"Do you see that woman there, my lady, the one in the garish crimson gown?" Allyria nodded, as she looked in the same direction as Cerenna, "That is Lady Brax, the wife of Lord Andros Brax, the Lord of Hornvale. Her husband is among the most powerful of Lord Tywin's bannermen. Her husband is a very ambitious man, who understands to mind the careful line where his own ambition would upset his liege lord. All the lords have learned from the Reynes' mistake."
Allyria sighed as she did her best to remember the valuable pieces of information Cerenna shared with her. Though she had not expected it at first, the young Lannister woman had proven to be quite useful and knowledgeable. She could see the reason why Lord Tywin had chosen his wife's niece to teach her about the current politics in the Westerlands.
"But his ambition could be used, don't you think? He could be useful, if we give him the right incentive." Allyria asked carefully, her eyes still on the old lady at the other end of the garden.
"He is ambitious, yes. Ambitious enough to try and marry his sons to the daughters of a Lord Paramount like Hoster Tully. But he is too intimidated by Lord Tywin's wrath, to ever contemplate treason. He would only fight for a Targaryen, if Tywin Lannister orders him to." Cerenna looked thoughtful for a moment, before she added, "The same goes for most of the noble Houses and the majority of the landed knights. No one acts without Lord Tywin's approval. You see the others around Lady Brax? Women from the Houses Swyft and Serret. Two more examples for the fear inspired loyalty."
"You sound disapproving." Allyria noted.
Cerenna was taken aback for a moment and looked almost afraid at the table, refusing to meet Allyria's eyes. "I... I would never dare to judge Lord Tywin's decisions."
"But you do have an opinion."
"Fear... is not good. All Houses fear that they might end up like House Reyne. But one day, when Lord Tywin is gone... the man to follow in his footsteps will have a hard time controlling the lords."
"I fear the same. But we can prepare for that time, now that we know what to expect. You do know a lot and your knowledge will be very important in the future, Cerenna."
Again the girl did not dare to meet Allyria's eyes, though this time she looked bashful and not afraid, "There is little to do for the women at Casterly Rock, except talking. Gossip travels fast and without a lady to serve, we can do little else."
"But be warned, following my husband to Dorne will require absolute loyalty. We live in dangerous times, Cerenna and we have to be careful."
"I understand, my lady. But Lord Tywin has ordered me to stay by your side, to advise and serve you. And that is what I will do."
"Your loyalty is commendable, though it is to the wrong man.," Allyria stated dryly, "But you will have to learn, so you can decide whom you wish to serve."
"I will learn, my lady." Cerenna said almost subserviently, making Allyria wonder just how the children are raised at Casterly Rock.
She looked to her left, where Joanna sat and conversed lightly with Joy Hill, the other girl Lord Tywin had insisted on sending to her. The girl was timid and most definitely not used to being allowed to do as she pleases. It only steeled her resolve, to keep her children as far away from Casterly Rock as possible. At least as long as Tywin Lannister was in charge there.
Then her gaze wandered again. There were mostly women here, at this small feast. Lady Margaery had decided to host this small event, for those who had not followed her brother's invitation to hunt. There were mostly women left now, as the majority of the men had welcomed the idea to hunt with their king. But a few men remained. Among them Lord Tywin, who sat next to Lord Mace Tyrell, the lord paramount of the Reach, who he pointedly ignored, not that Mace would have noticed. The Lady Olenna sat near them as well, looking mildly amused by her son's obliviousness.
"My lady," Cerenna tried to get Allyria's attention, as she sees a group approaching, "the Queen is coming this way, without her retinue. It would seem that she wishes to speak to you."
Cerenna nodded subtly in the direction from where the queen was coming and Allyria could only mask her apprehension in the face of this meeting. Jaime and Tyrion had warned her about their sister. They had told her that Cersei would most likely hate her beyond reason. And just judging by the coldness in the green eyes of the golden lioness, it was obvious that there was not one fond thought in that woman's head, when she looked at her brother's wife.
But undisturbed by this, Allyria rose from her seat, to greet the current queen properly. She would not embarrass her husband, "Your grace," She put on a calm smile, as she curtsied before Cersei. No one would be able to claim that she was the first to act disrespectful.
