54

Chapter Text

The Red Keep

Margaery was sitting in her room in the Red Keep as she waited for time to pass until the day of her judgment at the hands of Faith.

Just thinking on the matter caused a great many emotions to well inside of her anger, frustration, anguish, fear, indignation and all because of that horrid woman, her good mother.

Cersei Lannister, that horrid bitch who had done her best to keep her from Tommen, her husband, her third husband, truly.

That made her laugh, although she didn't know if it was for joy or vexation, considering all that had led her to this gilded cage.

Her first husband, Renly Baratheon, was assassinated by his brother's sorcery, although rumours judge that Brienne of Tarth was guilty, something she always considered somewhat absurd as Brienne loved Renly as he loved Loras.

Her first husband died even before she could consummate the marriage how inconsiderate; although Margaery held no real love for Renly, he was still a good man.

Her second husband, Joffrey Baratheon, was without a doubt a monster, a monster disguised as a handsome and courteous Prince, but he had also been a cruel, dull and hopelessly vicious boy. The war that has plagued the country was started by his stupidity so many dead on the whims of that inbred cunt; he also had the habit of torturing innocents and animals for fun, Even so, Joffrey's death was horrid, but Margaery felt no pity as she watched him choke it was rather amusing to see the mad lion turn purple.

Although she was delighted at first that her grandmother's plot had been ruined but then she had thought her grandmother must have planned his death, and when Margaery confronted her, Olenna did not deny it.

"Did you really think that I would let you marry that beast?" Her grandmother said with a sinister smile.

As ambitious and pragmatic as her grandmother was, she cared for her enough to not risk her life for the crown. Margaery was grateful she hadn't shared her bed with that monster Joffrey; there was only one man who was worthy of her bed, her white wolf Jon.

Jon with his dark curly hair, his sharp face and violet eyes that gazed upon her and only her Oh, how she missed him, she missed Jons beautiful voice filling the halls of Highgarden with merry songs, but her grandmother the horrid woman that she was, drove him away and for what? a pretty crown. Despite her situation, Margaery knew how to play the game and mask her intentions, but she almost wept when she remembered Jon.

"Oh Jon, not a single day goes by when I don't think of you and our moments together, everything we went through together ... I know you must curse my name, but my heart is content knowing you are far from this madness ... I hope that one day you can forgive me and if the gods are merciful perhaps we shall be reunited one day. A part of me forever hate my grandmother for parting us, but I know that you would have perished in this terrible war; I wish I could feel your lips on mine one last time, oh Jon, where have you gone? What happened to you?" Margaery thought in misery.

She and her grandmother may have made up to some degree ... But she can never wholly forgive her for forcing her to choose between Jon and her dream of being Queen; she could have had both with a clever plan, or perhaps Margaery desperately clung to that notion so as not to let her sadness over losing Jon consume her alas she had come to accept that her grandmother was right ... King's Landing was no place for a bastard, even one as well-loved as Jon.

The grief she felt from her last meeting with Jon filled her heart with misery; he has never left her thoughts; she often has dreams of him, of the wedding they would have their beloved children, but her dreams of happiness went the way of House Gardener her grandmother and father had seen to that all for a pretty bauble and little power.

"A crown that I have no claim to nor do I truly desire anymore," Margaery thought resentfully as she recalled her current situation due to Cersei Lannister's paranoia and idiocy.

After Joffrey's death to maintain the alliance between their Houses, her family and the Lannisters married her to Joffrey's younger brother, Tommen, the kind and plump little Tommen. Margaery knew that the little lion would grow up to be a good king, perhaps even an amicable one; he is tenderhearted and not cruel like Joffrey was, preferring the books of the library and apple tarts to the duties of the crown.

Cersei had no wish for Tommen to be a strong ruler of that much Margaery is certain; Cersei wishes to keep Tommen as meek as possible so none would contest her place as regent of the realm. The mere thought filled Margaery with dread.

In time and with her help, Tommen would make a good king, and in fact, she had already begun to instruct Tommen on how to better govern his kingdom, telling him to sit upon the Iron Throne, listen to the petition of the common folk and attend the council meetings when needed.

Tommen's mother, In an attempt to alleviate the crown's debts, gain the Faith's blessing, and gain more protection from her purported enemies, Cersei allowed the new High Septon, the so-called High Sparrow, to revive the Faith Militant, ignorant of its history of causing trouble for monarchs and she was soon arrested for false crimes. It was horrid as the Lion bitch appeared before the Faith and people preaching for her release as if she truly cared. However, the gods seem to have a notion of justice as the High Sparrow then arrested the Cersei for numerous crimes.

Her family must be looking for a way to help her although they would be occupied for some time as the Ironborn had grown far bolder as of late, her grandmother returned to Highgarden after her wedding with Tommen sure that her granddaughter could manage the boy king sadly she hadn't, and her father was sent to capture Storm's End for the crown as many Stormlanders were still loyal to Stannis.

Willas, Garland, and their mother Alerie were meanwhile in Highgarden, girding their soldiers for war as the Ironborn had captured the Shield Islands.

Balon Greyjoy had supposedly perished in a fall while crossing a bridge at Pyke during a storm, and he was succeeded by his brother the mad Kraken Euron Greyjoy, his first act as King was to order an invasion of the Reach perhaps to settle old grudges, or he was just as mad as people say. Still, they were powerless to thwart him as their armies were abroad and the Redwyne fleet was blockading Dragonstone.

When Cersei had discovered the Ironborn had invaded the Reach, she scoffed, saying, "If the inbred squids wish to rule the Rocks, why should I care" Margaery had pleaded with her to send the Redwyne fleet, but Cersei cared little for her much less her happiness, and she was dismissed.

The damn Lioness was leaving her alone in King's Landing. When she made sure that she no longer had anyone who could help her, she sent the Faith for her; having seduced Osney Kettleblack, Cersei has him falsely confess to the High Sparrow that he had slept with her and two of her cousins, Megga and Elinor. The High Sparrow acted on the information and had her arrested when she visited the Great Sept of Baelor. That wretched bitch had hoped to appeal to the people of King's Landing, claiming to support her good daughter. Instead, the High Sparrow had tortured a true confession out of Kettleblack and arrested Cersei for crimes against the Faith.

If Margaery weren't in such a precarious situation, she would laugh at how stupid Cersei is for getting them both into this mess.

But she just wants to weep, throw away her crown and go home to her family, her grandmother, her parents, her brothers Willas, Garland and Loras.

Loras, oh sweet Loras, who accompanied Jon out of love and loyalty just as she should have done another shame she must bear.

Due to his age, Loras is her favourite brother, and despite their rather stormy parting, she would like to have him with her by her side; now, Loras would not abandon her, nor would Jon.

In fact, her grandmother confessed that if Loras had not fled with Jon and Robar Royce, she and her father would have arranged for Loras to join the King's guard to shield her, oh, how she would like to have her brother with her in those horrid moments He would kill those fanatics to free her, and she could leave this horrible fortress.

Alas, fate was cruel. Loras had left with Robar Royce to look for Jon after she had disowned him ... And he hasn't been seen since supposedly fleeing to the far East with Jon.

They had gone to Dorne and fled by boat with Princess Arianne accompanying them, arousing the wrath of Prince Doran; the Prince of Dorne wrote her Father a scathing letter demanding an explanation of why his youngest son and his ward abducted his beloved daughter, Alas it nearly caused a war as Her father held no love for the Dornish especially Doran's family since the Red Viper had crippled Willas in a joust.

Her grandmother had her father write a letter denying their involvement and urging the Prince to keep the King's peace, had her father acted as he wished the Tyrell army would be marching through the Red Mountains. Still, her grandmother was not stupid and knew that provoking Dorne into war would hinder her marriage to Joffrey; it would also stain House Tyrell's honour if it was discovered that their third son had absconded with a princess.

Fortunately, Prince Doran did not insist further on that matter and did not reply to the letter. Although disagreements between Houses Tyrell and Martell will be something they will have to deal with shortly, true Dornishmen never suffer an insult unanswered.

It clearly helped that Loras is his father's favourite son. Despite the trouble he got them into with the Martells, her grandmother, father and mother had spent a great deal of gold searching for them both without success; the loss of Loras and Jon was a terrible blow to their family, so her mother had wept for seven moons and hadn't spoken to her father in half as long.

And although their alliance with the Lannisters proved fruitful, her mother had never forgiven her grandmother or father for siding with the Lions and driving Jon away.

If there's one thing Margaery, her siblings, and her mother Alerie agreed on, it was that the best judgment their father had made as Warden of the South was to have Jon welcomed into their home no matter what her grandmother would have others believe.

Holding back her tears and putting her regrets aside for the moment, Margaery sighed and planned her next course of action.

For now, the High Septon had already accepted that Cersei had had her arrested on false charges; unfortunately, the Lioness had managed to cast doubt on the High Septon about whether she and her cousins had committed impure acts.

Margaery had no choice but to continue with this; otherwise, the rumours that would circulate about her will haunt her for the rest of her life ... And she had no wish to be known as the whore in Highgarden, Margaery Tyrell shall not let the Lioness succeed.

She will have to wait for her judgment of Faith to be carried out because while she is here confined in this damn tower in which Randyl Tarly left her under his protection after freeing her from Septon due to lack of evidence, she had comforts it is true, but also she was watched day and night by fanatics who would kill her should she try to flee.

