32. Keeping your friends close and enemies closer.

Tywin Lannister POV

Lord Jasper Tully was a Large heavy-set man, already in his late 40s, with brownish greying hair. The man seemed more like a shrewd market vendor than the Lord of one of the Great Houses. It was a stark contrast to his son Hoster Tully, tall, broad-chested and strong with a polite demeanour.

If it wasn't for my past life knowledge and my observation skills, I would have dismissed Hoster Tully as just another young noble. However, everything he did showed the contrary. I had been observing him for the last 3 days since his arrival at court. The way he stood, the subtle glances, carefully chosen words and the youthful charm.

He was just like me, just he masked his ambitions with a pleasant smile and honeyed words. I hadn't expected less from a man who wouldn't hesitate to pressure both the Warden of the North and the Warden of the East to marry both his daughters in a single action.

Even as he sat next to his father in the King's solar, he was the picture of an attentive observer, but I could see the gears turning and knew the question he had in his mind; 'How can we use this?'

With the meeting concluded with Lord Tully, the King had met with all of the heads of the great houses minus Martel and Greyjoy. This was not an issue as Lord Fowler, had already agreed to address the issue on the King's behalf when he returned to Dorne.

The King had also received a raven from Quellon Greyjoy, that he would pay a visit to King's Landing personally in the Spring. This meant the King would have made a significant step towards safeguarding against any action made by the Maelys Blackfyre in the future.

They had all been put on notice to be in a state of readiness in the event of an invasion, and also to be on the lookout for any spies or unusual activities. Should they capture or notice any, they were ordered to report immediately to the King. If any spies were captured, arrangements would be made to have the brought to King's Landing.

The King never explicitly said the reason for the spies to be brought here, but, they should have already figured it out by the reappointment of a Lord Confessor. The Kingdom was now in a state of alertness in the event of a Blackfyre invasion.

The King stood and walked with Lord Jasper Tully out onto the balcony for more friendly conversation. I offered Hoster a cup of wine. "Hoster, I hope Riverrun fares well despite the harshness of this winter."

Hoster smiled politely, raising his cup. "It does, thank you, Tywin. We took the hunt well into the hills before the cold set in, and we've stocks enough to see us through. But I've heard the Westerlands manage even in tougher winters. Lannisters never suffer as the rest of us do."

I returned a small, measured nod. "We are fortunate to have the mines in our mountains. A steady stream of gold makes winter easier to bear. But Riverrun commands the rivers—there's power in that."

Hoster's eyes gleamed at the compliment, though he responded with characteristic modesty. "The rivers connect, yes, but they also bring trouble, from pirates and brigands. A bit of Lannister gold would be a welcome addition, don't you think?"

I kept my face neutral as I set the wine pitcher down. "Perhaps it would. A strong alliance between the Riverlands and the Westerlands could bring prosperity to us both. Riverrun's position is key — so close to the Vale, the North, and the Crownlands. With strong friends, the Riverlands would become a powerful trade hub."

Hoster inclined his head, thoughtfully. "Friends are essential, that's true. My father always says that a man should know his allies well, but even more so his…complicated neighbours."

"Wise advice," I replied. "And wise men often know to keep a careful eye on neighbours like Lord Frey. Ambitious neighbours make for uncertain allies."

Hoster's smile dimmed slightly, his gaze flickering with a knowing glint. "Lord Frey's

ambition is well-known. His ways…they suit him, and he's often eager to remind everyone of the wealth and strength of the Twins."

I gave him a sympathetic nod. "Strength, yes. Though some would say loyalty matters more than strength. When strength falters, loyalty remains, don't you agree?"

Hoster tilted his head, considering. "Indeed. Loyalty is the foundation of any lasting alliance, something Frey would do well to remember. He does have a way of testing patience."

"Then perhaps Riverrun and Casterly Rock might rely on each other in matters where loyalty is a virtue," I suggested, trying to add a tone of gravity to it. "Lord Frey may command his river crossings, but respect and allegiance are not so easily bought."

Hoster gave me an appraising look, his smile returning, though edged with something thoughtful. "The lion shows wisdom beyond his years. I'll remember our conversation, Tywin. There is a lot a man can learn from a boy who knows his mind."

I met his gaze with a small, sharp smile. "Thank you, Hoster. And may we both have the sense to keep wise men as our allies."

And so, on this day I began to court a relationship with House Tully and moved a step closer towards securing the Riverlands.

Three days later.

 As I stood next the King while he gave the opening speech for the tourney, I had been paying close attention to the events I had, set into motion over the past month. Ellyn and Roger Reyne's faces were neutral but their eyes were staring daggers at me. Lord Walderan Tarbeck appeared almost oblivious to what was going on with his wife and brother-in-law.

After the King's short speech; "Why don't you go join the boys and watch the opening of the joust." He suggested to me.

"Your Grace, I am your cupbearer, it is my solemn duty to attend you during public events," I said with a straight face causing the King to just sigh.

"I have others to attend me, besides, you know that you are more than my cupbearer, so has most of the court figured out by now. Anyway, just don't go far and I'll send for you if I need you. I don't think I'll be having any more tea until later today."

