The morning after the final day of celebrations, a small group of the most powerful figures in Westeros gathered in Tywin's private solar. The room was bathed in the soft glow of early morning light, filtered through high, narrow windows. The mood was somber, the air thick with unspoken concerns.

Seated around a large, intricately carved table were Tywin, Ned, Jaime, Olenna, and Wyman. Their faces reflected the weight of the discussion that was about to unfold, each representing the interests and concerns of their respective regions.

Tywin leaned forward slightly, his voice steady and commanding. "I thank you all for joining me this morning. The festivities have been grand, but there are matters we must address before you depart."

Olenna raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp yet curious. "Oh? And what pressing matters could there be, Tywin? Surely the absence of a drunken king and his petulant queen doesn't warrant such a gathering."

Tywin's gaze sharpened, but he maintained his composure. "Their absence was a deliberate snub, Lady Olenna. Robert's pride and Cersei's ambition have led them to believe they can slight House Lannister without consequence. It's a dangerous precedent."

Ned nodded, his voice measured. "The king's absence is troubling, but more so is what it signifies. The realm is growing restless under Robert's rule. His neglect is spreading discontent among the lords and the smallfolk alike."

Wyman stroked his beard thoughtfully, his voice deep and resonant. "Aye, the North hears whispers of unrest. The people are loyal, but loyalty can waver when a king abandons his duties. And with winter approaching, the North cannot afford to be led by a man who spends more time in his cups than on his throne."

Olenna leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes narrowing as she considered the implications. "So, we have a king who is more interested in feasting and whoring than ruling, and a queen who believes she can maneuver the realm like a chessboard. Tywin, what is it you propose?"

Tywin's gaze shifted to Jaime, then back to the assembled lords and lady. "We must be prepared. Robert's reign is faltering, and it will not be long before his actions—or inactions—threaten the stability of the realm. Cersei's ambitions only complicate matters further. We cannot allow her to drive our house into a corner."

Jaime spoke up, his voice steady. "The realm needs strong leadership, not just from the Iron Throne, but from the great houses. We must ensure that if the worst happens, we are ready to protect our interests and the stability of Westeros."

Ned's expression was thoughtful, his mind clearly weighing the implications of what Tywin and Jaime were suggesting. His loyalty to Robert was strong, but he could not ignore the truth of what was being said.

"If we are to act, it must be with caution," Ned said carefully. "The last thing the realm needs is another war. But you're right, Tywin—Robert's neglect cannot continue unchecked. The North will not stand idly by if the realm begins to unravel."

Wyman nodded in agreement, his large hands resting on the table. "We are loyal to the North and to the realm. We will do what must be done to ensure the safety and prosperity of our people."

Olenna, ever the sharp strategist, tapped her fingers on the table, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "It seems we are all in agreement then. The Reach has prospered under our leadership, and we have no intention of letting Robert's incompetence threaten that. If it comes to it, we will stand with those who seek to preserve the realm."

Tywin allowed a rare, satisfied smile to touch his lips. He had gathered some of the most powerful figures in Westeros, and they were all aligned with his goals. "We must remain vigilant. The coming months will test us all, but if we stand together, we can ensure that Westeros remains strong, no matter what Robert or Cersei do."

Ned looked at Tywin, a mixture of respect and wariness in his gaze. "For the sake of the realm, Tywin. But let us not forget the cost of such vigilance."

The room fell into a contemplative silence, each person lost in their own thoughts about the future. The conversation had solidified a tentative alliance, one built on the shared understanding that Robert's rule was nearing its breaking point. But with that understanding came the heavy burden of what must be done to protect the realm—and their families.

As the meeting concluded, the lords and lady rose, their expressions a mix of determination and resolve. They had set the wheels in motion for what could be the beginning of a new chapter in Westeros—a chapter where the great houses took matters into their own hands, with or without the king.

The sun rose higher in the sky as the noble guests prepared to depart from Casterly Rock. Outside, the children continued their games, unaware of the heavy decisions being made within the castle walls. Daemon, Robb, Loras, and the other boys engaged in friendly sparring matches, forging bonds that might one day shape the future of the realm.

Inside, Tywin watched them from a window, his mind already calculating the next steps. The realm was changing, and House Lannister would be ready for whatever came next.