The Lannister estate was the largest house in King's Landing by a wide margin. It had its own road on the property and the gate was massive-iron gilded with gold, with sharp spires at the top. Impossible to climb. That was the first thing Arya identified. She was trained to look at any property and look for its weaknesses-and its strengths. And the Lannister estate was strong at first glance.
But that wasn't Beth's first concern. Beth Rivers just wanted a job. So she pressed Arya's thoughts to the back of her mind and brought Beth to the foreground as the taxi pulled up to the gate. She leaned slightly over the driver to speak into the intercom when they asked her business.
"Beth Rivers. I came for the interview for the security team."
The gates creaked open, allowing the car inside. Beth slipped out, quickly paying the driver in cash and heading toward the designated security building. The estate had an entire building just for security.
It was hard not to admire the grounds. This place dwarfed the Stark manor in size and grandeur. The gardens were perfectly manicured with not one blade of grass out of place, and the drive leading up to the entrance was wide enough to fit an army of cars. In the center of the circular driveway stood a great stone fountain, carved in the image of a roaring lion.
The main house itself was a wonder to look upon, and it shone like a second sun in the light. Gold was the predominant color, lining every balcony and window, and it accented the deep red of the brick. There were too many windows to count and Arya was sure a giant could fit through the great front entrance.
Arya decided it was acceptable to stare. Beth was a professional, but this level of wealth would stun her. It really was more like a castle than a house.
"Rivers?"
Beth turned to look upon an approaching guard. He was a hulking figure with terrible burn scars running down one side of his face. Arya would have asked where he got them. Beth was polite and was sure not to stare or look intimidated. "Yes, that's me."
"Sandor Clegane. Head of Lannister security." He glanced her over. "I hope you're more than you look."
Beth Rivers smiled politely, though Arya slipped a bit of ice beneath it. "Don't worry, sir. I am."
The security building interior had a utilitarian design, despite the grand exterior. Sparsely furnished hallways and several offices off to either side. But the larger room at the center stunned Beth. It was filled with every piece of exercise equipment imaginable. Punching bags, weights, treadmills. The works. And there was a shooting range along the back side.
"The Lannisters like their security team to keep at the top of their game," Clegane said. "And this gives us a good place to test you out." He plopped down at a table near the wall and gestured for Beth to sit across from him.
He did not look hopeful for this interview, and Beth knew she would have to change that. She sat in front of him, keeping her back straight and her expression impassive.
"We asked the agency for women," Clegane said. "Though I didn't expect them to send someone of your size. Limited pool of options, huh?"
"They told me you needed someone who blended in with young people," Beth said. "I'm good at going unnoticed and I'm young."
"Oh, you'll blend in," Clegane said. "No one will see you when you're in a crowd. Too short for that." He glanced down at her file. "Ever been a bodyguard before?"
"I've been an apprentice to a bodyguard. My uncle. I trained with him."
"Hmm." He grunted. "Firearm experience?"
"Three years."
"Hand to hand combat?"
"Also three years. Multiple styles."
"Have you ever had to use those skills in a life or death scenario?"
Beth hesitated before answering. Arya Stark had. But Beth?
"Yes," she decided quickly. "A few times."
"And how did that go for you?" Clegane glanced up at her.
"I'm still alive, sir," Beth said.
He let out a bark of a laugh. "Guess you are. But why is it you want this job of all things? Bodyguard? Seems strange."
"Would it seem strange if I were a man?" Beth asked. A hint of Arya slipped into her tone and she inwardly cursed herself.
"Aye. If the man was your size," Clegane said. "Not to mention you're young. You're not one of your usual recruits."
"Maybe not," Beth said. "But these are my skills. I can't go to university. I don't have the grades or the money. I'm not suited to customer services. But I can fight and I'm good at blending in. And watching. And listening." She clasped her hands together. "And this job pays well, so I'm told."
"That it does," Clegane said. "Normally, we wouldn't interview someone with your level of experience. But the agency said you're one of the few young women who fits are profile, so we'll see what you can do." He raised an eyebrow. "Did you bring a gun?"
"I… thought it would be inappropriate for an interview," Beth said.
"Smart." Clegane drew a gun from his belt and handed it to her. "Can you use this piece?"
Beth took it in her hand, studying the make and model. Yes. She had shot something close to this before. "Yes, sir."
"Good. Unload it into a target and then bring that target back to me. I'll know if you try to fake it."
