28. AN ELEGANT SOLUTION
She felt like a prisoner, but the only one restricting her freedom was herself. She would leave her bedchambers only to visit Enya once a day, who was growing stronger, slowly starting to tolerate real clothes on her skin, but still being carried around as her feet would need more time to heal. Catelyn hadn't a memory of that, but as in what seemed to be the first time, Enya was fully on Tywin's side, asking for patience in what concerned Cersei. Catelyn decided to not speak of it again until her own feelings were made clearer, as it wasn't doing her any good.
Lady Genna left Casterly Rock with her sons in a cloudy morning, with no actual warning. They would sail to Seagard and make their way back to the Twins from there. She hugged Catelyn tightly, having just awakened her to say her goodbyes.
-I must go home. –she said, her voice sounding broken, saddened, no sign of her former self- Emmon needs me just as much as I need him. It is time.
-You will be sorely missed, Genna.
-You as well, sister. –she tightened the hug for a little longer- I will not forget what happened here and you will always have an ally on me. –she promised, kissing Catelyn's face before leaving the room.
Tywin was mostly gone, weeks at a time, busy with whatever seemed to be his plan on fixing the problem, to which Catelyn had no insight about. He would occasionally visit her, ask how she was faring, only to disappear onto his business once more after assessing that she was still unhappy with him. They had barely exchanged a dozen words in half a moon, her fear and apprehension slowly turning into apathy. The Residency was kept empty, no ladies-in-waiting allowed. Besides her uncle, she didn't accept any visitors, and even he would disappear for days, busy with whatever they had been doing.
She was surprised one morning in finding Enya on the Seafront room, distracted with embroidery, recovered enough to leave her tower by herself. They didn't spoke much these days, but joined in needlework for the baby. Neither of them was interested on reliving the trauma, having no reason to discuss it as their input was being mostly ignored. Catelyn had been informed of very little in relation to what had been decided as a course of action, and she didn't really care to know. But she knew Enya was very well briefed by Rowan, and even visited Lannisport for a few days in relation to the troubles. Catelyn hadn't dared to leave the Castle since her arrival, as she would not risk traveling in horseback while expecting.
Two guards stood outside Catelyn's bedchambers at all times, her food was always prepared under the watchful eyes of her trusted maids, any drink was first given to a cat, who had been brought to the Residency with that intent and who had become a little companion to her. If people had any opinions about the lengths she had gone to protect herself, it had never reached her ears. And even so, she wouldn't care. Protecting her child was the most important thing on her heart, as she had slowly bonded with the idea of being a mother to a happy child, that would grow with love and understanding.
She would spend a couple hours on her garden every day, taking in the sun when the weather allowed. She had forgone the habit of getting dressed for a while now, living on silk slip shifts and robes, her hair tied in a simple braid. The baby was strong and her shape had turned round. She always felt intense pride when standing in front of the mirror, observing how her body was accomplishing that feat with minimal bother, safe from some mild nausea on the mornings.
Tywin found her on the gardens, lain on a chase under the trees, dressed in nothing but her night gown, an open book resting on her chest and a white and grey splotched kitten tucked on her side. She was asleep, profiting from the good weather. She seemed well, good colours on her face, looking healthier, recovered, more beautiful than he ever thought possible. The image of paradise, with her hand resting on their baby, now very perceptible on her otherwise slim figure.
-Darling? –he called softly, finding it odd using endearing terms when they had barely spoken in a moon. Dry words exchanged by raven had been their main way of communication.
She opened her eyes, covering a yawn with her hand, surprised with the sight of him.
-How have you been? –he asked, trying his best to respect the distance she had established.
-Well. –she said simply, sitting up, closing the book, moving the kitten from her lap to the ground- And you?
For a moment he couldn't find a real answer of how he had been. He searched for words on his mind and heart, but it was impossible to surmise it. After all he had done on those past days and weeks, acting like a diplomat, a tyrant, a grieving uncle, a broken father, a disappointing husband, a ruthless judge and a vengeful executioner… he didn't know of himself anymore.
-Alone. –he said finally, aware that Catelyn responded well to his vulnerability. He didn't know how to mend things with her anymore.
