Practicing with Joffrey wasn't as terrible as she thought it would be. Of course, he needed many compliments and a carefull approach, but he was eager to learn. Rebekah still disliked the boy King which made her even more relieved he behaved so well.

In the evening, she simply hoped Cersei would be kind to her too. The lioness and the king at one table were dangerous company.
Cersei looked gorgeous in her heavy red dress and the braided blonde hair, but the evil glimpse in her eyes destroyed the good impression someone could have of the Queen.

Rebekah had chosen a grey dress with red accents for the evening, she wanted to appear modest but loyal to House Lannister.

Of course, Cersei kept asking questions about Rebekah's travel through the Vale and her stay at Tywin's war camp.

-„My stepfather, Lord Mycah, was incredibly sad to hear about Roran's death. I mean Roran should be Lord of Shadowcastel by now." Rebekah said with a worried undertone.

„I acted way too impulsive, but my brother, I truly loved him... - " her voice broke off. „At least my stepfather takes care of me. He won't have to worry about me anymore when he sends me away to marry Ser Gregor Clegane."

Cersei nodded slowly, and Rebekah saw that Cersei genuinely understood two things: Love for a brother, even if her way of loving was very different to Rebekah's and men undermining women's power.

-„Ser Gregor Clegane?" Joffrey asked in disbelief.

-„Indeed." Rebekah said quietly.

Both Cersei and Joffrey didn't say anything, which was a sign of more compassion Rebekah thought they would show.

Cersei cleared her throat after taking a sip of her wine.

-„How were the crossbow lessons?" she asked casually, changing the subject. Joffrey's mood lightened up immediately. „Lady Waldorf said I'm extremely talented and could only be matched by a true Waldorf hunter." He beamed proudly. Rebekah chuckled. „Your Grace is right, he learns quickly and handles the bow as if he'd never done anything else."

It was hard keeping the balance between complimenting and simply overacting. Joffrey may liked flattery, but he wasn't stupid. He would see if she was lying. Luckily for her, he was quite a good shot. Unfortunately for everybody else, she thought bitterly. The reason for his talent was the sheer want to kill, and a sadistic King wasn't good for anyone.

Cersei smiled tightly, „I'm happy to hear that. The King is very grateful for your help."

-„Your Grace allowed me to practice, which is much more to thank for. Sadly I will have to stop when Ser Gregor arrives"

Joffrey looked like a child who's toy had been taken away. Rebekah hoped the seed she just planted would grow.

-„Maybe we can still find another husband for you, matching your standing, beauty and... talent." Cersei stated to soothe Joffrey.

Cersei and Joffrey were despisable, bad people, but useful as allies, even if it was just in service to Tyrion.

Chatting with them became easier the more the evening progressed. Rebekah noticed Cersei was really fond of wine.

OoOoO

Cersei had no true interest in a friendship with this odd girl, but even the Queen could not oversee her influence on Joffrey. She wondered what kind of men gave her to the Mountain. The Lannister shivered at the thought of Clegane's glances at her since the day she grew up to be the most beautiful woman in Westeros. Even Lady Rebekah could not reach up to her, although Cersei admitted she was somehow appealing and special. At least to men with a taste for flaming red hair, pale skin and strange amber eyes.

Normally Cersei was very talented when it came to read people, but the Waldorf girl combined many opposites, making it impossible to predict . She seemed clever, yet she did incredibly stupid things; she behaved like a tough woman, but childish innocence surrounded her. And altough she seemed to understand the game, she had no political ambitions. Cersei took another cup of wine and saw Rebekah chuckling, making Joffrey smile.

Everything she said or did was honest, coming directly from her heart and mind. The glimpse of mischief didn't cover up the honesty. Cersei Lannister smiled to herself. Honesty and impulsiveness was a deadly weakness in King's Landing.

OoOoO

When Rebekah returned to the quarters of the Hand, a thought passed her mind... a husband matching her beauty, standing and talent...

Rebekah decided to take her way to the gardens, although it was only enlightened by the clouded moon. The salted air kept her head clear and Rebekah stopped at the balcony, watching the dark waves of the sea crashing against the shore under her.

„Faster, Higher, Stronger." She whispered the words of House Waldorf, reminding herself what they meant. If there only was a good excuse for calling off the marriage negotiations, maybe someone better than Ser Gregor Clegane. Except for the fact he was a brutal monster, he was not a bad match. A rich House, in favour of the Lannisters and the King, bannermen of Tywin Lannister. He matched her standing, but actually not her talents.

OoOoO

„M'lady, Tyrion asked to escort you to make sure you weren't eaten alive by his sister, yet I find you running alone in the gardens." Bronn said annoyedly. The girl was making everything a challenge, apparently. Thankfully, her red hair made her stick out even in the moonlight.

She swirled around, and to his surprise she was smiling happily, her golden eyes sparkling.

„Bronn. I'm sorry." She said, her voice high-pitched and excited. Suddenly, she hugged him, throwing her arms around his neck. Bronn felt overwhelmed by her scent, a mixture of forest and peaches. Then, as if she realized what she was doing she jerked away shyly. „I'm sorry." She repeated, although this time it was meant for her sudden outburst. This girl had to get herself under control, Bronn thought, or he couldn't guarantee to keep his hands of her.

„I don't have to marry Gregor Clegane. I don't have to marry him." Rebekah chanted, and Bronn could finally understand her happiness.

-„Come on, let's tell Tyrion how you managed to do that, kitten." He teased, but she even ignored him calling her kitten.

She walked closely next to him and Bronn almost laughed at the sight of her cheerfulness.

-„You know the other day, when you walked out... Tyrion and I had a thought as well, m'lady. Another husband would solve your problem." He said just to say anything. She looked up to him since she was way smaller than the mercenary.

-„I know, but I can't simply go and deny Clegane's offer. Without a good reason, he would be deadly offended and Mycah would still try to make him my fiance. I don't think anyone would like to marry me if he'd know about the Mountain." She explained to him. Then she grinned again,

„Cersei and Joffrey gave me the best argument possible."

Hi guys,
thanks to the new followers and Sparky She-Demon!

I'm curious to know how you like the role of Joffrey in this story. Like everybody else, I hate Joffrey, but Jack Gleeson is a great actor and I enjoy the scenes with him. I know Joffrey is very nice to Rebekah, but that's just for the moment. We all know how he can switch from charming to evil brat in seconds ;)
Please let me know in the reviews!

Next chapter: Rebekah reveals her plans and has a little moment with Bronn in the gardens. Tyrion remembers how they met.

Liebe Grüße & xoxo