Chapter 146: An Unbreakable Alliance

Outside King's Landing, the camp of the Lion-Rose coalition.

A sad and pained Cersei turned her gaze to the little boy standing beside her, struggling not to hear the clamor of the Reach lords outside the great tent.

Now is the moment to decide life or death.

The Tyrion Lannister, wearing red soft leather armor, whispered to teach the little boy how to speak: "This beautiful and dignified lady is your mother, so what should you call her?"

The little boy with pale golden hair thought for a moment and said: "Mommy? I should call her Mommy."

"Smart!" Tyrion patted the little boy's hair, "Do you remember what I told you, what to do in a moment?"

The little boy squinted his eyes to recall, "Say my name is Tommen, call her Mommy, and otherwise don't speak, just let Mommy hold me. After tomorrow, I will get a bag of candy."

Tyrion Lannister nodded at his sister and whispered: "In a moment, you just pretend to be too sad to speak, and let me and our uncle preside over the scene. Now I will go call them in, otherwise something will really go wrong."

Cersei glared at her brother with disgust, "Do I still need to pretend to be sad?"

Tyrion wore a sheepish expression and walked out to invite the Reach lords to have an audience with their King "Tommen Baratheon".

The rumor that Tommen's corpse had been discovered at Duskendale left these lords feeling anxious and uneasy, and the entire coalition began to fall into chaos.

Thus, the helpless Tyrion Lannister used this plan of substituting the fake for the real to deal with this crisis.

The little boy was a distant relative of House Lannister, Levi Lann, who had been secretly sent here a few days ago.

After his nephew went missing, Tyrion had begun preparing this plan, until the news of Tommen's death arrived.

Leo Blackbar, Lord of Bandallon; Bryan Fossoway, Lord of Cider Hall (Red Apple House); Lorent Caswell, Lord of Bitterbridge; Osbert Serry, Lord of Southshield; Tytus Peake, Viscount of Starpike; Aurane Waters, Lord of Longtable; Fortimo Crane, Lord of Red Lake; Aegon Leygood, Lord of the Vale, and over a dozen other second and third-tier Reach lords followed Garlan Tyrell, Loras, Margaery, and other members of the liege lord family into this huge tent.

Behind them, there were forty or fifty lower-ranking lords and hundreds of landed knights standing outside the tent shrouded in the night.

A hundred-man squad of the Lion House, equipped with full sets of black ringmail, blocked the door, claiming that the returned King had been frightened and could not see more people.

A few minutes later, Randyll Tarly, Paxter Redwyne, Kevan Lannister, and other commanders responsible for the siege also arrived one after another.

Inside the giant tent.

"Tommen Baratheon has been brought to Massey's Hook by loyal subjects such as Kingsguard Meryn Trant, and has now safely returned to his loyal King's Landing."

Tyrion Lannister introduced the fake nephew's whereabouts with great vigor, "Some enemies, in order to tear apart our unbreakable alliance, have maliciously spread rumors. I believe that with your wisdom, it is impossible for those baseless, gossiping words to disturb your hearts..."

Meryn Trant and Balon Swann, the two remaining Kingsguard, guarded in front of Cersei and her "son," and with the Queen Regent's embrace, plus the dim light, the great lords of the Reach really could not see the King's appearance clearly.

They also could not bring themselves to ask the weeping Queen Regent to let go of the son she had been separated from for so long; that would be too heartless, so they could only half-guess and fill in the blanks.

Fortunately, the King's pale golden hair made this claim somewhat more credible.

"... Just as the false king Stannis has done before, he released rumors to shake our loyalty to Tommen Baratheon, but this will never be achieved; tomorrow is the day of his death..."

Tyrion Lannister was still boosting morale, but the members of the Rose family had different thoughts.

Margaery whispered to her third brother Loras: "Didn't you say the King was an eight-year-old child? Why does this one look like he's only five or six?"

