04. SEIZE YOUR MOMENT
Tywin caught himself looking for her at the Tournament, even though he knew very well that the young lady would not attend. Who was always there, and was also excellent company, was the beautiful Enya Mallister, who very rarely would venture far away from her own father or Lord Hoster. She would, however, make sure to always greet the Lannister men very politely, and even make some conversation. What Tywin also noted, was that she was very easily running away from any other type of male attention, but seemed at ease with him, secure on herself that he wouldn't attempt anything. Almost like she was very well aware that Tywin's interest laid elsewhere.
Lady Keira Karstark, the other companion for Lady Catelyn, barely had any word for him, and even though he noticed that she could be very amiable to others, she was rather short and even somewhat rude towards not only him, but his brother and nephew. It was the callousness of some minor noble folk from the North, Tywin concluded. Living an entire life among roses such a Lady Enya, Saera and especially Lady Catelyn, did not remedied the fact that Keira Karstark was a torn.
For two, maybe three nights, Tywin had decided to keep his distance from the young party from Riverrun. The sole thing this accomplished was making him miserable. He would always be pleasant when on his lady's presence, but he would not seek contact, as he had being doing before. He was acutely aware that he might have crossed some personal boundaries on that first night of Tournament. Every single time he could see Lady Catelyn, he felt her spell dragging him to her glamour, and he was not a man that would be comfortable with not having the full control of his emotions. However, some things could not be avoided, and he caught himself, once again, staring at her and admiring her beauty.
He was conflicted, pained, in need of some comfort and to confide in his siblings. He needed them to tell him that this affection was ridiculous, and to remind him of his own age. He needed Lady Catelyn to stop being so lovely, to have such a wide and pearly smile, that melted his innards every time she talked to him. He also needed a woman, quickly, so the ache on his balls would finally subside and he would think clearly again. He couldn't recognize the man in the mirror, astonished by the realisation that he was finally finding in himself the capability of liking a woman that much again. It only took him almost two decades to find that on his own heart.
-What are you asking? -Kevan inquired when Tywin stumbled in his words, asking his siblings for their input in it- Do you wish us to tell you if it is wise to join two Great Houses of Westeros in marriage? A marriage between the Lord Paramount of the West and the Lady of Riverrun?
-No. –he said like in a reflex- I don't know. –he finally confessed, flustered- I feel changed.
-Yes. -Genna replied- Of course it changed you. You are in love, even if you do not believe it. You never thought it to be possible, but here we are.
-I also do not think that Lady Catelyn will reject you, brother. She looks at you just the same as you look at her. She is way more discreet than you, but she looks, nonetheless.
-What is bothering you so much, my love? -Genna asked finally, sitting next to him on the couch on her solar, and holding his hand.
-I do not know. -he confessed- And I do not know what I should do.
Genna rested her head on his shoulder and rubbed his back, in a very comforting way. Tywin allowed his head to rest on the top of hers. They were not very affectionate people, but the three of them always had immense love for each other. When Genna could see that he was in pain, she would give him a cuddle. Sometimes she would have the same soft lavender smell that their mother had. Every time they would meet, which was not as often as they would have liked, she would hold his face and examine it, as to make sure he was himself.
-Tell me, Ty... -she asked- With which concept are you struggling the most? Is it her age? Is it that you have your own ideas about second wives? It is Jo and your children?
-I made a queen out of Cersei, so she has no right to demand anything else. I have always believed that, somehow, I would be able to influence the King enough, so Jaime would inherit the Rock. But he has grown increasingly infamous and behaves like he does not care. Tyrion is no more. So in what concerns my own children, I should have no qualms with siring a couple more. But yet, I do.
-You need an heir, brother. -Kevan said.
-You are my heir. In case Jaime never finds his way or ambition in life.
-No. -Kevan said simply- Yes, I would not let you down and we have done this together for a long time. But you need an actual heir, at some point. I am not very much younger than you and I am not raising my children to rule. Tytos is just as unfit as our father, and Janei is female.
He was surprised for hearing that Kevan was speaking up against his son. The boy was queer, and that didn't made him unfit, but Tywin doubted that any Western Lord would bend their knee to him. People were starting to talk, and his urges were starting to take form with stable boys and some servants. Yes, Tywin knew that Kevan was not an ideal heir, but that was why he had Jaime.
