Sobriety


Oberyn rolled onto his back, pushing the book he had been reading to the edge of the bed. Clasping his hands together, he sat up and glowered into nothing, feeling subtle agitation overcome him. He'd been in the Capital for weeks, and yet, he still hadn't got his vengeance…

"Tyrion's trial will instigate in the upcoming weeks from what I've heard, Varys believes he would be lucky to escape execution." Eliana informed him, settling Alaric into his cradle before moving to join him. "Cersei has rallied a legion of witnesses and left him with only one, I."

"Mmm, you are playing a dangerous game, my love," Oberyn hummed, threading his fingers through her hair, his fingernails massaging her scalp. "You will need to keep your tongue under lock and key."

Eliana's her eyes slowly closed as he continued to massage her head, "Will you stand as witness for him?"

"Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance is an act of justice," Oberyn delivered, his hand enclosing around her thighs, guiding her until she was sitting on his own. Gently, he falsified her muscles, relishing the silkiness of her skin. Eliana smiled, leaning down to kiss him gentle, her hands sliding up to cup his face.

She pulled away slightly, "You will get justice for Elia, Oberyn." Her words made him sigh and lean his forehead against the crook of her neck. "And I have my own plans for the Mighty Lion, I want to see how far he'll bend before he breaks and all things break eventually..."

Oberyn frowned against her forehead, "What do you mean to do?" he was worried Eliana would go to extreme lengths to get Tywin to bend to her will, he was worried that she would do anything to get what she wanted and he was also worried that he would lose her doing so but what concerned him more, was that he was willing to let her do that because they both needed their vengeance.

Eliana stroked his hair, pressing her lips to his jaw as she spoke softly to him. "I want to see if seduction will work to get what I want... they do say a woman's best weapon is between her legs." She whispered quietly.

Oberyn went to protest, "Lia, he's an old man -"

She nodded in agreement, "And they have needs just like you, my love... anyway, he enjoys me so it shouldn't be too challenging."

Oberyn scoffed but didn't pull away from her, "What does that even mean?" He muttered against her lips.

"It means he's weak."

Eliana moaned softly as she felt her husband's lips brush against the soft skin of her neck. Slowly, every nerve in her body came to life and soon she began to feel every little sensation, from the subtle shift of her tunic to Oberyn's teeth taking skin into his mouth between kisses. "Oh my beautiful she-wolf," Oberyn whispered against her skin.

Smiling still, Eliana weaved her hands through his long, mellifluous hair and tugged, causing a sharp hiss to emerge from Oberyn that only made her smile wider as she gripped his hair and kissed him hard, moaning when he met her lips with equal fierceness.

Soon they were pressed against their bed, Eliana flat on her back while Oberyn broke their kiss to continue to turn his attention to her neck and collar which he devoured with sweet, light kisses, making Eliana tug on his hair to direct his lips back to hers.

Oberyn smiled against her lips, pecking them briefly as he contained to stroke her thighs. "Beautiful," Oberyn whispered, bringing one hand to cup her face while he moved forward to kiss her, but a voice stopped him.

"Prince Oberyn."

Closing her eyes, Eliana took a deep intake of breath before glancing around to face the Lion of Lannister with a painful smile that made her jaw ache. "Lord Tywin… " Eliana announced with a frown. "What an unexpected pleasure to find you in our chambers."

"Lady Eliana," Tywin acknowledged her nonchalantly, clasping his hands tightly behind his back as he stared at her with that deadpan gaze of his, his eyes trailing over her bare thighs as she remained seated atop her husband's lap. "I would like to speak with your husband alone, may we have the room?"

She gritted her teeth, and continued to smooth her husband's hair as he rose to his feet, taking her with him. "And if I should decline?" She had a suspicion about what he was going to propose to Oberyn once she was gone, but she didn't want to assume… assuming would get her nowhere.

"Go on, my love…" Oberyn urged with a kiss to her forehead, "Go, find your mother while Lord Tywin and I discuss whatever matters of importance are on his mind." He smiled falsely at the old man, placing his hands on her waist and kissing her neck while she moved towards the door.

Tywin watched stiffly as the Stark woman brushed past him to exit the room, "Thank you…" Once she was gone, he wandered further into the room while Oberyn watched him.

