Naerys 6

The winds felt good on her back as she dipped her feet into the water sitting on the beach watching as the waves crashed the shore and the sun shone high in the sky.

"Oh stop that dear" Naerys said chuckling when she felt something press into her side stiffening for a moment before she relaxed realizing it was the same dragon as always the one who made her smile whenever she saw it in her dreams "I thought you were going to go and play."

The dragon tilted its head confused as Naerys sighed and reached her hand out running it over the dragons crest with a smile "You are so mysterious and I've never seen you in real life yet every time I see you like this I feel home, is that too farfetched to believe in such things?"

The dragon as if understanding her nuzzled her hand softly as Naerys heard a gasp from behind her and turned to it her eyes widening before a smile broke free and she chuckled "Hello Daenerys how I have missed you my sister."

Daenerys although changed from her experiences recently and now as the leader of the Dothraki still couldn't help the compulsion to be childish around her sister and despite not seeing her for quite some time Naerys still found her younger sister there with her arms around her neck as Daenerys hugged her close afraid that if she blinked her sister would no longer be there "I have so much to tell you."

"Well then tell all my little dragon" Naerys said holding onto one of Daenerys' hands with a smile "I want to hear everything."

Naerys was enjoying her time out in the gardens with Sansa chuckling as she spoke with the young wolf happy to see that she was in good spirits for the moment "I am quite sorry I haven't been able to see you as much as I used to but it is a bit different now having quarters in the tower of the hand."

"I know Naerys I was actually surprised when the Imp insisted that you take quarters within the same tower as him" Sansa said hearing a small sound of distaste come from Naerys at her using the word imp "It's just with his reputation I thought he would rather keep up with his usual routine of keeping company with whore's, him inviting you to stay is unexpected…Do you think he could be changing his ways?"

"My little wolf would it be so hard to believe he wishes to protect me" Naerys said placing a soft kiss on Sansa's forehead affectionately watching as the girl gazed at her curiously "I know your dreams of knights and prince's coming to save you may be shattered for now but Sansa somewhere out there is the man who can treat you as though you are his only reason for existing."

"You really think so Naerys" Sansa said her eyes lighting up knowing Naerys always meant well for her "…Well I suppose anyone is better than the King…I mean how could I think such things my heart will always belong to Joffrey!"

"Shh it's alright to speak your mind with me little wolf" Naerys soothed rubbing Sansa's back softly as they slowed in their walking "I would never betray you or the words we exchange in confidence with each other, I will always be here for you Sansa."

Sansa appeared to brighten up at this knowledge that Naerys was there for her when one of the Knights approached them and Naerys instantly got a sense that something was wrong when the man turned to her "My Lady the Queen Regent wishes to see you."

"Seems I'm needed elsewhere my little wolf" Naerys said giving Sansa's hand a small squeeze "I shall join you later for evening meal in my chambers please enjoy the rest of your walk Lady Sansa." Sansa nodded timidly a meek look on her face as Naerys took the Knights arm and allowed him to lead her towards the Queen's chambers wondering just what it was that Cersei had on her mind.

Entering the Queen's chambers Naerys instantly could tell something was off as a nice meal was placed on the table that was set for two Naerys' guard being raised as Cersei turned to her and offered her a nice smile that the dragon knew was anything but pleasant before gesturing to the guards to shoo "Leave us."

"Hello my dear little kitten it has been some time since we last spent time together the mere two of us" Cersei said as Naerys had to hide her dislike at Cersei's nickname for her "I thought a nice meal might be a good way to have some conversation with you don't you think? After all soon enough we will be family and you will be wed to my brother."

"I suppose it is a pleasant enough idea" Naerys said taking a seat across from Cersei as she looked toward the Queen Regent with a calculating gaze "We both know you don't exactly consider my Lord your brother though, after all it was him who took your mother away."

"Yes well I loved her dearly and he came into this world at the cost of her" Cersei said surprised by her words and caught off guard but tried her best to maintain a calm façade "You must sympathize with me, your sister took your mother's life did she not?"

