Tyrion watched as his father, Tywin, marched across the room towards his seat of the small council. Everyone else stood at his arrival. Before he did so he stopped to kiss the High Septon's ring and Cersei's cheek. When he finally arrived at the king's seat.

Tyrion sat across from him at the other end of the table. To Tywin's left from closest to furthest were Cersei, Pycelle, Varys and Littlefinger and to his left were his brother Kevin, Mace Tyrell, Paxter Redwyne, and Mathis Rowan.

Cersei was the first to speak, "Shall we begin with planning the wedding?"

"No." Tywin said, "With the war. Varys?"

Varys immediately replied with a smooth smirk, "Yesterday at dawn our dear Lord Randyll caught Lord Glover at Duskendale, trapped him against the sea. At the cost of many losses from both sides our loyal men came out victorious. Ser Helman Tallhart is reported dead along with a thousand others. Lord Glover is headed back to Harrenhal with the survivors with wounded pride and all."

"Another great victory for King Joffrey." Lord Redwyne said and Tyrion resisted rolling his eyes.

"As well as a terrible defeat for the north." Littlefinger added, "One in which Robb Stark played no part. He remains unbeaten on the field."

"He has fled back to Riverrun with his plunder, abandoning his castle he had taken in the west." Tywin replied. Is fled the right word? Tyrion wondered, "Our cousin Ser Daven is rebuilding the remnants of his late father's army at Lannisport. When they are ready he shall join Ser Forley Prester at the Golden Tooth. As soon as the Stark boy heads north, Ser Forley and Ser Daven will descend upon Riverrun."

Mace Tyrell then spoke, "He is a king without a kingdom. It's plain that the boy must abandon the Riverlands, join his own forces with Roose Bolton's and retake Winterfell and the North."

"As far as the Starks go. . ." Kevin held up a letter and handed it to his brother, "Balon Greyjoy, the self proclaimed King of Isles and the North, has written to us offering an alliance."

Cersei scoffed, "Ironborn were never smart. By what right does he call himself king?"

"By right of conquest." Tywin replied having just finished reading the letter over, "King Balon has taken Moat Cailin, Winterfell, Deepwood Motte, and the majority of Stoney Shore. He controls the Sunset Sea with the Iron Fleet and has ships stationed near Lannisport, Fair Isle, and even Highgarden. He could attack should we provoke him."

"What are his terms, should we accept his alliance?" Lord Mathis asked.

"That we recognize his kingship and grant him everything north of the Neck." Tywin replied.

"There is nothing of value in the North." Lord Redwyne scoffed, "If Greyjoy seeks to take a barren wasteland to rule over I say leave him to take it."

"I agree." Mace laughed, "Let the Greyjoys and Starks rip at each other's throats whilst we deal with Stannis."

Tywin's face remained unreadable, "There is still the matter of Lysa Arryn and from what I hear a solution is already in motion."

"Yes." Littlefinger nodded, "As Lord of Harrenhal I've the right position to offer a marriage to Lysa. She's always been. . . predisposed towards me."

Varys had a look of disgust on his face as Pycelle spoke, "A successful marriage would make Lord Bealish, acting Lord of the Vale."

"Seems rather convenient, don't you think Lord Bealish?" Tyrion asked.

"Titles do give way to other titles, my lord." Littlefinger simply replied.

"Are you certain you can keep Lady Arryn loyal to the king?" Mathis asked skeptically.

"Lysa has always commended me for my mind, Lord Rowan. She will see reason as long as I am the deliverer." He replied assuringly.

"My lords, The High Septon pronounced, "autumn is upon us all and good-hearted men are weary of war. If Lord Bealish can bring the Vale back to the king's grace without any bloodshed, the gods will truly bless him."

"Can he?" Paxter asked, "Lady Lysa's son, Robert, is Lord of the Vale now."

"Only a boy whom I share a close relationship with." He replied, "Robin has always seen me as a secondary father figure. He will soon be King Joffrey's most loyal servant."

"We have enough enemies." Kevin stated, "If the Vale should join us we'd be one step closer to finishing this war."

"Far be it from me to get in the way of true love," Tyrion said, "but Lord Bealish's absence may prove a problem. The royal wedding may end up being the most expensive event in living memory. As the High Septon has said, autumn is approaching, men are weary of war and many more hard days lie ahead." Varys nodded in agreement, "It's not exactly the best time to leave the crown's finances unattended."

"Fully agreed." Tywin replied much to Tyrion's concealed surprise, "Which is why I am naming you the new Master of Coin." He declared.

Cersei laughed, "Master of Coin?" Tyrion asked.

"It would appear to be a position that best suits your talents." Tywin replied.

"Spending money with a lifetime supply of wealth is quite different from managing it." Tyrion shot back.

"I have no doubt that you will rise up to the challenge." Cersei replied, not bothering to hide her pleasure at Tyrion's dismay.

Pycelle slapped his hand on the table, "Hear hear."

"Perhaps we should continue on with the wedding." Kevin suggested.