Beth obeyed, moving over to the shooting range. She knew some other men in the room were watching her, but she did not spare them a glance as she put on the earmuffs and took her place. She raised her gun. She clicked back the safety.
Arya could hit the center of a still target consistently with most guns, and the audience tempted her to show off. But Beth Rivers knew better. If she was too good, that might draw more attention. So she chose her shots carefully. Three in the center ring, two a bit off target and just one in the dead center. Then she retrieved her target and returned it to Clegane.
He raised an eyebrow, some of his earlier cynicism fading as he looked from the target to her. "All right, you can shoot. Guess that doesn't depend on size, does it?" He cracked his neck. "The hand to hand combat will put you at more of a disadvantage."
"I'm used to sparring with people bigger than me," Beth said.
"Yeah, because everyone is bigger than you." He looked behind her. "Trant! I need you to test a potential hire."
The man in question-Trant-stood to his feet, stretching. "The girl? You sure?"
"She'll have to fight off people your size eventually so, might as well," Clegane said. "You can go easy on her if you're so worried."
"Oh no. Not worried at all," Trant said. Arya did not like the way he smiled. Beth pretended not to notice as he moved to the mats in the center of the room and beckoned her closer. "Come on over, sweetheart."
Ah. He's one of those, Arya thought. She shoved down her disgust and went to stand across from him.
"Try an attack from behind first," Clegane said. "Let's see how you handle it."
Beth faced away from Trant. But she knew exactly where he was. She could hear his breathing. She felt the give of the mat behind her as he approached. And then his arms flashed in her periphery as he moved to grab her.
She side stepped easily and spun around to face him in the same instant. Trant's brow furrowed in frustration and he took a step forward, trying to grab her again. She ducked beneath his grasp this time, driving her elbow forward into his gut. When he doubled over, she kneed him in the face before backing out of his reach, leaving him cursing.
"Sorry. Too much?" Beth asked.
A slow grin spread across Clegane's face. "Oh no. I think that's just fine, Rivers. We should keep going."
"Fine." Trant shook his head, trying to regain focus. She hadn't broken his nose at least. She was careful to avoid that. It would be impolite on the first day. "I won't hold back this time."
"I thought you already weren't holding back, Trant," Clegane called.
"Fuck off, Hound," Trant spat, squaring up to face Beth again. "Again."
She nodded once. Then waited and watched. He was strong. Stronger than her. She could tell that easily enough. But he was also obvious and he was slow. Slower than the Waif and Jaqen and the other Faceless Men she had fought in the past few years. And on top of that, he wasn't used to sparring against someone as small as her.
His foot shifted before he did, giving her ample warning and she easily weaved around his strikes. Her simple dodging frustrated him. His lips curled back as he came at her again. And she did the same thing. Ducking around him as if it was nothing. His anger built. Good. Anger made people stupid. Anger, fear, arrogance… all emotions that made people falter. How many times had the Waif said the same thing to Arya Stark?
" You feel too much. It makes you weak."
Against the Faceless Men yes. But against this man… Beth and Arya felt strong.
At last, he came at her too fast and too wild, expecting another dodge. This time, she struck out with her leg as he went past, letting his own momentum take away his breath. He stumbled to the ground, but did not still when he landed. Instead, he kicked out wildly, scoring a hit on her ankles. She faltered, falling on her back as he got up, trying to get on top of her. She rolled away, vaulting back to her feet and striking him hard he tried to rise. He fell back to the ground and this time he was not so eager to get up.
Clegane's slow clapping echoed throughout the room. "Now that was a show," he barked out. "Holding back after all, Trant?"
Trant barred his teeth in a half snarl but Beth barely noticed him. Another woman had entered the room. She wore a well-tailored suit and her golden hair was twisted into an elaborate up-do on her head. Arya knew at once who she was. Cersei Lannister.
"Sorry, Ms. Lannister," Clegane stood. "I didn't see you come in."
"I heard you were interviewing a bodyguard," Cersei looked Beth up and down. "Does she fit the bill?"
"She seems to have everything you're looking for," Clegane said. "I want to put her through a few more tests to be sure."
"Good," Cersei said. "If you decide she's enough, bring her to my office."
Clegane raised an eyebrow. "In the main house?"
"Do you think I have time to wait around until you're finished?" Cersei asked. "Yes, the main house. If she doesn't show up within the hour, I'll assume she isn't good enough."
