Hello, dear readers. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.
Here is the next chapter.
I own nothing but my characters.
Enjoy.
Lenora was in her room knitting. Normally, she would do it with her friends, but since her and Cass's argument, she didn't feel like being in the same room as her words still got to her. Suddenly, a knock was heard from the door. Stopping her knitting, Lenora goes up to the door to open it, revealing it to be Ema bearing a warm smile.
"Is this a bad time," Ema asked nicely.
Lenora shakes her head, "No. Come in."
Ema comes into the room, so Lenora closes it. Then, the two friends go to the couch, where Lenora continues her knitting. "So, how's everything?"
"Fine," Lenora said, "Why?"
"It's just that we haven't seen each other for a while now," Ema confesses, "Since… you and Cass."
Lenora gives a slight hum as she goes back to her knitting. Seeing her friend isn't in the mood to talk about Cass, Ema tries another way. "How's everything with Tyrion? You've been working pretty close since he got here."
"Yes, he's been needing some help to get caught up on some things at court," Lenora tells her, "How's everyone else? Ceryse, Jocelyn?"
"They're fine," Ema said, "Ceryse is always at the library, and Jocelyn is off doing who knows what." Lenora chuckles until Ema says, "Sansa, however, is not doing well, considering the circumstances."
Lenora pauses her knitting as Ema gives a slight cringe, wishing they didn't need this conversation, but she hates seeing her friends fighting.
"Because my family is at war with hers," Lenora grumbled. "Are you going to lecture on me too?"
"I'll admit Cass was out of line for saying that," Ema confesses, "But she was just upset about…. everything that's been happening."
"Don't you think I am too," Lenora sighs, "Don't you think I get sick when I hear about everything my family is doing."
"Yes, I do," Ema tries to calm her.
"I'm just tired of being treated guilty simply because of my familial ties with them," Lenora said, "I mean, I can put up with everyone but you, Ceryse, Jocelyn, and Cass. You're all my only friends."
"We know that," Ema rubs Lenora's back, "You just need to be patient with Cass. You know how she doesn't think before she acts."
"I know," Lenora rubs her forehead. "She just gets to me sometimes."
"She does have a talent for it," Ema concurs.
The two girls chuckle for a bit before Ema hugs her. Feeling a bit better, Lenora then asked, "So, Sansa's not doing well."
Ema gives a sad look, "No, not really. It's like she has no one. Yes, we try to be there for her, but…"
"She's a Stark," Lenora finishes, "Everyone at court is against her family. She's practically alone."
Ema nods in agreement. Lenora, in truth, feels guilty that her family is mostly responsible for Sansa's suffering and wishes to help her, but she doesn't know how. Then she got an idea of a certain someone that her brother Tyrion is hiding at the Tower of the Hand, who is growing increasingly mad for being locked away for too long.
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After her talk with Ema, Lenora goes to Tyrion's chamber to give her idea to him. However, when she gets to the door, she hears arguing. No doubt, Tyrion and Shae. Mostly, Shae yelling and complaining about being stuck here. Lenora then hears Tyrion suggesting Shae is a kitchen wench, causing her to cringe when Shae gets angry. So, to save her brother some grief, Lenora opens the door, seeing Shae angrily saying, "Is that how my lion wants to see me?"
"Oh, I'm sure your lion just wants to see you alive," Lenora sarcastically says, causing them to jump when her presence is known.
"Lenora," Tyrion exclaims as she closes the door.
"Trouble in paradise," Lenora asks, "Because I have a solution. A handmaiden for Sansa Stark."
Tyrion and Shae look at her with surprise.
"A handmaiden? To Sansa," Tyrion repeats.
Lenora shrugs, "She needs a friend who has no ties to the ongoing feud between Starks and Lannister. Shae needs to get out of the Tower. It's perfect."
Tyrion then thinks about it and looks to Shae to see what she thinks. Shae looks back and forth between Tyrion and Lenora before asking, "What would I have to do?"
"Just tend to her needs," Lenora explains before listing the duties of a handmaiden, "Clothe her, dress her, bring her food, brush her hair."
"A servant," Shae crosses her arms, clearly displeased with the notion of it.
Lenora raises her brow, "It's a good position for you."
"To cater to her whim," Shae challenges, "Like a slave."
"Many noble women are handmaidens. Myself included," Lenora tries to convince her.
"It would be a good place for you to be in," Tyrion agrees.
"Really," Shae says to Tyrion, "So, I will be a slave to a small girl?" She then turns to Lenora, who is becoming annoyed with her, "Will I empty her chamber pot as well?"
Having had enough of this and not in the mood, Lenora slowly walks up to Shae, with her footsteps echoing throughout the room's silence, bearing a stern look that made Shae stumble back a bit but still hold her ground.
"We can have someone else do that for you," Lenora said in a low voice. "So, it's either that or staying trapped in this room until my father, Lord Tywin Lannister, or my sister, the Queen, or nephew, the King, find out about you and put your head on a spike. Which would be very easy if Varys breathes a word to them."
