Chapter 7.
Jaime Lannister's encampment.
Tyrion Lannister.
Tyrion was gracefully sprawled over his bed, a goblet half full of wine beside him. It was the morning after he and the remains of Lord Tywin's forces had arrived at Jaime's encampment. Jaime had allowed them a days rest, but tomorrow, they would be continuing their journey towards Harrenhal. Apparently following the news of Tywin's shattering defeat at Green fork, Jaime had started driving his forces towards the cursed castle.
Tyrion himself had spent much of last night swapping stories with his brother, who he hadn't seen since Winterfell. Jaime had welcomed him far more warmly than his Lord Father had, a fortnight ago.
Father. He thought. During his journey from the disaster at Green Fork, Tyrion had little time to even think much of his father's death.
The Great immortal Tywin Lannister had seemed like he would never die.
When Tyrion had learned of exactly how his father had died during his failed crossing of Ruby Ford, he couldn't help but notice the Irony of who of all people killed him.
It appears House Lannister is cursed by House Greyjoy. During his rebellion, Balon's brothers had burned Lord Tywin's fleet and sacked Lannisport. And now Balon's son Theon has killed Tywin himself.
Tyrion had met Theon Greyjoy, during that royal visit to Winterfell. The boy had a fondness for whores that rivalled Tyrion's own. His father had little use for whore, drunkards, and whore-mongers.
Lord Tywin wiped out House Reyne and Tarbeck, had defeated countless rebelling nobles, was an expert military tactician and utterly ruthless. And he was killed by a whore-mongering pirate spawn who was warded by the fatally honorable House Stark, who was barely twenty.
If there are Seven Hells, Tywin Lannister's ghost must be blushing so red by now, that he might be mistaken for a Reyne.
Truth be told, Tyrion mourned his father little. He had no doubt that if the situation were reversed, Lord Tywin would mourn him not at all. Besides, the man had ordered Tyrion's former wife to be raped by countless of his guards, all those years ago. Tysha was a whore of course, but his father had totally stepped over the line by giving her to his guards and forcing Tyrion to watch.
He took a swig of wine.
Unfortunately, he had been far to tired to find a camp follower last night.
Shae.
He remembered her sadly. She had been in the camp when Robb Stark attacked their army, and he hadn't seen her since.
Either she had escaped, or was now a camp follower in Stark's army. The idea left a foul taste in his mouth.
Bronn was in his own tent, and so Tyrion had no one to really talk to. He didn't mind. He had spent the last few days travelling through the Riverlands, leading 3,000 men. He had needed some quiet.
Knock knock. Came a fist on his Red Canvas Tent, and Bronn peered in.
'' You know, its appropriate to wait before the person actually acknowledges your presence.'' Tyrion complained.
The sellsword shrugged. '' What if you were asleep?''
'' Never mind, help me find a fresh bottle of wine, I've run out, and my wits are bored out of my tree. You can help me commiserate. Come, I'll tell you all sorts of exciting tales of my life, some of them might even be true.''
'' The adventures of Tyrion the mighty. I'd rather hear some tales of Bronn the Mighty, who saved your life not once but twice. You'd be mournfully drinking away alongside your father in one of the Seven hells if I hadn't cut through that group of Northerners to get you to safety.''
'' You only reminded me about 15 times since we left Green Fork.'' complained Tyrion.
'' Make it 16 times. Anyway, our tales are going to have to wait. Your brother has summoned you to his command tent.''
'' Has he called a war council?'' Jaime had frequently complained about how his war councils always went, his generals often having their fixed opinions about the war, often failing to look at the big picture. Apparently, Tywin had kept the best generals for his own army and given Jaime officers for running a siege and commanding battles. Not for running a war on his own.
Bronn shook his head. '' No, it looks like its just you. ''
Tyrion raised his eyebrows. Now this had been a first. '' Well, no point in wasting time. Where is his command tent again?''
Jaime Lannister had never treated Tyrion like the rest of their family had. Tywin and Cersei had always viewed him with disdain and contempt, and if he were ever foolish enough to forget that, they were always thoughtful enough to remind him.