"Yes but I did not have the luxury to feel sadness or anger as the last member of my family is in Essos" Naerys said feeling that this was more of a means of Cersei trying to pick fault at her for being betrothed to Tyrion "My family in my eyes is nonexistent and thus I had no one of which I had to mourn over, there was no ill feelings for me growing up knowing it was me and myself alone that I had to care for."

"Still now you will be wed to my brother…I confess I feel pity for you little kitten having such a beauty like you a girl of rare Valyrian descent being given to a dwarf, it is a crime of its own accord" Cersei said taking a sip of her wine as Naerys brows narrowed as she wanted to hear what else the queen had to say on the matter "I wanted to advise you to do as I did and do not put so much love towards your husband, instead love your children for they are your true legacy and will be the ones you can truly be loved in return by."

"My Queen if it is alright for me to speak out of term was there ever a time when you loved the late King" Naerys questioned as Cersei sighed "When I was younger yes I thought he was very handsome and I thought I was the luckiest girl in all of Westeros, but that was only a memory he was never interested in me he only tolerated me out of our political binds that had us both bound to each other."

"My Queen I am shocked I had no idea you had to feel such sadness" Naerys said now the tables turning as she felt pity for the former Queen before her and gave her a small smile still keeping up her façade "I know your wish is to advise me and I will take that into true consideration, however my circumstances are quite different from yours as I have nothing to offer my betrothed. If he truly didn't wish to be tied to me I feel certain my Lord would tell me and then have the whole arrangement cancelled if he saw it fit."

"Little Kitten do not speak as though you know how it truly is to be wed to someone who can do beastly things to you" Cersei said her eyes narrowing in dislike as she found that Naerys somehow was turning her words on her "My brother has always taken an interest in whores do not think he would not bore of you so easily once you are tied to each other, I wouldn't be amazed if he tires of you within a short amount of time."

"My Queen I understand your reasoning but you see I would never harm or wish ill of my Lord…I was raised to know of my duty as a wife and to carry it out without fail" Naerys said her eyes darkening as the violet became more vivid in color catching Cersei a bit off guard as under the table Naerys had her hands balled in fists "He may tire of me and he may leave me behind to go frolic with whores but that would not bother me as my only wish is that he find contentment, if he finds me to be an obstacle keeping him of that than I cannot stop him but I will not be something of resentment…I will not ever do him such injustice."

A knock on the door broke the two of their stare down as a knight peeked his head in the doorway and looked towards Naerys "My Lady his Grace has called for you he wishes to see you in the courtyard."

"Of course mustn't keep his grace waiting" Naerys said standing up putting back on her veil of calm as she gazed over at Cersei giving her a small smile "My Queen I had such a lovely time dining with you, perchance may we do this again?"

"Yes I would like for that as well" Cersei said uncertain surprised by how powerful Naerys had seemed moments before shocked by how the young girl's words had been so unflinchingly true as though she feared that Tyrion truly would tire of her but didn't care as she just wanted him to be at ease, what a laugh that was "I suppose I shall have to set up another time when we can dine together, when you are free of course."

"Of course my Queen" Naerys said bowing to her before taking the Knight's arm as he led her away and Cersei felt herself still at the thought that the girl that had just been before her was not meek and easily controllable like Sansa was but instead strong and obviously wasn't going to bow down to her with ease.

"I would like to see you break my little kitten" Cersei commented to herself staring at the spot Naerys had been moments before "Someday you will be family and you will be surrounded by Lions, I'd like to see how you fair not letting them sink their claws into you."

"Your grace" Naerys said bowing watching as Joffrey nodded looking at her with a pleased expression "My Lady I see you have arrived, I wanted you to join us while I use my crossbow on these targets."

"Oh Your grace that would be splendid to witness" Naerys said knowing how much joy Joffrey took in his crossbows and other weapons of war "If I may say your grace I have never used one of those myself I was limited to the simple bows and arrows in Winterfell."

"Well then I must show you how to use them" Joffrey said his eyes full of amusement but there was obvious contentment in them as Naerys eyes widened playing the part perfectly of some awestruck girl "If his grace wishes I would love to learn even though I know a woman's place is not hunting or fighting I still would like to learn, perhaps one day I could give his grace a show of flaming arrows using a crossbow if granted your permission of course. Though that would be quite some time away I'm sure as it will take me quite a while and I doubt I could be as good as you are Your Grace."