Since the death of his lover Renly, the Knight of Flowers had been absent-minded about outside affairs. After hearing his sister's words, he glanced slightly at the King and replied: "Maybe he was starved thin during this time, so he looks smaller."

Margaery glared at her inattentive brother with her beautiful eyes, then leaned into her second brother's ear and asked: "I remember Tommen is eight or nine years old, and his height is quite prominent among his peers. Why is he so petite in the Queen Regent's arms? Could it be..."

Garlan and his sister looked at each other, "I said something was wrong. You are still the observant one. I will go up and see what kind of circus the lions are performing."

He vaguely felt that something was wrong, and after being pointed out by his sister, he finally thought of what was going on.

Garlan stepped forward two paces and said loudly: "On behalf of the Tyrell liege family of the Reach, I send greetings to His Majesty Tommen Baratheon. Please allow me to approach a little closer to pay my respects to His Majesty."

Before he finished speaking, he walked quickly toward the mother and son in the main seats.

Tyrion felt something was wrong and hurriedly said: "His Majesty is exhausted from the journey, and the Queen Regent is ill with longing for her son; it is not convenient to meet with the loyal Ser Garlan."

He waved his small hands to have the two Kingsguard block the advancing Garlan.

The two white cloaks had average swordsmanship, but they still had strength, and it was easy for them to block an adult male.

Taking advantage of the closer distance, Garlan quickly scanned the bodies of the mother and son; besides his size, "Tommen's" face also seemed more immature than an eight-year-old child's.

"I have suffered enough missing my son and daughter; do you still have to run over here to disturb me and my son?"

Cersei also began to act, with sadness and anger appearing on her face at the same time.

"Ser Garlan, His Majesty has already felt your loyalty, so Brightwater Keep and the nearby earldoms are yours."

Tyrion spoke at a very fast pace, immediately rewarding the castle and territory of House Florent to the second son of the Rose family.

Garlan was the second son of Duke Mace Tyrell; logically, it was impossible for him to inherit Highgarden and the fiefs of the Rose family, and he had been worrying about territory for more than a day or two.

His wife came from the Red Apple Fossoway family of Cider Hall, whose strength was not at the forefront in the Reach, being about between a second and third-tier family, and could not give him much help.

Garlan lowered his head and glanced at this clever and wise Lannister, having already roughly understood what was going on.

Although he had obtained the benefits, if they wanted the Reachmen to stand firmly on the side of the Lion House, the Lannisters would have to show more sincerity.

Thus, the second son of the Rose family took two steps back, "Not only me, but my father is also extremely loyal to the Iron Throne. Right now he is leading twenty thousand men near Harvard City fighting another false king. I hope His Majesty Tommen can also see his loyalty."

Tyrion turned his head to look at his sister, whose acting skills were exploding.

The latter nodded her chin slightly.

Thus, Tyrion Lannister, speaking on behalf of the Queen Regent, began to boast about the loyal deeds of the Reach liege lords. After spitting for a long time, he concluded:

"Now the position of Master of Coin on the Small Council is vacant. I request the Queen Regent to let Duke Mace Tyrell hold this position to better serve the kingdom."

Garlan scanned the circle and saw his uncle, Paxter Redwyne.

"Lord Redwyne led his own fleet to fight several great battles against the false king Stannis's ships in Shipbreaker Bay, the Gullet, Dragonstone, Blackwater Bay, and other places..."

"Master of Ships." Tyrion called out loudly, "Lord Paxter is most suitable for such a position."

Randyll Tarly had not been in for long, but he still heard the Lannisters granting Brightwater Keep to Garlan.

Garlan's wife came from the Red Apple family, his mother from Hightower, and his grandmother from Redwyne; he had no claim to the territory of House Florent, while Randyll's wife was the eldest daughter of the current Lord Florent.

Considering that the entire family had defected to Stannis, Brightwater Keep should logically go to the Tarly family.

Therefore, this most important commander of the Lion-Rose coalition was surprisingly angry.