He gestured to the chair nearest to him, "Would you like to sit?" He offered, moving to pour himself out a glass of wine when Alaric stirred and drew his attention away from the subject of drinks. "Papa is here."

Tywin, however, remained standing and observed as the Dornishman took his infant son into his arms and cooed to himself gently.

"If you would like some wine -" Oberyn gestured to the pitcher on the table.

"No, thank you."

Oberyn looked to him quickly, "I apologise, usually he doesn't wake but it seems he has other ideas…"

"Perhaps he can sense an enemy as your wife would call me, much like your guard dog does as well." Tywin was right; by the cradle, Shadow stood bearing his teeth at him, obviously seeing him as a threat to both Oberyn and the babe.

Tilting his head, Tywin stared at the babe in his arms and hooked his fore finger in his small palm as he clasped it tightly. "Strong little fellow, isn't he?" He mused softly as he stared down at him. "Though he looks more like his mother than you, but I suppose you both prefer it that way." He taunted subtly, though Oberyn understood his intention.

Oberyn sighed, knowing his words were meant to insult him but he couldn't care less... "Would you like to hold him?" He offered but Tywin immediately stepped back and clasped his hands behind his back once more, telling Oberyn no through his discomfort at the question. "… I'm sorry about your grandson."

Tywin stifled a laugh, "Are you?"

Shrugging, Oberyn smiled down at Alaric and rocked him softly. "I don't believe that a child is responsible for the sins of his father. Or his grandfather…" He trailed off, looking up at Tywin. "An awful way to die."

Raising an eyebrow, the Hand watched the Prince before him. "Which way is that?" He questioned in interest, his watchful her scrutinizing him.

Oberyn frowned, placing a finger into his son's mouth as he sucked. "Are you interrogating me, Lord Tywin?" He quipped with annoyance, wondering how the man dared, having wandered into his private chambers unannounced and then had the audacity to accuse him of poisoning Joffrey which he didn't, despite knowing who did.

Tywin let out a deep sigh, "Some believe the king choked." He clarified, wanting to hear his view on the matter of Joffrey's death.

"Some believe the sky is blue because we live inside the eye of a blue-eyed giant." Oberyn replied with a smirk, walking around the room in a hope to get Alaric back to sleep, not even bothering to hide his knowledge of poisons. "The king was poisoned."

Continuing to pace around the room, Tywin's eyes never drifted from the direwolf that lurked in the corner of the room, watching him silently, willing him to put a foot out of line. "I hear you studied poisons at the Citadel." He prompted with a tone of question to his voice.

"I did." He nodded in agreement, not caring if it seemed at all suspicious. "This is why I know."

Tywin glowered suddenly, his eyes flying to Oberyn to stare at him incredulously. "Your hatred for my family is rather well known, your wife's hatred for my family is well known." He recited the evident thoughts on the minds of those who opposed his family. "You arrive at the capital, an expert in poisoning, some weeks later my grandson dies of poisoning… rather suspicious, don't you think?" He asked, his eyes staring in Oberyn's dark orbs.

"Why haven't you thrown me in a dungeon?"

Tywin allowed another sight to pass through his lips, "You and Eliana seem to be close to Tyrion, since your arrival in the capital what have you discussed?" He pressed as he watched man lower his son into his cradle so he could sleep.

Oberyn chuckled, "You think we conspired together?"

"What did you discuss?"

"I have rarely spoken with your son, my wife however, has spoken with him on numerous times but I can assure you all our conversations have been good-natured and pleasant." Oberyn explained honestly. "Though, I think he understands my hatred for your family… the death of my sister and her children."

He rolled his eyes in annoyance, sucking in a sharp breath as Oberyn sought out his thirst. "For which you blame me." He concluded dully.

Oberyn watched him carefully, his eyes narrowing reasonably. "She was raped and murdered by the Mountain. The Mountain follows your orders..." He informed with a glower of his Viper gaze. "Of course I blame you." He deduced.

"Here I stand unarmed, unguarded." Tywin noted, raising his hands to Oberyn as he brought his wine to his lips and drank deeply. "Should I be concerned?"

