Hi,
This story has really captured my attention but the next chapter will be the start of a new story :)
In this chapter there is a person who is deaf so is using sign language. I tried to implement that in the clearest way possible and incorporate it into the story. I hope I achieved that :)
All In Part 3
Next morning …
Penthouse Suite,Littlefinger's Casino, King's Landing, Crownlands, Westeros
Tywin roused from his slumber feeling more refreshed than he had in a long-time. He opened his eyes and frowned when he saw the morning's rays filter through the partially closed blinds onto the ceiling. He normally beat the sun in the morning.
His arms stretched out and he expected his hand to touch a soft warm body but his fingers only grasped at the cold sheets beside him. He rolled over to find the only trace of his midnight companion was the shallow imprint her sleeping form had left on the mattress.
Tywin let out a noise of disappointment, he had been looking forward to a morning repeat of their nightly activities. He threw the duvet off himself and set about getting ready for the day ahead.
He descended down the stairs fifteen minutes later in a crisp grey suite, cleanshaven and washed. As he stepped off the last step Tywin noticed the smashed glass still scattered across the ground near the piano, as well as his clothes from the previous night. He normally arbored mess but the scene in front of him was doing an excellent job of restoring his ego from losing the poker match. He had more money than he could ever hope to count and, in his estimations, losing fifty million had been worth the night he had just enjoyed.
Tywin pulled his phone from his pocket, "Where is she?"
The gruff tones of Gregor Clegane ensued from the device, "She used the elevator half an hour ago and left the hotel at the same time. We have eyes on her, she is heading back to her apartment in a taxi."
Tywin checked his Rolex watch, it was seven o'clock, seemed Lady Kenna was an early riser.
"Keep it that way until I tell you to stop and find out everything you can about her, and I do mean everything Clegane," he replied, clicking off the call.
He had a good idea where she was rushing off to but extra precautions were a necessity in his line of business.
A few hours later …
The Great Sept of Baelor, King's Landing, Crownlands, Westeros
Kenna jogged up the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor and handed her lanyard over to the security guard who after a quick inspection let her pass through into the main building.
One of the perks of being the Deputy Prime Minister's daughter was that security personally knew who she was and that allowed her to bypass most security protocols that followed her father and Prime Minister Baratheon around.
Kenna patted down her still slightly wet hair and brushed down her tight dark blue trousers as she made her way through the main entrance to the large chamber, she knew was hosting her sister's art exhibit that was acting as a fundraiser for her father and Robert's re-election campaign.
Kenna entered the large chamber but instead of walking down to the lower platform she stayed on the higher ledge and leaned on the railings to observe the playing field as it stood. Paintings and art installations were dotted around the open circular chamber, attracting their own crowds and admirers but the real show was Robert Baratheon and Jon Arryn charming the Tyrells in the middle of the room. Kenna spied Tyrion engrossed in conversation with Robert's head of communications, a bauld chubby looking man who wore a pleasant smile.
Kenna shook her head; she hated these types of events. All the ass kissing and fake promises was enough to make her vomit. But her father had insisted she show her face and Kenna knew her younger sister, Alyssa, would appreciate her presence.
In fact, it didn't take her long to locate her sister. Alyssa was stood off to the side, admiring a large painting that depicted a Godswood with an old Weirwood tree in the middle.
Kenna made her way towards her sister and nudged her on the shoulder to alert her to her presence. During her teenage years Alyssa had been involved in a diving accident and although she had resurfaced still breathing her hearing had been irreversible damaged and left her partially deaf as a consequence.
"Sister," Kenna signed when she knew Alyssa could see her hands.
Alyssa greeted her with a deep smile and dragged her into a bone crushing hug.
"I missed you too!" Kenna signed once her sister had released her.
Alyssa took in Kenna's appearance; the damp hair, the dark brown boots, casual blue trousers, white shirt and muddy green jacket she was wearing made it look like she was about to go on a Sunday shoot with the hounds not attend a high cultured art exhibit.
"You look like shit."