She was confident that Cersei was guilty of all the crimes she is accused of and that she had no hope of being absolved in a traditional trial, so the Lioness would have to resort to trial by combat, although the knights of the Kingsguard were lacking in these days only Ser Meryn Trant and Boros the belly could be counted as loyal to the Lioness.

Although, to be honest, that did not matter in the least, she knows perfectly well that Cersei would escape judgement, and Margaery must be prepared should Cersei take revenge for this slight after all, a wounded Lion still has claws, and they are quite sharp.

Renly had said it once… One of his few clever comments indeed.

"The Lannisters are not merciful, nor are their women sagacious."

Margaery is the Queen of Westeros, and she will not let Cersei humiliate her without punishment; she will not let her regain her power; she must prevent that before the old Lioness drags them into the seven hells because of her pride and stupidity.

Margaery let Jon go, and she may never see him again, but she will not let her suffering being in vain.

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Highgarden

Willas Tyrell was stargazing like every night, but his heart was disquiet as he had a terrible argument with his grandmother.

The gardens of his family's castle were beautiful in the summer, with flowers of every shade and hue; it was as if a rainbow had sprung from the soil. The gardens were one of his favourite places in the castle, but not so much now the autumn was beginning to take its toll, and the green leaves were turning a sickly yellow colour, a sure sign of a harsh winter, although his mind was drawn elsewhere.

The Highgarden Gardens had always inspired a great sense of calm in him; it was an almost magical feeling, even when her others were still children those were happy memories, in those days Margaery and her ladies prattled incessantly, while Garlan, Loras and Jon played knights while their grandmother constantly reprimanded them while his mother and father sat there looking at them with proud smiles. All of that was gone now; most of his family was in the castle planning how to remove the Krakens from the Shield Islands while Margaery was in King's Landing, married to a boy unable to consummate their marriage and in constant strife with his mother, and now his father was sent off to capture Storm's End for the crown.

Not a day had passed since their grandmother arrived when the ravens informed them that their younger sister Margaery had been imprisoned by the newly restored Faith Militant on charges of High Treason, fornication, and adultery with an extensive list of lovers including.

Ser Osney Kettleblack

Ser Tallad the Tall

Ser Lambert Turnberry

Prince Jalabhar Xho

Hugh Clifton

Ser Mark Mullendore

Ser Bayard Norcross

Hamish the Harper

Ser Loras Tyrell

Ser Horas Redwyne

Ser Hobber Redwyne

A list that was clearly a cruel ploy by that Lannister bitch to humiliate his sister and cousins; fortunately, they were under the protection of Lord Tarly until the day of their trial as the Faith had no desire to arouse the ire of old iron Tarly.

"That's one less problem," thought Willas as he poured himself a glass of arbour gold.

His grandmother had been plotting for days to free his sister from her imprisonment, but those plans were hindered by several circumstances.

To begin with, his father, who was no great warrior, went to conquer the ancient and impregnable fortress of the Baratheons by order of Queen Cersei, leaving Margaery alone in King's Landing, when his grandmother found out, just remembering it causes Willas a laugh.

His grandmother began to bang her head against her desk, repeating that her son was a cretin. Something that Willas himself could not deny, his father was a loving and determined man but he was hopelessly inept; if Randyl Tarly was with him, neither his grandmother nor he would worry, but now Randyll was the new Hand of the King, and he was in King's Landing acting as a guardian to his sister and cousins.

The second major problem and the most immediate is the taking of the Shield Islands, an unexpected move since the beginning of the war; the Iron Born were content to raid the North and Riverlands, requiting old grudges, but it seems the Krakens had come now for them.

"I shouldn't be surprised ... The new King of the Iron Islands is the most nefarious and insane of all the Krakens. During the Greyjoy rebellion, he devised a plan to sail to Lannisport and burn the Lannister fleet still anchored. The Iron Fleet, commanded by Euron's brother, Victarion, supported the plan and successfully destroyed Tywin Lannister's naval force, and while Victarion was heartily praised, the scheme was entirely Euron's." Willas thought with some worry as he knew the reputation of the Euron wasn't mere fairy tale.

Euron Greyjoy, or the Mad Kraken as he was widely known, Willas knew he was a wildly unpredictable man, known for his delight in playing vicious mind games and waging psychological warfare on anyone around him. He is hated by his brothers for this reason. A skilled warrior and manipulator, Euron is cunning, shrewd, and ruthless. And most curiously, While most ironborn captains keep the lion's share of plunder, Euron takes almost nothing for himself.

An enigmatic man, or rather an enigmatic monster

The Mad Kraken's has a crew made up only of mutes who are told that Euron himself cut their tongues in an attack of madness, and the Silence has sailed, pillaged, and raped all over the known world.

Willas' had used a considerable number of spies to learn the character of Euron when the news of Balon's death reached the Highgarden; it seems Euron had mysteriously appeared after an absence of two years.

Apparently, Euron Greyjoy has no love for his own family as Willas' spies informed him that Euron was sent away from the Iron Islands by Lord Balon as punishment for seducing or raping Victarion's salt wife, and he was warned never to return while Balon was alive. Victarion wanted to kill Euron and would have if not for the taboo against kinslaying.

With that in mind, Willas thought about his next step, Garlan, on his orders, had already begun to gather men to remove the Krakens from the Shield Islands, but Willas knew there was something else afoot.

The Ironborn had not left a powerful force guarding the conquered territories They must have known it was only a matter of time for them to reclaim their lands, so why behave so foolishly Willas does not know, and that worries him.

Among the Ironborn, there was a saying constantly repeated about Balon Greyjoy and his younger brothers.

 "Balon was mad, Aeron is madder, and Euron is the maddest of them all." Well, it seems to be true." Willas thought with a grimace.

"Is there anything my Lord needs?" Said a young woman's voice, snapping Willas out of his thoughts.

Willas raised his gaze and realised that Mira, that maiden from the North who had been part of his Father's entourage before the start of the war, was now looking at him apprehensively and waiting for his answer.

Since her family was fighting for Robb Stark, they took her out of King's Landing for her safety and brought her to Highgarden, where she resided ever since, especially after the Red Wedding and the Wardenship of the North being handed over to House Bolton.

Willas has always tried to be gracious to Margaery's friends even if they were servants; he knew them very well as they had already been in service for many years, but during their time together and getting to know her in-depth, she became a dear friend to him though he hadn't considered a romance as she was much younger than him. Mira is a charming, clever girl; she had a sharp tongue and was not afraid to speak her mind; if she had stayed in Kings Landing, Willas was sure she would have been executed.

"I'm well, Mira, though; what have I told you about creeping up on me? Do you wish to give me a burst heart? " He asked her, arching one of his eyebrows, and she just snorted.

"No, I was merely trying to amuse myself, My Lord," She said in a mirthful tone.

"Tell me, how are you?" Willas asked thoughtfully.

"As well as my Lord imagines, it is much more boring without Sera, Alla, Elinor and Megga, and there are so many things you can do before you grow dull, "She replied with loneliness in her voice.

"You're not alone," Willas said.

"You are not the first to tell me, although if you desire to join me in my sewing classes ... I would appreciate the gesture very much," Mira said smugly, and Willas laughed.

"I'm afraid I can't help you in that pursuit, but maybe if you give me some time, I can learn if you promise not to tell anyone," Willas said, amused. Mira chuckled.

"As if someone could hide something in this place... If you start knitting right now, your grandmother shall know by midday tomorrow," Mira said, arching an eyebrow, and Willas knew she spoke truly.

"Yes, that's unavoidable, but it's more likely that I'll just read the history of sewing and counsel you", Willas said smugly.

"How will that help me?" Mira asked in a dismissive tone.

"Knowing the history is important," said Willas reproachfully and the girl from the North shrugged and nodded.

"Not as much as practising... Is there news from the Capital?" The girl asked with some panic.

"Yes... Margaery and the others were released while their trial is being prepared; they are in the custody of Randyl Tarly all the children in the Capital demand their release. Garlan and my grandmother are preparing to remove the Iron Born, and my father marches against Storm's End, "Willas said, not losing sight of Mira's look of surprise at the latest news and put a hand to her head.

"Any news from Loras and Jon?" Mira asked eagerly, and Willas simply shook his head ... She is still in love with Jon, and parting from her had shattered her more so as Jon was in love with Margaery, whom Mira considered a friend. But her grief turned to resentment and bitterness when she discovered that Margaery had rejected Jon for a golden crown; Mira hadn't spoken to his sister since, nor Olenna truthfully Willas had expected her to poison them out of spite.

Since Jon and his brother disappeared after thwarting Daenerys Targaryen's wedding, no one has heard from them, which had filled the High Halls with melancholy.

"I should have expected that to happen; Jon and Loras are like two peas in a pod; you can't separate them," She said with melancholy in her voice.

"I know ..." I just wish they were both here with me instead of the gods knows where, "Willas said sadly, looking at the cobblestone path of the gardens lit by the moon and the stars.

"Lady Olenna lied saying that Loras was here, but soon people began to suspect otherwise, some even said that he was kidnapped by Jon and Robar Royce, but the matter that happened in Stormlands with the Hastys put an end to that so, where do you think that he got those men? " Asked a confused Mira.