"So you are the one. The woman those Dornishmen have forced on my brother." Cersei stated coldly, as she stared at Allyria. Then her gaze wandered over to Joanna. "And this must be the girl that father has suddenly grown so fond of." Now Allyria could hear the underlying anger in Cersei's voice. "He is right, you do resemble my mother... a little." She grabbed Joanna's chin and forced the girl to look at her, when Joanna ignored her presence completely. "But my mother never had such horrendous eyes. Her eyes were the same green that my brother and I have. The Lannister green, not this purple. The same green that my daughter's eyes have."Ah, a hint of bitterness was evident here. Maybe the queen's daughter was not so high in her grandfather's regard. At least not on the spot that Cersei wished for her to be, Allyria thought idly.
"Green with envy you mean," Joanna shot back, before Allyria could stop her.
"Joanna, this is enough. Leave. Take Joy with you and mingle with the other girls your age." Allyria ordered sternly. She was relieved when Joanna complied without making a fuss.
Cersei sneered as she watched the girls leave, "I see that they don't teach manners to the children in Dorne. Such disrespect would not be permitted at Casterly Rock." The queen suddenly looked at Allyria's other companion, her sneer slowly leaving her face, making room for a mix of displeasure and disappointment. "Cerenna, leave. I wish to speak with this woman alone."
Allyria had to commend Cerenna's wish to prove her loyalty, as the woman remained seated, despite the obvious discomfort she must feel and the fear of the consequences she would have to face, should she disobey the queen of all people. Only when Allyria nodded in consent, the young woman got up and left. But she left quickly, a testament of the fear she must feel of the queen. And Cersei wasted no time and sat down on the place that Cerenna had just vacated.
"So what gives me the... pleasure of your company, your grace." Allyria forced herself to sound cordial, but she found it hard to do so. Everything about Cersei, her gaze, her posture, her tone, even the way she breathed bespoke the hatred she felt for her.
"This is certainly no pleasure. And you would be well advised to mind your tone. You are no sister of mine. You are nothing but an interloper. A dornish upstart. The Dornishmen shamed my brother, when they forced you on him. An injustice I intend to rectify." Cersei snarled. But she kept her voice low and watched her surroundings, so no one else could eavesdrop.
Allyria's grip on the arm of her chair tightened, as she listened to the queen's rant. She had expected much, but not to be treated like this. Cersei made it sound like she was nothing more than a common whore. But she was a Dayne of Starfall. A proud and noble family, whose fame has spread into every corner of Westeross. She was no commoner and would not be treated as such. And even though her marriage with Jaime was not really her choice, they had learned to be happy together. Cersei obviously fooled herself to believe that Jaime suffered in an unwanted marriage.
"The only injustice I can see here, is the fact that you believe that can go about and do as you please. Your brother is very much capable of making his own decisions. It was his choice to get married to me. It was his choice that I am the mother of his children, of his heir, of Lord Tywin's heir. Your opinion on all of this has never mattered to him." Or at least he had never spoken about his sister. Cersei Lannister was a rarely discussed topic in the years of their marriage. Not that his twin sister would have mattered. Jaime and Tyrion had only started talking about her, when they thought that a meeting would be inevitable. And even then they only warned her about Cersei Lannister and her wrath.
Cersei smiled coldly at her, an action that was even more frightening than her open hatred. It revealed just how dangerous this woman could be. Maybe they had been wrong in the past. Not Robert Baratheon was the most dangerous person in King's Landing, but his wife.
"You will learn your place. Your bastard children will inherit nothing. Jaime made a vow to never marry. Your marriage is void, your children are nothing but Sand bastards. And that insolent whelp that you helped to raise in Dorne will never see anyone of her vile family on the throne. My sons will inherit the Iron Throne and Casterly Rock." Was all that Cersei said, before she called a servant over, who placed two goblets on the table. One in front of each lady. Cersei took hers and took a small sip from the red liquid inside, as she watched for Allyria's reaction.
And Allyria hesitated, before she took her own goblet and looked warily at the content. Would this woman be audacious enough to try and poison her here? At a public gathering, when she sat less than an arm's length away... She doubted it and she didn't want to show weakness or, gods forbid, fear in front of this woman. So she raised the goblet to drink, but before it could touch her lips, a nimble hand appeared and took the goblet from her. Allyria looked surprised at first, but then she saw, that Tyene had finally decided to make an appearance. Gods bless the soul of the vigilant girl.
Tyene was still dressed like a Septa, a garb that had fooled everyone here at Highgarden. But now she did something that Septas rarely do. She sniffed at the drink, her face marred by a frown, before she dumped the red liquid on the ground.