"Nonsense Lady Naerys I'm sure with my coaching you will be able to hit the target properly after some time of lessons" Joffrey said smug as always "However no one is as good as I am with a crossbow, you may come second only to me someday."

"Please show me how it works" Naerys said feeling disgusted by herself at having to do this a lot and hated putting on a show as she felt it odd that Joffrey enjoyed spending such time with her knowing he did think of her as an Aunt sort of already but she feared if that childish nature turned into something else he would wish to torture her similarly in the ways he did to Sansa, after all he was almost a man.

"It works like this" Joffrey said lining up the shot for her giving a great display before he let the arrow go and made a noise of dislike when the arrow missed the center and instead hit a bit to the right of it "This damn thing is defective! I swear normally I wouldn't miss!"

"Perhaps you should come up with a design on your own after all you are the King" Naerys said as the clogs moved in his head and Joffrey gave her a gratified smirk "That would be splendid I could reinvent how the crossbow works and instead have them craft me one that works properly! Ser Meryn fetch the weapon smith immediately!"

Naerys watched as Joffrey took such pleasure in his toys and watched for the time that he required of her as the young King shot off arrow after arrow and thought it a good thing that she was not the target of the arrows grateful that for now she was in good graces with Joffrey.

Naerys came upon Tyrion's quarters having wanted to have a word with him when she caught ear of the conversation they were having and thought it best if she stayed quiet to let him finish with his guest. "I'm not questioning your honour, Lord Janos...I'm denying its existence" Tyrion said practically shouting at Janos Slynt in dislike as the man stood up "If you think I'll stand here and take this from you, dwarf!"

"Dwarf? You should've stopped at "Imp"! And, yes, you will stand here and take it from me- unless you'd like to take it from my friend here" Tyrion said as Janos looked to see Bronn standing there with a smirk "I intend to serve as Hand of the King until my father returns from the war, and since you betrayed the last Hand of the King…well, I just wouldn't feel safe with you lurking about."

"What are you… my friends at court will not allow this! The Queen herself" Lord Janos spoke in disgust as Tyrion gave him a placid look "The Queen Regent! And you're a fool to believe she is your friend."

"We shall hear what Joffrey has to say about this" Janos said menacingly as he tried to threaten Tyrion but Tyrion had the upper sleeve as men came in ready to take Janos away and gave him a smirk looking at Janos as he spoke "No, we shan't. There's a ship leaving for Eastwatch-by-the-Sea tonight. From there, it's rather a long walk to Castle Black. I hope you enjoy the Wall. I found it surprisingly beautiful…in a brutal, horribly uncomfortable sort of way."

"The lads will escort you, the streets aren't safe at night, my Lord" Bronn said in a rather smug tone as Janos looked at them in disbelief "These men are under my command! I command you to arrest this cutthroat!"

"His name is Bronn" Tyrion said enjoying how the tables had turned "and he is the new Commander of the City Watch."

"Boys" Bronn said as the men started dragging Janos away and both Bronn and Tyrion watched surprised as Naerys stepped into the room and walked over to stand by Tyrion's side as Janos yelled "I have friends at court… powerful friends! The King himself made me a Lord!"

"Well I guess that would be a cause for celebration" Naerys said when the Lord was gone and turned to Tyrion with a small smile "I apologize my love but I came to speak to you when I came upon a most lovely conversation, that man is better off gone from this place he is only after his own benefit."

"That's precisely why I saw to it that he was taken away from here and there are more capable allies put into place" Tyrion said handing her a cup of wine as Bronn poured himself one "To the new Commander! If I told you to murder an infant girl…say, still at her mother's breast. Would you do it, without question?"

Naerys ears perked up eager to see the reply as Bronn said no pausing for a moment "I'd ask how much."

Naerys and Tyrion stared at him uneasily for a moment before Tyrion turned to her with a small smile "So my Lady haven't you been taught that eavesdropping can have terrible consequences?"

"Then smite me my Lord for I did so eavesdrop on your conversation earlier" Naerys said playfully as Tyrion chuckled "I wanted to actually tell you that I had an earlier meal with your sister and it was just delightful."