His uncles and other family relations had sometimes treated him with kindness, but like they would treat a pet.
Stafford Lannister was an exception. Tyrion hadn't seen or talked with his uncle Stafford except in rare occasions, and in those events, Stafford had treated him even worse than his father did, as Tyrion's mother Joanna was his sister.
But Jaime had always treated him like he was normal, and not just a dwarf, and because of that, he was the only one who Tyrion could truly stand to call his family.
When Tyrion stepped into the large command tent, he found Jaime sitting at the far side of the table. There was only one chair at the table, to Jaime's right. He had been in the middle of looking at a map, a grim look on his face. When he saw his younger brother arrive, he brightened. '' Tyrion.'' He said, half-cheerfully. '' Glad you could come in, Sit down.'' He gestured towards the chair.
When Tyrion sat down, Jaime poured him some wine and he noticed at least two large flagons of wine.
'' War isn't exactly therapeutic.'' Jaime explained. Tyrion raised his eyebrows. Lord Tywin had rarely, if ever drank wine that wasn't watered down. Jaime had been more faithful on his father's path than his brothers when it came to wine, though at neither extreme.
'' So what latest news of the war?'' Tyrion finally asked. '' I've been out wandering in the woods for the past week, and the latest news hadn't reached me yet. I've heard rumours here and their. ''
Jaime's face darkened. '' You know our father is dead right?'' Tyrion nodded. '' I heard it from a rider fleeing from his reserves. It seems that Robb Stark's ward Theon Greyjoy who got the credit.''
Jaime clenched his fist. '' He did. Took a wound but survived, unfortunately. He also killed Ser Tytos Brax.''
'' Flement's brother?'' asked his brother. Ser Flement Brax had been the first to spot him when he and his mountain clansmen had arrived at Lord Tywin's encampment.
'' Him, and Flement himself. Apparently Flement was killed by the wildfire used by Stark, and Tytos died defending his liege. Their father, Lord Andros Brax wants vengeance. Every day he demands to know when we will be meeting Robb Stark and pay our debts. His judgement is clouded. He is a bereaved father who has lost two of his three sons. All he wants to do now is to hurt the Starks as they hurt us, and to crush their house like father did with House Reyne and Tarbeck.''
Tyrion took another sip of wine. '' I heard you destroyed Riverrun and killed all the Tully's. ''
'' Damaged it, more accurately. The castle was surrounded by Rivers on two sides and a flooded moat on their third side. All I could do was attack with Trebuchets, and the Sandstone walls absorbed most of the damage. Lord Hoster Tully was killed, or so I've heard, and I threw his heir- Edmure Tully- into the Tumblestone River with his armour on. ''
'' So that explains why I heard a strange variation to the song '' Rains of Castamere.'' It was called the Tullys of Riverrun. Or was it the Trout of Riverrun?'' He raised his hands up. '' Seems to me that there is one Tully left though. The Blackfish, he is called, and he's with Robb Stark I hear.''
Jaime snorted. '' An old man, no wife, no children. If he doesn't die in this war, he'll die childless years from now. He never married in his prime, and no self-respecting Lord in all of Westros would marry his daughter or sister to a 60 year old man who is the last member of a once great house that rebelled against the crown. House Tully is done for, no matter how long the Blackfish lives.''
'' And Riverrun still stands. Good thing you didn't destroy it or damage it too badly. Provided we win this war, we can use Riverrun to our own ends.'' Tyrion pointed out. Even Tywin Lannister had left Castamere standing and gave it to a Western lord more deserving after slaughtering all the Reynes.
'' I'll have to smack Lord Andros for that then. He had insisted that we not leave until Riverrun was a pile of rocks. But I proved my point. Anyway, House Stark is still in rebellion, and they want revenge as much as we do.''