"I don't know, but if anyone can get people to be on his side, it's Jon; he's always been more charismatic than my brother," Willas said, falling silent for a moment thinking about Jon's charm, then his younger brother and then his sister.

They were both silent for a few moments.

"Are you still vexed by Margaery?" Willas asked solemnly.

For a moment, Willas thought she wouldn't answer, but she did.

"Yes, of course, you haven't the faintest inkling of the disdain I hold for Margaery. I desired Jon more than any other, but I held my tongue for fear of causing your sister undue misery and then she had the gall to toss him aside like some mere trinket." Mira spat venomously

Willas sighed ... Love was something troublesome, that was what his grandmother used to say, and in those moments, Willas agreed with her.

"No, I don't know, but for what it matters. I'm sorry for what Margaery did, she's the only child, so my parents spoiled her. She should have known she couldn't have it all. I just hope you understand. and I hope you find in your heart the strength to forgive one day. "

Mira raised her head to look at the night sky; it was almost clear except for a few clouds.

"We'll see," She said with some bitterness.

When he lowered his head again, she had a sad expression on her face. Willas knew why, speaking of Margaery had reminded her that her father had served the young wolf And both, although they managed to save themselves from the Red Wedding, were still prisoners of the Iron Throne, Willas wished he could offer words to ease her pain, but he couldn't.

He must have had the same worried expression as Mira because she felt a comforting hand touch her shoulders. He looked at Mira, whose worried face changed into a small but reassuring smile. The moments ended when a guard ran into the grounds with a message. Willas took it and told the guard to leave him in peace. Then he opened it and read it, remembering when this madness started.

The death of Robert Baratheon had presented his family a golden opportunity to place a Tyrell upon the throne, everything his family fought for since Aegon had named them Wardens of the South. Although Willas had apprehensions about Margaery and Jon's relationship, he knew that they loved each other, but he feared that their love wouldn't survive the war, and he was proven right. Margaery was taught all her life that one day she would be Queen, and she believed it, she wanted to be Queen, but she also wanted Jon by her side. But unfortunately, life is not a fairy tale, and one cannot have it all, yet his sister wanted a crown on her head and the man she loved by her side even if he was just a bastard.

Honestly, Willas felt remorseful for Jon; despite his status, he was more than a friend... He was his brother; even his parents treated him as such; his mother Alerie even knitted him a cloak in the colours of House Stark and House Tyrell. Willas knew that no honest man would agree to be a glorified mistress, but Jon had out of love for his sister, Lords and Ladies have lovers all the time, but what his sister had with Jon was true love or at least he thought that it was although Willas had never been in love, Jon and Margaery's gaze had been the same as their parents had when they saw each other.

"That had to be love", Willas thought, feeling happiness and admiration from both since he had never expected to marry in love due to his status as heir to House Tyrell.

But sadly, Renly Baratheon's death was sudden and unexpected and caused all the plans his family had laid to be thwarted and Margaery to forsake Jon. Still, it seemed they had luck in the form of the snake Baelish, his grandmother and father quickly accepted his scheme to avoid the consequences for having supported Renly in his Rebellion, Although his father needed some stout words from his grandmother that turned him against his adopted son's family and as always, Willas' grandmother got her way. However, Willas knew that no matter what he did or said, his grandmother and father would stick with the deal, so he kept quiet and did as he was told.

Although Willas was not without remorse at the thought of Jon.

That Margaery chose the crown over Jon wasn't that surprising, and yet Willas couldn't quite believe it.

Then everyone got the news that their younger brother fled after Jon.

The bond Loras shared with Jon was far greater than the one he held with either he or Garlan, and so it was no surprise to him that Loras had followed Jon after their betrayal of him; if Willas had his way, he would have captured Jon and locked him away in Highgarden to keep him safe from the prying eyes of the Lannisters and perhaps aid him should the need arise alas fate was cruel. But, instead, Jon had disappeared along with his youngest brother after rescuing Daenarys Targaryen from some Dothraki Khal, and it seems they had sailed to some unknown place after.

No one in Westeros or Essos has heard from them in over a year, not even their grandmother, and that, not hearing from Loras and Jon, is the worst; their mother prays to the seven for their safety and for both to return home, but it seems that the gods cruelly ignore her.

And ironically, only my sister's lover has managed to share her bed; her first two husbands died without consummating the marriage, while the Tommen was far too young for such a thing.

Willas didn't know whether to pity his younger sister or laugh at her.

"What does it say? Is it from the Capital?" Mira asked anxiously, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"No, my agents say there was a second Red Wedding in Riverlands... In Riverrun, to be exact, Emmon Frey and Daven Lannister were slain, and Lord Petyr Baelish was kidnapped by a gang of outlaws; rumour has it that the Blackfish was leading them, "Willas said seriously.

"By your agents, do you mean your grandmother's?" I ask Mira with satisfaction.

"No, they are mine. My grandmother is not the only one with spies," Willas said with a smile.

"Does it say why the Blackfish kidnapped Littlefinger?" Mira asked with some glee.

"No, they just say that he came with a band of outlaws, caused chaos, killed many Freys, captured Lord Baelish and left," Willas said, noting her happiness.

"Walder Frey will be wroth to learn of this news," Mira said with a smile.

"Presumably, but there's not much he can do ... The Blackfish knows the Riverlands very well if he decides to hide ... No one will find him until he wishes it," Willas said with surety.

"Well, the Freys have now paid, blood with blood," Mira said with savagery in her voice.

"Maybe so ... But ... That's not all; apparently, the Boltons were defeated, and their house is now extinct," Willas said, still reading the message, and Mira stood up suddenly.

"It's true?" Mira asked with barely contained happiness.

"Yes, apparently the Vale finally took sides, Vale's knights marched on Winterfell and joined Stannis Baratheon in overthrowing the Boltons. As a consequence, Roose Bolton and his bastard were executed." Willas said before taking another sip of arbour gold,

"Are you going to inform your grandmother?" Mira asked, crying with happiness to learn that that horrible House that had been a plague in the North for centuries had finally become extinct.

"Knowing my grandmother, she must already know this... And another thing, unfortunately for him, Stannis Baratheon fell in battle, with him dead, the future of House Baratheon only rests with Edric Storm," Willas said, stowing the parchment in his breast pocket.

Willas had made good use of his spies and those of his grandmother; he trusted that he had enough spies to know most of the happenings in the Reach, but he still had his grandmother's spies for other regions at the moment, but he was slowly gathering more informants hoping to displace her as she was far too cunning for her own good. Willas had been aware of the Battle of Winterfell for sometime, but he had kept it hidden least it is false rumours, but now he was confident, so he shared it with Mira to lift her spirits.

Willas' mind runs with many questions ... Why did the Blackfish capture Littlefinger? ... And why did the Knights of Vale decide to help the Northerners until now? ... Something was afoot, he sensed it; these events were like the many small stones that preceded an avalanche.

The question was ... What? ... The best thing would be for her father to return and leave the siege in the hands of someone else, and as for Margaery ... Willas knew that his grandmother should already be planning something to help her; after repelling the Ironborn, they would turn their minds towards freeing her.

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Olenna Tyrell was at that time in solar receiving news from her spies that house Bolton had been slain to a man by Stannis Baratheon and the Knights of the Vale though it seems that Stannis fell during the fighting and now the Lordship of Storm's End would pass to Edric Storm a rather fortunate turn of events.

Although this is an interesting turn of events, the truth is that she cared little for the North, not while Her beloved granddaughter is a prisoner in that filthy city, and Olenna is entirely sure that Margaery's misfortunes were the work of that cunt Cersei Lannister still she had some consolation now that the High Sparrow had clapped Cersei in irons.

Her idiot son was sent by Cersei to conquer Storm's End, leaving Margaery utterly alone in the Capital; when she found out Olenna has spilt her wine and ruined a Tyroshi rug deploring the stupidity of her son. Although it seems that This time Olenna underestimated him since he sent her a message informing her of his intentions to return to the Capital to rescue Margaery, and he did so even before waiting for an answer, Mace abandoned the siege and was now marching northward with then-thousand men intending to bring the Lions to heel.

"For once, I must congratulate you, my son ", Olenna sighed before gazing out at the night sky.

"This madness must end ... It has already been too much ... And we had not won anything" The old woman sighed tiredly, remembering everything that happened since Renly Baratheon proposed that damned alliance to them; they had gained little and sacrificed much more to keep the Lions on the throne, when Tywin Lannister was alive it was far simpler as Olenna knew how to placate and cajole him, but now the realm was in chaos.

It was quite unusual to find someone who lived up to his fame; the old lion had outmanoeuvred her and married that dreary Stark girl to the Imp, hoping to shield himself from further Northern aggression and placate both houses.

But unfortunately for everyone, his daughter is fatally dull; she leads them all to damnation fancying herself Tywin with teats; well, you just have to see how she raised that fool Joffrey to see that wasn't the case.

Killing that pompous little bastard was especially pleasant, not only because she saved her beloved granddaughter from a life of cruel abuse but because the little monster had been responsible for the war that ravaged Westeros, leaving thousands as a Feast for Crows.

But none of that matters anymore, now Margaery is married to Tommen, and despite his nature, the boy king will blossom into a splendid monarch with help from the Tyrells, of course.

