Author's Note: Hello, everyone! This is the third chapter. To be honest, I was lacking inspiration while writing this. It's hard to introduce new characters and at the same time make their point of views relate to each other so I apologize in advance if this chapter isn't so good. I still don't own Game of Thrones because last time I checked, my name is not George R. R. Martin. Enjoy!

Long Live the Boy-King

Chapter Three: Argument-Flavored Pie

Tywin's Point of View

I have a great fondness for the color crimson or red. It reminds me of my house, the rich Lannisters of Casterly Rock. For centuries, our house and wealth stood dominant all over the Seven Kingdoms. Our secret? Hard work, manipulation, and intelligence; three essential things that the other houses lack that's why they remain below us.

My son, Jaime, wouldn't have been in his position right now if he didn't spend hours and hours training with blade, arrows, and crossbows during his childhood. Six years after his birth, I saw true potential in him, a born fighter. I was watching him and Cersei that afternoon in the gardens. Cersei was weaving some sort of flower garland for her head and Jaime, well, his attention was fixed on the two soldiers training. I watch his curious gaze stick to their every move and from time to time he would ball his fists whenever he sees something wrong. Intrigued, I walked up and sat beside him.

"Are you enjoying them fight?" I asked. His eyes remain on the two men swinging their dull swords. His eyebrows met on the bridge of his nose and his eyes squinted as one of the blades reflect sunlight. "Jaime?"

"Yes, father… but…" he trailed off. His eyes moved down to his feet before meeting my own. "When will I train? I want to fight with them, too." I smiled and patted his head. He kept on looking at me with pleading eyes. He is ready if he says he is. I have faith in my children, even with the dwarf. My blood runs through their veins, blood that will do them good.

I stood up from my seat and fixed my breeches. Jaime followed me with his little eyes. "If you want to, you can start tomorrow. I will have your armor ready in the morning," I said with less enthusiasm. I want him to know that I support his passion for fighting but I want to remain a father figure, someone he respects. I would be doomed if I spoil him too much.

"Really, Father? Are you letting me?" He smiled so wide I swore the sun reflected on his white. "Thank you, Father! I promise you I will train hard and make you proud." He hugged me and closed his eyes in delight. I patted him in the shoulders and back with a smile on my face as well. As long as my family is happy, I am happy.

"You've already made me proud, son."

And now, even if he lost one of his hands, my son still serves the King with honor and glory. He wouldn't have served four Kings if he just fooled around in the brothels. He is still making me proud as long as he wears that golden armor of his with the white cloak on his back.

Jaime's twin, Cersei, isn't much in the fighting skills as she is a woman. Oh, but her beauty and grace would either build castles or ruin many. Every man in the Seven Kingdoms wanted to be with her even for just one night. Every woman envied everything about her. Her golden hair that falls down her back, braided in the sides. Her angelic face that they could never see in their own reflections. Even the fact that she got married to a King and gave birth to two. And children, they all glorified her, wishing it was her womb that held them.

Everyone can be fooled by Cersei's face but if they dig deep into her true self, they would see how cunning she is. She could get away with anything, heavens, even murder. Her sweet voice and seductive words can confuse anyone. She can bend the truth with just a blink of an eye and no one would ever suspect a thing. Being married to Robert did not break her even if a lot of people claim it did. No, it made my daughter even stronger than ever. Her love for her children is proof enough. She can have the whole Realm all in the palm of her hand.

I heard a knock on the door just before I could put on my belt. "Come in." I grabbed on my tunic, fixed it then took the belt sitting on the table beside my mirror. I turned around and saw a member of the Kingsguard. I've seen this one before, tall with black hair and even blacker eyes. He looks almost like the Hound without the burned scars on his face.

"My Lord." He bowed slightly to give respect for my presence. I eyed him through the mirror while I tighten the belt around my waist. "The King asks for your presence in the halls to have breakfast with him along with the small council." Ah. The naïve Tommen finally reaching out to his new subjects. I admire him for his kindness and innocence but it is also going to be his biggest weaknesses if he doesn't wake up from his childhood fantasies. He will be an easy target to those who would want to turn against the Crown. He's going to be an easy prey to those who want the throne more than their lives. I have to stand by my own grandson, educate him, and guide him to grow into a proud man suitable for the throne.

