Cersei I
Cersei fumed as she paced back and and forth in her quarters as if she was a caged lion. She could not believe her lord husband had refused her like he had last night. After it happened she refused to speak with him and, when they returned to their quarters, she refused to sleep in the same bed as him. She woke up angry and was still angry, even now as her family sat and talked. Everyone was there, everyone was ignoring her. Even her nephew, Tybolt, had seemingly cooled from last night.
"Last nights little...outburst seems to have pushed the Tyrells into the Stark camp," Tywin, Cersei's father said looking squarely at Tybolt and Cersei as he did. "It's no bother, Mace Tyrell was never going to support us. He was a traitor during the war and remains a traitor. I still say my brother should have hung him and his family as traitors. Let Ned Stark have him," Cersei's husband replied.
"Perhaps, but we need allies and we are running thin. We could have sought to wed Joffrey to Mace's daughter. We need to make agreements with some other houses outside of our domains," Cersei's father replied. Cersei had seen this before, debates between her father and her husband, it was like watching a storm batter a rocky shore, neither could gain ground and both refused to quit. "Dorne may still be in play, but if we can't secure them, we need to start looking at trying to peel off some of the smaller houses," Tywin continued. Cersei watched as Stannis ground his teeth in frustration.
Cersei had been planning this course of action for years, Stannis didn't know it of course. He would never consent to murder, let alone the murder of his brother. By the time Robert had died, Cersei had ensure Stannis hated his brother, but Stannis still loved duty and loyalty. Ugh, Cersei thought to herself. That's why she took care of things on her own. After ensuring Stannis was well positioned within King's Landing and under her control, she simply arranged for Robert to consume poison. It would never be traced back to her and it moved the process along. Or so she thought, she never expected to have to remove the Princess, as well.
Cersei had practically begun moving into the Red Keep when that old man, Jon Arryn, managed to prevent Stannis's coronation. How could a girl, let alone one barely passed her twelfth name day rule, Cersei and Stannis had argued. Better to let Stannis become king and Lyarra could be given lands somewhere to ensure she was taken care of. Stannis would even see her married to a loyal family, which meant Cersei would see her married to a distant relative from the Westerlands. One of uncle Kevan's sons perhaps. But no, that damned fool of an old man managed to convene a Great Council. The thought alone made her even angrier. As she paced, Cersei began to formulate more plans.
"What of your brother, can he be promised anything," Jaime asked with a crooked smile. "My brother has no decency, but, perhaps if I granted him Dragonstone. He could even marry the dragonspawn," Stannis replied. Cersei saw Tywin give a slight nod. Cersei herself was relieved, originally, she thought she might have to have her precious Joffrey married to that whore, but it seemed her husband was even more opposed to the idea than her.
Stannis might not have been the most warm and caring husband, but Cersei did appreciate his forthrightness and his commitment. She didn't love him, would never love him, but they were stable. Better Stannis than that whoremonging brother Robert, she thought to herself not for the first time. Stannis had given her three wonderful children, and now, the prospect of being Queen. With help from me, of course. She would stop at nothing to secure that goal for her and her children.
"It's a start," Cersei's father responded. "Joffrey will also need a wife, so will Tommen, and Cassana a husband." Tywin was looking at Cersei as he said it, causing her to blanche. But continued, turning to Jaime "Tybolt's betrothal will remain, but Joanna also needs a husband, and your younger children betrothed." Now it was Jaime's turn to lose his color, he loved his golden haired daughter almost as much as Cersei loved her children. "What do you suggest," Stannis said showing no emotion at the prospect of using his children and his good brother's children as pawns. "There are countless houses who would welcome a match with either a Lannister or a Baratheon and a few that are disaffected with their liege lords. I suggest we target those houses. If we can peel off support from the liege lords, they will be forced to come around lest they face a rebellion from their own lands," Tywin responded. "I suggest, of course, we be extremely particular with Joffrey. He will be the biggest prize." Stannis gave a nod.