Anyone who was a normal person could feel that the Lord of Horn Hill was on the verge of exploding.

Garlan was no exception, so he said the following to Tyrion: "Lord Tarly first suppressed the mutiny in the camp, and recently led the army to fill in the trenches and traps, and commanded various soldiers to clear out the rebels outside the city. I think he..."

"Master of Laws; only the just and strict Lord Randyll Tarly is qualified for this position."

After seeing her elder sister nod, Tyrion Lannister gave such a promise.

The Lord of Horn Hill's mind was not on a Master of Laws, but Sir Kevan and Lord Redwyne nearby began to offer congratulations, leaving him with no reason to fly into a rage.

We shall settle this account slowly.

A flower of hatred had taken root in Randyll Tarly's heart; it only needed the watering of self-interest to grow strong.

Holding the fake Tommen, Cersei turned her head and caught a glimpse of the Knight of Flowers, Loras, who was looking down, lost in thought.

This mature and beautiful Queen Regent recalled the agreement her father had made; she had to marry Loras, who was known to all the nobles in King's Landing as Renly's close friend.

Although Cersei liked handsome men, she could not accept a handsome man who liked men.

"Besides these loyal subjects, I also wish to reward the valiant Sir Loras. Now that Sir Jaime has been... relieved of his duties as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard by my son, and there are four spots left to fill, I propose that Sir Loras join the Kingsguard and serve as Lord Commander at an appropriate time."

The vows of the Kingsguard and the Night's Watch were much the same: neither could take a wife, neither could own property, and those who swore were all brothers.

Tyrion looked at his sister in astonishment, not knowing why she wanted to break the agreement already made between their father and the Tyrells.

Garlan, who was currently speaking on behalf of the Reachmen, hurriedly said, "This won't do, we had already agreed..."

He did not spell it out, but those who knew the inside story understood.

Loras, as handsome as a woman, had been worrying about this betrothal.

In the eyes of the Knight of Flowers, bearing children and continuing the family line were things his older brothers should do; he was only a younger son and need not worry about how to fight with women.

Furthermore, his heart already belonged to another; the gentle and lovely Renly would always be the apple of his eye.

"After the sun sets, how can a candle be replaced? I am willing to join the Kingsguard."

Loras walked out of the crowd, suddenly drew his sword, knelt on one knee, held it up with both hands, and quickly recited the well-known oath:

"From this day forth, I shall be loyal to the King, guarding his left and right until death. The white cloak shall become my life... I swear to defend the glory of the King and the royal family with my life... The gods bear witness!"

"I wish to become the King's blade and armor, my white cloak stained with blood, never to betray, until death."

Several months ago, he had made a similar Rainbow Guard oath before his beloved Renly, so he was able to recite it in one breath.

Margaery and Garlan were both a bit surprised, not knowing why he was in such a rush to agree, but the oath had already been spoken and could not be taken back.

The Jiaodu gathered in a circle had no objections.

The Reach was the region with the richest knightly culture among the Seven Kingdoms, and donning the white cloak was basically considered one of the top honors in the hearts of the nobles.

"OK, OK." Tyrion clapped his hands helplessly. "Our King cannot touch such a sharp weapon yet, so let one of the Kingsguard accept the sword for the King; you will be brothers from now on anyway."

Upon hearing the Lannister's words, Meryn Trant first turned to ask Queen Regent Cersei for permission, then turned back to take the sword Loras offered with both hands, and returned it after the Knight of Flowers stood up.

"It seems the King is satisfied with the loyalty of most; servants? Bring wine cups to the lords, fill them with fine wine, and let us celebrate this unbreakable alliance together and wish the King a long life."

Tyrion used exaggerated gestures to ease the atmosphere.

With the Reachmen obtaining three seats on the Small Council and Loras's potential position as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, the Lion-Flower Alliance was temporarily preserved.

The second and third-tier lords who followed the liege lord families were also quite satisfied with this arrangement; in the current situation, the Lion and the Flower shared the Seven Kingdoms, so their hard work had not been in vain.