'' I know. Our nephew King Joffery had thrown the captive Ned Stark off the top of the Red keep after learning about Green Fork. '' Tyrion shook his head. '' That was madness. Absolute madness. Fair enough that our debt to the Starks called to be paid off, but he did it in public, and instead of giving
Eddard a trial, or at least executing him as a high-born traitor, he threw him to his death like a common criminal, like a petulant child would throw a toy. ''
He sipped more wine. '' The way he went about it, more lords in Westros will be disgusted with him. That means our standing looks even less certain. ''
'' Your right.'' Jaime agreed. '' Lannister's pay their debts, but not like this. Have you heard of some other things Cersei and Joffery have been doing while we're fighting the war?''
'' I have. Such as Cersei dismissing Ser Barastian Selmy, and replacing him with Sandor Clegane.''
Jaime shook his head in disgust. '' Ser Barastian was the last true knight of the Kingsguard. He lent honour to whomever he served. And a knight of the Kingsguard serves his whole life, crippled or whole. Sandor Clegane is Gregor's brother. What's the honour in that?''
Jaime continued on. '' Ser Barrasitan hardly thought me an honourable knight, but he was loyal. Ser Boros is a coward for one. If Cersei had to strip a sworn brother from his cloak, why couldn't it be Ser Boros?''
'' Or you for that matter?'' Tyrion asked. '' You are heir to Casterly Rock.''
Jaime hesitated. '' Our father said the same thing. ''
'' Of course he has, he never lost hope for you, even when you joined the Kingsguard.''
'' No he hasn't.'' Jaime looked past Tyrion towards the tents opening- but there was no one there. His eyes had lost focus for a few seconds.
Perhaps he's imagining Father's return, alive and well. Tyrion decided. He wouldn't be surprised. Of all the main branch of House Lannister, it appeared that Jaime was the sole person who loved, and was loved by everyone. Which is ironic, considering how much father claimed to value family above all else.
'' He left a letter for me.'' said Jaime, breaking the silence. '' His last words, to us.''
Tyrion looked up. '' I thought he left his will in Casterly Rock. '' If the thought had ever occurred to him that he might not live forever.
'' This one was more recent. He gave it to me right before I left with my army. '' said Jaime. He pulled out a letter, the Gold wax seal broken. '' I read it the morning I learned of his death. Now its your turn to read it. When we see Cersei again, she will read it.''
Tyrion unfolded the letter, written in Tywin Lannister's own hand.
This letter does not concern anyone who is not a Lannister.
I am Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock. If this letter has been opened, it means that I have died in battle.
What I have to say concerns my son and heir, Ser Jaime Lannister, my daughter Queen Cersei Lannister, and my other son, Tyrion Lannister.
Jaime.
If you are reading this, then it means that I am gone. To make matters worse, I have died defending our family against our foes.
Make no mistake, those foes are very much a threat. I advise you to take them seriously.
I hope that whatever has happened, your sister and her children sit on the Iron Throne. As Lord of Casterly Rock, it is my dying wish that you be relieved of your vows to the Kingsguard. You are the heir to Casterly Rock, whether you admit it or not. Your sister rules the realm, I expect her to relieve you of your vows to take up your duty as Lord of the Rock.
Listen carefully. Do not underestimate your foes, whether in court or on the battlefield. However, if you see a chink in the enemies armour, or find an opportunity, use it to your advantage- it may be your last.
When your enemies fight against you, you must serve them fire and steel. If they have committed serious enough offences against your house, do not be afraid to exterminate their house root and stem. They will not trouble you again. If however your enemies bend their knee to you, you must help them back to their feat, and make sure they serve you.
As Lord of Casterly Rock, your duty is to keep peace when you can, exterminate rebellion when you cannot. Lannister's pay their debts, and it now falls to you to make sure that no friend of foe of House Lannister ever forgets that.
I expect you to continue to uphold and further our legacy. Legacy is all that lives on, generations after you are dead. Honour, Personal Glory, seldom lasts a lifetime. Family can last for thousands of years if wise choices are made.
I don't wish you luck in ruling. I demand you to make the effort and choices so our House not only survives but thrives.
Cersei.
