-„Dealing with Joffrey is not easy, Rebekah, you must think of a strategy and an explanation for..." Tyrion made a waving gesture and sighed.
-„I know it's a mess Tyrion, but I can work it out alone. There's no need to burden yourself, I'm here to help you not the other way around." Rebekah quickly said, fully meaning it.
Tyrion raised an eyebrow sceptically and played with the big lion-shaped ring on his finger.
-„If you wish, my lady." The tone implied he wasn't convinced at all. Tyrion poured the two of them another cup of wine, although Rebekah only took a small sip.
-„I want you to get close to Cersei and Joffrey. They won't trust you, but I need someone who's not from my family and doesn't get paid from Lannister money. Joffrey's rule must be ensured now that everyone with a title wants to be King."
This morning, Rebekah had been buisy collecting information about those Kings. The realm was in war because of the rumor that Joffrey was the product of Lannister incest and because the latter killed Ned Stark. Of course, the handmaidens had been careful about placing their words, but Rebekah had lived in Casterly Rock. She knew Cersei Lannisters affections for Jaime. And altough she despised the idea of it, Rebekah never talked about it.
The woman nodded, understanding Tyrion's command.
OoOoO
An hour later, she entered the throne room, still abashed by the greatness of it. The Iron Throne was immense, letting the person sitting on it appear small and boyish.
„Your Grace, the Lady Rebekah of House Waldorf." A guard announced, and Rebekah woke up from her fascination. She curtsied deeply, trying to appear devour.
King Joffrey Baratheon sat almost lazily on the Throne, covered in fine red and golden silk. He was handsome, but his mouth had a cruel trait while his green eyes showed no mercy to anyone. Next to him, the Queen Regent Cersei Lannister wore an unreadable mask. Beautiful but cold as marble, Rebekah thought at her sight.
-„What a pleasant surprise, Lady Rebekah." She said softly, standing up to greet the younger woman. Cersei took her hands in hers, then gazed at Rebekah's face. „You're as beautiful as ever, my dear friend." She said, then kissed her on both cheeks. Rebekah smiled back, being friendly with the Queen.
Whenever Cersei visited Casterly Rock, Rebekah had served her as companion and Lady in waiting. And since Queen Cersei wasn't happy in her marriage, she had stayed in Casterly Rock for weeks several times a year. She tolerated Lady Rebekah, behaving in her cold friendliness. Rebekah stayed quiet in her presence and served the Queen well. Even as a young girl, she was always aware how quickly she could been sent back to Shadow Castle if she didn't behave. Or worse, being married with some of Lord Tywin's dogs, a destiny maybe still reserved for her.
-„Your Grace, you flatter me. The lioness of Casterly Rock can't be outshone." Rebekah muttered, causing Cersei to smile again.
She let go of the girl and turned to Joffrey.
-„Lady Rebekah lived on Casterly Rock for almost three years as my father's ward. The Waldorfs are great friends to House Lannister." Cersei explained to Joffrey who scoffed unimpressed.
-„Then what is she doing here?"
-„Your Grace, I returned to Shadow Castle with the prospect of marriage, but then got send here by your grandfather, Lord Tywin, to be in your service."
Rebekah bit her lip, knowing she skipped the part where she ran away in horror because it was Gregor Clegane she had to marry and because her brother didn't return. And of course, the adventure in the Vale and the battle at Tyrion's side.
Cersei raised thin brow, telling Rebekah she knew the details were missing.
„Oh, I heard so much about you, Lady Rebekah, you must absolutely tell me about it." Cersei said, releasing the younger Lady's hands. Joffrey looked up, almost as if he realized something.
-„Mother, let's invite her to dinner. Lady Rebekah, I want to know everything about the huntress of the Westerlands." Rebekah heard the mocking tone, but it didn't matter. Her goal, a private audience, had been easily achieved. She smiled widely at Joffrey and made a quick courtesy.
-„Your Grace, I would love to, it's an honor to meet my King and the Queen Regent."
Joffrey simply nodded at the flattery, but Rebekah noticed his mouth looked a bit softer than before.
