Chapter 150: The Andal Queen
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Chapter 150: The Andal Queen
POV: Cersei Lannister
Silk Road.
Year 290, the fourth day of the first moon.
A few hours before a new House arose in Torrhen's Square...
"I have heard more than one rumour that your loyal Ser Meryn is recovering prodigiously well from his horrible wounds inflicted by the vengeful Furious Bear." Tyrion broke the minute's silence first.
"The maester of Barrow Hall gave Meryn up for dead the first night. But it seems that his wounds healed at a portentous rate during his second and third mornings of convalescence. The Maester even consented to allow Meryn to join us on the gurney in a few days.
Septon Mullin claims it is a miracle of the Seven and that the Warrior and Father have professed themselves in favour of the heroic Kingsguard...' Cersei replied in the same tone.
"Ah, yes, I have heard that. But I doubt the Father and the Warrior are aware of the 'Peculiar Tastes' that 'Anointed Knight of the Seven' requires in the brothels of King's Landing.
It could be divine intervention, or it could be another promising new addition to the North.
It seems the old maester used new soothing ointments and leeches bred in the Neck..." Tyrion downed another generous gulp of Dorne Red.
"Why are you here?" asked Cersei to her irritatingly deformed brother.
Tyrion had climbed aboard the monstrous six-wheeled royal carriage, insisting that he and Cersei speak privately.
"I am not here on our father's orders, if that is what troubles your thoughts, sweet sister.
But... The mighty Tywin Lannister appreciated 'His Greatest Delusion' attempting to reason with the latter, close to reaching the extraordinary summit and ousting my throne." Tyrion replied sarcastically.
"Tsz... It has not even been three moons since you were appointed 'Governor' and 'Shield' of Lannisport, and already you think you have become our father's right-hand man?" Cersei retorted defensively.
The first attempt to crush the threat nicknamed Bloody Snow turned out to be a tremendous failure that magnified the flame rather than extinguishing it...
Cersei had underestimated the brat, but it was not her fault. If that idiot Eunuch Spider had done his duty, for which he was richly paid, the lioness would have had more essential information for building a proper and effective strategy.
If only Cersei had known sooner that her pig of a husband sought the first valid opportunity to appoint Duncan Tallhart 'First Green Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', the Queen would have been the first to prevent the bloody duel from taking place...
"I doubt I'll ever be able to replace our father's mighty long arm called Kevan with one as short as my own... So let's cut out the 'venomous barbs' and get down to business.
Sooner we deal with this matter, sooner you will remove the revolting burden of my presence." Tyrion carelessly tossed the empty golden cup onto the silk cushions.
"So, say what you have come to report, brother." Cersei.
"Stop antagonizing House Lannister and the Crown against Ser Duncan Tallhart and Lady Barbrey Mormont.
Ah... and the warning is extended against any other individual, creature or possession in the North." Promulgated Tyrion in a severe tone.
"And when did I ever do that? House Mormont and House Tallhart insulted and threw mud at the Crown and House Lannister!" Roared the lioness.
"Please, Cersei... Spare this tirade towards the ladies or lesser nobles of the court who drool in the wake of Tywin Lannister's rich and powerful daughter. Half of Casterly Rock knows you'd rather declare war on the entire North than see my niece, your daughter, sold out to the lusts of the Northern Barbarians..." and then Tyrion continued with, "Do you know what name those aforementioned 'Barbarians' have bestowed upon you after your pitiful attempt to sentence 'The Hero of the First Men' to death?... [The Andal Queen]."
Cersei hardened her gaze for a few seconds and, taking a deep breath and softening her face, she replied:
"I don't see where the problem is. Six kingdoms on the continent are firm believers of the Seven, and many historical sources claim that our founding ancestor was an Andal who drove the First Men from Casterly Rock.
House Lannister has nothing in common with the Barbarians of the North worshipping Dead Trees." As more seconds passed, and more the Queen began to see excellent possibilities and future alliances that might enhance her position.
That nickname was not so bad...
"The problem, my sweet sister 'Andal', is that you did not pay enough attention to Maester Volarik's history lessons...
Over the millennia, the Andal's armies have never managed to conquer an ounce of land from the North. And in recent years, the North has repeatedly proven to the world that it needs no one's protection.
Should your loyal 'First Men' subjects declare independence and stop bowing, scraping, and putting up with the insults to their cultures and traditions, who will march north to bring them back on the straight and narrow? Your Ser Boros and Ser Meryn Trant, perhaps?" Tyrion asked sarcastically.
