Chapter 2

Tyrion Lannister did not know what to make of his only niece. On the surface Myrcella was a completely dutiful child, the perfect miniature lady who knew all her courtesies and never missed a single step. She was unfailingly polite and friendly with all around her, and that included him. She had never once looked down on him for his dwarfism, something that was a sad rarity.

"It is good to see you again uncle Tyrion." She said with a smile on her face. A smile that never reached her eyes. The girl had only just reached her ninth name day and Tyrion had been late in his attendance. A normal girl would be cross with him for missing the festivities. A normal girl may wonder if he had got her a present. Not Myrcella.

"Thank you dear, I am sorry that I missed your name day celebration."

"No pardon is necessary, there were many people there and I would much rather speak with you privately than in a crowd."

"And why is that?"

"Crowds are noisy and I must give each well-wisher their due, it does not allow for lengthy discussion."

"In that case I will endeavor to miss many more name days!" His voice growing more boisterous, something that delighted young Tommen but never changed Myrcella's expression, be she 4 or 9.

"That will not be necessary if you promise to visit like you are today."

"Always my dear. Now, aren't you curious what I've got for you?"

After a moment her smile widened a bit. He grinned at the mild response and told her to follow him. She stood and they left her rooms, followed by Ser Arys Oakheart, the Kingsguard watching over her today.

They made their way down to the royal stables where his gift was. A beautiful white palfrey awaited. The young princess had made mention of enjoying being on horseback as opposed to travelling in a wheelhouse. She had a pony but not a true horse. His niece thanked him and remarked on how wonderful of a gift it was. Her smile was there. But her eyes never changed.

He watched her as she fed the horse by hand under the stable master's guidance, bonding with the animal. Every move she made was proper, stately and when the horse whinnied, she was not started in the least.

"How are your studies going? Last we spoke you had already mastered more than most noble sons do by maturity."

"I enjoy reading and the concepts are fascinating. I fear Grand Maester Pycelle is growing tired of my requests for more texts from the Citadel."

"The old fool is rarely of any real help." Tyrion mocked.

"He is kind and a loyal friend to the family. May I ask a personal question uncle?"

He quirked an eyebrow. "By all means."

"Why do you war with mother so much, she's your sister you should be working together."

"We aren't at war sweetling, we just don't like each other."

Her smile was gone, her eyes unchanged.

"Why?"

Tyrion sighed. Should he share with his niece what a foul cunt her mother was? It didn't seem proper and likely it would just lead to more difficulties.

"Not everyone can get along with everyone. She doesn't like some of my hobbies. It is nothing to be alarmed about."

"Hobbies?"

Ser Arys shifted uncomfortably.

"I enjoy drinking and bedding whores." He said nonchalantly.

"I hope you are careful uncle as there are several different types of venereal diseases you can catch if you aren't cautious."

Tyrion blinked. Would nothing get a reaction from her? Before he could respond she continued right along.

"I don't think you are being truthful with me however for my sake could you try to be kinder to each other? Mother says family is more important than anything else and I agree with her. Knowing that you have lifelong allies who will never betray you is a boon."

Tyrion frowned. "You've read your histories, the Dance of Dragons, family is no sure shield."

"It can be and it behooves us to be united." Myrcella mounted the palfrey side saddle. "Mother doesn't allow me to roam out into the city but I believe I will take some time riding her here. She is an exquisite gift, thank you."

Tyrion watched her as she expertly guided the beast. She was a fine animal; he had paid quite the pretty penny for her. He had hoped for a greater reaction, it was maddening how the child never truly acted a child. That wasn't quite true, when she was very young, she acted not much different than others her age but after she had turned three Cersei had somehow transformed her into this perfect doll.

It bothered him that he had no idea what she had done to her. Had she terrified her? Had she threatened her? No that didn't make sense, she certainly never showed a shred of fear. The girl was also more intelligent than she had a right to be. Tyrion prided himself on his wits but her ability to understand accounting and even the mathematics that go into construction was uncanny. Yes, he learned it all as well, but not by nine!

In truth he thought it was a shame the Citadel did not allow women to study; her mind would likely run circles around them. He watched as she trotted the mare back and forth in the run.

"Ser, do you think Myrcella is happy?"

"My Lord?" He asked, caught off guard by the question.

"Never mind, an idle thought."

Tyrion wondered what match would be made for her. The Hand would likely push for a match with Highgarden or Dorne. Uniting all the realms by marriage. It worried him as Dorne was still enraged by the deaths of Elia and her children. It was a pity whoever she married would likely not appreciate the fine mind she possessed.

The run had ample room and as she turned back around toward the stable, she signaled the animal to go from a trot to a gallop. The stable master shouted for her to slow down but she ignored him. Tyrion's heart clenched, riding side saddle at a gallop was dangerous unless the rider was experienced. The only thing that stilled his tongue for a moment was the look of brief joy that finally reached her eyes as the wind caught her hair and she rode.

The stable master yelled loudly and rushed out trying to go for the reins. The spirited horse wasn't interested in being grabbed when her rider hadn't given a command yet. Myrcella's eyes focused again and she bid the palfrey to halt with a pull on the reins, the combination of the mount trying to dodge the man and then abruptly slowing down caused Myrcella to slip off.

Tyrion and Ser Arys cursed and rushed forward, only to see Myrcella twist in the air, land on her feet and then roll away from the horse who was now brought back under control by the now terrified stable master.

"Princess are you all, right?" Ser Arys longer legs had outpaced Tyrion's and got to her side first.

"Aside from my dress I'm perfectly fine." She looked at the three worried expressions.

"I am fine." She said more firmly. "I've fallen from a pony before, and have been taught how to do it properly."

Tyrion looked at her disbelieving. "Seven Hells Myrcella, I doubt someone taught you to tumble like that. A good way to break your neck!"

The poor Master of Horse apologized profusely but the Princess shook her head. "Jason, you have nothing to apologize for, and I would ask the three of you to not share with others my shame over having fallen from my mount. I would take it as a kindness."

Ser Arys. "I have vowed to defend your person and your honor. If you are truly unhurt this matter will never be spoken of again."

Tyrion knew she didn't care about the 'shame' of falling. She had done it so Jason the King's Master of Horse wouldn't have to face her mother's wrath. There was not a moment of hesitation, her mind had quickly seen the danger and acted to head it off. The grateful man was already bowing and promising to never speak a word of it to anyone.

"In the future Myrcella take things slower, you truly could have been injured."

"Yes, uncle you are right, it was my own eagerness that flew ahead of my good sense."

No change in her eyes. He was admonishing her but it didn't change her composure at all. Falling and rolling in the dirt did not change her composure either. The only time her eyes came alive was when she was galloping with the wind in her hair.

"I am a bit weary now, my thanks again Tyrion." She gave him a quick hug and Ser Arys followed her back to the Royal Apartments.

Tyrion Lannister looked on and then shook his head. He needed wine.