-And about your prejudices regarding second wives, I can help you with that. -Genna said, turning slightly to face her brother- Catelyn Tully is the Lady of Riverrun. They might not be as wealthy as the Tyrells, but House Tully is far from destitute, even after the war. She would not need to seek advantages through you; she doesn't have that much need for Lannister gold. She could use it, yes. But she is fine without it.
-I am not suggesting that she would do such a thing, or that she would have the need for that.
-Well, if not that, then what? -Kevan challenged- Are you afraid that her children would take what is supposed to belong to Joanna's children? Because we have very well established that you need a male heir and a few daughters. Soon. So you can raise them properly. I know you will always see Jaime as your heir, and I know you love the twins dearly, but Ty... Something there went wrong.
-Lady Catelyn is not father's whore. And you are not father. -Genna strikes without mercy, getting to the grain of his worries, translating his scrambled thoughts into words- Father loved us, and he might have being lacking in many aspects. But no one is further from what he was than you are now. And Catelyn Tully is the one lady I believe that would live up to our expectations. I know the girl very well. She is a ruler, a true power in the Riverlands. Do not let her dreamy dresses and auburn hair fool you. She has a mind, and a mouth, and also a temper.
-And you love her. -Kevan stated simply.
-I do not love her... -he tried to deny, but the mere thought of her was enough to make his heart flutter.
-But you want her. -Genna said, and it wasn't a question.
-Yes. -he confessed- I want her.
-There you have your answer. -Kevan said glad that they finally sorted that out- You must talk to her father now.
-Oh...
Tywin remembered the conversation had on that dreadful day, when they couldn't know if she was safe. He heard very well as Hoster Tully lamented his daughter's pain, and complimented her as a very capable ruler. He had declared that he didn't care if she would ever take any suitor; all he wished was for her to be happy. Was he, Tywin, her happiness?
And in a more pragmatic way, was happiness even something he should consider? Yes, his siblings were right about everything they said, and more. House Tully was very well secure on their relations, maybe more than anyone at this precise moment. Despite the wedding never happening between Catelyn and Brandon Stark, she still held a northern guard, and was waited on by a northern lady, and he had seeing with his own eyes how loved and respected she was by the common folk that was in attendance to the Tournament. Hoster Tully married his younger girl to the Lord of the Vale, who now held the title of Hand of the King, and Tywin knew better than anyone else how much power that held. If Lady Catelyn was to have her way, her brother would secure the Crossing by marrying Saera on a near future. Those relations were not at all negligible, and he could benefit from it greatly if he could play his game properly.
Tywin left his sister's domains without saying anything else, and ventured outside decided to end his misery. But like she had being sent by the gods, there she was. Right in the middle of the bridge, dressed in red like it was some kind of sign. Either side of her, she had Keira Karstark and Lady Enya. They were talking, observing the river, laughing lightly and just generally enjoying the sun, unaware of his prying eyes.
He took a deep breath and turned his back on them. Hoster Tully would, very likely, be at the games at this time of the afternoon, and he was the one Tywin needed in this moment. Followed by his guard, making no attempt at being courteous to other people, he was now a man on a mission. And there he was, a man who also never remarried after being widowed. A man who worried about his son's claim to his Seat. A man who clearly raised his firstborn as his heir. A man who played the game far too well for his liking.
-Lord Hoster.
-Oh, Lord Tywin! -the ginger man smiled, pleased.
-I need to have word with you, and it cannot wait. -Tywin was not going to think, he was just going to act.
-Is anything of a matter?
-Perhaps. Would you join me for a walk?
It was like the entirety of the Tournament wasn't happening at that moment. Like no one else existed. Both men walked into a field, and conveniently found a bench in where to sit. Both their guards were keeping a safe distance.
-How can I be of any assistance?
-I wish to marry your daughter.
Tywin expected the man to be shocked, but Hoster Tully had a two word response for him.
-I see. -and didn't say anything else.
-Well...?
-You must ask her. She will always have the final say.
-But... You are her Lord Father, your consent must mean something.
-You wish to know if I approve of this union? -Lord Hoster seemed to think for an instant- Well, since you hadn't taken your eyes out of my precious daughter since the moment you saw her in Seagard, it would be odd if I was to pretend to be surprised with this proposal.
-Does she know?
-She must be wondering, but I wouldn't know if she has fully noticed.
-I understand that in most cases, by approaching you this way, you would expect me to be asking her hand in marriage to my son, Jaime.
-That would be an amazing match, if we are only considering how beneficial it would be to our Houses. But we are not talking about a political engagement, are we, Lord Tywin?
-No, we are not.