"You are unarmed and unguarded because you know me better than that." Oberyn concluded, smiling darkly at the man before him. "I am a man of reason, if I cut your throat today, I will be drawn and quartered tomorrow."

Sighing, Tywin continued to voyage around the room, strolling contently as Oberyn's eyes followed him. "Men at war commit all kinds of crimes without their superiors' knowledge." He said.

Folding his arms across his chest, Oberyn bristled lightly but the anger he felt rising within him didn't settle. "So you deny involvement in Elia's murder?" Oberyn queried with another glower, making Tywin stop and glance over at it.

"Categorically."

Pushing himself off from the bed and releasing his arms, he approached Tywin immediately, staring at him as he came to a slow halt. "I would like to speak with the Mountain." He prompted.

Tywin's eyes brows rose, "I'm sure he would enjoy speaking with you." He agreed with a nod.

"He might not enjoy it as much as he thinks he would." Oberyn added with a smirk.

Oberyn's brow dropped, he did not expect that of all things to come from the lips of Tywin Lannister and especially at a time when the country is at war with one another. "Why?" He blurted, perplexed, drifting away from Tywin to rest back against the bed.

"Not long ago, the Tyrells sided with Renly Baratheon and declared themselves enemies of the throne." Tywin explained, allowing a pause to pass peacefully before he continued. "Now they are our strongest allies."

Oberyn shrugged, "Well, you made the Tyrell girl a queen… asking me to judge at your son's trial isn't quite as tempting." He admitted, looking to his son momentarily before finding verdant eyes soon after.

Turning away from Tywin, Oberyn allowed his attention to rest fully with his son, knowing the conversation was doing nothing for his desire of vengeance.

"I will also invite you to sit on the small council to serve as one of the new king's principal advisors."

Turning back gradually, Oberyn narrowed his eyes at the man and said cautiously, "I never realized you had such respect for Dorne, Lord Tywin."

"We are not the Seven Kingdoms until Dorne returns to the fold." Tywin announced gravely. "The king is dead. The Greyjoys are in open rebellion. A wildling army marches on the Wall. And in the East, a Targaryen girl has three dragons." He listed only a few problems, Oberyn noticed nothing to do with Dorne's loyalties lied were mentioned because they weren't with him, they were with the daughter of the North. "Before long, she will turn her eyes to Westeros. Only the Dornish managed to resist Aegon Targaryen and his dragons."

Oberyn grinned as he faced Tywin smugly, "You're saying you need us?" Oberyn noticed, staring madly at him as Tywin became uncomfortable with knowledge. "That must be hard for you to admit." He taunted gleefully.

"We need each other." Tywin concluded, ignoring his comments, "You help me serve justice to the king's assassins and I will help you serve justice to Elia's." Tywin offered, which clearly tempting Oberyn as his eyes widened dramatically.

Suddenly, he moved to hold out his hand for Oberyn to shake.

Oberyn stared at it and recalled Eliana, "I will have to discuss this with my wife." He explained dryly as Tywin's hand receded quickly.

"Ah, Eliana, of course." He chuckled darkly, though Oberyn sensed the two didn't get along with one another.

"The both are you are not friends?"

Tywin let out a deep sigh, Eliana Stark had caused immense problems for him. "Your wife and I don't share a friendship but more of an agreement, although she does have the temptation to threaten me on any occasion she feels is necessary." He spoke through gritted teeth.

Oberyn frowned, "How unfortunate… but you did have her brother murdered." He asserted as Tywin nodded in agreement. "I shouldn't expect her to warm to your company."

"On contrary, I rather enjoy her." Tywin spoke.

"Oh, do you?" Oberyn pressed with interest, "I would very much like to hear more…"


Catelyn was in the gardens picking at the petals of flowers, knelt beside them as a soft wind blew... normally, she would have sat on a bench but today was far too hot, despite that though she still wore her hair in a northern braid.

She smiled though it was often so small some did not think to see it... what did she have left to smile about? Her fingers curled around a few more flowers, stroking the stems and the petals. They were so soft, much like her hands but ever since the night with her—with her Bran, and the dagger, her hands had been scared, stolen of their softness.

