Chapter 9

Nysa stood quietly in the room as Queen Cersei continued to stare at the table in front of her. There were little figures on the table, made up in some sort of arrangement that confused Nysa. She watched as the Queen studied the pieces before pulling her gaze away. It landed on Ser Meryn who stood by the door - the door that was her escape. She never been alone with the Queen before.

"Do you know this game," the Queen finally asked, breaking the silence in the room. "Of course, you wouldn't know," she answered for her, "a bastard girl like you from the North - you wouldn't know such luxuries."

"I've heard that this game originated in Essos," Nysa spoke causing the Queen to turn her head towards her, "at least that's what I've been told. Forgive me, if I'm wrong, my Queen."

"What are you doing here?"

"I..." Nysa shook her head and looked back at Ser Meryn. "You summoned me here, your Grace?"

The Queen smiled lightly before turning back to the table. "Yes, I summoned you here. I was the one who did the summoning, don't you think I would know why you are here," she said the last part quite loudly and with a certain screech that made Nysa tremble. "I'll ask my question again, Lady Bastard," she said it slowly. "What are you doing here?"

Nysa thought a moment as to Queen Cersei's question before looking down at her feet.

"Unable to answer," Cersei spoke up, "or is just that you've learned your sweet words only work on one Lannister twin," she finished and moved a piece on the table before clapping lightly.

The Queen turned back to her and their eyes met.

"If you want to win the game, you always stay one move ahead of your opponent. It's a pity when I heard that the little Stark boy could no longer walk again, a great pity," she said. "I'm glad that he was able to write a letter to you. Such a sweet drawing that the younger one made, too," she added which made Nysa's heart beat wildly.

How did the Queen know that Bran and Rickon had sent a letter?

"One Stark girl has her wolf attack my son and the other is set to wed him," she smiled, "one move."

Cersei motioned for Ser Meryn to step forward and he did. He put a helmet on the ground in front of Nysa. She looked down at it to see blood stains both inside and out.

"My brother was taken by Lady Stark, I'm sure that you've heard."

"I have, your Grace," she replied softly.

"Jamie confronted Lord Stark about it and for some reason," the Queen's hands grabbed Nysa's face forcing her to look up. Nysa did not even know that she had stood up from her chair and moved towards her. The thought that she had done just so and without detection made Nysa nervous again. "Lannister men were killed this fine day, one move," she repeated the last part.

"They attacked Lord Stark, my Queen."

"They attacked Lord Stark," Queen Cersei repeated in a mocking tone before releasing Nysa's face. "And what was it that you said, a man for a man," the Queen laughed lightly and walked back to her chair. "How poetic that you would think a northern man would equal that of a Lannister," she smiled and then sighed. "I truly do not know what they are teaching you up there in the North but you are no longer there, Lady Bastard. You are here in King's Landing."

"I've been here for almost three months, I'm glad that you told me where I was," Nysa replied.

Ser Meryn drew his sword and approached her but the Queen held her hand up. "You have a sharp tongue but that will not help you with me. I do not know what it is that you hope to accomplish while you are here but you are no longer protected as you once were. Before, Lord Stark was Hand and now he is not. That makes you just another bastard here in the Capital. I suggest you learn your place quickly or I will teach you it!"

"Do you mean to threaten me the same way your brother threatened Lord Stark, your Grace," she dared to question as Cersei narrowed her eyes.

"As I said before, words will not work on me. I have been playing this game far longer than you have."

"I thought you said that I didn't know this game," Nysa mocked.

"Why you..."

A knock sounded at the door and the Queen gestured with her hands for Ser Meryn to open it. She did not look too pleased with the interruption.

"Forgive me for intruding." Nysa whipped her head quickly towards the voice to see Ser Jamie standing there. "I did not mean to interrupt a private meeting."

"I was merely discussing the importance of a quiet tongue with the Lady Bastard," the Queen replied causing Nysa to flinch at how gentle her voice seemed to turn.

"Then I will bid you a quick farewell," Ser Jamie made the statement to his sister but kept his eyes on Nysa.

"Farewell," the Queen appeared to be shocked and if Nysa could guess correctly - hurt.

"Father requested my presence," he turned slowly to look at his sister.

Nysa could only assume that going against their Father's wishes was not something that was easily tolerated. She wanted to argue that he was a member of the Kingsguard. His duty was to protect the King - first and foremost. It was not right that he was leaving King's Landing.

"Leave us," the Queen instructed Nysa.

She released a breath she had been holding in since she found herself in the company of both Lannister twins. Unfortunately, one of those Lannisters did not see fit that she left exactly at this moment. Ser Jamie's arm reached out to stop her. She faltered for a bit before keeping her eyes locked on the door - on her salvation - and stated in a calm voice that she dare not disobey the Queen.