"The preparations in the Great Scept have been made." The High Septon stated, "We've already arranged the seats for the guests."

"Speaking of the guests," Cersei said, "The Great Hall will be able to seat a thousand comfortably whilst the guests of less importance eat out in the yard where tents of silk will stand to shield them from the sun. The cooks have already decided on the kinds of food that will be served as well as the wine and ale."

"Your Grace," Pycelle spoke much to Cersei's annoyance, "in regard to the guests I've received a raven from Sunspear." He held up a scroll, "Three hundred Dornishmen are riding towards King's Landing as we speak in hopes of arriving in time for the wedding."

"How do they come?" Lord Tyrell's neck became red, "They have not asked leave to traverse my lands."

"Prince Doran comes at my son's invitation." Tywin said calmly, "not only to join in our celebration, but to claim his seat on this council, and the justice Robert denied him for the murder of his sister Elia and her children as well."

Tyrion could read what the lords were thinking by just looking at their faces alone. Wasn't it Tywin who presented the bodies to Robert? None of them were bold enough to ask such a thing.

"When the king is wed to Margaery and Myrcella to Prince Trystane we will be one great house." Tywin stated, "Old enemies will become allies and all previous enmities will be forgotten. Do you not agree, Lord Tyrell?"

Despite his obvious objections Mace's smile returned, "Of course not, should Prince Doran wish to cross the Reach in peace he need only ask for my leave."

"Three hundred will prove no trouble." Cersei said confidently, "We need only squeeze a few more benches in the throne room for the lords and highborn knight. The men at arms will feast out in the yard and of course Prince Doran will have a seat of honor."

"Whispers from the east, my lord." Varys turned to Tywin, "A kraken, a true kraken, had sunk an Ibbenese whaler and pulled it under by the fingers. And word has reached me from Qarth that Daemon and Daenerys Targaryen had acquired themselves a fleet of over a thousand ships as well as vast riches gifted to them by the nobles of the city after they successfully thwarted a merchant's attempt to take control of the city for himself."

"Why would news of two children across the world be useful to us?" Lord Rowan asked.

"My little birds also say that they have a Dothraki Horde at their back, forty thousand strong, along with fifty thousand stallions, two hundred camels and fifty elephants as well as the crews of men who sail their new ships." Varys gave the council a once over before he stated, "As well as three dragons although I have been told they are no bigger than large dogs."

There were a series of glances between council members, "Preposterous." Lord Tyrell laughed, "Dragons have been extinct for over a century."

"And the Dothraki haven't once set sail in all of history." Tyrion replied, "The North has never had a King rebel against the crown and there's never been a full blown war between five kings either. Safe to say we live in a time where unlikely things become reality."

"Smaller than dogs you say?" Kevin cleared his throat and Varys nodded, "No matter the numbers of their army or the size of their fleet they will be forced to wait for their dragons to be full grown."

"And will have won the war by then." Lord Redwyne said, "A unified Westeros will resist any Targaryen invaders."

"Dragons haven't won a war in three hundred years, armies win them all the time." Tywin proclaimed, "They will be dealt with."

"Perhaps we could poison them or maybe even the dragons?" Pycelle suggested.

"All attempts of poisoning or assassination have proven unfruitful." Varys replied, "It seems young Daemon has proven to be experienced in both areas. He'll see any attempts of assassination a mile away."

Cersei scoffed, "Don't tell me we're actually worried about a pair of children halfway across the world."

"Better we prepare for a threat that never comes than be ill prepared for when a real threat knocks on our door." Littlefinger said, "Perhaps Lord Varys' little birds can make their way into the Targaryen camp."

Tywin turned to Varys, "See that it's done. And shift your birds on this side of the sea in search of my brother's son, Tyrek."

"Of course, my lord." Varys bowed his head.

"Now, I will like a private word with my children as well as my brother." Tywin announced, "If you would please, my lords."

The other councilors obediently exited the room as Tyrion felt an air of dread fill the room.


Olenna sighed in disappointment as she watched Sansa Stark walk down the aisle. She had such plans for the girl after she married Willas. Unfortunately Littlefinger caught wind of the secret engagement. Now the girl must marry the Dwarf, Tyrion Lannister.

She had sent one of her men to ride back to Highgarden to inform Willas of the failed match. But she had also sent a letter to her grandson. She had instructed the rider to not let anyone but Willas read it. It contained the most valuable information.

A little over a week earlier her nephew, Paxtar, had informed her of the happenings within the small council. Most of it was drivel such as the royal wedding expenses and Tyrion's appointment as Master of Coin. What she was interested in was Littlefinger's likely marriage with Lysa Arryn, the wicked woman apparently held room in her heart for a snake like Littlefinger as well as the Dornishmen's arrival at King's Landing. That was trivial compared to what Paxter told her next.

The Targaryens in the east have amassed a large army along with a horde of stallions, camels and elephants. They've acquired a vast fleet of a thousand ships from Qarth as well as riches. But what's interested her most of all is when she heard that they have three newborn dragons. It may be years before they are large enough to ride and wage war and when they are there will be nowhere to hide.