Hoster Tully looked away for a moment, lost on his thoughts. The sun was getting low in the sky, and whatever was to be said now, would define how Tywin's night would progress.
-A few days ago Gawain Oakheart asked for her hand. I told him the same thing I am telling you now. That he should talk to her and her response would be it. I will not impose a marriage on her. But I will not oppose to whoever she chooses. I have always been prepared to make Catelyn my heir, even despite my son. She does not need a marriage to protect her, because I will make sure to have her well secured. No matter what. So if she chooses you, if she accepts your proposal, that will mean one thing, Lord Tywin...
-What?
-That my daughter likes you. Because she have rejected every single man that have offered her their world. She dealt with dozens of suitors, from the sweetest of boys to Lord Ashford who told her that she needed to be put on her place. Another remarkable one was Doran Martell, who crossed Westeros and offered her to be a Princess in Dorne.
-And she said no?
-One day, if she says no to you, I might tell you this story. But I will let her tell it herself, in case you two understand each other.
-And about the boy, Gawain Oakheart?
-She is aware of it, but he still hasn't gathered enough courage to approach her.
Both men kept silence for a while, and the thing that was bothering Tywin the most finally was put into words.
-Does my age bother you? -Tywin asked, almost sure that he and Doran Martell had being born on the same winter.
-Does her age bother you?
-Somewhat. I more than double it.
He didn't receive a direct answer to that, knowing that no man would be fine with giving away a daughter to a lustful middle-aged man. But Tywin also remembered that his younger daughter was married to Jon Arryn, who was senior even to them both.
-I think you might be surprised, Lord Tywin. -her father stood up and stared at the setting sun contemplatively- That twenty year-old girl ruled the Riverlands since the age of six and ten in the midst of a war. Even before that. I believe she wasn't even four and ten when she sat on my Great Chair and started adjudicating some disputes. I wasn't present, but matters arose and she took care of it. That is not an ordinary twenty year-old little lady, Lord Tywin. That is Catelyn Tully, The Lady of Riverrun.
And with that, he left. Tywin had his permission, and all he needed now was to propose to her. To offer her his life. To make her his companion. To cover her in gold and put an heir inside her at some point. All that was left was to find the words, was to seize his moment and get her away from other people. All he needed was to kiss her and see if her lips tasted as sweet as he imagined. The ones in her face and the other ones between her legs. He needed to know if her skin was as soft as it looked, and if her shape was true to the silhouette on her dresses.
He did fear the rejection and what would that do to his reputation, especially now knowing about Doran Martell. But he was not going to give up now, and marched to the hall, decided to act sooner rather than later.
The feast was just starting, and not all the expected attendants were present, but Tywin could clearly identify Gawain Oakheart scouting the hall, as if he searched for someone. He knew, clearly as daylight, that the boy would be a better fit to her. He was handsome enough, from an honourable lineage, with an ancient name and a decent fortress where they could build a family. But at that point, he didn't care.
Catelyn had just walked into the hall, arms locked with the Pemford girl, who was giggling and blushing to whatever was being confided between them. He thought for a second that it could be about Catelyn's new suitor, and felt fully ridiculous for being so invested in that. Kevan placed a goblet of wine in front of him, no words said, although he was fully aware that his brother was observing the same as him.
He again looked from Oakheart to Catelyn, and wondered if the right thing wouldn't be to just let it go of his desires and allow those young ones to build a life together. He knew that most of what he felt was just lust. Mostly lust. But there was something else, something that inhabited somewhere on his chest, and that deprived him of breath every time he imagined her as his lady. No, it was not just lust. He wasn't clear about what that was, but it wasn't just lust.
-Her father mentioned that she is aware of Oakheart's proposal. -Tywin said looking at his brother and taking a generous sip of his wine.
-Do you believe is too late? -Kevan asked, with his unwavering calmness.
-Lord Hoster said that she won't consider any suitor if they don't come directly at her. -the brothers exchanged a little smile, and Tywin knew that he was doomed- She is just so young. -he muttered in the hopes of convincing himself against what he was getting ready to do.
-She is twenty, and is the Lady of her own ancestral home. You must recognize that if her father has given her the freedom to choose who she will marry, it must be because he trusts her judgement. She might be young, as young as the twins. But she is not a little girl.
Silence befalls between the brothers once more. And Tywin saw the empty bottom of the goblet far too quickly. No, she was no little girl. Not many ladies were unmarried at that age, even less so one with so many suitors. She was not in a hurry, and of course she had the right to mourn her lost Stark, and even though Tywin understood far too well that some losses might never leave you, he also knew that life moves on to the point of him being now fully ready to wed another woman, and was not with the only intent to fulfil a duty and produce an heir.
