Lone Wolf || Tyrion Lannister

Chapter Five

The girls were unaware that their mother was in the city. While Catelyn would have liked to see them, she knew it was too risky. It was dangerous enough that she came in the first place. Especially considering the information she had for Ned. She was grateful for Lord Baelish, though.

That he was willing to help, not only her but Ned as well. "We have proof," Catelyn argued. "We have the blade."

"Which Lord Tyrion will say was stolen from him," Lord Baelish replied. "The only man who could say otherwise has no throat, thanks to your boy's wolf."

Catelyn turned to Ned. She could see that he didn't like what was being suggested. However, he also worried about what their next move would be. It would be difficult to convince anyone what they said was true. "Petyr has promised to help us find the truth," it was a relief to have at least one person on their side. "He's like a little brother to me. He would never betray my trust."

"I'll try to keep you alive, for her sake," Lord Baelish agreed. "A fool's task, admittedly, but I've never been able to refuse your wife anything."

Catelyn turned to face him, a faint smile on her face. "I won't forget this. You're a true friend."

"Don't tell anyone, I have a reputation to maintain." With that, they came to the conclusion that Catelyn should head back and find a way to prove what had happened. However, before she parted from Ned a second time, Catelyn could see something was bothering him.

"What is it?" She asked.

"If what you say is true," Ned prefaced. "If Lord Tyrion was behind the attempt, then he may be playing a more dangerous game."

"What do you mean?" Catelyn questioned.

"On the King's Road, he was talking with Anari," Ned met Catelyn's gaze. "When we were riding, he was talking with her, making her laugh and everything. If he is willing to go after Bran, then what's to say he hasn't set his eyes on Anari?"

The mere thought of Anari being in danger made a flicker of worry run through her. However, her protective instincts overrode her worry. "If he so much as touches her, ever..." Catelyn trailed off. Even Ned had warned Tyrion that if he should be playing at some kind of game with his daughter that he wouldn't enjoy what happened to him.

While both of them knew that Anari could handle herself just fine, if the accusation was true, then it meant he wasn't above hiring someone to do the deed for him. This meant that Anari may very well be in danger if they're right. Holding one another's gaze, Catelyn held onto Ned tightly.

"Keep them safe," she whispered.

"I will," Ned promised. "You look after yourself, too, now. Don't go getting into trouble." Catelyn laughed lightly as she pulled back.

It was difficult to leave Ned, but Catelyn knew she had to in order for him to be able to do anything. And hopefully, justice would be dealt with the Lannisters, should they be right. So, Catelyn left Ned to head back on the road to Winterfell.

~

In the Keep, Anari decided to visit the library. Tyrion spoke highly of it, so she decided to see what sort of books they had to offer. Unable to help the smile that lit her face at the sight of all the books, Anari went up and down the shelves to see what caught her eye. Tyrion was right; the Red Keep had a wide variety of books. More than Winterfell ever did, that was certain. After a while of searching, Anari found a story that looked interesting enough.

Sitting at one of the tables, Anari began reading. Thankfully, she had no lessons that afternoon, so Anari could take her time. One book turned into three, and three turned into six. She was a fast reader, and Anari was enjoying herself. Just as she sat down with her seventh book, however, Anari became aware of someone else in the room with her.