"Tell the people in the kitchens to make pie. Tommen would love that," I said with a stern tone. He immediately bowed and exited my chambers. I opened the drawer where I keep my accessories and picked up the golden badge sitting there. Hand of the king, that's my title from now on. A rather hard job, to be honest. Especially now that my grandson's too young and naïve, I have to work harder to persuade him into doing better things, choosing better options for the sake of the Seven Kingdoms.

But he once had this pinned in him when I was in the middle of the battlefield. That sick half-man who put my wife in pain. That dwarf who killed my wife. I can't even look at him straight without disgust at how different he is from us. I didn't deserve to have him for a child yet the gods seem to hate me.

Tyrion has never lived up to the Lannister name. He is a disgrace no matter how wrong it is for me to say that. From the moment he was brought into this world, he has been the major cause of my headaches. But I still gave him everything that I offered my other children. I put clothes in his body, shoes on his feet. I gave him the best meals that my maids could possibly cook. I gave him the best education. And somehow, I regretted giving him that last thing. His head grew bigger than his body. It inflated his ego and now he thinks he's taller than he really is. When his brother swings the sword and his sister concocting the next move for the throne, he lays down on the brothel with whores around him. Every night his belly is full of wine, too much for him to handle. I regretted raising a drunk, lustful dwarf with a sharp tongue.

I pinned the golden badge on my clothing, letting it adorn the red tunic I'm wearing. Ahh… The two Lannister colors, crimson and gold. Seeing that the badge is slightly tilted to the left, I unpinned it again. "Ahh." I gasped as the pointy needle pricked my finger letting blood run out of my skin. It glistened in the morning sun like a piece of ruby. I smiled at the sight of it.

I have a great fondness for the color crimson or red. It reminds me of my house, the rich Lannisters of Casterly Rock. It also reminds me of my victories over the years. It reminds me of the blood of the enemies I have slaughtered.

Ferardo's Point of View

I put back my small dagger on its sheath and tucked it under my coat before heading out to get breakfast. I looked up the blue sky and saw the thin clouds forming illuminated by the morning light. It has been ages since I visited Westeros but nothing major has changed. The castle still stands with glory and beauty. The soldiers still look proud and strong despite their silly armor. The whores still look like desperate maidens trying to survive. Everything is the same. Beautiful and pathetic.

"Why don't you just order one of the maids to bring our food here in the chambers? That would be easier." My wife followed me out. She's dressed in one of her rosy and patterned dresses, her favorite article of clothing. Her black hair fell on her shoulders flawlessly and her eyes… oh those beautiful eyes with her long lashes and swift blinks. It has been years since we first met but I fall in love with her again every single day. I cupped her cheeks with my two hands and kissed her lips softly. She raised her eyebrows at me playfully. Oh, my darling Edvige.

"You know how much I hate it how other people serve me my own food," I whispered to her like she's a child I need to lecture. "Someone might poison me, my love. I might die early." She chuckled in response, amusement clear on her face. "Do you like that, my love? Do you want me to die early?" I asked in a teasing manner while still holding her face.

She held my hands closer. Her touch warms my heart and sends a chill down my spine all at the same time. "No, my love," she started. She kissed my right hand while staring at me longingly. "I don't want you to leave me. I don't want you to leave our family." I smiled at her from ear to ear. Hearing those words brings me back to my youth. I was about to kiss her again when heavy footsteps came in our way. My hands dropped down to her waist and hers to my chest. We looked up to the owner of those strides.

Emerging from the hallway was the infamous Lord Tywin Lannister, an old friend of ours. Like the city, Tywin looked the same. At first glance, he looks rich, powerful, and intimidating. The only difference that I noted from him, however, is the sense of more wisdom and intelligence. It has been years since he left Bedoco on a ship to Westeros. He has become a father figure to me when my own father was busy fooling around with whores. He approached us with a smile on his face. People who don't know Tywin might think it odd for a man of such power to even smile brightly. But I know him too well to weigh if his smiles are pure or wicked.

"I see you've already woken up, boy," he said while walking up to the both of us. I removed my hands from my wife's waist and pulled Tywin in for an embrace. He hugged me back. When he pulled away, his eyes lingered in mine wildly. "You've grown tall. Taller than me, even."