Kenna stifled a laugh as she followed her sister's hands; she could always rely on her sister's honesty.
"Give me a break," she signed back with a wary look on her face, "It's nine o'clock on a Monday morning and I didn't get much sleep last night and I have already had an eventful morning rushing around the streets of King's Landing. I didn't even have time to have breakfast in my apartment or dry my hair."
Alyssa grinned knowing how Kenna liked to let off steam when she returned from an expedition.
Her fingers danced in the air, "Late night at Littlefinger's casino?"
Kenna nodded.
"Win or lose?" Alyssa inquired as people moved around them.
Kenna grinned remember how she had savoured flipping over her winning cards, "Big Win. Fifty million."
Alyssa's eyes widened.
"I'm donating it all to charities that support causes in the Vale."
"Good, enough of these dummies," Alyssa gestured around them, "will fund Uncle Robert's re-election."
They weren't concerned with someone understanding their conversation, the only other people who knew sign language were their father and Alyssa's young son, Artys, and their father was busy securing donations for the campaign and Artys was playing hide and seek with their half-brother Robin somewhere in the building.
"How did the expedition go in Essos?"
Kenna's entire face lit up and her fast signing indicated her excitement, "Dr. Royce and I found a ruined city in The Lands of the Long Summer. From some inscriptions we found it was called Oros and we think Valyria is in the same area based on the style of architecture we saw. The few accounts of Tommen II Lannister's journey that we could find in the archives in Oldtown also support this theory. We're so close to discovering the lost city of Valyria and perhaps even Tommen II Lannister's final resting place, I can just feel it!"
"Will the museum fund another expedition?" Alyssa slowly signed, not wanting to destroy her sister's elated mood.
"The Museum's directors are meeting today to decide but I can't see how they can refuse based on what we uncovered! If we find Valyria it will be the most important historical discovery .. ever!" Kenna signed waving her hands around wildly.
Alyssa smiled fondly at her older sister's passion for the topic but did sometimes worry if it was beginning to become an unhealthy obsession.
Ever since her accident, Alyssa had thrown herself into the word of art and resolved herself to capture the visual beauty of the word around her and in her efforts to do so had become one of King's Landings premium artists. Kenna meanwhile had clung to the bedtime stories of the First Men, Age of Heroes, and the Valyrian Age of enlightenment that preceded Aegon's Conquest of Westeros only three centuries before and become an archaeologist so she could dedicate her life to rediscovering the secrets of the past. It seemed following in Tommen II Lannister's footsteps in Essos had finally paid off.
A shadow fell over the two Arryn women and before they could turn a deep voice rumbled behind them, "If you purchased this painting, I would consider that a good use of my money."
Kenna's lips curled wickedly; an action she knew her sister wouldn't miss.
"Lord Lannister," she said spinning around to face him, "I am glad you think so. May I introduce you to the artist, Alyssa Arryn, my little sister."
Tywin's eyes went to Alyssa's intrigued ones and the family resemblance was unmistakable.
Alyssa reached out a delicate hand which Tywin shook firmly, "Charmed, you are a very talented painter."
Alyssa gave Tywin a thumbs up which had Kenna nearly chuckling at the absurdity of the action.
Tywin looked at Kenna in slight question.
"My sister is deaf, Lord Lannister but as you can see, she appreciated your compliment."
Alyssa nodded multiple times as her eyes flicked between her sister and the Lord. She sensed the tension between them.
She slightly turned to Kenna and signed, "You took fifty million pounds off him?"
Kenna nodded.
Alyssa kept her eyes on her sister, "That isn't all, is it?"
Kenna shot her sister a warning look.
"You fucked him too, didn't you?" Alyssa signed with a cheeky grin on her face as Tywin observed the sisters' interactions.
"Go away. Now!" Kenna signed back while trying to maintain the polite smile on her face.
Kenna watched as her sister inclined her head towards Tywin and walked away to disappear into the crowd of people occupying the centre of the chamber.
"I hope I didn't interrupt an important family conversation?" Tywin asked as he returned his gaze to the painting in front of them.