"As you say, it's a start. Lord Lannister, when I am crowned, I intend to name you Hand," Stannis pronounced. "Thank you, Lord Baratheon. I would be my honor," Tywin responded. "I don't do this to honor you, I need an able administrator and you are that. To that end, I trust you in these matters. I give you authority to find marriages for my children and do whatever is necessary to secure the Iron Throne for me." Stannis sounded more like he was giving a command to storm a castle than permission to arrange marriages. "Of course, my lord. It will be done," Tywin replied. Tywin stood to leave and motioned for Jaime to leave with him, leaving Cersei alone with her husband.
"You are still mad at me for last night," Stannis said staring at Cersei. She knew him well enough, it wasn't a question. "Of course, I'm furious! That mongrel, northern, savage struck my nephew, our nephew, and you let him walk out of there," Cersei practically spat. "That 'mongrel's' father is one of the most honorable men in the realm. Beyond that, from my vantage point it, it looked as if our nephew started the altercation by grabbing the Tyrell girl," Stannis responded in the same low voice as ever. It infuriated Cersei. "Oh please, the Tyrell whore clearly provoked him. She probably wanted to instigate the whole situation."
"I don't have time for this. You, my lady, may believe whatever you want. But, when I am King, do not expect me to dispense justice based on favoritism. It will be dispensed based upon my view of right and wrong. Now, I have a meeting with Eastermont. I will be back before dinner." Cersei watched as her husband got up and left without a further word.
Cersei was continued to stew the next half an hour when she heard a knock at the door and a servant stuck her head it. "Excuse my lady, there is Lord Petyr Baelish here to see you. He did not have a meeting so I told him he would have to come back, but he insisted and said you'd want to meet with him." "Oh really, he is mistaken. What could give that imputent jumped up brothel manager the idea I would meet with him," Cersei asked more to herself than the servant. "He said to tell you 'many people weep in Lys, but it's rare occurrence here.' I don't know what he meant by that though." Cersei's face contorted with confusion for a moment, then she understood. How could...bastard. "Well I suppose I should see what he means then, see him in and then close the door."
A moment later a short, slender men with a small beard on his chin appeared. He remained quiet, even after the servant left. She will have to be removed, Cersei thought to herself. "You wanted to see me Lord Baelish," Cersei said as she sat down and invited the man known as Littlefinger to join her. "No thank you, my lady, I would prefer to stand," the man said with a humorless smile. "As for why I am here, why my lady, I thought that would be obvious based on my message."
Cersei smiled now, though it was more like a lion showing its teeth. "I'm afraid I didn't have any idea what you meant by that. I allowed you entry so as to inquire. I've never been to Lys so I couldn't comment on people crying there." "I see, well in that case, you have no need of my services then. I would like to speak to your husband about a matter though, I think he would be interested given his role as Master of Laws," Baelish replied, again with a humorless smile. Now Cersei clenched her jaw, "what do you want." Cersei's voice was barely audible. "Why my lady, only to help you," Petyr said as he apparently changed his mind and sat down. "You need to be more careful, while I doubt anyone else has figured out the King has been murdered, let alone you did it, you still need to be more careful. I can help you." "I see, now, I assure you I do not know what you are talking about, but playing along with your infantile game, how could you help me, why would you help me, and what would you want in return," Cersei said regaining her composure.
"In return, I would simply want a place on your husband's small council, perhaps a better title, and a small commission for my work. As for what I can do, I already found out about your handiwork, I also have retainers placed throughout the city who tell me the comings and goings of a variety of people and are skilled in many things." "I see," Cersei replied, "and why?" "My reasons are my own, and I will not share them. If that is a deal breaker, I will at least keep your secret for a small fee. Oh, and should I suffer an accident or suddenly fall ill, I've taken steps to make sure this allegation and evidence to support it is released to all interested parties," Petyr said calmly, "Including your husband." Cersei smiled again, Seven Hells! "That won't be necessary Lord Baelish, a Lannisters always pay their debts. I'm sure I can arrange for the title and commission. As for the small council position, I will speak to my lord husband and father at the time my husband is crowned. It will be up to them to judge your work." Petyr seemed to consider the offer for a moment and nodded. "Very well. I will let you know if I hear anything. I will also begin working on possible strategies to influence the Council," Petyr said as he stood up. "See that you do," Cersei replied.