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Chapter 31
As the small council sat in the room, they focused solely on Prince Oberyn's face. Every move he made was being watched with utmost care, and every expression on his face was being analysed with great detail. Princess Arianne, who was seated next to him, had a similar look of rage on her face, indicating that whatever was contained in the letter had deeply offended them both to the point in which the atmosphere in the room was tense. The council members waited for the prince to speak and disclose the contents of the letter that had caused such a strong reaction from the Dornish royals.
But of course, Galadriel already knew what was said in the letter, just like the rest. But they were waiting for him to say something, and he did speak out. However, it was more of a scoff than anything else.
"Lies," Oberyn spoke with such hatred that resonated in the room. "He is no kin of mine."
"Aegon Targaryen is nothing more than a pretender," Arianne hissed, her voice filled with venom. Her anger was warranted, but her uncle Oberyn's fury surpassed hers.
"A bastard," Oberyn added angrily, a curious tone for someone with many. Yet, this wasn't the same, for this bastard claimed to be his sister's child. "I saw the bodies, saw the blood. I saw my sister's children holding her battered body while their blood painted the Lannister cloak."
Galadriel's eyes flickered to her grandfather, Tywin, whose face was as inscrutable as ever. Really, nothing, grandfather? Not even a flinch or a smug? Galadriel thought, amused by how good Tywin was at showing no expression. She couldn't help but smile to herself as she turned her attention back to Oberyn.
"So we are safe to assure that the Martell will not betray the crown, is it?" Cersei spoke, and such a question only made Oberyn's eyes darken with anger. But the prince was clever, and instead, he smiled at her.
"Betray? Why would we? The Martell has no reason to believe the words of a pretender; we already have what we want. Besides, Princess Myrcella is still in Sunspear; if we wanted to betray the crown, we would've done it long ago."
Cersei's eyes saw the real meaning behind those words, and like many times before, she thought she had discovered a secret plot or real threat. Again, Galadriel stopped her mother before she said something foolish, and while that would have been humorous to hear. Galadriel loved her mother enough to stop her from doing it.
"Mother, please," Galadriel said, holding her mother's hand. "I doubt Prince Oberyn really meant those words. R-right?"
Oberyn forced a smile, his eyes betraying his genuine emotions as he waved away the queen's concern. Galadriel's performance made her appear uncomfortable for everyone watching. But the truth was that Galadriel was simply irritated.
"Of course, your highness," Oberyn replied. "The truth is that this person, this bastard, claims to be Rhaegar Targaryen's son, which he is not. No one would believe it, not even what is left of the Targaryen loyalist."
"Fully agree," Tywin spoke now. "The Blackfyre bastard believes he can cross the Narrow Sea, and no one would know the truth of his real lineage."
"And since everyone is smart, they would not pay attention to this kid," Tyrion added. "Now the question is, where are they going to land?"
"The Stormlands," Galadriel replied softly. "That's where this Blackfyre pretender will land with his armies."
Galadriel was confident that a new battle would unfold in the Stormlands and was pleased about it. It's been a while since Galadriel saw a massacre. How can they move such a vast number of elephants using ships? Galadriel continued to hum, pondering how her grandfather and Ser Barristan would handle the approaching army.
"So, Ser Barristand, grandfather, how will we do this?" Galadriel asked, and she was thankful that both of those men took her seriously when it came down to warfare.
Tywin gestured for Tyrion to fetch a map of the Stormlands, which he brought, albeit reluctantly.
"You're welcome," Tyrion whispered dramatically. Tywin, of course, did not reply at all.
"Lord Tarth has informed us that the Golden Company fleets have avoided landing directly into Shipbreaker Bay, and since they would not dare enter Blackwater Bay, the only part in which they can land that large army is here," Tywin said, pointing at the map. "South the Massey's Hook."
Ser Barritan walked towards him, his eyes fixed on the map. He took a moment to examine it before nodding in agreement with Tywin's observation. "There are no castles or fortresses around. They will face no resistance if they land there."
"Their army would have to cross the Wendwater Bridge if they want to make it to King's Landing," Oberyn added as he lazily leaned on his chair.
"We are not going to allow them to cross it," Tywin replied. "We only need to get them away from their ships."
"So we can then burn their ships, stopping any escape," Jaime added, earning a nod from Tywin.
Galadriel hummed, paying attention to everything they said. Evidently, Galadriel did not have the expertise to effectively strategise with armies. It was something she had never done before. Nonetheless, she possessed a strategic nature when it came to things, and she was incredibly competitive, very competitive. So, learning how to move armies was something she was genuinely studying.
