-Chapter 22-
Here's today's second supplementary chapter.
Thank you again for the strength and support you've given me, it makes me want to write even more, and gives me the strength and motivation to do so when I see that you're enjoying it.
Ghostrider0002
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-Chapter 22-
-The Next Morning-
-POV MC-
"So basically, if I understood correctly," I said in a heavy tone despite my relaxed posture on the chair belonging to the Lord of Storm's End.
"We lost nearly a third of our forces," I said after Raymund, who commanded the archers, finished accounting for all our gains and losses.
"Yes, our infantry lost 2,200 men while the cavalry lost 600 and 200 knights. The right wing suffered the most severe loss as Stannis fled with his cavalry that way. The Hightower forces took a heavy blow, losing 4,000 good soldiers, as did the Tyrells, and the rest was borne by House Tarly and the minor houses under their command."
"I'm sorry for your loss," I said to the Tyrells, all seated at my table.
"We need to discuss what's next."
"Yes, of course, what do you have in mind?"
"We were thinking that since Stannis has fled, we should ally with the Lannisters," said Margaery in her sweet voice as if she thought this kind of little trick could work on me.
"And I imagine it was Littlefinger who persuaded you of that, wasn't it?"
She didn't deny it, and then I said, "Victor, bring me Littlefinger, chained if necessary."
"Yes, My Lord." He stood up, and I tapped the table with my fingertips, observing everyone in the room one by one.
---
-POV Garlan-
The cold of the room struck me, but not as much as the coldness in the voice of the savage and ruthless warrior seated opposite us.
I had seen brave men tremble before him on the battlefield once Stannis's army was defeated, but seeing him up close, in such a position of authority, was something entirely different.
The way he had overthrown nearly a thousand enemies remained etched in my memory. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of admiration for him, despite the danger we all felt at that moment.
I exchanged a glance with Loras, who seemed to share my sentiments.
---
-POV Loras-
The tension in the room was palpable, the memory of yesterday's battle still fresh in my mind, especially the way he fought, every swing of his sword taking down an enemy.
I sensed a glimmer of apprehension in Margaery's eyes, but I knew we had to stay strong.
This was a moment for diplomacy, not war. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
---
-POV Margaery-
I felt vulnerable, my eyes avoiding his, but I could feel his gaze weighing on me. I had always known how to use my charms to influence situations, but here, facing a man whose reputation was forged by iron and blood, I doubted my ability to persuade him.
The mention of Littlefinger only added to my anxiety. I squeezed Loras's hand under the table, seeking comfort.
---
-POV Littlefinger-
I was often the master of manipulation, but at this moment, I felt trapped.
When his order was given to bring me in chains, a pang of fear struck me.
I knew what he was capable of, and being the focus of his attention was not an enviable position. Yet, my calculating nature was already seeking a way out of this situation, but the task seemed daunting, especially after witnessing his performance on the battlefield from afar with Margaery and the other neutrals in this conflict.
I was in uncharted territory, and I knew it.
---
-POV MC-
"What did Cersei ask you to do?" I said.
"The Queen Regent asked me to bring you a peace offer. She promised the Tyrells a royal marriage with House Tyrell," he said, surely to create conflict between us, but I continued to stare at him, and he added, "The Queen Regent hopes you will place her second son on the throne of his..."
"Don't even dare to say 'father.' Robert Baratheon has no legitimate sons," I said, cutting him off before he could say another word.
"From now on, I am the Supreme Lord of the Stormlands, of Storm's End, of Griffin's Den, Griffin's Rock, Griffin's Cave. There is nothing more to say. If she wants war, there's no problem. She has a month... no, she has two weeks to send ravens to all the lords of Westeros to share my appointment. If she persists, I will accept Lady Stark's offer and join her son to crush House Lannister."
"Cat is here?"
"Get him out of the castle and give him a horse," I said.
Victor dragged Littlefinger away, who kept asking about his dear one, but I had more important things to do.
"If you want to ally with the Lannisters, I won't stop you, but I warn you: on the battlefield, I will be ruthless. The moment you side with my enemies, you will already be dead."
None of them took the threat well, but no one objected, and we parted in icy silence.