I smiled at his remark. "Well, I am not a boy now, am I?" We both chuckled. He turned to my wife and offered his hand to her for a kiss. Edvige slowly placed her hand on Tywin's, overwhelmed by his politeness. "You've seen Edvige, right? Back when you were visiting?"

I let go of my wife's hand and looked her closely then chuckled lightly before turning to me. "Of course. You're the little girl who always asks me if I could give your letters to this little lad." We all laughed at the memory of little Edvige running around pestering Tywin into handing me a love letter she wrote. "Back then you were only this small," Tywin said while gesturing to the ground. "Never knew you'd actually end up with this one."

"Well, I guess my letters paid off. Now we're happily married with three children," Edvige said with a smile. She looked at me and linked her arms with mine as if to make a point to the old man. Tywin looked at us with bright eyes. "Where are you off to, by the way, my Lord?" Edvige asked.

Tywin looked ahead of us and to the hallway. "To the great hall. The King asked for the presence of the small council to join him to breakfast." He looked back at us again and said, "How about you? Where are you heading off?"

"We were going to the kitchens, actually. We're going to eat there." My statement made Tywin's eyebrow raise up.

"That's not a suitable place for a Lord and Lady to dine in. Come with me and dine with the King. He wouldn't mind extra guests, I promise you." He offered. I quickly declined saying, "Oh, no. That would be fine. I'm sure the King I going to discuss important matters to you. We're fine in the kitchens."

"Nonsense, my boy. You are standing in my land now. I wouldn't have my own guests dine with the maids. Your mother accepted me into your home without question, it's about time I return the favor." That's true of course. When Tywin and his army ended up in Bedoco, my mother didn't think twice in letting them in. She gave them the best food and wine in the entire city, treated their wounds, and let them sleep in the best bed. I looked at Edvige. She nodded at me, urging me to accept Tywin's offer.

"If you say so, my Lord. We shall hurry. We don't want to keep the King waiting." He gave me another smile before resuming his way to the great hall. We followed beside him with careful steps.

"Please, call me Tywin, my boy. It's not like this is the first time we've met."

Tommen's Point of View

I tapped my foot lightly as I wait for my companions. It sure is taking them quite a while to come to the table here with me. My head snapped up when the doors opened and came in was my mother along with grandfather and two new guests.

"Mother," I said with much delight. I stood up from my seat and approached my mother. I pulled her in and kissed her in her cheeks. "Good morning. Where are the others?" I looked around and saw only my Mother, Grandfather, and Lord and Lady Doreen. Why are they here? Not that I'm complaining.

"I'm sorry, my King. Lord Varys is out on a trip for other important matters. Lord Tyrell is not feeling well and the Grand Maester was sent to the city to collect ingredients for his medicine," she said softly while pulling out her seat. I looked at my grandfather and greeted him with an embrace. My gaze then moved to the two other couple.

Grandfather saw me looking at them. "I hope you don't mind me inviting Lord and Lady Doreen. It's about time you sit down and meet them properly." I smiled at the couple. Lord Doreen, with his dark eyes, bowed at me. Lady Doreen, on the other hand, gave me a very graceful curtsy.

"Please, take a seat. Be my guest." I gestured to them before sitting down myself. "Well, I am pleased to have you all here in my table. It has been a while since I've had a proper meal with my family and subjects." They all smiled at me.

It was not long before the table was filled with various types of food. Bread, cheese, and different kinds of meat. Wine, of course, was never absent. Even at this time in the morning, the adults would love to have a glass of wine. Of course, fruits colorfully sat on the table as well. We each filled our plates with food and dined in silence. They all look so proper and serious, two words I don't want my mornings to be described as.

"I want to thank you, Lord and Lady Doreen, for the gifts yesterday. They are really beautiful. I appreciate the weapons very much." I said. Lord Doreen's eyes were hard as ever but his features suddenly changed at my words. I find the way he smiles awkward. The happy emotion that his mouth gives doesn't quite match those of his eyes. It's like everything is out of place, in my opinion.