Olenna probably won the favour of the gods by putting "The Strangler" in Joffrey's wine ... Although the sight of his pompous face turning purple and vomiting was quite grotesque, the next time, she needs to poison someone, she will make sure the poison was far more subtle.

Well, she will do everything possible to free her granddaughter of that; there is no doubt, with her son Mace back in the Capital with half of her army, they will be able to put pressure on Kevan Lannister and any vassals that Cersei may have left.

Although they will have to focus their attention on another problem inherited from King Robert and his incompetent compatriot Ned Stark.

"The Ironborn threaten the shores of the Reach... Another headache that she and Willas will have to deal with," the Queen of Thorns thought wearily.

All because of those fools, Robert should have executed Balon and all his heirs after capturing the Pyke, but the drunken oaf showed mercy; now we pay the price for their folly." Olenna thought while dowing another cup of wine

Ned Stark must be wallowing in some hell to know how Greyjoy thanked his mercy ... And now his mad brother, Euron, is an even greater concern, and of course, the Lannisters will provide not aid as they are dealing with the death of the Old Lion and Kevan is forced to contend with his nieces' stupidity.

How to put the Militant Faith back together ... How stupid.

Olenna will leave that matter in the hands of her grandchildren since; unfortunately, Randyll Tarly and Paxter Redwyne are somewhat indisposed, one with his position of Hand of the King and the other besieging Dragonstone, but she fully trusts Willas' intelligence, and in the martial prowess of Garlan together they will cleanse their kingdom of the Krakens.

Then they would free Margaery; she is a clever girl; even so, she hates leaving her granddaughter to her fate, but nothing can be done until her son returns to the Capital. Moreover, Randyll Tarly was watching over her and her cousins until the trial.

The Lord of Horn Hill may not have been a brilliant manipulator, but she was confident that he could keep her granddaughter out of trouble until help arrives.

With this in mind, the Queen of the Most Thorns stopped to look at a painting on her wall.

The painting in question was commissioned before the war and had each member of house Tyrell present, but one face now stood out that of her grandson Loras.

A feeling of pity filled her when she thought of her youngest grandson if she believed that Loras was a pompous and foolish young man, yes, conceited to the core but as gallant as Garth the golden, but he was a good boy, and he was her grandson. But fate was cruel, and she hadn't heard anything concerning Loras in over a year, not since they had slain a Dothraki Khal and kidnapped Daenerys Targaryen.

"Why would that trio of fools have done that? ... It doesn't make sense; Daenerys Targaryen has no wealth or armies, just a good name, a name that had lost all prestige in Westeros; it was somewhat baffling to think Loras would risk his life for such a silly cause they had even aroused the ire of Dorne by kidnapping Arianne Martell; damn it, Loras, why couldn't you leave the bastard behind." Olenna thought in sadness.

She could not believe how all her family esteemed that bastard, the boy was sullen, severe, melancholic and quiet, yet somehow he charmed her family as if he had always lived there. In a short time, that child became another Tyrell in all but name her cretin son Mace boasted about him as much as his children, even that insipid bore Alerie mourns the loss of the bastard as much as Loras's. On more than one occasion, she has seen her praying to the Mother for the safe return of both of them it displeased her greatly; yes, Olenna knew that the bastard was loved by almost everyone in the castle, but the mere fact he was loved as much as a trueborn child she couldn't stomach that.

She couldn't fathom what made him so special to everyone.

And it got worse when she found out that her granddaughter Margaery had given him her maidenhead ... Olenna was not dense, she knew very well that very few ladies came to marriage as virgins, Margaery had the right to seek her own amusements, and even the Queen of Thorns had to confess that the bastard Ned Stark was handsome for his age it was fortunate he wasn't akin to his uncle Brandon or the Reach would be host to a pack of wolves.

His beard, his dark curly hair with those strange violets ... Yes, even she had to admit, Ned's bastard grew far more handsome as the years passed, and it seemed he was rather wise as well most boys would have bragged about deflowering the Warden of the Souths daughter but not him. If only he had been trueborn instead of a bastard, She would have gladly married Margaery off, then alas, fate is cruel, and she had no time to play nursemaid to bastards, even comely ones.

Her granddaughter was born to be Queen, not the lover of a bastard, yes, she was very cruel to her by forcing her to lie to the boy to banish him that was true, that young man had lived with her family too long it was time to remind him who he was and what he was their place in the world, for their sake and Margaery's, the Court of King's Landing was not like Renly's camp, if the boy had accompanied them sooner or later Margaery would be caught, and they would have their heads mounted on spikes just as Aegon IV had done to Ser Terrence Toyne and Lady Bethany Bracken.

Yes, the best thing for both was that they separated before they were killed, now the boy could seek his future away from her family as he should have done from the beginning, but Mace and his wife had become fond of Jon Snow and did not wish to side with the Lannisters.

Her granddaughter deeply resented her for months ... Until Joffrey's death ... When she poisoned the mad lion, Margaery was genuinely confused until she understood that she really loved her and would never let anyone hurt him ... not even a king,

The hug that a tearful Margaery gave her at that time, although reluctant, was rather satisfying, but she knew her granddaughter would never forgive her.

Her granddaughter has suffered far more than most pretending to love that inbred bastard, but House Tyrell has grown far stronger, but her granddaughter hoped to stop the war peacefully by convincing that idiot Joffrey to be merciful.

Her naive and sweet granddaughter believed that because Joffrey was listening to her in those moments, she convinced him to make peace with the bastard's family" Olenna merely cursed Margaerys foolishness.

Now that House Lannister and House Tyrell, the Lannisters had more than men to crush Robb Stark and deal with any inconvenience that might occur, especially if the boy acted rashly, oh and he had it seems honour was the poison of common sense.

Apparently, Ned Stark was as good a father as he was Hand; despite his eldest son's position as future Warden, the silent wolf never taught him to play the game, and what was the result? ... Robb Stark lost his head just like his father betrayed all for foolish honour.

The Queen of Thorns knew that the Lannisters would never seek peace with the North, and Robb Stark would not seek peace with the South. So the only way this war was going to end is with one of them losing their heads, and it was in their benefit for Joffrey to have his until their wedding, which was when she could take him off the game board for the good of his beloved granddaughter.

But despite her efforts, Margaery felt that she had some kind of obligation to try to save House Stark, but this was a fruitless effort as had been the plot they had for Sansa Stark, who had seemingly disappeared just as Arya Stark had, when the Red Wedding happened, her granddaughter locked herself in her room. She did not let anyone visit her until she had forced her; of course, none could mistake Margaerys grief, but only Olenna knew it was for the Starks rather than Joffrey.

Her granddaughter needed to forget once and for all about her little love affair with the bastard and move on ... As tricky as it was, unfortunately, she was not the only one who loved that boy.

Even Willas and Garlan were saddened by the boy's departure as much as Loras' she had expected him to rant and rage at her but to leave with the bastard that was rather shocking.

Not the fact that he and his companions participated in the defence of Lord Bonifer's lands against Stannis army, that was something remarkable, it really was, but even so, her grandson shouldn't have thrown himself into danger all for the love of a bastard wolf.

Although Loras had always been headstrong and rash if she was honest, it was that way even without Jon Snow's influence; her grandson was living proof that having skill at arms doesn't make one more wise, perhaps if the Lords of Westeros knew this, the continent would be peaceful.

But there was nothing that could be done for Loras. Not knowing something irritated her, Loras' whereabouts have prevented her for more than a year, and the old woman was left distraught despite her opinion of her youngest grandson; she loved him.

Perhaps it is time to accept that grandson will not return; wherever they have gone, it was clear they could not return or had no desire to.

With this in mind, the Queen of Thorns and the true leader of House Tyrell stopped looking at that painting and went to sleep with a mind full of memories of her pompous grandson and tears in her eyes.

------------------------------------------

King's Landing Small Council Room (two weeks later)

"I am no traitor ... I am loyal to King Tommen and you, Lord Kevan", The Knight of Gryphon's Roost declared tensely.

The constant drip of melted snow that fell from his cape to form a pool around his feet was underlining his words. It had snowed most of the night in King's Landing, and it had curdled around the ankle Ser Kevan was forced to wear woollen breeches.

"So say you Lord Connington, but how much are your words worth? " A Kevan asked, and it seems Ronnet bristled with pride.

"I will show you how true they are. Then, send me against my uncle, and I will bring you his head, along with that of that false dragon that has come from the East, " Ronnet said proudly.

Torchlight glinted fire from Ronnet Connington's hair and beard.

The Lannister spearmen, in their red cloaks and lion-crowned helmets, were lined up along the west wall of the Small Council hall. The Tyrell guards, in their green cloaks, were on the opposite side of the chambers; although neither Cersei nor Queen Margaery was there, their presence continued to taint the air, as if they were ghosts at a banquet, especially after Cersei's humiliation.

Behind the table where the five members of the King's Privy Council had sat, the Iron Throne loomed like a gigantic black beast, its points, blades, and claws half shrouded in darkness. Kevan Lannister could feel it behind him, like an itch between his shoulder blades. It was easy to imagine Mad King Aerys sitting there, bleeding from some recent cut, scowling at any who dared to question him.

But the throne was deserted. Kevan hadn't considered Tommen's presence necessary it was better for the boy to stay with his mother with guards, of course; it may well be the last time he sees her if the High Sparrow has his way.