Cersei on the other hand didn't show any sign of approval, Rebekah was smart enough to know the Queen wasn't truly her friend. The suspicion did never leave her as Rebekah stayed in the hall, standing next to other noble Ladies and listening to the arrivals of knights pledging their alliances. She recognized some of them, especially the daughters and wifes of Lannister bannermen, and between them, a bald men with a cunning smile.
He caught her staring and approached her silently, wrapped in heavy lavender scent. „Lord Varys. I believe we never had the pleasure." Rebekah said, nodding respectfully. It wasn't difficult to recognize him, the spider was well known in the realm. Varys chuckled lightly
-„I see I have a reputation, sweet Lady. But you have one as well. You live completely up to it when it comes to your beauty." He said softly.
The eunuch was one of the most powerful and dangerous man in Westeros, Rebekah was sure of it. Nice words and a soft, round face didn't convince her of the opposite. „Thank you, my lord." She simply said and waited for him to say what he wanted. „My lady, let's walk outside in the gardens. Our beloved King isn't the only one who's curious about you." Varys asked and presented his arm. Rebekah took it and let the Spider lead her out of the hall.
OoOoO
-„My dear, I can't describe how worried I was for Lord Darron Waldorf's beautiful daughter when my little birds told me she got lost in the Vale. You must have lived through horrendous things, my dear." Rebekah laughed, inhaling the salted air of King's Landing. The wind brushed her strands of hair out of her face and if it wasn't for the intrigues and gossip already starting, she would have felt comfortable in the capitol.
-„Indeed, many challenges crossed my path. But I suppose you already know about all of them."
Vary's thin smile answered her question.
-„Marriage negotiations with the Cleganes, Lady Lysa of the Vale, the lost of your brave brother, Lord Tywin's warcamp... poor Lady Rebekah."
The spider knew everything indeed, Rebekah thought.
-„Hopefully I can find some kind allies here to help me with my troubles. As I would always do the same for my friends." She said, looking into Lord Varys pale eyes.
Again, the spider chuckled. „Oh my dear, I do not doubt you are a great friend. My little birds and I will be lucky to serve you."
Rebekah wasn't sure if it was an hint at something she didn't knew.
-„Can I ask you a favor, Lady Rebekah? You're not the only one wanting friends, and my birds tell me you are close to the Hand of the King. A few nice words about me would be enough to build a friendship, don't you think?"
An easy task, nothing too serious. She could do it, so she nodded approvingly.
-„I can give you something valuable in exchange, my lady. Your brothers death concerns you, doesn't it?"
It was exactly what Rebekah had been hoping for Varys to say. The master of whisperers was one of the only people in Westeros able to find proof about Roran's murder. She tried to keep her hopes down anyway.
-„It does. If bandits can attack such a talented knight, how can anyone of us be safe?" Rebekah said with a dramatic sigh.
-„Oh, my lady, I'm sure the new Hand of the King will keep you safe, but I don't think bandits are your enemies." Rebekah made a gesture of her hand, asking Varys to continue.
-„It wouldn't be wise to simply accuse someone, but within the right time, justice can be done for your brother."
Wich meant Varys knew about Lord Mycah and warned her of publicly accusing him.
-„Lady Rebekah, the Lord Hand asks for your presence." A young squire interrupted. Rebekah recognized him as Podrick Payne, the poor boy looking intimidated of her and Varys.
-„Lord Varys, I'm very thankful and happy to know you. I won't forget your favor." She promised, leaving the Spider with the pale eyes. He nodded and smiled softly „My dear, it has been a pleasure. Hopefully we'll meet again soon."
OoOoO
-„Having a rough day, m'lady" Bronn asked mockingly as she immediately melted down in the chair and started massaging her temples. He handed her a cup of wine.
-„No actually, I had a day full of opportunities. Still, I need to think." She sighed, her eyes closed.
Tyrion Lannister slammed the door loudly.
.„My lady. Bronn." He said, then took a cup of wine. Both watched the little Lord expectantly.
