aeternus | tywin lannister

II

The two daughters of Jaehaerys II were known to be as beautiful as any other Targaryen, with their long white hair and their big purple eyes. Anyone could recognize them in King's Landing. However, it was common knowledge that one of them was much prettier than the other. While the new Queen was tall and curvy, her younger sister was skinny and frail.

Despite the Queen's difficulty to have healthy children, the truth was that she looked healthy and strong, while Lady Halaena appeared to be sick all the time. It had been that way since they were young children.

That early morning after her name day, Halaena Targaryen was looking healthier than ever as she walked around the gardens accompanied by none other than Lord Rewan Tyrell.

"I swear to you, my lady, I had never seen someone so angry before that moment. Mothers really are something else when they are disappointed."

She laughed, "My mother was angry with us a lot of times, as well. Mostly my sister and me, since my brother was the soon-to-be king and she spoiled him like no other."

"You know, I still remember you as a child," he stopped walking, making the young Targaryen do the same thing to face him, "I only came once to the Red Keep when I was younger, but I vividly remember seeing you running from a horse."

Halaena made a small smile, "I never liked horses. I don't understand how people feel so comfortable with them."

"Well, maybe we could find some time for me to teach you the art of ridding," he suggested, raising his eyebrows expectantly.

Just before Halaena had a chance to reply, they noticed they weren't alone in those gardens again, as Tywin Lannister approached them with a stern face, as always, and with his sword by his waist.

"Good morning, my Lord," Lord Rewan bowed his head at the presence of the Hand of the King. Halaena didn't say anything and neither did Tywin, who just nodded his head, "Can we help you with something?"

"I'm afraid I have to speak with Lady Halaena," he said, without looking at the girl, "Now."

"Well, you can start talking," Halaena suggested, crossing her arms in front of her chest, "Or is it a secret?"

Tywin Lannister tilted his head to the side, not liking her tone, "It is not exactly a secret. I suppose Lord Tyrell won't mind hearing it."

Lord Tyrell looked around the garden helplessly. Everyone was scared of the mighty Tywin Lannister, including him. In fact, he avoided talking to Tywin at all costs and believed that was the first time the two of them had a conversation. When he looked at the Targaryen, however, she didn't look nearly as agitated as him.

"Well, what is it?" She asked impatiently.

Tywin Lannister finally looked into her eyes and waited for her to break eye contact with him as everyone else did. But she still looked at him firmly. He waited to tell her the news, wondering one last time if that truly was his decision. But he didn't have to think for more than a few seconds to decide it was the best for his family.

Straightening his shoulders, he placed his right hand at the top of his sword and delivered her the news, "You and I are to marry."

After hearing his words, Halaena didn't even seem to flinch. Not because she was unfazed, but simply because she didn't know how to react. Those were words she didn't expect to hear so soon, especially coming from the mouth of Tywin Lannister.