"My sister really knows how to treat her guests I cannot say I am surprised" Tyrion said as Naerys rolled her eyes playfully "My Lady was there anything of interest said at this meal?"

"Nothing besides the usual swipe at my honor and your unfathomable need to immerse with whores" Naerys said bending down and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek without hesitation as Tyrion's eyes widened looking at Naerys as she looked back at him with a warm gaze "I however am unfazed by such things and have no doubt as are you for we have dealt with such ridicule for most of our existence…Oh by the Gods it is about evening meal time isn't it I mustn't keep Sansa waiting I am sorry my Lord and Bronn but I must take my leave."

"Take care of yourself my Lady" Tyrion said watching as she went to the door "I shall see you later when I have time to spare."

"Yes of course my Lord as always I look forward to it" Naerys said opening the door as she turned one last time gazing over her shoulder at him "Till then my Love."

"You do realize that one is a right smart girl" Bronn said gesturing over his shoulder to where Naerys had been after she had left "She certainly is quite pretty too." Tyrion looked over at his friend having to agree with him at the same time knowing he'd have to go and see his sister to tell her news of Janos Slynt's much needed departure.

"Lord Janos Slynt was Commander of the City Watch. You had no right to exile him" Cersei said in disgust as Tyrion watched her with a calm gaze "I have every right! I am the King's Hand!"

"You're serving as the King's Hand until Father gets here. I am the Queen Regent" Cersei said trying to let him know how valuable her place was as Tyrion practically scoffed "You might find it difficult to rule over millions who want you dead. Half this city will starve when winter comes, the other half will plot to overthrow you...and your gold-plated thugs just gave them their rallying cry; "The Queen slaughters babies!" You don't even have the decency to deny it! It wasn't you who gave the order, was it? Joffrey didn't even tell you? Did he tell you? I imagine that would be even worse."

"He did what needed to be done! You want to be Hand of the King?! You want to rule?! This is what ruling is; lying on a bed of weeds, ripping them out by the root, one by one, before they strangle you in your sleep" Cersei said trying to justify what her son had done as Tyrion looked at her in confusion " I'm no king, but I think there's more to ruling than that."

"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK! You've never taken it seriously; you haven't, Jaime hasn't. It's all fallen on me" Cersei said angrily trying to demonstrate that she was the only one who had been holding everything together as Tyrion gazed at her warily for a moment deciding to lighten the mood "As has Jaime repeatedly, according to Stannis Baratheon."

Cersei paused for a moment then giggled as Tyrion looked at her curiously "You're funny. You've always been funny...but none of your jokes will ever match the first one, will they? Do you remember, back when you ripped my mother open on your way out of her and she bled to death?"

"She was my mother too" Tyrion said both angry and hurt as Cersei gazed at him not too pleased "Mother gone, for the sake of you. There's no bigger joke in the world than that. And soon you'll be marrying a girl with nothing who will surely turn her back on you someday even if she believes that you can bring her happiness, I doubt you will ever make anyone happy."

Tyrion gazed at her his eyes narrowing as he shook his head "No you may not believe it dear sister but I never intended for what happened with our mother, I may be a dwarf but I would never wish for that girl to suffer…Not for her sorrow to be the cause of my existence at the very least." After that Tyrion left realizing from the way that Cersei had spoken that she must of tried to see thru Naerys loyalty to him but the girl had been unrelenting thus meaning that Cersei's jab was instead to make him doubt her, but the dwarf knew he couldn't ever for the girl was something he'd never imagined he'd have.

"Naerys" said a voice and Naerys turned from the book she was reading having been fully immersed in her literature sitting out on her balcony in a chair enjoying the sunshine so much that she hadn't heard the door open but smiled when she saw it was Tyrion and gestured for him to take a seat across from her "I noticed you weren't in the main part of the room but Lady Sansa was occupying your bed so I surmised you must've been still in the room."Tyrion didn't know why he had made it to her chambers in the morning not yet having told Shae he didn't wish to see her anymore but somehow felt that morning that he needed to see Naerys and tell her of his desires and plans.

