Hello everyone, it's me, your boy, with another chapter for all of you to enjoy! I do hope all of you are having a wonderful time and enjoying a good afternoon or morning.
I just wanted to add that, after this point, the plot it's going to change. I know some of you didn't want the War of the Five Kings, but I had to do it. But it's going to be highly different from what everyone will expect with twists and so on. Just wait and see! You're going to love it!
Now, the two next updates are going to be!
The White Wolf of Winterfell (Two chapters!)
See you all soon!
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Chapter 10
After an eternity, they finally arrived at King's Landing, where kings and queens died every century. Ned Stark felt melancholy when he saw those walls, recalling the last time he was there. Not the best of times, but now everything was different. Ned didn't return to the city as a rebel fighting a war. But as a lord and now Hand of the King. He couldn't grasp how different everything was. He does remember the smell of King's Landing. That awful, wretched smell of dead and shit.
But now, King's Landing looked so different. He could feel the eyes of the city upon him as his procession passed through the gates. They made their way toward the royal palace, but he looked at every street, stone, and building. The capital of the Seven Kingdoms has never looked so grand. Seeing it now in its glory with all these new buildings was almost blinding. And it was thanks to Princess Galadriel Baratheon that this had been achieved.
The streets were filled with people of all classes; noblemen, commoners, knights, and even a few servants. The people seemed so filled with life and joy. And soon, they all cheered the welcoming of the royal family, especially the oldest princess. Galadriel waved at them from inside her carriage, holding her angelic smile. Ned saw how the princess was so loved by everyone. She was a beautiful, kind-hearted young woman who was wise beyond her years. Ned saw that part of her back at the Trident during that nasty business.
Worry do not, Lord Stark. The direwolf has been saved and has been sent back home. I recommend not telling anyone about this, not even Sansa. Those were the words from the princess. Galadriel brought fur from a wild dog that had the same shade of color as Sansa's direwolf, and she told him it would be acceptable to put the Queen in peace.
Galadriel was shy and often seemed anxious around so many people. But the princess wasn't naive or a fool, that much, Ned knew now. The girl grew up in King's Landing. The princess knew how to move between snakes and knives. Galadriel wasn't as innocent as everyone thought she was. Yet, Ned couldn't help but smile. The girl honestly was spectacular.
It only took a tour for him to see how much the princess had accomplished in a bit of time. That type of control over the resources of Westeros and authority could only be led by someone who knew how to speak and how to make things done.
Ned's smile vanished when he finally reached the royal palace and saw all the guards surrounding it. Many Lannister's soldiers, all with the golden lion banner. Ned's guts were telling him to keep his guard up. He was not in the North.
"Lord Stark. Welcome to King's landing," said a servant who bowed at him slightly. "Grand Maester Pycelle has called a meeting of the Small Council."
"Perhaps, you should change... clothes?"
Ned stood before him, not saying much but only staring.
"A meeting, so fast?" Galadriel's voice interrupted Ned's thoughts. "Father has left already to his chambers. No doubt to rest. But I believe we don't have that luxury."
The princess looked nervous about being around Ned, and the Lord of Winterfell saw it. The white-haired girl sighed profoundly and seemed to gather the strenght to talk to him.
Galadriel turned to Ned and smiled gently. "Lord Stark, I welcome you to the Red Keep and what could be a long day."
Ned sighed but nodded. "Your highness, shouldn't you rest?" He asked. "You look tired."
"Godness, no," Galadriel chuckled nervously. "I have so much work to do. Many businesses to attend, and meetings."
Galadriel shook her head in amusement. She wasn't lying, after such a long period away from her everyday life in King's Landing. There was a lot she needed to catch up with. Not only did Galadriel have to make sure everything was running smoothly in her bank and other business. The Demon princess was required to have a meeting with her minions. Her fortress in the Isle of Faces was her secret base and her last defense. If she were to find another Player lurking around. It would be there where Galadriel would command her forces to move out. Also, the Isle of Faces was where Galadriel's spies met with her to update her on everything transpiring in Westeros. Galadriel had a long day ahead of her.
"The small council meeting today is just one of many things I must do," Galadriel added with a weary sigh.
"You're going to attend the Small Council meeting?"
"I have to, my lord. I am my father's voice in the matter. I often talk to him about what transpires in the council," Galadriel said with a sweet smile. "Sometimes."