"Yes, ma'am," Clegane said.
He had barely finished saying the words before she was out the door again.
Clegane looked back to Beth. "That's the mother of your client. And you should know… getting past me is the easy part."
Yes, Beth could see that. It was only natural for a mother to feel protective over her daughter. And this was not a woman to trifle with.
Arya could not help but resent Cersei for how often she let Joffrey get away with murder. And she was on her list of suspects for a far worse crime.
But if she wanted to get this job… Beth would have to win her over.
Clegane put Beth through a few more physical drills and tested her response to potential scenarios. Beth kept calm throughout and answered every question quickly and precisely. By the end of it all, he seemed pleased and not as cynical as he had been at the start.
"All right then. I suppose I'll let you face the lioness," he said. "Don't beat yourself up if she doesn't like you. This is her daughter we're talking about." He pointed at Beth. "But also, don't fucking embarrass me."
He escorted her to the main building, up the front stairs and through the great double doors. It was hard not to admire the front hall. The high ceilings, the magnificent crystal chandelier, the double stairway running up either side. It was like being inside a castle. She couldn't imagine living in a place like this.
"Come on. Keep up," Clegane said. Beth hurried to follow him down the west wing. After they passed by several doors, he knocked on one toward the end.
"Come in," Cersei Lannister's voice rose from within.
Clegane entered and Beth followed him. The office was not as intimidating as the rest of the house. The rich wood desk reminded her of the one her father's old office.
No. Beth's father didn't have an office, she thought. Beth's father didn't have a desk like this.
She stood in the center of the rug as Clegane passed off her file to Cersei.
"She passed my inspection. It's up to you now, ma'am."
"Thank you, Clegane," Cersei said crisply, accepting the file. She never took her piercing gaze off of Beth. It was easy for Arya to feel exposed under her scrutiny, even though Cersei had only seen her a few times. "You may go."
Clegane nodded and turned to go, casting Beth a 'good luck' glance on his way.
When he left, Cersei gestured to the chair in front of her desk. "Sit."
Beth obeyed, sitting quietly as the woman flipped through her file. "Apparently, you have a great deal of physical skill. I saw some of it myself." She glanced up at her. "But very little experience."
"No, ma'am. It's difficult to find experience when I look like this," Beth said. "I trained with my uncle though, so I have minimal experience under him."
"Well, your look makes you suited to this position. Myrcella does not want some hulking figure like Clegane following her around all day." Cersei tossed her file onto the desk. "Have you ever killed someone before, Miss Rivers?"
The question caught Beth and Arya off-guard. "I… don't have a criminal record if that's what you're asking."
"That's not what I'm asking," Cersei said. "You see, a lot of the people we hire are veterans. They killed in the line of duty in the wars overseas and they will do so again if the situation calls for it." She tilted her head to the side. "This is my daughter, and if someone threatened her life, I want to know that you are prepared to end them."
Beth's brow furrowed. "Do you expect an attempt on your daughter's life, ma'am?"
"I expect the worst," Cersei said. "We're the most powerful family in this city, and if someone wanted to get to us, they might try to abduct her. It's not that it will happen, but it might. Are you prepared for that?"
"Yes, ma'am," Beth said without hesitation.
Cersei nodded once, folding her hands together. "If someone harasses Myrcella, you diffuse the situation. If they put hands on her, you put hands on them. And if they endanger her life, you put their life in danger." She adjusted a clock on her desk. "If you can capture assailants alive, I encourage it. It's important that we question anyone who tries to hurt our family. If anything happens to her, I will hold you personally responsible."
Beth was tempted to think of Cersei Lannister as paranoid in that moment, but Arya understood her fears. Someone murdered Arya's father and threatened the rest of her family. She would do anything to keep them safe. The real question was whether Cersei was involved in her father's death.
"I understand," Beth said, pushing Arya to the back of her mind.
"Good," Cersei said. "Most of the places you accompany Myrcella will be social gatherings. Parties, pubs, and the like. You're eighteen and you may find yourself caught up in a crowd of famous names. Under no circumstances are you forget you are working and get distracted or drink on the job."
"No danger of that, ma'am," Beth said. "I don't drink."
Cersei's eyes narrowed when she smiled. "I don't recommend lying to make yourself look more ideal."
"It's not a lie," Beth said. "I don't touch alcohol or any other substance. It's a personal choice. I like to stay focused." She lifted her chin. "I'm here to work and that's what I'll do."