"Yes I've been here for a little less of an hour while the young wolf has been asleep" Naerys said closing the book making sure to have it marked with the feather she had been using as a bookmark before she placed it in her lap giving him her full attention "I am most pleased to see you here though my Lord are you well?"

"Yes I am my Lady I just wanted to ask you something" Tyrion said as Naerys nodding giving him a small smile "Does your arrangement with Lord Varys, does it require you to divulge all the information you obtain to him?"

"Not all of it no" Naerys said shaking her head "It requires me to give him the information that we think could mean dire consequences for the people here or the realm so no I don't divulge everything to him as there are still secrets of which I am allowed to keep and would wish for that matter to keep. I think discretion to all of those that I am close with is important."

"Good than may I speak with you of something in confidence" Tyrion said watching as her eyes widened before she nodded "As you know I am the Hand of the King so I must run things smoothly without fail and without improper decisions made by the King, so I am creating a test if you will for those of the small council."

"Those of the small council" Naerys repeated looking at him with a curious look "That is actually most wise for I believe it was through Lord Baelish that Eddard was betrayed and thrown in prison for trusting…What sort of plan have you conjured my love?"

"By telling each of them a different story" Tyrion said as Naerys smirked in realization "The true story though I will tell you and please understand my sister must not know."

"If this a test for me to keep my mouth shut you may be glad that I will not say a word to anyone" Naerys said grasping one of his hands in her own with a small squeeze "If this is your method of Kneading out those who are disloyal then I implore you to stick to your instincts."

"I am pleased that you agree my Lady" Tyrion said giving her a smile of approval placing a kiss upon her hand "Now the real plan…I am to have my niece Myrcella shipped off to Dorne and betrothed to the prince as a means to apologize for the terrible crimes done to Elia Martell."

"The Martell's are certainly not in favor of your family by any means" Naerys said biting her lip in thought "Though this may anger your sister it would put you back into Dorne's good graces which is something we might need in the future…Very well my love you have my support in this plan I see the true potential within it."

"Now to weed out the disloyal" Tyrion said gesturing to the bottle of wine she had been drinking from as Naerys nodded her approval and he poured himself some into a cup "Who to start with though?"

"Thank the Gods…I haven't had a proper shit in days" Tyrion said as he accepted the vial from Maester Pycelle having decided with him to start as the Maester smiled "I've encountered this problem before, my Lord…the stresses of power often have this, erm…insalubrious effect. Two drops with water, daily."

" I'm so grateful to have a man of your vast knowledge and wisdom on my side…Please" Tyrion said as Maester Pycelle took a seat "Oh thank you my Lord."

"I can trust you Pycelle, can I not" Tyrion questioned as the man looked at him feigning surprise "Why yes of course my Lord!"

"These are perilous times- and the Crown must forge new alliances. And these alliances must often be sealed in matrimony" Tyrion said taking a seat adjacent to Pycelle as he spoke to see what the man had to say "Matrimony, eh? Yes..."

"I'm trusting the Council with these plans, but the Queen mustn't know. I can't have her... meddling in affairs that could determine the future of the Realm… there's too much at stake" Tyrion said as Maester Pycelle gazed at him curiously "Oh yes indeed…I shall be as silent as the grave!"

"I'm brokering an alliance with House Martell of Dorne. Princess Myrcella will wed their youngest son, when she comes of age…ensuring their loyalty, and their army, should we need it" Tyrion said standing up and walking to get himself some wine while Pycelle looked slightly alarmed "Myrcella... sent away to Dorne?"

" But, remember- the Queen mustn't know" Tyrion said watching as Varys practically grinned "Ooooh- "The Queen mustn't know" I love conversations that begin this way."

"I plan to marry Princess Myrcella off... to Theon Greyjoy" Tyrion said watching as Varys' brow narrowed in confusion "Theon Greyjoy. Forgive me, my Lord, but how? He grew up a ward of Winterfell…he fights for Robb Stark. "

"Precisely, Theon's father loathed the Starks, and will convince the boy to come to our side" Tyrion said getting up again to get himself some more wine "Greyjoy can destroy the Northern army from within, and we can have his father's ships. But, remember, you must tell no one."