"My lady, you shouldn't drink wine. Not in your condition." Tyene chided. Allyria quickly caught on to the girl's plan and decided to play along. She would be able to save face and be able to judge who might have eaves dropped on this conversation. There is nothing like a false rumor to find some rats.
And it had certainly worked on Cersei. "My, what a domineering Septa you have there. But maybe you need someone to tell you how to behave, you are after all..."
"This is enough, Cersei." The queen looked even more displeased, but only as long as her father stood behind her and couldn't see her face. Not that it would have mattered. Tywin Lannister had obviously watched the small exchange and judging by the way he looked at Cersei, he was not pleased. "Go, Cersei, lest you make more a fool of yourself than you already have." It was obvious that she wanted to protest, but thought better when she saw her father's face. She left, grudgingly.
"Lord Tywin, I..." Allyria started, but Tywin was not yet done with issuing orders.
"And you, shouldn't you be more careful? Had it not been for your... Septa, who knows what might have happened here." He made it all too obvious that he knew that Tyene was more than she pretended to be. But her actions earned her at least a shred of respect from the Lord of the Westerlands. "Where is Ser Addam? Shouldn't he be here as well, to guard you and your daughter?"
"He has gone hunting with Jaime and our son. We believed that this hunt would be more dangerous, especially for Arthur." Allyria replied, unsure of her own decisions now. She couldn't really describe it, but Tywin Lannister had something about him that intimidated her, now that she had to face him here, in such a bad mood.
"To send the boy hunting with the king was a foolish decision. Your own loyalties have made your lives dangerous. I will not have my family threatened like this. Not even when it my own foolish daughter who is the threat." He looked directly in her eyes, his gaze even more domineering than his voice. "My family, my legacy, will not be threatened. And though your Septa does a commendable job, I will have to send you more than just Ser Addam as a guard."
"Lord Tywin," Cerenna had finally returned, her head bowed in subservience to her lord.
"And where have you been? You are here to advise the mother of your future lord, not to gallivant around on these ostentatious parties." He scolded Cerenna, who wouldn't dare to look anywhere but at her feet.
"I sent her away, so I could talk with the queen in private." Allyria defended the younger woman, who sent her a grateful look in return.
"Another foolish decision on your part." Now he was scolding her, though she could see the sense in his words. She had underestimated Cersei Lannister. She wouldn't make the same mistake again. "My daughter has allowed the power she wields as a queen to go to her head, I will have to rectify that. But you... my son is the foolish one, he needs a wife that makes the crucial decision for him, when he is away from his keep. My heir needs a mother that can teach him sense and duty, after he has learned fighting and commanding from his father. Do not disappoint me, Allyria."
"Of course, Lord Tywin," By the gods, the man managed to scold her in a way that her own father had never managed to do. Her father was a gentle and calm man. But Jaime's father was a man who has power, has earned that power and knows how to use his power to gain even more.
"Expect more guards by tomorrow or the day after that at the latest."
"But surely that won't be necessary..."
"No buts. I won't risk my heirs. I will send you men I can trust." Tywin replied authoritatively. "Ser Daven and his men will do as I tell them to."
She wanted to object. She wanted to keep his influence on her family as low as possible. But Tywin Lannister would have none of that. She had allowed him to spread his influence, when she accepted the services of Cerenna and Joy and Jaime had allowed it, when he accepted Ser Addam. Now the lord of her family would push his influence even further, until her would have full control over their fate. And there was almost no chance to say no to Tywin Lannister. He would not allow them to. She only hoped that this tournament would be over soon, before he would find a way to force them to come with him to Casterly Rock. All that kept him right now was their allegiance to Rhaenys Targaryen, but even that wouldn't deter him for ever.
"My brother..." Cerenna mumbled surprised, as she heard the name of the man her lord intended to send now. Allyria tried her hardest to remember all that she had heard about this man, but she knew only little. She had not asked Cerenna much about her family, a mistake as it seemed now. "My lord... one request, if I may." It was an almost unnaturally bold move on the woman's part, to ask something from Tywin, so even the lord seemed surprised. But wouldn't show it for long and quickly demanded for her to elaborate. "If you send my brother... may I ask that my sister, Myrielle, is permitted to come as well? She would be miserable, all alone without us..."
"I see no harm in that, as long as your new lady agrees."