"No, I was just telling her how she should go check on her son," Kenna replied in an even voice, "The boy is always getting into trouble."
"That is a lie," Tywin snorted.
"What makes you say that?" Kenna said, wondering what had given her away.
"I know the sign for money."
Kenna rolled her eyes, "Of course, you do."
"I also know the sign for sex."
Kenna's body went ridged, "I didn't tell her."
"But she suspects," Tywin drawled casually as his eyes brushed over the vibrant red textures in the detailed Godswood painting.
"She knows but she won't go blabbing to the media if you are worried about that."
"Sisters, I suppose, always know," Tywin murmured not really bothered if Alyssa knew or not.
They were both consenting adults and he'd had many discreet relationships since his wife had passed away over thirty years ago. What he wanted to know was whether Kenna viewed last night as a one-night stand or something more long-term.
Kenna kept her gaze straight ahead on Alyssa's painting, "Why are you here Lord Lannister?"
Tywin smirked at the insinuation, "This event was in my diary long before you sat down at my poker table Miss Arryn. As you might know Robert Baratheon is my son-in-law, makes it quite hard to avoid these types of events."
Kenna turned around to see her father and Robert were still on the charm offensive, and at the centre of the circus act currently engulfing the Great Sept of Baelor.
"Try being a daughter to one of them, it is bloody impossible to escape it all. I'd rather be stationed permanently on excavation sites in Essos until their whole term is over."
"Why don't you then?" Tywin asked as he copied her movement so he could scrutinise the crowd and ward off any nosey looks.
"The Westerosi Museum requires you to present your findings and research every now and again so they can assess how their money is being spent, which is what I was doing most of yesterday."
"Did they renew your expedition?"
"I find out today."
Tywin picked up on the strained tone, "Would you like to get a coffee? It seemed we both had late nights and don't enjoy all this pandering."
Kenna's mouth watered at the suggestion and she could already taste the earthy warm notes of the coffee going down her throat, "Gods yes."
"I know a place," said Tywin.
Kenna looked at him with faked suspicion, "You promise not to make me vanish on our way there?"
Tywin blinked once not knowing how to truly respond to the tease that brought back vivid memories of the evening before, "I promise."
"Good. You would be the main suspect anyway so it would be pretty stupid and as far as I can tell you aren't a stupid man," Kenna said playfully walking towards the exit not caring who spotted their synchronised movements.
Tywin's long strides fell beside her but before they could reach the exit door a large hand clapped on both of their shoulders.
"Tywin!" Robert's voice boomed before a confused look took over his face, "Going so soon? And with my God-daughter no less."
"Miss Arryn and I were just going to discuss some details of her upcoming expedition to Essos," Tywin swiftly and effortlessly replied.
Kenna followed his lead showcasing the poker skills that had won her last night, "Yes Lord Lannister has kindly offered to share some of his family's knowledge of Essos's history and extend his companies influence in the region to help our digs there."
Tywin sent Kenna a smirk, Did I now?
"Sounds fascinating," Robert said, with the disinterest obvious on his round face, "She is a Lady, not a Miss."
"If we want to get specific, technically it is Dr. Arryn. I got my doctorate last year but Uncle Robert you can always call me Kenna," she said flashing the current Prime Minister of Westeros a sweet smile.
"I came over here to make sure that Lord Lannister wasn't trying to swindle back his money that you won last night Kenna."
Tywin looked over Robert's shoulder to see Tyrion's crooked grin, that left him in no confusion over who had informed Robert of his recent financial loss.
"I assure you I have no intention to steal back what was fairly won."
"He couldn't even if he tried," Kenna said confidently, "I have already donated the winnings to various Vale charities."
"That was fast," Robert said surprised. He had clearly come over hoping to grab some of the winnings for his campaign.
"I saw no need to wait to give help to those that need it."
Robert nodded but excused himself knowing there was no money to be won in further conversation.
"Has he already secured your donation?" Kenna asked, noting how Robert hadn't even tried to pump Tywin for money.
