282 AC – Casterly Rock, WesternLands – Seat of Power: Aerys II Targaryen
After the return from Harrenhal, Visenya met with Tywin, who had been enraged by what Aerys did. The mighty Lion resigned officially as Hand of the King and along with Visenya, Cersei and Tyrion returned to Casterly Rock.
The Dragoness did not argue with him, since with Rhaegar gone; there was not much left in the Red Keep for her. Only her dear sister, whom she did not truly wish to leave behind but Rhaella had promised to write her and eventually find a way to visit her.
For the remainder of the year and even for the full next, Visenya had found her peace in Casterly Rock. As the Lady of it, she had new power over both the lands and the loyal Lannister Soldiers.
Many of them, were former Targaryen Soldiers, who chose to serve her specifically and followed her from King's Landing. Tywin was more than pleased to accept them since all the Lannister men were paid well and had one of the best armours in the 7 Kingdoms.
Visenya seemed to be loved by both the common folk and the soldiers alike. The people at Lannisport cheered for her when she chose to revisit with Tywin and the children, just like Tywin had promised her those years ago.
For almost a full year, the Dragoness had found her true peace and was genuinely happy.
She had taken her role as Lady of Casterly Rock seriously and once again, she worked alongside Tywin. However, she took initiatives of her own and those quickly paid off.
Using her connections to other cities, especially those in the East; she arranged new deals where their ship would come to Lannisport. She made sure the city bloomed and the mines were working perfectly.
There was sudden prosperity ever since her arrival, the wealth and power of the Lannister House growing exponentially. The common folk loved her, considering her to be a good or lucky omen; many chose to gift her whenever she visited Lannisport or any other city in the WesternLands.
At the same time, she had spent her time raising Trystan with the help of Genna; who had more experience than she did. Tyrion would often join, looking at the little baby that was not so little anymore.
Trystan was growing fast and Genna joked that he would become taller than his own father. There was intelligence in his green eyes, something many took notice of by how quickly he picked up things from his early lessons and the books Tyrion would read him.
As Kevan had imagined a long time ago, that child had the potential to be the most cunning and intelligent man in centuries; the world would shake beneath him once he stood up to his full potential.
The only person that was left sour, was Cersei. With Jaime gone, she had no true company and was rather bitter. She did not like Tyrion, instead she despised him and she made sure to remind him as often as possible.
Tywin was too busy handling the affairs of the Lands and actually being a decent father to Trystan; from moment to moment. Genna was the major female influence in her, the only one Cersei allowed the closest.
Visenya did try to connect with her but the teenager pushed her away each time, making it clear she did not wish to be in her presence. In her eyes, the Dragoness was a replacement for her mother that the Stranger took too early in favour of the little monster she had to call brother.
Despite that, things were going rather well for Visenya; who had just learnt to be comfortable in her new position and in her new home.
However, it all started to go downhill as she received multiple letters about what was going on.
Rhaegar had not heard her advice and instead chose to take Lyanna in secret and flee to Dorne. This enraged Robert, who thought his betrotheds were abducted and joined with the Starks and the Boltons to demand her back.
At the same time, Aerys' madness had gone off the limits. He did not only burn more and more people he considered enemies, he was becoming utterly paranoid and his logical thinking was not existent. In his madness, he had the fine idea to capture Brandon Stark after his King's Landing.
The Lord of the North at that time had come to discuss this abduction and find a peaceful way before the impending war but he only met his death. His son Richard Start, many northern nobles and their sons were also killed upon arriving at Kind's Landing; burnt by fire.
That was the spark to ignite the Rebellion against the Crown, led by none other than Robert Baratheon himself. He allied himself with the Starks and the Boltons, the Tullys and even the Arryns.
Battles started to take place and the war was no longer able to be stopped.
Rhaegar eventually returned alone, only to be given command of the Royal Army and also the 10.000 Dornish men. Because the mad King had not only kept Elia and her two sons prisoners but also threatened the life of his King's guard, Prince Lewyn Martell; unless Dorn offered support.
Yet, as the battle raged between Loyalists and Rebells, one key player was missing; Visenya.
One night, the Dragoness received a letter from her nephew; asking her to join the battle and persuade her husband as well to offer help; since Aerys was too prideful to do so. Rhaegar needed an experienced strategist to help him lead and win those battles, as they moved more and more towards the Riverlands.
The same night, Visenya and Tywin held a meeting in his office; with no one else present.
"Absolutely not," Tywin said, making it clear where he stood in that invite.
So far the Lannisters had not chosen a side in this war, for Tywin wished to see who would win first. He was not going to risk his men and even become an enemy of the victors if he chose the wrong side.
Visenya understood that and did not pressure him, respecting his decision as she did not want to put House Lannister into trouble. Yet, the same shouldn't and couldn't count for herself.
"He is my nephew, Tywin. He is but a boy leading an army and he has no idea" she argued back, the two of them standing not too far from the light fireplace.
"And I am your husband. Trystan is your blood as well, your son, and you choose to leave him behind and risk your life like that?" he asked her, clearly getting tired of her stubbornness.