Cerenna flushed now, as she realized that she had not even asked Allyria's permission for this. And Allyria wasn't sure what to make of this. More Lannisters? What use would there be for them to go to Casterly Rock, when all the Lannisters seemed to follow her and Jaime wherever they went? But she could see that Cerenna obviously cared for her sister. She missed her own siblings as well... especially now when all she had left was one brother... And maybe Cerenna had taken her prior words to heart, when she had told her that she would be allowed to make her own choices.
"I have no objections. One more won't do any harm. But no more, even the Water Gardens don't have unlimited amount of room available." Allyria acquiesced.
"Their expenses shall be paid by me." Tywin said, as he got the hint about what she had implied. Then he left without further ado, no doubt to make his own preparations or plan his next steps. Allyria could only sigh, as she thought about how she was supposed to explain this to Jaime. He had already been surprised by the appearance of Cerenna and Joy, but now there would be even more Lannisters around them... Deep down she knew that with every concession, Tywin Lannister was one step closer to getting what he wanted. Sooner or later he would control their lives, not by controlling them, but by controlling everyone else in it. Allyria knew that they would have to be much more careful around this lord.
"Tyene, Cerenna, I grow tired of this gathering. Let us find the girls and return to our tents." Allyria said wearily. She truly tired of all of this maneuvering. It became so bothersome. Before this tournament she had been less involved in the politics and spent her time with the education of her children and princess Rhaenys. Sometimes she fulfilled the duties of the lady of the Water Gardens, in the absence of Lady Mellario, Prince Doran's wife. But only small parts of it, to aid the prince. But now... she did not even want to imagine what would await her, should Jaime ever take his father's place as Lord of Casterly Rock.
"Your daughter is over there, my lady. She is sitting with the princess, Lady Margaery and Lady Olenna." Cerenna said, as she pointed out the location of the young girl. But at least in her current company, Joanna was easy enough to spot. No one would be able to not see Lady Margaery, the young woman made sure of that. And through that, her companions are also at the center of everyone's attention. Even more so when it was Rhaenys Targaryen, who sat with her and conversed lightly, showing their easy friendship for everyone to see.
"Say, Cerenna, who is that red haired girl sitting with them?" Allyria asked curiously, as she watched the one unknown girl, who sat by those ladies, looking meek and speaking almost nothing.
"That would be Sansa Stark. Lord Stark's oldest daughter. I wonder why she would join this particular group, so far she had only been seen with the retinue of the queen." Cerenna answered.
"She doesn't even look like a Stark." Tyene wondered.
"No, all Stark children but the bastard and the youngest daughter have taken their looks from their Tully mother. Rumor has it, that the northern lords are not at all happy about that and have openly voiced their express wish that Lord Stark's heir should marry a northern girl, to keep the southern influences out of their line. The daughter of Lord Karstark, Alys, is the preferred choice of the northern lords. Unless the rumors of the king's intention to give his daughter to Robb Stark are true. Eddard Stark would not refuse Robert Baratheon and the king will without a doubt press the issue. Starks and Baratheons will intermarry in the near future." Again Allyria could only marvel at the wellspring of information that was Cerenna Lannister. The girl was most definitely useful, even Prince Doran would have to admit that.
"Allyria, good that you have decided to join us," Rhaenys said, when Allyria reached her. "Let me introduce you. This is Lady Olenna Redwyne, the mother of Lord Mace and grandmother of Lady Margaery." Allyria could barely suppress the shudder, when she saw how the old lady scrutinized her. It was very much like Tywin Lannister had looked at her during their first meeting, an unnerving stare that could hardly be interpreted. So far she had only heard Tyrion's stories about this woman, the true ruler of Highgarden, but just judging by this first impression, he had been lenient in his descriptions.
"So you are the one who has raised these young ladies," Olenna gestured towards Rhaenys and Joanna. Allyria remained silent, unsure whether the woman expected a reply or not. She wasn't even sure if there was an implied insult in her statement or not. "A remarkable job, considering the circumstances." Now she was sure that the old lady tried to goad her. "Though your daughter still requires some more lessons in regards to the use of her sharp tongue."
"All mothers do what they can for the children in their care, no matter if they are their own or not." Allyria replied, trying to sound calm. For some tense moments all the eyes of the group were directed at her, even those of the young Stark girl, who seemed rather unsure in her current company.
