27. CONSPIRACY
Enya sat quietly on the rocky ledge of the cliff, relieved by having finally left the tunnels. The sun was high in the horizon and she knew that she would have to move quickly if she was to have any hope of being found, but seeing the sky was already a victory, and she would savour it. The exhaustion was like nothing she had ever felt before, and she had laboured for over a day to have her baby. She was hungry, thirsty, her head was pounding, her eyes were sensitive to the light, and her lungs were protesting the dust from those century old tunnels. But she was alive, and looking at the sky.
She had the sense that at least a couple days had passed since she plunged into that tunnel, fighting for her life. She had been closely followed for a long time, but playing in labyrinths as a child had given her that advantage, which she hoped Catelyn shared. Enya refused to think of any of her loved ones, as it was too painful. And grief would have to come later. But Catelyn was always there, on the back of her mind, and now the thought of Rowan gave her a sense of safety.
She had concluded, whilst walking those corridors, praying for a way out, that she had a lonely heart and that it was an advantage. She cared for her soul sister, who also cared for her. She had romantic feelings for her husband, who declared her love and acted devoted. She missed her parents, and clearly loved her siblings, especially Eliasand. Her heart would forever be broken by the loss of her baby boy, and Everard was still a sore subject. She had friends and knew many people. She knew she was loved by people who mattered. But her heart was lonely, and that's how she kept herself strong.
That tunnel was clearly part of an old mine, open to the cliff face to facilitate the extraction of ore. She could see a narrow and winding road leading towards what she hoped to be the base of the mountain. The wind would make her movements more dangerous, so she ripped and tied her skirts around her legs, changing the bandages she had involving her bleeding feet. Every step was painful, but dying was unacceptable, so she continued.
How was the fortress breached? –she would ask herself, realising that it wasn't out of the question for those same tunnels to be used as a way in- How did they know where to wait? Was it true that the white stone façade of the Residency could be seen from the ocean? But how could those people know where to go? And who were they?
Enya knew for sure that those were not Ironborn folk, as she had firstly assumed. She heard them, and she knew that their accent was not from the iron islands. Growing up in Seagard, having constant interactions with them, harbouring salt wives and watching them be made prisoners… She knew how they sounded like, and that was not it. So who were they? And why act like that?
She had seen the bodies of some Lannister guards when she was running away, and she had witnessed Saera's assassination. She also knew that they needed Catelyn, and the only reason they had kept following her was because they believed the two of them were together.
"The bitches are never apart" –she had heard them say- "Keep the Tully whore, kill the other."
And the words being chosen to describe Catelyn were very telling. Tully, said in a very distinctive way, setting her aside. Enya didn't know why she felt some type of way about that, but she certainly did. Sellswords sent by the Queen? A possibility. Revenge from the scorned Ladies-in-waiting? Not enough time to plot such a scheme. Other enemies of Tywin that they didn't know about? Revenge seekers?
Enya kept walking down the winding narrow road, passing some gated entrances to different tunnels. She had imagined carts of ore being transported that way. The sun was starting to hurt her skin, the thirst becoming painful, her thoughts turning clouded. She watched the ocean for a while, the soothing sound of the waves that were her lullaby as a child. Every step forward made her wish to lay down and fall asleep. She was covered in scratches, dirt, blood, her lips were cracked and bleeding, her eyes were protesting the light… But she continued on. She was probably the only person who knew where Cat was. She was Rowan's smile. She would carry on.
.
-The Lady Enya was found. –Catelyn was informed by the meister in the beginning of the night.
Her relief was such that if Tywin hadn't been stood next to her, she would have hit the ground. But even with the good news she had heard, she saw as the expression on the man's face was heavy, worried. Dark.
-Where is she? –Tywin asked, his tone uncertain.
-In my domains. –the meister responded- She might not survive the night.
Catelyn heard that, and in the next moment she had freed herself from Tywin's arms and marched out of the chambers, wearing nothing but her sleep shifts and a lose silk robe, barefoot on the stone, leaving bloody prints behind. She wouldn't cry, or despair. That meister was surely wrong, and Enya would be fine. She heard Tywin trailing behind her, the guards shuffling to keep up with her pace. But nothing else mattered. She couldn't even form a thought on her mind, all she would do was walk towards her.