"And the Queen did request that I leave," Nysa added which made Ser Jamie's hands fall.

"I will escort you back," Ser Jamie told her.

"Jamie," the Queen stood up from her seat and let out a laugh as though the thought of her brother escorting the young woman was ridiculous.

"Father made the request, your Grace," he commented without turning to look back at her. "I cannot deny our Father. I have bid you farewell and seeing that you have dismissed this young woman, I will see her back to the Hand's tower."

"I know my way..."

The Kingsguard took her hand and placed it on his arm as he turned sharply towards the door. Ser Meryn stepped out of their way as they exited, leaving behind a very baffled looking Queen. The walk to the tower was a quiet and uncomfortable one. Nysa felt as though her hand were burning. She wanted to tear it away from the knight escorting her but fear for her life made her resist. With her other hand, she subtly tapped her thigh to make sure that Jory's dagger was still there.

"The day that King's Landing fell still haunts me," he said suddenly causing Nysa to stop. Ser Jamie turned to face her then. "I think it always will. Everyone believes that it doesn't. But they couldn't be more wrong."

"Ser, I don't understand..."

"My sister hated Princess Elia because she wanted to wed the Prince," he nodded towards the door. "She called Princess Elia plain with a flat chest." Nysa did not know why but she felt anger. "But she was kind and the people of Dorne adored her. Her temper suited the Prince in a way that I know my sister's would not. My father felt slighted when the King chose Elia and not Cersei. As much as my family did not like her, I found her to be generous and amiable. She treated everyone, including myself, as someone important to her. She got to know every servant, every guard and every court attendee as best as she could. She took a personal interest in those she met. I always saw her with her children. I even helped carry them when she was too ill. Of course she protested handing off her son and daughter to just about anyone," he chuckled as he recalled the memory.

"I still do not know why you are telling...

"A devoted mother, an attentive Princess and a caring wife - she would have made a great Queen. You were right," he added which got Nysa's attention. "There was nothing honorable about the way that she died."

"And her children?"

"If you must know I hated the sight of Prince Aegon's body being laid out to my father. I detested that my father applauded the actions of it. Yes, according to a strategic mind like that of my father's it was the most logical choice - to remove the heir to the Iron Throne."

"He was a child," she whispered.

"He was a threat," he stated plainly.

"He could have been taught. He could have been raised to be different from his grandfather. There was no need to destroy an innocent life," she shook her head. "You of all people, someone who had seen him grow up could surely..."

"By the time, I had remembered that the Princess and her son were here it was too late. I admit that I should have done something sooner but I was concerned about the safety of thousands of others. King Aerys was mad!"

"And that is an excuse?"

"There was nothing considered honorable about the breaking of my oath," he took a step closer, their bodies almost pressed together. "I understand that. I was told to protect the King, the royal family, his secrets and those of my sworn brothers. But it did not mean that I had to enjoy the things that he did. You may think that there were other ways but at the time there didn't seem like any. And believe me, I think about what happened and how things could have been different every single day of my life. I enjoyed serving the royal family. The other knights," he shook his head, "they all enjoyed serving the royal family. It was a great honor. And I threw that away," he shook his head. "You may not think I'm being honest - what with the way you were raving earlier today - but I am ashamed of that day. My behavior was treasonous. My father's behavior was treasonous. There was nothing honorable about what my father did, you were right about that as well."

"Did you know that he would betray the King," she asked.

The Kingsguard stared at her for a moment before looking down and nodding. "I had an intuition, an inkling that my father did not come here to help him. I suggested against opening the gates to him. Everything after that, it all happened so fast. I had to make a decision that haunts me forever," he admitted to her. "And earlier today, I was reminded that despite everything that happened, I took an oath to protect the King and the royal family. And no matter which way you look at it, I did not fulfill that oath on that day."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because one day I will ask you for your forgiveness."

Nysa narrowed her eyes before looking around the hallway that they were in. "Is this some sort of trickery?"

"No, it is not," he shook his head before taking a few steps back. For some reason, Nysa felt as though she could breathe now. "I just," he paused and wondered how much of the story he could reveal to her. "I know who you are," he admitted.

"Everyone knows who I am. I am the girl from the North, household member of Lord and Lady Stark. I am to become one of Lady Sansa's ladies when she becomes Queen. I am called Lady Snowflake or Lady Bastard."

"That is not who you are."

"You aren't making any sense," she shook her head.

He chuckled at how plainly she put it before he turned towards the hallway to see a few Lannister guards, awaiting his instruction. "It would be safer if you learned who your mother was when you are farther away from here, believe me."