"I see." Ned nodded. "You are a busy person, your highness."
Galadriel chuckled. "Busy is an understatement, my lord. I am just doing my duty to the realm and my people."
Ned looked at the princess with awe and respect. He was learning more about her by the minute.
"Indeed," Ned smiled back. "And it seems your father has a lot of trust in you and your words. He told me that you're a vital member of his council. And now I can see why."
Galadriel blushed slightly, but her voice didn't waver as she replied. "Thank you for the kind words, Lord Stark. I take pride in my position. And I will continue to do so. That is a promise I can give you."
Her words made Ned look at her with more respect. "As your father's hand of the king, I hope you can continue to do so," said Ned.
Galadriel giggled at him. "My father has told me a great deal about you. We didn't have much time to talk back at Winterfell. But I am honored to finally meet you, Lord Stark. The title of the Hand of the King couldn't have fallen in most capable hands than yours." Galadriel curtsied deeply.
Ned smiled back at her. "I hope to serve the realm well, my princess."
After Ned gave instruction to his bannerman to rest and to take his daughters to their room, he went with the princess to the Small Council chambers. But before arriving, they came across Jaime Lannister, who was sitting in the footsteps of the Iron Throne.
"Uncle?" Galadriel called as she approached him. "It's mother resting?"
Jaime grinned at his niece. "She is," he said. "You know that traveling makes her a bit grumpy. She has retired to her chambers for the day."
Galadriel felt a sort of tension arising between Ned and Jaime.
"I'll leave you be then," Galadriel nodded to her uncle and Ned.
She indeed was curious to hear what both of them would say, but at the same time, she wasn't. Galadriel had, after all, a busy day. When she reached the chamber, she noticed Varys smiling at her, and so were the rest.
"Your highness, I am so happy to see you here in good health," Varys approached her with a smile.
"I thank you, lord Varys," Galadriel replied, giving the Lord of Spies a sweet smile.
"I must say that I am also proud of what you did at the Trident. The butcher's boy has arrived safely with his father back home."
Galadriel hide her smirk. Just as I planned, the princess thought, showing a face of relief and empathy. That whole drama only made her look good in the eyes of everyone.
"Thank the gods," Galadriel replied happily. "I am so happy to hear it. Thank you, lord Varys."
Vary nodded at the princess and gave her a proud smile.
"You're truly a woman of the people," Renly said, beaming. "But look at you, all tired and dirty."
"Uncle, are you saying that I am dirty?" Galadriel replied in good nature.
"Well, you haven't taken a bath in what? Fortnight?" Renly joked.
"I took one a day ago, thank you very much!"
The members chuckled as Galadriel sat down on her King's chair. It took not long before Ned arrived at the chamber. He looked rather annoyed. Whatever he talked about with Jaime seemed to bring back some bad memories and old resentment. But quickly wiped it away.
"Lord Stark," Varys said again, approaching Ned. "I was grievously sorry to hear of your troubles on the Kingsroad. We were all praying for Joffrey's full recovery. As well, we thank the gods that nothing besides that transpired."
Galadriel raised an eyebrow, watching those shining eyes from Varys. The Master of Whispers was already preparing something that much Galadriel knew. It was clear to her that he was trying to win the support of Ned Stark for his cause. Whatever cause that may be.
"Yes, well..." Ned said, looking down. "I'm sure you will forgive me if I do not speak of it now."
Varys gave Ned a soft smile as if to tell him that he could trust the man before him and that there was no need to worry about anything. Yet, Galadriel could see by his face that Ned's mind wasn't really here in this meeting.
"Renly," Ned called loudly, smiling at the sight of Robert's youngest brother. "You're looking well."
"And you look tired from the road," Renly replied happily, already turning the gears in his mind. Galadriel couldn't help but wonder what would her dear uncle Renly do now that Lord Stark was in King's Landing.
"I told them this meeting could wait another day, but-"
"But we have a kingdom to look after," Baelish stated, staring at Ned. "I've hoped to meet you for some time, Lord Stark. No doubt Lady Catelyn has mentioned me before."
"She has, Lord Baelish. I understand you knew my brother Brandon as well."
"All too well. I still carry a token of his esteem... from navel to collarbone."
Galadriel sat quietly, hearing the conversation. Now that was something she didn't know about Lord Baelish.