Olenna laughed mockingly for a moment, before she replied, "Try we might, but some of us are graced with exemplary children, others have to suffer through raising incompetent oafs." At this she looked towards her own son, Lord Mace, who once more sat next to Tywin Lannister and tried almost desperately to start a conversation with his fellow lord paramount. "Pray tell me, what are yours?"
"My pride," Allyria replied without hesitation, much to Olenna's amusement. "All of them, both my own and those I had the honor to raise with my own children." She smiled fondly at Rhaenys and Joanna, who both looked happily at her.
"Then you are luckier than me, that is for sure." Olenna replied simply. "Maybe a good mother is all it needs to keep a person on the right path, who knows. But I expect we will see the outcome, when this one here continues on her chosen path. Wherever that may lead her." She scrutinized Rhaenys now, who in return smirked almost challengingly at old lady. "But for now I will take my leave. I grow tired of this meeting and wish to rest."
"I will also return to our tents." Allyria said, after Lady Olenna had left. Joanna and Joy stood up immediately, to follow her.
Rhaenys seemed hesitant at first, but then she also stood up, "I will go with them, Margaery. I am sure we can continue our talk later."
"Of course, my friend. You know where to find me, I am always happy to be in your company. Maybe next time I can convince Willas to come as well. I felt rather put out that he stayed away today, but you know him. He has not been one for big gatherings ever since his accident." Margaery replied fondly.
"I would be happy, he seems to avoid me ever since the chaos at the melee." Allyria knew that this had worried Rhaenys. Several days had already passed since that, but not even once had they seen Willas.
"Think nothing of it, he will come. But farewell for now."
Rhaenys nodded, before she looked at Sansa Stark, smiling friendly at the girl, "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Sansa." Allyria knew that the smile and the words were forced. Rhaenys felt no fondness for any of the Starks. It wasn't the burning hatred that Oberyn felt for the murderers of his sister, but she would be happier with the remaining Starks staying in their northern lands, as far away from her as possible.
They left quickly after that and walked back to their tents. They waited until they were far enough away from the commotion, before any of them spoke again.
"So, I saw that you talked to the Usurper's wife. Anything noteworthy?" Rhaenys asked.
"No pleasantries and some not so idle threats. Pretty much what Jaime and Tyrion had warned me of. She truly despises the idea that I am married to her twin brother." She wouldn't admit it in front of the younger girls, but Cersei Lannister truly worried her. Her hatred was great and there was no doubt that she would use the power she had as queen. The incident with the wine was just a warning, that much was sure. And she wasn't even sure whether the wine was truly poisoned or merely meant as a threat. "And you? I was surprised to see you with a Stark girl. I hope you have not scared the poor thing too much."
"Scared? Gods, no. Lady Olenna had wanted to meet her and talk to her. I have no idea why, though. The girl is usually only seen near the Usurper's wife. A foolish young thing that barely uttered more than two words at a time. I believe she must have feared that I might turn into a dragon and burn her to ashes with my fiery breath." Rhaenys laughed, as she imagined this ridiculous notion.
"Well you did try to burn hole in her head with your stare, when Lady Olenna called her over." Joanna added, equally amused. "But you have to commend her for her bravery at least. Only few would have sat down at a table full of possible enemies to her family."
"No, no, no. Concentrate, Edric. How do you expect to ever earn the right to wield Dawn, when you fight like a crippled man?" They could already hear Oberyn yelling at young Edric Dayne. When Jaime had left this morning, he and Oberyn had struck a deal. Rhaenys had called it squire swapping, much to her own amusement. Jaime had taken Arthur with him, to go hunting. Oberyn stayed behind and kept an eye on Edric, until Jaime would return. It was obvious now, that Oberyn was not content with just keeping an eye on the boy.
"Can we take a break?"
"No, Edric. There are no breaks during a fight."
"But I am not in the mood for fighting..." The young boy whined. Allyria could see him now and she already pitied him for having to put up with Oberyn. He was clearly exhausted. She wondered whether Arthur had to suffer through the same rigorous training... no, she was sure that Arthur had been forced to train even harder. She did not even want to imagine what her son had to learn during his time in the east with Oberyn.
"Mood? What has mood to do with it? Mood is for love play, not for fighting. You fight or you die, no matter whether you are in the mood for it or not." Oberyn replied angrily, before he attacked once more. But it was easy to see that his anger was only feigned. No, Allyria could spot it easily, the dornish prince enjoyed teaching Edric a lesson. At least one of them had seemingly enjoyed his day so far.