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***
Light entered the capital through the Lion's Gate. One leaf was broken and lying on the ground. The ram had taken out the gate a couple of hours ago, and all the way to Red Castle Light saw signs of fires and looting.
Stannis had fallen by Ser Loras Tyrell's hand. He and three hundred other volunteers had entered Red Castle through an underground passage. Ser Addam Marbrand led them, with Tyrell as their guide. The young cousin was desperately jealous of Light - knight, master of the law, saviour of the Queen - and was eager to prove that he was worth something too. Ser Addam's men travelled along the riverbank just before dawn, under cover of the morning mist. They climbed the steep steps and passed through a narrow crawlway to the castle dungeon. Outside, it was already dawning. The bugles trumpeted the attack. The Lannister and Tyrell armies moved in for the assault.
If Ser Addam hadn't hit the Red Keep defenders from the rear, Stannis might have escaped. He had ships, including Lyssenian and Tyroshian pirates. They played no part in the battle: as the assault began, all the ships hoisted their sails and disappeared into Blackwater Bay to the east. Someone (later it turned out to be Ser Axell Florent) made a desperate attempt to escape in an unfinished balloon. The attempt failed: the balloon failed to take off and the failed fugitive was killed.
The triumph in the capital was marred by news from the West, brought by a raven the day before the assault. The islanders had attacked Lannisport. The Lannister fleet was destroyed; few ships managed to escape south to Crakehall. The city guards were unable to offer any serious resistance, and Lannisport was sacked. The Isle of Light and several fishing villages were also attacked.
Lord Tywin said nothing, but Light could see by the compressed lips that his uncle was furious. Light had no doubt that the question of a punitive expedition would be raised at the first meeting of the Small Council. It was just as planned. Theon's execution had provoked his father into a suicidal attack that would be the occasion for the total elimination of the pirates.
The rooms where Light lived and worked before his capture have clearly been ransacked. Chairs overturned, cupboards thrown open. Some things are missing, including hidden poisons and Slint's tapes of Petyr Baelish's denunciation. An accident? Unlikely. The documents aren't gold, they're of no value to looters, especially as most of them are illiterate. So they must be Baelish's men. But how could he know, because Light didn't tell anyone... stop. The night after the escape, wanting to brag to his uncle, he mentioned Slint's testimony. Tywin, Keevan and Tyrek heard. One of them had blabbed the information to Baelish, and he'd made sure the dangerous recordings disappeared without a trace. With anger, Light kicked the cupboard so hard that the door fell off. Fool! Vain fool!
To calm himself down and not disturb the servants who were tidying up the rooms, Light decided to take a walk around the castle. There was bustle everywhere: servants were removing corpses, burning Stannis's banners, hauling furniture, and dodging knights entering the castle. Light also saw the future queen. Margaery Tyrell rode a beautiful white mare, her brown hair loose in the wind, smiling at everyone. She smiled at Light, too. Did Margaery know that he was the one who had thought up and organised her marriage? It was unlikely. She probably didn't even realise who was in front of her: in his unassuming marching clothes, Light looked no different from a knight of the land. He was looked down upon by the knights of the Expanse who were dressed to the nines. Let them! The day would come when all those noble idlers would bow their knees to him-if they lived to see it.
Time to go back. The luggage must have been unpacked by now. I've got to change and get ready for the big talk with my uncle.
***
Lord Tywin was sitting at his desk in his study, writing a letter. Light had to wait for him to finish, sand dry the ink, and seal the scroll.
- Jaime's orders,' the Hand saw fit to explain. - Now that the Tyrells are with us, there's no need to hold the Northmen at Ruby Brood. If the wolves cross the Trident, we can defeat them easily. The Northmen have no choice but to turn back. I hope they soon realise the hopelessness of their position and bend the knee.
I hope they don't. Did I push the North into war by helping Lord Stark for nothing? Without Stannis, the Stormlands will quickly fall to us, but the North, thanks to its geography, can resist for a long time.
- It's more important to deal with the krakens now,' Lord Tywin continued. - I told my son to march west and clear our lands of islanders.
