Chapter 14

Cersei had read her letter, and then read it again. Her fingers strummed on the desk in front of her as she turned the words over in her mind.

Dear Cersei,

I do not appreciate being left in the dark about my family, and I am saddened that you did not write to inform me you had given birth. Despite the lack of respect you have shown me, I have heard rumours your new child is a dwarf. This does explain your silence to some extent, and I wish to express my condolences to you. As you are aware it is the family name that lives on. In a royal family this is more important still, and I'm certain you will do your duty and remove this stain on the royal family.

Moving on, I have heard whispers that King Joffrey has not be seen within the red keep for a couple of days and neither has your brother. Once again, I must stress the importance of appearances. As his mother, you are responsible for Joffrey and you alone must ensure he is fulfilling his duty. His absence has been noted and rumours will spread that will only aid our enemies.

As for your brother, he has once again proven to be incapable of the role I have given him. I suspect he has not been seen because he is engaging in his distasteful 'hobbies' and is once again shaming the family name. Rest assured that when the Lion defeats the Wolf I will make haste to Kings Landing and remove Tyrion as Hand of the King.

Once again, I offer my condolences on the loss of your baby. I expect to be kept informed about such matters henceforth. 

Lord Tywin Lannister

Cersei's jaw clenched as the words sunk in. How dare he speak of killing her baby as if he were commenting on the weather. This was his grandson. He may not have the Lannister name but he was still his grandchild. Upon reading the letter, Cersei had wanted nothing more than to burn it. Tear it to pieces and pretend it didn't exist. What was she supposed to do? Eventually her father would come here, and she would not have her baby boy treated as Tyrion had been treated.

Cersei wanted to hit something. Her father dismissed Tyrion's absence with little concern; assuming he was bedding a whore or passed out drunk. Never would he dream his youngest son had killed a Kingsguard and was desperately hurt because of it. That Tyrion had nearly lost his hand protecting Tywin's grandson.

'Not that he would care' she thought bitterly

The biggest issue was that her father knew anything at all. He knew of her baby, despite keeping him secret for several days. That news was bound to get out eventually, and moving the child from room to room had likely let the secret slip. Then there was the absence of Joffrey. If word was spreading that he had not be seen and there was no explanation, it could well cause people to lose faith in the crown.

Cersei tossed the letter across her desk and eyed the sealed scroll addressed to her brother. Surely with Tyrion incapacitated she should read the letter? Curiosity won out and the Queen regent quickly broke the seal and opened the message.

Tyrion,

I wrote to you days ago expressing my utter disappointment at not being informed of my grandchild's birth. Once again you have brought shame on our family. You seem unable to control Joffrey and now I am hearing news that neither you nor the King has been seen for a couple of days. How many times must I tell you that the family image is integral to ensuring the Lannister name lives on? The Kings absence stirs discontent throughout the kingdom and as the acting hand you are responsible for ensuring he presents a strong, powerful image.

I gave you real power and you've wasted your time as you always have. When I arrive in Kings Landing you will be removed as Hand of the King and I will ensure you are never given any real power again. The laws of gods and men give you the right to bare my family name and colours, but I assure you it gives me no pleasure.

Lord Tywin Lannister

Cersei stared at the letter written for her brother and stood from behind her desk. The past four days had opened her eyes to many things and it had certainly cast a grim light on her father. It did not matter what he wanted. She had no intention of killing her baby son and every intention of preparing Tommen to become King. She would do everything to make sure he becomes a better King than Joffrey. Cersei lifted the letter from her desk and walked across her room. She glanced at the letter addressed to Tyrion one last time before dropping it in her fireplace. As the paper burnt, Cersei resolved that the past would burn too. Things would change and Cersei would ensure they changed for the better.

"You're a shit warrior" said a gruff voice as Tyrion blinked up at the ceiling "I told you that once before, but I guess it didn't sink in"

"Bronn?"

"That's my name"

"Why are you here?"

"You've been barely conscious for five days and that's your first question?"

The room was coming slowly into focus for Tyrion. His head was pounding and his limbs felt achy and weak but he decided it would still be better to sit up. He could feel his left arm was immobilised so he hesitantly put some weight on his right hand to push himself upwards.

"urgh" he moaned as agony shot through the limb the moment his weight went on it, and he collapsed back to the bed.

"I wouldn't do that" warned Bronn, as Tyrion reluctantly settled for turning to face the sellsword.

Bronn was leaning back in a chair to Tyrion's left, one arm thrown over the top as he twirled a dagger in his other hand.

"It's been five days?" Tyrion asked, lifting his right hand up to examine the injury. Bandages encased his hand so firmly he could not even bend his fingers.

"It has" confirmed Bronn "So are you gonna tell me why you decided to attack a member of the Kingsguard?"

"It's a family matter" replied Tyrion, laying his hand on the bed once more. His voice felt hoarse and he could already feel his eyes sliding shut, but Tyrion needed to know what was going on.

"I know all about the new dwarf prince. What I want to know is why didn't you give me a bag of gold to gut Meryn Trant for you? Hell, if you paid me enough I might have done in Joffrey"

"I told you; it was a family matter" replied Tyrion "The prince lives?"