Being away from her was painful, but she needed that space. He would respect that, as he knew that he would not able to honour any other of her wishes. But it had been over a moon now, and he had spent most of that time in Lannisport, busy with a multitude of tasks, swallowed by the aftermath of it all. The port still needed rebuilding, the fleet was nothing more now than a small number of mismatched unsuitable vessels he had purchased from multiple places. Signs of winter started to appear in the North. His wife enclosing herself in her chambers, afraid of her own shadow… He yearned for some peace, and that was only found on her embrace.
-I think that the baby has started to move, but everyone say is too soon for it. –she said, indicating the space next to her for him to sit- We know now it is only one, as the meister has listened to his heart.
-Good. –he said with strangled voice, sitting next to her, discreetly wiping away the tear of relief that had just formed on his eye- I was told he is growing strong.
-I have read some very imaginative ideas a meister had about what happens to babies in the womb. –she indicated the book, opening a smile- And have already finished some little garments for the baby.
-I was also told you are not receiving any visitors, besides Enya and your uncle.
-I am not ready yet. –she said, her smile turning sad, knowing she was forfeiting her courtly obligations.
-You take the time you need, and if you are content like this is all that matters. –he tentatively placed his arm around her shoulders.
-Are you back now? –she asked, looking up at him, accepting his touch- From Lannisport?
-Do you want me to be back?
-Yes. –she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder giving into his embrace- I need you home.
-I have no intention of going anywhere. –he promised, a weight being lifted from his chest -I am sorry if I should have done things differently…
-No. –she covered his lips with her fingers- I do not wish to know anything other than if we are safe. Are we safe, Tywin?
-Yes.
And he had gone to hellish lengths to ensure that. But now he could say that with his entire chest. The threat was gone, neutralised to the best of his abilities. And he really wanted to tell her the details of how he had managed that, share the things he uncovered, explain his reasoning, ask for her opinion… but she wasn't ready to know. At the same time he imagined that she only wanted to be spared from the violence of it, he also believed that she was just protecting herself from further disappointment on him. She had wanted him to choose her and their baby over his daughter, and he could not do that on that moment, in the way she wanted. She had the right to demand reparation for what she endured, but destroying Cersei wasn't something Tywin was prepared to do.
That night they had dinner together on his bedchambers, where they spoke of the rebuilding of the port, the Riverlander settlement and the first signs of Winter, reported by the Citadel. He was glad that they could still talk of other things, and even find on themselves joy enough to laugh. After supper he soaked himself for far too long on a warm and relaxing bath. Catelyn had left to her bedchambers, where Maise prepared her to sleep.
Tywin wondered if it would be for the best to leave her alone that night. He was content with his progress so far. She hadn't been necessarily open to advances, and there was an undeniable lingering awkwardness between them, but that was to be expected. Soft knocks on his door, that he could already recognise as Maise's, brought him back from his wandering thoughts.
-My Lady Catelyn wishes to know if she should await you tonight. –that had been the first time Tywin had ever been asked that, not even with Jo. But he understood that they had been treading in uncharted waters for those past few weeks, and that it was also his responsibility to diminish the awkwardness, as she was making a real effort.
-Is she ready to settle? –he asked.
-Yes, she is in bed now. Pardon me if I am being too familiar, my Lord… But I do believe that she only wishes you to know that you are welcome to join her. –the maid said, shyly- She has smiled more today than she did in this past moon.
-Thank you, Maise. You can go now.
She smiled and curtsied, making her way back through the corridor in what seemed to be towards the servant's quarters. Tywin opened Catelyn's door slowly, trying to not startle her. The only light in the room was from the wilting fireplace, but it was enough for him to see her smile at the sight of him. Tywin unrobed himself, walking around to what he presumed would be his side of that bed, and tucked himself under the blankets, scooting over and pressing his chest against her back.
Catelyn let a little noise escape, pleased with his presence, interlocking their fingers on the hand that rested on her stomach, caressing their little one. Soft, warm and loving, she trembled in anticipation, as he kissed her shoulder and neck.
-Nothing ever needs to happen if you do not wish for it. –he said- But I will not tolerate this piece of fabric between us.
She allowed him to remove her sleeping garments, throwing them across the room. He was already bare, as in his nameday, and she was glad for it. Under the blankets, nothing between them, his hands trailing on her body, gentle kisses exchanged with whispered declarations of love… That was the peace he had yearned for, the safety she had so desperately tried to achieve. The little bump where their child grew was nested between them, her leg resting over his hip, offering access to what they both longed for.