Not long ago, Catelyn had been the one laying on that same cot, where Enya rested. She looked lifeless, if not for the shallow breathing and light shivers. Maids tried to clean her with wet rags, and Catelyn could see that she was sunburned and covered in dust and cobwebs. Her nails were broken, her feet were in a state of disgrace, and she was covered only by her smallclothes.
-Enya? –Catelyn called her name, quietly, after clearing her mind of any despair- Enya, my love… -she touched her face lightly, feeling her skin burning- You need to wake.
Tywin stood there, next to the door, revolted by the sight of the beautiful and lively Enya, covered in bruises, barely breathing, dry as a wilting flower. He was surprised by Catelyn's calm and concluded that she was probably just numb, confronted by that unreal image. He wondered where Rowan was, and watched as Eliasand invaded the room, taken in complete desperation.
-We need to cool her. –the girl said, swallowing her emotions and ordering the maids to get colder water- She needs something to drink.
-She cannot swallow. –the meister said-There's not much to be done, Lady Mallister. Let her go is the dignified thing to do…
But Catelyn had fared a war, and Enya's state was clearly a battle. Eliasand was a fighter, so there was no chance that they would sit idly and watched one of the people they loved the most, die. The girl was ignoring the meister, looking around and opening cabinets trying to find something to help. Catelyn had jumped onto the cot, lifting Enya's torso and having her leaning on her chest, her head flopping back on Catelyn's shoulder.
-Are you going to assist them or what? –Tywin asked the meister, as he saw Eliasand find a long and fine funnel and approach her sister.
But his assistance wasn't necessary, as Eliasand introduced the tube on Enya's mouth, down her throat, making her gag and heave, very well secure on Catelyn's grip.
-Can you hear breathing? –Catelyn asked, but Eliasand seemed confident that she had done it right, and slowly poured a very small amount of honey mixed in water and waited- She is breathing and not choking, you can continue.
And for a long time, in what seemed to be hours, they slowly fed Enya. She was now clearly awake, but remained very quiet, her eyes trying to communicate, but her weakness preventing her. The tube was removed not long before Rowan arrived, and Tywin stopped him from interfering on what was happening there. Enya now being submerged on tepid water, to wash away the dirt accumulated on those days in the tunnels. Both men had retreated back to the seat next to the windows, observing the women acting silently. Rowan tried to hide his tears, but Tywin reassured him that his reactions were appropriate.
There was some odd quality to the events that were developing in front of them, like they were mystic creatures in a healing journey. Enya looked slightly emaciated, pale under the torches, her nudity meaning nothing in face of her fragility. Catelyn was sat at a chair next to the coper tub, still holding Enya up, whilst Eliasand and a couple maids washed her and tended to her injuries. Enya was silent, but awake, and she would stare at Catelyn for a long time, as seeking strength.
-You will be fine, my love. –Catelyn would say- You were so brave and strong…
Slowly, she was able to drink on her own. She tried to speak, but her voice was rasp and words seemed painful.
-Rowan? –she asked, wondering where would he be, unaware of his presence there for the longest time.
-I am here, my love. I am right here. –he approached his wife, finally releasing Catelyn from her functions and allowing Tywin to comfort his own wife.
-Home? –Enya whispered, as if asking for his help.
-You should be here a little longer, where we have ways to care for you. –Eliasand said- We will take you home soon, dear.
-Yes, listen to Ellie. –Rowan held her face, staring at her like he couldn't believe his eyes- You are safe and you will recover.
Tywin knew it would not be possible to remove Catelyn from there, so he acted as a dutiful husband and returned to the Residency, gathered dry clothes for her, and ordered her maids to tend to her on the meister's domains. He also made sure to wash his face, still feeling drowsy because of the milk of the poppy, deciding that he would never again allow for such escape. He was aware that it was clear that he had cried and he still felt like crying. His frustration rivalling only his rage.
-I heard the news. –Genna was there, on the seafront room, sitting on the bench by the windows, wrapped on a heavy blanket and watching the rain that started to pour.