"Perhaps you chose the wrong man to duel with," Ned stated, glancing at Baelish's small frame.
"It wasn't the man that I chose, my lord. It was Catelyn Tully. A woman worth fighting for, I'm sure you'll agree."
Ah, now I get it. Galadriel thought with an amusing smile. She never thought of Baelish as a man who would fight for the woman he loved. It was a compelling astonishment to hear the history between Baelish and the Stark family. Especially when it felt like Littlefigner has some hidden resentment for Lord Ned Stark. Or perhaps jealousy. No doubt, standing before the man who took the woman you love and put in her five children wouldn't raise your bitterness a little bit. Galadriel hummed deeply, feeling she'd need to put an eye on Baelish.
"I humbly beg your pardon, my Lord Stark. But I must give you this," the old fart, Grand Maester Pycelle, stuttered.
Ned saw the small insignia of the Hand of the King and felt how heavy it was.
"Should we begin?"
"Please, Grand Maester," Galadriel said softly.
"Without the king?" Ned noted, now confused.
"Winter may be coming, but I'm afraid the same cannot be said for my brother."
Renly said as everyone had to nod in agreement.
"His grace has many cares," Varys said, making Galadriel scoff quietly. "He entrusts some small matters to us that we might lighten the load."
"We are the lords of small matters here," Baelish added. "But thankfully, our dear princess has never failed us once."
"I am just trying to do the best I can," Galadriel replied shyly.
"Nevertheless, our highness is the king's voice here, and she made sure to let king Robert know all that has transpired."
"Unbelievable," Ned muttered softly, noticing Renly's Hand with a letter.
"My brother instructs us to stage a tournament in honor of Lord Stark's appointment as Hand of the King."
Galadriel and Baelish groaned deeply. "How much?" Galadriel asked.
"Forty thousand Gold Dragons to the champion. Twenty thousand to the runner-up. Twenty thousand to the winning archer," Ned said, and Galadriel felt a headache coming faster.
"Can the treasury bear the such expense?" Pycelle asked.
"We can bear the such expense, but it would be borrowed from the bank or the Lannisters."
"Grandfather would provide, but as it is for now. It would be better to take it from our accumulated credit," Galadriel said, already doing some math in her head. The bigger the debt, the bigger the credit.
"Wait, there's a debt?" Ned asked, showing genuine concern.
"Technically speaking, yes," Baelish replied. "A bunch of notes about the gold we will use and how we will pay them later. Simple."
"How much is the debt?" Ned questioned.
"A million Gold Dragons, with a %10 interest rate," Galadriel muttered. By outward appearance, she looked anxious and worried about the debt, but inside she was squealing in joy. One of Galadriel's goals was to centralize the crown's power over the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. Part one was the creation of a bank. Part two was to justify the bank's existence, and part three was to bring the debts of all the Seven Kingdoms into the national bank. A bank that was owned by the crown. If the Seven Kingdoms are in debt with a central authority, it increases the crown's power over them. The greater the crown's responsibility, the greater its control. And because Galadriel owned the bank. Her power over them would be absolute.
All of that, without the need for a super tier spell. Galadriel smiled internally. The privatization of a bank should be a forbidden spell. That has the power to destroy the world. I know it because I lived it.
But she still had something missing. The debt wasn't as significant as she wanted it to be. It was planned; after all, Galadriel was being careful with the credit. So far, it was only the King's spending that increased the national debt. But Galadriel didn't want it like that. That's why she has been paying it all. A funny thing since the gold goes full circle. Yet, Galadriel wanted to bring all the great houses' debts to the bank. But she had a hard time coming up with a plan for that.
Using the old way, the investment and waiting for results would take too long. That's why Galadriel wanted something faster and more entertaining. After all, Galadriel was doing all of this just so she could enjoy herself.
I need something that would force everyone to borrow gold again and again. Then, put the great houses of Westeros in debt, and bring that debt to me. But to do that, I should need something big... like a war.
Galadriel thought internally. She'll need to think about it.
"A million in debt? Are you telling me the crown is a million gold dragons in debt?" Ned asked again, snapping Galadriel's thoughts.
Baelish nodded, hiding amusement in his eyes.
"How could you let this happen?" Ned exclaimed.
"The Master of Coin finds the money. The King and Hand spend it."
"I will not believe Jon Arry allowed Robert to put the real in debt."