She continued to pick flowers, placing some in her lap, others beside her. She was thankful that she could indulge herself in something that she found took away the pain… even if it did not last. In the North she rarely had gardens; she had nothing of flowers or sunshine, instead all she had was snow and dead leaves, and open walls.

Catelyn felt like she was trapped in a cage, a cage full of lions, waiting to be ripped to shreds. She closed her eyes tightly for a few moments, feeling her fingers curl tightly in her palm, swallowing deeply if she was to keep the bile from risen within her throat, and she opened her eyes. It sickened her, how everyone smiled and pretended all well in the Seven Kingdoms.

An empty and hollow place, full of charming laughs and the flawless, permanent smiles people wore to shield themselves of the pain and the horror that woke within the night. She parted her lips, a sigh leaving them before she glanced away from her torn petals.

"What is there for you here, Cat?" She whispered to herself, knowing the flowers would not answer her.

The handmaidens said she was beautiful but Cat knew they were being polite, and doing as they had been instructed. No one was to upset Lady Stark, in fear of her daughter's wrath. Catelyn scoffed, shutting her eyes again before she looked to her flowers, observing as the breeze made them shaking, her precious flowers.

Robb was gone, Ned was gone, and her home was gone. She had nothing but her flowers and her memories, and her scarred hands.

Catelyn could hear her Robb telling her that she was going to be alright, that everything would turn out for the best. That he would be King in the North, and he would protect them all, every last one of them. She could hear it still, even when she had seen her son die right before her eyes.

Catelyn opened her eyes finally, letting out a breath. She shook her head, picking up a few flowers before beginning to stand as a hand slipped into hers.

"I honestly don't know how they manage to survive the fabrications of the court," Eliana admitted with a sigh, watching as her mother reached for Alaric as he slept in her arms.

Both of them hated doing such things, who need to amuse themselves with the likes of simpering women and their fake pleasantries? Oh, but in King's Landing, it's important to keep appearances for all to see. Eliana couldn't manage it, everyone knowing how her family and her army was butchered, and then having to act as if she was entirely grateful and pleased to be in the company of those responsible for it.

"Whom?" Catelyn asked as they walked in no particular direction, but it felt good to walk around… she needed the air to remind herself she was alive.

Eliana scoffed. "All of them ..." She grumbled out, but Catelyn smiled nonetheless, feeling the heat of her daughter's spirit, feel her hate for the city and for the court and that everything seemed to grate on her nerves but Catelyn can't help but smile at how worked up she gets.

"Pardon me, my Lady? My Princess?" a voice rung out from behind.

Catelyn stopped and turned, only to find Margaery Tyrell walking towards them, all young grace and beautiful.

With her grandson still in her arms, Catelyn somehow managed a curtsey, keeping her balance. "My Lady." She bowed her head, noticing that her daughter had not moved to do such a thing, instead a soft smile had fallen across her lips.

"Oh, nonsense, you need not do that with me," Margaery insisted, smiling brightly which stunned Catelyn. "I do hope that you will forgive me, but we've never had the chance to speak privately..." She takes a deep breath. "I wanted to give my sincerest apologies on your loss, I hadn't wished to bring it up in front of other, your daughter, Sansa, was a true friend of mine. I grew to care for her fiercely, my Lady."

The words were unexpected and threw Catelyn off guard. Glancing at Eliana, she can't help but feel slightly off balance, though it is foolish to even show such a thing. Lia had told her Margaery was a key player in the game, and she was to be careful.

"Your kind words are greatly appreciated, Lady Margaery," Catelyn replied in a tight voice, clutching Alaric tighter against her chest. "I am glad that Sansa had someone here so that she was not completely alone."

Margaery gave her an almost watery smile. Oh, how it made her eyes sparkle. Yes, she is a dangerous player indeed. "I do hope that we may be close too some day, I already regard Lia here, as a friend and after all, it is a lonely place in King's Landing; and I know how difficult it is to come by friends here."

"Indeed it is." Eliana agreed with a smile, her eyes falling past Margaery's shoulder as her smile grew. "Your Grace." She curtseyed immediately.

"My Lady, you disappeared without informing me…" Tommen was flushed, his reddened cheeks glowing as he came to a stop before them. "Oh, hello, Lady Catelyn, Princess Eliana." He smiled widely, his hands clasped tightly behind his back.

