12. FAIREST OF ALL
-When I arrive in Casterly Rock, I will send you a dressmaker and if possible, a couple ladies to prepare you to the styles there.
-Is there anything wrong with my dresses? -she sounded almost offended.
-No. -he answered, tucking her hair behind her ear- You might wish for...
-Better? -she challenged
-Different. -he corrected.
His decision to not visit his daughter was made overnight, and he seemed unburdened by it. He approached her very early that morning, and they broke their fast together, and he was the one bringing up wedding preparations.
-Why should I? -she insisted, but her little smirk indicated that she wasn't mad about it- If I will be the Lady of Casterly Rock, isn't more likely that their fashion would follow mine?
And faced with her reasoning, that made a lot of sense, Tywin smiled at his lady that could be, at the same time, the most innocent creature and the personification of confidence.
-You will need a wedding dress and Lannister garments. -he reminded her- And fresh ideas might be welcome.
-I will agree to that. -she said after thinking for moment.
Their peace and quiet was disturbed by a servant when the day neared noon. The man looked almost afraid of approaching them, and Catelyn didn't seemed very willing to allow for any disturbance.
-M'lady, there's a situation that requires your attention...
-About what? -she asked, barely looking up from her notes.
-There was a robbery in town, and the wronged party is now on the main hall and demands for justice.
-And the thief? -she was now interested.
-The Townsguard caught him, and he has confessed. They only expect the judging. There's some commotion, and not even Lord Brynden managed to make them wait.
Catelyn took a deep breath, and apologizing to Tywin, removed herself from the table, resting her quill. He, who had been making a list of guests for the wedding, wasn't sure what was expected from her, not with her uncle and brother present at the castle.
-Do you need any assistance? -Tywin asked.
-I might be able to handle it.
They headed back to the castle, and found Brynden Tully, looking very annoyed, coming on their direction.
-Why can't this wait? -Catelyn asked
-Because of a very obnoxious woman, that do not accept anything I say. As she pointed out... I am not my brother. -Tywin could see that Black Fish was offended, and he couldn't blame him.
-Well, I am not father either!
-I am sorry. -he said, defeated- You know how this works...
-It has to be done. -Catelyn looked resigned to it- Where is Edmure?
-At the archery. -her uncle replied- You should take your father's chair.
-This will be quick.
-Trust me, take the chair.
Catelyn wasn't happy, but she walked towards the hall after taking a deep breath and straightening her spine, head held high.
-You might enjoy this. -Brynden Tully said to Tywin, and they could both observe, from the lateral gallery, Catelyn climb the steps that led to her father's chair.
She observed the room, now deadly quiet, and finally took her seat. The Meister was next to her, and he was holding a book of procedures, where the crime would have being documented. In front of them, standing in the middle of the room, an aging woman with a very dignified appearance, and being held in place by two Tully guards, a man in unkempt clothes, with his face hidden in his hands as the absolute image of shame.
-What brings us here today? -she asked on a resounding voice, very different from the voice she used with him.
-My lady, that man has robbed my shop and he has gone as far as admitting to it. -the woman screeched, and Tywin now knew why she got on Brynden's nerves.
-You are Mrs. Wallen, am I correct?
-Yes, m'lady. -the woman advanced a couple steps towards Catelyn, but was stopped by a guard- I own the bakery at the top of Fisher Street.
-And you, sir? How is your name? -she turned her attention to the defendant.
-Filthy scum, that's what he is! -Mrs. Wallen muttered.
-You are not to speak if I am not addressing you. -and that was a clear command, that unsettled the woman and made her lower her head.
Tywin and Brynden Tully exchanged a look, and Tywin understood why the other had suggested he would enjoy that. It was because to observe his lady, sitting on that great stone chair, addressing an issue of the realm with such a powerful voice, exposed to him a new side of her, a side he had heard about but not witnessed. She had the book on her hands now, and took a moment to read the latest entry.
-Sir? I am asking you a question. -her attention was turned back to him.
The man almost couldn't bear to lift his head. He was ashamed, but most of all, he was terrified.
-My name is Jon Turner, my lady. -he said with a broken voice.
-Do you have any trade, Mr. Turner?
-I... I used to be a farmer, my lady.
-Used to? What happened?
-We lost our crops during the war, and the following year... -he was fighting to look at Catelyn- Critters, my lady. Critters ruined the crop.
-Did you fight in the war? -she asked.
-Yes, my lady. -he confirmed, bowing his head for a second and looking back at her- Under Lord Terrick's banner, my lady.
