10. STAND YOUR GROUND
-How could you? -still only half awake, Catelyn faced her uncle, who had stormed in her bedchambers, looking like he had just then unmounted his horse.
-Uncle... -Catelyn knew exactly what he meant, and already exhausted, could only find clarity to hold the bridge of her nose and take a deep breath.
-He is older than me! -Black Fish said, almost disgusted, staring at his beloved niece with the deepest disappointment- Dozens of suitors, and you chose this! You could have had Dorne, and you chose this!?
Why wouldn't everyone stop talking about Dorne? Doran Martell had tried to make her father turn on Eddard, in the middle of the troubles, while helping to hide Lyanna on an isolated tower, where she died in childbirth without proper assistance. Then, when peace came, he asked for her hand again, like she had no memory or did not know of loyalty.
-I like him. -she said simply, disarming her uncle with one sentence, moving the tray with her breakfast from her lap to the bed.
-Do you? -he didn't seem convinced
-Indeed, I do. I don't love him, yet. But I like him, and he is good to me.
-Good? -Brynden Tully reacted like Catelyn had just told him a joke- I do not recognize you!
Catelyn sighted deeply, and dragged herself out of bed, wearing nothing else but a soft linen nightgown that barely touched her calves. Her uncle turned his back at her sight, to preserve his niece's modesty, waiting her to put on a robe. Barefooted, Catelyn brought herself to face him. Head held high, facing him eye to eye.
-You can start, uncle. I will hear your accusations while you look me in the eye. But you will hear my thoughts. And that is the only way this conversation can proceed.
-Very well, then. I will refresh your memory of some things. -the man agreed, his lips pressed in disgust and his eyes bloodshot with anger- He killed the Targaryen children, one of them was just a toddler. His beasts raped Elia Martel to death, and one of them still walks this earth.
-The sack of King's Landing happened for one reason alone. To establish Robert's claim. As brutal this may sound, the children could not live.
-Their mother...
-Was more valuable alive and unharmed. I do not believe he ordered anyone to neither rape or kill her. She would pacify Dorne.
-Your father would have executed whoever acted in such a way against an innocent woman.
-They are very different men.
-Those were not the only children he killed. When he conquered Castamere, he drowned children as well.
"No one left to hear" -Catelyn thought.
-Would you have done any different? When you march into battle, do you spare the youngsters? Are you concerned with their ages, if they charge at you with sword in hands?
-It is different. -her uncle seemed horrified at the thought- I wouldn't drown children on their beds.
-The enemy is the enemy. Those children would grow up resenting the defeat, and gods know how dangerous that can be. -she stated- And we are still to regain our right to beg for forgiveness, when we sent so many of our men to their deaths. As did Eddard, as did Jon, and even more so Robert. It was a war, power struggles will forever exist. None of you are innocent. None of us.
In a silent shock, Brynden Tully headed to the door, like the person in front of him was no longer his beloved niece. He knew that was part of Catelyn's character. That she could hold grudges, and that she could be very judgmental. He also knew she had that strong sense that "what has to be done, has to be done", even if it broke her heart afterwards. He respected his niece's mind, sometimes more so than grey haired old men, like the one she intended to marry now.
Her arguments were severe and hard to bear. But she was right, and with her simple words, she had called all of them, and whoever was to bash Tywin Lannister, hypocrites without ever saying the word. Now, unlike before, when he was afraid for his niece under Tywin Lannister's power, he was now afraid for anyone that dared to cross their way.
-I hope you know what you are doing. -he said at least, grabbing the handle of the door, looking at her for over his shoulder- And I hate this. I hate all of this. But I will trust your judgement and hope that what they say is true.
-What do they say?
-That Tywin Lannister loves deeply. That he would have died for his late wife. I hope that you become to him what Joanna Lannister once was. And before you do anything else, you must find out what really happened to his son. -and with that, he left.
Catelyn retreated to her chase, holding her head on her hands. She had not expected such anger from her uncle, that was ever so loving towards her. She heard the door open slowly, and faced Enya, with her long black hair and small blue eyes, prying into the room.
-Do you wish to be alone?
-I can be alone with you... -Catelyn answered, extending her arms to her friend and allowing herself to be held by the only person that understood all of that, even before the interested parties realized their feelings and intentions.
-Lord Brynden will understand.
-Am I really to marry a monster? -Cat asked, afraid of being blinded by all the sensations he provoked on her.