"Pff... The Quite Wolf a King? If Eddard Stark had wanted a throne, he could have quietly claimed the roost of Robert six years ago... We have our allies in the North, my beloved brother. The Warden of the North is loyal to our king.
Should the Tallharts or Mormonts raise their heads too high, he, Robert, and our father will wipe out Torrhen's Square, Barrowton, Bear Island, and any other fools who choose to side with the traitors to the Crown." Cersei replied, causing a look of dismay and disbelief on the dwarf's face. But the Queen continued undaunted in her convictions.
"Have you by any chance forgotten the fate of House Reyne, Tarbeck and Greyjoy, my witty brother? We have more men, more ships and more gold than House Tallhart and Mormont-" Cersei was interrupted by the roar of the little lion.
"We-Not-Have-None of the Three, Cersei!!"
'What does he means by 'none of the three'?' Wondered the lioness inwardly with puzzlement.
Casterly Rock, Lannisport and the entire West must stand by and benefit from relations with the North, increasing prosperity, influence and military power.
It will be years before Rhaegar's rightful son raises his head from the sandpit where he hides. We must use every day of peace to outclass the power of Dorne.
If we do not do this, the Tyrells will use this tremendous opportunity with the North to oust us from our throne as the wealthiest and most influential House on the continent. As you well know, the Tyrells were always the most loyal supporters of House Targaryen.
Even if the North chose independence, disregarding power struggles for the Southern throne, Lord Tyrell would not hesitate for a moment to give his daughter in marriage to Aegon VI if he saw a favourable opportunity for victory." The explanation seemed persuasive and rational.
Since this bloody Greyjoy rebellion began, Cersei had totally neglected the Martell-Targaryen problem...
Within six to nine years at most, Aegon and Rhaenys Targaryen would announce their return to the whole world. And that whore, Elia Martell, would be irrefutable proof of the veracity of the rightful successors to the Iron Throne...
The North was a threat, but fighting major wars on multiple fronts would weaken the Lannister/Baratheon Kingdom too much.
Tyrion went on to say:
"House Lannister still has a good relationship with the Tallharts, and we are also trying to strengthen that bond with the Mormonts. It is unlikely that Myrcella will marry Ser Duncan, but we may have a chance with her younger brother, Benfred.
Barring any more 'unfortunate incidents', and with any luck, our cousin Lancel will marry Eddara Tallhart. Our father has wisely chosen to offer Ser Helman's second son his patronage." Cersei tried to absorb the tragic news of replacing the Tallhart candidate for her Myrcella with another fucking Tallhart with restraint...
"Is Benfred Tallhart going to Casterly Rock?" Asked the Queen in modest astonishment.
"Correct. Ser Helman has just accepted Lancel as page and guest of Torrhen's Square, and tomorrow evening, young Benfred will begin the same role with our father." Tyrion replied.
Cersei pondered for a moment.
'Tsz... It may already be too late to stop Clegane... Unfortunately, the dwarf is right.
House Lannister and my Joffrey need Torrhen's Square and Barrowton for a while longer...
If Casterly Rock has a valuable hostage on its hands, then the Tallharts will not be a threat in short to medium term. However... 'that brat must go.'' Cersei made her best decision.
The wisest choice was to show signs of peace and reconciliation with the old witch and the Bloody Bastard and let her father's Dog pursue this revenge...
The alliance with Barrowton's arrogant bitch could take it, but Bloody Snow... No.
After the events of that diabolical evening, that being had proved to be a more significant threat than the Targaryen's heir... Duncan Tallhart had to die, and the legend of Bloody Snow had to wither and be forgotten as soon as possible. With each abominable breath of that being, her position and Joffrey weakened...
But how to get the Bastard of the North out of the way without all eyes on her? Now, that was the problem... Cersei had already overexposed herself.
The crucial element for the success of this venture was that the Queen's hands remain unquestionably clean in the eyes of the North.
To do this, there remained only one solution...
Cersei had to sacrifice Ser Gregor and Ser Armory, condemning their actions and reducing them to eternal silence immediately after the misdeed.
'I could ask Gregor to 'accidentally' crush Ser Armory's skull during the melee... But then who will put down the mad Dog?... 'Mad'... Yes, right!' Before leaving King's Landing, Cersei had asked for a well-stocked supply of 'medicines' from Pycelle.