Moving armies sounds stressful, too. But also very fun. Mm, maybe one day I could move my own army. Yeah, that sounds fun! Galadriel smiled to herself before focusing on what was at hand.
"How many soldiers are we facing?" Galadriel asked.
"If the reports are right, 25,000 men, perhaps more. The Golden Company are not alone here. They brought many other small mercenary groups with them. However, the real problem is those elephants."
Galadriel was not concerned nor threatened by the army of this supposedly Aegon Targaryen. Her army easily outnumbers the Blackfyre's bastard army. Only a fool would think otherwise. Yet she began to ponder whether this boy truly knew what he was getting himself into. Either this Aegon was an Alexander the Great in disguise or a truly egotistical idiot who had no idea that no one would support his claim at all. One had to wonder if he even knew about Galadriel's dragon. If Aegon did, does he think a fire would not hurt him? Or that he could somehow control them, too?
He had to be mad or deluded into believing he could win this war.
He was being fed lies all of his life. He doesn't know anything but that. Galadriel wondered if she should be sorry for him or simply laugh at his stupidity.
"And our army?" Galadriel asked now, hiding her amusement and excitement with concern.
"We have 40,000 Reach, Lannister and Stormland soldiers, your grace," Ser Barristan added. "Enough to deal with him without leaving King's Landing unprotected."
"We also have dragons," Tyrion whispered, and he earned a glare from Cersei.
"She is not riding to battle!"
"I am the only one who can control them, Ancalagon, Scatha and Smaug. They will listen to no one else; if we want to burn their fleet, you'll need them and me," Galadriel declared, and she saw the worry on their faces.
"Father!" Cersei begged Lord Tywin to prevent her granddaughter from making a foolish decision. However, Tywin remained unmoved, his green eyes glaring into Galadriel's golden ones.
"You will be staying away from the bay," Tywin stated, with no room to debate.
"Father, are you mad?!" Cersei couldn't believe what she was hearing, not at all. How could her father put her child in such danger? Did he not understand that she could die?
"It's just like the queen state," Tywin spoke, slurring each word. "She is the only one who can control those dragons. And they are an advantage we cannot ignore."
Galadriel was surprised when she heard her grandfather agreeing with her on this matter. Even the Old Lion understood the importance of ending this war before it truly began. With the imminent defeat of the Ironborn, Tywin wanted to secure his granddaughter's rule and the Lannister dynasty. The only obstacle standing between that reality was those pretenders attempting to seize his rightful place.
"I know," Galadriel said, already reading Tywin's mind. "I am going to be with Ancalagon and stay away. Scatha and Smaug can do the rest. Besides, my dragons are getting bigger. It would take a few minutes to be born all of their ships."
Galadriel stated, and the rest could only nod slowly. It was true, after all, since those three dragons were feeding off Galadriel's magic, which was endless and incredibly powerful. It was helping them grow incredibly fast and strong.
"If that is what you wish, your grace," Ser Barristan sighed in defeat while Mya and Gendry looked at each other with tired expressions.
Galadriel nodded. "Is there anything else to discuss?"
"Yes, your grace, ravens from Castle Black," Varys spoke. "We haven't heard much since Lord Commander Mormont went beyond the Wall. Nothing but whispers of a large gathering of wildlings."
Wildlings? Galadriel then recalled the things she heard from beyond the Wall. It was something she had paid little attention to lately. Not truly, and not because she wasn't aware of what may be lurking over there. It was because of the many other schemes going on in her mind. Yet, it would be a mistake if she didn't see what was brewing up there.
"I think a group of unwashed wildlings far away north is the least of our worries."
Cersei hissed angrily, her voice filled with venomous rage. Galadriel rolled her eyes at her mother's apparent anger. Still, she would have to monitor what's going up there soon. Paying a visit soon would do her good. Galadriel was getting tired of all these snakes in the spit. Besides, she has never seen the Wall. It could be a vacation of sorts.
Yeah, I like the sound of that. Galadriel thought before also thinking on another topic. I should get that topic out of my mind already.
"My lords, while war is approaching, I know there are many great things to discuss. However, there is a private concern I must first speak of with my family in private," Galadriel said, and soon everyone stood up except the Lannisters. "Ser Barristan, please leave us. Uncle Jaime, stay."
Soon left in the hand of the king's room were only Galadriel's family.
"Amazing, my dear niece, you can kick everyone wherever you want," Tyrion joked. "You're learning fast."