"We will take care of your uncle and that impostor in due time ... You will remain here until we are ready to depart, and then you will have a chance to prove your loyalty," Mace Tyrell said. The new Hand of the King had sat on an oak throne carved into the shape of a hand, an absurd display of vanity commissioned by his lordship the day Ser Kevan agreed to appoint him to the position he so longed for.

Although his counsel held merit, so Kevan didn't press the matter the Fat Flower had returned from Storm's End without concluding the siege and to amend Cersei's actions against his House; he named Mace the Hand of the King while Lord Tarly was made Master of laws.

Dangerous but necessary.

"Escort Ser Ronnet to his rooms," Kevan said, and he did not need to add and do not leave him without a guard.

Despite his noisy protests, the Knight of the Gryphon's Nest remained a suspect. The mercenaries who had landed in the South were reportedly commanded by a member of his family. As the echo of Connington's footsteps faded into the distance, Grand Maester Pycelle shook his head slowly.

"Many years ago, his uncle was right where he was now when he told King Aerys that he would hand over the head of Robert Baratheon to him," Maester Pycelle said.

"It's what happens when a man gets as old as Pycelle. Everything he sees and hears evokes scenes from his youth." Kevan thought with irritation.

"How many soldiers were accompanying Ser Ronnet when he came to the City?" Kevan asked.

"Twenty, mostly from Gregor Clegane's retinue. Jaime gave them to Connington; unfortunately, they had not been in Maidenpool for a day when one had already killed a man, and another was accused of rape. So I had to hang the first and geld the second. If it were up to me, I would have sent them all to the Night's Watch, with Connington guiding them; such refuse only has a place at the Wall, "Randyll Tarly replied with disgust in his voice.

"Dogs look like their masters… I agree that the black cloak would have suited them better. I will not tolerate men of that ilk in the city guard, "Mace Tyrell declared in a low voice as Kevan did his best not to grind his teeth.

There were already a hundred Highgarden men among the golden cloaks, but it was apparent that their Lord was unwilling to allow the entry of Lannisters or Stormlanders to counter his influence.

"The more I give to this man, the more he desires," Kevan thought with annoyance.

Kevan was beginning to understand how Cersei had come to feel so much contempt for the Tyrells, but this was not the time to provoke an argument. Randyll Tarly and Mace Tyrell had arrived at King's Landing with their respective armies, while most of House Lannister's forces were still in Riverlands, in dwindling numbers since the Second Red Wedding as many northerners and overlanders had grown far bolder in their defiance."

"The men of the Mountain were always able warriors, and we may need every possible sword against these mercenaries. If it really is the Golden Company, as the Qyburn whisperers insist… "Kevan said with some annoyance.

"Call them what you want, but they are nothing more than opportunists, my Lord Regent", Randyll Tarly snorted.

"It may be ... But the longer we let those rascals roam free, the more powerful they will become. So we have prepared a map" Pycelle if you please, "He said, gesturing to the old man.

The map was lovely, drawn by a true master on the finest vellum, and so large that it covered the entire table.

"Here… Here and here. Along the coast and on the islands. In Tarth, on the Stepstones, even in Estermont. Now we're getting rumours that Connington is moving toward Storm's End." Pycelle said, pointing to places on the map.

"If it's Jon Connington, we must be prepared," Randyll said with hatred.

"Storm's End? He would not be able to take Storm's End; those walls are far too thick and high, And if he succeeds, what difference does it make? Now it's from Stannis; the castle passes from one aspirant to another, what do we care? I will win it back as soon as my daughter's innocence is proven." Mace Tyrell growled without giving any importance to the matter, boasting like the braggart that he was.

"How are you going to reconquer what you have never conquered ? you blithering oaf." Kevan thought with annoyance.

"I understand your point of view, my lord, but ..."

"The charges against my daughter are dirty lies. So why do we have to act out this farce? fetch King Tommen so he may declare her innocent and put an end to this nonsense here and now." Mace Tyrell growled.

"Yes, and those rumours will haunt Margaery her whole life", Mace snarled in contempt.

"No one doubts the innocence of your daughter, my lord. But his highest holiness insists that a trial be held, "Kevan said even though he knew he was lying.

"Now kings and lords have to dance when the sparrows chirp, "Randyll Tarly scoffed.

"We are surrounded by enemies, Lord Tarly… Stannis is in the North and the 'Ironborn in the west, and now there are mercenaries in the South. If we face the High Septon, blood will flow through the streets of King's Landing. Any hint that we meet the gods will throw the blessed into the arms of one of those would-be usurpers, "Kevan said.

Mace Tyrell was not convinced.

"As soon as Paxter Redwyne clears the Mander, my children will retake the Shield Islands. After that, the Boltons will take care of Stannis. As for Connington… "

"If it is him," Lord Randyll pointed out.

"As for Connington, what victories has he achieved that we are so afraid of him? He had a chance to crush Robert's Rebellion at Stoney Sept and failed, just as the Golden Company has always failed, some may run to join their ranks, yes; better for the kingdom, to cut away the chaff as it was, "Mace Tyrell said without a care.

Ser Kevan would have given anything to share that assurance. He had known Jon Connington very superficially: he was a proud young man, the most impetuous of the flock of young lords who rallied around Prince Rhaegar Targaryen; many said he was in love with his silver prince.

That and his skill with weapons were the reason that Aerys Targaryen, named him hand Old Lord Merryweather's passivity had allowed the Rebellion to take hold and spread, and Aerys was looking for someone young and vigorous to counter Robert's.

"That Connington boy is too young, too daring, he is too hungry for glory; those were Tywins words when he learned that Connington was raised up to Hand of the King.

The Battle of the Bells proved him right. Kevan had taken it for granted that Aerys would have no choice but to turn to his brother Tywin again after that, but Aerys preferred to trust Lord Chelsted and Lord Rossart and paid for it with his life and his crown.

"But all of that was a long time ago. If it really is Jon Connington, he will be a different man. Older, wiser, and a far better commander," Kevan thought with worry.

"The Golden Company may not be the only thing Connington has. It is said that an aspiring Targaryen accompanies him, "said Qyburn, who had been invited by Kevan to the meeting although the man was unusually quiet.

"Another impostor, nothing more," Randyll Tarly snorted.

"It's possible. And also that it is not, "Kevan said, remembering one of the bloodiest scenes of his life.

He had been here, in that very hall when Tywin had laid the bodies of Prince Rhaegar's children at the foot of the Iron Throne, wrapped up in crimson cloaks. The girl had been recognisably the Princess Rhaenys, but the boy ... a faceless horror of bone and brain and gore, a few hanks of fair hair. None of us looked long. Tywin said that it was Prince Aegon, and we took him at his word.

At that moment, Qyburn groaned and stood up.

"My Lords, I'm sorry to bring more bad news ... I know we are occupied with the Ironborn and this Blackfyre upstart, but this is relevant ..." Qyburn said, pulling out a piece of paper.

"Now what?" Kevan thought desperately.

"Lord Stannis Baratheon has fallen in battle; he managed to defeat Roose Bolton and his son at Winterfell, but he was slain in the battle," The former Maester said solemnly to the surprise of the entire Council.

"That is surprising ..." Kevan said, somewhat overwhelmed by the news.

"But beneficial to us ... With Stannis Baratheon dead... Now we just have to concentrate on the Ironborn and Jon Connington and his would-be Targaryen," Randyll Tarly said.

"Perhaps, but now the North shall be ruled by those who aren't sympathetic to the Lannisters, and this will no doubt inflame rebellion among the Northern Lords," Kevan thought, frustrated.

"Did Stannis Baratheon manage to defeat the Boltons despite the snowfall?" Asked Maester Pycelle.

"It was not just him Grand Master ... Reports say that Ser Brynden Tully and Lord Edmure Tully led Vale's army to the North and with the help of the Manderly sacked Winterfell from the inside while Lord Stannis fought before the walls it was said he killed some thirty men before being slain himself," Qyburn said leaving the Council in awe.

"The Vale finally took side?" Randyll Tarly asked, clenching his fists.

"Lysa Arryn is the sister of Lord Edmure and the late Catelyn Stark; she ultimately chose her family," Lord Mace said.

"It is true, but this is disastrous for us; we lost an enemy and now we have two; I knew that Edmure Tully had escaped from our men but this?" Kevan thought angrily.

"There is more, my lords; everyone says that there are two children in Winterfell who call themselves Brandon and Rickon Stark, the deceased sons of Ned Stark", continued the Master of Whispers.

"Now the dead are coming back? the way things are unfolding, I half expect my brother to come waltzing in and take my seat," Kevan thought incredulously.

"I thought they were executed by Theon Greyjoy?." Mace Tyrell said, clearly bewildered.

"They were my Lord, but it seems that those were only imitations while the real ones were hidden or so it is said; unfortunately, the North is in chaos at the moment, I have no way to prove it, but I suspect it is true," Qyburn said, sitting down again.

"More impostors, what does it matter ..." Randyll Tarly growled.

"It matters if the North joins them ... We need to appoint a new Warden immediately," Kevan said, glancing at Lord Mace.

All Westeros had known about the bastard of the "Honorable" Ned Stark, and since that boy had been fostered by the Tyrells for six years, all the rumours said that the boy won the heart of Mace Tyrell and his wife, who regarded him as a Tyrell. But that boy had disappeared with Loras Tyrell and Robar Royce a year ago with Daenerys Targaryen, and no one had heard from them in all that time.