Shae was going to say something, but Lenora's glare kept her quiet. Then thinks about the relatives Lenora and Tyrion have. Their father is not here, so he can't do anything, but they have a sister and nephew who have more power than them, so she relents. Lenora gives an appreciated smile as Tyrion looks surprised at what she just did. It was as if Tywin Lannister was in the room for a moment. Then again, she was his daughter.
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As Cass has dinner with her mother and younger siblings, she notices that Joffrey is not present, but she is okay with it. Sansa, who is still engaged to Joffrey, is also there. Cass stays close to her while also eyeing her siblings. She is still thinking about the rumors of Joffrey's parentage, but she tries not to let it bother her. Cass has two younger siblings, Myrcella and Tommen, who have green eyes and gold hair like their mother. This makes Cass wonder why she has black hair and blue eyes like their father, while the rest of her siblings do not. Everyone always waves it off as family looks weird since no one can truly predict these things, but recent events have raised some questions. Cass looks more like Robert Baratheon than the others, which is odd.
"When will Joffrey and Sansa be married," Myrcella suddenly asks, causing Sansa to look to Cersei.
"Soon, darling," Cersei said in a loving voice, "when the war is over."
Myrcella then says to Sansa while eating, "Mother says I'll have a new gown for the ceremony and another for the feast. But yours will be ivory since you're the bride."
Sansa doesn't say anything but stays still as she is reminded that she is going to marry the King who killed her father. Cass looks at her with sympathy and grabs her hand under the table to calm her down.
"The princess just spoke to you," Cersei says softly to Sansa.
"Pardon, Your Grace," Sansa mutters to the queen before turning to the younger princess, "I'm sure your dress will be beautiful, Myrcella. I'm counting the days until the fighting is done, and I can pledge my love to the King in sight of the gods."
Cersei eyes as Sansa. A look that Cass is unsure of, so she tries to get the attention away from Sansa. "I'm sure Myrcella will look beautiful, but I dread the dress I will wear."
"And why is that," Cersei questions.
"You know how I hate the fancy clothing and all that," Cass reminds her mother, "Rather choke myself if the dress hasn't done that."
"As a princess, it is important to dress for such an occasion," Cersei lectures, "Especially for family."
"Right," Cass giggles sarcastically, "To be paraded around like some prized horse."
"To make yourself presentable to all," Cersei corrects, "To represent the family and the crown, so you must act accordingly."
Not wanting to argue, Cass rolls her eyes before returning to her dinner, but glad that she got the attention off of Sansa, until her brother, Tommen, suddenly asks, "Is Joffrey going to kill Sansa's brother?"
All went quiet as Sansa and Cass stiffened before looking to Cersei for the answer.
"He might," Cersei said with no emotion, causing Sansa to take a long drink of wine.
"Would you like that," Cersei then asks Tommen, although she looks directly at Sansa while saying it.
"No," Tommen admits, "I don't think so."
"Hopefully, it won't come to that," Cass admits, "Hopefully, the fighting will stop for everyone's sake."
Cersei gives a somewhat agreeable hum before leaning into her children, "Even so, Sansa will do her duty. Won't you, little dove?"
Sansa looks to the Queen, who gives her a look she cannot make out. Cass did nothing but grab Sansa's hand again, trying to comfort her. She can't imagine the kind of hell Sansa is going through, though. With her family fighting, the man she is betrothed to makes her life miserable. She wished there was something she could do, but what could she do?
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After dinner and comforting Sansa, Cass sees Ceryse for a question. Mainly about her siblings and how they look different from her. She doesn't know much about the appearances people get from their parents, but maybe Ceryse does. She is among the smartest people she knows so that she might have some answers. And she knew where to find her. The library. Ceryse has always been in the library most of the time, having her nose in books and eager to learn as much as she can. Her father, Ser Addam Marbrand, once said that if she were a boy and sent to the Citadel, she would've become a master or even an archmaester, so no doubt she might have some answers.
Cass enters the royal library to see it is empty and dark, with some candles lit for light. She kept walking around inside, passing by shelves until she found Ceryse sitting at one of the long tables with a light candle while reading a book.
"Isn't it late to be reading," Cass asks, startling Ceryse.
"You scared me," Ceryse chuckles a bit.
Cass chuckles with her, "Sorry. I thought you would be getting ready for bed by now."
"Oh, I guess the day got lost from me," Ceryse notices from the window that it was night.
Cass sits in the chair next to her friend, "What are you reading?"
"Just catching up on some geometry," Ceryse said, putting her eye back to the book.
"Why," Cass asked in confusion.
Ceryse shrugs, "I just thought it was interesting. Besides, you'll never know if you need it. An average trebuchet is ten cubits high. Imagine pulling something like that on the battlefield."
"Right," Cass said, although she didn't see the point of it, but still kept her opinion to herself. "Anyways, I'm glad I ran into you because I was wondering about something."
"About what," Ceryse continues reading while listening to her friend.
Cass thinks about how to ask this. She can't outright say that she believes her mother is having an incestuous affair with her twin Jaime and has children who look like him. So, she decides to ask, "Well, I've been thinking about…. um…. how different I look to Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen. They look like my mother, and I look like my father. And I was hoping you'd have any idea."