Among them was a small vial of Basilisk Blood...
A few drops of that vial induced violent madness in every warm-blooded creature, both man and beast. According to reports from the Grand Maester, a rat would attack a lion after tasting basilisk blood.
Ser Gregor's migraines were an average known fact... If, immediately after the melee, his squire served him his usual dose of hydrating wine laced with Basilisk blood, the mad Dog would be shot down by the Mormont guards themselves as he was succumbing to the murderous madness...
Bloody Snow was capable but arrogant. Nevertheless, the honour and glory of the Hero of the North would force him to accept the challenge against the Riding Mountain.
Lorch would offer an opening to Clegane, who needed one clean blow to crush the name of Ser Duncan Tallhart forever.
Even with his blunt broadsword, Gregor was capable of breaking the back of a grown man in plate armour with a single slash...
And after Ser Armory's 'improper' meddling in the Knights' duel, Ser Gregor would 'accidentally' get rid of his comrade caught off guard.
'Yes, perfect.' Cersei imagined the whole scene ending with her on the front line ordering the Kingsguard to stop the monster-murdering madman who was guilty of the crime of taking the lives of so many innocents as well as that of a poor young 'Green Knight'...
"You are right, brother. It is now clear to me, and I will atone for my sins.
Casterly Rock and the Crown need to forge a solid and profitable relationship with Torrhen's Square, Barrowton and all other influential Northern Houses.
Let our father know that there will be no more 'failures' or 'mistakes' on my part...
I will do all I must for the good of House Lannister and the good of my family."
End Chapter.
-----------------------------------------
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Chapter 150: The Andal Queen
POV: Cersei Lannister
Silk Road.
Year 290, the fourth day of the first moon.
A few hours before a new House arose in Torrhen's Square...
"I have heard more than one rumour that your loyal Ser Meryn is recovering prodigiously well from his horrible wounds inflicted by the vengeful Furious Bear." Tyrion broke the minute's silence first.
"The maester of Barrow Hall gave Meryn up for dead the first night. But it seems that his wounds healed at a portentous rate during his second and third mornings of convalescence. The Maester even consented to allow Meryn to join us on the gurney in a few days.
Septon Mullin claims it is a miracle of the Seven and that the Warrior and Father have professed themselves in favour of the heroic Kingsguard...' Cersei replied in the same tone.
"Ah, yes, I have heard that. But I doubt the Father and the Warrior are aware of the 'Peculiar Tastes' that 'Anointed Knight of the Seven' requires in the brothels of King's Landing.
It could be divine intervention, or it could be another promising new addition to the North.
It seems the old maester used new soothing ointments and leeches bred in the Neck..." Tyrion downed another generous gulp of Dorne Red.
"Why are you here?" asked Cersei to her irritatingly deformed brother.
Tyrion had climbed aboard the monstrous six-wheeled royal carriage, insisting that he and Cersei speak privately.
"I am not here on our father's orders, if that is what troubles your thoughts, sweet sister.
But... The mighty Tywin Lannister appreciated 'His Greatest Delusion' attempting to reason with the latter, close to reaching the extraordinary summit and ousting my throne." Tyrion replied sarcastically.
"Tsz... It has not even been three moons since you were appointed 'Governor' and 'Shield' of Lannisport, and already you think you have become our father's right-hand man?" Cersei retorted defensively.
The first attempt to crush the threat nicknamed Bloody Snow turned out to be a tremendous failure that magnified the flame rather than extinguishing it...
Cersei had underestimated the brat, but it was not her fault. If that idiot Eunuch Spider had done his duty, for which he was richly paid, the lioness would have had more essential information for building a proper and effective strategy.
If only Cersei had known sooner that her pig of a husband sought the first valid opportunity to appoint Duncan Tallhart 'First Green Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', the Queen would have been the first to prevent the bloody duel from taking place...
"I doubt I'll ever be able to replace our father's mighty long arm called Kevan with one as short as my own... So let's cut out the 'venomous barbs' and get down to business.
Sooner we deal with this matter, sooner you will remove the revolting burden of my presence." Tyrion carelessly tossed the empty golden cup onto the silk cushions.
"So, say what you have come to report, brother." Cersei.
"Stop antagonizing House Lannister and the Crown against Ser Duncan Tallhart and Lady Barbrey Mormont.
Ah... and the warning is extended against any other individual, creature or possession in the North." Promulgated Tyrion in a severe tone.