-You should be resting… -Tywin walked towards her, a ghost of herself, hair unkempt, eyes swollen, pale skin.
-If I have another dream of us leaving my little princess behind on that crypt I will jump out of this window, Ty.
-I understand. –he said, standing next to her, wrapping his arms around her, resting her face on his chest.
-Should I have sent Saera to King's Landing, like Cersei wanted? Would she be safe there?
-She should have been safe here.
-Why wasn't she, Ty? –Genna looked up at her brother- What happened? How was Casterly Rock breached like that?
-I have theories, and I have people looking into it.
-Were they Ironborn?
-Some. –he answered, still unsure of how that would have been possible- Enough to justify what I will do next.
-And what will you do?
-I will kill them all. –he vowed to his beloved sister- For Saera.
-The crown will never accept this as a proportional response.
-I will ask for forgiveness and not permission.
.
Enya had rescued herself, and still very frail she was determined to do her part. A couple days after her return, she was moved back to the tower she shared with Rowan and no longer after that, she called a meeting, now that her throat was feeling better, to speak about the information she had gathered from the ordeal. She wasn't even necessarily dressed, more like involved in fabric around her torso, with skin peeling from her sunburned shoulders and nose, unguent soaked dressings wrapping her feet and her hair tied back.
She described what had happened once she parted ways with Catelyn, aptly avoiding talking about Saera. She spoke of the tunnels and that could have been a way of accessing the Castle, as she couldn't think of anything else to explain such an attack on the most impenetrable fortress of Westeros. She mentioned the accents se had heard and that she didn't believe them to be Ironborn. She mentioned that Catelyn was the intended target, and relayed some of the things she had heard.
-I have confirmation that a band of Ironborn men were involved. –Lord Brynden said, looking tired and old, but certain- Not all of them escaped.
-They escaped? –Catelyn asked, hearing of it for the first time, cold dread inundating her veins.
-Some. –Tywin replied, feeling the conflicting emotions on his wife's stare.
-I know they escaped and I saw some bodies. The guards, I mean. –Enya commented, looking away.
-Bodies? –Catelyn's tone was heightened, looking around the room in disbelief- I do not appreciate being kept in the dark.
She saw as the men looked down, aware that their intent on protecting her could not involve hiding facts. They would eventually need her council, as it was clear they already needed Enya's now. Her uncle looked exhausted, and Tywin was still plagued with grief. Rowan stood by Enya, and that was his only thought and priority on that moment.
-Six soldiers were slaughtered prior to the attack. –Lord Bracken started after taking a deep breath, remembering that he had made his vows to Catelyn and informing her of what she wished to know- They were Lannister swords, and the reason I was alerted of something wrong right before it all happened, was due to their absence on that hallway. It was confusing as the spear used to… injure Lady Saera, was issued for the Lannister guards. So for a moment, I believed they had attacked us. The route for your return to the Residency had been previously planned in order for it to be properly covered, as we were aware that the Feast would require more security.
-So how the attackers knew exactly where we would be? –Enya asked, her voice still rasp.
-Lord Brynden and I have come to the conclusion that it must have been extracted from a guard or someone from the Household. Somehow.
Tywin looked at Catelyn, almost hearing her thoughts by the way she was staring at the floor. He was aware of the way the investigation was progressing and he knew that the possibility that the entirety of the Lannister guard had been compromised was high, and he had been busy trying to identify the perpetrators. Brynden Tully was uncompromising about his niece's safety, and he was very well ingrained into acquiring information.
-So what are the theories? –Catelyn finally asked, looking up at the men.
-We have lists of possible dissidents, people who might have mixed loyalties. –Tywin said- And we are questioning them.
-Have we investigated the Tully guard? –she asked.
-I did it first, as none of our men were lost, my lady. –Lord Bracken- I could not find anything. That is why your current guard is no longer mixed with Lord Tywin's, for the moment.
-Have this been informed to the Crown? –Enya asked, but couldn't hear any response as someone was at the doors, wanting to talk to them, as a guard announced, interrupting the meeting.
