-„Ser Gregor Clegane and Lady Rebekah Waldorf, your Grace."

-„I know who they are" Joffrey said annoyed, his body posture betraying arrogance and boredom. A few feet away, the chair was occupied by a small man with strokes of grey in his dark hair, a calculating look in his eyes and a nightingale brooch pinned on his garment.

Lord Petyr 'Littlefinger' Baelish. Rebekah had no idea if him sitting there was an advantage or not, but she would have been happier with Cersei. The Queen wasn't a friend, but she was easier to manipulate.

-„Your Grace. She belongs to me. The father is not here but the King can give her to me." Clegane barked, causing Joffrey to curl his lips.

-„There's no bethrothal yet. I can't just marry any knight who comes along and commands me too." Rebekah spoke up, putting her hands on her hips and raising her chin defiantly.

-„The King has other matters to attend to." Baelish said quietly and Joffrey nodded.

-„I don't care who you marry, Ser Clegane and you should not waste my time. Lord Baelish can find a solution." with that, Joffrey began inspecting his nails, making clear he had nothing else to say.

-„Ser Clegane is needed in the Riverlands, so why distract him with a wedding?"

Rebekah asked and Clegane took a step towards her, drawing his sword.

He attempted to say something when Littlefinger said softly: „Ser, there's no need for your weapon in this halls. Lady Rebekah, the Cleganes are a good match, from the Westerlands in addition. You would do a great favor to House Lannister if you'd marry him, strengthening the bonds between their bannermen. And a noble lady should always have the benefit of her family in mind, don't you think?"

Rebekah inhaled deeply. She desperately needed a better strategy.

-„This is madness." Tyrion whispered so that only Bronn could hear him. „Aye. I wonder how she'll get out of the mess this time."

If Bronn was honest to himself, he was genuinely worried about Rebekah. Not just because he would lose his toy and the reward she still had to pay him.

Tyrion and Bronn placed themselves on the side to the Iron Throne, although there was not much they could do.

Bronn observed Rebekah's face, and the expression of sheer stubbornness suddenly changed to a rueful one.

-„I'm so sorry." She moaned, tears swelling up in her eyes. „I never intended to... I thought I was doing best for my family..." she sobbed, „Loyalty to my King is my priority, never did I imagine the King would lead me on the wrong path. I only put my faith in our wise ruler. "

Bronn didn't understand what trick Rebekah was trying to use, but Joffrey reacted abruptly by straightening his back and staring down to Rebekah. Littlefinger shifted in his seat. „What do you mean, my lady?" he asked narrowing his eyes.

Rebekah sobbed again, tears rolled down her cheeks as she passed her hands trough her hair in a helpless gesture. Ser Gregor Clegane stayed quiet and suddenly looked very out of place. Bronn suspected the Mountain was quite overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. Violence was no longer required, and the use of manipulation and negotiations made it difficult for Clegane to follow.

„As many of you know, I'm still grieving for my brother Roran. His duty was to find me a right husband, and now that he's gone... I was confused and unsure about House Waldorf's future so I asked someone who I know to be very kind and wise. King Joffrey gave me such good advice, how could I not hold on to it?" she pleaded, looking from under her lashes.
Bronn was truly impressed by her mummer's play.

Littlefinger didn't hide his surprise.

-„Your Grace? I had no idea you already counseled our unhappy Lady Waldorf."

-„Yeah, I did." Joffrey stroke something off his garment, then stood up lazily.

-„Lady Waldorf wants an archery contest, the winner shall have her hand."
Rebekah nodded approvingly and smiled weakly. „She's surely not to blame for this idea, since I gave it to her. But now I'm not sure. Maybe she should be wed to Ser Clegane."

-„Your Grace, as the Hand of the King I say Lady Rebekah should marry the Mountain." Tyrion said and stepped up next to Lady Rebekah.

Has Tyrion lost his mind? Is he betraying Rebekah? Or is it part of his plan to save her?
You'll know in the next chapter... ;)
Thanks to HermioneandMarcus, sassygirl9811 and veri01! Your reviews keep me motivated!
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