"Lord Stark, Jon Arryn tried his hardest to avoid that, truly," Galadriel said, using her most delicate tone. "Even I try, but father then shrugged my concerns off."
"Counting coppers, he calls it," Renly said with a sigh.
"I'll speak to him tomorrow. This tournament is an extravagance we can't afford," Ned stated.
Galadriel rolled her eyes, knowing full well where that conversation would end.
"As you will, but still, we'd best make our plans," Baelish said.
"There will be no plans until I speak to Robert," Ned exclaimed loudly before realizing how tiresome everything once. "Forgive me, my lords... I had a long ride."
Galadriel kind of felt bad for the Lord of Winterfell. Being the Hand of the King wasn't an easy job. Especially when that King was Robert. But, Ned's personal hell was just starting.
Galadriel sighed deeply, resting in her bed. The day had been long and tiresome, with so many things that needed her attention. But everything was going smoothly. However, now there was something else that needed to be addressed. Galadriel was, for the lack of a better word. Horny. How couldn't she? Galadriel had needs too.
While watching a person be driven in madness, torturing a rapist, and seeing her enemies walk towards their end without them realizing it was incredibly gratifying enough. Galadriel also had regular sexual necessities. Galadriel hasn't found herself sexually attracted to a man. She could see someone like Rob Stark and think he was handsome. But didn't genuinely think about sleeping with him. It wasn't there, maybe because the few experiences Galadriel had with a man were filled with pain and shame.
Galadriel, like many other girls working in that company back in her old world. Had to endure a lot of things, awful things. She wasn't the only one who had to please her disgusting boss. It was sad, but Galadriel learned quickly that the less you express, the less pain you show on your face, the better.
Most of the time, they would leave her alone only because she never showed anything. Galadriel became good at looking empty, perhaps she was, but those experiences remained with her. Only Yggdrasil made things better. But that came to an end.
"What a sad life I led back then," Galadriel muttered, looking at the roof of her luxurious chamber.
But it was the reason she never thoroughly explored her sexuality, or at least, not the way an average person would. Now, Galadriel was powerful and beautiful. She had everything anyone would like in a lover. Yet, she was still wondering how to do it. Galadriel has no idea of how to have sex. Being sexually assaulted was not the same as love-making, that she knew for sure. So, the question remains.
"How do girls have sex?" Galadriel whispered. "I mean... I guess those Ero-mangas could show me something? But I doubt it would be completely true."
Galadriel hummed deeply. "Ah, Peroroncino had a lot of hidden stuff back in Nazarick's library. But since +18 explicit images weren't allowed in Yggrasil, only light novels were permitted. But I don't have them."
Galadriel also, since she wanted to start with her sexual life. She wondered with whom she should begin. Arianne, Margaery or Mya?
"What does it feel doing it with a woman or a man? Do I even want to do it with a man?"
Galadriel wasn't sure of what to think yet. But she decided to sleep for now. I would allow her mind to rest.
Tyrion's stay in the Night's Watch's remarkable and ancient fortress, Castle Black, was more than he genuinely anticipated. Not that he expected much, but he was surprised. Castle Black was still a ruin, but it was doing far better than before. That was what Commander Mormont told Tyrion.
"Your niece, the princess, has helped the Night's Watch more than any other king before," Commander Mormont told Tyrion as they walked through the castle wall. "We have better provisions now. More food and supplies for winter, with better clothes as well. Better steel than the leftover we have before."
Mormont has to admit that looking around Castle Black and how much it has improved in such little time was quite joyful. But, they still had some problems that needed fixing, which would require more than just food.
"I sense a but here," Tyrion stated, making Mormont sigh.
"We are still less than a thousand men. We can't maintain the other castles. We can barely support Castle Black and Eastwatch by the Sea, and that's only because of our new resources. We need more help."
Mormont sighed. "There are more reports of Wildings traveling south, running from what they believed were the White Walkers."
Tyrion scoffed at that statement. Yet, Commander Mormont didn't look like the type of person who would believe in such nonsense. That's why he didn't laugh in his face. He just kept quiet and listened to what he had to say.
"Regardless if you believe that the truth remains if the Wildings decided to test their luck and try to cross the Wall. We wouldn't be able to stop them."
Tyrion nodded while watching the bastard of Winterfell fighting the new recruits of the Night's Watch. Still, Tyrion couldn't help but feel intimidated by the enormous shadow his niece was portraying across Westeros. It seems that even this far north, her name resonated in positivity.
