26. A FEAST FOR FOES
Maise had been right, and her wedding dress no longer fitted the same, which brought a smile to her face, proud for already having signs of her pregnancy showing on her body. She would still wear it, as Tywin had requested. He had also asked her to have her hair down and wavy, and to bear only the jewellery she felt comfortable with.
-You are free to choose how to proceed, my love. However, this clear distinction between you and the rest of this court is working on your favour. I do not wish for you to change your ways to please me. I am more than happy with you being how you are. –he had said on the night prior, after finding out about the details of what happened between his wife and her former ladies-in-waiting.
-I feel like I will never be fully accepted here, Ty. –she unburdened herself from that pestering thought.
-I do not understand. –he looked at her confused- You are the Lioness in Casterly Rock, and I haven't heard anything but praise of you from the people whose opinions actually matter.
-Who?
-Catelyn, you are serving your realm very well. –he answered, placing his cutlery back on the plate, reaching for her hand- Both realms. You are sitting on our council and your words hold weight. Not even one of those lords would ever be able to say that your council isn't valuable. And every time you graces us with you presence, their admiration grows.
-Should I be more present? –she asked, wondering if it wouldn't be better avoid court altogether.
-If you wish. –he said- You are, however, with child. And all I ask is that you care for yourself first, above everything else. So you must do things that you feel like doing. And if that is to hold assembly with me, seat at the council or to do needlework with your ladies, is all well as long as you are safe and comfortable.
-Thank you. –she said, feeling a whirlwind of emotions- I promise that I am trying my best to adapt.
-Don't. –he said simply- Let them adapt to you.
The Feast was officially in celebration of the crown's victory against the Greyjoy rebels. The ones being praised the most, Robert and Ned, were not present but it mattered not. That was Catelyn's first official event as Lady Lannister and also the announcement of her pregnancy.
-This is a more mellow way of doing things. –Lady Heid Hetherspoon commented, standing on the large hall next to Catelyn and Enya- Lady Genna always had a flare for beautiful events, and this time is no different.
-She did something similar to Lord Gerion's wedding, and it worked very well. People were more relaxed, interacting more… The small tables were a great idea. –Enya responded, looking impressed with how grand everything was.
-And my wedding was also a very beautiful moment. –Catelyn said- A fraction of what was initially planned, but beautiful nonetheless.
-Do you think that for Lord Tywin this is the feast you deserved? And that is why he asked you to wear your wedding dress, and not one of your special Lannister Garments?
But Catelyn knew why he wanted that specific dress. It was a way of including the people that couldn't be present, valuing them in some way. It was also a sign of her devotion, with the embroidery of the seven that many people had asked to see. But above it all, her simple jewellery pieces showed that she was not there seeking Lannister luxury, concept reinforced by her bedchambers being moved to a smaller room near Tywin's, instead of the initial design.
-I believe that we have a lot to celebrate and be grateful for. –she smiled, resting a hand over her stomach, remembering the loud joyful cheers that filled that massive hall when the heir to Casterly Rock was announced, placating some of the growing fear of succession conflicts that had been brewing among the nobility.
-I offer you my friendship and loyalty, my lady. –Heid Hetherspoon said, her eyes expressing a deep feeling that Catelyn could not identify- You earned my respect with you strong stance and wise ways yesterday. I can offer you my service, by being your eyes and ears in what concerns Queen Cersei.
-Why? –Enya asked, protective- Why are you not afraid of opposing the queen so openly, on her father's castle?
-She killed my niece. –Catelyn felt ice dripping down her spine, looking from Lady Heid to Enya in absolute shock- Melara.
-I met her father in Golden Tooth. –Catelyn said, wishing for details at the same time she dreaded them.
-How can you make such accusations? –Enya wasn't convinced.
-I know of it to be true. –and at that moment, Catelyn and Enya also knew- I brought my niece to court, raising and protecting her. As a mother, I know. And I know Cersei, her twisted ways and her diseased mind.
Catelyn and Enya exchanged a look, that declaration confirming Enya's early assessment of Lady Heid.
-You do not need to believe me, or accept my alliance. –she smiled, aware of the wild nature of her statement- I will guard you from her regardless.
-I appreciate you, Lady Heid. –Catelyn said, after a moment of thought.