He stood up, startling Kevan for a second. Catelyn had being laughing with a little group of younger ladies that seemed to be reminiscing the games of the day. He noticed that even though she was a part of the little chatter and seemed to enjoy the company of the girls, she wasn't making any comments. Tonight, he couldn't help but notice, as he did every time he saw her, that she was dressed in a heavier gown, with long sleeves and a modest neckline. It was of a deep red, with pearls embroidered on the bodice. Her hair was braided only half its length as the rest of her auburn coloured locks rested over her shoulder.
-It cannot be that this young lady is intimidating you, Tywin! -Kevan exclaimed, having never seen his brother in such a state- She will not reject you -he assured with no means of being certain- And the only way to find out is to go there and ask.
Tywin didn't say anything, but moved towards the group of ladies decided to end his own agony. At this point, the hall was starting to fill up with the expected attendants. He was well aware that even though people were busy with their own matters, his brother and sister, as well as Hoster Tully, were observing every move of his.
-My ladies... -he announced his presence with a discreet nod of his head- I trust you are enjoying the festivities.
And with no attention being paid to the responses, he stared at Catelyn surprised for having captured her eyes on his. She smiled, politely. Sitting next to her, lady Enya asked how Tywin was enjoying the Riverlands, now that stopped raining.
-It is a very beautiful place, indeed. -he mumbled, barely moving his eyes from Catelyn to give his response- I was wondering, my lady, if you would care to join me for a turn around the room.
She was clearly taken aback with the invitation, and looked at Enya Mallister as if asking for rescue.
-Of course, Lord Tywin... -Lady Mallister responded with a large and casual smile, making the oddity of the request almost non-existent, whilst standing up and bringing Catelyn with her.
With a young lady in each arm, Tywin guided them around the gallery, gladly semi shielded from the prying eyes of his brother, now joined by his sister and her family. He walked with the ladies that were, in an extremely agreeable way, making small talk.
-Should we see how clear the sky is? -lady Mallister suggested, when they saw themselves in front of the open doors to the garden, where the sun had almost completely set and servants occupied themselves lighting torches- Father said it might be a thunderous night.
-Oh, I hope not! -Catelyn expressed- I don't think I am ready to part with this summer yet. And it has been raining so much...
She looked up, and caught Tywin's gaze set on her face. He wondered what he could say to get Lady Mallister to give them space.
-If you two excuse me a moment, Cat, Lord Tywin... -and just like that, she was gone, walking towards a bench near the fountain.
Now, with Catelyn's hand resting delicately on his arm, Tywin debated about how wise would it be to proceed with what he intended. She was silent; however he could tell how hard her mind was working in this precise moment. He understood that some conversations involving his name must have being held between her and her very perceptive friend, that did everything right to land them together and alone under a full moon.
-My lady, I refuse to insult your intelligence, as I am sure you must know why I...
-I would hate to misunderstand you, my lord. So I beg you to be very clear about what brings us here tonight.
-It shouldn't be a surprise that I have taken a like to you. And your company.
Now, even with the dim light of the torches, Tywin could see the shock dominating her expressions. Her lips were separated, and she blinked repeatedly and very fast for a moment.
-I have no intention to distress you. And I understand that our ages are not as compatible as I would have liked. But I have to ask you.
Her arm that rested on his was no longer there, so fast Tywin could barely notice her movements. She was now directly in front of him, her arms around her waist, in an attempt to embrace herself. Her eyes never bulged from his, and fully conscious that she had being completely oblivious of the sweet agony her mere presence had being inflicting on him, Tywin wasn't sure how to proceed.
-I must beg you not to say anything else, my lord.
-Why?
-Those words must be spoken with my lord father first.
-They were.
-Oh... -now she was not only shocked but also confused- Why wouldn't father talk to me about this?
-I have spoken with him late this afternoon, and he told me... -Tywin took a deep breath- He told me that you will always have the final answer in this matter. And now I am here.
"Vulnerable" –he thought.
She didn't say another word, but kept her eyes on his, expecting to hear what he had actually taken her there to ask.
-Lady Catelyn... -Tywin extended his hand, where she placed hers and he could notice that she was trembling- I would like you to be my wife.
She was breathing heavily, looking at him like she had unlearned how to speak.