Over the course of almost 2 years since the birth of their son, the couple had become rather close with one another. Tywin was more affectionate and whatever feelings he had, he no longer held them back.
Behind closed doors, Visenya truly fell in love with the Golden Lion and he did with her. Outside, they remained formal although one could see the looks they exchanged, the passive smirks given to one another and how passively protective Tywin was of her.
He spoilt her with gifts and riches, giving her the power she had given up for his security as the Hand of the King and he had made sure to show it often. Their children were growing up to be fine men and even Tyrion seemed to look at least less hopeless in his father's eyes.
The Dragoness let out a sigh, releasing some of the pending frustration gathering in her chest. She sat on one of the red armchairs close to the fireplace and covered her face with her hands for a moment.
"I know that, Tywin. Trust me and it is not easy for me to make this decision but Rhaegar is also family. I do not let my family alone against the world" she said, looking at him as he had his back turned, his muscles tensed even beneath his clothes.
Tywin knew what she was saying for it was her love for her family, her inner need to protect them that had drawn him to her in the first place; amongst other things. She was a true lioness, a true Lady protecting her house and her family but sometimes he simply couldn't let her be.
"This war is unpredictable. If you go, I will not be able to help you. I cannot allow House Lannister to choose a side without knowing the outcome" he reminded her, glancing at her above his shoulder.
"I know and I am not asking you to. I can take a few loyal men of mine, whoever truly wishes to follow me and we will ride under my family's banners" she suggested, plans forming in her mind as she leaned slightly forward. "I promise I will not fight and I will only pick a sword if my life is in danger. I will go there to advise and plan the battles, staying in the tents and away from the battlefield" she continued, finally drawing his interest back at her.
Her husband turned slowly, shadows playing at the side of his face; cast by the fire. His expression was hard to read, his jaw clenched but it was clear he was thinking of her plan thoroughly.
The need to argue, to even lock her into her own chambers was there and it was tempting. However, he knew he would never be able to do that for she would find a way to counter his plans.
He finally marched her way, stopping in front of the armchair and looking down at her. He towered above her form as he held power in the room, his body language indicating that he was not one to be messed with; especially now.
"You are to remain out of any battle and to flee upon any signs of loss. You will not engage in any battle unless you have to defend yourself and you will tell no one of your plans" he finally said, giving clear full instructions.
Visenya had craned her head back to look up at him, hearing him speak those words with the slightest hesitation. It was not that he did not believe in her skills but he did not trust the outcome of this war.
She eventually stood up to her full height, now their eye level being far closer as the Lion and the Dragon stared at one another; both with equal power.
Yet, Visenya simply cupped his cheek with her hand and tilted her head faintly to the side as her amber eyes softened. "I promise. I will return back to you unscathed and unharmed" she promised and pecked his lips, as if sealing her words with the kiss.
Tywin placed his hand above hers, holding it in place as he memorised every single detail of her face; feeling it would be a while before he would see her again.
"When will you depart?" he finally asked her.
"Tomorrow evening but tonight, I will be by your side to command" she said whispering the last few words as she brought her face closer to him once again.
He grabbed her hand from his cheek and pulled it slightly to the side, pulling her even closer to him as his one hand wrapped around her waist. "Yes you are, Princess" he said, using her former title to tease her. Before she could open her mouth to say anything, he silenced her by letting his lips attack her neck, her words having awoken the hunger he seemed to have when she was teasing him.
She let him take control, enjoying that side of his and this time she made no move to fight him as he was quick to lay her on the carpet beneath them; in front of the roaring fire. She let him mark her skin before her departure and their tongues fought one another during their heated kisses; enjoying every blissful moment when their hands explored one another's bodies.
He let his teeth mark her skin on multiple spots, choosing some that were his favourites while he held her dangerous nails off his back; preventing her from leaving her mark on him.
He was in control now.
He would not go easy on her, clearly having taken it personally that she tried to argue with him and eventually managed to win him over. He let her win the argument but he was not going to let her win that, now more determined than ever to hear his name coming from her lips in begging pleads as his lips and hands explored her bed they had so well memorized by now.
In front of the raging fire, he took her like the first night they laid together, only in a different room. He made her gasp and fight against her trapped wrists but he overpowered her all the time; making her regret going against him even if it was just a single argument.
Tywin never truly lost a battle and he was not taking well any losses of words against her, especially when her intelligent eyes challenged him silently.
Their night spent together would take long to be repeated, none of which would be the same once they would reunite. For the Gods had planned for their two favourite pawns, ready to reap away the peace they had so openly given them so far.
Like an incoming storm that seemed small in the distance, there was only disaster and bad luck awaiting them. Tragedies were just around the corner, prepared by the Gods themselves to test them personally and Visenya; the most.
[A/N] - Another small filler and a nice moment between Visenya and Tywin. I did not go too much into the intimate scene since there will be times for that in future chapters. I mostly wanted to show a different view of their relationship and also make you wonder what will happen next when the Battle of the Trident takes place ;)
Worry not, Visenya will not be killed (or else there would be no true point to this story). It will be emotional though and I do believe will make certain decisions taken far more justifiable if you ask me.
Do not forget to let me know where you wish to start after the time-skip.