Game of Thrones one shots / preferences

Tywin Lannister X Reader - Pt.1 - (Words On A Page)

"You know, when I was a young woman -"

"Yes mother, when you was a young woman... But I'm not you." You snap, standing up and beginning to pace the room.

"I just want what's best for you, y/n."

"I need to do this mother. I can't stay here and watch you die. I know they're bastards but it's that or I work for Madame Tila."

"No, I'd rather die than see you become a whore." Your mother utters weakly.

"Exactly. It's the best option I have." You reply, leaning down to squeeze her hand. She's cold to the touch, and your concern for your mother's welfare grows.

-

"You'll mostly be in this part of the keep. Do whatever Lord Lannister orders an for gawds sake don't back chat 'im." Celia warns as she leads you to the place you will be working.

"Mi'lord. This is the new maid, she's replacing Julienna."

The tall man simply glances over and nods towards you. "Come here, girl."

You reluctantly walk towards the man, keeping your gaze on the floor. Hearing the door click behind you, you realise Celia has left. Your nerves begin to flutter inside your chest.

"What is your name?" Your new master asks.

"It's y/n, My Lord ." You reply, your voice sounding small and timid.

"Can you read, y/n?"

"A little, My Lord. My father taught me when I was a girl."

Tywin hums in thought as he walks over to the large bookshelf in the corner of the room. You chance taking a look at him as he pulls out a thick book. He turns on his heels and you quickly look down at the ground again.

"Sit." He commands, and you look up to see him gesturing to the chair by the fire. He hands you the book and sits in the chair opposite you. "- Read it."

You want to question him, to ask why, but you think better of it and decide to do as he says. You don't want to upset your new master, especially not on the first day of your job.

"From the beginning, My Lord?"

"Obviously."

You swallow hard at this, but suppress your embarrassment. Clearing your throat, you open the book and begin.

"The ruins were dilpid- dipal-" You stutter, your cheeks burning with shame at your stupidity. A mist forms in your eyes as tears begin to form, but you manage to stop them from spilling over. "I don't know this word, My Lord."

He waves his hand dismissively, saying "Dil-ap-id-ated. Carry on."

"The ruins were dilapidated and overrun with moss and green from the forest. The ap- apee-araunce -" Voice faltering yet again, you try your hardest to decipher the word.

"Ap-ear-ance." Lord Tywin corrects.

"Appearance was almost other worldly, with deer and rabbits roe-am-ing -"

Yet again, your master corrects you. "Roam-ing. Continue."

-

This carries on for almost a half of an hour, your frustration and confusion growing with every minute.

The word 'depoliticise' finally gets to you, after no less than seven attempts to pronounce it, you begin to feel humiliated and belittled. Squeezing your eyes shut, you take a shuddery breath and try to keep the tears in.

"That's enough." Lord Tywin utters, standing up from his chair. Slowly he walks over to you and stands, looking down at you. You raise your eyes and meet his gaze, and suppress your confusion as he smiles at you. His hands take the book from you lap, the weight noticeably lifting, both physically and mentally.

"You know for a commoner, and a woman no less, you can read rather well." He states, evidently impressed. "I taught my late wife how to read, she always struggled to learn when taught by her Septa."
His smile falters slightly as he says this, his eyes looking faraway, as if trying to see the memories.
"You will come to me every evening at the ninth bell, and I will teach you."

"I... Thank you, My Lord."