"Safer and yet somehow I should feel indebted to you because you know this secret," she narrowed her eyes at him.

"It is I who is indebted to you," he clarified. "That is the reason why I am going to leave and not say a thing about it."

"Are you really leaving the Capital," she looked towards the guards and back at him. They looked eager to depart.

"Yes."

"But why," she questioned him. "As a member of the Kingsguard you should be here in King's Landing, serving the royal family as you so eloquently put it not too long ago."

"I have been summoned by my father and I am to answer it," he replied.

"You are breaking your oath again," Nysa reminded Ser Jamie as he let out a deep sigh.

"I know I've made a vow to serve the King. But I also must go to get my brother back. He is and always will be kin to me. Remember him," he mocked, "your Lord Stark ordered to have him captured."

"I," she could not find the words and as her voice broke, she felt the fear growing in her once again. She tapped her hand to her side, feeling the dagger and gaining some sense of confidence.

"Let us be honest with one another," he tilted his head, "as I honestly spoke about that infamous day with you. Did you know that Lady Catelyn would take my brother as her prisoner?"

Nysa shook her head. "But I do know that she was here in King's Landing, speaking to Lord Stark," she confessed - not understanding why she had shared that information. "Someone attacked Bran, tried to kill him. But I'm sure you already know that." She looked back to the Queen's chambers. "It seems that these walls do you have ears."

Ser Jamie smiled lightly before stating, "she has the wrong person in custody."

"You know who ordered the assassination?"

He shook his head. "I do not but I can tell you though that it was not my brother. He showed a sense of grief when hearing of the young Stark boy, expressed his delight in the boy's ability to live and possibly awaken one day."

Nysa nodded. "I hate to admit it but I think you are right. I remember Lord Tyrion told Prince Joffrey to express his condolences over the matter," she shared with him, "said that it was the right thing to do." She was thoughtful now about the situation.

"Prince Joffrey?"

"Aye," she answered, "I stumbled upon Lord Tyrion the morning we were to leave. We were discussing my mother and the possibility of me being a Lannister," she made a face of disgust that caused him to chuckle. "During our conversation, Prince Joffrey found us and he began mocking Bran," she shook her head. "Lord Tyrion slapped him," she peered into his eyes, "told the Prince that he had to apologize to me and speak with Lord and Lady Stark."

"He slapped Prince Joffrey," Ser Jamie studied her face to see if she was exaggerating the story.

She nodded her head again.

"And the Prince didn't seem the least bit upset about it, especially since you were there?"

"He did say that he was going to tell his mother. Lord Tyrion didn't buckle under the threat," she shrugged. "He," she paused and looked away, even deeper in thought. "He seemed even more determined to let Prince Joffrey know that it was his duty to call upon Lord and Lady Stark, apologize to me and make amends somehow."

Ser Jamie took in the information that she gave to him. Some time had passed before he looked back up to her. "Do you know why they assumed it was my brother?"

"Someone told Lady Catelyn that it was Lord Tyrion," she answered.

"Who was it?"

This time it was Nysa who shook her head in response. Ser Jamie looked troubled and Nysa could not help but admit that he did state the truth. She could not see why Lord Tyrion would do such a thing either when Jory had explained it to her after they had seen to Lord Stark's well-being. Lord Tyrion was straight-forward in his thoughts but after he somewhat relieved her of his nephew's company in Winterfell and after Jon had stated that he viewed him as a friend, it was hard to think of him as hiring someone to assassinate Bran. In fact, he had expressed deep sympathy over it. Or was that just a plot as well?

"Remember your wits," she mumbled.

"Excuse me," Ser Jamie questioned.

She shook her head again. "Something your brother told me the day that we were leaving for King's Landing. He said that I had to remember my wits. I would need it." She looked down and then shook her head. "Someone forget their wits and now," her eyes met Ser Jamie's, "there's no stopping it, isn't there?"

"War?" He moved his head to indicate that there would be no stopping.

"I'm still upset that you attacked Lord Stark."

"I'm still upset that your Lady Stark thought she could take my brother without consequences," he challenged.

"Must everything be about getting revenge or as your sister put it being one move ahead," she responded.

He smirked. "It is about repaying a debt and a Lannister always pays his debts." Jamie stepped further away from her. "I take my leave of you now. Go down this hall and take a right," he pointed. "It should lead you straight to the Hand's tower without running into any guards."

Robb sat there in the godswood, pouring over yet another letter speaking about what was happening in King's Landing.