Because of our alliances, you are now a queen. But do not think that makes you invincible. Understand that a crown does nothing to give you power. It is your family that gives you power. Joffery's golden crown is meaningless to his rule. He rules because the power of House Lannister is behind him. When he gives commands, his words carry our weight. Every decision he makes therefore reflects upon us. I want you to make sure he understands that, as you guide him through his rule, until he rules in his own right.
Meanwhile, you are now Queen Regent. You will rule, until your son comes of age and has married a highborn woman of his own, to take for his queen. Until then, you will be ruling the realm. You will have enemies, mainly in court. Your decisions will affect our relations with all the other houses of Westros, and thus decide between peace or war.
War is costly. Men die, farms are burned, economies come to a standstill,and the rewards are paltry compared to the reward of lasting peace. I demand that you avoid war at all costs, unless it is absolutely necessary.
This does not mean to be a soft gentle doormat. That will only hurt the family name. As Queen, your have one task above all others: Keep the peace, pay all debts.
And finally, I must stress this to you; you are not as smart as you think you are. You are very ambitious. You always were, but the plain truth is that you are not as cunning as required to fufill your every ambition. I tell you this, as your father, to take this advice seriously. If it were anyone else to tell you this, it would be your duty to remove their tongues for treason.
Do not underestimate your enemies. Even the mighty can fall. In times of war, they will circle you like vultures. It is unwise to lash out at vultures. Instead, calculate the risks of each method to take out the vultures.
I expect you to ensure Joffery's reign runs smooth, and that you also uphold the family legacy.
Tyrion.
I have always thought you were a stunted fool. Perhaps I was wrong, perhaps I was not.
Your brother Jaime is to be Lord of Casterly Rock. The responsibility of upholding our family legacy, has now fallen to him. As it has fallen to you, to support your brother in every way you can. He cares about you, and I expect you to return that.
Furthermore, as Jaime is now Lord of Casterly, Rock, you will be his heir, until he has a son or daughter. Because of this, every action you make will be reflected upon our family.
Up until now, your disgraceful habits have been tolerated. You have been the family embarrassment, but Laws have allowed you to carry our banners.
Nonetheless, you are a Lannister and it is past time you have acted it. You are heir to the Rock, your brother is now your lord. Your habits of drinking, whoring and gambling with thieves are over.
It is time you redeem yourself. I expect you to faithfully serve your brother and sister, and uphold our family name. You are not to bring anymore disgrace to your family name. I have tolerated it throughout my lifetime, though I intended you never become Lord of the Rock. However, I am gone, and you are heir. Your actions will reflect upon your brother and sister. I expected nothing less than for you
I expect you to get past your disgraceful habits. Don't try. Get past them. Lannister's do not act like fools, and you are a Lannister of Casterly Rock. Act like it.
Finally, I expect all three of you to work together. Our house may survive but only if we are united. Most houses that have collapsed into nothing, have died out divided. Put aside all petty rivalries between the three of you, and work together. If any of you attempt to rule on your own, it will only lead to your ruin. Do not act on selfish impulse. You saw what happened to the Targaryans when they did as they liked.
The House that puts the needs of the family first will always overcome the house that serves its own selfish interests. A good man does everything in his power to better his family, regardless of his own selfish desires. Never forget that, any of you.
There are many in our family willing to help guide you, but be weary of those who serve their own interests ahead of their houses. My brother Kevan may be able to help guide you, as you adjust to upholding our family.
Your family may help you, but it is up to you three to lead. I have established a strong legacy, and made our house the most powerful in Westros. It has now fallen to you to uphold it.
Signed, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West.
Tyrion numbly put the letter down. For a few seconds, he didn't have anything to say. Father has finally decided to acknowledge me as his son, and heir to the Rock. And he says so from the Grave.
'' What do you think about what he said?'' Jaime asked him, bringing him back to reality.
Tyrion reached for his glass of wine, and then retracted his hand. '' Well, he has placed his hoped on all three of us, but mainly you.''