Lord Brynden went to see who it was, and returned followed by two of the young ladies-in-waiting. Both girls looked terrified, but they fought to carry themselves in a dignified way. Odille Serret stood next to Tysanne Lefford, who had clearly cried and wanted nothing more than to not be there. Catelyn and Enya exchanged a look, and as a curtain had been lifted, they seemed to understand. They knew.
-What is this? –Tywin asked, looking every bit as a menace as he was.
Tysanne almost fainted, and was quickly reduced back to tears, hiding her face on Odille's shoulder, wishing for nothing else but to disappear. Catelyn stood up, imagining that Tysanne's aunt, Luella Lefford, had something to do with whatever brought the girls there. Catelyn also remembered that the young one was engaged to marry Moyra Lannister's son.
-We will speak with them privately. –Catelyn announced, indicating that they were to be left alone.
-A word? –Tywin asked, an eyebrow dangerously raised, guiding his wife to a corridor in search for some privacy- What do you believe this to be?
-We are about to find out that your daughter plotted my assassination, again. –she declared, observing his expression darken, his lips lightly parted as if he was overcome with disbelief.
-What are their names? –Tywin asked simply, his tone as cold as ice.
-I do not know which of them are involved, but judging by Tysanne's presence and nervous state… Moyra Lannister and Luella Lefford.
-Reginauld's wife and Gawan's sister.
-Lord Lefford's sister is good friends with Cersei.
-I see. –he looked out of a window for a long moment, and when locked his eyes back on Catelyn he asked- Do I seize them?
-As a precaution. –she agreed, glad that he was at the very least trying to act in a measured way- I believe they may be in Lannisport Castle. Enya and I will talk with the girls, please keep the guard near.
He nodded in agreement, and guided his wife back to the solar, where now only Enya remained, keeping company to the two young visitors. Tywin understood that his presence there was the issue, as he was quite intimidating. The Lefford girl feared for her life. Odille, whom he knew from the raised garden build, looked much older now, her expressions heavy with worry.
-Tysanne… -Catelyn called softly, sitting next to Enya, observing Tywin shut the door behind him- Darling, what is hurting you?
The girl looked at Catelyn and wiped some tears. She was not in a state for speaking, but luckily Odille was.
-As I am sure you are aware, I know this area very well. –Odille started, the lively sparkle on her eyes was now gone- I helped with the remodelling, mostly with the gardens. For a while, when I was younger, my father served Lord Tywin on his council and we were placed in this part of the castle, mainly in a tower near this one. So I know this area fairly well. The passageways, the entrance to the tunnels and mineshafts, the connexions to the outside…
-Rowan told me that you helped looking for us. –Enya said, her voice low and rasp, but very audible.
-I tried my best. –Odille opened a sad smile- I do not know the tunnels all that well, but my father did, as he was the Master of Mines for a few years. So he had maps, sketches... Nothing official or final, as those projects had been delivered to lord Tywin many years ago. However, when father left back home and I remained in court, I kept some of his arks, and I always knew that they contained some of his work. –she paused for a long moment, glimpsing at Tysanne and realising that the other would not say a word- When the attacks happened and the search begun, I mentioned the sketches and maps to Lord Rowan, and he told me it wasn't necessary, as they already had father's final versions. But in any case, I opened the arks only to find that it was all gone.
-Did you took it, Tysanne? –Catelyn asked, watching the girl nod affirmatively looking defeated- Who told you to take them?
-My aunt. –she whispered- Not long after your arrival.
-And who told Lady Luella to secure those maps? –Catelyn prodded further.
-As I have understood…The Queen.
A long silence befall them, interrupted only by the sobs of Tysanne. The sweet Odille still tried to comfort her, whispering that things would be fine now, that she was brave for confessing, that it was the right thing to do. But Catelyn and Enya knew that Tysanne's chances of survival were very slim and that Lady Luella was a dead woman walking. Gawan Lefford, their liege, was already in some degree of trouble with Tywin, due to the clear corruption they had unmasked when travelling from Riverrun, finding hurt soldiers being left to rot under his care after taking a non-trivial amount of gold.
-So you stole from your friend to conspire in the killing of your lady? –Enya asked looking deadly dangerous for someone barely alive- What could possibly have possessed you to do that?
