The Game of Thrones

TYRION V

It had been a day since Tyrion had set sail for King's Landing with Daenerys, Jaime, Ser Davos,  Grey Worm, Missandei, and a small phalanx of Unsullied soldiers. They had decided it was best to leave Jon behind to stay with the dragons and the remaining citizens, to rule in the Queen's absence.

When they reached the shore of the River Gate, he noticed Cersei and Euron already standing atop the gate flanked by a long line of scorpions, loaded, manned and ready. Well, that's awkward since the dragons aren't there. She can't be stupid enough to think we'd risk their lives when we have the Great War coming. Varys was standing next to them in chains with a solemn expression. He knows his fate.

They disembarked their single ship and took their place along the beaches. Tyrion gave Daenerys a reassuring smile before walking to the center of the beach to meet Cersei's negotiator. Seeing Qyburn's absence on top the wall, I assume I will be meeting him.

And within a few moments, the Mud Gate opened, revealing a small man in black rags. Qyburn.

Tyrion's feet felt like anchors as he trudged on towards the expelled maester. As the distance closed, he took a deep breath and made eye contact with him.

"Qyburn," Tyrion welcomed skeptically as he looked at the Hand of the Queen pin on his shoulder.

Qyburn bowed his head. "My lord."

Tyrion eventually stopped walking and planted his feet firmly in the sand. "Queen Daenerys demands Cersei's unconditional surrender and the immediate release of Lord Varys," he stated more confidently than he felt inside.

Qyburn cracked a smile. "Queen Cersei demands Daenerys' unconditional surrender. If she refuses, Lord Varys will die here and now."

Tyrion stepped closer. "Qyburn," he began, his voice almost a whisper, "you're a rational man."

He raised his eyebrows. "Or so I flatter myself, my lord."

Tyrion offered a fake smile before becoming serious again. "We have a chance here," he emphasized. "Perhaps our last chance, to avoid carnage."

"Yes," Qyburn agreed.

Then fucking agree and bend the knee. "Then help me!" Tyrion exclaimed desperately. "I don't want to see this city burn! I don't want to hear the screams of children burning alive!"

But Qyburn's face remained emotionless. "No, it is not a pleasant sound."

Tyrion shook his head violently as tears filled his eyes. "I-I don't want to hear it. Help me save this city! We have another war to win, the Great War! We cannot be fighting amongst ourselves when the dead come again!" he pleaded.

Please Qyburn. Please Cersei. We can compromise. We must do this. She's not completely evil. She has her child now to fight for.

But the Hand resisted. "My lord, I am only a mouthpiece for our queen."

Tyrion narrowed his eyes. "Your queen," he emphasized loudly enough for Cersei to hear.

Qyburn straightened. "Cersei is Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. You are her subject," he said bitterly.

For such a little man, he is quite bitter.

"She will be ruling over a graveyard if we don't help each other!" he explained passionately. "Her reign is over. You understand this. Help her understand it!"

Qyburn stood back in surprise. "We understand nothing of the sort! Your queen's dragons are vulnerable, and she is in no condition to fight," he insisted as he motioned towards Daenerys' pregnant stomach.

Tyrion could feel the anger boiling up inside him. We are not weak, and we will destroy you.

But he didn't stop. "Your armies are battle-weary and depleted, while ours have been reinforced with the Golden Company—"

Fuck this.

Tyrion rolled his eyes and pushed Qyburn out of the way to address his sister directly. This is my sister. If she has any decency left in her, she will meet our terms.

He heard the Queensguard ready their weapons to shoot him down, but Tyrion approached with his hands raised. I am not here to start another war. We still have the Great War to win.

Cersei was looking down at him in disgust as she raised her hand to give the order to obliviate him. If she does that, they'll all die. She knows this. Don't be stupid, Cersei. After they stared each other down for a few tense moments, she relaxed her arm and the men stood down.

Thank the gods.

"Cersei, you're not a monster!" he began to exclaim. "I know this. I know this because I've seen it."

He paused for a moment as he watched Cersei's face tightened. Fucking listen to me!

"You've always loved your children. More than yourself, more than Jaime more than anything," he acknowledged. "And now I beg you. If not for yourself, then for your child."

He took a step closer. "Your reign is over, but that doesn't mean your baby has to die!"

However, once the words left his mouth, he knew they were a mistake. Cersei's face twisted at the mention of the child in pure despair and rage. Tyrion felt his heart sink into his stomach as his face fell in realization. The child. She lost the child.

He desperately looked back at Daenerys, knowing all too well what was about to happen. However, before anyone could do anything, a flash of gold whipped by his side.

Jaime.