06. THE ENGAGEMENT
There was a lingering silence when the announcement was made. Tywin could see that the applause and cheers only started when his bannermen led it. The Riverlanders looked like something had being stolen from them, and only Jason Mallister seemed to have a sincere smile on his face. Only then Tywin could see the magnitude of the Northern presence in there, being them not at all inclined to celebrate, some of them leaving shortly after.
He had Catelyn on his arm, and she looked happy. Dressed in a velvet gown, in the colour of the night sky, with a neckline deep enough to show the Lannister gold on her chest, and her auburn hair beautifully braided... Tywin was the proudest of men, and she wasn't even his wife yet.
-I believe we should make sure that our people have a chance to wish us well.
-Are you positive that they would like to do that?
-What? -she smiled and kissed his hand- In the name of the Riverlands, do not take this hesitancy as a bad sign. They can be rather protective.
-And the North? -he asked quietly, watching her expression somber and her attention turn to the end of the hall, where some Stark bannermen seemed to have being reminded of grief.
-The North never forgets. And too much have being lost for them. I believe I must remind them of...
-Of what could have being.
And he wondered if the northern people were happy with their Dornish lady. He remembered Ashara Dayne very well, as she was a lady-in-waiting to Princess Elia. She was very pretty, very polite and had amazing purple eyes. He understood how Ned Stark fell head over heels for her, as she represented everything the North wasn't.
-That war still hurts us all and I don't wish to dwell on it much longer. -Catelyn said, after a moment of reflection- I cannot be responsible for how the North feels about me or my choices.
-I am not sure they believe this to be your choice. No one in this hall, for that matter.
-Does this bother you? -she asked, but offered a smile and gestured so that he would come closer, as she was about to whisper something on his ear- I could swear that lions would not concern themselves with the opinions of sheep. Or wolves, by that matter.
She was so close now, so very close, whispering him words that almost made him grab and kiss her in front of all the disapproving people.
-My lady... -his eyes burned on hers when she finally created a safe distance between them again.
-Let them sulk and think what they wish. -and she looked around the hall, openly smiling and nodding in acknowledgement to whoever could be captured on her gaze- Because from now on, my Lord... -she stared at his soul again- ... From now on nothing else, outside us, matters.
Catelyn seemed to be decided to make her engagement night a happy one. Tywin could see she was very content, with a large smile, and thanked him for arranging a singer to embellish the feast. Now she had a barely touched glass of wine in her hands, and accompanied by Lady Mallister, had being walking around the hall, dedicating some time to talk with her father's people.
-She is making sure to put them at ease. -Edmure Tully, who was just a boy, and who Tywin had taken for a brat initially, said whilst ignoring the honey and berries placed in front of him.- They will listen to her, as they did throughout the war, when father wasn't home. She cared for us all.
During part of the war, when most men were either fighting or protecting the borders, for a period the time, women and children were left to fend for themselves in the villages. Riverrun is not a particularly secure fortress, being more of a palace than a Castle. Tywin remember receiving intelligence of the Riverlands, and reading a report about Lady Catelyn remaining in Riverrun, even though the war was closing in on her. He remembered thinking that she should have retreated Northwards, but she didn't. Instead, she had opened the castle and received people from the towns nearby.
-She sent me to Seagard, trying to safeguard the heir. -Edmure proceeded- Shaved my head, put me in peasant garments and sent part of a crop of wheat to Lord Mallister, with half of Riverrun's soldiers to guard the journey. -the boy shakes his head, like he wished to forget- It was a scary time, because for the best part of a moon, Riverrun wasn't safe, and she wasn't safe.
-But you were. -neither Tywin or Edmure had noticed, but Catelyn had approached the table from behind them, and now rested her hands on her brother's shoulders- And it was more like a couple of weeks, at most. The soldiers were back soon enough and you were finally safe.
-And with an escape plan to Essos, while you stayed. Alone.
-Nothing was going to happen. -she kissed the top of his head- But I needed to be sure. Now, lord Erenford is looking for you. About the final games tomorrow, he wants to hear your thoughts about the jousting.
