The Red Keep, Maegor's Garden.
Queen Cersei, dressed in regal finery, sat serenely with a gentle smile, her eyes following Princess Myrcella as she played with young Prince Tommen.
Prince Joffrey sat beside his mother, his face showing a flicker of impatience.
Not far off, Ser Jaime stood in white cloak and silvered armor, sword at his side.
Lancel lingered nervously near Jaime, trying to avoid the sharp glances Joffrey occasionally cast his way.
Gawen and Tyrion entered the garden, approaching Jaime and Lancel.
Gawen took his place beside Jaime, while Tyrion, grinning, drew the flustered Lancel off to the other side.
Jaime cast a glance at Cersei in the distance, lowering his voice unconsciously."Little Baron, what did the old Hand have to say?"
Without realizing it, Jaime's way of addressing Gawen had shifted—from "little wildling" to "little baron."
"He offered me the governorship of the Crab Claw Peninsula," Gawen replied, "in exchange for…"
He did not bother to conceal much, recounting what had transpired with Jon Arryn, emphasizing the hidden chamber discovered in the Hand's study.
Jaime's tone carried a note of mockery."The Hand's chambers full of drafts, yet the old lord never even noticed."
Gawen nodded in agreement.
Once their business was spoken, silence fell. Though the two had grown familiar, perhaps their natures did not align—beyond matters of duty, they shared little common ground.
To break the awkward quiet, Gawen glanced at the children playing in the distance.Best to praise the little princess?
"Myrcella is very lovely," he offered.
Jaime did not take the cue. He merely cast Gawen a cold sidelong look.
At that moment, Gawen, sharp as ever, felt he had grasped at something.
And Tyrion, standing on Jaime's other side, had seen it all. His eyes flickered, though his face betrayed nothing, and he laughed inwardly.
Before Gawen could think further, Cersei's handmaiden approached."Good day, Lord Crabb. Her Grace requests your presence."
Gawen exchanged a look with Jaime, then followed the maid.
Cersei inclined her head slightly as Gawen bowed."Lord Crabb, this is my eldest son, Joffrey Baratheon, heir to the Iron Throne."
Joffrey raised his chin, lips curved in the very same proud manner as his mother.
So alike—no wonder Cersei loves him most.
Gawen placed a hand to his chest."Good day, Your Highness."
The title pleased Joffrey greatly.
His younger brother was always called Prince Tommen—yet he himself was often addressed simply as Joffrey. Such parity rankled him. There was only one true heir to the Iron Throne, and only one who should bear the title of prince.
Gawen's words struck true.
"Good day, my lord," Joffrey said, suddenly in fine spirits. "I have heard of you. I admire your valor."
Cersei was surprised. Rarely did her proud son show warmth toward a stranger.
Pleased, she nodded inwardly. Of course—he takes after me. He can see worth at a glance.
In her good humor, she summoned Myrcella and Tommen closer.
"Good day, Prince Tommen.""Good day, Princess Myrcella."
Gawen dutifully bowed to the children.
Joffrey's mood brightened further at how his brother was addressed."Mother, I wish to reward Lord Crabb."
At that, Gawen's ears pricked. His back straightened at once.
Reward the able, and they will serve with greater loyalty—Joffrey had already grasped the lesson. Cersei was pleased. Truly, he is my son.
"My prince," she said tenderly, "I will see it done."
"Now, Tommen, Myrcella, wipe your brows and rest a while."
She dismissed them with a word to her maids, then lifted her hand toward Gawen."Lord Crabb, walk with me."
Gawen's thoughts stirred as he stepped close, gently taking her slender arm to help her rise.
From afar, Jaime and Tyrion watched as Cersei and Gawen strolled into the garden.
Tyrion grinned."Brother, your little ploy has not worked on our dear sister."
Jaime looked pained and helpless.
Tyrion patted his leg in mock comfort."Don't fret, Jaime. Things are not so dire as you feared. If she is not angry, that is a good sign—you have not failed."
The garden of Maegor's Holdfast was lush, birdsong mingling with the scent of flowers.
Cersei paused, gazing over a sea of blooms. Her tone was cool."Lord Crabb, when were you planning to tell me what the old Hand wanted of you?"
So the Red Keep had no secrets after all. Relying on Jaime for discretion was folly—he was only good for cutting men down.
Gawen's brown eyes shifted."The old man sought to tempt me across the Narrow Sea—to slay the Targaryens' two young dragons."
Cersei let out a derisive laugh."A coward's scheme."
She cast him a sidelong look."And the bait?"
"He promised me the governorship of the Crab Claw Peninsula, naming me Warden there." Gawen's voice dripped with scorn.
"You don't seem eager for the offer."
Gawen inclined his head."Your Grace, the Red Keep has sent assassins after those dragons for years, never once succeeding. And now he would hand the task to me? His motives are not pure."
"And what do you believe his true aim to be?"
After a moment, Gawen answered."To pull me away from your side. He thinks this sword in your hand cuts too sharply."
Cersei turned fully toward him, lifting her elegant chin, lips curving faintly."Just what I thought. Lord Crabb, you are of an age with Joffrey. I see great promise in your future."
His voice held a tremor of emotion."Your Grace, House Crabb will never forget your favor."
Cersei stepped closer. So near that Gawen could feel her breath.
Her eyes softened as she raised a hand, brushing his cheek."Such a good child…"
She smoothed the collar of his tunic with gentle fingers.
Noticing the rise and fall of his chest, the swallow at his throat, she smiled faintly.
Her hand traced his cheek once more."That old fool dares bypass me, dares to command my best steward as though I did not exist. Your queen is very angry, Lord Crabb. We must do something… or your queen will not be able to rest easy."
.
.
.
🔥 The Throne's Last Flame — A Song Forged in Ice and Wrath 🔥
📯 Lords and Ladies of the Realm, heed the call! 📯
The saga burns ever brighter—30 chapters ahead now await, available only to those who swear their loyalty on Patreon. 🐉❄️🔥
Walk among dragons, defy the cold, and stake your claim in a world where crowns are won with fire and fury.
🔗 Claim your place: www.patreon.com/DrManhattanEN
👤 Known on Patreon as: DrManhattanEN
Your loyalty feeds the flame. And fire remembers.