She allowed a moan escape her lips once he found his way back inside her, and Tywin felt his entire body shiver, as he grasped her thigh firmly and moved in and out of her very slowly, gritted teeth, trying to remember that she was carrying their child and that he needed be gentle. This, for them, was something new. They were usually quite adventurous and intense on their coupling, and she always surrendered herself to him completely. She had learned what she liked and how, always finding words to guide him towards what she wanted of him. But not tonight, as his apex came quickly, intense and searing.
-Let me help you finish… -he asked, once his thoughts cleared.
-I only need you to hold me. –she cuddled against his chest- I am sure you will make it up to me in the morning. –he laughed, well aware that she was right, as that was their preferred way of starting the day- I am happy to have you home.
-I haven't slept properly in days, lain awake all night long, thinking of what else could I do to make you feel safe again. –he said, sounding sad and tired- I felt exposed, alone in a bed that wasn't ours, and wondered if you felt the same. I feared that you remained angry and hurt with me, so I was decided to come home and beg for your forgiveness, as another night away from you would be torture.
-I am no longer angry. –she moved away slightly to look at him- But I am sad and hurt. It will pass.
He nodded in agreement, looking pretty sad and hurt himself.
-Most nights I would write you a letter, detailing everything I had done on that day. Every decision made, and the process to get to that conclusion, always penned down. That was the closest thing I had from a conversation with you.
-So where are my letters? –she asked.
-Some safe, some burned… –he said- You don't wish to know.
-I may change my mind eventually. –she said- If you wrote me your innermost thoughts and struggles, I want to be the one to keep those words, even if I am not ready to read them yet.
-I will handle them to you in the morning. And if you do decide to read it, please remember that I never really expected you to lay eyes on them.
She cuddled against his chest once more, remembering how her original idea of him as a heartless, dark and vindictive man was very far from reality. She wasn't innocent and knew that he was very well capable of some terrible things without batting an eye, and that he had some emotional responses that could be considered proportional. But she had grown to understand that to be able to secure their rule and have their position well stablished above their nobility, such measures were warranted. The West was very different from the Riverlands, where her father was able to rule under the guise of friendship and understanding. The West needed someone able to act decisively to whatever lengths necessary.
Catelyn kissed him and promised that he was loved and that she appreciated all he had done, even though she didn't wish to know specifics. She was aware that he was hurting, that he had also lost someone very special and that he truly loved, and apologised for not taking his grief into the consideration it deserved. Tywin guaranteed her she had nothing to be sorry for, and slowly relaxed on her arms, falling peacefully asleep.
He woke up alone on her bedchambers, unaware of what time of the day it was. He still felt quite tired, like he was very well capable of falling asleep again. He reached for her pillow, inhaling her characteristic perfume, and concluded that everything he had done during this past moon had been worth it.
Things felt different because they were, and time would have to heal that wound. He washed his face, put back on some pants, dressed himself on his heavy silk lined robe, and walked out of the room. The Residency was quiet, but bright and airy, like the threat of winter was nothing more than a distant thought. He hadn't remembered that place being so peaceful, previously having a larger number of servants around, and Catelyn's ladies-in-waiting frequently present. Now, it felt more like a home, like their space. He saw that she had made some changes decorating the place, some dark green and blush pink starting to appear on curtains, cushions and tapestries. She had added more plants and flowers on the spaces that would allow them to grow, and he could see a small vine of red ivy starting to twist upwards on the corridor walls. The place looked alive, as he knew it would once she made it their home.
Tywin found her on the garden, sipping some tea in the company of Enya. Her hair looked very bright under the sunlight, and she was wearing a light and simple lilac dress. Enya, looking well, seemed to be hiding her actual influence in that turn of events very well. He had always liked and valued Enya as a person, but before the attack on Casterly Rock, the role she had on his mind was the one of Catelyn's dearest friend, the bond between them stronger than the one among sisters. For a while, he even dared to think that the two of them were lovers, due to Catelyn's resolve on not marrying, and that thought certainly played some magic on his loins. But after the attack, he started to see Enya much more as a general of Catelyn's army, as someone capable of making the harsh decisions or expressing the darker thoughts Catelyn's nature not always allowed.
