Meeting

-A few days later

Tywin sat at the head seat of the Small Council table, his sharp gaze looking over his two sons and daughter. They had been sitting there for half an hour, not a single word being said the whole moment as he stared sternly to them all, mainly Cersei. The large windows of the room were open to let air in, though with it came the distant clamour of the city, muffled yells and chants filling the air as smaller riots or parties were being thrown in the streets.

Jaime sat on the far-right side, still in his King's Guard armour which was dirtied and dented after the chaos of the day. His face had some scrapes from being flung off the stage by Jason's magical trick. He was lucky to have suffered nothing major between his short clash with The Surgebinder and dealing with the riot that had broken out. The young knight had a deep look in his eyes, gazing at the map of Westeros that was spread across the table, seeming lost in his thoughts.

Tyrion sat in a seat on the mid-right, one finger tracing the rim of his wine goblet. Everyone else had a drink in front of them, though no one had bothered to so much as taking a sip. The dwarf's gaze drifted between each of his family members, though lingered on his father and sister the most often.

Cersei sat at the far end of the table, facing directly at her father. She was still in her normal clothes, though her hair ruffled up since her son's death and her light make up marred by tears. For the moment she was calm, though everyone could sense the boiling rage she had. Tyrion and Jaime never had seen her this angered before, making them both curious yet worried. Jamie was silent.

"So?" Her voice was low as she spoke that one word, cold and demanding in tone. Those eyes of her were like daggers towards her father, yet the older man didn't show a hint of concern.

"So, what?" He calmly questioned back.

The woman's jaw clenched tightly, struggling to keep composed. "What news of the traitors…the scum who slighted us today?"

Tywin didn't answer, only keeping that stern gaze on her.

"Answer me damn you!" She snapped out, standing quickly from her seat in frustration.

"Sit…down."

The chilling command had Cersei's angered look to break, a lifetime of disciplining overriding it as she'd slowly sit down. Yet once she did, that sharp glare returned to her eyes once more.

"Any more outburst like that and I will have you leave." He calmly spoke, voice clear and commanding. "After what happened, I'm doubting if you should even remain in the court, much less King's Landing."

Cersei, tapped her fingers against the table, biting back any harsh words for now.

"I will at least answer your first question. Jason and his companions are gone, escaped by a ship owned by a lesser lord and trader named Davos Seaworth. Both of the Stark daughters and Lord Eddard are gone, though reports claim Eddard was wounded by an unknown archer from what the reports say."

The news of Lord Stark's injury drew surprised looks from Jaime and Tyrion, both glancing up as they snapped to full attention. Cersei remained passive, though a hint of amusement hinted the corner of her lips.

"Interesting. It wasn't one of our soldiers somehow?" Tyrion questioned. "Considering with Robert's assassination, it seems someone is targeting the nobility from all sides."

Tywin glanced to his youngest son, eyes narrowing before he'd nod. "It is something I have considered. While Robert had his issues, he kept stability to the realm and was easing control to us over time. However, his passing was too sudden…and Joffrey's death, Tommen succession to the throne too swift."

"I thought you'd be pleased with a Lannister on the Iron Throne? What of all your talk of legacy and power?" Cersei calmly questioned.

"Because your son lacks the skill and temperament to be King." Tywin bluntly answered.

Cersei bites her lower lip, gaze glancing to the table as she quickly thought to herself. "He is still young-"

"Obviously." Her father muttered.

"-and will improve under my guidance and discipline."

"Then you've already failed as a mother considering what happened today." He'd stand up from his seat, pacing over to the window while Cersei clenched her hands tightly together in anger. Jaime looked to her, noting a hint of blood showing at her palms.

Tyrion at this point decided it was time to speak up more. "For once I agree with father on this. Your actions over the last few weeks have been…rash and more erratic than usual. Perhaps Jason and Lord Stark were getting close to something that worried you."

"Silence you…" She hissed to the dwarf.

"Your brother again has a point," Tywin remarked calmly. "Repeatedly you've been hostile about the Surgebinder, drawing his attention and suspicion towards you."