-You have very little to fear, my darling Lady Catelyn. –she said at last- With Lord Tywin by your side, your wits, your ability to get grey old misbehaving lords into shape… But you have one enemy, a powerful one, with a crown on her front and rotting heart.
With the passing of the hours, Catelyn noticed that her young ladies –the ones from the West and the Riverlanders- were getting along very well, dancing together and making the occasion even more joyful. Rosamund and Elys looked happy and free, away from the presence of their controlling mothers, each wearing a variation of Catelyn's style, earning praise of how feminine and delicate they looked.
Tywin seemed happy, even with his stern expression. The nobility of the West was used to him being a certain way, and even considering that he was known for his ruthlessness and uncompromising actions on dealing with his lesser people, he knew the importance of keeping alliances and peace. Catelyn learned from a few Lords that night, that they were unsure of her, as her service to the West would have to overcome her service to the Riverlands.
-My Lord Tywin is the only reason why I left my home and my people. My love for him was stronger than my resolve on serving the Riverlands as I had been doing. My brother is to inherit my Lord Father's Seat, and as a woman this is also my way of serving my people.
-So you really married for love?
-I did. –she smiled- I wouldn't have married otherwise. I am not blind to the political advantages it brings both Houses, however.
-I knew of Lord Tywin's affection, as he also wouldn't put any other woman on Lady Joanna's place if he didn't love her. Not even for an heir.
-When he left in the beginning of the Siege to marry, it confirmed everyone's suspicions. –another Lord said- He desperately needed an heir, but the child's mother was of great relevance. He admires you enough to entrust you with raising the Heir to the Rock and the Westernlands, and that for a man of his position, is even more important than love.
She spoke to most guests, trying her best to remember them by name, had her ladies walking around as her little ambassadors and making sure people were happy with the event. She could see Lady Genna and Enya were both busy, but enjoying themselves. It had been a long night, and she decided to retire to bed earlier than most people.
-Are you well? –Tywin had asked, now looking more festive and open, the wine certainly making him more amicable.
-I am a tad tired, my love. –she was surprised by his arm holding her by the waist, and his hand softly pushing her hair away from her face.
-Do you wish me to join you now? –he asked, looking at her like he usually did when no one else was around, lovingly and with a soft smile.
-You are enjoying the night. –she said, one hand resting on his shoulder and the other holding his arm- You should stay and celebrate for as long as you wish.
-Thank you for today. –he said, now fully aware of people's stares- You handled everything perfectly.
-Genna organised the feast. –she said, confused of what he meant.
-You know how important it is to have the Lords standing by you. And you are managing to secure their support so very easily… I have lost sleep thinking of what would be of you and our heir if I die too soon.
-Please… -she hugged him tight, feeling a kiss on her shoulder and wondering if those whispers from the crowd were about them- We are not getting ready to lose each other. This is not how our story will go.
-I know. –he said, pulling away to look at her- You go get rest, my love.
And kissed her, tame and proper, but on the lips. Catelyn was now sure that the whispers were about them, and he didn't seem to care about that. Enya and Lady Genna approached them, bringing the young ladies that were protesting their bedtime.
-Mother… -Saera protested.
-Do not cross me, dear.
-Is not fair, Lady Genna… -Tysanne seemed upset- We have family members here!
-What is the issue? –Tywin asked, prompting all the young ones to stand tall and curtsy.
-Proper court etiquette must be observed. –Lady Genna explained- And Catelyn is getting ready to retire.
-Will you remain on the feast? –Tywin asked.
-Yes.
-You are also a lioness, my dear. –he said simply, making Genna smile- Let the young ones enjoy.
The group started to thank him, Saera even giving him a hug.
-Not you, child. –Genna said.
-You are too young. –Catelyn held her arm- Rosamund and Elys will also join us.
-Why?!
-You are not even five and ten, girls. –Catelyn explained- Even if I was to remain, it is time for you to retire. I won't hear any protests.
They made their way out of the Feast, followed by a handful of guards. Elys and Rosamund, arm in arm, talked in low voices about the feast, both looking disappointed but accepting of the situation. Saera trailed behind them, arms crossed, almost in tears.