- It was good of Stannis to free Jaime from the White Cloak,' Light said. - Now you have an heir again.
- Not yet. All of the usurper's orders are illegal, so Tommen will have to fire Jaime again. A replacement is already in place. Ser Loras Tyrell intends to don the white cloak to protect his sister and her future children.
- And who will replace Ser Preston and Ser Merrin?
- Balon Swann and Boros Blount. The former performed well at the Hand's tournament, and the latter was already wearing a white cloak.
- Joffrey threw him out for cowardice.
- Tommen will bring him back. Ser Boros may yet show courage in the future, and loyalty for sure.
Light nodded, recognising the argument as valid.
- Uncle, do you remember when I said I should think about the reward?
- Of course I do. Have you decided on a choice yet?
- Storm's End. And Myrcella.
Lord Tywin leaned back in his chair and regarded his nephew in silence for a moment.
- Is that too much to ask? - he asked at last.
- You know my merits, Uncle. I unmasked the King's murderer, brought order to the City Watch, organised the defence of the capital and slaughtered half of Stannis's army. I escaped from captivity and saved Cersei and Tyrek.
Lord Tywin was silent.
- The alliance with the Tyrells was my idea. Sending Myrcella and Tommen to safety was, too. I invented a new kind of weapon and tested it in battle.
Lord Tywin was silent.
- When Storm's End is taken - with the cannons, it will happen quickly - the castle will need a new owner. Someone who can manage the Stormlands in the best interests of King Tommen and our family. Marriage to Robert's daughter will ensure my loyalty to the Storm Lords. I'm sixteen now. I'm a master of the law, I have experience ruling people. I can handle it, Uncle.
- I'm sure you can. But by law, Storm's End belongs to Tommen. Robert's only surviving son.
- That's right, Uncle. But Tommen is eight years old. And even as an adult, he couldn't rule from Red Castle and Storm's End at the same time. So Storm's End must be handed over to someone. Robert gave the castle to his younger brother, but Tommen has no brothers. He has a sister. Who will have to be married off sooner or later. It's best for our family if the princess's husband is someone loyal to us, someone we can be absolutely certain of. Not a Tyrell or a Martell. A Lannister.
- You're not the only Lannister.
- I'm the most suitable. I'm only seven years older than my fiancée, the kinship between us is quite distant - I'm her great-uncle - and most importantly, I've already proven myself capable of doing the family good. As the Lord of Storm's End, I will be of use to you, uncle.
Golden sparks flickered in the Hand's green eyes.
- Reasonable,' he said. - I see you've done your homework and thought it over. What about Cersei? Does the affair with her mean nothing to you?
Yes. I've had all I want from her. I don't need her anymore.
- Her majesty is beautiful,' Light sighed, 'but as you said yourself, Uncle, she's twice my age. Not to mention the fact that you can't be guided by sentiment alone in such an important matter as marriage. You were going to marry her to the Tyrell heir, weren't you, Uncle?
Lord Tywin grimaced.
- 'Forget about that. The Tyrells refused. As recently as yesterday, Lord Mace was fine with it, but already today it's changed. Old woman's work. Mama's got her son running around with her fingers in the air. Convinced him my daughter's too old and worn for her precious, limping grandson.
Olenna Tyrell, a tiny white-haired old woman with a sharp tongue, was more like a witch from fairy tales than anything else-sarcastic but generally harmless. Apparently, that impression was wrong.
- Then the best option is Lord Edmar, Uncle. He's our prisoner, but technically he's Lord of Riverrun and High Lord of the Trident. Cersei's marriage to him will cement our power in the Riverlands, and one day your grandchildren will rule them.
- And who will rule them now? I'm not sure it's wise to trust Cersei with that.
- For every task there is a tool, Uncle, and for every tool there is a task. Have you heard of the evil investigator-good investigator scheme?
Lord Tywin looked surprised.
- No.
- First the criminal goes to the evil interrogator. After much torture, the good investigator comes to the tortured man and begins to sympathise with him. Very effective. A couple of tender words - and the criminal is ready to eat from your hands.