-„We need to take care of the scum at curt. Janos Slynt, for example. Or my sister's puppets in the small council. Bronn, I intend to make you the new commander of the city watch, would you like that?" he asked lightly.
-„Aye." The dark-haired man grunted unimpressed.
-„I talked to Lord Varys, and he asked me to propose his friendship to you." Rebekah reported to the new Hand. „What a smart move." Tyrion said and blinked.
-„King Joffrey invited me for dinner. He wants to hear my story." She added agonized.
-„Has the boy found interest in a new toy?" Bronn asked with a raised eyebrow.
-„Hopefully yes, but only so far that it's of use to me." Tyrion smiled.
-„I don't think I like this conversation about me being a toy." Rebekah said dryly.
Both men smiled widely at her, trying not to laught. „Oh please, stop it." She pleaded but smiled as well.
OoOoO
Rebekah chuckled at something absolutely not funny. She was dining with Tyrion and Ser Janos Slynt, and even without the story about him killing innocent children on Cersei's command she would have despised the man. He smiled at her wickedly, letting his gaze wander over her body as if she wouldn't notice.
But Rebekah stayed charming and lovely, playing the distraction she was ought to be.
With a small wink, Bronn appeared and led the astonished Ser Slynt out of the room after Tyrion announced he was the new leader of the gold cloaks. „I have powerful friends at court! The Queen herself..." Janos Slynt was led away, his voice fading.
-„I had way too much wine" Tyrion mumbled, but smiling satisfied with himself. Rebekah chuckled, this time for real, watching the flickering candles on the tables.
She had grown up in a castle within the forest, far away from intrigue and plots. Casterly Rock had been quiet as well. She was truly unexperienced with the game, but the last day and evening were actually pleasant. Tyrion and her played well together, and Rebekah realized they had an advantage because they trusted each other.
„My lady. A raven has arrived." Podrick handed her the message, Rebekah took it, suddenly with shaking hands.
„My dear Rebekah,
with great concern I heard what happened to you after you ran away. Still, I forgive you for your temper. We're all sorry for Roran's parting and it is your duty to secure the future of our family. Ser Gregor Clegane is on his way to court you, and I hope you can behave like a real Lady. You will accept his proposal and serve him as wife, otherwise I can't guarantee for your security and happiness in King's Landing. A woman of your standing should know her place and since your older brother is gone, it is even more my task you teach you manners.
Unfortunately, I have to replace Roran as Lord of Shadowcastle, but you musn't worry, I will make sure Dewan takes over when the time is due.
May the Seven bless you, Lord Mycah."
She read, her voice trembling.
„It's a threat. And the Mountain..." Rebekah felt like the air was dropping cold instantly.
The message was clear to her: She had to behave or else her's and Dewan's life would be in danger. If they weren't already. Mycah hated her for rejecting and disrespecting him, and he wanted to be the only one with a claim to the Castle.
„Rebekah..." Tyrion said softly, compassion showing on his features. „I'm sure we can find a solution."
A few single tears began rolling down her face before she could stop them.
-„I never thought I would marry for love. I braced myself for marrying any kind of men, but not Gregor Clegane.." her voice broke.
They didn't hear the sellsword approaching until he stood in the room again, a smug grin of his face. Rebekah bit on her lip, focusing on hiding her tears and her terror. Tyrion gave her another concerned look and then raised his cup to Bronn „To the new commander of the City Watch."
„Tell me Bronn, if I would ask you to kill an infant girl, still at her mother's breast, would you kill it without questioning?" Tyrion asked after a while with a worried frown.
„Without question? Nah. Not without asking how much." Bronn answered without hesitation.
His voice pierced through the fog surrounding Rebekah's mind. Somehow, the fact Tyrion had replaced one pragmatic cutthroat without honor with another one added the last straw. Of course, Bronn had never given her a reason to believe something else about him. Rebekah stood up and left the room, leaving Lord Mycah's letter on the table.
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Next chapter: Rebekah practices with her bow and gets a job. Bronn makes friends at court.
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