His father was attacked by the Kingslayer, Nysa had taken up her bow and shot down Lannister guards to protect him, Winterfell guards lost their lives and their bodies were being sent back, and all this because his mother had taken Lord Tyrion as prisoner.

Perhaps Robb should have kept him here and interrogated him instead of agreeing to let him stay. He shook his head and looked down at Nysa's letter. She did not believe Lord Tyrion was in the wrong. And for some reason neither did Robb. Lord Tyrion would not have agreed to help Bran if he were the guilty party. Oh, it was so confusing.

"I pray you were here, father," Robb whispered. "I pray that Jon was here. I pray Nysa and mother were here," he added as he knelt in front of the tree. "I do not know what I am doing. I want to protect my family but they are all so far away from me. What do I do? What am I supposed to do?"

Despite the relief he found from being on his own, he knew there were responsibilities awaiting him once he returned to the Keep. He stayed there in the godswood just a while longer, relishing the calm that the woods provided in this time of chaos.

A sudden image of Nysa and her smile came into his mind. It was the first time that he dared to take her hand in his. They were walking in the same spot that he was in right now. She had been grieving since her return from Karhold and Robb didn't like the frown that seemed to fix itself on her brow. He suggested that they go riding - just the two of them. It had been a slow ride within the walls of Winterfell until they came to rest at a spring and allow their horses to drink. He attempted to ask her questions but she gave short answers and redirected the conversation back to him.

Nysa began to walk away and it was then that Robb spotted the heart tree. He spoke about his parent's wedding ceremony and how he hoped that when he would wed it would be in front of the heart tree, in front of the old gods, right here in Winterfell. When he asked her about what she envisions, Nysa had replied that she would never wed. She began to cry, throwing herself against the tree and sobbing. She urged Robb to leave her alone, to leave her be. He refused to and did his best to placate her, telling her that she would wed.

Flashback

"I am not beautiful enough to inspire attraction from a man," her body had wracked with sobs. "I'm just a lowly bastard, nothing but a child!"

"Did Theon tell you such things?"

"He does not need to," she covered her face.

"But someone did," he replied as she continued to cry. "Is that why you have been so dejected lately? Because one man thought you not beautiful enough," he groaned and turned her around to face him. "Nysa, you are a vision," he confessed, "ten times the young women I have seen here in the North. A hundred times the girls that Theon delights in at the brothel."

Nysa rolled her eyes before snarling at him. "Now I'm like a whore?"

"That is not what I meant," he growled before taking a few steps back.

It grew quiet before he took a step forward, taking her hand in his. He rubbed his thumb slowly on the back of her hand, closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers. Robb had no idea where the sudden heat came from but a fire built within him as their bodies pressed close together.

"What I attempted to say is that there is no one that can stand against you when it comes to beauty. I do not care what another man has told you but he could not be more wrong," he pulled back and her eyes fluttered open to look up at him. "I have met many a young pretty woman - ladies and common folk alike - and they pale in comparison. To me, you are utterly perfect, Nysa. I envy the husband you are to wed," he smiled and saw a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"That was very kind of you, Robb," her hand was placed on his chest and immediately he felt a wave of passion and desire overtake him. "Thank you for saying what you said, even if..."

"I meant it, Nysa," he nodded, "every word."

"Then I will envy your wife too for I know that you will always have these lovely confessions for her," she smiled.

She had smiled - for the first time in days. Robb meant it. He had seen a lot of pretty girls but for some reason he only saw Nysa. And now that she was smiling, he'd do anything to keep her face looking bright and happy as it looked that day that they held hands under the heart tree.

Robb patted the tree and turned out of the Godswood to head back into the Keep. True that had not been the first time they held hands but it was the first time it held any romantic notion for Robb. The other times they were young children and it meant nothing. But that day it meant something - it meant everything.

"Robb! Robb!"

He turned from his spot to see Bran sitting upon a horse. Immediate happiness and joy washed through him. A wide smile was etched upon his younger brother's face and he walked quickly towards them.

"It's the saddle that Lord Tyrion gave me the plans for," Bran declared. "It has finished! And," he paused and his smile grew - if that was even possible - causing Robb to laugh lightly. "Look at me, Robb! I'm on a horse! I can go riding again!"

"Aye," Robb nodded. "Why don't we do that now?"

"Truly," Bran looked excited.

"Aye, let's go," he tilted his head and began to lead the horse out from the stable.

"But what about your duties? Maester Luwin said a raven came earlier this morning from the Capital. Was it from Nysa? Does she have word from Arya? Oh, if they could see me now," Bran continued on in delight.

Robb turned and patted the young horse's neck before running down to its chest. He took hold of the reins again and looked up at his brother. Duties and news of their father would wait. He did not want to destroy his brother's happiness right now.