Ceryse, not taking her eyes off the book, asks, "Why're you wondering about that all of a sudden?"
"Just curiosity," Cass waves off, "I just had a family dinner with them and noticed how they all look alike."
"Well, inheriting looks is always weird," Ceryse offers an answer, "No way to predict those things."
"True," Cass agrees, unconvinced, "But three children in a row with the same eye and hair color. It's a bit weird. Don't you think?"
As Cass was saying this, Ceryse slowly turned her attention from the book to her friend, wondering where she was going with this, "Why are you so interested in your sibling's appearance?"
Seeing that Ceryse was suspicious, Cass smiled and said, "Just curious."
"But why," Ceryse asks again.
"Just because," Cass awkwardly chuckles.
Ceryse eyes her a bit, then closes the book before giving a serious look, "Alright, what's going on?"
"What," Cass asked.
"Well, something's wrong," Ceryse concluded, "You're not close with your siblings. And you've never been so interested in their looks. So, why are you so interested in how they look compared to you? It must be something big."
"Nothing," Cass insisted, but not convincingly, "It's nothing."
"Cass," Ceryse gives a warning tone.
"What," Cass shrugs.
"The truth," Ceryse demands.
"It's curiosity, that's all," Cass insisted, but seeing Ceryse was not believing her. "Really. It's just…."
She was about to say something else, but Ceryse kept giving that stern look, forcing Cass to admit she'd been found out. Giving out a defeated sigh, Cass decides to tell the truth. "I've been thinking about…" She stopped looking around to ensure no one was listening to them. "About the rumors between my mother. And Jaime."
Ceryse furrows her brows, "Why are you thinking about that?"
"Because," Cass begins to say, "I don't know, I just can't stop thinking about it. The news came from Stannis. You know how he was. He would never lie about something like that."
Ceryse gives an understanding look, "Maybe he believes it because of what that Red Woman he's been with told him. You know, we've heard stories about that woman from Asshai whispering in his ear."
"Yes, but the more I think about it," Cass tries to explain herself, "Well…It's just…. When I confronted my mother about it, I couldn't help but notice the way she reacted. It was as if she was desperate for me to believe they were untrue."
"Maybe they're not," Ceryse suggests, "I mean, sleeping with your brother and having his children. Who would want anyone to believe them?"
"Yes, but there was something in her eye about it," Cass urges, "I just want to know for sure, and I thought you would help me."
"How would I do that," Ceryse asks.
Cass said, "You know how familial traits are passed down? Is there a chance that it's normal to have more children look like their mother."
Cerise thinks for a moment, "It's possible, yes."
"But the Baratheon looks are always strong," Cass said, "I mean, look at Jarred. His father is blonde with brown eyes, and his mother has black hair with blue eyes, and yet, he has his mother's looks instead."
"But that doesn't mean anything," Ceryse argues.
"But it does prove a bit strange that there are three children with their mother's traits back-to-back while I'm the only one with our father's looks," Cass keeps challenging. Besides, what if Ned Stark believed them."
"What," Ceryse asks, "Why would you think that?"
"He said that Joffrey had no claim to the throne," Cass reminds her, "Why else would he say that? Unless he had some proof?"
Ceryse tried to say something but couldn't find the words, "S-so what exactly is your plan?"
Cass fidgets slightly, "Maybe… see if he found anything. He was an honorable man. He wouldn't say something like that unless he found something. And I thought you might help me. I mean, you're very cunning like that." Ceryse begins to look at her as if she is mad, "I mean, you helped me before."
"Yes, but those were mainly pranks on some people and maybe helping sneak out of the Keep," Ceryse recounts, "but this is different. Questioning the legitimacy of a King is treason."
"Which is why we are not going to tell anyone," Cass said, "It would just be you, me, and Jarred."
"Jarred," Ceryse repeats with shock.
"I may have convinced him to help me," Cass reluctantly admits.
Ceryse didn't want to do this. Questioning if the rumors about the Queen and her brother are true would be punishable by death or at least getting your tongue ripped out. But she sees the desperation in her friend's eyes in wanting the truth, and she can't blame her for it.
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It was late morning with Lord Tyrion in the private solar at Tower of the Hand, getting ready for his meeting with Lady Hellen Longwaters. The initial plan is to find out who is the spy within the Small Council since Cersei seems to know about Ser Janos's dismissal too quickly. While he doubts the spy is Hellen, since the two women do not get along, he can't take any chances. Besides, with her husband now at court, she might be a spy for him to get some advantages since it has been known for Lords to use their wives in certain areas.
"Lady Hellen is here, Lord Hand," a servant said, getting Tyrion's attention.
Tyrion thanked the servant as Hellen entered the room, giving a slight bow, "Lord Tyrion."
"Lady Hellen," Tyrion bows back, "Thank you for agreeing to see me."
"Of course," Hellen says politely as Tyrion gestures her to sit at the nearby table.
When she sat down, Tyrion filled a cup of wine for her, "Before we begin, I would like to apologize to you and your family formally."
"An apology," Hellen repeats, raising her brow.
