"She's soft at heart", Tyene Martell complained.
"Tell that to Lord Tarly, or what remains of him. You'll recall his dying was prolonged and painful". Varys smiled across the table at her, as they played Cyvasse. They currently resided in the coastal villa of a merchant prince, about fifty miles from the capital. The Queen lay abed there, gradually recovering her strength. The eunuch savoured the scents of pine and bouganvelia, as they wafted into the sitting room.
"But, now you say, she'll let the child live, and even Tommen will be allowed to take the Black! My sister died in that fire. I want justice for her!"
"And, you shall have justice, my dear. I'm afraid that both Lord Tyrion and Lady Genna have been pleading for their nephew and niece. I have argued for a more realistic course of action. There is no point in allowing wounded tigers to live on, but so far, I have not persuaded the Queen. I take it you would prefer them to be fed to Innocence and Gold Dust."
"That would be far too merciful. I would make Tommen and Margaery watch as I slowly dismembered their child." She then proceeded to give a graphic account of the tortures she would inflict on the pair of them which made even the Spider's blood run cold.
"Remind me never to offend the Dornish. " he replied, dryly. "Like it or not, the royal couple are hugely popular with the Smallfolk of Kings Landing. Your suggestions would not be appreciated. My suggestion is that we take them and their baby into custody, and confine them to a fortress. I suspect that sooner or later they would contract a "chill." In fact, I fear it would be inevitable."
"Less elaborate than I would like, but sensible, at least."
"I fear your dragon has fallen victim to my catapult." He deftly removed the piece from the board.
Tyene knocked her king over, conceding defeat, and gave the eunuch a gold dragon, their usual wager. "You are improving rapidly" Varys consoled her. "Now, you must learn to control your emotions. You and I know that wounded tigers must be destroyed, but the Queen would be most displeased had she heard what you said just now. She would certainly not view you as her successor, if she thought you would be like her father. It caused her a good deal of pain to learn of her father's true nature. Now, I do not chide you for your amusements, but you should practise them with discretion. "A quiet land, a peaceful people" was the motto of the late Lord Bolton. Make it yours."
"Her successor?" Tyene replied, eyes like saucers.
"She came within a hair's breadth of dying at sea. She is hunted by assassins. Her life hangs by a thread. It is imperative that she choose a successor. You are now royalty; the blood of the Targaryens flows in your veins. Your mother concurs."
"Queen of the Seven Kingdoms" she said, wistfully.
"Well, six of them, anyway. Frankly, the North is more trouble than it's worth."
She frowned and leaned over to him. "And, what do you want, Lord Varys?"
"To be made Hand of the Queen. To rule this land, under your authority, of course."
"And what of Lord Tyrion? The Queen holds him in high regard."
"He must learn that decisions made by one Queen are not binding on another. Let him content himself with the rule of Casterly Rock."
"Who, truly, do you serve, Lord Varys?"
"Why, the Realm of course. Someone has to."
There was a knock, and a servant entered. "Lord Tyrion wishes to speak to you, my Lord, my Lady."
"By all means, let him enter." Tyrion came into the room, and poured himself wine from a carafe.
"Tyrion, my old friend. How is the Queen's Grace?"
"Recovering, slowly. We underestimate the danger she faces, flying her dragons. A chance bolt could end her life, and shatter our alliance."
"She is a true Targaryen, I'm afraid. Like Queen Rhaenys, she scorns danger. You have other news?"
"Good and bad. My Lady," he nodded to Tyene. "I'm afraid your mother suffered a reverse at Ashford at the hands of Ronnet Connington. She has retreated back to the Marches. But, the knights of the Vale ride for the capital from Harrenhall. And, there is unrest in the Reach, which we are exploiting. Several lesser houses have risen in our support."
"No doubt, they desire to become Great Houses" commented Varys.
"And hear this, the Princess Sansa and Lord Baelish are betrothed."
"Lucky girl" replied the eunuch wryly. "Lord of Harrenhall, Master of Coin, Regent of the Vale, and soon to be good-brother to the King in the North. That's quite an ascent for the Lord of Sheepshit, wouldn't you say? Would you say your former wife is truly in love with the man?"
"I pity Sansa. Joffrey and my sister did awful things to her. But, she suffered far worse at the hands of the Beast. I don't know the details, and nor do I want to know them. But, Sansa as I first knew her, died at some point along the way. The girl who loved romances, and sang to the Seven, and played the high harp, became a cold, calculating, woman. She did discuss the match with me beforehand, and no, there is no love there. This is a matter of politics."
"But, none the worse for that. Still, it troubles me to see our old rival accumulate such influence. I believe you still have a score to settle with the man?"
"The matter of a certain dagger still stands between us. Nor do I think he has reached the summit of his ambitions."
"Pray tell."
"Lord Robyn Arryn is ailing. Should he die, the Vale will require a new lord or lady. There are several potential claimants, including the Princess Sansa. The Queen thinks well of her. Or perhaps, she might reward Lord Baelish for his support by granting him the title. Either way, their children will rule the Vale."
"I fear for Sweetrobin. The poor lad cannot be long for this world, surely?"
"My thoughts exactly."
"Thank you for telling me this. My dear" he glanced at Tyene " I think we are all agreed that Lord Baelish has quite enough influence as it is. There are worthier candidates for the Lordship of the Vale. I trust we will be at one in urging them to the Queen's Grace."
"We are as one" Tyrion replied.
Notes:
1. Innocence and Gold Dust are Ellaria's she bears at the Water Gardens, to whom she feeds her enemies (see chapter 5)