He swallowed his bacon before answering. "Please, we should be the ones thanking you for accepting them. I didn't let my blacksmiths sleep just to finish those swords and daggers." I gave out a hearty laugh along with my grandfather. "My children actually loved them very much that they stole three from the chests. I had them remade only for you. Don't worry, my children didn't touch those I gave you." Everyone in the table laughed. Mother, though, was not very amused. It's hard to please her. She always looks troubled and she disagrees in a lot of things.

Mother sipped the wine on her glass before joining in the conversation. "Tell me, Lady Doreen—"

"Please, your Grace. There's no need for such formality. Call me Edvige, if you may." Lady Doreen said before my mother could continue further on. She seemed taken aback from Lady Doreen's request but corrected herself immediately.

"Edvige… How many children do you have?" she asked. She looked at Lady Doreen straight in the eye unblinkingly.

"Three, your Grace. A daughter and two little sons." My mother nodded, took a sip of wine, then asked again.

"And how old are they?" I sense something different about my mother. Her questions seem unusual. She isn't this curious about other people much less about their children. Where are you heading on, Mother?

Lady Doreen grabbed another piece of bread, oblivious to my mother's stare. "My daughter is seventeen, your Grace. And my two sons are both ten. They are twins, you see."

"Little rascals, those two." Lord Doreen added with a smile.

"Are they? And you let them play with daggers and swords like they are toys? Aren't that a little bit dangerous?" Both of the Doreens looked at her like she said something stupid. Mother had a point, though. It is a little dangerous for children and girls to have weapons.

Lord Doreen's face hardened slightly. His eyes looked like black emotionless orbs again. He stared at my mother dangerously but his lips curved up slightly. Another awkward face. "Have you been in Bedoco, your Grace?"

"No." My mother said briefly. She, too, lacks emotion of any sort. She is furious, that is what I know. All my life, whenever I see Mother like this, I know she secretly hides her anger or discomfort.

"In Bedoco, your grace, the word 'danger' doesn't really mean much." Lord Doreen dropped his utensils on his place and placed both of his hands under his chin. "We train children there, you see. If a three-year-old boy could carry a dagger, we give him a dagger. If a girl is interested in armor rather than dresses, we build her solid ones." He leaned back on his chair before continuing. I am very intrigued in what he's saying. "We give children weapons and armor if they want them. We let them fight each other, give their opponents bruises at most. But…" He blinked then took a deep breath. "We discipline them, let them see what the real world is. We make men of good heart and women of grace. And danger, in their minds…" he pointed on his temple. "…danger is when you don't know how to fight anymore."

There was a long and awkward silence in the table. Everyone refused to continue eating. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the fiery staring contest between my mother and Lord Doreen. This makes me uncomfortable and scared at the same time.

"Oh, look. The pie's here." Grandfather cut in as the blueberry pie arrives at our table. The staring contest was long gone once the pie was set. I took the first piece and let the others have theirs afterwards. As I am cutting the pie, I can't help but change the topic of the conversation.

"I never knew you had children, Lady Edvige." I asked. She turned to me with bright eyes. She is very beautiful, to be honest. And judging from the figure of her body, she doesn't look like the sort of woman who birthed three children.

"Well, you never knew us before yesterday." She chuckled softly. She earned a smile from me and my grandfather. We are amused by how graceful she is.

"I never knew as well," Grandfather said while piercing the pastry with his fork. "Please, do tell about them." Lady Edvige looked at her husband first who gave her a nod. She took a deep breath and made her voice a bit louder so everyone could hear.

"Well, my two boys, the twins Cosimo and Gino… they are rather energetic. They always get into trouble with their jokes and pranks. But they are very adorable and sweet. They always play around with our soldiers so the men are quite fond of them, taking them to different towns for new adventures."

"How come I haven't seen them yet?" I asked curiously. I took another slice of pie and placed it carefully on my plate. I have to keep Lady Edvige talking if I want to avoid another staring contest between my mother and Lord Doreen. I don't want my morning to be ruined.

Lady Edvige picked a piece of chestnut from the large plate before answering me. "My husband didn't want them playing around in the throne room yesterday."

"I'm sure you would be annoyed if I did. Those boys will ruin the ceremony. When one of my nephews got married back in Bedoco, those two planted cowpies under some of the guests' chairs." Everybody laughed again. "The day was a disaster and rather smelly."