-Not every hand chopped by our Lords belongs to a thief that steals gold from people's necks, or loot shops to trade the goods. Some of those hands belong to desperate men that steal food for their hungry families. And how cruel can that be? Yes, Tywin Lannister is a different kind of Lord. Yes, he is more cunning, seasoned, and ruthless. He is vain and proud. The power behind his family name will be his legacy. Your children's legacy.
-And what about the age? -Catelyn sighted, reclining back on the chase and staring at the ceiling.
-What about it? Wasn't you, a day ago, hiding under his cape and whispering little secrets? Do you want to tell me that you are not involved?
They remained silent for a little while, with Catelyn brooding over Keira's and her lord uncle's anger. She remembered how Keira begged her to make him a better man, like that was something even remotely under her power, and how she worried about her future children.
-He is a terrible father. -she whispered to Enya, reaching the conclusion after going over what she knew of his children.
-What makes you say that?
-His heir threw Casterly Rock away, to become a glorified chambermaid to the same man he eventually killed, and that he had sworn to die for.
-The Mad King had it coming. If anything, Sir Jaime is a very brave man, who did what needed to be done.
-Queen Cersei... Lysa speaks of how twisted her ways can be. Self-centred, unkind, lost. Almost like she never had anyone to guide her, being that her father's job. Especially in the absence of her mother.
-You are judging him by the measure of your own father. -Enya said simply- You and Lysa were raised by the same man, in the same place, at the same time, and how different can both of you be?
-I was raised to rule, Lysa was raised to marry.
-You became yourself after the war, because of the war. -Enya stated- We were summer children, enchanted with our betrotheds, reading ourselves to live a submissive wedded life. War came and we, especially you, had to grow up so fast... You cannot compare yourself and what we have been through to what Cersei Lannister lived, sheltered from war, on a shining castle, covered in gold, never having to budget how many people could she afford to feed until the grains ran out in the certainty of failed crops. All the while, patching up torn apart men. All the while burying her best friend's babe. All the while making sure to keep your little brother safe and mostly unscathed. Lysa is way more like what she says of Cersei Lannister than you are prepared to see. One's nature counts, dear.
-What about the Imp?
-He is dead.
-Yes. –Catelyn spurted- It wasn't that long ago. Isn't it odd that no one mentions him?
-What are you suggesting? That he got rid of his own natural heir?
-His hatred for his son was well known.
-Catelyn… -Enya took a deep breath, already exhausted- Let the boy rest?
-What if he is alive? No child of mine will ever have a proper claim if his natural heir still walks this earth… -she was on the verge of panic.
-If he is not dead yet, we will kill him. –Enya was final, startling Catelyn- You shouldn't allow such poison on your mind. Lord Kevan didn't really had a reason to lie about his nephew. For the love of gods, just feel the happiness for once.
Catelyn finally agreed to let it rest for the time being. Part of her, however, wondered how much influence she would actually hold. Would a man like that allow her to rule, like her father did? Was she to reduce herself to a wife when the time came? He had mentioned he wished her to rule by his side, but that was usually a figurative expression. The marital agreement was signed and sealed on her vault, and many practicalities had being discussed on it. If that was to reflect reality, it was an entire different matter.
-Listen to me. -Enya held her face- You need to stop worrying. Now you need to go out there and seduce that man. You need him bent at your will, like he was at the will of his late wife. Take her as your teacher now, and stop worrying about things that lay way in the future. Enjoy this romance, make it magical. We are no longer children; you are the Lady of this castle so show it to him.
-I must get dressed. -Catelyn finally came to her senses- And I must look my best.
-Listen to me. –Enya urged- Keira was wrong on her ways but not on her words. Wanting you isn't enough. He must idolize you, love you beyond words. I do not care how far you take it, but that man must be dominated by you. All means necessary.
Catelyn took a deep breath and acquiesced to her friend. She had to find her footing on the new dynamics of her life. She was used to be Lady of her House, comfortable on her own power. Now she would be entering someone else's domain, and her only true safety was the bond between her and her husband-to-be, until she gave him an heir. As in right now, she would have to bank on the whirlwind of feelings that disoriented them. Lust being an important one of those.
Catelyn selected a plum gown, almost the colour of wine but with a shade of purple. It was made entirely of lace over silk, from the modest neckline, down to the structured bodice, to the tight sleeves until the hem, which kissed the floor. The lace was made of little trout, that only perceptive eyes would notice. Her hair would be worn free, wavy over her shoulders and down her back. On her chest, the Lannister lion. Dressed modestly, her actions would have to account for everything else Enya had mentioned.