"Your Grace," Catelyn sank down into a curtsey, balancing Alaric.

"Let me take him," Eliana insisted, moving to retrieve her son.

"I bore five children, Eliana. I know how to hold a child and curtsey; I did it enough times when you were a babe."

Eliana rolled her eyes.

"Can I hold him?" Tommen asked, glancing from Eliana to Catelyn in anticipation.

Eliana surveyed Tommen, tilting her head in question as she watched him silently. He looked so excited, and after all he was still only a child himself. "Of course you can, though you might have to wrestle my mother," She jested lightly, receiving a glare from Catelyn.

"My Lady, may I?" Tommen pressed, moving towards her mother cautiously, his arms before him ready to capture to infant in his arms.

Gradually, Catelyn lowered Alaric into Tommen's arm as the young King pulled him flush against his chest, his hold securing him in place. "Make sure to support his head," Catelyn instructed, as Tommen did what he was told.

It was a sweet picture: the blonde king cradling a baby boy in his arms, looking down at him in awe; and Eliana could see him mouthing things to her son such as "hello," and "how are you?" and "my name is Tommen and this is my queen-to-be, Margaery". All sweet, innocent things, just as he was, even if he had come from something not-so-innocent at all.

"He's such a handsome fellow," Margaery commented, stroking her finger against his cheek as the babe stirring and stared up at her.

"And he's so little," Tommen added in awe, "This is my first time holding a baby, seeing as I was always the baby of the family… and if I am to become a father, I think it is best for me to get in some practice, no?"

"You've never held a babe before?"

Tommen just shook his head.

Catelyn felt a bit stunned.

All of her children had held a baby, even Rickon. Eliana had held all of them, and she'd always been so happy to do so. She'd been so proud to be a big sister, smiling wide eyed whenever she saw her new sibling for the first time. She would never forget the look on her face when she'd first seen Robb, she'd been barely four, small and curious as ever… her father had let her into her chamber, and Lia had rushed to the bed only to crawl tentatively across it to be with her. "He looks like me," she had affirmed with a grin but then she grew serious, one that should never cross a child her age, "I won't let anyone hurt him."

Catelyn wondered if Lia had remembered that promise when she had been made to watch her brother die right before her eyes, and then she wondered if she'd felt the same when each of her siblings had been taken from her, each have been delivered the same promise upon their births.

"I wish Myrcella was here," Tommen said as he handed the baby back to Catelyn, a sad look crossing his face. "Alaric looks just like the dolls she used to play with when she was little…" He explained dully, "My Lady; we should be going if we are to have luncheon with your grandmother."

"Oh well," Margaery sighed deeply, reaching forward to squeeze Catelyn's hand before doing the same to Eliana, her grip lingered as they shared a smile. "I hope we speak again soon, I would very much like to do so." And soon they departed, leaving Catelyn and Eliana alone once again.

Catelyn sighs to herself as they walked along, everything was wrong... she is alive and her family is dead. She still had to grip onto something to keep herself from swaying whenever her mind drifts to her lost children.

"You must not think of that," Eliana snapped mercilessly, reading where her mind was going.

"What else is there to think of?" Catelyn replied as she stared into nowhere

They've grown so distant with each other. She and Eliana have been so inexplicably close. Even when she felt like she was alone, she had her daughter. When Ned was whisked away South from her, Eliana had stayed close by, she had been so afraid she would never see her husband again but Lia had stayed. Sansa held captive and Arya missing too... When news of Bran's and Rickon's deaths came to her, she wept into Robb's chest, holding him gently as he mourned their loss.

The arrows that were shot into Robb's chest may have well as severed her and Eliana as well. She never heard Eliana scream before, as she had when her brother was taken from her as he staggered to the ground, arrows dug deep into his skin, the King of the North.

Who is thinking of them now?

"You are right though." Catelyn cast her daughter a level look, but she didn't look at him, but her eyebrows twitched slightly. She felt her apprehension more than seeing it, felt it in the air as her daughter clenched her jaw. "There are other things we must think of now."

"Like what?"

