coming to King's Landing. You both complete each other and I wish you two a happy union," said Naruto with Tyrion smiling at his nephew, who was easily becoming his most favorite with Tommen becoming a close second.
"Thank you for your assistance in this nephew," said Tyrion knowing his Father wasn't more aggressive thanks to Naruto keeping the old lion from lashing out.
"Just be faithful and good to each other Uncle Tyrion. That's all I ask," said Naruto while putting his hand on his Uncle's shoulder.
"I will nephew. I promise you that," said Tyrion before he walked off with Shae with a smile almost skip in his step.
Simply because dwarves don't skip. Not the ones from House Lannister at any rate.
'The wonders of young love. I should probably talk more with Margery over everything regarding the issue with Daenerys Targaryen. She should know before rumors fly off that I am going to marry the Dragon Queen over her. Knowing Mace, he will tell her stuff in an exaggerated way that makes me seem like some lying, cheating, whoring son of a bitch like Father,' thought Naruto while going to see the woman he was courting.
(Red Keep-The Gardens)
"So you are NOT going to marry Daenerys Targaryen?" questioned Margery while she walked with Naruto through the gardens with their arms interlinked.
"No. Your Father may have said otherwise to you, but the man is no doubt still worried about the idea being used to prevent an all out war. He no doubt went on a raving panic when telling you about the meeting we had regarding her," said Naruto with Margery laughing since that was exactly what her Father did.
"Yes. He was ranting and raving. I never saw his face so red before today," commented Margery since she thought her Father's head would explode.
"Well you can reassure him that I am not marrying Daenerys Targaryen. Varys was the one to suggest it. Not me," said Naruto with Margery's smile leaving her slightly.
"May I ask a question of you your Grace?" asked Margery while she looked at him and saw the King look back at her.
"Of course," replied Naruto.
"If marrying Daenerys Targaryen was the only way to save the Seven Kingdoms from a war and certain countless deaths...would you do it?" asked Margery while Naruto had a contemplative look on his face.
"I won't deny the option has its benefits for protecting the Seven Kingdoms in the name of the greater good. But at the same time, it hurts you, and dishonors your House. A scorn many would say is unwarranted and unjust for its years of loyal service to the crown as a whole. Regardless of who sits on the Iron Throne. I know I can't make everyone happy with the decisions I make. There will always be someone who dislikes my decision or the actions I take to keep the peace. I always felt, if I was to marry, it was to marry for all of the right reasons, and the woman I married loved me for me. Not the throne or the power it possesses when sitting on it," answered Naruto while Margery's smile increased slightly at his words.
"You still haven't answered my question your Grace. Though your attempt to get around it was truly impressive," remarked Margery while Naruto sighed and she giggled at his reaction to being caught.
"I suppose I didn't answer it. But in truth...I suppose I would, IF such an option was the only one before me at the time. I know it may offend you my Lady, but know such an option would be considered a last resort on my part. I do not wish for a war and given how Daenerys Targaryen has three fire breathing dragons under her command...I do not want them unleashed on the Seven Kingdoms," said Naruto with Margery leaning her head against his shoulder while they continued walking.
"There are times I wonder if the Gods are cruel to us with their rules. Just one man and one woman being together in a marriage. What if the man loves more then one woman? I have heard Dorne has an open mind over the issue and the Targaryens practiced the idea of multiple wives to expand the numbers of their House much faster," said Margery while Naruto nodded.
"Yes. They wanted to have a large House so even if one Heir was killed, there would be a countless number to replace him or her should that happen. Sadly, half of them went to the way of madness for the incestuous practice of marrying siblings within their House. The other went the way of war and nearly being wiped out in my Father's rebellion and he was only made King because of his own Targaryen blood," said Naruto while Margery laughed at little.
"Ironic, isn't it your Grace? For all his hatred of the Targaryens, your Father was in fact descended from one," said Margery while Naruto nodded, but frowned in thought.
"Margery, if I were...if I were to take multiple wives to expand my family House, would you hold it against me? Even if you were one of my wives?" asked Naruto curiously to the Tyrell woman.
"Why? Thinking of having your pigeon pie and eating it too?" asked Margery with a smile and Naruto laughed.
"As King of the Seven Kingdoms, I could do just that. I know the Mad King had multiple wives. One being his sister, but that is beside the point. My point is House Baratheon has gone to the brink of near annihilation with only myself, my cousin Lady Shireen, and my bastard half-brother Gendry, who I plan to legitimize when ready. I wish to expand my House back to the numbers it once possessed before it was reduced so low. Naturally, one woman would not be enough for such an thing, but I also know it will cause problems for the first woman I marry," said Naruto while Margery nodded since the first wife would no doubt feel a great amount of dislike to the second or third woman in his life.
"Am I one of those women you wish to consider for expanding your family and your House?" asked Margery with Naruto giving her a knowing smile.
"Maaaaybe. Just don't tell your Father or Grandmother though. I don't need one dancing around in joy like an idiot and falling down a flight of steps. Or the other coming here to give me a tongue lashing for not marrying you sooner," said Naruto knowing Mace and Olenna would do just that.
"Does that mean you finally wish to marry me your Grace?" asked Margery while Naruto chuckled.
"I need a little more time Margery. I know I am asking a lot, but we are getting there. I am very fond of you. I love being around you. Your smile, your life, and the fact you do not simply nod your head in agreement to everything I say. You don't act like all those airheaded women who act like a 'proper wife' without having an actual idea to call their own. You are smart. You are a woman of the people. You are compassionate. You are a loving woman who knows as well as I do that the people are the very heart of the Seven Kingdoms. The foundation in which we rule over while here in King's Landing. If we do not rule justly, the Seven Kingdoms will break apart into nothingness, and the world will fall into chaos beyond recovery," said Naruto while Margery nodded.
"Everyone believes ruling over the Seven Kingdoms is easy when you are the King or the Queen, but the number of responsibilities, and weight put on the shoulders of royalty is immense," said Margery with Naruto nodding.
"Something both my Father and Mother were unable to comprehend when they ruled the Seven Kingdoms. One ignored his responsibilities while the other clearly went mad from the power that came from those responsibilities," said Naruto while hearing the stories of his own Father neglecting his duties and his Mother getting drunk off using her own.
And the snakes they surrounded themselves with didn't help either.
"I look forward to the day we marry your Grace. I will prove myself worthy of not only being your devoted wife, but your supportive Queen as well," said Margery while Naruto smiled further.
"Me too my Lady. Me too," said Naruto while the two continued their walk and holding the other close.
(A/N: YAY! Another update. Hope this was to your liking. My time for writing is still considerably short compared to what it once was in the past. Though that doesn't stop me from writing when I have the time. Until next time...PEACE!)