-Tell me what happened, sir. After your crops failed.
-I sold the farm and we came to Riverrun, looking for jobs.
-And by "we" you mean your family?
-I am sorry, m'lady, but how is this any relevant? -Mrs. Wallen dared to interrupt again.
-Mrs. Wallen... -Catelyn took another deep breath, as begging the gods for patience- My records show that your stolen items were restored.
-Yes, but I cannot sell food that was being taken by filthy hands. It is a loss, wasted goods!
-Meister Hoth, if you would be so kind... -Catelyn's voice was lower, but still audible- If you could give Mrs. Wallen what she is owed and escort her out, I would be very grateful.
And with that, the man tried to do as he was told, but Mrs. Wallen wasn't satisfied.
-And what about him?
-He is none of your concern. Have a good day, Mrs. Wallen. -Catelyn pointed the door, and now the guards assumed their position and escorted the woman out.
When the Hall was silent again, Catelyn took a deep breath, and turned her attention back to the man.
-Where were we, Mr. Turner? You would tell me about your family.
-Yes, my lady. -the man now was very confused, and Tywin couldn't really see the point of that, but he was intrigued.
-I have a wife, a son at age one and ten... A daughter, who is seven, and a baby boy who is two. And my mother, who lives with us.
-What happened when you arrived at Riverrun?
-I used the gold from the farm and bought what one day I hoped to turn into a house. The city is expensive and work is hard to come by. My boy finds odd jobs, but the rest of us are not having the same fortune, and sometimes... -he stopped himself- A few days go by without anything.
-It must be hard. -Catelyn said, her voice softer.
-The children, my lady... What kind of man fails to feed his children?
-A good one, who was dealt hard times. -she answered his question- Come closer, Mr Turner.
And hesitantly, he walked a few steps towards her, closely followed by the guards.
-I will see that your family is fed. I will also have someone to inspect your living conditions, so we can do something about it. House Tully cannot have one of our soldiers in such a great deal of struggle.
The silence was due to the most complete shock. The man didn't know what to say. Tywin now looked inquisitively to Lord Brynden. Would she reward the man for robbery? Less than a day after telling him to not reward bad behaviour?
-There's a big wedding coming soon. -she continued- And I am sure some help in the kitchens will be appreciated. Meister Hoth will see that your wife finds employment on the Residency, and that will allow you time to find your footing.
-My lady... -the man did not believe his ears, and neither did Tywin- You are too good...
-No, Sir. I am doing right by my people. However, punishment is still due, and you know the penalty for your crime.
Tywin saw the colour disappear from the man's face, and his gaze was back on the floor. He looked at his hands for a moment, and looked back at Catelyn. Tywin expected her to at least flinch at the orders she was about to give, but her face was still like the surface of a lake, and the look in her eyes did not allow for any concessions.
-You stole food to feed your family, and I understand your motives. The law of the kingdom says that you shall lose your hand. However, it also says that the punishment should match its crime. So by my command, you are to lose a finger. The one of your choice. And this ruling is to be carried out before the sunset of today. You can go now.
The man thanked her, and asked to kiss her hand, what she allowed, and they exchanged a few more words that Tywin couldn't hear. The man was taken outside, and Catelyn just left the seat, and marched back to the passage that led to the Residency, and Tywin could see that she was biting her lip.
-And now, one of us is to comfort her, Lord Tywin. -Brynden Tully said- She just ordered a man to be hurt. The war made that she can't stand violence. Not that long ago, she passed a similar ruling and the man died of gangrene. I believe you can understand why that was traumatic to her as well.
Tywin decided to follow her, and he almost couldn't see where she had gone, but she was now standing in the garden with her face hidden on her hands.
-Catelyn? -he announced his presence in a whisper, and she turned to look at him, her face contorted in agony- You did so well... -he wasn't sure why she was in such distress, but she had now walked to him and melted into his arms.
-I may have killed that man.
-You did no such a thing. -he promised- You are very good at that. Your people love you for a reason. You are good to them. You care.
-It is a weakness sometimes.
-You were not weak today. -Tywin promised holding her face- Do not second guess yourself. You did good.
-If you wish to know why I believe that my people is loyal to me… Is because they know that what happens to them matters.
-I can see that. –he said, overly aware that she was only twenty years old and that the responsibility of ruling was oppressing at that age- You make me proud. So very proud.
By the next day the castle was heaving with people, and Genna had now arrived, to diminish the strangeness of being there by himself.
-Is she what you expected her to be?
-She is better. -he declared- And I was not wrong when I chose her.