"Oh, he's fine as far as I know. Is he yours?"

It took a moment for the implication to set in "Of course not. You think Cersei would bed me? She can't stand the sight of me"

Bronn snorted in reply "Don't look like that, the rumours about your brother and sister are everywhere. Who's to say she didn't substitute one for another"

"Cersei hates me; she always has" murmured Tyrion, feeling a shiver run through him. He had only been awake a few minutes and his body seemed to be rebelling against the idea of staying that way.

"Are you sure? There was a woman who I could have sworn was your sister holding you like a newborn and crying when they cauterised your hand"

"No, that can't be true" protested Tyrion, glancing at his hand once more with a grimace. He knew what cauterising was and it was not at all pleasant, though it did explain the deep ache that enveloped the limb.

"It's true. Your hand got infected and they wanted to cut it off. She wouldn't have that and held you down while the Maester did the deed. Didn't leave your side for a good few hours after it was done either"

Bile rose up Tyrion's throat at the thought of waking to find his hand gone. Most Maesters wouldn't have bothered trying to save the limb and it was apparently his sister who insisted? "How would you even know this?"

"I came to relieve Pod and the peephole on your door was open. I saw your sister on the bed with you. Besides, Pod was in here heating the blade. He saw everything"

"Oh…" Tyrion said, feeling heat spreading to his cheeks. Why would Cersei care what happened to him?

Tyrion ached all over and he could feel what meagre strength he had deserting him, but there were so many things he needed to know. If only he could keep his eyes open.

"I should get up. I'm sure there are things that need doing" said Tyrion, bracing himself to move once more.

Almost instantly Bronn was leaning over him "You aren't going anywhere. I've got orders that you're not to leave that bed"

"Whose orders?" Tyrion said, furrowing his brow

"Your sister. Besides, you're a right mess. I'm no Maester and even I can see you've still got a fever"

"I'm the Kings Hand; I have duties"

At that a sad look passed over Bronn's face and Tyrion's heart constricted.

"Or am I not?" Tyrion asked as Bronn sank onto the edge of the bed beside him

"I've been told not to tell you anything"

Tyrion felt his eyes prickle unexpectedly "Oh, I understand. You work for my sister now. You shouldn't disappoint her"

"It's not…" Bronn started with a sigh "Look, I don't know for sure what's going on, but when they were moving you from the Queens room to this room, Podrick noticed your Hand of the King badge was missing. He asked the Queen about it and she said you wouldn't be needing it anymore"

"Oh" Tyrion answered, suddenly feeling hollow

"Sorry, but that's all I know"

"It makes sense, I suppose. I imagine Joffrey is polishing a spike for my head now. When is the trial? I attacked a member of the Kingsguard after all. I should be grateful my prison is this room rather than the black cells"

Bronn glanced away from him and shrugged "I don't know anything about that, but you did kill Trant."

"Good. I suppose if you did know something, you couldn't tell me"

Bronn made no move to answer and Tyrion suddenly felt the urge to be alone. He glanced around the room and realised he was in the red keep, judging by the design. It made sense, if he was no longer Hand of the King to have him moved from the Tower of the Hand.

"You look ill. Want me to get the Maester?" Bronn offered, looking decidedly uncomfortable with the situation

"No. I'd rather be alone, if it's all the same to you" Tyrion answered, looking anywhere but his supposed friend

Tyrion could feel Bronn staring at him, but he refused to meet his gaze "I get it. There is one more thing though"

"What could that be?"

"If you woke up, I've got orders to give you milk of the poppy. Your sister wants you kept asleep as much as possible"

Tyrion merely nodded. He didn't care anymore. He couldn't leave the bed and he had nowhere to go if he did.

"Cheer up. Nice long nap and it'll numb the pain" Bronn said, moving from the bed to get the medicine

The sellsword returned with the liquid in a cup and Tyrion automatically raised his right hand to take it.

"Not sure that's going to work" Bronn commented as Tyrion swore. With one arm broken and his other hand useless he would need help to do the most basic of tasks.

"Now I'm both a dwarf and a cripple. Father will be so proud" said Tyrion, dropping his eyes to the blanket that covered him

"You'll get over this you grumpy shit. Now open your mouth before I open it for you"

"So kind to the cripple"

"You want kind, get Pod. That lad would probably wipe your arse if you asked him"

"A frightening thought"

Reluctantly, Tyrion allowed Bronn to help him drink the medicine. Exhaustion was already tugging at him as Tyrion settled into the pillows. Bronn went to put the cup down, but hesitated, turning back to Tyrion.

"I don't work for your sister you know. She paid me gold to watch your back and I'll do it until you're back on your feet and paying me again" said Bronn, clapping him on the shoulder as he moved away from the bed.

Tyrion wanted to be alone but rather than leaving the sellsword merely returned to his chair in the corner much to Tyrion's annoyance.

"Orders?" Tyrion questioned, his head feeling heavy against the pillow

"Aye. You're not to be left alone" Bronn confirmed, looking away

Tyrion didn't bother replying, but turned his head away from the sellsword as the milk of the poppy dragged him down to sleep.