"Tell no-one ...what" Baelish questioned with a smile as Tyrion looked at him " I plan to wed Princess Myrcella... to Robin Arynn of the Vale. Lhysa... is not fond of me. But, perhaps the promise of a Royal match will convince her to... let bygones be bygones."

"She imprisoned you, she tried to execute you…and you offer her son, a princess" Baelish said chuckling in disbelief as Tyrion walked towards him "For men in our position, holding grudges can be... an encumbrance, don't you think?"

"And I suppose... you want me to broker this agreement" Baelish questioned as Tyrion gave him a knowing glance "Who better?"

"Yes, I could sing this song to Lhysa, if I cared to... What's in it for me" Baelish said looking to Tyrion to see if it was worth his while as Tyrion grinned "The gratitude of the people of Westeros, for helping to end this war...the adoration of the King, for helping to bring the Vale back into the fold... and Harrenhall."

"Harrenhall is cursed" Baelish said turning away and Tyrion practically scoffed as he spoke "I never took you for a superstitious man. By all means, tear it down and rebuild. You'll be able to afford it, I'm planning to make you Lord of the Riverlands."

"With a single stroke, you'd make me one of the greatest Lords in the Realm" Baelish said suspiciously having turned back around as Tyrion took a drink "You served my family well, in the matter of the succession."

"So did Janos Slynt…and he was given Harrenhall too, until you snatched it away" Baelish said accusingly while Tyrion gave him a look "I need you, to deliver Lhysa Arynn…I didn't need Janos Slynt. It's settled, then? Good! Oh, and remember…"

"The Queen mustn't know" Baelish agreed as Tyrion nodded knowing there was the plan put into place and now all he had to do was wait.

" You monster! Myrcella is my only daughter. Do you really think I will let you sell her like a common whore" Cersei exclaimed angrily as Tyrion gazed at her "Myrcella is a princess! Some would say she was born for this!"

"I will not let you ship her off to Dorne as I was shipped off to Robert Baratheon" Cersei said truly distraught at the thought of her own daughter being taken "Dorne is the safest place for her."

"Are you mad? The Martells loathe us" Cersei screamed as Tyrion remained calm knowing his sister would've reacted this way "That's why we need to seduce them. We're going to need their support in the war your son started!"

"She'll be a hostage" Cersei said calming down some as Tyrion had to disagree "A guest."

"You won't get away with this. You think the piece of paper father gave you keeps you safe? Ned Stark had a piece of paper too" Cersei said as Tyrion gave her a half smile for a moment before giving her a serious look "It's done Cersei."

"No…" Cersei said angrily as Tyrion sighed "You cannot stop it."

"No" Cersei exclaimed again in anger while Tyrion sighed "Just how safe do you think Myrcella is if the city falls? Do you want to see her raped and butchered like the Targaryen children?! Make no mistake; they will mount her pretty little head on a spike right beside yours."

"Get out! Get out" Cersei screamed as Tyrion left leaving his sister to weep in sorrow as Tyrion knew now who was his enemy and knew that he needed to make it known that as Hand of the King he would not be messed with.

Tyrion, Bronn and another man burst into the chambers of Maester Pycelle surprised to see him in his quarters with a whore as Pycelle looked at them in outrage "What is the meaning of this?! No! No, please!"

"You disappoint me, Grand Maester" Tyrion said knowing whom it was that had broken his trust as the Maester pleaded " I am your loyal servant."

"So loyal that you told the queen about my plans to send Myrcella to Dorne" Tyrion countered knowing that it had been him all along as Naerys would never in a million years betray him while the Maester looked at him "No, never! It's a falsehood, I swear it. It wasn't me. Ah, Varys! It was Varys, the Spider…"

"See, I told Varys that I was giving the princess to the Greyjoys. I told Littlefinger that I planned to wed her to Robin Arryn. I told no one that I was offering her to the Dornish. No one but you" Tyrion said watching as the mans eyes filled with worry "The eunuch has spies everywhere."

"Cut off his manhood and feed it to the goats" Tyrion wasted no time in saying to the man behind him who looked confused "There are no goats half man."