-People have opinions in abundance when in relation to this union, and not all are bad.
-I will not entertain this, as the only opinions that matter are my lady's and mine.
-So you are in love... -she said finally- Who would have thought? Certainly not me. I did not think it was possible, not after Joanna.
-Is not like one will substitute the other.
-Of course not. But will your children agree with you?
Tywin decided to share the contents of Cersei's letter with his sister.
-That is disturbing behaviour, Ty.
-I am aware.
-You need to pacify her. She is growing the next heir to the throne.
-I am aware.
-However, if you impose your presence there, it might make matters worse.
-Yes. So it is a good thing that she doesn't know I had planned to be there.
-You are not going, then?
-No. I will go home. You will assist Catelyn, ready her to the West, help with the wedding. Make sure that Cersei doesn't get to her.
-Have you talked to her about Tyrion?
-She hasn't asked.
There was nothing to talk about on that matter. He was dead.
-And when are the nuptials to happen?
-In two moons. And then we will announce Saera's engagement to Edmure, before taking her to the Rock. You are always welcome home, sister. –he silenced her before she started arguing that Saera shouldn't be away from her- Those decisions are made.
He missed the days when the castle was empty, and they could spend time together with no soul around daring to intrude.
The night prior to his departure, he accompanied Catelyn for a walk around the inner fortifications. The castle was so full of people that even their refuge under the red oak was usually taken. Catelyn, however, knew her castle very well, and manufactured privacy when it seemed to completely evade them.
They walked across an archway that led to a covered area, away from anyone's eyes. He knew the dangers of it, but any reservations she might have had prior to this, seemed far from important now. She kissed the side of his neck, pressing her body against his, allowing her hands to feel his shapes. Tywin almost pulled her away, but they had being close enough lately for him to know that she calculated her risks very well, and this was nothing but a calculated risk she was choosing to take.
Her gaze was intense, her breathing was more laboured than he had seen before, and her hands anxiously grabbed him against herself, making so that he couldn't worry about anything other than his lady. He trailed down her neck with his fingers, brushing his hand lightly against her breast. He held her in place, pinned against the wall, by a furtive hand on her thigh. They kissed very slowly, tongues duelling, little noises being muffled, the front of his breeches painfully full and pressed against her.
-How can we part without this? -she asked in a whisper, making his body tremble when she moved slightly, rubbing herself against him- How can I even let you go?
-This is torture. -he pleaded kissing her neck and fighting against her skirts- The sweetest possible torture.
-Please... -she begged, touching his skin for under his short tunic- Please, Tywin. How can you believe how much I love you if I let you go wanting? -she panted, when he finally got hold of her naked leg
-I do believe. -he kissed the vale between her breasts, and shook when his fingers recognized the laced edge of undergarments.
-I know we can't, but I want it so...
-I want you. -he declared, realizing that the piece of fabric he was touching right now was the reminder of a limit that they could not cross yet- I want you with everything on me, but I cannot take it this way. I want you so badly it hurts.
-I am not offering you what is already yours. I just need you to know. -she held his face, making him stare at her eyes, covering the hand that was about to explore her, and guiding him under her garments.
He groaned audibly, a shiver dominating his body, the ache on his belly turning unbearable. She was so ready for him, with her naked leg entangled on his body, her sweet kisses suffocating reason out of him, and her womanhood so wet and inviting. He moved his fingers, touching her slit upwards and reaching her little bundle of nerves, pulsating under his digit.
How wrong could that be? She removed her hand from his, giving him the control. He massaged her sensitivities, making sure to not invade her, as he knew that if he ever felt like he was inside her, he would have to take it to the very end.
She moans softly under Tywin's experienced touch. His fingers making her muffle the occasional cry by burying her face on his neck. He sees her completely surrendered, and he slows down to inflict the sweet agony for as long as possible.
And in a second, she takes back some of the control, when she bravely feels his erection over his clothes.
-My dear... -he separates their lips and stares at her- If we are to continue this, let's make it equal.
He emulated her and guided her little hand inside his breeches. He knew, then and there, that she didn't know what to do, but seemed eager to explore, touching his length, cupping his balls and holding him. He silently taught her how proceed before resuming her agony, and it seemed like all she needed was to feel him, as it did not take long for her moans to grow, her grip and speed to increase and her apex to come burning, her sounds being covered by his mouth.
She did not had a concept of what had just happened to her, she just scrambled for any sense observing Tywin drink her taste from his fingers. Made of pure instinct now, covering her hand with his and massaging himself to his own release, he knew he sounded like an animal, because he truly felt like a beast now.