-This is more than just to join our Houses. -he was aware that he was putting his heart in a silver platter and handing it to her, but he knew, strategically, that it was the right thing to do.
She had refused many suitors, and he knew that none of those men actually had feelings for her, not like he did. And to say it, to be honest, to be vulnerable in a calculated way, it would give him a better chance. He felt that he could trust her with that information, that she would not tell anyone -besides maybe Enya- about what was said between them.
-I am asking for your hand in marriage, and your acceptance would please me greatly. I would like to make you the Lady of Casterly Rock, to rule it by my side. To enjoy life and each other's company. To be, in the truest sense of the word, my wife.
-Lord Tywin... -she almost whispered, interrupting herself when he took both her hands on his, as gentle as possible- I never... I never thought you were looking for a new wife.
-I wasn't. -he responded- My dear lady, I truly wasn't. -and he kissed her hands- I have no reason to hide anything from you right now, so I choose to say this words that are for your ears and your ears alone.
Tywin felt like she had a few words to say for herself but wouldn't dare.
-During this time, your beauty caught my eyes. -he heard as her breath broke on her chest- Your words caught my interest, your softness caught my fancy and your mere presence is capable of bringing me something I hadn't experienced in years. Your wit makes me laugh, and I have noticed that my eyes look for you even when I know you are not there.
He stopped, debating internally if he should keep digging himself a deeper grave, knowing that she could very well say no.
-I am not the most open among men, but some occasions demand it, and tonight I am being open. And although I am not declaring you love as in yet, I do ask you to marry me... And I promise you the devotion a lady like you deserves.
-My lord I am flattered by your words, by your proposal... But I must confess I wasn't ready for this tonight.
-Would you ever be in any other night? -he asked, what made her laugh quietly.
-Most likely not. -and staring at him again, with her breath really short at this point, she smiled and blushed, looking down, away from his gaze.
Tywin could see her long lashes caressing her very lightly freckled skin. The pearls on her bodice were shinning under the dancing light of the torches around them. Her hands, still shaken, return his gentle squeeze, and finally, after clearing her thoughts and standing taller to look at him, she seemed ready to answer.
-As I said, I feel deeply honoured by your intentions, Lord Tywin. I also feel that I owe my lord father the chance to discuss this further. I understand he is not opposed to our union?
-No. He just trusts you enough, so you will make a choice that will bring you the happiness you deserve.
-I've being in an engagement for a long time, that ended as we all know. So long that it didn't felt like it had being arranged at all. I think that because I had no choice in that matter, and how deeply I have suffered for it, my sweet father wishes to grant me some control over my destiny.
-It is not misplaced trust as you are wise beyond your years.
-You hold me in higher esteem than I care to do it for myself. -she smiled again.
-If you need your lord father's advice before accepting or denying what I have offered, and to make a better sense of what this all entails, know that I respect it. And I will expect your answer when you feel prepared.
Tywin realized then and there, that the best course of action was to re-join the feast and allow his precious lady to rationalize her new circumstances. He knew that a refusal would sting for a long time, but he had to risk it and he had to do it properly. Not a mention to an heir or to the joining of two houses... It was a proposal from a man to a woman, and he could bet that she hadn't had that before. At this point, observing his lady Catelyn walk back into the hall, holding arms with her friend, he knew that he would fight a war for her. And when she looked over her shoulder to see him standing alone under the moonlight, he felt his heart skip a beat.
Oh, what a tangled web he had weaved! He wanted that woman to be his and nothing else mattered. And with that certainty, he made his way back to the feast, where his brother would, surely, extract the details of the meeting. And right now, all Tywin wished was to retreat to his chambers and savour what seemed to be a great victory: his heart over his reason. As there's value in any honest attempt.
She did not remain at the feast for long. Tywin could see that after exchanging a few words with her Lord Father, she just disappeared, closely followed by Lady Mallister. Hoster Tully, sat at a table across the hall, stared at him and in a very discreet manner, lifted his goblet in a silent acknowledgement.
-Could my siblings and I have a private moment, please? -he said, sitting next to Genna, making sure that it was clear that he expected the rest of the table to leave them, what they did without questioning.
He could see the expectation on Kevan's face and the quiet indifference Genna failed to establish. They were well too aware that their brother had just offered Casterly Rock to Catelyn Tully, and it didn't seem like he obtained any satisfactory answer.
-So? -Kevan asked, unsettled by his brother's prolonged silence.
Tywin took a sip from his wine and stared at the plate of warm soup steaming in front of him.