"Well, make do! How long have you been spying for my sister" Tyrion questioned as Pycelle looked at him without shame "All I did, I did for House Lannister. Always. Your lord father, ask him. I've always been his servant, since the days of the Mad King."

"I don't like his beard…"Tyrion countered shaking his head as Bronn grabbed the Maester and cut it off "What? No! Ahhh!"

"How many Hands have you betrayed, Pycelle? Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn..." Tyrion questioned having had enough of his bull wanting to get rid of him as Pycelle gazed at him "Lord Arryn! He knew, he knew the truth about the- the Queen and he planned to act, to tell King Robert…"

"So you poisoned him" Tyrion wondered as Pycelle gazed at him incredulity "No! Never!"

"But you let him die! Made sure he succumbed" Tyrion accused as Pycelle pleaded "Lannister, I've always served Lannister...!"

"Get him out of my sight! Throw him in one of the black cells" Tyrion said in disgust as they took him away before he eyed the whore and placed down two coins for her giving her a grunt of apology before he walked away glad that he wouldn't have anymore enemies around for awhile.

"My Lord" Shae greeted when Tyrion returned to his chambers and gazed at him fondly a seductive tone in her voice as Tyrion had not expected to see her there "You do make me wait a long time my lion."

"My Lady I wasn't expecting to see you here" Tyrion admitted as Shae smirked and showed him her state of almost complete undress making Tyrion a bit flustered "I'm afraid I'm not in the proper mood at the moment my Lady I'd ask for you to wait for perhaps tomorrow."

"Why not my Lord" Shae said as her voice took on an almost purr and she gazed at Tyrion "Are you not attracted to me anymore?"

"No of course I find you attractive" Tyrion said as she started to advance on him and felt almost cornered by the woman "I cannot however continue this with you!"

"Why not my Lord" Shae questioned obviously feeling scorned as her pitch began to rise "Is there someone else? Oh don't tell me it's that young girl you're betrothed to! She will never be able to give you the pleasure that I do!"

"Shae no" Tyrion said very calmly putting a hand up halting her as he spoke "You can say cruel things to me in retaliation for the anger that I am causing you I know I deserve that, you however cannot say anything about her or speak poorly of her for Naerys is something much more than I deserve!"

"How can you throw away everything that we have" Shae said gazing at him in anger and confusion "Is she really worth all of this between us being tossed away, like trash?!"

"No she is worth more than that" Tyrion admitted as Shae looked at him confused "Naerys is something that I never thought I'd get nor something I'd ever be worthy of yet she is here and she has not given me any reason to doubt she will ever leave or betray my trust."

"You would throw me simply like that because you believe that this girl is of more significance than all of that" Shae said after a moment nearly scoffing in disgust "Well then have at it! She can have you for all your worth my Lord and let us hope that you won't go back to the ways we both know you're accustomed to…With a whore at your side, goodnight my Lord and farewell." Tyrion knew he shouldn't have let her words hurt him so but with the words hanging in the air and feeling that he was finally free Tyrion left his quarters before walking down the hall having one destination in mind.

A knock on the door shocked Naerys who was sitting comfortable in one of the chairs in nothing but a thin red night gown as Joffrey insisted if she was going to be a Lannister she needed more gold and red within her wardrobe "Come in." "My Lady I am sorry for my intrusion" Tyrion said walking in surprised by her state having to clear his throat to steady himself "I apologize perhaps I can come in at another time."

"No it is quite alright" Naerys said gesturing over to the seat beside her "I was just having some tea before I took myself to bed."

"My Lady I have come to confess" Tyrion said as Naerys glanced at him expectantly "I haven't been completely honest with you and I wanted to confess something."

"My love share whatever it is you wish to say" Naerys said and held his hand gently smiling at him softly "You could do no such wrong whatever it is you fear to tell me for I will forgive you."

"Naerys I deserve no such kindness" Tyrion said as Naerys looked at him confused as he sighed "Naerys since returning I have not done you right for I have been allowing a whore to warm my bed and thus I haven't been as loyal to you as you have been to me. The honor that you bestow upon me I do not deserve, for I have not been honoring you."