-Saera, you are behaving like a child. –Enya tired of her complains, turning back to stare at the young one- Your mother ordered you to bed, so you will obey.
-Gracefully. –Catelyn said, not amused- You are of Lannister blood and must lead by example, dear.
She stomped ahead, walking in front of them, huffing and puffing. She was one of the sweetest girls Catelyn had ever met, but somehow, that made her rare temper storms even more bothersome. As they made their way back to the Residency, something seemed amiss.
-Lady Saera, please, wait… -Lord Bracken asked, looking slightly pale under the light of the torches
But Saera didn't attend, prompting Lord Bracken to rush on her direction, shouting orders to his soldiers. Catelyn didn't understand the commotion at first, but focusing her attention on Saera she saw as a spear stuck itself on the young Frey's chest, a loud scream leaving her lips. She only saw shapes in the distance. A couple of her guards disappeared following the shadows as Rosamund and Elys run back in the corridor absolutely terrified, away from the ghastly sight of a dying Saera. Enya helped Lord Bracken lift Saera of the floor. Catelyn's only action was to hide on the gap between a column and an archway, both hands instinctively covering her womb. She was frozen in terror, unable to think or react.
-My lady, please… -she couldn't name the guard who held her by the arm, using his body to hide hers.
-The girls… -she whispered thinking of the young ones that took off running.
-We must get you to safety. –the guard continued, trying to follow Lord Bracken's orders, that was now, looking around and trying to plan an escape route.
-My tower is near here. –Enya said, flustered, crying, but still in control- You guard her with your life. –she pointed to the man who held Catelyn's arm.
-We must retreat to the Feast. –Lord Bracken decided, struggling with holding the agonizing body of Saera.
But they were not able to do anything decisive, as a group of dishevelled men attacked them again. Still numb, Catelyn saw as Saera was dropped on the floor, her eyes empty and soulless, as the screeching sounds of a couple swords being drawn cut through the air. Enya was dragging her down a corridor, as the guards slowed down the attacks. Catelyn didn't know where they were going, but she knew they were being followed.
-Who are they? –Catelyn asked, already knowing the answer.
Enya's instinct was to escape, but her first thought was to Catelyn, pushing her inside one of the mineshafts, that consisted only of winding narrow unlit corridors. They were mostly covered with large tapestries, some more dangerous ones were gated. This one was not disguised with anything, and both women knew it would not deter any persecution.
-You need to hide, deep. –Enya said, panic on her voice.
-Come with me… -Catelyn begged, grappling her friends arms in absolute despair.
-You have to hide. –she was urgent- I will come for you. –she promised, kicking off her shoes, tossing them across the hall and ripping some of Catelyn's skirts- Inside, deep, now!
And run away, taking with her a good amount of ripped fabric, pushing down an iron sculpture and making a ruckus. Catelyn obeyed, running as fast as she could in the absolute darkness of the tunnel, always feeling the wall with her right hand and turning into the smaller and windier passages. The only sound was her heals echoing on the stone, and she decided to take off her shoes as well. She finally found a room that was only large enough so she could sit down. Absolute darkness engulfing her.
It wasn't cold, but she was shivering. She couldn't find tears to cry, as she could scarcely believe what she had witnessed. She could only think that the consequences of what had happened could only mean war again. She knew that spear was meant for her, not Saera. She was always to walk ahead from her ladies, and the orange tone of the torches probably gave Saera some of her colours. She was also dresses in gold. She couldn't see the attackers very well, or even access how many they were. But she knew those were Ironborn folk.
Tywin would destroy the Iron Islands with all his might. They had just taken away his beloved Saera, and Catelyn knew that there was very little he wouldn't do for his nieces and nephews, but Saera was special to him. She loved him, admired him, and always spoke to him like her uncle, and not her Lord. She would hug him, kiss his face. He would smile at her, and tell her stories. Saera was always allowed near them, like a daughter.
And with that thought, Catelyn's pain exploded on her chest, a strangled whimper leaving her lips. The tears were filled with despair, the lost was overwhelming. She tried to be silent, but her pain was so strong that she was somehow indifferent if she lived or died, hugging her knees on the shredded rags of her wedding dress, willing her child to remain strong inside of her, refusing to even think about her dear Genna and what she would tell Edmure. She cried so hard that her throat was hurting, her eyes were swollen and her chest was burning.