Rumour has it that the Tyrells feel the loss of both their son and the bastard, but Kevan hadn't bothered to ask.

"If that boy were here and had such affection for Mace Tyrell as the rumors say, we would have legitimised him and crowned him a warden once again my nieces' stupidity has robbed us of allies", Kevan thought with some annoyance.

"After the trials, I will continue the siege." Mace Tyrell grumbled.

"Mercenaries fight for money ... With enough gold, we may convince the Golden Company to hand over Lord Connington and the aspirant," Grand Maester Pycelle suggested.

"Yes, but for that, you need gold. And I regret to inform you that there are not even rats and cockroaches in our coffers, my lords. I have written to Myr's bankers again. If they agree to pay the crown's debt to the Braavosi and make us another loan, we may not have to raise taxes." Harys Swyft chimed in.

"The Pentos magisters also make loans ... Try them ... If all else fails, you may have to go to Braavos to negotiate in person with the Iron Bank", Kevan suggested.

The Pentoshi would be even more reluctant to help than the Myr moneychangers, but it had to be tried. If they couldn't find a new source of income or convinced the Iron Bank to back down a bit, it would have no choice but to pay off the crown's debts with Lannister gold. He dared not raise taxes now; with the Seven Kingdoms on the brink of Rebellion, half of the lords were unaware of the difference between taxes and tyranny and would support the first usurper to appear to save a copper.

"Me?" Ser Harys protested in a shrill voice, clearly terrified.

"You are the Master of Coin, correct?" Lord Randyll snapped.

"Yes ... But I remind my lord that this mess is not my fault," Ser Harys growled.

"But it is part of your duty, Ser", Mace Tyrell replied, annoyed, and Kevan decided to intervene.

"Let's move on to the next matter. As you no doubt know, we have two queens charged with high treason. My niece has chosen a trial by combat, and her champion shall be Ser Robert Strong, "Kevan said.

"The silent giant", Lord Randyll grimaced.

"Tell us, where did that man come from? Why hasn't anyone heard of him until now? He does not speak, he does not show his face, no one has seen him without armour; how do we even know that he is a knight? " Mace Tyrell asked, glancing at Qyburn, who remained impassive.

"We do not even know if he is alive since Ser Meryn Trant claimed that Robert took neither food nor water, and Ser Boros Blount said he had never seen him use the privy, of course, not the dead don't shit," Kevan thought disgusted.

Ser Robert Strong is a knight summoned by Qyburn to defend Cersei in her trial by combat and was appointed Royal Guard by Tommen; Ser Robert never shows his face to anyone, constantly hiding under his great helmet ... And According to Qyburn, Ser Robert has made a vow of silence, supposedly one of not speaking until "all of King Tommen's enemies are dead and evil has been driven from the realm".

Kevan Lannister had an apparent suspicion about the true identity of this Robert Strong, a suspicion that Mace Tyrell and Randyll Tarly undoubtedly shared. Whatever face was behind Strong's helmet, it must remain hidden, at least for the moment. The silent giant was his niece's only hope.

But Mace Tyrell seemed unable to see anything other than the danger his daughter was in, and Kevan couldn't think poorly of him; after all, he was also a Father.

"King Tommen has chosen to be Robert for the Royal Guard, and Qyburn also endorses it. As it is, we need Robert to be victorious. If my niece is found guilty of her charges, the legitimacy of her children will be called into question, and if Tommen ceases to be king, Margaery will cease to be Queen. Whatever she has done, Cersei is still a daughter of the Rock and of my brother Tywin; she is the blood of my blood. I will not allow her to be executed for treason, I have replaced her guards with men I trust, and instead of ladies in waiting, she now has a septa and three novices appointed by the High Septon. She will no longer have a voice in the governing of the kingdom or in the education of Tommen. After the trial, I will send her back to Casterly Rock, and she will never leave there again. That will do, "Kevan said with all his power and authority as Regent.

"I am honoured by the trust you place in me, my Lord. I assure you that Ser Robert will fulfil his duty, my Lord, make no doubts," said Qyubum bowing.

It was not necessary to have more doubts Cersei was worth less than nothing and lacked power; no beggar in the city had not witnessed her shame; many men saw her naked and hungrily looked at her breasts, belly, and feminine parts. But, after that, there was no Queen who could rule Cersei was a Queen, little less than a goddess, when she was shown covered in gold, silk and emeralds; Naked she was utterly mortal, a grown woman with stretch marks on her belly and teats that were beginning to sag ... as the women of the mob had enthusiastically pointed out to their husbands and lovers.

"It is better to live without honor than to die with pride," Kevan thought with disgust, but he could not do more for Cersei since she dug her own grave with her decisions.

"My niece will never again plot anything reprehensible ... I give you my word, my lord," Kevan said with a nod.

"And I better make sure of it; Cersei may be defeated, but she is a Lioness of the Rock, and a cornered lion may still bear its fangs," Kevan thought with some worry.

"That is all well and good; my Margaery prefers to be judged by Faith so that the entire kingdom will witness her innocence." Mace Tyrell growled.

"If your daughter is as innocent as you want us to believe, why do you insist that your entire army be present when she confronts her accusers?" Kevan asked with some venom.

"Is there any other business we must attend?" Kevan asked.

The Grand Master consulted the papers in front of him. "The matter of the Rosby inheritance needs to be sorted out. There have been six claims ... "

"The Rosby thing can wait. What else?" Kevan asked.

"We should make arrangements for Princess Myrcella ... Perhaps we should further their engagement."

"There is still time to reconsider that commitment ... Surely you can choose a better match for that girl," Mace Tyrell said.

Like your son Willas, right? ...

"Certainly, but we have enough enemies now without offending Dorne. If Doran Martell joins forces with Connington to support the false dragon, things are going to get very ugly for us, "Kevan said.

"We can also persuade our Dornish friends to take care of Lord Connington ... We'd save a lot of blood and trouble," Harys Swyft added with a giggle that was becoming most irritating.

"I thank you, my lords. We will meet again in five days, after Cersei's trial… "Kevan agreed wearily; It was time to put an end to this Kevan wished to sleep, but he had many more obligations.

"As you wish, and may the Warrior give strength to Ser Robert's arm." Mace Tyrell's sentence came out forced, and her bow to the Lord Regent was almost imperceptible, but less was nothing, and Ser Kevan Lannister thanked her.

Randyll Tarly left the room with his lord, both followed by the green-cloaked spearmen.

... The real danger lies with Tarly ... But how can I attract him to our side? ...

A small but cunning man with a strong will, one of the best soldiers the Domain has produced.

"Lord Tyrell does not like me. The moon tea business ... I wouldn't have mentioned it, but the Queen Mother ordered me to! In truth, Lord Regent, I would sleep more comfortably with a few honours at my door, "Grand Maester Pycelle commented grimly after the Hand's departure.

"Lord Tyrell would interpret that as an insult," Kevan said, rubbing his temples.

"I need guards too ... these are dangerous times." Ser Harys Swyft tugged at his goatee.

Kevan knew perfectly well that Pycelle is not the only member of the Council that the Hand would want to replace. Mace Tyrell's candidate for the post of Lord Treasurer was his uncle, the Lord Steward of Highgarden, who was called Garth the Rude.

"The last thing I need is one more Tyrell in the Privy Council," Kevan thought with dread.

He's already outnumbered: Ser Harys was his wife's father, and he could count on Pycelle too, but Tarly was loyal to Highgarden, as was Paxter Redwyne, the Lord Admiral and Master of Ships, who sailed around Dorne to face the Ironborn when Redwyne returned to King's Landing, the Council would split into three against three, Lannister against Tyrell.

The seventh voice would be that of the Dornish man escorting Myrcella back.

"Lady Nymeria though she is no Lady if half of what the Qyburn reports say is true."

She was the bastard daughter of the Red Viper, almost as legendary as her father, and she was determined to take the Council seat that so briefly belonged to Prince Oberyn. Kevan hadn't found it necessary to inform Mace Tyrell that he was approaching; he knew the Hand would not receive the news with enthusiasm.

"The one missing here is Littlefinger Baelish did have a talent for drawing dragons out of nowhere ... But he disappeared during the Second Red Wedding ... What a waste.

"Hire the men of the Mountain ... Red Ronnet no longer needs them", Kevan decreed; of course, he didn't believe that Mace Tyrell committed the blunder of trying to assassinate Pycelle or Swyft, but if they wanted guards to feel safer, they will have him.

The three men left the throne room together. Outside, the snow swirled in the field like a caged animal howling for freedom.

"Have you ever been so cold?" Kevan asked his good-father.

"The right time to talk about the cold is not when you are out in the open, suffering from it," Maester Pycelle said. He trudged toward his chambers, and the others stood for a moment on the steps leading to the throne room.

"I have no hope in Myr's bankers you had best prepare to sail to Braavos ", Ser Kevan said to Swyft.

"If necessary ... But I repeat that I did not cause these problems," Swyft growled.

"No, it was Cersei who decided to keep the Iron Bank waiting. Do you suggest that I send her to Braavos? " Kevan said with a half-smile.

"Your highness? ... It would be a ... a ..." Swyft stuttered.

"It was a jape… It wasn't clever, I know. Go warm up by the fireplace; I'll do the same ... Good night," Kevan said.