Jaime shook his head. '' I'm the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Kingsguard serve for life. Cersei should never have breached that code of honor. You are the Lord, not me.''
'' Tell that to the men in this camp. Surprisingly, they would probably favor you over me. I wonder why.''
'' A Kingsgaurd serves for life, what part of that did you not understand?''
'' I understand that our father's dying wish that you be relieved of your duties, so you can take up as his successor. I'm sure Cersei will agree and relieve you.''
Jaime held his hands up. '' Enough. We'll decide that later. In the meantime, I take it that you know where my forces are going.''
'' Harrenhal, if I'm not mistaken.''
'' I wanted to go southeast, either towards the capitol, or to invade the Stormlands. But some of my brighter generals convinced me that Harrenhal is my safest bet, as I would be a short enough distance from Robb Stark, the Baratheons, and the capitol. ''
'' Good. What news of Robb Stark?'' '' We have reports saying he has lost about a third of his force at the Battle of Green Fork. We lost half our own strength at the battle.''
'' When I was with father, the scouts reported 20,000 northmen. I'd say they have around 14,000 men to our 30, no 33,000 men counting the ones I brought back. And many of them are wounded. I would say that the Starks cannot pose much of a threat at the moment. ''
'' Were that the Stark's our only foes, we would have marched upon them at once, and the Young Wolf's head would soon be on a spike. ''
'' But the Baratheons are the real threat. Renly is allied with the Tyrells, and Stannis has a sorceress, or so I heard. '' Tyrion supplied.
'' Renly's forces alone would outnumber us 3 to one. Before I summoned you here, I sent a raven to our uncle Stafford Lannister, to raise a new host at Lannisport, to make up for the host we lost at Green Fork. ''
'' Just be careful. We don't want to leave the door wide open for Stark to get it in his head to invade the Westerlands.''
'' That's what I'm doing. Meanwhile, you will be travelling to Kingslanding.''
'' Kingslanding? And do what?''
'' You will rule. Cersei named father as Hand of the King, but he's dead. I am either Lord of Casterly Rock or Lord Commander of the Kingsgaurd. That leaves you, as Tywin's second son. So you will rule in father's stead, as Hand of the King.
Cersei has lost her father and is now on her own to govern the realm while we fight the rebels. She needs help, she needs someone who will help her but will point out where she is wrong. You will help her govern affairs, prepare the city for attack, and prevent any more follies. And pay attention to the small council. I've been around them longer than even you have. Lord Baelish, Varys, Pycelle, the lot. And many I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw them. With Lord Tywin's death, they may seek out opportunities to change their allegiances. If you detect a whiff of treason from any of them-''
'' Heads, spikes, walls.'' Tyrion finished. Jaime nodded.
'' But why me? Surely there are more capable men for the task.''
'' First of all, because I see through your acting. Your far more cunning than you let on. Secondly, you're not like to miss important details, Gods know who would ever be able to keep up with you. And thirdly, you're my brother.''
'' Are you sure that Cersei will support me as Hand of The King? You know how she is when anything has something to do with me.''
'' I know that. Which is why I'll be personally sending her a letter explaining why I am naming you as hand of the king. She might not listen to you, but she will listen to me.'' Jaime assured.
You will try, brother. You haven't seen Cersei for what she really is. Whenever she is with you, she spreads her legs for you. When she is with me, she wants nothing more than to throw me into the sea. Tyrion thought but didn't say.
'' When will I be leaving?'' He asked.
'' Tomorrow, if the weather permits. Best not stay here long brother. Sooner or later, the battle will come to us. And I'm certain neither of us would wish to take the chance that an enemy might swing his sword lower than we would like.'' Jaime informed him, a chuckle at the end.
'' I suppose you're right. I'm short enough as it is. Being a head shorter would not be beneficial to my health. Just stay safe brother. It wouldn't be beneficial to your health either if you lost your head in battle.''
Dragonstone, Island off the coast of the Northern Crownlands.
Stannis Baratheon.