Galadriel sighed deeply before turning to Tywin, who was looking at her with great interest. "Your Grace, what can we do for you," he asked.
"Grandfather, I know you have spoken with Lady Olenna about marriage," Galadriel stated. Tywin raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear she knew about it.
"Who told you about that?" He questioned, not necessarily angrily. Tywin looked surprised, even delighted to hear his granddaughter was getting sharper in the Game. "Who are you spies?"
"Well, that's the thing. I don't necessarily have spies. Everyone seems to have spies around me constantly," Galadriel snorted as she looked at her family. "So, I just befriend them. That's all: no blackmail, nor threats, or bribery. I made them my friends; they all tell me everything because they love me. Because they worship me. I don't need to do anything else; they will just come to me and tell me all the secrets. And I used it to my advantage."
Tywin hummed deeply while Cersei narrowed her eyes, but she couldn't help but feel stunned to hear that. Tyrion was amused, and Jaime tilted his head at his niece, surprised to hear her say something like that. Galadriel utilised her status as the Divine Queen to accomplish her tasks. It was entertaining for her to do this way. Adoration and worship were more powerful to her than bribery and fear, which was the truth. All the spies believed she to be a goddess, so they came forth for blessings and gave her everything she wished, including information.
"You made scheming and spying boring, my dear niece," Tyrion replied as Galadriel chuckled. "Where is the excitement of turning a spy against his master? You just smile at them, and they give you everything!"
"I'd rather live my life without more of this excitement you speak of, my dear uncle," Galadriel replied before turning to his grandfather. "Marriage. I know this is a topic we all must come to a sort of understanding. I must get married to produce an heir. I understand my duty. However, the question has been to whom."
Tywin stood up before preparing a cup of wine. Cersei took that moment to squeeze in between conversations.
"Marriage is not all that important for someone like you," Cersei said, her sweet tone masking the underlying anxiety that hung in the air. "Besides, you're too young."
"I believe someone would say youth is the best time to get married," Tyrion added, as his eyes glared at Tywin, who sat beside his granddaughter. "Won't you say the same, father?"
Tywin only glared back at him before saying no more about Tyrion's marriage.
"I did have a meeting with Lady Olenna; she tried to persuade me to marry you off to the eldest son of Lord Tyrell," Tywin said.
"Isn't he a cripple?" Jaime asked.
"Yes," Tywin replied. "But I won't have a cripple marrying my granddaughter, the queen. I refused such a match."
Cersei and the rest looked glad to hear such a response, but Galadriel knew there was more.
"But?" Galadriel asked, and this time, Tywin stared right into Cersei's eyes.
"I suggested another match."
Cersei began to feel shivers run through her body, and it didn't take long before Tyrion and Jaime thought it, too.
"What do you mean?" Cersei asked, dreading the answer her father would give her, and she was right; Tywin's reply was everything she was afraid of hearing at that moment.
"You're marrying Willas Tyrell," Tywin's words cut deep into the air as Cersei and Jaime stared, stunned at their father.
"I will not!" Cersei replied, but Tywin had no time to argue with her.
"He is the heir to Highgarden. Myrcella's marriage to the Martell will secure Dorne, Tommen will secure the Stormlands, and you the Reach."
"No, I won't do it," Cersei spoke again, trying to sound strong, but before Lord Tywin, it sounded more like she was frightened, and everyone knew it.
"Yes, you will," Tywin declared. "You're still fertile. You need to marry again and breed."
Galadriel was taken aback by how cruel Tywin sounded towards her mother. She had heard of his brutal nature before, but hearing it in person was a shock. However, despite Galadriel being offended by how Tywin viewed Cersei as nothing more than a tool for him to use and expand his legacy, Galadriel had to admit that, on paper, it was an excellent move on their part.
With Cersei and Willas marrying, they would hold the South under their control. Dorne, the Stormlands, and Reach would be under Lannister's influence. And only leaving the Riverlands, the Vale, and the North to deal with. And she had an idea of how that would turn out. She could almost read Tywin's mind now. You're very cruel, grandfather. Very, very cruel.
"I am the Divine Queen's mother! Not some broodmare!"
"You're my daughter!" Tywin slammed his fist on the table. "And you will do as I command, and you will marry Willas Tyrell and end those disgusting rumours about you once and for all."
"Father, please don't make me do it again," Cersei whispered, her voice breaking.
"Not another word," Tywin stated coldly.