The King said he had been converted to a tea drinker, after the new blend I had introduced to him. In these hectic days, he had found that substituting the watered-down wine, had improved his energy levels, it also had agreed better with his stomach.

As I left, using 'Observation' I didn't miss the even more intense look I got from the Reyne siblings who were sitting in the opposite stand. I too was aware that word had gotten out about my closeness to the Royal family. That and the recent rise in the status of Robar had caused rumours to spread.

The fact that Robar was my sworn sword and now Lord Confessor, fuelled the rumours after Tytos made him a Landed Knight. He had granted him a small keep with a village just a few miles east of Casterly Rock. The village had a few copper and iron mines that were enough for a minor noble to live comfortably if they were frugal.

Ser Robar Hill was now Robar of House Sheild, with the words; 'Ours is to protect.' Robar, had long since cut ties with House Crakehall. As I had spoken with Ser Sumner Crakehall the next heir to Crakehall a month ago at the welcome feast, his House had never really considered Robar as a member.

As long as Robar had never tried to use the House name or had done anything to disgrace them, Robar was free to do as he pleased. Sumner even spoke openly with Robar and gave a toast to his recent appointment and then again congratulated him on becoming a landed knight.

At first, I had been suspicious of his motives for being so cordial to Robar, but it was Robar who pointed out to me; House Crakehall traced their roots from the first men. Even while the influence of the faith of the Seven was strong in the Westerlands, House Crakehall were not strict adherents.

They were a House with a rich history in their marshal prowess, it was one's ability on the battlefield that mattered the most to them. The fact that he had such a close relationship with me as well as that it was well known that Robar had saved my life, made the members of House Crakehall look favourably on him.

It didn't stop with House Crakehall, Houses Swyft, Plum, Kenning, my mother's family Marbrand, and even House Tully as of the last couple of days, I was able to gain favourable relations with these houses over the last month. Together with the additional 20 men Tytos had assigned me, these houses offered to send me a few knights and squires. By the time the Torney was done, and these Houses left, I would have more the 60 men under my direct control in King's Landing.

The other Lords had even begun to approach Tytos seeking an audience to request marriage pacts for me but after a recent talk with the King, Tytos was forced into the uncomfortable situation of having to turn them down. I had been informed by the King himself that he wished to discuss marriage matches personally with Tytos after the Torney.

I had already figured what the King was up to, and had come to the same conclusion some months ago. The only logical match for Rhaella Targaryen would be me. I was the next best match after Steffon Baratheon, who even though is her cousin, it was because he was her cousin.

The Baratheon's had a strong Targaryen Lineage together with the blood of the first men, they were also one of the great houses and the rulers of the Stormlands. However, there would be no merit to further strengthen ties as the bond between the two houses was already strong at the time. 

In my case, the King wanted me because I was the heir to Casterly Rock and House Lannister which was the richest great house and the rulers of the Westerlands. A marriage with House Lannister would secure the Westerlands as well as gain a future powerful backer. I also gained the King's trust and demonstrated my capabilities.

I decided on this path some time ago but knew Prince Jaehaerys and Lily would be an obstacle if things went according to canon, but it seems that things might be leaning towards my favour. 'I guess Aerys would get to see adulthood' but eventually his faith was already sealed. I would however have to make sure that King Aegon V is around to resolve the whole succession crisis that would unfold.

I also wanted to leave some options open, so Aerys was safe from me in the meanwhile, I thought as I headed towards where Aerys, Steffon, Kevan and another boy around their age, had been seated accompanied by a King's Guard. As I approached, I could hear Aerys and the boy arguing over who would win the Jousting.

"And I'm telling you my uncle Prince Duncan will be the champion of the joust." I heard Aerys add emphasis to the part about his "uncle". The boy became a little heated and answered back sternly. "You only say that because you've never seen Ser Yohn Royce joust before."

 As we approached Kevan was the first to notice me and Robar. "Who's your favourite for the joust?" He asked me as we now stood alongside them.

Both Aerys and the boy also looking at us expectant of my answer.

"That's easy, you see that squire over there." I pointed at a young tall squire standing off to the side of where the other knights had been gathered waiting to hear the order of the list for the first day. He was tall and blonde with pale blue eyes. This immediately elicited a look of confusion from the four younger boys.

"Who's that?" The boy who had been arguing with Aerys asked.

"That Brynden is a man you should not underestimate and someone you should all watch closely. One of the most talented squires of The Seven Kingdom, Barristan Selmy."

Author Note- I've been having some issues with writer's block plus setting aside time to write since the last two weeks after I wasn't able to write my exams. So I revisited some old ideas I had in my scrap folder and one night, inspiration struck me and I went with it. I have managed to start a 2nd book. I am not abandoning this book, just working through some stuff. Writing a grounded ASOIAF is hard as f***. Respect to George R.R. Martin who did this all from scratch. I will just need to try harder to put chapters out even though my schedule is now much tighter since start a new position which requires me to be out in the field regularly now. New Story name is The Emperor in the Shadows.