"You're the Queen's brother," Mormont said. "Maybe you can convince her to send help?"
Tyrion scoffed at the idea of his sister helping anyone.
"I believe it's the princess, the one you should be asking for help," Tyrion said.
"Would that work?" Mormont asked softly.
"Believe me, if there's a person who would help you if you asked, it is her," Tyrion stated. "Send a raven, Commander Mormont, and ask for help. Tell her about whatever problems you may have. She'll listen, trust me."
Mormont only nodded, albeit slightly. "I'll do as you say, Lord Tyrion."
Tyrion only took a sip of his wine, wondering why he felt something was about to take place soon. Maybe, it was the cold of the North that clouded his sight and thoughts. But Tyrion sensed that the famous words of the Stark family couldn't be more right.
Winter was Coming.
But whatever horrors winter may bring, they would not come from North, but South.
King's Landing festivities were just starting. The Hand of the King tournament was just beginning and was already becoming quite the spectacle. Much to Galadriel's annoyance.
"Drunk people all over the place," Galadriel muttered as she walked towards the field where the match would take place.
"Your highness?" Margaery asked, looking at the princess.
"Ah, nothing, just thinking about the mess this tourney is going to cause," Galadriel replied.
"My dear princess, it's a party. Let's enjoy ourselves," Arianne added with a honey tone, making sure to expose more of her skin to her beloved princess. Galadriel stared longer at those curves with a shy smile on her face.
"You've been working non-stop for the last few days. Day in and day out, almost a fortnight has gone by since we arrived at King's Landing, and we haven't spent time together. And you've been really stressed that especially because of that drunken horse race down the Street of Sister, which I admit was quite amusing."
"It was a bit funny," Gendry whispered, earning a glare from Mya.
"You need to relax."
Arianne added, smirking as she leaned and took Galadriel's Hand, slowly locking their fingers together. Margaery and Mya saw it immediately and were displeased that Arianne was moving faster each day.
"Just let's enjoy a free day!"
Galadriel took that as an opportunity to stop thinking about that incident on the Street of Sister. That honestly infuriated her since it would cost the city quite a large sum of gold to repair the mess those people left. But some of her thought about what she'll do today and had to admit that. It was time for her to enjoy herself too.
"I guess you're right," Galadriel expressed. "I should enjoy this... celebration."
I am paying for it, after all.
Arianne smiled, and everyone soon approached the tourney's field. There, Galadriel saw her dear uncle Renly smiling and waving at her, and so was Ned Stark. The Lord of Winterfell looked rather pensive, worried, and tired. It didn't surprise Galadriel to see the Hand of the King in such a state. After all, Ned has been doing quite a lot of work. Not only as the Hand of the King but also searching for what killed Jon Arryn, among many other things.
Dear Lord Stark, you're absolutely playing with fire. That meeting with my mother should have warned you about what's happening here.
Galadriel knew everything that was going on currently across Westeros. Her minions were everywhere, and so were her spies. Her [Shadow Demons] were better at spying than Vary's children, Baelish whores, Septas, or the Queen's frightened servants. And that wasn't all. [Elise the Spider Queen] had eyes and ears everywhere, every wall, tavern, home, and shoulder. And those were just a few of Galadriel's summons currently at King's Landing.
Galadriel has a powerful Banshee monitoring the continent in her secret fortress back in the Isle of Faces. Thank goodness for Cash items! Galadriel's web of spies was beyond anyone's dreams and slowly crawled towards Essos.
That's why Galadriel wasn't surprised about Catelyn's sudden arrival in the capital, trying to find the culprit behind the murder attempt on her son. The scheme of Baelish's Valyrian steel dagger, or that it was her uncle Jaime who foolishly fell into Littlefinger's trap. Also, about Ned Stark's foolish attempt to find out what happened with Jon Arryn. It didn't matter. The making of what was potential conflict was to emerge soon. One mistake, one person, was all it was needed for a war to erupt, and Galadriel couldn't hide her excitement. She only wondered who would be the one starting it all.
Galadriel just wanted to have fun.
"My dear nice, please sith with your handsome uncle," Renly called, smiling happily.
"Uncle, good to see you," Galadriel replied as she timidly sat beside him. "Have you rested well?"