Catelyn looked down at Alaric, sleeping peacefully in the comfort of her arms. "Like vengeance."

"What do you have in mind?" Eliana questioned in intrigue, her mood perking at her mothers confession she hadn't thought would leave her lips.

"I've got a plan I'm going to- "

Eliana cut her off, "No, let me do it... I can't have you risking your safety after I fought so hard to restore it."

Catelyn stared her daughter down, watching as she said nothing more as so she nodded. "I want you to kill him..." her mother whispered which made Eliana frown as she tried to understand what she was hearing, though her mother could be referring to a number of people. She never thought she'd hear the words fall from her lips, she never thought she would ask Eliana to do such a thing... but she trusted no one more than her first born.

Eliana looked to her slowly, "Who?"

"Tywin," Catelyn growled, her voice hardened like Valyrian steel. "I want him dead, I want Cersei dead, I want them all dead."

"Not that I don't appreciate your enthusiasm, mother but I've nothing to kill him with…" Eliana informed her mother, watching as Catelyn narrowed her gaze at her. Eliana felt her blood run cold on the inside, she had her own plans for Tywin, she wanted Winterfell and she wanted him to give it to her but her mother wanting him dead only complicate matters.

Catelyn, however, didn't seem so convinced by her daughter's words, and so she nodded to her daughter's sleeve. "Yes, you do… you keep it on you at all times, red like that Arbour Red wine you like."

"Oh, do I now?" Eliana questioned with worry, "You know how dangerous it is and I have Alaric to think about now..."

"He killed your brother, I should think that would be reason enough."

Rolling her eyes, Eliana sighed deeply, wondering when had her mother become such a siren for murder, for death of those who had wronged her family. "He won't let me near him, you know that as well as I."

Catelyn nodded in agreement, "Then you'll have to get close to him then, won't you?" She taunted lightly, rocking Alaric.

"How close?"

"All men have their weaknesses..." Catelyn held her daughter's gaze, noticing how grave it had become. She didn't need to tell her what lengths she would need to go to get to Tywin, she knew it wouldn't be easy but Eliana always liked a challenge.

"Mother, you wish me to dishonour our family when I have already done so by what I've done to us..." Eliana pleaded, not wanting to think of getting close to Tywin Lannister, the man who ordered her brother's death.

"You did what you had to do." Catelyn assured her but Eliana shook her head.

"No," Eliana breathed, "I've done plenty wrong, and I'm not proud of it... father would not be proud of it, he'd be disgusted to call me his daughter and I wouldn't blame him... for all I've done."

"Lia- "

Eliana shook her head again, "No, don't tell me I did what I did because of the war, I should have never gone with Jaime to King's Landing in the first place." She spat, clenching her fists in irritation. "And now, I've married the man I've loved for what a few years while another man wants me because I make him feel honourable when I have lost all honour I had." Eliana ranted in fury. "What have I done, apart from make matter's worse?"

Catelyn interrupted, "Lia, you must listen to me..."

"I don't deserve to bear the name Stark, I am an embarrassment to our ancestors, our family."

Catelyn felt astonished by Eliana's outburst, staring wide-eyed as she allowed her words to sink in, barely believed her daughter's statement. "Eliana, don't you dare!" She warned with a slight glower, "Yes, you've done things that not even I can believe but who am I to tell you how to live? I'm merely here to watch you grow, and once my time is up, I'll watch you from the heavens... you and your children." She pressed a kiss to Alaric's brow.

"Death would be the best honour to come my way..."


Tywin Lannister was thankful he had a steaming bath waiting for him as he ascended the long walk up the tower of the Hand; otherwise he might have fled at the temptation to retire to his chambers all together.

Once he finally ascended the stairs and could breathe normally again, he found that his breath was only stolen from him at the sight before him, an ugly one. He'd stationed two guards outside his chambers at all times, but now, his guards stood with their spears lodged fiercely in their chests, their limbs hanging loosely at their sides.

Tywin Lannister didn't get nervous, he made people throw up, caused their nerves to shatter and he did, most certainly, not get nervous.

With a deep sigh, he pushed open his door and glowered when the sickly warm temperature met his skin, almost making him sweat. But his attention soon shifted from the heat to fall upon something else, something much more enticing.

