-Chapter 60-
-Chapter 60-
-5th day of the 7th moon of the year 300 AC-
-POV Qyburn-
As I mixed a drop of blood with black mushroom essence and seeds from Asshai in an attempt to create a more effective and, above all, permanent potion, I received a visit from the Queen Mother. She spoke to me without any greeting, which was rather unusual.
Unlike previous visits, this time she was accompanied by her pocket dog, though an imposing one in his royal guard armor, Ser Meryn Trant, the queen's armed hand.
"I want you to replace Ronnet's blood during the next transfusion and inject it into our King," she said directly.
I widened my eyes at her request and quickly closed the door before saying:
"I am employed in the service of the Lord Protector."
"For potions and inventions, but it is your king to whom you have sworn loyalty, isn't it?" she said, looking at me coldly.
I took my time to think because, given her look, I knew that if I dared to respond in the wrong way, I would be immediately beheaded by the giant outside this room.
And even if I dared to report this to the Lord Protector, he could do nothing to avoid the wrath of his wife, whom he likely wouldn't punish at all.
'How does one punish the Queen Mother?' I thought.
"You don't have a choice, but I won't treat you poorly, you can be assured of that," said the Queen.
I took a deep breath before saying, "I understand perfectly what you expect from me, and I will do it, but ensure my survival—that's all I ask of you."
"You serve the King," said the Queen before leaving, allowing me to express my helplessness in a deep sigh, knowing that even if I survived this ordeal, I would be on Ronnet Connington's blacklist.
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-7th day of the 7th moon of the year 300 AC-
-POV Tywin Lannister-
As I observed the map of Westeros, I began to question the danger and necessity of maintaining an alliance with House Connington, and more specifically with Ronnet Connington.
This house was gaining too much in every aspect, and it hadn't started since Robert's death. It all began long before, even before the death of the previous Lord of Griffin's Roost.
Ronnet Connington had followed a flawless path, at least that's what the crowd thought.
I disagreed with them because, even though he had the reputation and image of a cruel and unpredictable man, capable of committing massacres to achieve his goals, he had one fatal flaw.
'Cersei and that ridiculous loyalty he has to her,' I thought, shaking my head.
Cersei being my daughter, I knew her well enough to understand that efforts to change her would lead nowhere, for she had a deeply egocentric character since her earliest childhood.
As soon as she regained power over Ronnet, she would inevitably show her true colors.
'Although he's done a good job making her more receptive to my advice and those of her entourage, even that gnome,' I thought as I saw Tyrion enter my office without knocking, as usual, to provoke a reaction from me.
"Tyrion."
"My very honorable father, how are you on this beautiful sunny day?" he said before sitting down and pouring himself a glass of wine.
I narrowed my eyes in his direction, and then he said:
"I came to bring you some news that I thought you would appreciate, but I must have been mistaken."
I didn't respond because I knew he would still try to curry my favor to get his hands on Casterly Rock and prove his… utility.
"Well," he said, raising his hands suddenly, nearly spilling his wine on my map, which involuntarily made me raise an eyebrow—a reaction he undoubtedly took as a victory. He continued with a broad, mocking smile, "According to some overly chatty maids…"
"Your whore," I said in a sharp, cold tone, cutting him off.
His smile vanished instantly, and I said, "I know you brought that whore with you, but that's not the issue here. So, as you were saying, according to your whore…"
"According to Shae…" he said, emphasizing the name of his whore.
"A quarrel supposedly broke out between my dear, perfect sister and her all-powerful husband."
I sighed in disappointment and said, "You disturbed me for this kind of story, gossip from women who have nothing better to do than control your little cock?"
"I imagined you would say something like that, which is why I had someone I trust look deeper into the actions of our dear Cersei and her husband, and I found something bigger."
I furrowed my brow, waiting for Tyrion to explain, and he did not hesitate, producing a vial containing a purple liquid. I asked, "What is this?"
"This is the latest creation of Qyburn, a former maester now in the service of our dear Lord Protector. I don't know the ingredients, but I've seen the results of its effects, and I can assure you, it's horrifyingly effective," said Tyrion.
"What are the effects of this thing?" I asked, inspecting the vial filled with the purple substance.
"Strength, speed, and endurance multiplied for a short period, and insensitivity to pain, from what I could observe myself," he said.
"How long does it last?" I asked, placing the vial back on my desk.
"I don't know, but Qyburn is trying to produce massive quantities of this substance, so much so that he's hiring apprentices, all in the name of the crown…" said Tyrion before I interrupted him by finishing his sentence: "…Which, of course, knows nothing of Ronnet and Cersei's projects."
Tyrion nodded and said, "They're keeping him in the dark, and I'd tend to agree with this approach under normal circumstances, but if Ronnet gets too attached to power, he might try to depose Tommen and have himself crowned king by calling for the assembly of the lords for…"
"…A Great Council," I said, already fully understanding the danger posed by the Blood Griffon.
'He may not look like me, but at least I've managed to instill some good sense in him,' I thought, looking at my son.
"You've done well, Tyrion. You've proven yourself worthy of the lion you wear on your chest," I said, looking him straight in the eye before concluding, "I no longer want to see that whore in the Red Keep. I'll reward you by finding you a wife worthy of your name and rank… You may go now; I need to think about the next steps."