Tyrion and Jaimes could only stare in silence as they could now feel their father's gaze upon them.
"Now," Tywin said. "This only leaves the North, Riverlands and Vale. The Iron Islands, that's a matter for another day."
"You're going to sell us too, father?" Tyrion asked, and Galadriel could not help but clap at her uncle's bravery for speaking to Tywin while tensions were running high.
Still, Galadriel wasn't going to simply sit and watch; after all, it was her kingdom in the contest, her rule. Besides, she felt a bit sadistic. Her family was not something she wanted to play with. But Cersei, Tyrion, and Jaime couldn't care less about the future of their house. Not as much as their father, in any case. So, Galadriel had forced her hand in the matter. Her future empire depended on them.
Still, Galadriel debated herself. She wasn't looking to make their family suffer. But honestly, they weren't suffering at all. They just had to marry off, and that's all. Whatever they did after that, it was their business. Galadriel did not care if Cersei and Jaime continued their incestuous relationship.
Besides, I think, it would do good if Tyrion also finds a wife, instead of a whore.
Surprisingly, even Galadriel would eventually succumb to the institution of marriage. It was evident that Galadriel and Pandora's Actor had already done a great deal of planning. It would be solely for the exhibition. She had no intention of carrying out the task or starting a family. It was purely for show, with no practical use. Find a puppet she could use, and add some mysticism about why she couldn't have children like she was to the saint or a god and could not produce an heir with a mortal.
Galadriel wanted to be married on paper only to get it out of the way. So, when people see that no child was born of her and her husband, she would use it to say, "As a god, I can't be with a human. Thus, I will reign as a queen without a successor since an immortal queen does not depend on having one."
It was a work in progress. Galadriel could decide not to marry, but again, she was working on her image. Galadriel wanted to seem bigger than life, so she decided to take that path. Besides, the queen's wedding would make the smallfolk forget some things.
Now, turning to her family, Galadriel decided to help her grandfather with his plans.
"Sansa Stark," Galadriel spoke as they all turned to her. "She is the key of the North."
"Sansa is the key of the North? If I remember correctly, she has an older brother," Tyrion said.
"Yes, but Sansa is the key to getting a hold of the Riverlands, North and the Vale," Galadriel said, and now Tywin looked at her. "A marriage with her would put us in that union."
"I doubt the Starks are going to give her up for nothing. They want to return to the North," Tyrion added, looking between his father and niece.
"The Starks know they need the South to survive what could be a long winter. This marriage is as necessary for them as it is to us," Tywin said before looking at Jaime. Soon, Jaime realised what his father was thinking. "So, we must find Sansa Stark a husband."
"You want me to leave the queensguard?" Jaime whispered, astonished at how far his father would go for his legacy.
"You're my son," Tywin replied. "You have ignored your duty to your family for what? To stand as a guard wearing that golden armour? Serving kings, a madman and a drunk? Are you proud of your achievements?"
Jaime's contorted face expressed pain, anger, guilt, and sorrow, making Galadriel wonder if he was hiding something.
"Sansa Stark is a fine suitor for you."
"She is a child!" Jaime snapped back at him.
Tywin simply glared at him. "And? She is around the same age as the queen. Her happiness is not my concern, and neither should be yours."
Jaime's anger flared up as he stared at his father. "What about Tyrion? He is your son, too—your heir. I am a member of the queensguard. No matter how much you hate it. He should marry Sansa if that is what you desire."
Now, Tyrion glared at Jaime, half-betrayed and joyful that at least Jaime saw him as the heir of Casterly Rock. Tywin, however, looked unpleased at that.
"You would be giving out the opportunity to take the mantle of the Lannister heir for... him."
"Me," Tyrion replied, opening his arms as if he were a sort of gift for his father. Tywin hissed madly as he stared at Jaime with pure disappointment.
"And do you think Tyrion is ready to be wed?" Tywin asked maliciously. Yet, Tyrion's gaze turned cold with anger and resentment.
"I was wed, don't you remember?" Tyrion replied.
"Only too well," Tywin hissed.
Galadriel stood frozen, her expression mirroring that of a deer in headlights, as she tried to comprehend the meaning behind those unfamiliar statements. There is a story right there. I wonder what does that mean? Was Uncle Tyrion married already? She thought for a moment, then let out an awkward cough in an attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"Weddings are a necessity," Galadriel said carefully. "Whether we liked them or not. We must make these sacrifices to secure my rule and the Lannister's influence for centuries to come. These marriages, mother, uncle, are important."