The statues of the Seven Gods blazed brightly into the night, as Stannis Baratheon watched from his window. He had just arrived back into his castle, after the majority of the fire ritual.
Following the arrival of the fire priestess from Asshai, Melissandre, Dragonstone under Stannis had converted from the Faith of the Seven, to the foreign religion of R'hllor, allegedly the Lord of Light.
He turned back from the flames, and saw his generals arrive. '' Sit.'' He instructed them.
'' What news of Renly?'' He asked Ser Axel Florent. '' As you know, your brother has married to the Tyrells, but has still crowned himself as King of the Iron Throne.''
Stannis gritted his teeth. He had learned a week ago that his younger brother thought himself a better claiment to the Iron Throne than his elder brother, to which Stannis heavily disagreed. First of all, with Cersei's children bastards of incest, he was the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, not Renly.
Secondly, Renly was both astoundingly inexperienced in war tactics, had an even more obsessed taste in ceremonials than Robert did, and would always balk at the thought of getting his hands dirty.
It would have been better for him if he were born a woman. He thought.
Ser Axel went on to explain that Renly had left Storms-end, and was moving northwest up the Kingsroad, with his 100,000 strong army. Most likely he designed to move towards the Capitol.
'' The Kingslayer is moving too, his army has just arrived at Harrenhal. 30,000 men more or less. They intend to guard the Capitol from all threats from the west, south and north, I suppose, and to quickly march east should trouble come there. ''
'' The Kingslayer is just as hotheaded as his sister, though not half as clever as his father was. He attacked Riverrun, killed Lord Tully, and drowned his heir in a fit of rage. '' Stannis wasn't likely to overestimate nor underestimate Jaime Lannister. The Kingslayer had to be dealt with before he could reach the capitol.
'' And Robb Stark?''
'' As far as we know, the King in the North is still sulking on the eastern bank of the Ruby ford, licking his wounds. Can't really blame him. The Lions took a huge chunk out of his forces at Green Fork. I would say he is likely to move west, or north once he recovers his strength.'' Florent reported.
So the so-called Young Wolf wasn't going anywhere. Stannis had very mixed feelings of Ned Stark's son. On the one hand, he did Stannis a tremendous favour, by destroying half the Lannister forces in a single stroke, and his ward cut Tywin Lannister- the most dangerous man in Westros- down to size.
Robb had given the realm justice, justice that Stannis's brother Robert and Tywin refused to give. Stannis had sworn that should he be king, Tywin and Gregor would be executed for their crimes against the realm. For that, Stannis could respect.
On the other hand however, Robb Stark- a green boy for all he accomplished- had crowned himself King in the North, and meant to steal half the kingdom from him. That was entirely unacceptable. I don't care who he killed. He will bend the knee for me, else I will take his head with all the other traitors to the Realm that infect my kingdom.
'' Renly is hoping to march on the capitol. If he takes the throne, the people will see him as king, and not me. That's always how it goes. You conquer Kingslanding, you take the Throne from the previous rulers, the people see you as king, Mens Laws go out the window.'' He shook his head. '' How many men do we have?''
'' 12,000, Your Grace.''
'' You cannot allow your usurping brother to steal what's yours, my King. '' Melissandre slid from the shadows into the war room, oblivious to all the looks of annoyance by her kings generals. '' You must prove that you are willing to take what is yours.''
'' Precisely. Generals, tell the men to prepare. We sail for Storms-end on the morrow, and remind Renly who is the rightful heir. ''
Kingslanding, Red Keep.
Sansa Stark.
Ever since her father's death, Sansa's days had settled in unpleasant routine. Her loving gallant betrothed, King Joffery, and his horrible Mother, Queen Cersei, had regularly taunted her, humiliated her, and even hurt her, in Joffery's case. Her betrothed never tired of repeatedly forcing her to denounce her family as traitors.
When news of her brother's victory at Green Fork reached the capitol, she was half-terrified, half over-joyed. Ever since her father's arrest, she had quickly started to realize that the Lannisters were far from what she had originally thought. She had danced when she learned of Gregor Clegane's death. The man was a monster and in no way deserved to be called a knight. And Tywin too. Eddard Stark had always spoke negative of Tywin, saying he was the most dishonourable, violent, and powerful politician he had ever known.