"Doesn't the fact that Tyrion's friendly relations with our enemy bother you at the slightest?!" She countered, trying to deflect on the matter.

"Because I understood his usefulness unlike you," Tyrion answered back. "Not only did he save my life during my travels, but he has also been forward with me on many private matters. Despite what you may think of him, he is indeed honest and honourable to a flawed degree."

"Honesty and honour…" She'd mutter under her breath. "He killed my son while you stood aside to let him!"

Tywin didn't turn to look to her, only staring out at the city below the Red Keep. "What did you expect me to do? Fight him? Your brother knows very well what he's capable of…especially now."

Cersei's gaze drifted to Jaime, the young knight looking back at her. Her angry expression softened seeing the serious look on his face, an expression she rarely saw. "Jason is someone we've underestimated the time and again. In subterfuge he is cunning. His swordsmanship is masterful. Battle tactics are logical yet adaptive." He listed off in a calm calculating manner. "Even when we had him outnumbered and surrounded, he still beat us through his hidden allies and skills we couldn't expect."

"You mean his sorcery…illusion…whatever you may call it."

"Yes." Jaime simply answered, face still passive.

"Doesn't that trouble you? If he had such power all along he surely cheated with it during-"

"No." Her brother snapped sharply back, surprising her. "Our duel at the Melee was nothing but a martial skill! The times when he did use those abilities…even I'd admittedly use considering."

Cersei looked baffled at Jaime's answer. "You can't be serious?! He humiliated you directly multiple times…he murdered your…your King!" She nearly stumbled with her words mentioning her son, showing how shaken she was with her emotions. Again, she looked to Tywin and spoke directly to him. "You simply stepped aside let that monster harm him!"

Tyrion sighed from where he sat, annoyed as the arguing was continuing. "Enough! I enjoy seeing your whine sister yet for once I have no stomach for this." The dwarf earned a bitter look from her, tough Jaime placed a hand on her arm to keep her from snapping back. "So, let's end this unending banter. Father, it's time you get to the point of this meeting, otherwise, you waste all our time."

Both his siblings were surprised at the direct manner shown, a rare thing Tyrion showed towards his spiteful father. Even the old lord glanced back, a curious look hinting his eyes as he saw the serious look on the dwarf's face. "These are troubling days indeed…for once your speaking reasonably."

"Guess you can say I've matured over the last few months, with a little nudge from Jason himself." He'd glance over to Cersei. "Despite what you may think, he is out of our reach and no more negotiations would work." His gaze returned to his father. "Now then…to the point."

There was a long pause as Tywin paced before the window, nodding out to the city. "Because of today, chaos has taken hold of the city. Old loyalties to Robert, respect to Eddard and adoration of the Surgebinder. These views and more will spread, especially now our claim to the throne is questioned by the nobility and commoners."

"Heh…the commoners? What does their opinion matter?" Cersei questioned.

"It's have been years since the Targaryen reign, yet the pains and suffering during that time remain. The reason why people accepted Robert despite his poor rulership was he kept the peace…while Joffrey on his first official day decided to execute a Northern lord just like the Mad King did on a whim. Moreover, they saw their Knight murdered in broad daylight and the whole army wasn't able to stop the culprit. Do you they would respect us any longer?" He'd let that fact settle in, Jaime having a deep look being reminded of those troubled times. "How do you think the people will think of us, both nobles and common folks alike when another war comes down onto them once more?"

Cersei: "That…wasn't planned. He was to be exiled as stated."

"Advice you no doubt shared with your son and expected him to obey?"

She didn't answer back, only glancing away from her father's accusing gaze. "Yet surely the Surgebinder planned to-"

"Intervene? You know he too expected exile, otherwise, his rescue attempt wouldn't have been so disorganized. You saw how his allies were slow to react. In the end, Joffrey's actions provoked him. His real target was the girl."

"Sansa?" Jaime muttered, thinking for a moment before nodding. "It makes sense. Saving Eddard only furthers his 'guilt'…while taking his daughter from us deprives us of a political hostage over the Starks."