Tywin cast a cutting look at his retreating son-in-law's back, "He knows I don't see his campaign this time around being worth the investment."
Kenna looked at the black circles underneath her father's eyes, "I hope he loses."
Tywin nodded, "You haven't donated the money yet, have you Dr. Arryn?"
"You kidding? I didn't even have enough time to have breakfast this morning and I asked you to call me Miss because a lot of people are put off talking to a titled woman."
"We can have coffee and breakfast," Tywin replied before fixing Kenna with a piercing glare, "You thought I would be intimidated by your titles?"
"No, I thought you were more likely to underestimate me if you thought me a silly little rich girl ready to throw away all my Daddy's money in a night of stupid risk taking."
"A mistake I will never make again," Tywin said while sending her an amused look which Kenna reciprocated.
The moment was shattered a second later when Kenna's phone started to buzz violently.
Kenna looked at the screen, the Museum.
She sent Tywin an apologetic glance, "I really have to take this."
Tywin beckoned her forward, indicating she could talk and walk.
Once they had reached the bottom of the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor, Kenna's face was positively beaming which made it easy to guess how the funding meeting had gone at the Museum.
"You got your funding for further digs in Essos?"
"Yes! We start next month if all goes well," Kenna said in an excited voice before giving Tywin a regretful look, "I need to go to the Museum now to finalise a few things but I still want that coffee you promised me Lord Lannister."
"How about you come to Casterly Rock for the weekend Doctor Arryn?"
"That is an awfully long way to go for a cup of coffee."
"It wouldn't just be for a cup of coffee."
Kenna's eyes twitched and she felt her cheeks heat up slightly. Before she could utter a response, Tywin continued.
"My late brother Gerion was a Tommen II Lannister fanatic. He was obsessed with finding our ancestors final resting place and recovering the famed sword Brightroar. I understand following my ancestor's footsteps is a vital part of your search for locating the lost city of Valyria. All his research is at Casterly Rock."
Kenna furrowed her brows, "How did you know I was specifically searching for Valyria? I never mentioned that."
"I have my ways, Dr. Arryn. Would you like to see Gerion's research?"
"Of course!"
"A car will pick you up from your apartment on Friday after you return from work, is that suitable?"
Kenna didn't even bother to ask how he knew where her apartment was, "Yes."
Tywin stuck out his hand, "Excellent."
Kenna shook his outstretched hand. She knew the gesture was for any sneaky photographers waiting outside the Great Sept of Baelor.
"I look forward to seeing Gerion's research."
The way his hand lingered over hers told Kenna that maybe she would be needing more than a single weekend at Casterly Rock.
Kenna watched Tywin walk down the steps and gracefully get into a sleek black Bentley car as the door was held open by the tallest man she had ever seen.
She only registered Alyssa's presence when her sister started signing next to her, "It was good sex wasn't it?"
Kenna sighed as she watched the sleek black car pull out.
"The best."
"Be careful. He isn't your usual choice of boyfriend."
Kenna cringed at her sister's use of the term boyfriend.
"It's not like that. We only met last night and I don't have time for a .. partner."
"I know," Alyssa signed while dramatically rolling her eyes, "Your life is all about finding Valyria, god forbid anyone who gets in the way of that."
"That reminds me I need to get to the Museum," Kenna signed as she jumped down the steps of the Great Sept and successfully hailed a taxi.
"You need to get a healthy work life balance!" Alyssa signed back but Kenna didn't see her response.
Author Notes:
I concentrated on a bit more world building and bringing in more characters to the story but the focus will always remain Tywin/Kenna in this story.
Reviews:
Supremus85 – You aren't wrong! I just thought Tywin would leave the intimidation of the card dealer to Clegane.
Ksyushangel – Yes, worked out well ;) Do you mean that their interactions weren't sweet? Fluffy? I just don't see them being a 'cute' couple but more of a 'passionate' trysting couple. But their relationship will evolve.
If you like the dynamic please favourite, follow and review :) Thanks for reading!