-I wasn't aware that this was an assassination attempt. I couldn't have known. –she tried to defend herself- My aunt was promised that she would be allowed to join Queen Cersei's court if she did what she was told. And that Lady Moyra would also be called to King's Landing, so I would be the Lady of Lannisport Castle, after marrying my Lord Owen.
Owen Lannister was Moyra's older son. His father, Lord Reginauld, was an elderly man. Catelyn remembered the lessons from Lady Maeryan, and she learned that the reason why Moyra Lannister remained in Casterly Rock and not at her own Castle, was due to Lord Reginauld's mistress, who lived with him for many years. It wasn't uncommon for those sorts of arrangements to exist, and Lady Moyra seemed to be happy away from her Lord.
-The fact that you banished them in the eve of the Feast had nothing to do with the outcome. –Odille declared- All was already planned by then.
-They begged us to join them, to leave. –Tysanne said- Rosamund, Elys and me. I believed it was because of their clear dislike of the Riverland way, and Lady Moyra even promised to make my wedding happen very soon. But my father was already here, and I stayed with him, as I hadn't seen him in years.
-Rosa and Elys didn't wish to leave. –Odille said- They were very sad with their mothers.
-They hid until their Mothers left. –Tysanne said- I couldn't have known that they were trying to keep us away from the Residency… I can see it now, but not before…
Catelyn and Enya stared at each other for the longest moment, whilst Odille tried to comfort Tysanne, who was now back at desperately sobbing and muttering excuses. Cersei had tried again and nearly succeeded. Saera paying the ultimate price for it all. They still couldn't understand how that band of assassins were formed, especially considering Lord Brynden's assertion that the Ironborn were involved somehow. How would Cersei have access to those men, right after the Rebellion? Who else had helped her?
-Tysanne, do you have anything else to say? –Catelyn asked, glancing at Lord Bracken, who had stood there the entire time on the edge of the room.
-I am sorry and I beg your forgiveness. –she fell onto her knees, and crawled on Catelyn's direction, reaching for her hands- I did not know…
-What did you thought would happen, when you gave your aunt those maps? –Enya asked, looking in disgust at Tyanne kissing Catelyn's hands.
-I didn't think anything of it.
And now she was clearly lying. Neither Catelyn or Enya had ever taken Tysanne for a fool. From the Western ladies-in-waiting, she was the older of the bunch, the one engaged to marry above her station, the one with flourished feelings and charm, the one clearly interested on Rowan. She was close to her aunt, which meant she had also known Cersei for a while. She was smart, and from the beginning she had acted in a calculated way in relation to her new Lady. She knew too much to feign ignorance.
-Anything? –Enya leaned towards them, eyes so sharp they could kill- You stole from your friend, handled important information to your aunt, a personal friend to the queen, who clearly disliked Catelyn and had plotted to kill her before, and offered you advantages way above your birth status, and you presume to tell us that you didn't think any of it? You, that lobbied in front of Tywin Lannister himself, to keep the girls out of harm's way and remain on the Feast?
-I couldn't know… -she was now terrified again, concluding that she had just secured a place as a co-conspirator on that assassination attempt- Please, my lady, I beg you…
Odille stood up, startled by the realisation that Lord Bracken had been there the whole time, and that he was now seizing Tysanne, who started to kick and scream, begging to be let go, grabbing Catelyn's arms so tight that her nails left indents on her skin. Soon, more guards entered the room, and helped Lord Bracken to drag Tysanne out. Odille stood there, resigned, hearing her friend's accusations that she had promised it would be for the best to confess, tears finally rolling down her face.
-Dear, come here… -Catelyn asked, extending her hand to the other one, who slowly walked towards the couch, taking a seat next to her Lady- Odille, you have served me very well. –Catelyn wiped her tears- You acted perfectly, and I am very thankful.
-I've known her for years… -she whispered- She convinced me that she hadn't known, and that's why I told her to confess, that you would be merciful.
-She is part of the conspiracy that took away my Saera. –Catelyn said- Saera would be my brother's wife, she would take my place in Riverrun and she lived by my side for many years. She was the only daughter of Lady Genna, who will never be the same. Her loss made Tywin Lannister cry.
