Seven Dreams One Kingdom

40-Arya

Dillyn, a shadow amidst the grandeur of the Red Keep, navigated the labyrinth of intrigue with a careful grace. His role, though limited in proximity to Queen Cersei, granted him a unique vantage point compared to his fellow attendants. Nellys and Borys might have been closer, but their access amounted to little more than fleeting glimpses of the Queen's retinue.

Cersei's meals were a muted affair. Her voice, like a rare vintage, was seldom heard, and her hunger diminished as she favoured the flowing crimson liquid in her goblet. The Mountain, an imposing presence, stood as a sentinel at her side, a silent guardian to her solitude.

The kitchens, with their bubbling cauldrons and bustling cooks, became Dillyn's refuge for whispers. Despite often being restricted to mundane topics, discussions there offered glimpses into the inner workings of the realm through conversations about food supply issues. In this culinary domain, Dillyn first learned about the events unfolding in the Reach.

"Trouble in the Reach," the kitchen chatter murmured, a current of unrest weaving through the culinary haven. As Dillyn listened, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The intricacies of grain shortages and the repercussions of the dragon Queen's fiery justice painted a tapestry of unrest.

Mabel, her apron stained with the remnants of culinary artistry, leaned in close to Dillyn as the scent of spices enveloped them in the bustling kitchen. Her eyes, filled with a glint of mischief and camaraderie, hinted at a willingness to share more than just culinary secrets. "Turns out Queen Cersei did good. Food is on its way from Dorne, aboard Euron Greyjoy's ships. Turns out the dragon Queen fell for the trick. You're our little food taster, you should know better than us. You get near her grace." Dillyn shook his head. Maybe shot Dillyn a curious look. "She never talks in front of you?" she echoed, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Dillyn, donning the guise of casual nonchalance, shrugged. "Not a word. I might as well be part of the furniture."

Mabel frowned, her expression a blend of sympathy and confusion. "No idea why. You're invisible," she mused, her tone carrying a note of frustration.

"She only talks to the Lord Hand, or Ser Robert Strong. And we all know Ser Robert Strong isn't very chatty." Dillyn explained.

"They'll be talking tonight alright. Got an order for extra food for the Lord Hand. He likes his steak rare. Listen carefully, the kitchens need to know if what we heard about the grain was true. If it is, then it will help some, but there's going to be trouble. The dragon Queen burned Lord Tarly. Roasted him alive. Shocking." she shook her head. "Now be off with you, the Queen will want you in ten minutes."

Dillyn ascended the winding stairs to the Queen's chambers, his mind a storm of contemplation. The failed attempt with the scorpion against Daenerys lingered in the air like an unsolved riddle, the implications swirling between victory and peril. His footsteps echoed in the muted corridor, a cadence of uncertainty.

The death of Lord Tarly weighed heavy on Dillyn's thoughts. Caught in a political web, The Reach was facing an imminent conflict it had hoped to evade. The North, too, stood as a wildcard. The Tarly boy, whether prisoner or guest, held the potential to shape alliances or ignite enmity.

As Dillyn approached the Queen's chambers, he couldn't help but wonder about the intricacies of Daenerys' promise to the North. Independence, a delicate word that could either forge alliances or sow discord. The political landscape was shifting, and Dillyn sensed the tremors beneath what appeared to be a calm surface. The Reach, bound by its commitment to stay out of wars, now faced the unsettling prospect of being drawn into the fray.

The dilemma persisted. Listening to Cersei's words could only offer a superficial understanding of her character. The nuances, the subtleties that shaped perception, were elusive. The cloak of loyalty that draped the Red Keep obscured any dissenting voices, leaving Dillyn in need of an ally in the shadows.