The Lion & The Wolf

Chapter 1

Tywin Lannister was not known for his patience or his caring nature. Most people thought of the words cold and cruel when attempting to describe him. He did not have time to be warm and caring, he had a region to protect and now a whole kingdom to run. His children were all a disappointment, he had tried so hard to give them bright futures and all they did was spit on them. He had made his daughter a queen, and all she did was complain and drive the kingdom to ruin. She had raised a future king to be a spoiled and cruel brat, someone who took pleasure in hurting other people. His eldest son, the one who should be taking charge of their family was happy to be a glorified guard. Following unworthy kings around and spitting on his legacy. Tyrion had been a disappointment since the day he was born, and now spent most of his time drinking and whoring. House Lannister, the house he had worked so hard for was in great peril.

Now, his stupid grandson was destroying the kingdom. The child was unworthy to be named king, or even a human being. Tywin had been shocked when listening to the reports about what his grandson had been doing. Killing one of the most important Lords in Westeros, started a war he could not afford, starving his subjects, and abusing high-born ladies under his care. Tyrion had informed him what had happened in the throne room a few days before Tywin arrived in the city. The way Joffrey had called Lady Sansa to the throne room and had the kingsguards beat her. The girl's older sister had gotten involved, knocking one of the guards over the head. She had almost been killed before Tyrion intervened and removed both girls from the throne room. His grandson was so stupid and so was his daughter for allowing this insanity to continue. The two Stark girls were important hostages of the crown. The eldest was the key to the North, she was Robb Stark's heir. How could his children have turned out so wrong?

There was a knock on his door before one of his red cloaks opened it and bowed to him. The knight stepped aside, allowing the girl he had been waiting for to enter the room. He had to admit the Stark girl was beautiful, even if she looked more like a Tully. She had pale skin, almost translucent, the Tully red hair and blue eyes. Her features were delicate, almost like a doll and she was pleasantly tall. Tywin frowned when he noticed what she was wearing, even from a distance he could tell the blue gown was old and was a bit small for her. He could clearly see her ankles and it was extremely tight around her tiny waist. His daughter had not even taken care of clothing her properly.

"My Lord." Tywin was surprised by how sweet her voice sounded, almost melodic. Her curtsey was flawless and she stood tall under his scrutiny. "I was told you asked to see me."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Serena. Please sit." He gestured to the chair across from him and waited for her to take her seat. Even her movements were graceful, she had been raised as the perfect lady. "I have called you here to discuss the matter of your betrothal. Since you are now under the care of the crown it has fallen to us to find a proper suitor for you."

"That duty has fallen to my brother Robb." Tywin's eyes narrowed as she contradicted him without batting an eyelash. Her smile was pleasant as she looked him in the eye. "By law, the duty of finding me a husband has fallen to my eldest male relative. Which in this case is my brother Robb, who is the new Lord Stark."

"He is also a traitor to the crown." Tywin's voice was sharper this time, but the girl sitting across from him did not bat an eyelash. "You had your sixteen name day a moon ago, which means you are of age and need to wed someone loyal to the crown."

"And who would that be?" Tywin's eyes narrowed at the tone in her voice. She was not the least intimidated by him. "Because I imagine that it will also have to be someone loyal to House Lannister. Or maybe you are planning to wed me into your house directly?"