Tyrion turns to give her the cup, "Yes, for the treatment your family has suffered as of late. What with you being locked in your chambers as a prisoner and forcing your husband to come to court? Quite an act of disrespect on the King's part."
"These are desperate times," Hellen said as she took the cup, "The King cannot take any chances during the war against the throne."
"Of course," Tyrion nods. "I'm glad you feel that way, as I intend to make new alliances for the crown. And as we both know, these alliances can be sealed with marriage."
"Marriage," Hellen repeats after taking only a small drink from her cup.
"Yes," Tyrion said, "Considering that we are facing Robb Stark in the North and your two brothers, Renly in the Reach and Stannis at Dragonstone, it seems imperative to strengthen those family bonds between the crown and House Longwaters."
"And how do we do that," Hellen said, putting her wine cup aside.
Tyrion, paying close attention to her demeanor, concluded, "Perhaps by marrying Princess Myrcella to her first cousin and your second son, Steffon Longwaters."
Hellen's eyes widened slightly, but her calm demeanor remained the same, "Myrcella to Steffon?"
"Yes," Tyrion said, "Marriages between cousins have been known in the realm. And it would be a great honor to House Longwaters to have a princess as the next lady of Dawn Isle. If your second son, Steffon, remains his father's successor."
"He is," Hellen answers, leaning back on her chair and crossing her legs. She could tell this was some ploy. Cersei would never allow her daughter to marry Steffon. Or anyone at all. Otherwise, she would be at this meeting.
"Quite a lively young lad, he is. Opinionated, very vocal, never afraid to speak his mind," Tyrion compliments, "How is he during these times? I forgot where he's being fostered at?"
"He's over at Qarth learning about trading from the family he is staying," Hellen answers.
"Ah, Yes," Tyrion said. "Quite the boy he was. Always eager to learn. Clever and shrewd."
"Hm," Hellen nods, "I must say that I am a bit surprised that you wish to marry him to Myrcella. One would think it would be Cassana since she is the eldest daughter."
"Yes, but we both know how Cass is at these types of subjects," Tyrion admits, "She most likely would have punched her intended's nose before marrying him."
"That is true," Hellen agrees, although this further proves her conclusion that this was not a genuine marriage proposal as the first-born daughter would always be betrothed first. "Does the Queen know of this proposal you are making?"
"I'm afraid we cannot let her know," Tyrion admits, "I'm sure you more than anyone knows that Cersei does not always do what is good for the realm."
"Yes," Hellen nods, still trying to figure out Tyrion's motives, "But you believe a marriage between Myrcella and my son would benefit the realm?"
"House Longwaters is known for their strength at sea," Tyrion begins, "Your husband has a fleet of two hundred, which will combat against Stannis for a navy invasion. Many seasoned sailors and warriors during the pirate escapades. He also influences Essos. He has two sisters married off in Essos, doesn't he not? What with one in Qarth with Steffon right now?"
"He has three sisters," Hellen corrects, "One in Qarth, the other in Braavos, and the third at the Summer Isles."
"Ah. Bringing him more influence worldwide," Tyrion proclaims, "Thus making House Longwaters a powerful ally in this war. Besides, I'm sure your husband and son would be greatly honored to have a princess as a bride. And in gratitude, the crown will be willing to pay off its debt with Dawn Isle as Myrcella's dowry if Lord Jonathor accepts."
"A generous offer," Hellen admits, looking at Tyrion, who can see she is calculating something in her mind, causing him to be stern, waiting for her reaction. The more Hellen thinks about the proposal, the more she realizes this is not real. If this were a true proposal, then it would be a meeting with her and her husband, with the Queen Regent, despite her feelings about it. Or she was perhaps sharing this information with the rest of the Small Council. Still not wanting to give herself away, Hellen smiles as she gets up from the chair, putting her hands together, "Thank you for this proposal, Lord Tyrion. I will let my husband know of it, and we will consider it duly."
"Of course, my lady. However, I must emphasize that this is sensitive information, and the Queen would do anything to stop this from happening," Tyrion tells her, "So,"
"No one can know," Hellen finishes his thoughts, "I assure you, Lord Tyrion, I will not tell a soul."
Tyrion gives her a nod as she leaves the room. Tyrion couldn't help but think that something was happening in Lady Hellen's head. He guessed she wasn't the mole in the council for Cersei, but there might be something else.
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Jarred was in his special room with his father, Jonathor, sparring with their water dancing techniques. When training in the way of regular knights, Jarred would do it in the training yards, but in water dancing, he would train alone in his special room. His father, however, had known much more about the fighting style since he was fifteen, so they sparred now and again since coming to court.
Both were in leather armor as they carefully attacked each other with slender swords. While his son was big and muscular since he was half Baratheon, Jonathor was thinner and leaner, which gave him the advantage of being quicker and faster in dodging the attacks. Their sparring went on for a while, but Jarred had trouble beating his father.
"It seems I can beat others, but not you," Jarred breathes heavily.
Jonathor, however, breathed steadily, "It's all in technique. And learning how to breathe."
The father and son chuckle before Hellen makes herself known, "One can never finish learning about fighting. Always practice."