-I love you… -he declared with all words for the first time, flustered with his coming- You are my everything, and I love you.
She didn't respond, and just enraptured herself on his embrace again, allowing her skirts to fall into place and making sure to realign his tunic.
-Are you well? -he asked, observing her contemplative expression, afraid of her regret.
-Promise me that you will never, ever, touch another woman after this.
He was taken aback, surprised but amused. She seemed genuinely worried about this, and he could not convey a world where he would need to substitute her on his bed. Even though she had never been his, as what they had just done was not the same.
-I promise. -he said- And I'll tell you more. -he whispered on her ear- This is far from the first time I needed to release myself of the effects you impose on me, just like we did a moment ago. Now, I can close my eyes, think of this and feel you closer, even when apart.
-I mean it, Tywin.
-So do I. -he kissed her- You have just claimed me, but I was already yours. Only yours.
-Good.
He laughed at her protectiveness and made sure to cuddle her the best he could. Tywin wondered what else could be making her feel uneasy.
-Darling, we should be heading back to the castle. -he said, when the final lights of the dusk disappeared in the distance.
-Not yet. -she asked- Let's go a bit further.
They resumed their walk until they reached the gates, where he cuddled her against his chest. She was struggling to take her leave of him, but thankfully Enya appeared and made conversation.
-Although is lovely to have the castle so full, is also rather tiring. -she said, standing next to them.
-You are the worst chaperone I have ever heard of. -Tywin commented.
-What? -she pretended to be offended- Lord Tywin, are you implying I have given reason to Septa Myra to scold us?
-No. I am telling you that I appreciate your lousiness. -he made Catelyn laugh, finally.
-Well, Cat is the Lady of this Castle. If she doesn't care about her good name, is because no one would dare to say a word.
-I hope you both keep a better eye on Saera and Edmure. In fact, talking about upcoming weddings... I have a name for you, Enya.
Both her and Catelyn were taken by surprise. And Tywin enjoyed their reaction, as he wished to distract his lady from the fact that the next time they saw each other was to part for moons.
-Oh, do you? Amuse me.
-Rowan Westerling. My steward. -Tywin said- He is also a widower, nearing his thirties.
-Does he have children? -Catelyn asked, observing Enya's intrigued expression
-No. What he has is a gentle nature and good brains.
-And that's why you believe we would be a good match? -Enya raised her eyebrow- Because of my good brains?
-I believe so. -he laughed- I will not mention it to him before you two meet, then you can tell me how you feel about it.
-I see no harm. -she agreed- If a wedding happens, you both get to keep me, and I am well aware this is your biggest motivation.
-Indeed. -Tywin agreed.
She took Catelyn inside not long after that, and Tywin observed like the two beauties walked into the light of the torches and felt a different kind of ache. It would be hard to leave Catelyn behind before, it would be much worse now, when he could still almost taste her.
Her father arrived with the dawn on the next day, and he was the one who created the opportunity to allow them to say their goodbyes away from everyone else.
She was standing on the balcony at her father's solar, looking like a goddess on the first lights of the morning. They hugged very tightly, words not welcome. He wondered if he looked to be in the pain he was feeling. She held his face with both hands, looking at him in an attempt to memorize every single bit of it, and he could see the sadness on her eyes.
-I do not wish to part with you... -he declared- But we both have matters to attend.
-Time will be on our favour. And after today, we may never have to part for this long.
-And I will never again leave you behind.
-I will not allow... -she smiled, still holding his face.
And with that, she pressed her lips against his, opening her mouth, ever so slightly, and with a whimper, Tywin introduced his tongue between her lips, and slowly, tentatively, they explored that moment. Cautious, like the shared intimacy had never happened. Without thinking, they found themselves in a passionate embrace. After the first kiss, they could not stop it, and when Tywin came to his senses, he had her pressed against the wall, his lips not leaving hers, and his hands holding her as it seemed to be the only way now.
-I am sorry... -he made himself separate their bodies, and observed how adorable she looked.
-Tywin... -she was struggling to gather her thoughts, and her sad expression was breaking his heart- I will miss you. It pains me greatly to see you go.
-Please... -he wanted to hear it, but it was hard to see her in pain- We will be together soon, and you will be so busy with the wedding...
-But I need you to know...
-I love you. -he said, silencing her with a touch- And you know it. I will be back, I promise you.
-I know. And I love you too. -and her smile gave him the calm he needed.
He made her promise that she wouldn't come to the gates, as it would only be harder on them. With her agreement and a final kiss, he left.