Cersei studied her for a long moment. Beth thought she discerned the slightest twinkle in her green eyes. Approval. That was what Beth needed.
"All right then. I'll call Myrcella down to meet you. If you're guarding her, that's the first step."
"Do I… have the job then, ma'am?" Beth ventured cautiously.
"Yes, I thought that was obvious," Cersei said, scooping her phone off the desk. "Do you think I would let you meet my daughter if I didn't mean to hire?"
Beth fought a smile of pride, because that was too much like Arya. "Thank you, ma'am."
Cersei waved her hand dismissively, putting the phone to her ear. Someone answered on the third ring.
" Mom?" Beth heard a faint voice through the speaker. "Aren't you in the house?"
"Yes, but this is faster than shouting up the stairs, Myrcella," Cersei said. "Come down to my office. I want you to meet your new bodyguard."
Beth heard a distinct groan from the other end. "Mom, we talked about this. I don't need one."
"We talked about it, and the discussion is over," Cersei said crisply. "Now." She hung up her phone, glancing back to Beth. "She's well behaved. I don't expect her to give you much trouble. The real danger is she may try to make you into a friend. Keep a professional boundary."
"I will," Beth said.
Arya couldn't help but question that "well behaved" claim. Any child would seem obedient compared to Cersei's eldest son. Joffrey was one of those boys who thought laws and rules were optional to anyone who had enough money. Arya did not remember much about Myrcella, so she could not say if she was truly well behaved or if Cersei was just blind to her children's faults.
The door behind her opened and Beth turned to see her client. Myrcella Baratheon.
She was a beautiful girl who took after her mother. Golden waves, green eyes, flawless skin. But her expression was sweeter than Cersei's. When she saw Beth, her eyes widened.
"Oh." She slowly closed the door behind her. "I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting a woman. Or… someone so young."
"You said you didn't want your bodyguard to be obvious," Cersei said.
"I know, I just didn't think you'd listen," Myrcella said, looking Beth up and down. "Hello."
"Hello, Miss Baratheon." Beth stood, offering a hand. "My name is Beth Rivers."
"Myrcella. But I suppose you already knew that." Myrcella accepted her hand. "It's so good to meet you. I can't tell you how glad I am that you're not some older man."
"So am I," Beth replied, not sure what else to say to that. "But I still plan to be professional, Miss. My first concern is protecting you."
"I'm sure you will." Myrcella gave her hand a quick squeeze before dropping it and glancing to her mother. "Does this mean I'm allowed to go out tonight without you fretting?"
"I'll always fret. I'm your mother," Cersei said. "But I'll fret less if Miss Rivers is prepared to work tonight."
"I'm prepared," Beth said. "But I'm not sure if they have a uniform in my size."
"I can dress you," Myrcella said eagerly.
"Myrcella," Cersei spoke her name like a warning.
"Just for tonight," Myrcella said. "She has to blend with me and my friends. Don't worry, I'll pick something very… what was it? Professional." She flashed Beth a grin.
Once again, Beth blanked on how to respond, so instead she looked to Cersei. "Ma'am?"
"Yes, all right. For tonight," Cersei sighed. "Usually, you won't be in the main house, Miss Rivers. Don't get used to this."
"Understood," Beth said.
"Yes, yes, understood. Come on now," Myrcella clasped Beth's hand in hers and pulled her along toward the door. It opened before she touched the handle. And Beth found herself looking up at Tywin Lannister.
Panic. That was her instinctual reaction. Tywin's gaze locked on her and for a moment fear filled her. The fear of being recognized. It was Arya's fear, not Beth's. That even though it had been three years since they last crossed paths, he would see through her disguise.
You are not Arya Stark. You are Beth. Beth Rivers.
Beth released a breath and let her expression calm. And Tywin's gaze flicked away from her to Myrcella. "Who's this?"
"My new bodyguard, Beth Rivers," Myrcella said.
"Bodyguard. Really." He, like everyone else seemed doubtful.
"Yes, I just hired her," Cersei said. "Someone to blend in."
"I see," Tywin said.
"Beth, this is my grandfather. Tywin Lannister. Don't let him scare you," Myrcella said.
Too late for that, Arya thought.
"It's nice to meet you," Beth said softly. Because this man would likely intimidate Beth. He intimidated Arya too, and that annoyed her.
"And you," Tywin said. His gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he looked to Myrcella. "Run along. I need to speak to your mother."
