Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

xlvi. Finding Solutions

A lot had happened in the few days since Joffrey's murder and Sansa's disappearance. It was honestly quite overwhelming.

Cersei was accusing Sansa for having a hand in it all, and then switched the blame to me and is furious that her father has not had me arrested. Jamie Lannister seems suspicious of me because his head is that far up his sister's ass. And then there's Lord Tywin, who is suspicious of me and keeps asking to speak with me when I am in the midst of something.

This morning I was finally on my way to speak with Lord Tywin. I had put it off for long enough by keeping myself busy and I was more than aware it was making me look guilty of something. I had no hand in Joffrey's death apart from my knowledge that it was going to happen though. And even though I knew, no one can prove it without revealing they knew as well.

Then again, I had genuinely been busy asking Varys to find Sansa. I have also been actively working with Daemon to try and figure out where she went, even if we can just figure out how she left the wedding without anyone noticing her leave.

When I reached the chamber of the Hand of the King, I was led to another room by one of Tywin's serving boys. He had clearly been waiting for me to arrive and led me to a small balcony with a view of the garden.

I found Tywin sitting at a table on the balcony. He was breaking his fast with bread, grapes and a few other fruits. It was not an elegant breakfast, which I found surprising. I assumed that if he bothered to break his fast in the morning that he would have an extravagant meal, as is expected of House Lannister with all their gold.

"My Lord," I greeted, politely bowing my head.

In no way did I like Tywin Lannister. He was a cruel man who only cared about himself and bettering the position of House Lannister. He was also the one who commanded the attack on my family and on my men. However, I could respect his political prowess and I was not foolish enough to cross him. He could be a useful ally.

"Join me," he invited. "I figured you could use some food to assist in your search for your sister. Has Varys found anything yet?"

Of course he would know about that. I am willing to bet that Varys himself went straight to Lord Tywin the second I asked for his help. After all, he is somewhat close to Tyrion and needs to take the suspicion off of himself.

Having Daemon with me was helpful because I could trust him, unlike Varys. Who else would he go to with information? He wants to take down House Lannister almost as bad as I.

"I think you would know before I," I said. "May I ask why I have been summoned this morning, My Lord?"

"I want you to find your sister and bring her back to King's Landing," Lord Tywin revealed. "Of course, I am aware you do not know where she went, but if she reaches out you are to come to me directly. If not, I will be charging the both of you with treason."

Not much of a threat for Sansa if they cannot find her...

"Not that I am sure you had nothing to do with this," he continued. "You seemed rather glad to see my grandson die so horribly. And out of everyone in King's Landing, you have the most reason to conspire with Tyrion to kill him."

"It is no secret that I have shed no tears over Joffrey," I admitted. "However, I like having my head on my shoulders and I am trying to better the reputation of my house. I am sure that my sister would not further sink the reputation of House Stark." I paused, contemplating my words for a moment, before continuing, "though I imagine it is much easier to control Tommen than it was Joffrey. Perhaps Tyrion did you a favour."

Lord Tywin chose not to respond to me, but for just a moment he hesitated. It was the kind of hesitation that meant he agreed with me. It was the kind of hesitation that was satisfying to witness from someone known for their ability to hide their true feelings... If they feel anything at all.