"Yes, I'm aware," Jarred said sarcastically, breaking his fighting stance to take a break.
"How was your meeting with Lord Tyrion," Jonathor asked as Hellen walked into the room.
"Quite interesting," Hellen admits, "He was recommending a marriage pact between Myrcella and Steffon."
This news made Jonathor and Jarred freeze for a moment.
"Steffon, "Jonathor repeats, "to Myrcella."
"Isn't she too young for him?" Jarred asked since his brother was almost twenty years old, and Myrcella was barely a teenager.
"You know that doesn't matter most of the time," Hellen reminds him, "If I remember correctly, a Lannister son is engaged to marry a nobleman's daughter even though she's a baby."
"Tyrek Lannister, yes," Jonathor nods, "So, Tyrion and the Queen made this proposal?"
"That's what made it so peculiar," Hellen tells him, "it was just Tyrion. No one else."
"Is that so," Jonathor raises his brow.
"What's so peculiar about that?" Jarred asks, not getting his parents' behavior.
"Normally, this type of proposal would be in a meeting between the potential betrothal's parents. Meaning Cersei would have been involved in it. But she wasn't, and I don't see her being so willing to marry off her precious daughters to lords much older than them. Also, Cassana is the eldest, so it would make more sense to be about her."
"Well, she would more likely run off from the Red Keep if that would happen," Jarred commented.
"Exactly," Jonathor said, "And they would've done it anyways, but instead, it was Myrcella. She's small and gentle, and she most likely would never do that. It makes her a safer option. Maybe."
"You think Tyrion has other plans," Jarred asks.
"We shouldn't underestimate him or his intelligence. He may be a drunk dwarf, but he inherited much of Lord Tywin's mind," Hellen suggests, "I mean, he dismissed Ser Janos Slynt from the City Watch."
"True," Jonathor agrees.
When the topic of Janos Slynt and the dead bastard children came up, Jarred remembered Cass trying to find out if the rumors about her parents were true. "Considering Janos killing babies, I would say it was a righteous thing to do."
This comment causes his parents to turn their attention to them, with Hellen saying, "No one is denying that."
"I know," Jarred said with his arms crossed, "I just wish there was a good reason for it."
"Joffrey ordered it so there is no one else to claim the throne," Jonathor explained.
"Because of Stannis and Renly, or the rumors about his parentage," Jarred asked again, causing his parents to go stiff.
"Jarred, be careful of speaking like that out in the open," Hellen sternly tells him.
"It's not like everyone is talking about it," Jarred shrugs before gesturing around the room, "Besides, not one is here."
"Still, we need to be wary of it," Jonathor tells him.
"But is it true," Jarred said, trying to get information out of his parents.
Jonathor and Hellen look at each other as if they are mentally speaking to each other for an answer to their son. Finally, Jonathor said, "Sometimes there are questions that will never have an answer. All there is speculation that we need to be careful with."
"It might get you killed if you're not careful," Hellen said.
"Like Ned Stark," Jarred asked, remembering Cass's theory that Lord Eddard Stark knew about Cersei and Jaime's rumored affair. "With him proclaiming that Joffrey had no claim to the throne."
"Jarred, we can never know what goes on in a man's mind during that time," Hellen deflects.
Jarred, however, pressed on, "But you knew him well, mother. You were speaking with each other regularly before his death. He didn't give you any indication?"
Hellen stayed quiet for a few seconds before saying firmly, "He didn't say anything."
"But is it possible," Jarred asked again, "Is it possible that he believed the rumors? And would that be why Cersei arrested him and Joffrey killed him?"
"No, Jarred," Jonathor chuckles before putting his hand on his shoulder, "Please, don't make things worse for yourself by asking questions that no one else is asking. Remember about being careful."
"Yes, I remember," Jarred said, "I was just curious, that's all."
"Of course, son," Hellen smiles, "Just be careful with what you say."
"So, what's going to happen with Steffon and Myrcella," Jarred asked again.
Jonathor looks to his son, "We'll wait and see what happens."
Jarred nods as he restates the conversation, but he can't deny that his parents acted strange when he brought up the rumors of Cersei and Jaime. Of course, no one can talk about it openly, but how his parents reacted was a bit…suspicious.
"Alright then," Jarred concedes before walking out of the room, "I wonder how Steffon will react when he hears of this."
Once he is gone, Hellen gives her husband an apprehensive look while he keeps looking ahead of the room.
"Perhaps we should tell him," Hellen suggests in a hushed voice.
"No," Jonathor whispers, "It's too dangerous for him."
"But he's already asking questions," Hellen urges, "Perhaps, maybe,"
Jonathor cuts her off, "If he still intends to be a member of the Kingsguard, then he most certainly does not need to know. They could kill him. The less he knows, the better."
"Then maybe he shouldn't take the White Cloak at all," Hellen argues, "Otherwise, he'll get too close to the King."
"You know how stubborn he can get," Jonathor reminds his wife, "Let's just wait. Hopefully, it won't matter when we move forward. We need to keep an eye on him anyway."
Confused, Hellen asks, "Why?"