- The carrot and stick method,' Lord Tywin nodded. - Cersei's children by Edmure will be the carrot and she will be the stick?
- She'll do just fine, Uncle.
She'll enjoy it, too. Cersei loves and knows how to terrorise and punish. The contrast between the Riverlands and the Stormlands will be stark. I think a lot of people will want to move from her to me.
- You're right,' Lord Tywin said thoughtfully. - My daughter is hardly a kind person. And she loves power. I won't let her rule a kingdom, but Riverrun is not the Red Keep. The Riverlands will suit her just fine.
- So you agree, Uncle? About Storm's End?
- It's yours when you take it.
- And Myrcella?
- And Myrcella.
***
With a shuffling, senile gait, Pycelle entered the Small Council chamber. In his hand he carried a cage with a huge white raven in it.
- The conclave of Maesters had discussed the latest observations and concluded that King Robert's long summer had come to an end. The days are getting shorter, the summer snows in the North are falling more often. Autumn has come, my lords, and the coming winter is expected to be long and harsh. May the Seven help us!
- What do the Citadel think of the red comet? - Light asked.
- Opinions are divided, Ser Lancel. Most are inclined to think that we are dealing with an ordinary astronomical phenomenon. Others see the comet as a sign of the Seven, signifying the favour of the heavens to the House of Lannister. The strangest version was put forward by Archmaester Marvin. In his opinion, the comet heralds the rebirth of dragons.
- Dragons and comets are of no interest to me,' Lord Tywin interrupted Pycelle. - We are not here to listen to children's stories.
The Hand of the King sat at the head of the table, spreading an aura of confidence and majesty around him. Kiwan took a seat to his brother's right; Cersei to his left. With her entire appearance, the queen expressed modesty and virtue. Light sat next to his father and across from the queen; across from Light and next to Cersei, Lord Petyr Baelish smiled, stroking his beard. Next sat fat Mace Tyrell and his vassals, Paxter Redwyn and Mathys Rowan. Tyrion sat between Pycelle and Light.
The order to appear had been sent to the dwarf on the same day as Jaime's orders to march west. A week had passed since then. Jaime was dismissed from the Guard and appointed Guardian of the West. Trant was executed. Ser Loras, Ser Baelon, and Ser Boros were given white cloaks. The Red Keep was cleared of all traces of the assault and an entire wing was set aside for the future Queen Margaery and her large retinue.
- Shall we start with the wedding? - Cersei asked.
- No,' her father replied, 'with the war.
- After the raid on Lannisport, the Greyjoys tried to take Cayce,' Ser Kevan said, 'but Lord Kenning was ready and repelled the assault. The Ironborn did not risk a siege, knowing that the rest of our vassals would gather an army and strike the besiegers before the siege was complete. However, we have lost the Isle of Light, and we cannot regain it without a fleet. Dominance at sea allows the islanders to attack anywhere along the coast and hide until our forces arrive. Every time we see the same picture: houses burned, men killed, and the pirates gone with their booty and women.
- They're just peasants,' Cersei said scornfully. - A thousand more, a thousand less, what does it matter?
- My dear sister,' Tyrion sighed, 'it's not about peasants, it's about reputation. The longer the islanders go unpunished, the weaker we look.
- Lord Paxter,' his uncle appealed, 'we will need your fleet.
- Of course, my Lord Hand. I will send orders today.
- Stafford and Davenus are gathering an army at the Cliff,' Ser Kiwan said. - Jaime and his army will join them soon. As soon as Lord Paxter's fleet defeats the islanders, we will launch a retaliatory invasion of Pyke.
- The Krakens won't get off easy this time,' Lord Tywin said. - It's high time we rid the country of these pirates.
- We could use religion as an additional justification for war,' Light suggested. - The islanders aren't just pirates, they're demon worshippers. There are only seven gods, and the so-called 'Drowned God' of the Ironborn is nothing more than a demon.