When the boy left, Catelyn took his place sitting next to Tywin, and in the most natural of the gestures held his hand over the table. Tywin could see that Genna and Emmon Frey, her husband, exchanged a silent look, and although the man seemed a bit amused by it, Genna was still somewhat uncertain about that marriage.
-My lady, do you intend on taking your companions with you to Casterly Rock? -the man asked, taking Catelyn by surprise.
-Oh... -she assumed a slightly worried expression- I hadn't thought that far yet.
-I imagine that Enya Mallister won't leave your side. -Genna said.
-I can only hope for that. The truth is that, as in right now, I only have Enya, Saera and Keira as my ladies. They were sent to Riverrun, and at this point I cannot assume that their families will automatically accept that they follow me wherever I go.
-It would be good for Saera to spend some time among her people, at the Rock. -Tywin said, what didn't seem to please Genna all that much.
-She is too fragile and I can barely deal with her being only a couple days away from me. -Genna said staring at Tywin like she was almost begging him not to take her- She is my only girl.
-My lady, it may be time for her to be properly presented at court. -Lord Emmon commented placing a hand on Genna's back- She is to be of age soon.
Genna now turned around to look for her daughter in the crowd, finding her surrounded by other young ladies. They all appeared to be happy that night, and were singing along with the bard Tywin found to enhance the feast.
-The court in Casterly Rock is very active, as you well know. -Tywin declared- She is too beautiful to remain hidden.
-If I may... -Catelyn almost asked for permission to talk, what for Tywin, at that moment, only accentuated that she was almost as young as his little niece, and that she was surrounded by people as old as her lord father- Lady Saera has her mind set about something. And coming with me to Casterly Rock would not change that. In fact, could be rather beneficial.
-Do you know something I don't? -Genna seemed almost offended.
-Almost certainly. -Catelyn responded without wavering under Genna's caustic gaze- And if you look, you may see.
Genna's neck almost snapped when she turned again to observe her daughter. Curious, Tywin discreetly emulated his sister, and he was sure to spot it before she could, as he knew what he was looking for.
-Lord Edmure? -her voice quivered when she stared back at Catelyn- Saera never said anything.
-I know it to be real. -Catelyn responded, finally finishing the glass of wine she had being nursing for most of the night.
Tywin could clearly see that the boy, who was to inherit the Riverlands, couldn't help himself but to stare at his niece. And when their eyes would meet, she would violently blush and look down. They were both four and ten, too early to be wedded, but at a perfect age to be betrothed. And again, his lady was absolutely right.
-Nothing has ever happened -Catelyn guaranteed- But even father have noticed it. So, Lord Emmon, if it would be of your liking, perhaps you and my lord father could discuss this further.
-She would be the lady of Riverrun. -Tywin said, proud, observing how his sister and her husband seemed to be only now reconciling with the notion.
-She is just a child. -Genna whimpered.
-She is a flourished damsel. -Emmon said- And to be the lady of a Great House is a prospect on par with what she deserves.
-And she loves Riverrun. -Catelyn promised- Always by my side, always very interested on the handling of the castle, always ready to please the nobility and always kind towards the people. My father adores her. We all do. I truly believe that Riverrun is the place for her.
Tywin noticed that Genna was not ready for any of that, and without engaging any further, she asked to be escorted back at her domains, and Emmon diligently conducted his wife across the hall, stopping only to remove Saera from the party, under protests.
-She will still come with us to Casterly Rock. -Catelyn declared, observing how upset Saera looked following her parents away from the festivities.
She sounded very assertive, like Saera was in dire need of their protection. She took a deep breath, and looked at the cup-bearer requesting to be served with a little more wine. They were alone in the table, and Tywin noticed how at ease she seemed to be with him. Her hand was always placed on his, and he was starting to get used to the idea of being now attached to a woman again. A loving and attentive one at that. But also, a woman that, by the account of pretty much everyone around them, was fearless and fierce. Very capable, kind and astute. Yes, Catelyn was one of the most beautiful creatures he had ever seeing, but she was so much more than just that.