Kevan put on his gloves and strode across the courtyard, hunched over against the wind blowing his cloak. The dry moat around Maegor's Keep had a shaft of snow on it, and the sharp stakes at the bottom glistened with frost. The only access to the Torreón was the drawbridge that spanned that moat. There was always a knight of the Royal Guard stationed there, and that night Ser Meryn Trant was on duty, and the next night he would be replaced by Ser Ball Swann.

Jaime had disappeared in Riverlands, leaving only four white swords left in King's Landing, and Kevan had locked up Osmund Kettleblack and his brother Osfryd within hours of Cersei confessed that they had both been her lovers, the only ones left to protect Tommen and the Royal Family were the useless Meryn Trant, the weak Boros Blount and Robert Strong the silver giant.

"Tommen should have seven good knights. In the past, guard membership was a lifetime charge, but that hadn't stopped Joffrey from expelling Ser Barristan Selmy to make room for Sandor Clegane, his dog. Maybe I can build on that precedent and giving Lancel a white cape it is more honourable than being in the Warrior's Sons, at least." Kevan thought with some glee.

Once in their rooms, Kevan Lannister hung up his snow-soaked cloak, kicked off his boots, and commanded the servant to add more wood to the fireplace.

"And I could use a glass of hot wine ... Bring it to me."

He soon warmed up between the fire and the wine, but he also began to feel sleepy, so he did not dare to drink another glass. He still had a lot to do: he had reports to read, letters to write.

"And have dinner with Cersei and the King," Kevan thought with some frustration.

But thanks to the gods, his niece had been docile and submissive since she made her route of penance, and according to the novices who were at her service, she divided the waking hours between her son, prayer and the bathtub she bathed four or five times a day, scrubbing herself with horsehair brushes and soap as if she wanted to tear off his skin.

"She will not be able to remove that stain no matter how much she scrubs, "Kevan thought sadly, remembering the little girl he had watched grow up running about the halls of the Rock asking him for sweets.

And later, when she bloomed, there was never a more beautiful maiden.

How many deaths would have been avoided if Aerys had agreed to marry her to Rhaegar?

Cersei would have given the prince the sons he desired, lions with violet eyes and silver hair ... And with such a wife, he would never have noticed Lyanna Stark the northern rose had a wild beauty he remembered, but no matter how bright her torch, how could it rival the rising sun? But there was no use lamenting the lost battles and the discarded roads that was typical of old men, of finished men Rhaegar married Elia of Dorne; Lyanna Stark died; Robert Baratheon took Cersei as his wife, and that's the way it was. So tonight, the path would take him to his niece's rooms, face to face with her.

"I don't have to feel guilty ... I have no doubt that Tywin would understand it was his daughter who had run our name through the mud and corrupted Lancel he was defending their house, "Kevan thought sadly.

It wasn't like his brother hadn't done the same. In his later years, after the death of his wife, his father had taken as his lover the beautiful daughter of a candlemaker. It was not unusual for a widowed lord to have a commoner to warm his bed, but the trouble was that Lord Tytos soon began to sit her beside him at banquets, shower her with gifts and honours, and even ask her opinion on matters of state. In less than a year, the girl was already dismissing servants, giving orders to the Knights of the house and even speaking on behalf of his lordship when he was unwell. It was said that, for a lord to petition his father, they must do it on his lover's lap, for his ears were between her legs. A woman scarcely one step above a whore, and she helped herself to my mother's jewels.

The situation continued until the day when his lord father's heart exploded in his chest as he climbed the steep stairs that led to his lover's bed. All the interested parties who claimed to be friends of the commoner and sought her favour abandoned her without a second thought, then Tywin forced her to walk naked through Lannisport like a common whore. Not a man touched her, but that jad shown she was nothing to the Lions, Tywin would never have imagined that his beloved daughter would face the same fate.

"There was no other way," Ser Kevan muttered as he stared at the last drops of wine. It was imperative to appease his highest holiness because Tommen would need the support of the Faith in the battles to come. As for Cersei ... The golden girl had turned into a vain, greedy and stupid woman. If allowed, she would spoil Tommen just as he had Joffrey.

A wind had risen outside, shaking the shutters of his room. Ser Kevan gathered his strength and stood up. It was time to confront the Lioness in her den.

"We have filed her claws. But Jaime… "No, he didn't have the heart to think about that.

He put on an old, well-worn doublet in case his niece threw wine at him again, but he left the sword belt hanging from the back of the chair. Only knights of the Kingsguard could carry a sword in the presence of Tommen.

Ser Boros Blount was in the care of the boy king and his mother when Ser Kevan entered the royal chambers. Blount wore enamelled slats, a white cloak, and a bare-faced helmet, and he did not look well. In recent times Boros had gained considerable weight, which was noticeable on his face and belly, and he had a pale colour and leaned against the wall as if standing was far too taxing.

Dinner was served by three novices, three well-groomed maids from a respectable family, between twelve and sixteen namedays. In their soft white robes, each one seemed more innocent and spiritual than the last, but even so, the High Septon had insisted that none would spend more than seven days in Cersei's service to prevent them from being corrupted. They took care of the Queen Mother's wardrobe, prepared her bath and served her wine, and changed her bedding in the morning. One of them always shared her bed to make sure she had no other company, and the other two slept in an adjacent room with the septa supervising them.

A skinny, lanky girl with a pockmarked face escorted him to Cersei, who got up and kissed him on the cheek.

"How nice of you to come to dinner with us, dear uncle. " The Queen was dressed as demurely as any matron, with a dark brown dress buttoned to the neck and a hooded green cloak covering her shaved head.

"Before the walk, Cersei would have flaunted the lack of hair with a golden crown."

"Come and sit. Do you want wine? " Cersei asked kindly.

"Wine will do" He sat down, still suspicious of his niece's intentions.

A freckled novice filled their glasses with mulled wine.

"Tommen says that Lord Tyrell intends to rebuild the Tower of the Hand," Cersei commented.

"And ensure that the new one will be twice as high as the one you burned." Ser Kevan nodded.

"Long spears, tall towers ... Do you think Lord Tyrell is hinting at something?" Cersei said with a giggle.

"I'm glad you remember what laughter is," Kevan said with some affection.

"They take good care of me. The girls are lovely, and the good septas make sure that I don't forget to pray. But when my innocence has been proven, I'd like to go back to Taena Merryweather. You could bring your son to court. "

Tommen needs to be with other children, to have friends of noble birth.

It was a modest request, and Ser Kevan saw no reason to refuse ... Although he felt some mistrust but could not know what, so he decided to grant it. Little Merryweather would be her ward, and Lady Taena would accompany Cersei to Casterly Rock.

"I will call her as soon as the trial is over," he promised his niece.

Dinner began with a beef and barley soup, followed by a couple of quail per head, a roasted pike over four feet long garnished with turnips and mushrooms, and plenty of hot buttered bread. Ser Boros tasted every dish served to the king. It was a humiliating task for a knight of the Kingsguard, but he might not be capable of anything else under his current circumstances ... And considering how Tommen's brother had died, it might not be a terrible idea.

The king looked happier than Kevan had seen him in a long time. From soup to dessert, Tommen kept chattering about his kittens as he fed them bits of pike from his golden plate.

"The bad cat was in front of my window last night, but Ser Claws snorted at him and ran across the roof," Tommen said with a chuckle.

"The bad cat?" Ser Kevan repeated, smiling. He is an adorable little boy.

"An old black cat with a ripped ear. A dirty and very surly it scratched Joff once Cats free us from rats, I know, but that one from what I've been told, he has attacked our crows, "Cersei muttered.

"I'll order traps to be set." Ser Kevan had never seen his niece so quiet, so meek, so demure. It was probably better this way, but in a way, it also saddened him and, in another way, made him distrustful, he had come to know Cersei's hidden face, and he didn't think she had resigned, so quickly.

"You didn't ask me about your brother," Kevan commented as they waited for the cream cakes, which were the king's favourites, to be served.

Cersei looked up, her green eyes glinting in the candlelight.

"James? Is there news? " Cersei asked with eagerness in her gaze.

"No, Cersei, but you should prepare for it," Kevan counselled wisely.

"If he was dead, I would know. We came into this world together, and he wouldn't leave without me. Tyrion can go anytime he wants. I guess you don't know anything about him either, "She said, sipping a glass of wine.

"No, no one has tried to sell us a dwarf head in a long time," Kevan said.

"Can I ask you a question, uncle? " Cersei asked

"I suppose so", Kevan replied.

"Are you planning to bring your wife, my aunt Dorma, to court? " Cersei asked, staring at him.

"No, I'm afraid not… Doma is an affable woman who was only comfortable at home, surrounded by her friends and family. I take good care of our children, she dreamed of having grandchildren, she prayed seven times a day, and she liked to sew and take care of her flowers. Here I would be as happy as Tommen's kittens in a viper's nest. No Cersei, my wife does not like to travel. His place is in Lannisport, "Kevan said with a sigh.

"Wise woman, the one who knows her place," Said his niece with a smile.

"What do you mean?" He didn't like the way that sounded.

"I thought I knew." Cersei held out the glass for the freckled girl to refill. At that moment, the cream cakes arrived, and the conversation took a far more lively direction.

"Osney's brothers will not sit idly by while watching him die," Cersei warned.