"And how about your daughter? She's the same age as the King isn't she, seventeen?" Grandfather asked. I never met another Lady my age or a Lord for that matter. The only people I really spoke to was Myrcella before the tea party incident. Aside from her, I've never really communicated with people my age. "She must be very beautiful."

The couple nodded in unison. "Yes, she's very beautiful and smart. She's fond of reading books but she's also interested in other activities." Lady Edvige said with enthusiasm.

"Activities?" I asked. "What kind?"

"Sword fighting, my King." Lord Doreen said immediately. He must be proud of her. I can tell it by the way he responded to my question. She must be a good fighter. "He also shoots and rides but swords and daggers are her specialty. She's rather protective of her weapons, in fact." I nodded in amusement and leaned back. I would be more delighted to meet the young Lady Doreen. She seems fascinating.

"A young Lady with daggers. She must attract a lot of young Lords." My mother said sarcastically. I am not pleased with her attitude.

"Cersei, stop it." Grandfather snapped at her. A frown was plastered across his face. This face that my grandfather makes scares me.

"What? I didn't do anything." Mother said innocently. She filled her glass with more wine. I can see her face flush. It must be from the liquor she gulped down for the past hour. Lord Doreen cleared her throat loudly.

"That's fine, my Lord,' he said softly to Grandfather before turning to my mother with serious eyes again. My plan failed. They are going to have a staring contest again. "And yes, she does attract a lot of young men in our city. We've welcomed young Lords from Westeros as well. Everyone is fascinated by her danger and beauty, your Grace."

"Is she bethroted yet, my Lord?" Mother asked further.

"No, my Queen." His response earned a chuckle from my Mother. She is being very rude today. Everyone's head snapped up on Lady Edvige's direction. The loud clatter of utensils surprised us all. She's infuriated but keeps her calm. She smiled sweetly at my mother.

"A lot of men tried to court her, my Queen. Blondes, brunettes, blue eyes, brown eyes, tall, short, smart, and stupid. But they never wanted anyone of them. Because they're all weak. She challenged them to combat and everyone lost to her. Every combat, she never wore armor and only had two daggers but these young men are stupid enough to fight with her." Her voice raised even louder but her face remained soft and beautiful, showing not a single sign of anger. "They all lost and by the time they leave our home, they have scratches, scars, bruises, and even missing limbs."

"My love," Lord Doreen said softly to his wife while grabbing her arm. Lady Edvige looked at him and calmed down a little bit more. Her voice was softer when she spoke again.

"My Queen, my daughter declined their offer of marriage because she is smart enough to know that these men cannot protect her." Lady Edvige ended her rant and leaned back on her chair. I looked at my mother, who was now staring blankly at the Lady in front of her. The awkward silence was yet again looming over us.

"I would love to meet her, my Lady. She sounds… delightful," I said, carefully choosing my words. I cannot offend the couple more. My mother did an amazing job of doing just that and I do not stand by her attitude.

Lady Edvige smiled at me sweetly, her anger evaporating. "She would love that, too. She's enjoying King's Landing so far, your Grace. She has been in the gardens all morning."

I choked on my water at the last thing she said. The gardens? But no one was there earlier. There were no other people in the gardens but me. Unless… The rustling, the giggles… Is it possible that she's the one I'm hearing earlier?

"The gardens? All morning, all by herself?" I asked rather quickly. "What interested her to be there?"

"She is quite fond of the view, she said. And also the carnations growing there." Lady Edvige added. Who is this girl? And why do I get the feeling that we wouldn't get along well?

"What's her name again?" Grandfather asked.

"Corabella, my Lord." Lord Doreen answered.

Author's Note: This chapter is a bit late because I had a hard time limiting the conversations. I don't like it when the characters talk too much, it doesn't show much character development, in my opinion. But anyways, I hope you enjoyed. Please please please… leave a review, comment, favorite, like, follow because it really makes me happy and that would keep me informed if I am pleasing you guys.

Qs:

- What did you feel about Cersei's inappropriate behavior in front of the Doreen couple?

- What's your first impression about Corabella based on Lady Edvige's description of her?

- What would you want to happen next?