-I've seen it. We have all seen it on the funeral. –she agreed.
-My Lord Husband adored his niece, as does my Lord Father, her Lord Father… She had brothers and we are her sisters. Wars would be fought on her name, the Iron Islands were already condemned to complete obliteration. All of them, women, children… You may have saved many lives, Odille. I want you to know that.
-Who else knows of the Queen's involvement? –Enya asked.
-No one. –she answered, taking the deepest breath- What happens now?
-I am not sure. –Catelyn responded.
-You will be temporarily moved here, for your protection. –Enya said, referring to her own tower- I believe you may wish for some distance from the other girls, to avoid questions.
-I would like that.
Soon, Catelyn's maids took Odille away, joined by Eliasand who would keep a watchful eye on their new guest. Rowan soon arrived to carry Enya back to her chambers, as she was in deep need of rest and could not walk. Catelyn left, with the intention of joining her husband back at the Residency, finding him penning some correspondence very quickly on their shared office. The place was plagued with guards, messengers and very busy looking men.
-I know. –Tywin lifted his eyes from the correspondence, to look at her for an instant, stopping her from speaking- Please, go back to your chambers and stay there.
-Ty…
-We are very busy, there's much to do. I cannot stop now, Catelyn. Do as I say. –it was an order, and it sounded bitter.
-Come… -her uncle appear next to her.
Catelyn was confused with Tywin's reactions, looking at the ensuing chaos around them and wondering if she had acted poorly, as it sure felt like she had been shunned. His tone was stark, cutting. She couldn't say what was exactly bothering her, but something clearly was. Walking towards her bedchambers, holding her uncle's arm, she decided not to fight tears any longer.
-You couldn't expect that man to remain on that fragile state for long, dear. –Lord Brynden said, opening her curtains and window, allowing the cool breeze to refresh the air.
Catelyn sat on the edge of her bed, not the one she shared with her husband, but the one she had rarely used since arriving there. Couldn't be easy on him to discover that his daughter was responsible for Saera's death, and that she had tried to kill his wife once again, now carrying his heir.
-She is the Queen. –her uncle said, after a while, having observed Catelyn's lost expression- Do not expect much revenge. He is being plagued with the concept that he cannot act as he wish, as he would. He cannot kill her, banish her. She is his daughter and a queen.
-I am his wife, and this is his unborn child. –Catelyn rested her hand on her womb- Children, as the meister believe it may be twins. If he doesn't stop her, I will never believe that I mattered to him at all.
-He loves you. So very much. We are all hurt, and you are still ailing from the ordeal.
-He will take revenge on the Greyjoys, using this as an excuse, doing what he wished to do this entire time. He will never accuse the queen, she is untouchable and nothing will ever happen to her. No consequences. She will keep on trying and I may not be so lucky again. Tywin is making his choice as we speak, uncle. –she was defeated, exhausted, kicking off her slippers and laying in bed- No one will ever know that Cersei did this. And I may have just lost the man I love.
-Nonsense, Cat. –Lord Brynden sat next to her, holding her little hands- Yes, I do believe that the Iron Islands are condemned, and no one will dissuade him from that. But Lady Genna will demand vengeance, and she will wish for the right perpetrators to be punished. I assure you, she already knows the truth.
-Cersei is the one to blame, and her twin might have helped her. He will never act against his children. Joanna's children.
-Listen… -he wiped away the tear that had rolled on her face- Catelyn, you must listen to me. –he demanded her attention- It may not be today, or tomorrow or any time soon… But this will not be forgotten or forgiven. I am here for a reason, and you are the Lady of Riverrun. Your father will never sit idly if he believes you to be in danger. It may hurt that your man may not be able to assert the vengeance you deserve, but this cannot be easy on him either.
-He is the only person with the power to do so, none of you is to attempt anything.
-He is not. In this case, he is powerless, but you are not. Ned Stark would rally behind you, your father would withdraw support from the Crown, Jon Arryn would stand by you, and if needed be, we will marry Edmure to any Tyrell or Martell to secure further alliances. It may not be a short term solution, my love, but you are not alone. If Tywin cannot act, we will.