"So he won't do anything to bring himself trouble," Jonathor said, although it was more about his theory with Jarred and Cass, hoping it was wrong.
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Jarred walks down the hallway, still thinking about his talk with his parents and how suspicious they acted. It's as if they know something that others do not. As he keeps walking, he sees Cass and Ceryse talking to each other as they go into her bedroom. So, Jarred quickly opens the door, where he sees the two girls sitting on the couch.
"Jarred," Cass exclaims, seeing his demeanor. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I just thought we could speak," Jarred politely requests, eyeing Ceryse, "Privately."
Ceryse gives a deadpanned look, "If this is about the rumors of Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, I already know everything."
Jarred gives a surprised look to Cass. "You told her?"
"I was asking her about familial looks, and she figured it out," Cass defended meekly.
"I still think this is stupid," Ceryse said, "You both have no proof."
"Well," Jarred trails off, getting the girl's attention, "I just spoke with my parents, and…. this is not definite, but they were acting a bit weird when I started asking questions about it."
"What do you mean weird," Cass asked.
"It's like they were avoiding the subject," Jarred confessed, "Especially when talking about Ned Stark and the City Watch."
"See," Cass said to Ceryse.
"See what," Ceryse challenges, "That doesn't mean anything."
"I asked my mother if Lord Stark gave her any indication about this," Jarred explains, "And she was quiet for a moment before saying no."
"Do you think he did," Cass asked as she stood up from the couch.
"Maybe," Jarred shrugs, "But either way, she's not going to tell me nor my father, who also said that Joffrey ordered the deaths of your father's bastards so they wouldn't challenge his claim to the throne."
"Any lord or king would feel the same," Ceryse argues, "Not long ago, Lenora reminded us about the Blackfyre Rebellions."
"Yes, and one of the reasons people sided with Daemon Blackfyre was because they thought Daeron II wasn't the trueborn son of King Aegon IV but that his wife, Queen Naerys, had an affair with Aemon the Dragonknight," Cass reminds her, "I know my histories too."
"Then you should also say those were rumors as well," Ceryse argues, "Besides, everyone today knows Aegon IV made up those rumors so he could put Daemon on the throne since he was the favorite. That doesn't prove that Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are Jaime's children."
Suddenly, they heard a bump coming from Cass's wardrobe, and then small 'ow' was heard. The three look to the wardrobe, looking confused at what they heard. So, Cass went straight for the closet and opened it to see nothing, but after moving some of her dresses aside, she looked down to see Jocelyn hiding in the closet.
"Jocelyn," Cass's eyes widen.
"Hi," Jocelyn sheepishly gave a small wave.
Going to the closet, Ceryse asked, "What are you doing in there?"
"I was returning one of Cass's rings," Jocelyn explains, leaving the wardrobe.
"What were you doing with my rings," Cass asked.
"Borrowing it," Jocelyn shrugs, "Anyways, I was about to leave the room, but then I heard you were coming up, so I hid in the closet so I wouldn't get caught."
"So, how long were you in there," Jarred asked, hoping she didn't hear anything.
"Long enough to know you're figuring out if the rumors about the King are true," Jocelyn confesses as the others give each other worried looks. "I won't tell anyone. I can keep secrets. I do it all the time."
They then give her confused looks as Cass asks, "What do you mean all the time? What kind of secrets?"
"You know," Jocelyn smiles cheekily to her and Jarred, making them realize that she might know about their affair, although Ceryse remains clueless. "And yes, I think Ned Stark knew about the rumors."
"What makes you say that," Ceryse asked while Jarred and Cass tried to compose themselves after what they found out.
"I heard that he once went to the city to look at a blacksmith's apprentice," Jocelyn explained. "The apprentice had black hair and blue eyes, like King Robert. Lord Stark also had the book of lineages on House Baratheon to check how many people born there had the Baratheon look."
"How do you know this," Jarred asked, curious about how a young girl could possess such knowledge.
"The officers of the City Watch talk a lot to each other, and their wives, and their children. Oh, and even their mistresses too. People gossip about everything at court, especially the servants. You'd be surprised at the kind of gossip they talk about or what their lords say in front of them," Jocelyn explained casually.
Jarred, Ceryse, and Cass were amazed at Jocelyn's knowledge. They had underestimated her, thinking she was just a young girl who liked to play and have fun. However, Jocelyn is more aware than they thought despite only being fourteen or fifteen years old.
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Lenora was walking to her bedchambers for the night when she ran into her brother Tyrion and some of her companions.
"Ah, dear sister," Tyrion exclaims as he walks up to her, "I'm glad you're here. You have never been formally introduced. This is Bronn, the newly appointed Captain of the Guard. Bronn, my dear sister convinced me to give you your current position."
Looking to Lenora, Bronn gives a pleasant smile before taking her hand and kissing it, "Thank you m'lady. Lord Tyrion said much about you. And thank you for giving me this position."
Lenora chuckles a bit, taken aback by his pleasantries, "Of course. And thank you for assisting my brother and keeping the Red Keep safe."
"My pleasure," Bronn thanked.
"Now that we have been acquainted, we are about to go for the treacherous spy in the council," Tyrion proclaims, "You wish to come."
