A fortnight later, Alica and Tywin laid in bed together after fornication. Alica was curled up in Tywin's arms, her head resting on his chest. Tywin had an agenda with Alica tonight, he had questions and she would answer him.
"You know my cupbearer, don't you?" Tywin asked. During the two weeks, he was certain Alica knew his cupbearer just by the way she looked at her. He had his guesses at who the girl was, but he needed assurance from his wife.
"Yes." Alica told him.
"Who is she?" Tywin inquired. Alica sighed, she knew she would have to tell Tywin the truth. She knew that if she asked, Tywin wouldn't give Arya to Cersei. Alica saw this as an opportunity to protect the Stark girl.
"Arya Stark." Alica admitted. "You must not tell Cersei."
"No, Cersei would kill the girl and we need her alive." Tywin agreed.
"What will we do with her?" Alica asked.
"She will be in our charge until we can reunite her with her sister in King's Landing." Tywin told her.
"I am not ready to risk her life by having her in King's Landing." Alica said. "I received word that Joffrey tore at Sansa's clothes and beat her in front of court and that your son was the only one who dared try and stop him."
"I will bring my grandson to heel." Tywin assured her.
"When though?" Alica asked. "How many innocents have to suffer at Joffrey and Cersei's hand?"
"I can assure you that Tyrion will not allow any harm to come to Sansa again." Tywin said. "We'll continue this discussion tomorrow, for now, we need to rest." Tywin suggested. Alica agreed and the two of them were out like a candle within ten minutes.
The next day, Alica was doing needlework in her chamber. Her husband was with his council at the moment. Alica heard the door open to reveal her husband and Arya Stark, who donned a cotton gown.
"We're heading to King's Landing." Tywin told Alica. "Leave your things, I want to be gone as soon as possible." Tywin ordered. Alica stood up and followed her husband and Arya out the door. "We will take down Stannis Baratheon's forces with the help of the Tyrells." Tywin said. "You and Arya will stay in a camp five miles outside of King's Landing. When the battle is over, you will be summoned."
"So I'll see my sister again?" Arya asked.
"Yes." Tywin told her. "You will."
Alica and Arya shared a horse until they got to the carriage outside of Harrenhal. Alica and Arya got into the carriage together and they began what Alica hoped would be their final journey. Alica had spent the last few months traveling by carriage and she was sick and tired of them.
"Why did you tell him?" Arya asked angrily.
"I had no other choice. You will be safe in King's Landing, you will be under my husband's protection." Alica told her. "Out in the open, you know not what you might run into. Better the monster your know."
"Cersei will find a way to kill me." Arya said.
"Cersei will not have that power. She fears my husband and will do as she's bid whether she likes it or not." Alica said.
"How do you know I won't betray Lord Tywin?" Arya asked.
"There will be eyes on you and your sister at all times, not the failed eyes of the city watch that let you escape the last time, but the eyes and ears of those specialize in seeing and hearing what are meant to be secrets." Alica answered.
"Why won't you take to Robb? You promised my mother that you would keep us safe." Arya asked.
"You won't be safe with him." Alica said. "Not when my husband wins this war at least."
"Your husband won't win the war though." Arya snapped.
"We'll see about that." Alica told Arya.
After a day and a half of riding, Alica finally got to see her husband again, the night before the battle. She washed up in his tent and waited for him on his bed. Alica couldn't help but smile when he came in, and he couldn't help but have a small smirk curve his lips when he saw his nude wife waiting for him.
"I would, but I cannot." Tywin said. "We'll save that for when I win and take my place as hand of the king."
"Well, come lay down, you'll need your rest for tomorrow's battle." Alica said. Tywin listened, laying down next to his wife. She curled up against him and his hand stroked her belly. Alica felt something move in her belly, Tywin felt it too. "Oh my! Tywin, did you feel that?" Alica asked.
"I did." Tywin said, the smallest hint of excitement in his voice.
"He's strong, just like his father." Alica said giggling. "Hello, little prince." Alica whispered. "What do you think he'll look like?" Alica asked.
"Who knows." Tywin replied.
"Oh, come on, you've got to be creative about the matter." Alica said.
"He'll have your hair." Tywin started. "My eyes. I hope to the gods my eyebrows." Alica laughed, remembering how her eyebrows looked before she tended to them regularly. "All I know is that no matter what, he will look regal once he's a prince."
Alica kissed her husband before falling asleep.
The next night left Alica anxious. She stayed in a tent with Arya, where she paced back and forth while Arya read. Alica was on the verge of tears and she had thrown up a few times. Alica's only wish was that her husband would be safe, that her husband would win.
Long into the night, Alica received a visitor. It was a squire. He bowed his head in Alica's presence.
"Lord Tywin has won the battle, you and Lady Arya will come with me." The squire said.
Alica sighed in relief and started crying tears of joy. She followed the squire to the carriage, and Alica, hopefully for the last time in a long time, would make a journey. Alica knew that things were going to start changing after this night. A child on the way, a kingdom to take over, and revenge to be taken, she was not going to be left bored for a very long time.