"Yeah, we have been spending too much time in the council, a bit of fresh air is all I need," Renly stated. "Wouldn't you say the same, my ladies?"
Margaery chuckled softly, smiling like the gorgeous young woman she was at him. While Arianne only shrugged his politeness away.
"I do, my lord Renly," Margaery stated happily, but in her eyes, one could see that she was not really interested in him. Mainly because she knew about Renly's relationship with her brother. And because she was excellent at reading men.
"I do hope both of you are also resting well. Protecting my beloved niece can be tiring," Renly's charms were natural and incredibly uplifting. It was one of the things Galadriel wanted to learn to do. Perhaps, one of the redeeming qualities of her Baratheon family. They were all captivating and alluring to the people. The respect they could command, how charming they could be, the sense that if you were following them, you could do anything. That was natural to them.
Mya and Gendry look at him with soft smiles. Although they often enjoy Renly's good-hearted nature and disposition. They knew that Renly also had schemes of his own. Perhaps, not as clear as the rest, but living in King's Landing for a long time. It makes them distrustful of anyone.
"Now, my dear niece, how have you been?" Renly asked, using his powerful, charming smile to bring Galadriel closer to him. Galadriel knew his game all too well, so she played along.
"I have been worried about something lately," Galadriel tried to whisper softly, trying to act as if she was being secretive. That was a lie, of course. She knew too well that many spies were surrounding her at all times. Especially since Baelish was sitting close to them, hearing everything as clear as day.
"But, I don't want to talk about it... maybe it's nothing," Galadriel played hard to get, using her soft voice and shy personality.
"Galadriel," Renly whispered, taking her hand gently. "I am your uncle and will never hurt you."
"It's about the weeding father wants for me. I am not sure about it," Galadriel lied easily. "The heir of Winterfell seems like a good person, but I don't know..."
Renly's eyes shinned brightly hearing that, and so were a few people. "Do you want to marry him?"
"I don't know..."
"Maybe he's not the one for you," Renly said, giving Margaery a quick look. The Tyrell flower understood what he wanted right away. The rose of Highgarden has heard her grandmother talk about a possible marriage between Ser Loras and Galadriel. But, it looked rather impossible with each passing day. Still, the Tyrell had their gaze upon the Iron Throne and would try to get it, no matter how. However, Margaery felt as if it would require more than just a simple marriage scheme to get what Tyrell family wanted or what she wanted.
"The North is too far away. Perhaps, you could find a good lad in the South," Renly stated, already thinking of who that person could be. "Maybe you'll find that person today."
Galadriel scoffed internally but played along with her role. "Today...?"
"Yes, I'll introduce you to Ser Loras of Highgarden, a very good friend of mine," Renly smiled brightly.
"Or maybe, she doesn't need a boy," Arianne interrupted them. "Your highness, a woman can bring you happiness like a man. Only if you allowed it."
Arianne smirked, and since she never left Galadriel's side. The Dornish princess decided to be proactive. She didn't have time to play along with the game the other houses were. Not, Arianne knew precisely what the princess needed.
Arianne captured Galadriel's lips in a quick kiss, a move that even Galadriel didn't expect. The Martell's lips made sure to leave a mark on Galadriel's lips, and the Snake of Dorne truly loved the taste of the princess's soft and tender lips. Arianne wanted to last longer, but she'll need to wait for that moment.
"Be honest with what you wish, your highness. You deserve happiness," Arianne stated, enjoying the look of some people there. That's right, tell everyone what I just did. Tell them. Arianne thought arrogantly.
Mya was seething, and Margaery hissed, knowing she would need to move faster.
"I... uh, yes," Galadriel's blush was for everyone to see. It was clear now that the princess was more interested in girls than men, or at least for the time being.
Alright, Arianne, you win. That play of yours is to be praised. Galadriel chuckled internally.
Suddenly everyone noticed the two contenders for the day. Arianne's demeanor changed. There, riding across before them. The Mountain arrived. Arianne's playful and flirty demeanor changed to one of pure hatred. Her body tensed up, and her eyes were filled with fury. Galadriel was surprised by the sudden shift in her behavior, but it was to be expected. The man responsible for Queen Elia and her children's deaths was before her.