She had visited Lannisport with the sole intention of laying eyes on Tysanne Lefford, and remained to help him and Brynden Tully create the plan they would later present to the King. She was the one writing down a storm of ideas, the one who brought a collection of notes detailing everything that had happened, and each person's role on the decision making of the plot. She listed possible uncovered co-conspirators, and why she believed they were involved.
Her little sister, Eliasand, had proven herself incredibly resourceful and capable for her young age, and had not left her sister's side during all of it, but previously, she had managed to make friends and formed alliances inside the Household, even with the Meister, and had some damming notes of her own in regards to many people they had gathered around them, that Tywin had allowed to have access to Catelyn. And she had also being the one, at age six and ten, who stood in front of Tywin on their way to the Shield Islands, to meet the King, and lobbied her own future.
-I will bring the King to Casterly Rock and have him agree to anything you wish for me to make him agree to. –she said, not leaving room to any interpretation of what she had just offered- You said that the King is lustful man, not very bright. I am sure I can secure his support.
Enya lifted her eyes from whatever she had being writing, lips parted with surprise. Tywin looked from her to Tytos, who was the intended husband and had been sat there the whole time. He wondered if Ellie was aware of the talks having already happened between Kevan and her father, but it would be naïve of him to believe otherwise. Tytos smirk and amused expression only served to intrigue Tywin even further.
-And why would you ruin yourself like that? –he asked in disbelief, broadly gesticulating towards Tytos, who now had an open smile.
-My Lord Tytos and I have an understanding. –she said simply, to which Tytos nodded in agreement, making Enya even more astonished, poor Rowan absolutely confused- I can think of many worse fates than to be well liked by the King.
-Not "well liked" Ellie! –Enya finally spoke, resting her quill on top of the ruined page- Father would lose his mind. You would be ruined.
-What do you want in return? –Tywin asked, wondering if that wouldn't be a good way of handling it.
-I want Seagard.
-Seagard is not mine to give. –Tywin said.
-I am not asking you for it. I am telling you that I intend on getting myself some support from the King, and that you can use this to your advantage if it means that what happened to my sister is avenged properly.
Tywin remember that the silence was very loud, as Enya inner thoughts could almost be heard, judging by her expressions. Eliasand was absolutely serious, and Enya promptly got her locked up on her cabin. Some serious shouting happened after the meeting, and Tywin extracted from Tytos what type of plan they had been concocting.
-She wants Seagard. –Tytos said, in a very matter of fact way- Her older brother has given her enough reason to hate his guts, so she wants Seagard for herself.
-And besides fucking the King, what else the plan entailed?
-Asking the King to request her brother to the King's guard. A very Aerys thing to do, but very effective. –Tytos seemed to be proud of it- She is very capable of ruling, especially with some of our support. Her younger brother is absolutely unfit to rule, as he has some sort of handicap. So she would be the one to inherit Seagard in the absence of the older brother.
-You are to take over Castamere. –Tywin was confused- Why would you accept Seagard?
-Castamere is beautiful, but it is an empty mine, full of ghosts. –he said- I am indeed very grateful for your offer, however… Seagard is part of the Riverlands, very near the North. It is a very important naval city, with a significant port. We would still have a Mallister on the seat, but truly, it would be under Lannister rule, just like the Twins.
-Didn't you thought of sharing this with me before Eliasand's little spectacle?
-I was not aware that she intended on whoring herself for that Seat, or even bringing it up right now. I had promised that I would have the means to get her brother out of the way, and honestly I had been considering an assassin, rather than asking nicely for it. She is a very capable young person, but she is still only six and ten. And she is quite angry at her brother and scared after what happened to her sister. Acting harshly is part of the temper proper of her age.
-Why? Why is she that angry at her brother?
-I wasn't told, but she promises she isn't being petty or just greedy. She is being vengeful.
-Interesting. –Tywin commented.
-Honestly I do not believe she would do it. –Tytos said after a while- I wouldn't mind if she went through with it, and I would actually like if we could secure a bastard from Robert, but I am sure she wouldn't do it.
-How can you be so sure?
-Because telling us, in front of Enya, with Brynden Tully on board, she pretty much made sure she would be kept captive until return, as Enya would never allow it. Do you know that poor Rowan didn't get any real action until their wedding night? –Tytos said, making Tywin slightly surprised, seeing as they were both widowers and quite close- Enya would whore herself before allowing for Ellie to be dishonoured.