"And when did I ever do that? House Mormont and House Tallhart insulted and threw mud at the Crown and House Lannister!" Roared the lioness.
"Please, Cersei... Spare this tirade towards the ladies or lesser nobles of the court who drool in the wake of Tywin Lannister's rich and powerful daughter. Half of Casterly Rock knows you'd rather declare war on the entire North than see my niece, your daughter, sold out to the lusts of the Northern Barbarians..." and then Tyrion continued with, "Do you know what name those aforementioned 'Barbarians' have bestowed upon you after your pitiful attempt to sentence 'The Hero of the First Men' to death?... [The Andal Queen]."
Cersei hardened her gaze for a few seconds and, taking a deep breath and softening her face, she replied:
"I don't see where the problem is. Six kingdoms on the continent are firm believers of the Seven, and many historical sources claim that our founding ancestor was an Andal who drove the First Men from Casterly Rock.
House Lannister has nothing in common with the Barbarians of the North worshipping Dead Trees." As more seconds passed, and more the Queen began to see excellent possibilities and future alliances that might enhance her position.
That nickname was not so bad...
"The problem, my sweet sister 'Andal', is that you did not pay enough attention to Maester Volarik's history lessons...
Over the millennia, the Andal's armies have never managed to conquer an ounce of land from the North. And in recent years, the North has repeatedly proven to the world that it needs no one's protection.
Should your loyal 'First Men' subjects declare independence and stop bowing, scraping, and putting up with the insults to their cultures and traditions, who will march north to bring them back on the straight and narrow? Your Ser Boros and Ser Meryn Trant, perhaps?" Tyrion asked sarcastically.
"Pff... The Quite Wolf a King? If Eddard Stark had wanted a throne, he could have quietly claimed the roost of Robert six years ago... We have our allies in the North, my beloved brother. The Warden of the North is loyal to our king.
Should the Tallharts or Mormonts raise their heads too high, he, Robert, and our father will wipe out Torrhen's Square, Barrowton, Bear Island, and any other fools who choose to side with the traitors to the Crown." Cersei replied, causing a look of dismay and disbelief on the dwarf's face. But the Queen continued undaunted in her convictions.
"Have you by any chance forgotten the fate of House Reyne, Tarbeck and Greyjoy, my witty brother? We have more men, more ships and more gold than House Tallhart and Mormont-" Cersei was interrupted by the roar of the little lion.
"We-Not-Have-None of the Three, Cersei!!"
'What does he means by 'none of the three'?' Wondered the lioness inwardly with puzzlement.
Casterly Rock, Lannisport and the entire West must stand by and benefit from relations with the North, increasing prosperity, influence and military power.
It will be years before Rhaegar's rightful son raises his head from the sandpit where he hides. We must use every day of peace to outclass the power of Dorne.
If we do not do this, the Tyrells will use this tremendous opportunity with the North to oust us from our throne as the wealthiest and most influential House on the continent. As you well know, the Tyrells were always the most loyal supporters of House Targaryen.
Even if the North chose independence, disregarding power struggles for the Southern throne, Lord Tyrell would not hesitate for a moment to give his daughter in marriage to Aegon VI if he saw a favourable opportunity for victory." The explanation seemed persuasive and rational.
Since this bloody Greyjoy rebellion began, Cersei had totally neglected the Martell-Targaryen problem...
Within six to nine years at most, Aegon and Rhaenys Targaryen would announce their return to the whole world. And that whore, Elia Martell, would be irrefutable proof of the veracity of the rightful successors to the Iron Throne...
The North was a threat, but fighting major wars on multiple fronts would weaken the Lannister/Baratheon Kingdom too much.
Tyrion went on to say:
"House Lannister still has a good relationship with the Tallharts, and we are also trying to strengthen that bond with the Mormonts. It is unlikely that Myrcella will marry Ser Duncan, but we may have a chance with her younger brother, Benfred.
Barring any more 'unfortunate incidents', and with any luck, our cousin Lancel will marry Eddara Tallhart. Our father has wisely chosen to offer Ser Helman's second son his patronage." Cersei tried to absorb the tragic news of replacing the Tallhart candidate for her Myrcella with another fucking Tallhart with restraint...
"Is Benfred Tallhart going to Casterly Rock?" Asked the Queen in modest astonishment.
"Correct. Ser Helman has just accepted Lancel as page and guest of Torrhen's Square, and tomorrow evening, young Benfred will begin the same role with our father." Tyrion replied.