"It was from Nysa," he admitted that much, "perhaps you can write something in return and tell her of your riding? Of course, you wouldn't know much about it unless you were to ride," Robb pulled the horse out further.

"Yes, let's ride," Bran said as he hit his reigns causing the horse to gallop.

"There's something you're not telling him," Theon came towards Robb.

Robb looked over towards Bran who was still smiling. Just like he did that day with Nysa, he was to do it now. He'd make sure that the smile would stay on Bran's face. He handed the letter towards Theon before walking after his brother. He wouldn't tell Bran, not now.

"Would you like to accompany me today, Nysa," asked Lord Stark as they broke their fast.

"Of course," Nysa nodded before turning towards her brother. He subtly shook his head.

Something strange had happened when Lord Stark had woken up. The King and Queen were in the room as Nysa tended to Lord Stark. It happened so fast that she could barely react. The King had slapped the Queen causing Nysa to let out a slight scream. She had rarely seen a husband treat his wife so and for a moment she reminded herself that she could not say anything about it. He was the King. She was rushed out after the Queen and began to press a cold rag to her cut and bruise, but the Queen immediately grabbed Nysa's wrist and shook her head.

"I just wanted to treat your cut. It was wrong of him to..." Nysa began but the Queen stopped her.

"If you wish to treat me, you will say nothing about it." Nysa nodded lowly. "Do you understand me, Lady Bastard?"

"Yes, my Queen."

Nysa had spent majority of her time since then either caring for Lord Stark, ensuring that the fallen guards were returned to Winterfell, writing letters to Robb and Lady Catelyn to inform them of the news, and assisting the girls with whatever needed to be done. Basically, she had refused to leave the Hand's tower and face the Queen again after that. She found that she couldn't even look at the King either, without remembering that day. And now, Lord Stark was asking her to accompany him. She wanted to refuse but knew that her loyalty was to House Stark.

"What will you be doing today, father," asked Arya.

"The King will be going on a hunt," Lord Stark explained. "I am to hear the concerns of the people in King Robert's absence."

"So, you'll be acting King," Arya inquired.

"Something like that," he smiled at his daughter before turning towards the other. "And what will you be doing today, Sansa?"

"My lessons," she moved her fork slowly over her plate, causing Nysa to look over at her.

Yesterday, she seemed to be doing well so the change in mood once again surprised Nysa. "If you would like me to stay with you..."

"Go with my father, Nysa," Sansa stood up abruptly causing Septa Mordane to chastise her but she did not listen. She did not listen at all.

"She was well yesterday," Nysa commented.

"She has not yet returned to the Prince's good favor," added Septa Mordane. "Do you think that the King will call off the betrothal?"

"If he does not, then perhaps I will," Lord Stark stated with finality. "This is hurting Sansa far more than I thought it would. It be best if it continues no longer. I do not desire my daughter to become Queen if this is how she will be treated."

Nysa turned to the Septa who had a grave look on her face at Lord Stark's tone but nodded in agreement. Even she understood that something was amiss with Sansa.

"There are many fine knights here in the South," Nysa lifted her cup. Lord Stark coughed a little, but appeared to not want to discuss the matter about betrothing his daughter to someone from the South should he or King Robert decide to end the betrothal to the Prince. The topic was then dropped altogether and they broke their fast in relative silence.

When they had finished, Nysa went to retrieve her bow and dagger. Wyl made a comment about her being so heavily fitted for battle but she reminded him of what happened outside Lord Baelish's brothel. Lord Stark had asked her about the guards who lost their lives and Nysa informed him that Robb had been notified and transport was made to have them returned to the North after the Silent Sisters had cared for them. She would continue to care for the needs of House Stark, regardless of what they were and that included being so heavily fitted for battle.

Ser Preston and Ser Barristan showed them into the throne room. Ser Preston came to walk beside her, asking if she had been well. He feared for her safety when he heard that she was summoned before the Queen days ago. He had not seen her since then and thought that something had happened.

"I have been well, fine knight," she replied. "I thought it better that I stay at the Hand's tower. Besides assisting with lessons, a few of the guards sustained injuries." She bit her lip and wondered if she should have mentioned it. Surely, the entire Capital would know about the incident by now.

"I am most grieved to hear about your fallen Northmen. I prayed that you were unharmed," Ser Preston stated, confirming her thoughts.

"Thank you, Ser Preston," she nodded to him before Ser Barristan opened the door. "Will you be joining the King?"

"We will accompany him to the woods," Ser Barristan replied to her question instead, "but he chooses who goes on the hunt."

"Then the King will be in good hands," she smiled before gracing them both with a curtsy.