She had to swallow her cries when she heard voices echoing on the tunnels. At first, they were only murmurs, but she could clearly hear it. Was Enya already back? She wasn't sure of how long she had waited, how long it had passed. Everything felt unreal and the loss was too much to bear. But she had a little babe now, growing inside of her, and she would protect it with everything on her. So she forced herself into a state of calm, and just listened.
It wasn't Enya, that she knew for sure. They were also not her guards, or Tywin's guards. She heard the voices of two men, accents she didn't recognise, both growing increasingly frustrated of not finding her. She heard them calling for her, on a mocking tone. She wondered if they had gotten to Enya, as due to the sheer number of abandoned mine shafts they had on that part of the castle, it was not a coincidence that they would be there. And the idea of having her soul sister hurt was crushing, but she couldn't even cry.
Then silence came, and it was long. The uncertainty was maddening, and she would fall asleep only to wake in tears, now fully unsure of how long she was in there. Days? It felt like so. Catelyn thought of her uncle, who had been happy on the Feast. He had even danced with a couple ladies, what had prompted Enya to say that she hoped Lord Brynden would find a match and remain there with them. He was good friends with Tywin, and he was the support and protection Catelyn needed during that transition. But she knew her uncle wasn't the one to settle, and that he was there for her until he felt she was ready. How was he now? What was he feeling?
After a while, Catelyn couldn't grasp her feelings any longer, the only thing on her mind was the image of Saera falling on her back with a spear on her chest… over and over. Thinking of her loved ones was too painful, so she avoided it.
-I am not lost. –she would whisper to herself- I am hiding, protecting my baby. I am doing the right thing.
How long she remained there was a mystery on itself, as she couldn't feel any hunger but was becoming overwhelmed with thirst. She was too afraid to leave, but also too aware of how deep onto the mountain she was, making a rescue not very likely, now that she firmly believed that Enya was taken. Days must have passed, but she didn't know for sure.
-We need to go back. –Catelyn said, talking to her unborn child- They must think we were taken. We can't lose ourselves now, my love. Your father must be beyond himself, without us, having lost Saera…I'll take us back home, it is time.
She stood up slowly, feeling the world spinning and her legs aching. She was still scared of finding an attacker on her way out, but she no longer had the luxury to wait. Her right hand guided her into the guts of Casterly Rock, and now her left one would guide her out. She smiled to herself, thinking that she could never suppose that playing in labyrinths during childhood would save her life one day, but it had just done.
-I am not lost. –she would repeatedly whisper to herself, as she gained more and more confidence advancing on the corridors.
When she reached a place where the ceiling lowered, making her having to walk slightly bend over, she was filled with hope, as she had remembered that part when walking in. It also meant she was not far from being back into the actual castle. Catelyn started to see the faintest glow of light hitting the ground, and that hurt her eyes. She took her time trying to adapt her vision to the clarity, but when she walked onto the main corridor, back at the castle, she was blinded.
-My Lady! –she heard a man's voice, whilst leaning on the wall and covering her eyes with a hand- Hurry! –he was shouting alerting others- Is the Lady Catelyn!
She could see it was a guard, and some relief took over her, making her knees falter. The man lifted her on his arms like she weighted nothing, and reassured her that she was safe.
-Where do I take you? –he asked.
-The meister. –she whispered- But I need to send word to my husband…
-Do not worry, my lady. We have all been looking for you.
-Enya Mallister? –she asked.
-Still nothing.
-Was she taken?
-We don't know.
At the meister's chambers, Catelyn was laid on a cot. She could barely see, but around her a couple maids prepared her for a bath, and she was given cold lemonade with honey to drink. Her hands were shaking and she was starting to feel scared by her eyes being so sensitive to the light. The meister arrived as the maids cut Catelyn's dress off her. She was examined and reassured everything was fine with her and the babe. Her feet needed some care, being scratched and blistered by walking for so long on a rough ground, but besides that and a few scratches on her arms, she was fine.
She was soaking on the warm bath when her uncle, Maise and Eliasand arrived.
-I will take over, thank you. –Maise said, grabbing the cloth from the servants hand and kneeling next to Catelyn, her relief made obvious by her tears.
