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Chapter IX

"I am going to give you the same answer I gave the Princess of Dorne, Steffon," he said authoritatively and sat on his chair behind his desk. "I may only consider it if you promise me to make your second son your heir."

"You know I can't do that," the taller man replied.

That old cunt said as much… he mused.

"Then you should know better than to keep insisting," Tywin Lannister shot back. "Cersei is my only daughter, I cannot allow or afford to marry her to anyone."

"My son is not anyone," Steffon protested.

"You are right, he isn't," he conceded to his old friend. "He is just the spare child who'll inherit little to nothing and be burdened with much. And don't you dare be offended; we both know it's true. I have brothers, and you have uncles. The moment they were born, they were bound to live in our shadows."

"Tywin, you speak as if I'm suggesting you marry Cersei to some stable boy," Steffon replied with a hint of exasperation. "Stannis is a bright lad, he has a bright future ahead of him. Besides, your daughter is quite smitten with him, and my boy likes her back.

"You mean your son is quite smitten with her," he replied sharply. I had seen the way the boy would blush when Cersei was around.

"Sure, sure," Steffon waved his hand as he replied. "But still, your daughter could do much worse."

"Perhaps," he conceded. There was plenty of trash in the world they live in. "But my answer remains the same. I have plans for my daughter."

"Such as marrying her to the crown Prince?" Steffon asked pointedly.

The Lannister Lord did not even try to denied it. Anyone with a pair of wits would have guessed it. "Such as securing her a future befitting my daughter," Tywin replied, his gaze unyielding. "A match with the crown Prince ensures not only her own future but elevates House Lannister to unprecedented heights. You seem to underestimate the power and influence that comes with such an alliance."

"I am not underestimating anything, Tywin," Steffon said in a low voice, almost a warning. "But you surely know that Aerys would never allow that to happen. Everyone knows how things have been between the two of you."

Tywin suppressed a flash of anger. "Steffon, you of all people should understand the complexities of our relationship," Tywin retorted, his voice dripping with controlled frustration. "I am aware of the challenges, but I am also adept at navigating political intricacies. Aerys may be unpredictable, but he is not entirely irrational, nor completely foolish. He values alliances and gold. A union between our houses would serve his interests as well," the blond man laid one of his hands on his desk before him and looked at his old friend dead in the eye. "Or is there something else I should take into account, my friend?"

The Stormlord averted his gaze, a subtle attempt to conceal his deceit.

So there is… he thought annoyed.

"On a different matter, how is your Lady wife?" Tywin inquired; his tone measured and almost bordering on a mockery of innocence. "You previously mentioned her health preventing her from making the journey here. Have you had the opportunity to write to her?"

Steffon hesitated; the air thick with unspoken tension. Tywin Lannister, ever observant, noted the shift in his friend's demeanour.

"I have not, but I know she remains indispose," the Stormlord replied.

His lips curled involuntarily, mirroring the subtle souring of milk. "I can only imagine. Pregnancies are known for their unpredictability and complications."

There was a silence before a mirthless chuckle escaped the Stormlord's lips. "Am I that easy to read, or have you deployed spies in my homeland?"

"The former," Tywin replied without trepidation. "Besides, I've long been aware of the relentless pleas from your dear cousin, urging you to secure a daughter for a potential match with Rhaegar."

Steffon rolled his eyes in mild annoyance. "Of course you have."

"Besides if you had a daughter it would be more reasonable to marry her to the youngest prince. Long betrothals seldom have pleasant outcomes, or have you forgotten what happened with the Prince of Dragonflies and your dear aunt?" he asked. "Prince Viserys would only be a year older than her after all. If your child is born female, that is."

Or if it isn't born malformed… Tywin reflected darkly. No, not even him would wish something so vile onto someone.

Steffon sighed once more, his shoulders slumping. "I should have known better that no one can force you into an agreement, Tywin."

Tywin leaned back in his chair; his steely gaze fixed on Steffon. "You should have known better indeed, old friend," he replied with a touch of cold satisfaction. "Now, unless you bring forth a proposal that aligns with the interests of House Lannister, our discussion ends here. I have other matters of importance to attend."

Steffon rose from his chair, a mixture of disappointment and frustration etched on his face. "That would be all, my friend."

Tywin remained impassive as Steffon exited the room. Alone, he began contemplating what has been said and implied.