Ah, grandfather's mad dog. What should I do with you? Galadriel pondered deeply on how to use Ser Gregor Clegane's life. He would die, no doubt. But Galadriel wanted to make sure his death served a purpose. The Mountain was incredibly hated and had many enemies. They wanted a piece of him, mainly the Martell, while he was alive. Galadriel turned around and saw Arianne clenching her arm, where a small poisonous dagger was hiding.
Now, my dear, I can't have you thrown your life just for a chance to kill him. Just be patient. Galadriel slowly grabbed Arianne's hand, locking her fingers with her and ensuring her legs touched Arianne. It was to distract the murderous girl from death.
"I am afraid of him," Galadriel whispered slowly, hiding her face with her hair. "I know what he has done and why your family hates him. He's too dangerous and cruel."
Arianne clenched the princess's hand tightly. "He'll pay for what he has done. I swear it."
Galadriel's plans were slowly moving forward, and it was thankfully that Arianne at least was capable of controlling herself.
Then another rider approached with a wide smirk on his face.
"The Knight of the Flowers!"
Galadriel now stared at the prettiest boy she had ever seen. A rather amusing scene for her, no doubt.
"Loras!" Margaery yelled, happily watching her brother's dashing smile.
Loras then surprised everyone by giving Galadriel a rose.
"For the most beautiful woman in all Seven Kingdoms," Loras stated loudly and gave a seductive smile. Of course, Galadriel knew it was for Renly, who had the face of a schoolgirl in heat.
"T-thank you, Ser Loras," Galadriel muttered, surprised and flustered. Although, inside of her, Galadriel wondered what type of skincare routine Ser Loras uses.
His skin looks so radiant and clean. His hair, Godness, it's so smooth and shiny! I need to know his secrets!
Ser Loras and the Mountain prepared for the joust. Galadriel hoped the Mountain doesn't kill him. It would be a shame if the pretty boy died without telling his secret recipe. Yet, she also noticed the bet between Littlefinger and Renly.
"A hundred gold dragons on the mountain!"
"I'll take that bet."
Mm, trusting your lover, Renly. I can respect that.
Galadriel stared deeply at what was going to happen, excited and entertained. However, a tiny spider appeared on her shoulder as the joust began. A minuscule one. No one could see it but her. The spider started to whisper in her ear.
"Oh."
The moment Ser Loras's spear impacted the Mountain was the moment she received the news that Catelyn Stark kidnapped her uncle Tyrion. Galadriel wanted to know more about what was happening, but Ser Gregor Clegane's childish rage stopped her from doing so.
"Sword!" He yelled furiously. The poor innocent horse was the victim of a grown man's rage. The strenght of Tywin's mad dog's swing was so much that it decapitated the horse in one go. Yet, that wasn't all.
The Mountain then glared at Ser Loras, who was on his horse, and proceeded to attack him.
"Loras!" Margaery's face of pure horror was something new.
The Mountain started hacking Lora's wooden shield repeatedly. Each strike from the Mountain brought Ser Loras closer to death.
"Ugh!" Ser Loras grunted in pain as he fell from his horse, an opportunity for the Mountain to attack him again. Renly stood from his chair, watching his lover in a dire situation, and so was Margaery. Galadriel debated if she should do something. Loras's death would undoubtedly shift things around. She wondered what would the Tyrell family do if their sweet golden boy died at the hand of the Mountain. That would be interesting to see. Yet before any of that, the Hound jumped right in.
"Let him be!"
Galadriel raised her eyebrow, watching both siblings fighting each other. The Hound didn't seem to be a hero of sorts. Perhaps someone with consciousness who didn't want anyone to die at the hands of his brother. Or maybe, the Hound thought it was finally his chance to kill the Mountain.
Still, Galadriel's father, Robert, finally reacted like a proper monarch should, or closely.
"Stop this madness in the name of your king!"
Like a petulant child, the Mountain dropped his sword and walked away. Ser Loras approached the Hound with shinny eyes of relief and joy.
"Ser, you save me," Loras declared. "I thank you."
"I am not ser," The Hound muttered, hating the stares of wonder from everyone. Galadriel chuckled at the view, quite the entertaining spectacle. However, her thoughts went to what her agents told her.
Well, now, what should I do? Galadriel thought for a second before thinking about how Catelyn Stark has completely disregarded common sense and voluntarily started a war. Tywin Lannister would not allow such an insult to stand. But Galadriel would take this as an opportunity. It was time to shake the table and see what pieces were left standing.