"Well this was not unexpected my Lord" Naerys said as she stood up pacing a bit as Tyrion watched her worried that she would show him the same amount of disdain that Shae had just given him when Naerys turned to him with a questioning look "Well was she good?"

"Pardon" Tyrion said blinking in disbelief floored by her response "Is that all you have to ask on the matter?"

"Tyrion my love I have known for years about your um discretions ever since I was a young girl" Naerys admitted biting her lip in slight embarrassment not sure if it was a subject she wanted to speak of "I knew that you find attraction to them for they can show you a false sense of affection and I knew that you desired that for you are just like me where most of the world has no care or love for us. I have no problem nor will I ever find fault within your need for someone to show you affection or to give you attention for it is something that everyone craves. For years now my love my only wish has been that you may find some form of contentment and happiness in this world for everyone deserves to have it."

"Naerys…" Tyrion said astounded by her confession and stood staring at her intently and walked towards her taking both of her hands in his and looked at them closely "How in all of Westeros and by the Gods did I ever get the privilege of having you as my betrothed?"

"I am still trying to piece those clues together" Naerys admitted chuckling as she smiled "I must say though the gods they work in mysterious ways."

"That they do" Tyrion agreed and motioned for her to kneel down watching as Naerys did so and gave her a small smile "However it is not to them I am grateful but to you alone, you have survived all this time in King's Landing eagerly awaiting for my return and I have been thinking for most of my life that you are only a child. However even I can be wrong apparently, you are not just some silly girl but are quickly proving to me how effective you can be."

"I've been trying to keep up with you and your cunning nature my Lord but I admit sometimes the charade we play it is hard" Naerys said nodding in agreement giving him a small smile "I care not for your family name but instead for the man of which I will be marrying as you are not a halfman or a dwarf to me, you are as whole as you could possibly be."

Tyrion then finding that no other words needed to be spoken leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek as Naerys flushed at the movement finding it sweet that he was finally the one willing to show her affection "I shall see you tomorrow when I have the time but until then I'll let you rest." "Until then my love" Naerys agreed as she trudged over to her bed and with Tyrion watching climbed inside situating herself before her eyes automatically fluttered shut as Tyrion found himself tiredly trudging towards his chambers wondering how he'd ever get to sleep when he felt so lifted.

"You'll be pleased to know that our mutual friend is doing quite well in Lady Sansa's service" Varys said drinking as Tyrion eyed him deciding there was no harm in saying it "Good that was one of my better ideas…However she is no longer of use within my stead, I'm afraid now I have more singular interests that mainly deal with my future and a certain arrangement that was made for me years ago."

"Well I must say my Lord that does come at a surprise, though I am quite certain the little dragon will be thoroughly pleased with this, if you haven't let her known your intentions already. And, it seems the Grand Maester has found his way into a black cell? Well played, my Lord Hand. But,should I be worried? Janos Slynt, Pycelle...the Small Council grows smaller every day" Varys said curiously as Tyrion gave him a shrug in response "The Council has a reputation for serving past Hands poorly. I don't mean to follow Ned Stark to the grave."

"Power is a curious thing, my lord. Are you fond of riddles" Varys questioned as Tyrion glanced at him curiously "Why, am I about to hear one?"

"Three great men sit in a room; a king, a priest and a rich man. Between them stands a common sellsword. Each great man bids the sellsword kill the other two. Who lives, who dies" Varys said as Tyrion's eyes narrowed "Depends on the Sellsword."

"Does it? He has neither crown, nor gold, nor the favor of the gods" Varys said countering Tyrion as Tyrion posed his own reasoning for his answer "He has a sword, the power of life and death."

"But if it's swordsmen who rule... why do we pretend kings hold all the power? When Ned Stark lost his head, who was truly responsible? Joffrey? The executioner? Or something else" Varys said as Tyrion frowned "I've decided I don't like riddles."

"Power resides where men believe it resides. It's a trick, a shadow on the wall, and... a very small man can cast a very large shadow" Varys said as Tyrion smiled and the two of them drank in agreement knowing that Tyrion had proven himself already that he was a capable Hand much more so than his predecessors and hoped that would be enough to keep him alive for now.