"Oh, Tyrion," Lenora tries to say.
"Come," Tyrion insisted, "It might be fun."
Before Lenora could say anything, Tyrion walked away with his companions, forcing her to join them. However, she can't deny that she wants to see who the spy is and what will happen to them.
They made it to the bedchambers of Grand Maester Pycelle, much to Lenora's surprise to find out he was the spy. Once they come upon the door, Bronn kicks it down, revealing the older man to be in bed with some random woman, much to Lenora's shock.
The Hill Tribesmen rush in as the woman leaps out of bed, running to the corner of the room; then Bronn takes Pycelle out of bed, forcing him to stand.
"W-w-what is the meaning of this," Pycelle feebly demanded.
"You disappoint me, Grand Maester, Tyrion said as he pulled out one of the chairs for him to sit in as Lenora stood at the doorway, watching everything unfold.
"I am your loyal servant," Pycelle insisted.
"So loyal that you told the Queen about my plans to send Myrcella to Dorne," Tyrion accuses.
Pycelle gives a shocking look, "No! Never! It's a falsehood. I swear it. It wasn't me. Ah, Varys. It was Varys the Spider."
Tyrion then picks up a gold trinket from the desk, fiddling with it, "See, I told Varys that I was giving the Princess to the Greyjoys. I told Hellen I wished to wed Myrcella to her son, Steffon. I told Littlefinger that I planned to wed her to Robin Arryn. I said no one I was offering her to the Dornish: no one but you.
The old maester stutters, "The eunuch has spies everywhere."
"Cut off his manhood and feed it to the goats," Tyrion requests, causing Pycelle to recoil back to the bed with fear.
One of the Hill Tribesmen said, "There are no goats, half man."
Tyrion then waves his hand, "Well, make do."
Not wanting anything to happen, Lenora asks, "Tyrion, let's just stay focused on the matter at hand."
Tyrion hums for a moment as if he was thinking about it. Then he says, "Very well. How long have you been spying for our sister?"
"All I did, I did for House Lannister. Always," Pycelle insisted desperately, "Your lord father, ask him. I've always been his servant since the days of the Mad King."
Tyrion ponders momentarily, bouncing his fingers on the chair's armrests. He shakes his head to Bronn, "I don't like his beard."
"Tyrion," Lenora warns as Bronn grabs Pycelle by the beard, then chops it off with a large knife, causing the old man to cry out as he feels what remains of his beard.
"How many Hands have you betrayed, Pycelle," Tyrion asked, "Eddard Stark? Jon Arryn?"
"Oh, Lord Arryn," Pycelle said, trying to save himself, "he knew. He knew the truth about the Queen. And he planned to act, to t-tell King Robert."
This confused Lenora as to what truth he was talking about. But Tyrion continues, "So you poisoned him?"
Pycelle gives a wide-eyed look, "No. Never."
"But you let him die," Tyrion accused, "made sure he succumbed."
"Lannister, I always served Lannister," Pycelle says repeatedly as he becomes overwhelmed by everything.
"Tyrion, I don't think we'll get any more out of him," Lenora said, wanting all this to end.
"I agree," Tyrion concedes, "Get him out of my sight. Throw him in one of the black cells."
The Tribesmen did as they were told, practically dragging Pycelle out of the bed as he cried out in protest. He tries to beg Lenora for help, but she can only stand where she is since she doesn't see she can do much. Before they leave, Tyrion goes to the woman in the corner, who stays quiet after witnessing everything, and gives her a gold coin.
"For your trouble," He says before the woman nods meekly before he and Lenora leave the room.
"So, what happens now," Lenora asked.
"Pycelle will rot in prison, and I was able to get Littlefinger out of the Red Keep for a while now," Tyrion explains.
"To go where," Lenora asked.
"To Robb Stark's camp," Tyrion answered, "To see if he can convince Catelyn Stark to free Jaime."
"And you think he will do that," Lenora raises her brow.
Tyrion smirks, "If it's to see his beloved Catelyn, I believe so. Now I must round up the rest of the council members who weren't spies," Tyrion answered. No doubt he would have to answer to Varys and Hellen about recent events
0000000000
After Pycelle and Littlefinger were taken care of and spoke to Varys, Tyrion went to Lady Hellen, whom her husband accompanied, as they conversed about recent events in her chambers.
"If you ask me, you did the council a favor," Hellen concluded. "I never wanted Pycelle anywhere near me."
"I'm sure the feeling is mutual," Tyrion comments as they sit at the chairs within the room.
"So, he's in the black cells," Jonathor concluded, "I wonder how the Queen will handle this."
"Oh, I'm sure we will see in a moment or two," Tyrion japes a bit.
"But you are going to give away Myrcella to the Martells," Hellen questions, "One would wonder if she is safe there considering the relationship between them and the Lannisters."
"True," Tyrion admits, "But she's much safer there than in the capital since Stannis will be invading any day now."
Hellen looks sternly at the mention of her brother, "Yes. I'm sure."
Tyrion notices this, so he changes the subject, "I must say, I was a bit surprised by how well you took the marriage proposal not happening."
