Different Paths to Destiny [Game of Thrones]

31: Back When We Had Nothing

"Perhaps we should start with something smaller and work up to that?" Tyrion suggested. "Like issuing a pardon to those who bowed to the wrong kings."

"And are willing to bow to us," Daenerys added.

I glanced over the map again. "There are good people among these houses, people we can turn into real allies." I brushed across Castle Darry. My fingers drifted toward the Stormlands. "There were good kings among the usurpers."

She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. "You married one." I hummed a quiet response. "Then, that settles that. We'll pardon those who acknowledge us as the rightful rulers."

I felt myself being shaken out of my nap. I sighed quietly, and squeezed Daenerys' hand. "Apologies, it seems I have another council meeting. I'll be back when I can."

OoOoO

I looked between Aylward and Lyman. Though they masked their confusion, I knew them well enough to read between the lines. The great hall was empty save for the three of us, and I hadn't explained why I wanted them to meet me here. I'd kept it from them so that they couldn't refuse me outright without at least listening to my proposals.

I dropped down to the bench across from them, waiting for a moment as a serving girl brought us each a goblet of wine. "Lyman, as we've discussed, the Freys have fallen and the Tullys are no more."

"Edmure is still alive isn't he?" Lyman asked. I smirked at the distaste in his voice. Good to know I wasn't the only one who felt that way about my uncle.

I shrugged one shoulder, and leaned forward on the table. "There's been no word. However, even if he does live, he is a traitor. He turned on Brynden to save himself. He carved up the Riverlands and delivered them right into the Freys' greedy little hands." I shook my head. "No, the Riverlands will need a new Lord Paramount. I'm giving you this opportunity to go home, Lyman."

"I took a vow, your grace. I don't regret it."

I let out a long exasperated sigh. "When you took that vow, we had no way of knowing the Riverlands would fall so fast. Go back to your family, Lyman. Take back Plowman's Keep, and take back the Riverlands."

We stared each other down. I wanted to order him to leave, I couldn't imagine willingly forfeiting your family like he had done. He should be with them, not me. But in the end this had to be his choice. I wouldn't force him to do anything. "With your permission, I will ride south with my men to reclaim Castle Darry," he said after a moment. I nodded. "After, I will ride to Seaguard-"

"To be reunited with your family," I said wistfully.

"And to proclaim Jason Mallister Lord Paramount of the Trident," he finished. Even Aylward gave him a sharp look. "House Darry has never been an ambitious lot, we have only tried to fight for what we believe in. I believe in you. The Mallisters are good people, and they will ally themselves with you when the time comes."

"Lord Mallister will protect your family too, of course. Since they're also his own." I had to admit, he was quick on his feet. Or maybe he'd been considering this plan from the moment we learned the Freys were dead. "I knew him, he fought for Robb. He will make an excellent warden, you're right."

Lyman smirked. "I usually am." He reached for his glass, holding it up. "When this is done, you'll be Queen of the Trident."

"I'll drink to that," Aylward said with a grin, lifting his own glass. I flushed and glanced away. I'd grown used to the title of Queen, I'd taken it ages ago. But there was something unique about having it presented to you. Declaring yourself a ruler was easy, but earning it was much harder.

"I didn't do anything," I mumbled.

Lyman reached across the table and tapped my chin. I looked back up at him to see his charming lopsided smile. "No, nothing at all. You only gave the Riverlands hope when they needed it the most, and then reunited them after a tyrant was gone. Nothing worthy of the title."

I shook my head, fighting back a smile. "I haven't done the second bit yet."

"Then I suppose I ought to get moving, I have a kingdom to conquer." He downed his wine and hopped up from the bench.

I followed him toward the door. "Do be careful out there, Ser. I already have to answer to your wife for taking you away. I don't want to answer for your premature death as well."

"I'm always careful," he told me with a wink. "Take care, your grace." Over my shoulder, to Aylward, he added, "Keep her safe. Not that I have to tell you twice."

I rolled my eyes and gave him a quick hug. "Shoo, go prepare. I'll see your men off at the gate." As Lyman left, I turned back to Aylward who was standing up. I pointed at him and then back at the bench. "Sit."

He raised an eyebrow, but did as he was told. "I suppose you didn't just want me here for moral support."

"Afraid not." I sat back down across from him. He wasn't going to like this, but I was his Queen and he would do whatever I asked. "You may have heard Olenna has allied the Tyrells with Daenerys." He nodded once. "I've received word that certain houses in the Reach are unsure where to place their loyalties. No one likes Cersei, but everyone fears her. It doesn't help that Daenerys commands an army of foreign invaders either."

If Aylward knew where this was heading, he kept his mouth shut. I let out a long slow breath. "I'm aware you had ties to House Oakheart? Lady Arwyn served on Renly's war councils, she could be a valuable asset for us."

He nodded once. "The Oakhearts are a strong house. Lady Oakheart was Wylla's grandmother, I'm sure she could be persuaded to our side. I'll send a raven. Is that all?"

I shook my head once. "Bitterbridge is in a strategic location. Whoever controls it, controls the Roseroad. If we had it, we could keep the Lannisters out of the Reach. We could prevent valuable goods from reaching the Crownlands. With that measure of control..."

"No lord from the Reach would refuse protection from the Lannisters." He nodded as he thought. "They'd join behind Olenna and swear fealty to you."

I bit my lip. "I need you to bring Lord Caswell to our side."

He didn't seem surprised, but he frowned. "I haven't seen my brother in years. We were never close." My shoulders slumped, if Aylward didn't think Lorent would side with us, there was no point in sending him south. "But that was more my fault than his. The last time we spoke, he said I could turn to him if I ever needed anything." He took a long drink from his cup.

This was all going much better than I had expected. Aylward hardly talked about his family, and I'd been afraid he'd shut down the moment I brought them up. I only had one last request. "I need you to ride south and secure alliances with House Oakheart and House Caswell."

He nearly choked on his wine. "Seven Hells, Amina!" I stared at him, showing I was serious. "I am Lord Commander of your Queensguard and I will not abandon you."

"You aren't abandoning me. You would be helping! We need Bitterbridge, and you're the only person who can secure that for me."

"I'll send a raven," he said shaking his head. "Olenna will second the request, I'm sure."

"I cannot rely on Olenna Tyrell. She is smart and she is cunning, but I do not trust her." There was still no proof, but the way she'd treated me in King's Landing...You don't welcome another Queen like that unless you plan to use them to your advantage. "Oberyn was right about her, I'm sure of it." He shook head, but sighed in defeat.

"You won't be leaving me alone, I have Daemon and Archibald. Not to mention every man and woman in this castle is an ally." I paused. "Well, except Littlefinger and Lord Royce." The corners of his lips turned up a little at that. "Please, Aylward. You are my Lord Commander and my most trusted friend. I don't want you to leave either! But I need that castle."

He nodded and stood up. "You're my Queen, I trust your decisions. I'll leave at first light." I walked around the table to hug him tightly. He kissed the top of my head. "Be safe, Amina."