It was right. He was an experienced lord and she was a blushing maiden. She would allow him to believe on the purity he seemed so fascinated with, all the while keeping him on his toes. It would not be hard, as she kept being reminded of her own urges. And if they went too far, so what?
It was noon when she left her chambers, Enya always by her side, and now a Lannister guard walking behind them. They crossed paths with the septa at the stairwell, and asked about Edmure, who was still on his chambers.
-Is not laziness. -Catelyn corrected the septa- He is tired. We all are. Let him be.
She found Tywin, accompanied by Meister Hoth, on the large solar that opened to the private gardens.
-Is my lord being well cared for? -was the first thing she asked, when her presence could be noticed.
He really seemed to hold his breath for a moment, and looked at her whole figure, assuming the handsome crocked smile that Cat was starting to find almost unsettling, like his thoughts we not as pure on that moment, like he was ready to pounce over her. She walked towards them, holding his arm and ever so slightly leaning on him, who looked on her eyes for a second, and brought the hand he held to be kissed.
-You should be resting. -he said, his attention completely on her, like neither Enya nor the Meister existed.
-I should be right here. -she answered, interlocking their fingers- And I should be making sure that my lord has everything he needs.
-Your Meister was showing me this part of the castle. It looks different from what I remembered. -Tywin decided that was wise to introduce some small talk.
-We call this area, most of the South side, the Residency. It is where we live, and The North side is where work is done, where the larger kitchens and the great hall are. It faces the city, so there is better access to the public.
-The two parts are very different. -he commented, now walking with her across the solar- The people will never imagine that behind the fortress, you have created this beautiful place.
-Home, my Lord. We made it to be like a home. This is the work of Lysa... -she said, indicating the plants hanging from the ceiling and grabbing on the walls that opened to the garden.- The gardens were a joined effort, from all my ladies.
The North side faced the city, which was clean and organized. But the South side faced the forest, beyond the fortified walls. The Trident run for under the castle and its noise was very soothing.
Enya had organized lunch at the garden, with the hopes that Lord Brynden would join them. Neither him, nor Edmure, blessed them with their presence until supper. In fairness, Lord Brynden had being on the road all night long, and Edmure was decided that he didn't want to witness the courtship between his sister and her suitor. It wasn't a matter of disliking the man, but to understand that he was one too many when the two were together. Enya was the trusted chaperone, and although they would barely ever see her around, she was always near enough, so Catelyn's name would remain clean, but out of sight in case they wished to tarnish it a bit.
-So uncle Brynden... -Catelyn asked when the first course of supper, which was a creamy gorge soup, was finally served- We missed you during the games.
-Your father left me to tend to some issues in the south border. It took longer than expected. -he broke the surface of his soup, and tasted it.
-It was good fun. -Edmure declared- Even with the rain. Father was right, you would either be sick or wet during the entire journey. -Edmure commented, referring to his sister.
-How serious is it? Your aversion to carriages? -Tywin asked, curious about that.
-Oh, is bad. -Enya was the one to reply, a slightly comic tone to her voice, which made Catelyn blush and Edmure giggle.
-The enclosure and the movement... -Catelyn explained- The jumps on the road... I cannot bear it.
-Your father knew it would keep raining. -Brynden said- You have a fast horse for a reason.
-We made it in three days. -she said proudly- Although we caught some rain, it was not a major problem.
-Lord Tywin was there, to keep her dry. -Edmure said, making Catelyn violently blush, and Tywin look almost if he was... Embarrassed, like a boy who kissed a girl on a dare and everyone found out about it.
-That is a very impressive cape, my lord. -Catelyn commented, breaking the weirdness.
-It shall be yours, my darling. If you are to always ride a horse, we need to make sure you we can keep you dry.
-Well, it was large enough for both of you. All that is to it now is that you always travel together. -Edmure wasn't trying to annoy his sister, but his comments were being heard by Brynden Tully, who still wasn't really taken by Catelyn's new prospect.
-Thank you for bringing them home safely. -the man finally addressed Tywin directly- They are the most precious thing to me.
-It was my honour. -Tywin said- I will always make sure that my lady is well protected and cared for.
-But we are at home now... -Catelyn said- We are all safe.
-You should enjoy the peace and quiet, while you can. -Brynden said at last.
-We will make the most of it. -Catelyn promised, and when she and Tywin Lannister exchanged a smile, Brynden Tully could see.
She had him.