Lord Renly smiled at her as they entered the room. He had visited the tower when Lord Stark was in recovery and brought her a dragon's breath flower. She had thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. He apologized for his behavior and admitted that he did not have a way with ladies. When she inquired as to why he felt the need to apologize, he answered with regards to the small council meeting. They spoke about what happened in the council's chamber and he confessed that it did not seem as though murdering a child was the right thing to do but he must support his King and brother. In no way would he lift a blade against a young woman such as herself but he needed to obey his King.

Thinking about their conversation, Nysa returned his smile as Lord Stark limped towards the throne. He talked to the King about certain matters under hushed tones as Lord Renly came by her side.

"It will get rather boring in here," he teased.

"Does the King have to go hunting now? There is tension," she whispered the last part.

"Beyond what happened in the small council meeting, you mean?"

"Surely, you've heard..."

"Aye, I have," Renly nodded and took her a few steps on the side. "Be careful, Lady Snowflake. Watch those wolf girls," he advised, "for the lions here are cunning."

"I see you have taken a shine to the young Nysa," the King's hand rest on his brother's shoulder. Renly smiled at the King. Nysa was just about to curtsy when the King's laughter stopped her. "I think she looks like the Dayne girl, told Ned a few times as well but he won't believe me."

"I have not had the pleasure of meeting the lady so I would not be able to compare the two, brother," Lord Renly replied.

"Lady Dayne," Nysa questioned.

"Yes, Lady Ashara Dayne," King Robert replied, "she was a beauty, made your Lord Stark over there weak in the knees. I believe they were in love. She had a daughter, would be your age," he nodded to Nysa. "Of course, everyone thought that her child was Ned's," he laughed.

But then that would mean that Lord Stark had three children around the same time. It was possible that Lord Stark could have been her father, Robb's and Jon's. Yet, she could hardly think of Lord Stark spending his time with multiple women as the King did. Lord Stark's devotion to Lady Catelyn was deep and real. And since they had been here, he'd often thought and spoke of his wife. He would not disrespect her more than once - not Lord Stark.

"Leave the girl be," Lord Stark called out and gestured for Nysa to stand at his side which she did.

There were other instructions given to Lord Stark before the King departed. She watched as the King shouted at Lancel who looked up to her with pleading eyes. She could not rescue him on the hunt. He would have to learn to stand up for himself. It was then that she noticed the Queen glance at the young squire before the entire party filed out.

"Is there anything that you would need me for, Lord Hand," the Queen asked as she eyed Lord Stark sitting on the throne but he dismissed her.

"Ah Lady Nysa," Lord Baelish smiled and offered her a slight bow. "I see you have your trusty bow with you," he smiled again, "shot down a few guards the other day, did you?"

"Like my brother and our father before us, we serve House Stark the best that we can, Lord Baelish," she answered.

"Well met," he nodded.

"And will you be sitting in also, my Lord," she asked.

"I will," he answered, "as Master of the coin, it is important to know whether such concerns will be profitable to the crown. The small folk usually do not ask for much but the crown is always generous."

"A noble responsibility," she replied, "perhaps the first one you are tasked with that I find I agree to."

"Still do not like my businesses," he questioned.

"No, I do not," she smiled and looked forward. "If I were to catch my husband in there, I'd do more than shoot him with an arrow."

"Let me pray that your husband never come to one of my establishments then," he smiled, "you would scare all of them away."

"That would be the best for their wives, my Lord."

"But not for the girls who work for me," he countered.

Nysa did her best to ignore Lord Baelish's presence as Lord Stark heard the concerns of the Lords and Ladies. There were some of them who she admittedly wanted to roll her eyes at. There were important, weightier matters to be concerned about than the things they were bringing forth. Some of these things could be resolved within their own Houses. She thought then of Robb and wondered how he was fairing with his duties of Lord of Winterfell.

"Ser Marq Piper, Ser Karyl Vance and Ser Raymun Darry for you, my Lord," announced Jory.

"Show them in," Lord Stark nodded to the door.

Nysa watched as the three men entered.

"Lord Stark," Ser Raymun bowed. "I bring the King word from your good-father, Lord Tully."

"I am seeing to matters in the King's absence. What is your request?"

"Our lands are being raided," he answered.

"And what have you done to protect your lands?"

"We've sent men to stop these attacks. We've barricaded our gates to our castles. We've moved some of the villagers into our walls. We need more men. I present to you Ser Karyl Vance."

"My Lord," Ser Karyl bowed. "I have with me people from the towns that are under my protection. The population of these towns has declined. Their houses are burned, their sons put to the sword and their daughters raped." Nysa looked away before taking a deep breath and putting on a brave face. "It is not only the smallfolk that are being attacked."