- It's a good idea,' Petyr Baelish said. - And it will work against the Northmen. Tree-worshiping pagans are no better than demon-worshipers.
Lord Tywin nodded.
- The Northmen should have surrendered,' Cersei said irritably. - I don't understand why they haven't. What are they hoping for? Stannis is dead, and they can't put his ugly daughter on the throne if they want to.
While Stannis was alive, the Starks stood at Ruby Broad, exchanging insults with the Lannisters standing on the opposite bank. News from the capital forced both armies to retreat. Jaime took the River Road to the west, while Robb, who had taken command after his father's death, took the Kingsroad to the north. Unlike Cersei and Tywin, Light considered the surrender of the Northmen unlikely. From the impression Light had formed of Robb at Winterfell, the young Stark would never bend the knee to those he held responsible for the deaths of his father and brother. Whether he declares Shireen queen or wears the crown himself is irrelevant. By retreating beyond the Cailin Ditch, the Northmen can hold their defences until at least spring.
- The Northmen will surrender,' Lord Tywin said with a wave of his hand. - Just as the Storm Lords surrendered. Stannis's men still hold Storm's End and Dragonstone, but all his former vassals have sworn oaths to us. I have ordered them to gather their men and begin a siege of Storm's End until Lancel arrives and takes command of them.
Tyrion raised an eyebrow.
- Lancel? - The dwarf interjected. - Lancel will take Storm's End?
- Not only take, but rule,' Kivan replied proudly. - My son will become a great lord and marry a princess!
- Lancel will marry Myrcella? Would her mother agree to that?
It's no use, Tyrion. You won't be able to turn Cersei against me.
The queen smiled at Light.
- Who better to look after my daughter than our favourite cousin? I can't imagine how I'd feel if Myrcella had to be given to strangers - the Tyrells all right, but the Martells! It would be a nightmare!
- Her Majesty is absolutely right,' Mace Tyrell interjected. - It is out of the question to take the princess to Dorne. Those Dornish can't be trusted.
- Myrcella's just a child,' Tyrion persisted.
- So is Tommen,' his father countered. - Of course, the marriage will not be consummated until the bride has blossomed.
Tyrion fell silent.
- We need a fleet in the Narrow Sea,' Lord Tywin continued, 'We cannot take Dragonstone without one. The Redwyne fleet is busy in the west, so we will build a new one in the capital. Bigger and better than the one that burned on Blackwater.
- The main ships should be named after members of our family,' Cersei said. - Except for Tyrion, of course. No one would want to serve on a ship named after a dwarf.
Lord Tywin nodded. Emboldened, Cersei continued:
- My son, who died bravely in battle against the enemy, should be commemorated. Joffrey deserves no less a monument than the statue of Baelor the Blessed.
- You should put a monument to him in solid gold,' Tyrion grumbled.
- If I want to, I will. I am Queen Regent!
And then there was thunder. Expected for Light and Kivan, but unexpected for everyone else.
- Not from now on,' Lord Tywin said. - I will be Regent. Keevan will be Hand. And you will marry Edmar Tully and rule the Riverlands.
Tyrion laughed. Cersei's eyes bulged.
- The Riverlands?! Me for a Tully?!
- He's of noble blood, good-looking, and most importantly, he's our prisoner and entirely dependent on us,' Kivan hastened to reassure his niece. - In this marriage, unlike the previous one, the power will be on your side.
- I don't want to marry at all!
- You will have to,' Lord Tywin said. - We've discussed the war, now let's talk positions. With Lancel leaving for the Stormlands, we'll need a new Master of the Law. Lord Rowan, this is the post I wish to entrust to you.
Mathis Rowan nodded.
- Lord Redwyn will be Master of the Ships,' another nod, 'and Tyrion will be Master of the Whisperers.
- Where there's a eunuch, there's a dwarf,' Cersei snickered.
- A fine choice,' Baelish approved. - A master of the whisperers is a master of stealth. At your height, Lord Tyrion, you should have no trouble achieving that.
Cersei laughed.
- Why me, Father? - Tyrion asked.