"And would you follow with example?" Tyrion asked with an icy tone. That brought Cersei out of that shock she was in a few minutes ago.
"You will not talk to my daughter in such a tone!" Cersei snapped at him. "She is your queen."
Galadriel rolled her eyes at this family drama. "Yes, uncle, even I will marry. It's not about what I want, but what my family needs."
Tywin nodded at her, finally glad that a member of his family understood what was necessary for the family.
Yet, Galadriel had other ideas.
I will send Shalltear to clear the Iron Islands. I want them gone now. I just hope she doesn't get too excited.
Far to the North, deep in the cold forest beyond the Wall, Sam and Gilly sought refuge from the freezing cold inside an old abandoned hut. Although they were not in immediate danger of succumbing to the cold, a fire would undoubtedly make their situation more comfortable.
Still, Sam and Gilly were distracting themselves by thinking of names for Gilly's son.
"Randyll is a handsome name," Gilly spoke as she tried to make a fire.
"Please don't name him Randyll," Sam replied.
"Is your father as cruel as mine?"
"Different manner of cruel."
Gilly grew quiet, looking at Sam's face. "Not Randyll, then."
Sam smiled as Gilly sat next to him. Soon after the fire was finally made, they could sense some warmth in the tiny little hut. It was far from a safe place to be, but this was as good as it got up here.
However, their sense of safety quickly dissipated when crows started to cry loudly outside their hut. What began as a few cries soon turned into dozens, all perched on an ancient weirdwood tree.
"Don't out there," Gilly whispered, afraid.
"I'll be back. I just want to look," Sam replied.
Sam looked at the weirdwood and all the crows chirping at him. It was as if they were trying to say something to him, to warn him about a threat. Sam wasn't sure of what to think.
"Sam? What is it?" Gilly asked.
"Go back inside, Gilly," Sam whispered before both heard a loud screeching from the forest's darkness.
"It's come for the baby!" Gilly yelled as Sam fearfully raised his sword at the monster walking towards him.
"S-stay back!" Sam yelled. "Y-you stay back!"
The White Walker strolled towards him before grabbing the sword with cold hands and breaking it as if made of glass. Sam was too afraid to do anything and could not react. He stood there holding what was left of his sword before being struck down by the cold one.
His fat body was thrown away as the White Walker walked towards Gilly.
"No, you can't have him! No!" Gilly yelled, holding her son tightly into her chest.
"Gilly!" Sam yelled as he pulled the only weapon left, a dagger he found at the Fist of the First Men.
Soon, as fast as he could, Sam stabbed the White Walker from behind, causing the cold one to scream in pain before he was, too, shattered in many pieces.
Gilly stood there in fear and shock at the fact that Sam had killed one of them. But soon, their relief was stopped by another set of wails in the distance.
"More," Sam mumbled. "Gilly! Run!"
Gilly tried to do just that before she could even try to escape. Behind her, a White Walker was already standing there.
"Gilly!" Sam yelled frantically as he saw the cold one screeching as his icy finger threatened to touch Gilly's skin and end her. But before that thing could touch her and take her baby, another hand appeared, grabbing the cold one's arm.
"Fufufu~ that was close!"
Gilly, Sam, and the White Walker were caught off guard when an unexpected visitor appeared before them. The woman had long, flowing red hair that cascaded down her back in two long braids, and her skin was a deep, sun-kissed bronze. She was dressed in a simple but elegant outfit that Sam surmised was that of a servant.
Yet, Sam was still wondering where that woman came from. And how could that strange woman not get cold?
"Lucky, yes? I was watching and wondering if you were going to survive. It was very entertaining. But then I recalled that I had no idea where I was! So, I decided not to watch you all die!"
The woman chuckled before giving the White Walker one last glance. "Ew, I am touching an undead."
The woman displayed a look of intense revulsion on her face—her nose wrinkled and her lips twisted in disgust. She sighed deeply before reaching for a massive weapon from behind her back. The weapon was a colossal crosier, almost as big as the woman herself. She lifted the weapon with ease, portraying her unnatural strength. In one swift move, she swung the crosier with immense force, shattering the White Walker into pieces.
Then, in an unbothered tone. She looked at the eerily silent crows. "No peaking!"
The woman swung her weapon at the three where all those crows were standing, creating a powerful wind that pushed them away.
Then she glared at Gilly and Sam, who were wondering if they were dreaming.
"My name is Lupusregina Beta, and I am looking for my lady. Can you tell me where I am?"
The North now had a Pleiades to worry about.