"…your daughter is quite smitten…"

Damn him. Regardless of whether it's a fabrication, the Lord of Storm's End could still spread the word — especially to Aerys — thus jeopardizing any chance of his planed betrothal.

He had warned his daughter about this, but perhaps he needed to be more explicit.

After all the King is here. All loose ends must be tied up.

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The Hand of the King and Lord of Casterly Rock headed to his daughter's apartments, wanting to remind her and help her grasp their situation — or, at the very least, make things clearer for the child.

Upon reaching her door, Tywin Lannister acknowledged both vigilant household guards with a nod. Raising his hand firmly, he knocked, the sound resonating through the corridor. After a brief pause, the door creaked open, revealing the concerned face of his daughter, Cersei.

"My Lor— I mean, father," the girl made a swift bow, a gesture that Tywin found peculiar but dismissed. "What brings you here? Is something amiss? Has something happened?"

"I came here to discuss certain matters, Cersei. Private matters. Would you let me in?" he asked.

The girl hesitated. "Couldn't we just discuss these matters here?"

Tywin raised an eyebrow at the suggestion. "No."

The girl began fidgeting with the door. "Are you certain that—?"

But Tywin interrupted her before she could finish the question. "Should I repeat myself?" he replied annoyed. What has gotten into this girl now?

The words of Steffon Baratheon rang on his head once again.

"…your daughter is quite smitten…"

Is she hiding the boy in her chambers? Is she defying my wishes and entertaining clandestine meetings with the Baratheon boy? Tywin's eyes narrowed as he observed his daughter's uneasy demeanour.

Cersei stepped aside reluctantly, allowing her father entry into her chambers. The room was adorned with rich fabrics and intricate decorations, befitting the daughter of House Lannister. Tywin's stern gaze swept across the room, searching for any signs of the Stormlord's presence. Yet, nothing seemed amiss.

Once inside, he turned to Cersei with a stern expression. "Sit," he commanded, gesturing towards a chair. Cersei complied; her curiosity mixed with a touch of apprehension, but the girl seemed somewhat relieved.

Tywin took a moment before beginning, choosing his words carefully. "Cersei, I've had a discussion with Lord Baratheon and he happened to mention to me some disturbing notions about his son and you."

The girl just stared at him intently and made no comment.

" Do you recall the conversation we shared in my solar, shortly after my return from the hunting trip?" Tywin inquired. Cersei nodded in affirmation. "Do you remember my counsel about severing ties with Lord Steffon's son? I spoke of the potential dangers, how our adversaries could exploit appearances and fabricate stories to sow false accusations and tarnish the Lannister name."

The girl stared for a moment before nodding once again.

"I hope you understand the gravity of that advice, Cersei," Tywin continued. " It appears my concerns were not unfounded—" Lord Tywin halted abruptly as a loud clattering noise echoed from the other end of the room.

His gaze shifted towards the source of the disturbance — behind the curtain. Turning back to his daughter, he noticed a look of guilt on her face. At that moment, Tywin's thoughts took a dark turn.

Appalled, he considered the worst scenario: Is she hiding Steffon's boy? My own daughter harbouring a secret liaison in her bedchambers at age ten?

The Lord Paramount of the West moved swiftly towards the curtain, a sense of foreboding gripping him. As he drew the curtains away, revealing the space behind, Tywin was met with his own fears.

Stannis Baratheon stood there, looking as surprised and uncomfortable as Tywin himself felt.

"Father, I can explain—" Cersei began, but Tywin raised his hand, silencing her.

"Explain? Explain what, exactly?" Tywin's voice was icy, his eyes drilling into Stannis. "What were you doing here, boy?"

Stannis cleared his throat nervously before attempting to offer an explanation. "Lord Tywin, I swear, there's nothing untoward happening. We were merely talking, nothing more."

Tywin's expression remained stoic, but his anger was evident. "Talking? Behind closed curtains? In my daughter's chambers?" He turned his gaze to Cersei. "I warned you about the consequences of such actions, Cersei. Do you have any idea what this could mean for your reputation? For mine? For our House's?"

"It's not what you think!" the girl insisted.

Tywin's cold stare bore into both of them. "I will be the judge of that," he retorted sharply. "Stannis Baratheon, you will leave this room immediately and consider this a final warning. Any further interaction with my daughter will not be tolerated, and you will face the consequences of defying my wishes."

Stannis, though visibly shaken, nodded quickly and hurriedly made his way towards the exit. Cersei shot a pleading look at her father, but Tywin remained unyielding. Once Stannis had left, Tywin turned his attention back to Cersei.