-She forced her hand deliberately. –Tywin understood finally- She openly offered her virginity for her father's seat and vengeance for her sister, knowing we would never allow it. She made sure to secure my support with the offered sacrifice. As I will have her brother removed, taken to King's Landing, drowned on the low tide, or simply gone. It isn't even a matter of why now, only how.
-She is offering us Seagard, instead of occupying Castamere, that was already ours. And now she is going to explain her reasons to Enya, who will be much more inclined to appease her distressed sister, and who will surely believe Ellie's reasons for wanting their brother gone. Because why would Ellie risk her honour, if she didn't have very strong motives to? I believe it may have something to do with the younger sisters, who are still very young children. But she neither confirms or denies.
Sailing to the Shield Islands with the intention of being reunited with Robert and discuss what they should do about Cersei, hadn't been a decision easy to make. Tywin's instinct was to act on his own, not explain himself and be uncompromising with what needed to happen. However, those circumstances had changed once he made his daughter Robert's Queen, a Baratheon. Besides, he had found some value on having a trusted council helping him guide his rage, and that made him more comfortable with the prospect of such assembly being necessary.
He had first to make peace with the fact that Robert wasn't acting with enough deference towards his father-in-law, the most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms, the one who had being making his rule possible, the one who actually decided who would sit on the Throne. Tywin was the one funding the defences against the Greyjoys, much more than the North and the Reach combined, who had also been attacked relentlessly not only during the Rebellion but throughout the years. He had been the one who plotted a way to have the Siege come to a close. And his pay had been blatant disrespect from Robert, Ned Stark and even the Tyrells.
He wasn't surprised when he identified a Stark vessel connected to the Royal Battleship. Ned Stark had joined his friend on that leisure season, to celebrate their victory, after having sailed rapidly back to the North, to secure that the Greyjoy boy was kept safely away from his people's reach. They hadn't been easy to find, and Tywin made sure to inform them that he was on his way.
It was enraging that after having gone through such an ordeal with the Greyjoys, the Rebellion prolonging itself for moons due to their lack of interest or assertiveness, Robert decided to waste even more time sailing up and down the coast, not a care in the world, leaving Jon Arryn to rule in his place. He clearly didn't want the crown, or respected it. And that was unacceptable.
This time, in comparison to the previous one, Tywin and his entourage was received on the deck by the King himself and his northern friend, who was accompanied by his wife. Tywin remembered Ashara Dayne very well, as they both lived in the Red Keep during the same period of time. She, as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Elia. Him, as Lord Hand. She no longer looked as the young adolescent girl he remembered, being now the mother of three, and just as beautiful as she had been as a maiden. Tywin could not understand the talks about Ned Stark being unhappy in marriage, but he knew very well that some men do not know how to value true worth. After the usual pleasantries exchanged among the Great Lords, they could have a private word.
-I trust you to be enjoying the good weather. –Tywin kissed the hand Ashara offered.
-Indeed, my lord. It is pleasant to see you looking so well. –she said, a small curtsy, like the old times when they both didn't shared the same status- I hope Catelyn to be in good health.
-My Lady Wife is, in fact, the reason why I have requested this meeting. –he answered- And I would like you to join us, as I am sure you council will be valuable.
-Is she well? –Ashara's expression darkened in worry, looking from him to the others in search of an answer.
-She is now. Didn't you receive any word from the continent? –he asked, surprised, including her husband and the King into their conversation.
-We are just returning from the Westernmost of the Shield Islands. –Robert responded, looking much more put together on his friend's presence. He was almost fully sober in the middle of the afternoon, and Tywin hadn't witnessed that in a good while- The only real correspondence we received was your request for this meeting.
Tywin took a deep breath, realising that he had some very serious news to relay to those people who barely tolerated him. News that contained some admission of incompetence on his part. They were sat at a round table on the dining deck, where the large windows and ample space awarded them privacy away from the servants and other members of their household. Tywin's entourage, consisting only of Brynden Tully and Enya, had come prepared to overwhelm Robert with information. But now, in the presence of the Starks, their intended dynamic had changed. One thing Tywin had for sure in his mind was the fact that Ned Stark had feelings for his wife, and he was not truly convinced it was only brotherly love.