"Lord Stark," the youngest one of them all stepped forward. "Perhaps you do not remember me. I was present at your wedding feast to Lady Catelyn. I am Ser Marq Piper. My own home of Pinkmaiden has had to defend itself. Stone Hedge has been attacked. They are holding as best they can, we all are," he looked around at the other two men, "but only the Seven know how long we will last."

"Who is behind these attacks," Lord Stark asked.

"Many soldiers," answered Ser Raymun. "They are led by a man, tall man. He is ruthless beyond anything I've seen. He cuts men in two. They said that he took the head off a horse with a single swing of his sword."

Lord Baelish turned to Nysa. "You know who that is don't you?"

Nysa gasped. "The mountain," she whispered as Lord Stark looked at the two of them.

"The man you describe is Ser Gregor Clegane," Lord Stark replied to Ser Raymun.

"He has been called Lord Tywin's mad dog," Lord Baelish commented, "He does as Lord Tywin commands. And may I say," he leaned towards Lord Stark, "there may be a reason why the Lannisters are upset with House Tully and the Riverlands."

"Does this Ser Gregor hold any banner or sigil to accompany him," asked Lord Stark, "perhaps he is not doing it under Lord Tywin's commands," he looked at Lord Baelish who snaked back to his chair.

"Lannister banners have been spotted at every one of these attacks," Ser Raymun snarled

"What would cause such drastic actions resulting in attacking the Riverlands," Nysa questioned.

"Drastic and bold actions, indeed," Lord Baelish agreed. "It is as brazen as attacking the Hand of the King on the streets of the Capital," he pointed out which made Nysa remember her conversation with Lord Stark.

Lord Stark waited a moment before answering.

"I cannot give you back your homes or your lives, but perhaps I can give you justice in the name of our King Robert. Because it is a call for help from the Riverlands, my dear wife's own home, I would arrest Ser Gregor myself," Lord Stark looked down to his knee. "I have seen the work that the Lannister's men have done before," his gaze turned sadly towards Nysa. "When the lions attack, they attack everything," Lord Stark turned back to the three knights. "Bring Ser Gregor to justice."

"Send me to carry it out, my Lord," Jory bowed his head.

"No," Lord Stark stood shakily. Nysa immediately went to help him. "You are to carry out the plan should I need you to," he nodded to Jory. "Harwin," he called forth one of his other guards. "Arrange for half of our guards to go to the Riverlands."

"As you command," Harwin nodded.

"Lord Beric, step forward please," he requested. The man Nysa had seen perform in the tourney came to stand before them then. Lord Stark sighed and then with confidence began speaking, "In the name of Robert, the House Baratheon - first of his name, King of the Andals and the First Men, the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, I charge you to bring the King's justice to the false knight, Gregor Clegane and all those who share in his crimes. I denounce him and taint him. I strip him of all ranks and titles, of all lands and holdings and sentence him to death."

"Lord Stark, may I interrupt..."

"Grand Maester Pycelle," Lord Stark turned to him, "send a raven to Casterly Rock. Lord Tywin Lannister is to come to court to answer for the crimes of his bannermen. If he does not, he will be branded as an enemy to the crown and a traitor to the Realm."

Lord Stark turned then and began walking off as the three Riverlands' knights bowed their hand and turned to exit. Nysa followed behind Lord Stark and Lord Baelish.

"A bold move, my Lord," Lord Baelish commented, "and admirable. But is it wise to yank the lion's tail? Tywin Lannister is the richest man in the Seven Kingdoms. Gold will win wars, not soldiers," he warned.

"Then how come Robert is King and not Tywin Lannister," Lord Stark asked as Lord Baelish stopped.

He grabbed Nysa's arm as they exited, "Be careful, Lady Snowflake. You best keep that bow handy for when Lord Stark will need you."

Nysa nodded before hurrying after Lord Stark.

"A traitor to the crown," Jamie snorted after reading the letter that was sent to his father. "Poor Ned Stark," he chuckled. "Brave man, terrible judgement," he noted turning towards Lord Tywin.

Tywin continued to clean out the stag on the table, wiping his hands every now and then before wiping down his knife. "Attacking him was stupid," he stated plainly at his son. Jamie studied his father but Tywin did not turn around. Instead he continued with his task as though it were more important than addressing his son. "Lannisters don't act like fools."

Jamie looked away, almost dejectedly before reminding himself that this was his father. He shouldn't have expected anything short of being reprimanded. He should have known that that summons for his appearance wasn't merely just to aid in taking Tyrion back but also to scold him. That didn't mean that he had to endure this. He wasn't a child. He was a member of the Kingsguard. Jamie opened his mouth but his father stopped him.

