There are cowering whispers of a war that is soon to be waged on the realm, destroying castles, starving people, decimating armies. A war for the Iron Throne, and a war against it. A war to hide secrets and a war to betray them. For death is power...
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Irida gestured at him to take a seat on her bed, which he did at a slow pace. She watched him, eyebrows creasing ever so slightly. Irida had met Varys two years ago in the same palace as they were meeting in now. The Gold Serpents did not underestimate him and his vast network of spies.
The moment Irida had laid eyes upon him, she had known that she was at risk, that he was dangerous. She had always suspected that he knew about her association with the Gold Serpents of Dorne. Hoping that he had been oblivious to her activities in the castle was hoping too much, two years ago as well as now.
And yet, she had been able to do her job back then without any interference from him, which came back to the same question she'd often asked herself - Why did Varys not stop her?
Varys had the hint of a smile on his face as he sat down.
"No need to pretend that everything is fine. You showed up in my quarters unannounced, that's inappropriate as it is. If anything, I should be horrified at your presence here." Irida said, tweaking her collar again.
His smile disappeared in an instant. Irida could almost feel his relief at having to drop the facade.
"I heard your journey here was quite unsatisfactory."
"Your little birds are having a bit too much fun poking horses in the market. I saw them scuttling away into the crowd, though they stayed back to watch the aftermath of their deed. They seem to like the chaos that ensued. My horse was wounded on its hind thigh, and it is an innocent animal." She said, her face twisting into an accusing expression.
"I do apologise and take the blame, I put them up to it. I shall pray for your horse's rapid recovery." He said formally.
Irida wanted to smack him on his round chubby face. "You knowingly startled my horse, caused a huge commotion, broke that poor man's shop and drew everyone's attention to me. Did you also go and whisper instructions in Slynt's ear? 'Janos dear, a girl is causing a ruckus in the market. She is dangerous, her horse is dangerous too. Save the poor citizens of this city from her evil intentions.' " She mocked, mimicking the timbre of a priestess.
Varys almost rolled his eyes, but then his face grew serious. "I only did it because Petyr Baelish was waiting for you in the brothel ahead."
"Oh, was he planning to ambush me with his whores?" She asked sarcastically.
"He does not use weapons, my lady. He uses his knowledge, and that is much more powerful than any blade. He would've threatened you, bargained with you, blackmailed you, offered you something you couldn't refuse. He is, perhaps, the most dangerous man in the Seven Kingdoms, you need to fear him. He is planning something destructive, I can feel it." Varys spoke urgently, but with a firm tone.
Irida felt her confidence waver. She didn't want to admit it, but she had come to trust Varys a bit, mostly stemming from the fact that he had never been an obstacle in her plans, despite knowing of her true identity. And he didn't seem to be lying. Was Littlefinger really that dangerous? But, but how? He was but a man, with no armies, no lands, just lots of brothels. And yet, Varys was almost desperately trying to compel her to stay clear of Baelish.