Then Joffery lashed out in rage. He went back on his word of mercy if Eddard confessed, threw him off the top of the Red Keep, forced Sansa to watch, and afterwards had Ser Meryn Trant beat her until she denounced her father and siblings as traitors to the crown. She still felt the bruises.
Every day, she wore her courtesy as a suit of armour, and endured Cersei's taunts, Joffery's threats, and the lack of acknowledgement by the rest of the court.
Lannisters. I hate them all. I hope Robb comes to the Capitol and kills every single one of them.
'' Lady Stark.'' another Lannister arrived. It was Cersei's younger cousin, Lancel. In the same battle that had killed Lord Tywin, Lancel's own father Ser Kevan had been maimed and captured. '' Her Grace the Queen has requested your presence.''
Request? Demands it, more likely.
'' I will be there shortly.''
'' No need to trouble yourself. I will escort you.''
And so she let Lannister escort her, towards the Queens chambers.
Lancel knocked on the already opened door. '' Sansa is here at your request, your grace.'' He called out.
The Queen turned, and walked out into the hall. When she spotted Sansa, she smiled. '' Little dove, its good to see that you are well. Perhaps you would like to hear some good news?''
The Kingslayer's head is on a spike? Sansa wanted to ask, but held her tongue.
'' What is it, your grace?'' She asked instead, dread starting to crawl in her stomach. Good news for Cersei usually meant bad news for her, though she didn't show it.
Cersei produced a letter. '' Its from my brother, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Jaime. I received this only last night. In these dark times, good news is always a welcome light against the darkness, is it not little dove? Go on, read it.''
Sansa didn't like the smile on her face at all, but she took the letter and read it.
The news struck her like a punch to her abdomen, and only the intensive gaze of the Queen stopped her from gasping and dropping the letter.
The letter was from the Kingslayer, as Cersei said. He had described how he had assaulted Riverrun with several trebuchets, and damaged the castle. Her Uncle Edmure Tully had been personally thrown into a river and drowned by one of the Kingslayer's bannermen, Andros Brax.
And the Kingslayer was headed to the ancient castle of Harrenhal, the massive castle on the northern edge of God's eye, to cut off Robb Stark and keep close watch of Renly and Stannis Baratheon.
Robb, please stay careful. Don't fall into the Lion's trap.
'' Well, what do you think? Does the news make you happy? Jaime killed your traitor uncle, and is moving to prevent your traitor brother from threatening the capitol.'' Cersei taunted.
I hope the curse of Harrenhal is real, and your brother dies a horrible death within its walls, your grace. I hope Robb cuts his throat like Theon did to your father, and send you his head.
'' I am overjoyed, your grace.'' She said instead. '' Every night, and my every waking moment, I pray for His Grace to triumph over his enemies, and sends the traitors to join their traitor father in the Seven Hells. '' She said, forcing utmost enthusiasm out of her voice, leaving only the dull flavour of duty to irritate the Queen.
Cersei smiled, but her eyes were daggers. '' Of course. We all pray for the same thing. You are dismissed little dove.'' She nodded to Lancel.
'' You are too kind your grace, but I can find my own chambers.'' She gave a little courtesy, and walked away, leaving the Queen Regent unsatisfied with her response.
As she walked towards her room, a small smile refused to leave her face. When she arrived at her chambers and closed the door, she burst into a fit of giggles.
I told Cersei that I hoped His Grace will emerge triumphant and kill all his enemies. I never said which king though, and she ate it up like fudge covered lemon-cakes!
The Queen was way too vain for her own good.
All hail my brother, the King in the North!
Well, this is my longest chapter yet. Thanks to all those who reviewed.
Next Chapter: Tyrion arrives at the Capitol, but is met with several complications. And Renly Baratheon, who is marching towards the Crownlands, suddenly is provided with complications of his own.