"Logical deduction. Indeed, he was no doubt planning to steal her away after the trial more discreetly. He'd no doubt succeeded and have escaped before we were ever alerted."

"So, what is the point stating this?" Cersei muttered.

Tywin turned fully about to face his family. "Simple. We're at a disadvantage. Conflict is inevitable if Lord Stark is out and we have no one to bargain with the rest of his family. We all know the other Lords of the North nor Eddard's eldest son won't take this offence lightly…history has shown that repeatedly." Pausing, he'd continue. "Also with doubt on our claim to the Iron Throne, Robert's brothers will most likely contest for it as well."

"Curious…you believe Renly and Stannis will challenge each other?" Tyrion questioned.

"Renly is a young visionary. While inexperienced he is popular and knows how to deal with the other nobility. Stannis may be officially declared the rightful heir, yet he's always been a quiet and stern individual. He's a dead set conservative with a black and white view on right and wrong. Overall the two have clashing views, it is natural they will seek the same power."

"So…enemies to the north..." Jaime picked up a wolf piece, setting it at Winterfell. "…east…" He'd set one stag piece to Dragonstone. "…and the south." The other stag piece on Storm End. "Seems we're going to have a war on many fronts."

"Stannis will no doubt be the most prepared. He has had suspicions ever since Jon's Arryn's death and his position on the Small Council gives him the influence of the navy. If he builds a strong enough army, we may very well face invasion by sea."

"Yet I take you to have a plan in mind?" Tyrion remarked.

"Indeed." Tywin grabbed more board pieces, four lion figures. He'd place two to the Riverlands, then on at the King's Wood and one on King's Landing. "We can prepare beforehand. Renly will need time to gather from his supporters, same with the Starks in the North. Our forces and allies will be able to assemble, letting us take defensive ground between our enemies."

"A defence? Surely we could simply rush our forces against the North or south to Storm's End." Cersei argued.

Jaime shook his head. "No, father is right. Renly may be closer, yet Storm's End would be difficult to take even if he has a small force defending it. As for the North it is simply too far into enemy territory. Even if we suppressed the Northerners, we'll be too overextended to support King's Landing or the King's Wood from the Baratheons."

"Well put. It seems you learned well in tactical studies." Tywin simply complimented. "Your brother is right. A war of aggression will leave us exposed unless we earn more allies to bolster us. We'll need to make quick alliances with unlikely groups to ensure our survival."

"Which I'm certain you will be negotiating in." Cersei coyly added.

"Yes…as King Regent."

A surprised look blinked crossed everyone's faces, yet Cersei had the most startled. "Surely…you are mistaken father. Tommen has to be been crowned…coronated before the whole court."

"Indeed."

There was a tense pause as Cersei stood up from her seat, pacing around the other end of the table. "So how can you take claim of that role?"

"I've already started his obvious flaws for why he shouldn't actively lead. Before you concern yourself of the public or nobility worrying about him, they will understand. Considering the incident inflicted during the trial and matters of his safety, it is reasonable for them to understand my…temporary position while he trains and it is better educated of his duties. Also, most nobles won't like a kid ruling them."

Cersei's hands clenched, annoyance showing in her eyes though she'd bow her head slightly. "Surely he can take some role-"

"And what? Threaten potential allies and small folk with his childish manners like his brother. No…we don't have the luxury to have him play King or you to puppeteer him."

"But-"

"Be thankful I'm not sending you away to Casterly Rock. Right now, you still have your uses among the court, so do not test my patience any further." With that warning given, he'd look to Jaime. "Our forces will need generals and leaders for what is to come. It is time you put all your training to full use…no more being a glorified bodyguard."

Jaime did not respond, only giving a small sideward glance to his distraught sister, before nodding to his father in silent agreement.

"Good…then there is nothing more to discuss tonight. You are dismissed."

Jaime moved out of his seat, yet Cersei remained where she stood as she spoke up again. "Permit me…one final question father."

Tywin didn't answer, only giving a curt nod to her to speak.

"What about Jason Black? How do you plan to deal with him?"