-I would end myself before becoming the reason for another war.
-I know. –her uncle said, taking a deep breath and leaning over her to kiss her forehead- No war will be necessary. It will never come to this. Because your husband loves you and he will protect you. You must trust him. Trust me.
They were interrupted by soft knocks on the door, and Maise entered holding a small package. She handled the object to Lord Brynden, saying only that it had just been delivered to her via a messenger. It was a note, small enough to be sent by raven, hidden in the folds of a cut of blue fabric, nested on a sealed leather pouch. It was addressed to Black Fish.
-As I had said, Jon would stand by you. –he handled the piece of paper to his niece, who rapidly read it.
"Petyr Baelish has arrived in court and managed to gain favour with the Queen. Beware."
-Does it all make sense now? –the man asked, arriving at the only possible conclusion.
-Yes.
And as her doubts had never bothered her, Catelyn stood up, realigned her dress and marched out of the room. She slammed the note on the desk in font of Tywin and waited. He read it, looked around as if ordering people to leave, waited until the doors were shut and stood up, resting his quill on it's support. He extended his hand, inviting her to walk around the desk, and made her sit on his lap, cuddled against his chest.
-I know. –he whispered on her ear, doing his best to avoid being heard by anyone who could be possibly eavesdropping- I have known for a while. He arrived during the Rebellion, and had found some fortune. You forget Kevan is there.
-Why haven't you told me?
-Because I had not expected that Jon Arryn would have allowed this to happen. The man had impregnated his wife in youth. Last I heard any of it, Kevan said he was opening brothels in the city.
-He befriended your daughter.
-That's news to me, I must admit.
Catelyn took a deep breath, feeling like Tywin tightened his grip around her, nesting his face on her neck. She debated internally if it was right to say what she was thinking, finally deciding that it would do no good to anyone to express she wasn't feeling very loved. But she also very aware that what she was about to say would provoke some reactions.
-Petyr was obsessed with me. And this obsession may still be prevalent.
-Why do you say that?
-Enya said that I was not to be killed, remember?
Tywin leaned back on the chair and stared at her, understanding crossing his eyes. She knew that this piece of information changed everything for him, that a man was plotting to take his expecting wife to himself, that Cersei had conspired with him, that Lannister gold was probably funding it.
-She wants me gone, and he had the wits and the means to make it happen. She used the Rebellion, when everyone was consumed by the conflict, to plot against me. They used the Greyjoys as a cover. The Feast was the perfect opportunity. Petyr Baelish would have me and our baby, the heir to the West, to bide his time and take control of your legacy… And Cersei would give it to him.
His emerald eyes were now filled with rage, his heart pounding on his chest and his grip around her so tight it was almost painful, but she didn't bulge, holding his face with both hands, pressing their foreheads together and whispering the venom she wasn't aware she possessed.
-This is not a game, my love. –she said- You must do whatever it takes.
-Robert's reign is fickle. –he said, his voice low and dangerous- Cersei must give him a couple spares before I am able to act decisively, or Stannis might become King soon enough. I agree with you, Catelyn. I know this must be resolved once and for all, but you need to trust me. Cersei must believe we blame the Greyjoys only. Do you hear me?
-Ty…
-Just give me time. –he asked, kissing her- My love, I just need time.
-Tywin, all I want is to trust you, but I am not finding in myself how.
-I am truly sorry if you feel like I am failing you. –he said after a long instant of contemplation, when he opened his mouth and no words were spoken as he searched for them- I am sorry if my best isn't enough for you.
-I just need to feel safe. To have our child safe. –she placed his hand on her womb.
-This is what I am trying to do. –he was frustrated, more so when her tears rolled and a small sob escaped her lips- For the love of the Gods, Catelyn… You are supposed to help me. And your way of doing this now is to have patience.
She stood up, not saying a word, wiping her frustrated tears and marching out of the room. At that point, Catelyn wasn't sure what she wished for. People parted ways, to allow her to make her way to her chambers, where she entered, slamming the door shut. Had she just asked Tywin to kill his daughter? Did she really wished Cersei dead? She had no answers, and she was too tired.