As for the King, as long as the liege lord families believed it was true, then it was true.

After raising their glasses, everyone offered their own blessings for the King and the upcoming siege, then went out to appease the lower-ranking lords.

The entire coalition camp began to return to normal.

In a small tent somewhere.

Cersei and her brother Tyrion faced each other.

"I saved his kingdom for your son; is it too much to ask for Casterly Rock?"

The news brought by the raven was that their father, Duke Tywin, had already begun to urinate blood, his health was deteriorating, and he was not far from death.

Cersei looked impatient. "What is there to fight over regarding that stone castle? If you want it, you can have it. But you must find a way to kill that god-forsaken Arthur Bracken."

The more she spoke, the more her teeth ached with anger; she wished she could bite that wicked man to death on the spot.

"And those Dornishmen, do not let a single one of them go."

Tyrion rested his chin on one hand. "Let me think. Regardless of whether the Dragonrider is Rhaegar's bastard or not, the Vale has a grudge against him. In the Usurper's War, the Arryn family and Bronze Yohn Royce put in a great deal of effort. Since everyone rebelled together, there is no reason for us to fight the Dragonrider. Furthermore, Myrcella has been sent to the Vale; the marriage alliance is already a certainty."

Eighteen years ago, Lysa and Jaime missed each other; now, their descendants had a marriage connection.

Cersei suddenly realized and clapped her hands. "You are still the clever one. I will send someone to the Eyrie to send word, telling the warlike Bronze Yohn Royce to lead a large army to attack the Riverlands."

For the Vale to send troops, they must pass through the Bloody Gate and out of the Mountains of the Moon; to the north of that area is the territory of House Frey, and to the south are Saltpans, Crab Bay, and the Ruby Ford, among other places.

The Rivermen's army is currently gathered at Sow's Horn; the Vale is indeed a surprise force.

Tyrion nodded. "But that is not enough. I estimate Lady Lysa will not send all her forces; ten thousand or so is the absolute limit... Hmm... Raventree Hall and Riverrun can also be worked on. One has a blood feud with Bracken, and the other was also a main force in the Usurper's War. As long as you issue an order to let bygones be bygones and wipe away all punishments, after we retake King's Landing, these two houses might really give us a surprise."

Cersei looked at her brother approvingly. "You are still the one to go to for schemes. This matter cannot be handled by raven; you must send someone reliable who also has a good relationship with these two houses. I leave the selection of this person to you. In any case, I want to see that bastard's head as soon as possible, and kill those Dornishmen quietly, otherwise others will be suspicious."

"No problem." Tyrion poured himself a glass of cider. "After we recover King's Landing, messengers will be sent to both places."

Tyrion had a fairly good impression of that ambitious man, but since they were in different camps, there was no need to be soft-hearted.

Red Keep, Throne Room.

Lord Selwyn Tarth of Tarth, Lord Arys Oakheart of Harvest Hall, Lord Lister Morrigen of Crow's Nest, Lord Hugh Grandison of Grandview, Lord Bastian Errol of Haystack Hall, Lord Ralph Buckler of Bronzegate, and other great lords of the Stormlands gathered together, whispering about the rumors that Tommen was dead.

For them, there was only one choice now.

Previously, many Stormlands lords had the idea that if King's Landing could not be held, they would be the first to lead their troops to surrender, with no intention of following Stannis to the death.

The King they spoke of appeared from the back door, with the Onion Knight Davos Seaworth following closely behind like a shadow.

"Why have you asked me here?" asked Stannis, who had lost his shadow.

Hugh Grandison was the first to draw his longsword, knelt on one knee, and said, "If Your Majesty can allow a re-election of the High Septon and let the two faiths remain separate, we will follow you to the death."

The others did the same.

The Onion Knight hurriedly turned away and retreated to the side of the Stormlands lords to avoid their kneeling ritual.

PS: Please vote for recommendations and monthly tickets.

(End of chapter)