"You going to say something clever? Go on," his father chuckled, "say something clever."

"Catelyn Stark took my brother," Jamie defended his actions.

"Why is he still alive?"

"Tyrion?"

"Ned Stark," his father answered.

Jamie sighed. "There was a maiden."

"A maiden," Tywin questioned as his hands moved the knife across the stag's belly.

"Yes, she shot an arrow towards me. Stopped me from finishing him off," he explained.

"Why is she still alive?"

Jamie gulped, knowing the truth as to why he kept the girl alive. She wasn't who people thought she was. She wasn't who she thought she was. And then the guilt that she delivered to him was swifter than any arrow she had shot that day. He looked down at his hand, the cut healing but the scar would be there. It was a small reminder but it was enough. Amie. He shook his head and looked up at his father. He owed a debt to that girl, more than any other person.

"It wouldn't have been clean," he went with a simple answer.

"Clean," his father chuckled, "you spend too much time worrying about what other people think of you."

"I could care less what anyone thinks of me."

His father half-turned towards him, knife still in hand. "That's what you want people to think of you," he snarled before turning back.

Jamie shook his head. "It's the truth."

"Then you're in denial. When you hear them whispering 'Kingslayer' behind your back, doesn't it bother you?"

"Of course, it bothers me," he bit out.

"And that is why the maiden with the bow still lives, isn't it," Tywin looked over his shoulder at his son. "She shouted in the courtyard, in front of a brothel where whores and lowlifes congregate," he spat out. "She called down evil upon you in front of people like that? Ha! A Lion doesn't concern himself with the opinions of the sheep."

Jamie looked away. She is not a sheep.

"I suppose I should be grateful that your valiantly got in the way of your recklessness," Tywin said as though it were a compliment but Jamie felt more reprimanded for it. "I'm giving you half of our forces," Tywin instructed then, pausing in his work to look over at Jamie, "thirty-thousand men. You will bring them to Catelyn Stark's girlhood home and remind her that Lannisters pay their debts. This time you will deal with men, warriors," he skinned the stag, "instead of little girls with bows."

"I didn't realize you placed such a high value on my brother's life," Jamie retorted before he could stop himself.

"He's a Lannister," his father laughed, shaking his head. "He might be the lowest of the Lannisters but he's one of us. And every day that he remains a prisoner, the less our name commands respect."

"So, the lion does concern himself with the op..."

"No, that's not an opinion," Tywin raised his voice, "it's a fact. If another House takes one of our own and holds him captive without impunity, we are no longer a House to be feared." There was that feeling again - that feeling that Jamie was being mocked as though he were a child. Tywin looked towards him and he nodded slightly. "Your mother is dead. Before long, I will be dead," he returned to his work. "And you and your brother and your sister and all her children," he listed, "all of us dead, all of us rotting in the ground. It's the family name that lives on. It's all that lives on. Not your personal glory," he grunted as he sliced through the stag, "not your honor, not family. Do you understand?"

Jamie felt like he was eight name-days old and his father was forcing him to endure lessons from the Maester. He wished at that moment he was like Tyrion and did have a clever saying to retort to his father. Instead he did as he was told. He simply nodded his head.

Tywin stopped and began cleaning his hands. "You are blessed with abilities few men possess. You're blessed to belong to one of the most powerful families in the Kingdoms. And you're still blessed with youth," he said as Jamie watched him. "And what have you done with these blessings, hm? You served as a glorified body-guard for two Kings," Tywin looked out of the tent, "one a madman, the other a drunk."

There was a great honor to be had from serving as Kingsguard but the way his father put it made him feel insignificant.

"The future of our family will be determined in these next few months," Tywin walked to stand in front of Jamie. "We could establish a dynasty that would last a thousand years or we could collapse into nothing, as the Targaryens did."

As you made them, Jamie looked down. Amie.

Tywin placed a hand on his son's face, causing him to look up. "I need you to become the man you were always meant to be. Not next year, not tomorrow, now," he whispered.

Jamie considered his father's eyes and saw a brief resemblance of the father that he once was back in Casterly Rock - hard but devoted to his family. That's all that they had ever wanted after their mother had passed - acknowledgement from their father. And now it looked like he was receiving it. Jamie gave his father a small nod. Tywin tapped Jamie's cheek once more before turning away.

He too made his way out of the tent.

"And Jamie," Tywin called out to his son. Jamie turned slowly to face him. "I've instructed Cersei to take care of the problem you left behind in King's Landing. The next time a maiden speaks out against you, make sure it's the last thing she ever says."