"Yes grandfather," Myrcella said, flashing a smile like sunshine. Arya wondered how she had come from this line of people. Tywin to Cersei to Myrcella. Had this kindness come from her father? No, Arya didn't remember Robert being sweet. Loud and friendly but not… sweet.
Before Arya could think much more on it, Myrcella pulled Beth along after her. She almost let out a breath of relief when the door closed behind them. He hadn't seen. He didn't know.
She supposed Jaqen was right. People saw what they wanted to see. You just had to give them a good picture.
When his granddaughter had disappeared with her new bodyguard, Tywin glanced back at Cersei. "She seems a strange choice."
"The agency sent her," Cersei said. "And Clegane thought she qualified. She was dancing circles around Trant when I saw her."
"Hmm." Tywin responded.
"This is the modern age, Father," Cersei said. "Women are in many strange professions."
"That's not my worry," Tywin said. "She seemed uneasy when I was in the room."
"You're Tywin Lannister. Of course she was an uneasy," Cersei said dismissively. "The girl probably never dreamed of setting foot in a house like this before today. You think she's used to people like us?"
Yes, but she had been uneasy before Myrcella introduced him. Tywin supposed she could have recognized him from the paper but she clearly knew him the moment she saw him.
"So you think she's trustworthy then?" Tywin asked. "No secrets that should concern us?"
"I'm sure she has secrets. An twenty-year-old girl who sees this kind of job as her only option? I'll admit it is strange." Cersei shrugged. "But her record is clean, she's professional enough, and according to her interview, she's qualified. You are welcome to interrogate her yourself if you have doubts."
"No." Tywin shook his head. "It would be redundant and I don't have the time. I came to discuss this." He tossed an envelope onto the desk. Cersei picked it up and slid out the letter. She sighed before she had even read the contents.
"This is for the King's Landing Charity Gala, isn't it?"
"It's the same time every year. You shouldn't be surprised," Tywin said.
"I'm not surprised. Just annoyed," Cersei said. "It's just a game of every wealthy family in Westeros pretending that they care about something other than their image and business. And the Tyrells always win."
"They do," Tywin agreed. "I don't care about that. They're our business partners now. I would rather they win the game than the Starks."
"And I would rather not play the game at all. Just write a check and be done with it."
"That's not an option and you know it," Tywin said. Though honestly, he agreed. The gala was an insufferable affair. Every wealthy person King's Landing used it to paint a saintly picture for the press, when in reality they were only giving up a barely noticeable chunk of money. And putting off a saintly picture had never been Tywin's strong suit. "No choice but to tolerate it. Any of our absences will be noted and used in a narrative against us."
Cersei sighed. "Fine then. Is the whole family going?"
"Everyone involved in the business," Tywin said. "It would not hurt to bring Tommen and Myrcella. You should also convince Jaime to come."
Cersei smirked. "Oh, there's nothing he would hate more, Father. You know that."
"Yes, I know that. That's why I'm not the one asking him," Tywin said. Though even Cersei had a hard time reaching Jaime since the accident. "It's just for posterity."
"And so everyone can start speculating about whether he's finally joining the business," Cersei said. "He'll see through that, Father."
"See through it or not, make sure he goes," Tywin said.
"I expect we're not inviting Tyrion?" Cersei asked.
"No. Not unless he suddenly grows a sense of propriety," Tywin said.
"And Joffrey?" Cersei asked. "What do we do about him?"
Tywin sighed. That was the tricky one. On one hand, he was a potential heir to the Baratheon company one day since his father had wanted him to have it. It was better for the Lannisters if he took control. Then the Starks would lose a great deal of footing with their old business partner.
On the other hand… gods he was just so insufferable, especially with the press.
"I'll leave that to your discretion," Tywin said. "But if he comes, make sure he understands that he needs to be on his best behavior."
"Joffrey doesn't know the meaning of the word these days," Cersei said.
"Fine. Then tell him that if he doesn't behave, I'm cutting him off," Tywin said. "He should understand the meaning of that."
Cersei nodded once, running a hand through her golden hair. "Yes. He should."
She wasn't suited to these kinds of events any more than Tywin. They were just a necessity. The Lannister family had no choice but to present an air of strength and dignity. If they showed any small bit of weakness, their competitors would notice.
The world of King's Landing was as much a game of publicity as it was of business. And everyone had their own masks to wear.