25 Ch. 25 Deals

Tenth Day of the Ninth Moon, of the year 293 A.C

"That is not an easy task, Ser," Magister Doane of Lys stated in his silky accent.

"It is not the difficulty of the task that concerns you, but the amount of time it will take to complete it," I smoothly counter. "But that time will only benefit you, Magister."

Magister Doane unconsciously rubbed his thumb over a jeweled ring. After the Lys representative failed to reach an agreement with Tywin, I was his only chance at gaining information about Valyria.

"You saw the faces of everyone at the closing feast when Ser Stafford arrived. What do you think caused the biggest reaction, the stone tablets of Valyria, two dozen chests of gold and silver, or the chest filled with Valyrian steel?" I enticingly mention to the middle-aged man.

I carefully observe the lilac eyes of the Magister as he recalls the events nearly a week ago. Tywin had Ser Stafford march into the Great Hall in front of a train of servants hauling opened chests filled with riches. Once Ser Stafford formally presented Tywin with the spoils of a second successful voyage to Valyria, Tywin had an armed escort send of his cousin/good-brother and the treasure.

"The waters around the Smoking Sea are going to be thrown into chaos, filled with piracy and blood. The time it takes for you to fulfill your end of the bargain is time needed to allow the fighting to become more manageable." I say as I stare at the slim foreigner. "So, do we have a deal?"

Magister Doane stared at me for a long moment before he finally nodded his head. "We will send word when it is completed," Magister Doane replied in his musical accent.

"I look forward to hearing from you," I said as I stand up. "And I wouldn't recommend taking too long, Magister. You are not the only representative I have made a deal with." I warn before making my way to the door.

"We are aware. Good evening, Heir Lannister," Magister Doane said as I continued to make my way down the tower stairs.

I'm not sure who started the whole 'heir' title, but my money is on the Queen of Thorns. The outsiders took to the title, rather easily. A few family members were not pleased with hearing it. Tywin put a stop to any Lannister using the title of heir in reference to me.

If I had to guess, I think Tywin is trying to encourage other family members to compete for heirship. It's a smart move if that is his goal. As long as no one resorts to killing, the competition would only be beneficial to the family.

There hasn't been a noticeable play from anyone that I can tell. Which I am thankful for since the past week has been rather hectic. I didn't participate in the rest of the tourney events, but Lady Olenna or her grandchildren were constantly around me. While I thought this little bit of politicking was tiresome, the truly treacherous politics began once Ser Stafford returned with even more riches than Uncle Gerion.

Luckily, Lady Olenna seemed to keep others at a distance. Considering Tywin began conducting negotiations with key individuals, the Queen of Thorns kept the lesser lords from hounding me. I know this because she told me. Repeatedly. I'm convinced she is nagging Mace Tyrell to try and establish a marriage betrothal between Margaery and me.

Cersei was against selling information about Valyria at first. That was mostly due to her lack of knowledge about Novos. She fully supported the idea once she realized others would be paying us for information that would lead to their death at the hands of pirates. The Free Cities wouldn't be able to hire sell-swords to explore for them. Since none of the mercenaries would return to hand over piles of gold if their voyage was successful.

Not only does selling bits of information help House Lannister turn a profit, but it causes assassins and saboteurs to focus their attention elsewhere. Such as on softer targets away from Casterly Rock.

Of course, no one would be sold the full information or equipment needed, and some would be sold suicide routes. All that, plus pirates, will turn the Valyrian Peninsula into a war zone.

Although Tywin's failed negotiations with Lys did allow me to step in and implement one of my plans earlier than I thought possible. The Lyseni don't even understand the true value of what they agreed to do. But if they can deliver, I really will give them useful advice on how to navigate the Smoking Sea.

Finally, reaching Tywin's Solar, I'm not surprised to see Jaime and Cersei already present. Stepping into the room, Cersei gives me a warm smile that raises the hairs on the back of my neck. For some reason, Cersei has been more welcoming of me ever since Jaime began thrashing me during sword practice. And she was plenty welcoming before that!

The day after the tourney ended, Jaime showed up at my private training area and began sparring with me. He doesn't offer any advice or encouragement, just a simple beat-down.

Despite Jaime's lack of instruction, I've learned more in this was week than the previous six months combined. I was given first-hand experience as to why Jaime was so arrogant. He simply had the right to be. Jaime is phenomenal with a sword, to the point I would wager on him versus anyone.

I still don't like him, but I respect the hell out of his martial ability.

Before I can pay my respects to those present, Tywin's voice cuts through the silence.

"You attempted to negotiate with the delegate from Lys," Tywin stated as he reviewed a parchment in his hands.

With how much he knows of what is going on inside Casterly Rock, I'm starting to doubt he doesn't know about Jaime and Cersei's nocturnal activities. Pushing thoughts of incest aside, I focus on the Lord of Casterly Rock.

"I did not," I easily deny. When Tywin looks at me, I continue speaking. "I succeeded in striking a deal with them. I will give them the information you previously approved of, in exchange for something far more valuable than all the deals you've already struck." I said as I move towards the group. "Of course, they get nothing if they can't uphold their end of the bargain."

Tywin attempted to bore holes into my head with his stare as he analyzed what I just said. I know he caught my undertone of not wishing to speak of the deal in front of others, but I doubt he could ever guess what my deal involved.

"Is this the only deal you made?" Tywin asked in a drawn-out tone.

"I made no other deals or promises with any others, uncle," I honestly state. Of course, that statement doesn't apply to another deal I will make in the coming days. But Tywin doesn't need to know about that.

"We will discuss your deal later," Tywin said as he glanced towards his two eldest children.

"The Royal Family will be returning to King's Landing in two days' time," Tywin announced when he looked at me again.

I suddenly get a sinking feeling in my stomach. Cercei's pleasant and charming comments are making more sense now! I do not want to go to King's Landing right now. I'm not ready for that shit-smelling viper's nest.

"Before they depart, the king should be making a royal announcement," Tywin continued.

That's not good! As unlikely as it may be, my stomach twists into knots at the thought of being put in some kind of King's Guard training program. But if it is true, I can't think of anything worse than that.

"Robert will announce the royal betrothal between Princess Myrcella and you," Tywin finished with a near twinkle in his green eyes.

I was wrong. This is way worse.