Notes:

I would call this chapter 28.5. I feel that this should have been part of the previous chapter and not the next chapter that I am currently writing.

This is a story based on the Game of Thrones books and TV series, but be warned, it's a very AU (Alternate Universe) story. If you're someone who doesn't enjoy a story that deviates a lot from canon, where certain characters may act out of character, or if you're not a fan of romance with a good amount of fluff, and a story that ultimately has a happy ending, then this may not be the right story for you.

KING'S LANDING, THE RED KEEP 298 A.C

The sun was setting over the Red Keep, casting long shadows across the courtyard as Tyrion Lannister stood with his aunt Genna and uncle Emmon, preparing to bid them farewell. Beside them, Tommen and Myrcella, Tyrion's young nephew and niece, were ready to depart with their great-aunt and great-uncle to Casterly Rock.

Genna embraced Tyrion warmly, her eyes glistening with a mix of emotions. "Take care of yourself, Tyrion," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "These are dark times, and I fear they will only grow darker, especially with the looming threat of Valyria."

Tyrion returned the embrace, his own heart heavy with the weight of the revelations they had shared in the council chamber. "I will, Aunt Genna. And you, take care of Tommen and Myrcella. They need your guidance and protection now more than ever."

Genna nodded, glancing at the children who stood nearby, their faces filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension at the prospect of the journey ahead. "I will guard them with my life, Tyrion. They are the future of our house, and perhaps the key to our survival in the face of what's to come."

Emmon stepped forward, placing a hand on Tyrion's shoulder. "Be strong, Tyrion. The days ahead will test us all, and we must be prepared for the worst."

Tyrion met his uncle's gaze, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "When have they not, Uncle Emmon? But you're right. We must be prepared for whatever comes."

As Emmon moved to help Tommen and Myrcella into the waiting carriage, Genna turned back to Tyrion, her expression darkening. "Tyrion, I must speak plainly. This city, King's Landing... it is a cursed place. The Mad King's folly, the rebellion that followed..." She hesitated, her voice dropping to a somber whisper, "If a Targaryen still sat upon the Iron Throne, perhaps we might have a chance at brokering some semblance of peace or understanding with Valyria."

Tyrion sighed, his thoughts mirroring his aunt's somber realizations. "I know, Aunt Genna. The sins of the past continue to haunt us. But the Targaryens are gone, and we must confront the reality before us, no matter how grim it may be."

Genna's voice grew more urgent, her grip on Tyrion's arm tightening. "I curse the day the Lannisters ever became entangled in the political affairs of this wretched city. We should have stayed in the West, tending to our own lands and people. Instead, we find ourselves caught in a web of lies, betrayal, and power struggles that will only lead to our ruin."

Tyrion looked into his aunt's eyes, seeing the depth of her fear and frustration. "What would you have me do, Aunt Genna? I am the Hand of the King. I have a duty to the realm, to our family."

Genna's gaze softened, a sad smile playing across her lips. "I know, Tyrion, but promise me this: if the time comes when you must choose between your loyalty to the crown and the survival of our house, choose our family. The Lannisters must endure, no matter the cost."

Tyrion nodded solemnly, his heart heavy with the weight of his aunt's words. "I will remember your words, Aunt Genna. And I will do all I can to protect our family, no matter the cost."

"The world is changing, dear nephew, and I fear that King's Landing will be at the center of the storm that is to come," Genna said finally, her eyes filled with a profound sadness as she gazed upon her nephew.

With a final embrace, Genna turned to join Emmon and the children in the carriage. As the horses began to pull away, Tyrion stood watching, his mind racing with the implications of all that had been said.

As he watched the carriage slowly disappear into the distance, Tyrion sensed someone approaching from behind. Turning, he saw Podrick Payne, his squire, who was quickly becoming more than just a servant—he was evolving into Tyrion's personal assistant and confidant.

Tyrion gestured for Podrick to follow him back inside the keep. "Come, Pod. We have much to do in preparing the defenses of King's Landing against the threats posed by Stannis Baratheon and Jasper Royce."

Podrick matched his pace, but Tyrion noted the young squire's anxiety. "What's troubling you, Podrick?" he inquired, his keen eyes studying Podrick's uneasy expression.

Podrick hesitated, then voiced his concern. "My lord, are the rumors from the east true?"

"Which rumors are these, Pod?" Tyrion prodded gently.

"Stories from merchants and travelers who've come from Pentos. They speak of dragonlords from Valyria devastating Dothraki khalasars," Podrick said, his voice tinged with worry.

"Yes, Podrick, those rumors are indeed true," Tyrion confirmed, his tone grave. "My aunt and uncle witnessed it themselves."

A frown marred Podrick's features. "Then Valyria poses a much graver threat than either Stannis Baratheon or Jasper Royce."

Tyrion placed a reassuring hand on Podrick's shoulder. "Indeed, it does. But remember, not all battles are won with swords or whispers in the dark. Sometimes, merely surviving is the greatest victory."

He paused, reflecting on the history of Westeros. "Three centuries ago, King Torrhen Stark bent the knee to Aegon Targaryen. If we must do the same to the dragonlords to preserve our house, then we will."

"Would you really surrender, my lord?" Podrick asked, surprise evident in his voice.

"Not surrender, Pod. Adapt," Tyrion corrected with a wry smile. "The Lannisters have survived by knowing when to fight and when to yield. If bending the knee saves our house and the people we protect, then it is a small price to pay."

Podrick nodded, his initial shock giving way to understanding. "Then we must be ready for anything."

"Indeed, we must," Tyrion agreed, his gaze lifting to the darkening sky. "The winds of change are ever-present, Pod. Those who fail to adapt are doomed to be swept away by the tides of history."

Podrick nodded, his expression now one of resolve. "I will stand by you, my lord, whatever comes. House Payne has always been loyal to the Lannisters, and I intend to uphold that legacy, no matter the cost."

Tyrion clapped Podrick on the shoulder, grateful. "And I am thankful for your loyalty and friendship, Pod."