Cersei pondered for a moment.
'Tsz... It may already be too late to stop Clegane... Unfortunately, the dwarf is right.
House Lannister and my Joffrey need Torrhen's Square and Barrowton for a while longer...
If Casterly Rock has a valuable hostage on its hands, then the Tallharts will not be a threat in short to medium term. However... 'that brat must go.'' Cersei made her best decision.
The wisest choice was to show signs of peace and reconciliation with the old witch and the Bloody Bastard and let her father's Dog pursue this revenge...
The alliance with Barrowton's arrogant bitch could take it, but Bloody Snow... No.
After the events of that diabolical evening, that being had proved to be a more significant threat than the Targaryen's heir... Duncan Tallhart had to die, and the legend of Bloody Snow had to wither and be forgotten as soon as possible. With each abominable breath of that being, her position and Joffrey weakened...
But how to get the Bastard of the North out of the way without all eyes on her? Now, that was the problem... Cersei had already overexposed herself.
The crucial element for the success of this venture was that the Queen's hands remain unquestionably clean in the eyes of the North.
To do this, there remained only one solution...
Cersei had to sacrifice Ser Gregor and Ser Armory, condemning their actions and reducing them to eternal silence immediately after the misdeed.
'I could ask Gregor to 'accidentally' crush Ser Armory's skull during the melee... But then who will put down the mad Dog?... 'Mad'... Yes, right!' Before leaving King's Landing, Cersei had asked for a well-stocked supply of 'medicines' from Pycelle.
Among them was a small vial of Basilisk Blood...
A few drops of that vial induced violent madness in every warm-blooded creature, both man and beast. According to reports from the Grand Maester, a rat would attack a lion after tasting basilisk blood.
Ser Gregor's migraines were an average known fact... If, immediately after the melee, his squire served him his usual dose of hydrating wine laced with Basilisk blood, the mad Dog would be shot down by the Mormont guards themselves as he was succumbing to the murderous madness...
Bloody Snow was capable but arrogant. Nevertheless, the honour and glory of the Hero of the North would force him to accept the challenge against the Riding Mountain.
Lorch would offer an opening to Clegane, who needed one clean blow to crush the name of Ser Duncan Tallhart forever.
Even with his blunt broadsword, Gregor was capable of breaking the back of a grown man in plate armour with a single slash...
And after Ser Armory's 'improper' meddling in the Knights' duel, Ser Gregor would 'accidentally' get rid of his comrade caught off guard.
'Yes, perfect.' Cersei imagined the whole scene ending with her on the front line ordering the Kingsguard to stop the monster-murdering madman who was guilty of the crime of taking the lives of so many innocents as well as that of a poor young 'Green Knight'...
"You are right, brother. It is now clear to me, and I will atone for my sins.
Casterly Rock and the Crown need to forge a solid and profitable relationship with Torrhen's Square, Barrowton and all other influential Northern Houses.
Let our father know that there will be no more 'failures' or 'mistakes' on my part...
I will do all I must for the good of House Lannister and the good of my family."
End Chapter.
-----------------------------------------
Chapter 150: The Andal QueenPOV: Cersei Lannister Silk Road. Year 290, the fourth day of the first moon. A few hours before a new House arose in Torrhen's Square... "I have heard more than one rumour that your loyal Ser Meryn is recovering prodigiously well from his horrible wounds inflicted by the vengeful Furious Bear." Tyrion broke the minute's silence first. "The maester of Barrow Hall gave Meryn up for dead the first night. But it seems that his wounds healed at a portentous rate during his second and third mornings of convalescence. The Maester even consented to allow Meryn to join us on the gurney in a few days. Septon Mullin claims it is a miracle of the Seven and that the Warrior and Father have professed themselves in favour of the heroic Kingsguard...' Cersei replied in the same tone. "Ah, yes, I have heard that. But I doubt the Father and the Warrior are aware of the 'Peculiar Tastes' that 'Anointed Knight of the Seven' requires in the brothels of King's Landing. It could be divine intervention, or it could be another promising new addition to the North. It seems the old maester used new soothing ointments and leeches bred in the Neck..." Tyrion downed another generous gulp of Dorne Red. "Why are you here?" asked Cersei to her irritatingly deformed brother. Tyrion had climbed aboard the monstrous six-wheeled royal carriage, insisting that he and Cersei speak privately. "I am not here on our father's orders, if that is what troubles your thoughts, sweet sister. But... The mighty Tywin Lannister appreciated 'His Greatest Delusion' attempting