She hasn't told Mace, Loras, Paxter or even Margaery of what she's planned to ensure the utmost security. She's been far more careful with this than she was with the secret wedding. No one but herself and soon Willas will know of this. The discovery of this treason will be met with certain death.

Willas, with his brilliant mind, will prove himself quite the asset to the Targaryens in the east. Not only will he prove himself a loyal and useful ally but will also remind the Targaryens of who stood with them until the bitter end.


She was running. She was running faster than she ever has before. These dreams were her sole comfort amongst the lions den of Lannister. She dreamt of running, of the wolves almost every night. A great pack of wolves and amongst them two were larger, faster and stronger.

They would chase down horses, elk, stags and fight off lions. She liked taking down the lions the most. Men fled at the sight of their bare teeth. She followed the larger one's lead as she bounded through the forest. She leads them to food and shelter, their fur never letting the nightly winds disturb the warmth beneath.

She awoke with a wave of disappointment. She was met with the familiar sight of an empty bed. Tyrion was a horrible sleeper, he would snore and wake before her. She would usually find him hunched over his desk in his solar. He had been appointed the new Master of Coin and she can feel the frustration and irritation the position had given him.

The nights were for the wolves and the days for the lions. She's been forced into the role of a prisoner of war by the Lannisters. They've even married her off to the imp. Although he was kind she had hoped to marry Willas Tyrell.

Lady Margaery and Lady Olenna have spoken nothing but praise towards Willas. Before she had dreamt of the wolves she had dreamt of him. Her savior, ready to sweep her away from this horrible place. Although she hoped he would see past the political benefits of marrying her and grow to love her, she now sees how foolish it was.

However still Highgarden sounded like a marked improvement compared to King's Landing. Surrounded by the lords and ladies of the Reach sounded much better than to spend another minute around Cersei or any of the Lannister sycophants. At Highgarden she would've been free but now she's a permanent fixture in the lion's den.

She had few comforts in the Red Keep such as Margaery, Shae and Olenna. But her true comfort will always be her dreams of the wolves. Running free with no Lannisters to worry about. If only she could run like that forever.

Oh to run with the wolves. Was there any dream so sweet?


Daemon sighed once again. He hasn't been able to get a wink of sleep. He made sure not to wake Dany and he tossed and turned. The silk sheets and the soft bed were comfortable enough but he couldn't seem to allow sleep to overtake him. He turned to his side once more and slapped his pillow once more and let his head rest on it.

He stared blankly at the beam of moonlight streaming through the balcony door. He laid motionless watching the moonlight on the floor. Then a swift shadow moved through the beam causing him to reach for the dagger beneath his pillow. He silently slipped off the bed, dagger in hand.

Daemon stalked across the room towards the garden balcony. He scanned the balcony only to find no one. He approached the ledge and leaned over to see if the assailant tried to flee but found nothing. He looked around with a sigh and moved to return to bed but gasped when he saw a figure of black smoke in his way.

"The sorceries call to you, Father of Dragons." The voice echoed as a red mask emerged from the plum.

"Quathe." He gasped before he raised his dagger towards her.

"You will find what you seek within the Shadowlands, within Asshai." Her eyes shined within the mask. The two orbs called to him, almost hypnotizing him, "You will find the truth within Asshai."

He blinked before he demanded, "What truth?"

Her body drifted towards him, "The one truth that matters, the one enemy."

The one enemy? "Do you mean the Lannisters, the Baratheons? Can this truth aid me in defeating them?"

"The answer you seek lies with Asshai by the Shadow." Two hands emerged from the smoke,"There must be three, Daemon Targaryen, only seven can defeat the one enemy and only three can lead them against the darkness." Her hands drifted towards his shoulders.

"Seven? The Seven Kingdoms? What enemy?" He asked frantically as he was gently pushed back, "Make sense of your gibberish!" He exclaimed as he was backed towards the edge of the balcony.

"All answers are in the shadows. Only in the shadows may you find the light." She gripped his shoulders, "You will find the truth within the Shadowlands, Daemon Targaryen." She gave him a harsh shove over the edge sending him plummeting.

Daemon yelped as he immediately hit the floor below. He groaned as the right side of his head throbbed. He opened his eyes to see everything sideways. He placed his hands on the floor and immediately shot up.

He stood next to his bed with no sign of Quaithe. Lifted his pillow to find his dagger on its resting place. Was it a dream? Has he gone mad like Barristan had speculated?

"Dae?" Daenerys yawned, "What's wrong?"

Daemon shook his head before he returned to his place on the bed, "Nothing, I just rolled off the bed." He received a soft chuckle from Daenerys before she returned to sleep.

Looked at the ceiling as he thought about his dream. It felt too real to just be a dream. She spoke of the Shadowlands in Qarth. What does Asshai hold for him? Perhaps he could learn in the magical arts there and master the sorceries as Visenya Targaryen did. But one question he could not decipher the answer to.

What is the truth and what does it have to do with this so-called 'one enemy'?