- Your cunning made it possible to take Riverrun. A position on the Small Council is a reward for your contribution to our victory.
- Speaking of rewards, Mace Tyrell spoke up. - Isn't it time to move on to them? The fruits of victory are waiting to be shared.
- What could be sweeter? - Baelish exclaimed.
And the fruits were handed out. Mace Tyrell got the lands of the Florents, his own vassals who had been foolish enough to support Stannis. Baelish got Harrenhal. Tyrek, who was not present at the council because of his young age, became Lord Darry: the last of the Darrys, eight-year-old Lyman, was killed by Grigor Clegane. Paxter Redwyn, who had already got his sons back, claimed exemption from wine trade duties for the next thirty years. Once he had that too, he declared himself satisfied and offered to uncork a barrel of Arborian in honour of King Tommen and his wise, generous regent.
- So what about the wedding? - Cersei asked.
- 'Not for another month at the earliest,' Lord Tywin replied. - There will be important guests, so everything must be prepared carefully. A royal wedding is a big deal.
- And expensive,' Baelish said with a smile.
- House Tyrell will gladly cover all the costs,' the bride's father hastened to assure her. - And the organisation.
- I'll organise it myself,' Cersei snapped.
- No,' her father said. - You go to Riverrun tomorrow. Your wedding is a week from today.
Cersei glared at her father, then glanced at Light. A smile crept across the queen's lips.
- All this talk of weddings makes me wonder,' Baelish said. - Isn't it time I settled down? Lady Lysa Arryn has always been good to me. I've become a powerful lord through our regent's favour, and I could claim her hand,' Baelish smiled mischievously. - And what's between her legs.
He'd been after that all along, Light realised. If Lisa was his mistress, she had poisoned her husband with his knowledge, or even on his orders. And he had gone to the negotiations to be rewarded with a title and to marry her. The marriage would put the Vale in his hands. Baelish played his game as well as Light: they both got a kingdom each.
The idea of bringing the Vale back under King Tommen's hand without a drop of blood was a welcome one. Mace Tyrell was appointed Baelish's successor as master of the coin. 'Now you'll be able to pay for your wedding expenses out of the treasury instead of your own pocket,' Ser Kiwan joked. 'If only with what,' Baelish replied. - By King Robert's grace, the wind is whistling in our pockets. I wish you luck, Lord Tyrell - you will need it.'
***
She was waiting for him in the dungeon with the dragon skulls - a place she had learnt about during their escape. An odd choice for a farewell conversation... though her cousin had always been a quirky one, sex on the altar of the Unknowable alone being worth it. But this time, Cersei outdid herself.
- I want a child with you,' the queen said.
The Lannisters looked at each other and saw their reflection in the emerald eyes.
- In a week, Edmar Tully will put me to bed and shove his fish inside me to bear him an heir. But I've decided I'd rather have your baby. Only a week apart, no-one would suspect a thing. Soon after the birth, my new husband will go to his grave. You and I will inherit all his titles and possessions.
Light laughed. Cersei looked at him indignantly... and laughed too.
- You're incorrigible,' he said at last. - What if it's a girl?
- Then I'll marry her to a Lannister. Tyrek or one of your younger brothers will do. Riverrun, like Storm's End, must belong to our family.
- Is the maid who brought me the note travelling with you?
- Of course she is. I'm not a fool to let a witness out of my hands!
Light put the torch between the dragon's teeth. Cersei did the same. The lovers drew close to each other. Cersei's hand slipped into Light's trousers. With one hand he felt her breasts and the other her arse.
- Myrcella's a lucky girl,' she was unbuttoning his clothes. - You will be a good husband to her, and she will bear you beautiful golden lion cubs.
Light helped the queen free herself from her dress. She spread it just inside the dragon's mouth and lay on her back, lifting her knees with her hands. The best position for conception.
She was already wet. Light spread her legs apart and thrust in as far as he could.
- That's it, Lancel, yes, harder, make me a baby, a lion cub, our family will be even bigger, we will be many and our enemies few, we will kill them and take their place, there will be only Lannisters left...only us!