to reason with the latter, close to reaching the extraordinary summit and ousting my throne." Tyrion replied sarcastically. "Tsz... It has not even been three moons since you were appointed 'Governor' and 'Shield' of Lannisport, and already you think you have become our father's right-hand man?" Cersei retorted defensively. The first attempt to crush the threat nicknamed Bloody Snow turned out to be a tremendous failure that magnified the flame rather than extinguishing it... Cersei had underestimated the brat, but it was not her fault. If that idiot Eunuch Spider had done his duty, for which he was richly paid, the lioness would have had more essential information for building a proper and effective strategy. If only Cersei had known sooner that her pig of a husband sought the first valid opportunity to appoint Duncan Tallhart 'First Green Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', the Queen would have been the first to prevent the bloody duel from taking place... "I doubt I'll ever be able to replace our father's mighty long arm called Kevan with one as short as my own... So let's cut out the 'venomous barbs' and get down to business. Sooner we deal with this matter, sooner you will remove the revolting burden of my presence." Tyrion carelessly tossed the empty golden cup onto the silk cushions. "So, say what you have come to report, brother." Cersei. "Stop antagonizing House Lannister and the Crown against Ser Duncan Tallhart and Lady Barbrey Mormont. Ah... and the warning is extended against any other individual, creature or possession in the North." Promulgated Tyrion in a severe tone. "And when did I ever do that? House Mormont and House Tallhart insulted and threw mud at the Crown and House Lannister!" Roared the lioness. "Please, Cersei... Spare this tirade towards the ladies or lesser nobles of the court who drool in the wake of Tywin Lannister's rich and powerful daughter. Half of Casterly Rock knows you'd rather declare war on the entire North than see my niece, your daughter, sold out to the lusts of the Northern Barbarians..." and then Tyrion continued with, "Do you know what name those aforementioned 'Barbarians' have bestowed upon you after your pitiful attempt to sentence 'The Hero of the First Men' to death?... The Andal Queen." Cersei hardened her gaze for a few seconds and, taking a deep breath and softening her face, she replied: "I don't see where the problem is. Six kingdoms on the continent are firm believers of the Seven, and many historical sources claim that our founding ancestor was an Andal who drove the First Men from Casterly Rock. House Lannister has nothing in common with the Barbarians of the North worshipping Dead Trees." As more seconds passed, and more the Queen began to see excellent possibilities and future alliances that might enhance her position. That nickname was not so bad... "The problem, my sweet sister 'Andal', is that you did not pay enough attention to Maester Volarik's history lessons... Over the millennia, the Andal's armies have never managed to conquer an ounce of land from the North. And in recent years, the North has repeatedly proven to the world that it needs no one's protection. Should your loyal 'First Men' subjects declare independence and stop bowing, scraping, and putting up with the insults to their cultures and traditions, who will march north to bring them back on the straight and narrow? Your Ser Boros and Ser Meryn Trant, perhaps?" Tyrion asked sarcastically. "Pff... The Quite Wolf a King? If Eddard Stark had wanted a throne, he could have quietly claimed the roost of Robert six years ago... We have our allies in the North, my beloved brother. The Warden of the North is loyal to our king. Should the Tallharts or Mormonts raise their heads too high, he, Robert, and our father will wipe out Torrhen's Square, Barrowton, Bear Island, and any other fools who choose to side with the traitors to the Crown." Cersei replied, causing a look of dismay and disbelief on the dwarf's face. But the Queen continued undaunted in her convictions. "Have you by any chance forgotten the fate of House Reyne, Tarbeck and Greyjoy, my witty brother? We have more men, more ships and more gold than House Tallhart and Mormont-" Cersei was interrupted by the roar of the little lion. "We-Not-Have-None of the Three, Cersei!!" 