"Now, Cersei," he began, his tone cutting through the air like a blade. "Explain yourself.

"The young girl hesitated for a moment before gathering her courage. "Father, Stannis and I were only talking. I swear it was nothing more than that. He's a friend, and there was no intention of anything improper."

Tywin's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "A friend, you say? In your chambers, behind closed curtains? Do you think I am a fool, Cersei?" he hissed. "Do you know what Steffon Baratheon just told me? He suggested that his son was smitten with you, and you with him. This clandestine meeting only adds fuel to those suspicions. Imagine the King catches wind of this; you will be labelled as a whore by the court." He paused for a moment "Tell me, Cersei. How could a whore become Queen?"

To his surprise the girl did not cringe at the comment. Instead she stood her ground and stared at him back.

"I am not a whore," she said.

Tywin just looked at the girl. His daughter had never truly talk back to him.

A tense silence hung in the air as Tywin continued to scrutinize Cersei's defiant expression. What happened to his daughter? She had always been a wilful child, but never with him. Has this new 'friendship' with Steffon's boy changed her?

"Cersei," he finally spoke, his voice low and collected. "I have spent years moulding you into a suitable match for a future king. I have made sacrifices, navigated the treacherous waters of court politics, and ensured the prosperity of House Lannister. So tell me now and tell me truly so I don't continue dedicating my time in vain. Do you wish to become Queen one day?"

"Yes," she replied slowly.

Then you must understand the consequences of your actions. Your reputation — the reputation of House Lannister, and my plans for you — they all hang in the balance," he said and the girl nodded. "Very well then. I'll arrange a meeting between myself and the King. I shall bring up the betrothal proposal and make sure it proceeds smoothly. You, however, will be confined to your chambers until further notice. I cannot afford any more incidents that could tarnish your image or jeopardize our plans."

The girl bowed her head in understanding.

"Meanwhile, I'll see that Steffon's son is disciplined for his actions—"

"Wait!"

Tywin's eyes narrowed at the interruption, and he raised an eyebrow in question. Cersei, with a newfound resolve, met his gaze.

"Father, please. Stannis should not be punished for this," she pleaded, her voice earnest. . "He has done nothing wrong. He has helped me. Truly."

"How?" Tywin questioned, his tone demanding an explanation. "By stealing into your bedchambers like some mongrel?"

The girl hesitated. "He… he has told me some very important information."

"What sort of information?"

"He overheard a conversation between Ser Arthur and Prince Rhaegar," she elaborated. "They were discussing a proposal to Elia of Dorne, and they mentioned that the King has granted permission for the crown prince to visit Sunspear."

Tywin's expression remained unchanged, though his mind was processing the implications of Cersei's revelation. A proposal to Elia of Dorne… A marriage proposal? How could that be? Aerys had little love for the Dornishmen — much less their ruling princess — Would he be willing to allow that? Having his heir marry a sickly, plain, Dornish girl in favour of his golden daughter.

If it was just to spite me, then perhaps… Tywin thought bitterly as he clenched his fists.

"What else?," he urged, maintaining his stern demeanour. "Was there any mention of a marriage or a betrothal?"

The girl nodded. "Stannis heard them talk about a potential alliance between House Martell and House Targaryen, and of how suitable it would be for a prince to marry a princess."

The Lord of Casterly Rock clench his jaw, contemplating the gravity of the information.

His initial anger towards Cersei and Stannis began to wane as he absorbed the significance of the intel. This revelation had the potential to alter the trajectory of House Lannister's future. The question now was how to use this information to the advantage of his house.

"Are you certain of the accuracy of this information?" Tywin inquired; his tone less severe than before.

"Yes, Father," Cersei asserted.

Tywin considered his options. If he were to present this information to the king during the upcoming meeting, it could potentially sour Aerys's mood, especially if it appeared that Rhaegar and Ser Arthur were acting independently. However this could spark some needless tensions between the King and the Crown Prince.

On the other hand, if he could use this information to his advantage and not reveal anything to anyone, he might secure a better position for House Lannister.

Though for that, Lord Tywin was afraid he will have to do a couple of things he vowed he would never do again.

A.N: Hello everyone!

So yeah, Tywin PoV, hope you all enjoyed it. Next chapter will be the last in this mini "introduction arc".

Thanks for all of your support! I really appreciate it!