"I can imagine that. That's why I've ordered them to surrender, "Kevan replied without a care.

"What are they accused of?" She asked, surprised.

"Of fornicating with a Queen. His highest holiness says that you confessed to having slept with both of them; have you forgotten? " Kevan asked, clearly confused.

"No ... what are you going to do with them?" Cersei asked, blushing.

"If they admit they are guilty, send them to the Wall. If they deny it, they can face Robert Strong. Those men shouldn't have received such privileges, "He said, annoyed.

"They ... I misjudged them." Cersei lowered her head.

"You seem to have misjudged many men, Cersei; that's why you're in this situation," Kevan said sadly.

She was about to add something, but at that moment, the dark-haired, plump-cheeked novice entered.

"My lords, sorry to interrupt, but a messenger has arrived. Grand Master Pycelle requests the immediate presence of the Lord Regent."

"Black wings, black words. Has Storm's End fallen? Or will it be news from Jaime?" Kevan thought hopefully.

"Maybe something is known about Jaime", The Queen commented.

There was only one way to find out, so Ser Kevan got up.

"Excuse me, please, Cersei," Kevan said; before leaving, he dropped to one knee and kissed his niece's hand. If the silent giant fails, it could be the last kiss she receives.

The messenger was a boy of eight or nine years old, so warm that he looked like a bear cub. Trant had made him wait on the drawbridge instead of letting him into Maegor's Keep.

"Go sit by a fireplace, boy ... I know my way from here," Kevan said compassionately.

It had finally stopped snowing. Behind a veil of wisps of cloud, the filled lime floated round and white as a snowball, and the stars shone coldly in the distance. Kevan strode across the castle courtyard, which seemed like a new and mysterious place, its towers filled with fangs of ice; the roads had disappeared under the white blanket, and a spear-long icicle broke off a roof and crashed at his feet.

"If this is the way autumn is in King's Landing ... What grim fate await those at the wall?" Kevan thought with some pity

The door was opened by a maid, a skinny girl in a fur-lined tunic that was too big for her. Ser Kevan kicked the ground to brush the snow off his boots, removed his cloak, and handed it to her.

"The Grand Master awaits me," Kevan announced, eager to finish the matter and go to rest.

The girl nodded, solemn and silent, and pointed up the stairs.

Pycelle's rooms were under the aviary and were very spacious, with shelves piled high with herbs, plasters, and potions, as well as books and scrolls. Ser Kevan had always felt that it was sweltering there, but not this time: he felt the cold as soon as he walked through the door. Only black ash and dying embers remained in the fireplace, and a few candles cast lakes of fading light here and there.

Everything else was shrouded in the shadow ... Except around the open window, where ice crystals gleamed in the moonlight and swirled in the wind. On the windowsill stood a gigantic white raven with ruffled feathers. It was the largest crow Kevan Lannister had ever seen, larger even than the hawks on Casterly Rock, larger than the largest owl. The snow danced around him, and the moon danced in streak of silver.

 "No, it's not silver. It is white. It's a white crow," Kevan thought.

The white crows of the Citadel carried no messages; that was up to his black cousins. They only came from Oldtown with one task to announce the changing of the seasons.

"Winter ... Winter is here ..." Ser Kevan said. The word formed a whitish cloud in the air, and he backed away from the window.

At that moment, something that might as well be a giant's fist struck him in the centre of the chest. It took his breath away and made him recoil. The white crow took flight, and Kevan fell backwards or perhaps sat on the windowsill.

"What...? Who does not? No, that's how my brother died ... He was pierced by an arrow," Kevan thought as blood spurted from the wound.

"Pycelle ... Help me ... I ..." Kevan said with difficulty.

At that moment, he saw it. Grand Maester Pycelle sat at the table, his head resting on the large leather-bound book in front of him.

"He had fallen asleep" Kevan thought ... Until he blinked and saw the deep red gash on the Pycelles skull, and the blood pooling under his head, soaking through the pages. Around the candle were fragments of bone and brain, islands in a lake of melted wax.

Was it possible that Cersei had been right all along? Was this the doing of his nephew?

"Tyrion, but where is he?" Kevan wondered aloud.

"Far away", A familiar voice answered him.

He was surrounded by a sea of shadows, next to a bookcase, fat, pale, hunched over, his feet in slippers and a crossbow in his soft powdered hands.

"Varys?"

Ser Kevan. Forgive me. I wish you no harm, but I had to do this for the kingdom. For the children ... " Varys whispered.

"I have children. I have a wife. Oh, Dorma," Kevan wailed.

He felt a rush of pain and closed his eyes. He opened them again.

"There are ... There are hundreds of Lannister guards in the castle," Kevan said, gathering his wits.

"But none in this room, thankfully. It hurts my soul, my lord. You don't deserve to die alone on such a cold and dark night. There are many like you, good men at the service of evil causes ... But you threatened to destroy the Queen's work and reconcile Highgarden with Casterly Rock, and unite the Faith and the Seven Kingdoms under the command of the Child King, so you must die," Varys said though his expression showed he took no pleasure in the act.

A gust of wind came in, and Kevan shuddered.

"Are you cold, my lord? You don't know how sorry I am; the Grand Maester was dirty when he died, and the stench is so unbearable that I was afraid of suffocating." Varys spoke sweetly

Ser Kevan tried to get up, but his strength had left him, and he could barely feel his legs.

"The crossbow seemed the most appropriate. You had so much in common with Lord Tywin…! Your niece will think you were murdered by the Tyrells; perhaps in conspiracy with the Imp, the Tyrells will be suspicious of her many will blame the Dornish or the Northerners. Doubts, division and mistrust will undermine Tommen at this moment Aegon raises his banner of Storm's End and the Lords of the realm rally around him ", The eunuch said happily.

"Aegon? He is dead" For a moment, he did not understand anything, but suddenly he remembered: a child wrapped in a red cloak full of blood and brain remains.

"No. He's here ... He's finally here, during the sack of this City I replaced them with convincing decoys and killed Elia ... If only you knew how difficult it was ... But sadly, Princess Rhaenys disappeared a year ago, and I have not been able to find her, poor girl; I fear the worst so beautiful and so strong, what a waste ... But Aegon has been shaped for rule before he could walk. He has been trained in arms, as befits a knight to be, but that was not the end of his education. He reads and writes, he speaks several tongues, he has studied history and law and poetry. A septa has instructed him in the mysteries of the Faith since he was old enough to understand them. He has lived with fisherfolk, worked with his hands, swum in rivers and mended nets and learned to wash his own clothes at need. He can fish and cook and bind up a wound; he knows what it is like to be hungry, be hunted, and be afraid. Tommen has been taught that kingship is his right. Aegon knows kingship is his duty, that a king must put his people first, and live and rule for them., that a king must put his people before all else and live for them, rule for them, "Varys said happily.

Kevan Lannister tried to shout for his guards, his wife, his brother ... But no words came from his mouth, only blood, and he suffered a violent convulsion.

"I'm very sorry ... You are suffering, I know, and here I am, chattering like an old parrot. It is time to end your pain ... Please forgive me if you can. "The eunuch whistled.

Ser Kevan felt icy cold, and each breath of air was like a stab of pain. He caught sight of a sideways movement and heard the soft sound of slippered feet; walking away out of the darkness came a child, a pale boy in a tattered tunic; another appeared behind the Grand Maester chair. The girl who had opened the door was there too; around him were half a dozen boys and girls with very white faces and dark eyes.

Armed with daggers.

-------------------------------------------------

They were finally here; after staying hidden for many years, they finally began their conquest of the Iron Throne, so many years of hiding, waiting, studying, preparing ... All for this.

He had lost her older sister, who went to rescue her aunt Daenerys from his uncle, but she never returned, nor did his aunt; he had searched for weeks after, but nothing came of it as if the earth itself had swallowed them whole.

Aegon had wept for her, she was his sister, his only family and she was gone but he could not surrender; in his veins, he carried the blood of the Conqueror, he had to regain the Throne, for his father, his mother, his sister and their family He had to bring fire and blood on the line of the usurper and those traitors responsible for the downfall of his family.

At his side, he had his mentor Jon Connington, Haldon his "Half Maester", Tyrion Lannister his political advisor, Ser Jorah Mormont, a knight at his service and finally the first two members of his Kingsguard.

Ser Barristan Selmy and Lord Commander, and Rolly Fieldshoes the first anointed member.

And finally, his army, the redoubtable Golden Company But also, he had something else .A gift he had received while in Essos he was had been sailing and fished a queer man out of the sea he was robbed in scarlet and claimed to be a bearer of gifts and he presented him a ring according to the stranger, this ring would grant him greater mastery of all those around him.

A ring ... A ring wrought of fine gold and set with a stone of jet when he gazed upon it he saw fine lines, finer than the finest pen-strokes, running along the ring, outside and inside: lines of fire that seemed to form the letters of a flowing script. They shone piercingly bright and yet remote, as if out of a great depth. Aegon was enthralled by the ring and dare no question the priest and took the ring from him before departing for the port.

Aegon was eager to see the power of this great ring as the priest had told him that the ring had belonged to his forebears in Valyria.

If Aegon managed to claim the Iron Throne thanks to the ring as promised ... He would be grateful to Annatar for his gift perhaps he would make him Hand of the King.

Notes:

Thanks to Great_red