-You mustn't get indisposed with my sister.
-My dear... -she looked at him and smiled- I have being dealing with Lady Genna since I can remember. She doesn't seem to like me much at the moment, but I have always looked at her for advice, and even comfort. And she has always being kind and supportive. Also, she is one of the very few ladies in this room that have the value to challenge me when my actions do not live up to expectations.
-She doesn't have a bad word to say about you.
-I know she will hate me for it, but Saera comes with us wherever we go, until she is at the right age to marry my brother and rule in Riverrun. And that is not debatable.
-If you feel so strongly about it, I will not oppose, as you could see earlier, I am very fond of my niece.
He could barely help himself, but all he wanted was to cover her with riches and meet her any need, at any time. He wanted her covered in Lannister gold, clothed in the most exquisite fabrics and looking so much like a queen it could defy even Cersei. She was, however, used to expensive things. Her lighter dresses were usually made with silk and sheer lace. At night, she would usually dress in more elaborate gowns, as the one she had on tonight, made from rich velvet. He had to remind himself that her family also had the means to cover her and her sister with the best things, but it seemed to be a matter of taste. She liked delicate jewellery, pearls and small ring stones. It almost made her exposed, her beauty naked and raw. She didn't need to be armoured in gold, Tywin concluded. She was beautiful on her own merits.
-Lord Emmon is right. -she said after a while- I need to talk to my ladies about changes to come. However I think is fair to assume that Enya and Saera would be happy to come with me.
-And about the Northern girl?
-Keira? -Catelyn's expression saddened- Keira will not stay. She has being in Riverrun since I was three and ten, and she was even younger. She and a group of other highborn young ladies would help me to prepare for the North, but after all that ended, she was the only one who remained.
-Doesn't she have a match?
-Oh, she knows who she will marry. -Catelyn laughed a bit, sipping wine- They are different in the North, and Keira knows how to hunt and even fight. She taught me how to use bow and arrow. She is also teaching me how to handle the little dagger you gifted me on my nameday, in the hopes to avoid that I end up hurting myself with it.
-Sounds like you would miss her dearly.
-Oh, I will. But she already told me that Ned wouldn't be mad if she left now. I guess she did what she proposed herself to do, and further.
-Do the Starks still have that kind of space in your life, my lady?
And he knew, assured by the expression on his lady's face, that he sounded bitter and bothered. A servant approached them with more wine, what made Catelyn turn her attention from him for a moment. She seemed to have being caught off guard, unprepared. But when she stared back at him, it was with a question rather than an answer.
-Does my past offend you?
Tywin wanted to ask the question that haunted him for most of the day, but he wasn't sure how she would react. The truth is that he did not know if it offended him, he would just much prefer if they could pretend it didn't happen. And he told her as much.
-Both our pasts must remain in the past. Your northern lady belongs on that past now, as well as your sworn swords.
He had to admit that it was a beautiful thing for Eddard Stark to leave her with two sworn northern protectors, and a lady-in-waiting that sounded like she would do anything for Catelyn. Hoster Tully was right and they had all grown very close throughout the years.
-I have Eddard as a brother. -she declared- He lost a sister before, he wouldn't bear to lose another one. I do not wish to leave the North behind me. What am I to do, when I receive one of Ashara's letters telling me about the children, the summer and how she is faring? Won't I be able to write to my friend and share my good news either?
-The guards and lady will not join us. -he was definitive- The others are more than welcome, and I am sure that we will be able to find Enya an appropriate match at the Rock, where she can grow her family and keep you surrounded by friends.
-But my lord...
-No. -his voice was stark, deeper, a command.
She turned her attention back to the hall, a bit flustered and breathing faster. He could see the small lion moving up and down on her chest, and for a moment he felt terrible for being harsh. But that nonsense needed to end.
