297 AC
The cold, austere halls of Casterly Rock echoed with the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs. The golden lion banners fluttered in the sea breeze, but within the keep, the atmosphere was anything but serene.
Tywin Lannister sat alone in his study, a letter from King's Landing spread before him. His sharp, green eyes scanned the parchment, taking in every detail of the latest reports about Aemon Targaryen and his growing power across the Narrow Sea. His face remained impassive, but beneath the surface, his mind was already calculating the implications.
A knock at the door broke the silence. Without looking up, Tywin said, "Enter."
Tyrion Lannister sauntered into the room, a goblet of wine in hand, his mismatched eyes gleaming with curiosity and mischief. "I hear we've got ourselves another dragon problem," he quipped, taking a seat without waiting for permission. "Didn't we snuff out the last batch?"
Tywin didn't respond immediately. He folded the letter with meticulous precision and set it aside. "Aemon Targaryen is not a problem to be dismissed with jokes, Tyrion," he said coldly. "He has dragons, and now he has Daenerys. Their combined claim could rally half of Essos and more than a few in Westeros."
Tyrion took a leisurely sip of his wine, unbothered by his father's icy tone. "So, we're worried about a bastard with a couple of lizards and a teenage bride?" He chuckled. "I'd say Robert's got more to fear from his own liver."
Tywin's gaze hardened. "Your levity is tiresome, Tyrion. This is not just about dragons. It's about power. Aemon's rise could destabilize the realm. If he crosses the Narrow Sea, it won't just be Robert's throne he threatens."
Before Tyrion could retort, Kevan Lannister, Tywin's loyal brother, entered the room, his expression grave. "We can't underestimate this, Tywin," Kevan said. "If Aemon gains more allies, especially from the free cities, we'll have more than just dragons to contend with."
Tywin nodded, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Agreed. We must act strategically. Robert's blunt force won't suffice if Aemon has the backing of Essos."
Genna Lannister, Tywin's sharp-tongued sister, joined the discussion, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. "You're thinking of alliances, Tywin," she said. "But be careful who you trust. The Martells might see Aemon as a chance for revenge, and the Tyrells could be swayed by the promise of dragons."
Tyrion smirked. "Oh, the Martells and Tyrells plotting with Targaryens. What a delightful mess. Perhaps we should invite them all to a feast and let them poison each other."
Tywin ignored the jibe. "We need to ensure our position is unassailable. If Robert fails to eliminate Aemon, we must be prepared to step in—whether to confront him directly or to manipulate the chaos to our advantage."
Kevan nodded. "I'll send ravens to our allies, gauge their positions. We need to know who might waver if Aemon crosses the sea."
Genna added, "And keep an eye on Dorne. They'll see this as their chance to strike back for Elia Martell."
Tywin stood, his presence commanding the room. "Do what needs to be done. We will not be caught unprepared. The Lannisters did not rise to power by underestimating our enemies."
Tyrion raised his goblet in a mock toast. "To dragons and bastards, then. May they burn quickly and quietly."
Tywin's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. The game was changing, and the Lannisters would not be outplayed.