-Child… -her uncle only approached her once the tub had been covered by a linen sheet- Oh, child, how we have all worried…
-The Meister said I am well. –Catelyn said, holding his hand tightly, kissing it- The babe is well. Where is Tywin? –she asked, the most important question on her mind.
-We convinced him to sleep, some poppy milk involved on making it happen. –Eliasand answered, looking distraught and aloof- Him and Rowan. And Lady Genna.
-The exhaustion was making Tywin incoherent.
-How long was I gone? –Catelyn asked, surrendering herself to Maise's touch when washing her head.
-This would be the third day. –Lord Brynden answered- Were you lost?
-No. –she answered- I was hiding, and I heard them in the tunnels. I didn't know time on that darkness. Was Enya taken? –she asked.
-We don't know. –Eliasand responded, feeling lost- We found parts of your dress, her shoes, some of her skirts… Some blood.
-Blood? –Catelyn felt the punch.
-Lord Bracken said it was probably Saera's, but we can't be sure.
-Uncle… -Catelyn stared at him, like begging for some solution.
-She will turn up soon, just like you did. –he promised, almost like a prayer- Maise will get you clean, fed and comfortable, and I will come to take you to the Residency.
-Did I miss the funeral? What else happened after the attack?
-This is not the time, Cat. –Eliasand sounded a lot like her sister- Yes, Saera is resting with her ancestors and Lady Genna will never be herself again. But you are alive and well now, and you need rest.
-We will keep searching for Enya. –her uncle said- I did my best with Tywin, but he is not himself. We must let him sleep as much as he can.
-Meister, is it possible he's trapped into some nightmare? –she asked, remembering her poppy sleeps in the prelude of war.
-It may be possible. –he said.
-We will finish it here, and I will go take care of my man. –she decided, and so she did.
His chambers were darkened by the closed curtains, but it was still light enough so she could see. She could hear his breathing, and she knew he was not sleeping soundly. He twitched onto his pillow, and mumbled ghosts of words.
-I will wake him. –Lord Brynden said, worried that he could react badly, but Catelyn didn't allow. Her heart breaking watching him struggle- Be careful.
-Ty? –she whispered, walking to her side of the bed and reaching for his hand- Tywin, my love…
His twitching increased, and he was struggling to wake. Catelyn sat onto the bed, noticing his sweat dampened skin. She called for him again, her voice slightly louder, the squeeze on his hand stronger.
-Tywin, please… -she said, fighting the urge to cuddle onto his chest- Ty! –she almost screamed, prompting him to jolt awaken, sitting up, ready for combat, a shout and some cuss words being spat.
-Oh… -his force abandoned him when he saw her face, the air escaping from his lungs and his only reaction being to crawl towards her.
She held him the best she could, observing how her uncle finally left the room closing the door behind him. Tywin was not well, but how could he be? He cried on her arms completely surrendered, saying no words. She couldn't find anything to say, and just laid with him, allowing her husband to unburden himself with his head on her chest and his arms around her. She shed some tears of her own, with her face resting on the top of his head.
-Our child? –he asked, his voice husky and nasally, after a while, resting his hand on her womb.
-The Meister says that the babe is well. –she said, calmly rubbing his back.
-And you? –he lifted his head to stare at her.
-I am not hurt.
-I believed I had lost you… -he said in a whisper, tears rolling again- I would not forgive myself, Catelyn…
-This is not your fault, not even remotely…
-I let them live. –she saw the agony distorting his face- I gave them the chance to attack us, to invade our home, to take our Saera… To risk your life.
-Let's not blame ourselves for being merciful.
-If this is how it feels to be merciful, I will never again allow an enemy to live. –and for Catelyn, that sounded like an oath.
She kissed him, trying to distract him from those dark thoughts. Catelyn wiped away his tears and cuddled him until he fell asleep again, this time a bit more peacefully.
-I am here, my love… -she would tighten her embrace every time his mind would haunt him, and Tywin would relax back on her arms- I love you.
And like that, she willed those nightmares to end, as the absence of Enya created a void on her chest that not even the loss of Saera would ever rival.
-We must avenge them. –she whispered, more to herself than to him- No one left to hear, Tywin.
-I know. I promise.