-However... Your father had told me about the Starks, about Eddard Stark in particular. That you couldn't marry him, as he was like a brother. That you released him to marry Lady Dayne and for what I have understood, you and she are also friends.
-Indeed. -she said, looking down, her eyes now clouded- I love them as family. -she was clearly about to cry, and he knew she was not being able to find the words and beg him to not take that away from her.
-I know. -he acknowledged it, softening his tone- Your lady and those guards... They have fulfilled their duty. I will protect you now, and you will have such a rich life in the Rock, surrounded by new and interesting people. You will bring your maids, your favourite servants. As many Tully sworn swords as you wish…
She didn't say a word, looking away from him. Her hand was tense on his. Her expression was deeply conflicted. Tywin wondered if regret was creeping into her mind. Maybe that conversation should have happened before announcing their union to the entire Seven Kingdoms.
-We will be able to discuss this better away from prying eyes. –her tone was different.
-My stance won't change, Catelyn. –he declared in a warning tone.
-May I suggest you one thing, my lord? –she finally stared at him again, her face stoic as a statue- Perhaps it would be for the best if I handle the relations of my House, and you handle yours.
Affronted and surprised, Tywin found himself staring at her in disbelief. How dared she talk to him in such manner?
-You are to be my wife. –his tone dangerously low.
-Yes, your partner in life. –she sounded defiant- Neither your property nor your lesser.
-I will not accept you to be under the protection of another Lord.
-Very well, I can see your perspective. –she said, her expression still hardened- But could you, please, try and see mine?
-I will not impose my past on you.
-You will not be able to help, my lord. –her tone now was just sad- I will gladly live on your late wife's castle. And I am prepared to do so, with an open heart. And do you know why? –Catelyn touched the side of his face with a delicate hand- Because that is what it takes to be with you.
-My lady… -he took a deep breath, giving in- I will not oppose to your friendship with the new Lord and Lady Stark. –he said, finally- But new limits must be put in place.
She opened a sad smile, closing her eyes for an instant.
-Thank you. –she whispered, her eyes now expressing gratitude- Now I believe is for the best if I retreat to my chambers. It is getting late and I am tired.
-Catelyn… -he stared at her, unsure of how to feel or to act.
She stood up and straightened her figure, looking around with a smile. She placed her hand on his shoulder and he could see that her movements were being observed by some people.
-You must enjoy the rest of the night. –she turned to him, lightly caressing his face. He could still see a shadow over her eyes, and couldn't help but to feel wrong about it.
-My darling… -still unsure, he kissed the heal of her hand- Are we alright?
She didn't answer, but smiled, leaning towards him, holding his face with both hands and kissing his forehead. Acutely aware of their exposed situation, Tywin couldn't help but feel uneasy. Judged.
-We must find a way to communicate better. –she said softly, looking on his eyes- Kindly, with understanding.
-I am not used to be in this position. –he confessed.
-I know. –she caressed his beard- And neither am I, but we will find our way.
-Together, as one. –she smiled, and gave him the lightest of kisses, finally taking her leave of him.
He observed as she collected her brother from the hall, and signalled to her ladies that it was time to go. Tywin noticed that the Karstark girl remained at the hall and wondered if that was already a sign that she was to leave Catelyn. Now moving to the table where Kevan and Hoster Tully seemed to be having a good time together, Tywin had only one thing in mind.
-The northern folk that Eddard Stark left to tend to Lady Catelyn... -he said, when both man gave him attention- They are, as effective immediately, discharged of her service.
-Lord Tywin... -Hoster Tully was about to commit the mistake of arguing.
-The lady included. It is pointless to argue. -he made Hoster silence before he could say anything else- Catelyn have already agreed and understood.
-Are you also going to forbid her from keeping contact with Eddard and Ashara? -the man was getting enraged.
-No. You said yourself. They are like family. I just wonder how will Ned Stark react when he discovers that I am about to join said family.
And Hoster's silence told Tywin all he needed to know. And so late at night, after such a day, Tywin couldn't care less. With that, his bedchambers awaited him.