'What does he means by 'none of the three'?' Wondered the lioness inwardly with puzzlement. Casterly Rock, Lannisport and the entire West must stand by and benefit from relations with the North, increasing prosperity, influence and military power. It will be years before Rhaegar's rightful son raises his head from the sandpit where he hides. We must use every day of peace to outclass the power of Dorne. If we do not do this, the Tyrells will use this tremendous opportunity with the North to oust us from our throne as the wealthiest and most influential House on the continent. As you well know, the Tyrells were always the most loyal supporters of House Targaryen. Even if the North chose independence, disregarding power struggles for the Southern throne, Lord Tyrell would not hesitate for a moment to give his daughter in marriage to Aegon VI if he saw a favourable opportunity for victory." The explanation seemed persuasive and rational. Since this bloody Greyjoy rebellion began, Cersei had totally neglected the Martell-Targaryen problem... Within six to nine years at most, Aegon and Rhaenys Targaryen would announce their return to the whole world. And that whore, Elia Martell, would be irrefutable proof of the veracity of the rightful successors to the Iron Throne... The North was a threat, but fighting major wars on multiple fronts would weaken the Lannister/Baratheon Kingdom too much. Tyrion went on to say: "House Lannister still has a good relationship with the Tallharts, and we are also trying to strengthen that bond with the Mormonts. It is unlikely that Myrcella will marry Ser Duncan, but we may have a chance with her younger brother, Benfred. Barring any more 'unfortunate incidents', and with any luck, our cousin Lancel will marry Eddara Tallhart. Our father has wisely chosen to offer Ser Helman's second son his patronage." Cersei tried to absorb the tragic news of replacing the Tallhart candidate for her Myrcella with another fucking Tallhart with restraint... "Is Benfred Tallhart going to Casterly Rock?" Asked the Queen in modest astonishment. "Correct. Ser Helman has just accepted Lancel as page and guest of Torrhen's Square, and tomorrow evening, young Benfred will begin the same role with our father." Tyrion replied. Cersei pondered for a moment. 'Tsz... It may already be too late to stop Clegane... Unfortunately, the dwarf is right. House Lannister and my Joffrey need Torrhen's Square and Barrowton for a while longer... If Casterly Rock has a valuable hostage on its hands, then the Tallharts will not be a threat in short to medium term. However... 'that brat must go.'' Cersei made her best decision. The wisest choice was to show signs of peace and reconciliation with the old witch and the Bloody Bastard and let her father's Dog pursue this revenge... The alliance with Barrowton's arrogant bitch could take it, but Bloody Snow... No. After the events of that diabolical evening, that being had proved to be a more significant threat than the Targaryen's heir... Duncan Tallhart had to die, and the legend of Bloody Snow had to wither and be forgotten as soon as possible. With each abominable breath of that being, her position and Joffrey weakened... But how to get the Bastard of the North out of the way without all eyes on her? Now, that was the problem... Cersei had already overexposed herself. The crucial element for the success of this venture was that the Queen's hands remain unquestionably clean in the eyes of the North. To do this, there remained only one solution... Cersei had to sacrifice Ser Gregor and Ser Armory, condemning their actions and reducing them to eternal silence immediately after the misdeed. 'I could ask Gregor to 'accidentally' crush Ser Armory's skull during the melee... But then who will put down the mad Dog?... 'Mad'... Yes, right!' Before leaving King's Landing, Cersei had asked for a well-stocked supply of 'medicines' from Pycelle. Among them was a small vial of Basilisk Blood... A few drops of that vial induced violent madness in every warm-blooded creature, both man and beast. According to reports from the Grand Maester, a rat would attack a lion after tasting basilisk blood. Ser Gregor's migraines were an average known fact... If, immediately after the melee, his squire served him his usual dose of hydrating wine laced with Basilisk blood, the mad Dog would be shot down by the Mormont guards themselves as he was succumbing to the murderous madness... Bloody Snow was capable but arrogant. Nevertheless, the honour and glory of the Hero of the North would force him to accept the challenge against the Riding Mountain. Lorch would offer an opening to Clegane, who needed one clean blow to crush the name of Ser Duncan Tallhart forever. Even with his blunt broadsword, Gregor was capable of breaking the back of a grown man in plate armour with a single slash... And after Ser Armory's 'improper' meddling in the Knights' duel, Ser Gregor would 'accidentally' get rid of his comrade caught off guard. 'Yes, perfect.' Cersei imagined the whole scene ending with her on the front line ordering the Kingsguard to stop the monster-murdering madman who was guilty of the crime of taking the lives of so many innocents as well as that of a poor young 'Green Knight'... "You are right, brother. It is now clear to me, and I will atone for my sins. Casterly Rock and the Crown need to forge a solid and profitable relationship with Torrhen's Square, Barrowton and all other influential Northern Houses. Let our father know that there will be no more 'failures' or 'mistakes' on my part... I will do all I must for the good of House Lannister and the good of my family." End Chapter. -----------------------------------------