The old lord simply gave a small smirk back to her. "That is something you shouldn't concern yourself over."

His daughter glanced at the table, seeming annoyed with the lack of a clear answer. In the end, she'd stand up to leave with Jaime following suit before Tyrion hopped off his seat to leave as well.

"Not you. There are a few more things we need to speak over."

The dwarf paused from his father's remark and for a moment Cersei did as well at the door out, before she'd slip away with an annoyed look hinted toward her younger brother.

With a small sigh and shrug, Tyrion returned to his seat and was already refilling his goblet again. "So, what special assignment do you have for me this time?" His tone was sarcastic as he remembered well of his 'duties' in managing Casterly Rock's sewer system, a job that he despised yet had done very successfully.

The old lord stared at his son tensely, not seeming humoured by his tone. "I know we have little care for each other Tyrion, yet of late you have shown…promise." He muttered. "Reliability is a trait we need this day, a trait many in this Keep lack."

"A trait I assume you see in me."

"At times…" There was a long pause. "I am loath to offer this, yet choices are slim. I need you to serve as the King's Hand."

The dwarf nearly gagged on his wine, just swallowing the drink down and taking a breath. A baffled look showed on his face as he stared at his father and then at his goblet. "Either I…misheard or…" He'd shake his head. "…No, you are dead serious…"

"Don't give me a reason to doubt."

"I'm trying not to." Tyrion rubbed one hand over his chin, deep in thought, unsure if this wasn't some ploy or trick. "Let's say I do accept…"

*************

Within the throne room, Jaime and Cersei had slipped into a shadowed corner of the hall, the woman pressed up close to her brother. Her lips were at his neck kissing at a bruise, yet despite the affectionate show, Jaime turned his head away from her.

"Cersei…"

She'd move onto his cheek, brushing over the long scar left by from his duel with the Surgebinder. "It is not fair. That brute…hurting you…our son…"

"Stop…"

Yet she'd shift to kiss over his lips silencing him, pressing up more as twisted passion drove her on. Jaime accepted it for a long moment, yet pulled back in the end with a short sigh. His eyes had a conflicted mix of emotions of them, doubt being the strongest within him. It was something Cersei noticed which concerned her as she'd brush her brother's lovely golden hair.

"I know what happened at the trial was-"

"It was pure chaos and something we could have avoided."

She'd frown softly. "Please let's not focus on this. We've argued too much on the matter." Delicate fingers caressed his scarred cheek. "Right now, we need to focus on the future. You know very well who threatens us the most."

"The Surgebinder, at least from your point of view. For m,e it's hard to say considering we have a map littered with foes." His tone was sharp with her. "You can claim he could kill us, yet if he wanted that we'd have died in the throne room a week back or on that stage today. If he wanted to expose us he would have told our father at many opportune moments, yet he didn't."

Listing these facts off, he felt Cersei's hand drift lower down his face, cupping his sharp chin as he kept their gazes locked. "He must have a reason." She muttered, nearly hissing the world in that faint voice. "All part of some scheme or some twisted…"

"No." Jaimie's sudden words stopped her silent ranting. "He knows everything about us. The children…the tower and what I did to the young Stark. Even then he didn't want to fight…yet figure a fair course for everyone."

"And you believed what he said?"

There was a long tense pause as he looked at her, part of him understand the warning the Surgebinder had given about his sister. It was strange how he never noticed this side of her…or perhaps he did yet simply ignore it for so long. He loved and trusted her deeply, despite how their intimacy was wrong in so many ways. Right now, he had to learn the truth from her on one of Jason's claims.

"Lancel…what is it between him and you?"

The sudden mention of the younger Lannister cousin drew a hint of surprise in her bright eyes, yet she did well to hide it. "What do you mean? He's simply a squire and-"

"One chance." Both of his hands were at her sides, holding her gently yet pleading. "One chance to tell me the truth." The words echoed so closely to what the Surgebinder had said in this very same chamber.

Cersei's lips parted as if to speak, yet the words seemed lost to her as she stared back at him. Right then…things were never going to be the same for the brother and sister…never the same.