"Considering the circumstances, it did seem a bit suspicious when you proposed without the Queen Regent," Jonathor explains.
Hellen adds, "And considering the relationship between her and me, I highly doubt she would support this."
"Quite right," Tyrion agrees, "But Myrcella's safety is paramount. I'm sure you agree since your youngest son is far from the capital."
"Indeed," Jonathor puts his hand on his wife's shoulder as she looks back at her husband.
"I must say," Tyrion trails off while stirring his wine, "It is interesting that Steffon would be all the other side of Essos."
"Steffon is where he needs to learn about trading," Jonathor explains, "If he is to be my successor, he needs to learn all he can once he takes ownership of Dawn Isle."
"Of course," Tyrion continues, "But he's been in Qarth for some time before the war began, and he could learn under your watch here in the capital."
"My husband and I agree that being exposed as much as possible will give you the most experience and knowledge for the future," Hellen said sternly.
"And yet, he couldn't get it here," Tyrion playfully wonders, "I'm sure the capital has much and more to experience to give."
"Well, one must have as many allies as they can," Hellen plays off, seeing that Tyrion is becoming suspicious, so she decides to give him something new to focus on, "I'm sure your cousin Lancel can attest to that."
"Lancel," Tyrion tilts his head, confused about why she would say that.
"He has been spending much time with the Queen as of late," Hellen said as Jonathor eyed his wife, seeing what she was doing. "They were speaking with one another, spending long hours together. No doubt, I'm trying to stay in her favor. He's even starting to smell like lavender. Cersei's perfume, I'm sure you know."
"Yes, I do," Tyrion raises his brow. This has piqued his interest. Lancel has been spending much time with Cersei, so now he knows he needs to look into it. However, he can tell that Hellen intentionally gave him this information. For what reason, he can't say. It might be to stray focus away from her son, Steffon, but he can see in her eyes that it was something else. He couldn't figure out why.
"However," Tyrion decides to continue, "I did come here for another reason, as I still wish to strengthen the crown's bonds with House Longwaters. I want to offer you, Lord Jonathor, your old position back as Master of Trade."
Jonathor and Hellen's eyes widen slightly, not expecting this from Tyrion.
"Is that so," Jonathor said.
"Yes," Tyrion assures him, "The seat was created by you, after all, during the reign of Aerys II. Until King Robert rose to power and dismissed you and gave the position to your wife."
"I remember," Jonathor said with an unreadable tone, unclear if he was still angry.
"Now, Lady Hellen, you have done a tremendous job of serving the crown, but I am sure you agree that the seat belongs to your husband."
"I always believed that," Hellen eyes him suspiciously, "And now you wish to give my husband back to his rightful place on the council."
Jonathor didn't say anything but stayed quiet as their exchange continued.
"Most certainly," Tyrion tells her, "He will be restored to the council with all honors,"
"I will accept," Jonathor suddenly said, catching Hellen and Tyrion's attention, "Only after the war ends, as you said. Stannis is still out there, and they say that he's raising a fleet of ships to attack the capital. I shall accept the offer once he's been taken care of."
Hellen gives an uncertain look, believing that her husband would love to regain his old position, but he's proven otherwise.
"Very well, then," Tyrion puts down his cup of wine, "Glad to see a man's priorities."
And with that, Tyrion bids them both a goodnight before leaving them alone in the room so they can talk.
"I thought you would be more than happy to regain your old position," Hellen said.
"Yes," Jonathor said while sitting across from her, "But as I said, Stannis is creating a fleet for invasion. And I need to ensure that you and Jarred are safe when that happens."
Hellen hums in understanding. She sensed it was something else but decided to save it for another day.
Jonathor presses his fingers to his mouth, giving his wife a studious look. "You didn't tell me about Lancel and Cersei."
"I didn't," Hellen playfully questioned, "Must have slipped my mind. I got it from Varys the other day."
Jonathor chuckles, smirking at his wife, "I saw what you were doing. Giving Tyrion a bone to be more focused on. To take the subject of our son to something else."
"And to screw with Cersei a bit," Hellen admits with a smile, "And Tyrion is smart enough to know what it was. Meaning he might see us as an ally."
"We already have Varys being an ally to him," Jonathor reminds her.
Hellen nods, "But he doesn't know that. Besides, it will keep him closer to us if we need him for future plots."
Jonathan looks at his wife with a smile, enjoying her playful nature. He has always been attracted to her beauty and spirit, but her intelligence captured his heart years ago when they married. Without saying a word, he slowly stands up from his chair and leans towards her as she remains seated.
Hellen gives him a playful smirk, having a good idea on what he is doing, "No."
But Jonathor persists, leaning in closer with a sly smile. "Yes," he says, his lips almost touching hers.
Hellen giggles and says again, "No."
However, Jonathor is persistent and repeats, "Yes," as his lips finally touch hers. Hellen chuckles during the kiss. They break away from the kiss, but Jonathor continues to kiss her cheek, jawline, and neck while caressing her other cheek, causing Hellen to moan with pleasure.
Suddenly, Jonathor picks her up, and they laugh as he carries her to the bed, where they undress and spend the night together.
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