-She rejected you. -Genna concluded, a burning indignation overwhelming her gaze.
-No. -Tywin answered quietly, breaking the surface of the soup with his spoon, with no real intent of actually eating it- As the highborn lady she is, no answer could be given without her father's blessing.
-Did she at least indicate what her inclinations are? -Kevan asked, observing his brother with growing concern.
-I wouldn't be able to say.
-Did she mention the Oakheart boy?
-No, she did not. -Tywin was surprised on how quickly he forgot about the young man across the hall, now seeming terribly lost. His youth probably clouded his judgement and made him wait for an appropriate moment, whereas a man like Tywin simply created the opportunity, granted he wished it had developed with better ease.
-What did you say to her? -Genna couldn't help her own curiosity now.
-Things that must remain private.
-Does she at least know that you are... -and Genna gesticulated on his general direction, not finding the right words to classify whatever had being happening on her brother's heart.
-I believe that it was quite clear to her.
-You gave her the upper hand... -Genna whispered in complete incredulity.
-No, he said what any young woman would like to hear in a marriage proposal. -Kevan knew his brother far too well to believe that he would expose himself irreparably like that.
-If my intentions had being only to join our Houses, I could have created a union between her and Tytos or even Jaime. -Tywin said referring to Kevan's son- Just the simple fact that I was asking her to marry me probably told her more than words could.
They ate in silence for what seemed to be a long time. Tywin attempted to remind himself of all that had being said in his lady's presence, looking for any indication she might had given him, but it was to no avail.
-What if she says no? -Kevan tentatively asked.
-She wouldn't dare. -Genna declared, angered at the mere possibility.
-But what if she does? -Kevan insisted.
-That's a choice she is entitled to.
-Says who? -Genna asked, confused by why this young lady could, unlike any other one, decide her own destiny.
-Her lord father. -Tywin responded- And I have agreed to it. My first marriage was for love, and the second will not be forced by obligation.
The next morning, after a sleepless night filled with too much wine, Tywin wondered if he wasn't making a fool of himself. Longing for a young maiden that could have being his daughter in age.
-So young... -the fact still bothered him, and he doubted that it would be right to bed her how he urged- So pure...
Tywin was far from a celibate, and that's how he knew that whatever he had going for lady Catelyn, was much more than just desire. He was not the one to lay with any woman, and he had never had the wish to keep a mistress. However, he had his fair share of recurrent encounters; a couple of them were women nearing his age, that would periodically visit the court in Casterly Rock. He also had forgotten when it had been the last time he had engaged in acts that would differ from the coupling, like a kiss, or to wake up next to a warm loving body.
He heard knocks on his door when he had almost belatedly finished breaking his fast, observing his maid rush to attend to it.
-From Lady Catelyn Tully, to Lord Tywin. -he recognized the voice of the young Lady Mallister, but from where he was seated, he wasn't able to see her.
Tywin's heart skipped a beat, his stomach sunk and he didn't recognize himself when all he wished for was Kevan to be around, but at this time in the morning, he was probably already at the games. He received the note from the maid's hands and gave himself a moment before breaking the blue wax seal.
"My lord Tywin, if you so do wish, I would like you to join me in my family's accommodations in the Eastern Tower. I believe that what has to be said between us, must be said in person."
And it had being signed with her name.
-Did she just summon me?
He couldn't help but feel a sudden wave of outrage, looking at the paper crumpled in his grip. Was Genna right? Had he given the little lady the upper hand on the unfolding dynamic between them? Had he being too forward with feelings? Uncomfortable at the thought, feeling his head pounding from the excess wine the night before, he resigned at staring at himself in the large mirror on the wall.
-So... She has an answer for me. -he couldn't help but to feel his stomach turn and his heart rush.
Tywin mentally prepared for whatever was to come, staring at the small dragonbone jewellery box he held in his hand and placing it in his pocket. Where was Kevan when he was needed? And with that thought in mind, he made his way across the bridge, following one of the Tully guards, entrusted to guide the lord to his all-important meeting. At arrival, the guard opened the door and announced his presence.
Hoster Tully seemed to be reading himself to leave, together with his son, who looked very displeased to be missing the morning games. The two men exchanged no words, but a firm handshake and a discreet smile in Lord Hoster's face, gave Tywin the ease he needed. She was to accept.
-She is in the balcony. -he said- Her ladies will remain here, but you are to talk privately.
-Does she have an answer?
-She will tell you soon enough, my lord.