Loki: Storm of Swords

Chapter 28 - Wounded Pride

"Your grace, the traitor talked under the appropriate pressure and gave us the information we desired," Loki told Daenerys at a small council meeting. Daenerys leaned back, tapping her lips with her finger. Everyone else (who had not been at the interrogation) waited with bated breath. "He said that his forces are under the command of the former Ser Lancel Lannister." Daenerys glanced in the direction of her husband and he shrugged.

"I honestly thought that you and your father were the only Lannisters left," she admitted.

"I have to say, my darling, I consider myself the only Lannister," Tyrion answered and she gave him a slight smile. 

 "How did he survive hidden all these years, I would like to know," Varys pointed out.

"And secretly raising an army under my nose," Daenerys commented.

"The only way I can foresee that happening," Jon Stark piped up, and everyone looked at him, "is if he used the woods to the North and the lands between. We have the Dreadfort lands, which are patrolled most diligently by Ser Theon Greyjoy."

"And then us Starks even further North controlling the lands there. I fear the lesser nobles in between have either neglected or ignored the goings on in their territories," Robb said. Daenerys looked to Loki.

"Is that what you think, my Hand?" she posed. Loki chewed on his lip vigorously. He knew that this was partially his fault, which irked him to no end. The fact that Lancel Lannister had marshalled enough troops to attempt an attack on the royal family was dangerous. This was an actual threat to Westeros.

"I believe that there are lesser lords who think they did not receive the proper rewards for their 'help' during the war," Loki said.

"You say 'help' like they didn't help at all. They provided man power to my army at least," Robb said, trying to be fair. Loki waved his hand and leaned back in his chair, an air of superiority taking over his countenance. 

 "Yes, I say 'help' like they didn't help at all. These men want to be raised up to our level, but they can't be. The great houses make something for themselves; others don't make it for them. I made my house myself, no offense, Daenerys," Loki said and the queen nodded. "I made everyone else fear me and my name. My aid to Daenerys' offense was invaluable. Those lesser houses did participate, but bare minimum participation; as if they were hedging their bets."

"Meaning, they were chancing it, thinking that Tywin Lannister might have been able to win," Jon said and Loki nodded, snapping his fingers.

"I've seen it done before, in Asgard. A cousin of Odin's stood up against him, trying to claim the throne. The courtiers played to both sides. I was only a very young man when this happened, but I was smart enough to figure out their plans and their desires. Ha! Many a stupid noble found himself thrown into the dungeons when I exposed them after the fact," Loki explained. Daenerys pursed her lips and tapped them with her pointer finger. 

 "Can you find these nobles and lords?" she asked and Loki grinned.

"Just give me a week's trip to the Midlands, and I will have the traitors on their knees. I can assure you that one or many of them gave Lancel Lannister the support he needed to grow his forces. Jon? Would you like to come with me?" Loki asked. Jon glanced at Robb and the older brother shrugged his shoulders.

"It's your decision, Jon," Robb said. Jon nodded before he glanced back Loki and smiled. 

 "I guess I can come with you," Jon Stark said in response.

"Good. The two of you together should root out the conspirators. I want my kingdom to be clean of such dishonor," Daenerys stated. "Council dismissed." Loki remained in his seat, but signaled for everyone else to leave the room. He clearly had something he wished to discuss alone with his queen. Tyrion was the only one who remained sitting, waiting for everyone else to leave. Finally, the door was closed and the two royals eyed their counselor. "You clearly have something else you wish to say, so please say it," Daenerys ordered.

"I want to apologize for this mess, your grace," Loki said and both royals raised their eyebrows. "If I had followed through and nipped all the buds, this wouldn't have happened. This is my fault."

"You're freely admitting to this?" Tyrion asked. Loki glared at the dwarf, and Tyrion raised his hands.

"I'm only admitting it to you two. You're my friends. Not that the others aren't, its just-" Loki said.

"You don't want to tell them in such plain terms that you made a mistake," Daenerys finished. Loki nodded his head and she stood up, walking over to him. Her small hands touched his shoulders and Loki did not shrug her off. "Your pride would not allow it. And frankly, neither would I." Loki glanced at her, his brow raised. "You have an image to protect. That perfect picture of power, brutality, and strength. I would not have you ruin that, before the people, or the rest of the council. That face is one you only show to your wife, and apparently, to us. I am honored that you are willing to drop the façade for Tyrion and myself. It means we are true friends," Daenerys told him. Loki smiled up at her and they embraced. Tyrion did not mind seeing his wife being hugged by his best friend. He did not mind it at all.

"Well, I've always shown you my true face, Daenerys," Loki commented when they pulled away. "You're like a little sister to me." Daenerys snorted and ran her fingers through his hair in retaliation. "Hey!" Loki smoothed his hair back down and frowned at Tyrion. 

"Well, I'm fortunate that my hair is short and nobody notices the difference when she does it to me," he said and Loki grabbed a paperweight and threw it at the king. "Oh, dear!" the dwarf exclaimed quietly before he ducked and the paperweight hit the back of his chair. It still fell on his neck, so that was a consolation prize for Loki. 

"Now, return to your wife. Tell her that you will be leaving for the Midlands tomorrow," Daenerys ordered and Loki stood up. 

 "Yes, your grace," Loki said, bowing gracefully and disappearing the good old fashioned way: in a puff of smoke.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," Tyrion commented.