Chapter 80 - The Death of Jon Arryn (II)
"Chaos is an opportunity for the bold and a terrible fate for ordinary people." Littlefinger, Master of the Coin.
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In the Small Council Chamber, Robert Baratheon was drinking noticeably less wine than usual. His blue eyes swept the room, hovering over each person present with the authority of a true king.
"Ned will be the next Hand. Send a raven ordering him to come to King's Landing. Also, send a marriage proposal: my sons and daughters will marry his," announced Robert, with an indifferent tone.
Cersei gritted her teeth, irritated by the disdain in her husband's voice, as if he were dealing with goods and not people. The thought of her daughter having to spread her legs for a barbarian from the North almost made her scream with rage.
When Robert finished speaking, all eyes turned to Tywin Lannister. Some had amused expressions, curious to see the Lord of Casterly Rock's reaction. Many had expected Tywin to assume the position of Hand after Jon Arryn's death, but it seemed that Robert had no intention of giving his father-in-law that honor.
"Joffrey will marry Lady Sansa Stark. Tommen will marry Lady Arya Stark. Myrcella, in turn, will marry Robb Stark, the heir to Winterfell," Robert declared, his voice firm and without hesitation, as if it were the only sensible choice.
However, there was something that bothered the king deeply. He had only three legitimate sons to negotiate alliances with, while Ned Stark had four sons, two daughters and even a bastard who bore the name Jon Snow. Robert wished for more heirs to marry off all his friend's offspring, but that was out of his reach.
Cersei, about to protest for the freedom of at least her daughter, felt her body freeze when Tywin's cold, calculating eyes fell upon her. All courage, anger and indignation evaporated before that implacable gaze.
Tywin, realizing that his daughter would remain silent, turned to Robert and, with characteristic calm, said:
"Your Grace, House Tyrell continues to refuse to heed your call. They have reinforced the borders, especially in the west, and their vassals are mobilizing throughout the Reach. It is wiser to marry Prince Joffrey to Lady Margaery Tyrell.