"Ah, so this is where you've hidden yourself..." Tywin narrowed his eyes, regarding the woman for a split second, before he dared to walk towards her, "in my bath."

Eliana instinctively raised her gaze at the sound of his voice, a faint look of surprise evident upon her features as she acknowledged her company. "Lord Tywin." Smirking, she couldn't help but feel somewhat successful at the undeniable curl of his lips that he tried to mask so well before they returned to their usual thin line. "I feared the water would grow cold..." With a sigh, she rose her leg from the depths of the water as watched the water fizzled away and how the lion's verdant gaze lingered.

Eliana smiled warmly, and let a soft sigh pass through her lips. "I apologise for your guards, they stood in my way you see..." She announced while he continued to stare at her. "And they refused to understand why I had come, so..."

"No matter." The old lion studied the young woman lying comfortably in his tub, green eyes narrowing into lustful slits as he took in the bare physic that lurked beneath the water. Discarded on the floor, he eyed a Lannister crimson silk gown, his crimson, with silver direwolves and golden suns dotted around the bodice. His desire increased when he took in her hair which had been gathered into a loose bun with tresses of auburn curls that framed her face.

"Help me up..." Eliana rose her hand into the air, her lips curling into a mirthful smirk. "If you'd be so kind."

Never having been one to withdraw from a challenge and if the amusing gleam sparkling within her eyes, she was indeed, challenging him - Tywin swiftly moved towards the tub, and took her offered hand though he wasn't close to close to render him uncomfortable but close enough to keep decorum between them both.

But even with his discipline, he failed to stop his eyes from wandering when she rose from the bath as they landed upon her breasts. He damned the woman.

"It is said to be improper to not look a lady in the eye, especially when conversing in such a situation as this, Tywin." Exiting the bath, Eliana stepped past him to gather her fallen dress.

Tywin almost growled at the insult as he turned to watch her dress, his gaze settling upon her own, "Then perhaps the Lady should refrain from prancing around my chambers so scantily if she doesn't want to be looked at like a harlot."

Eliana chuckled, waving her hand nonchalantly in a dismissive gesture, "I was under the impression that the Lord of Casterly Rock offered no second glances to any woman since the passing of his Lady wife," She pursed her lips, smiling mischievously. "But just look at you; you might as well rip of my dress and bend me over."

Tywin didn't bother trying to hold back his growl, feral from anger or lust he couldn't tell, perhaps both, as his imposing figure leaned towards Eliana, "I play rougher than what you'd expect from an old lion like me, Eliana." He hissed through gritted teeth, staring her directly in the eye.

"Oh," Eliana bit back a laugh, stepping towards so she was only a few inches away from him. "We can all play rough, Tywin." She replied, moving forwards still so that her lips settled on the corner of his mouth. "Invite me to dinner."

He laughed dryly, his eyes not leaving hers as she pulled away. "Invite you to dinner? Why would I do that?" He challenged, glaring slightly.

"How many enemies have you made during this war, Lord Tywin?"

"Enough to make every army in the Seven Kingdoms reconsider marching South to conquer what doesn't rightfully belong to them," He glowered darkly, trying to regain his control. "Now, would you leave?"

"When dead men and worse come after us... does it matter who sits on the Iron Throne?" She stood firmly, her eyes boring into Tywin's own. "You don't have the right to address me that way; you'll have to be more polite to me if you want any respect from the North, if you want any peace... and especially if you want our agreement to last."

He stopped. "What did you say?"

"Invite me to dinner."


A/N: Hello you lovely people!

Sorry for not keeping my word - I've been busy but here it is!

The reviews are fantastic!

To my guest reviewers:

Guest 1 - I'm sorry you feel that way.

Guest 2 - I remain undecided when concerning Oberyn's fate.

Anna.B - Thank you - I'm glad you're liking the story, and I loved reading your reviews. I hope you continued to read the story!

AFAN - Thank you! I'm glad as always to see that you're still enjoying the story, thank you.

To my regulars:

CLTex, ZabuzasGirl, Naruhina1519, mystic twilight princess - the support you've given is absolutely amazing, I couldn't ask for more, really - thank you!

Thank you all so much!

Ezeiel