(I can't believe it took me this long to update this story. It was somewhat abandoned for several years then I randomly started working on it again here and there. Can't promise that pace will change but I've got something done so I figured I would post it.)

The morning came too soon. Tyra spent her last night in Casterly Rock saying her goodbyes to her friends and family before packing up her belongings. It wasn't as tearful as one would expect. She had expected this day to come for a long time. She was the daughter of a great lord and that meant she was born to be in an arranged marriage with someone from a powerful family. Tyra just hoped she would marry someone kind and loving. Cersei didn't have that luxury being queen to Robert Baratheon and Tyra dreaded the king's youngest brother was just like him.

Tyra's cousins Cerenna and Lanna volunteered to her ladies-in-waiting. Both of them had always wanted to visit King's Landing and this was a good enough excuse albeit without much warning. Cerenna was a few years younger than Tyra and already had her sights set on a wrapping some wealthy lord around her finger. Lanna was even younger and somewhat naïve. Tyra knew she was going to need to keep an eye on her cousin, the same way Jaime did for her. Gods only knew how many lords and knights would look at the three of them like fruits ripe for the taking.

Their escort would be led by Lanna's cousin Ser Lyle Crakehall. Recently knighted, the massive man nicknamed the Strongboar assured Tyra that no one would dare attack them while under his protection. Though it seemed Lyle wanted someone to try. Everyone knew the Strongboar's reputation for wanting a fight and he probably felt left out with Robert Baratheon's war against the Targaryens over. Though if there was one certainty in Westeros, it was that there would always more wars eventually. With a contingent of nearly fifty riders, no outlaw or bandit would dare attack them.

In Casterly Rock's courtyard, most of Tyra's family had come to bid her farewell. She went down a line, giving a quick embrace and kind words to each of them. Uncle Kevan then his wife Dorna Swyft and their children Lancel, William, and Martyn. Then Tyrek, Uncle Tygett's only child, and his mother Darlessa Marbrand. Tyra wasn't as close to her cousins as she would have liked to be but they were much younger than her and it was only natural for them to prefer the company of someone their own age. Little Joy Hill was Uncle Gerion's bastard daughter and a mere infant. Tyra had spent several nights tending to her cousin, cradling the child in her arms and singing songs the way her own mother used to do to put her to sleep.

After giving a hug to Uncle Stafford and his son Daven, Tyra gave a long embrace to Tyrion. The whole time he seemed more angry then sad. His eyes constantly glanced at Father as if they were attracted to the source of his pain. The two of them always seemed to hate each other as far back as Tyra could remember. For years Tyrion tried to gain his father's approval but when that didn't work, he must have realized the truth. Father would always hate him regardless of whatever he accomplished for this family. If only Tywin could see him the way Tyra did then he'd realize what potential Tyrion had.

The last person to say farewell was Father. While everyone else was saddened, Tywin's face was emotionless as ever. Whatever he felt, he kept to himself as he always did.

"Farewell Father," was all Tyra managed to say to him. What else could she say? That she loved him and would miss him? Both lies and he would know it. Tywin was always more her lord and head of the household rather than a father.

"Be safe," Father nodded to her.

Tyra gave one last look at Tyrion and gave the best comforting smile she could put on. The two of them had never been apart their entire lives. They had grown up together in Casterly Rock in the shadow of their siblings. Tyra may not have suffered the abuse Tyrion did but she understood how alone he felt all those years. She wasn't close with any of Father's wards or Tyra's own previous handmaidens. Only around her little brother did she feel at ease with and could open up to. Tyra had no doubt that it was the same with Tyrion.

Cerenna and Lanna had already boarded the wheelhouse, a double decked carriage that would have at least sixteen horses to pull it. It was the same carriage Father had built for Mother to travel back and forth between Casterly Rock and King's Landing. It turned out she wouldn't need it much after their marriage. Rumors were abound that Tywin and Joanna's marriage soured whatever friendly relations either of them had with King Aerys Targaryen. So Joanna stayed in Casterly Rock and became the crown jewel of the Westerlands until her tragic death.

Tyra stepped aboard and took a seat on the large mattress inside. It was large enough to bed her and two cousins with room to spare. It didn't take long before she could hear Ser Lyle order his riders into formation around the wheelhouse and shortly after, the large carriage began to move. Casterly Rock was situated on the top of a great stone hill which would take time to slowly journey down safely on something so large. The carriage moved once it passed through the Lion's Mouth and started downhill.

They would travel the quickest route to the capital via the Goldroad. It would be littered with inns and castles along it that could provide shelter during the nights and refresh their provisions should they need it. There was plenty of traffic that passed by them as the days went on but Ser Lyle refused to let anyone close to his charges. Most of the journey was spent sitting around and talking. Cerenna and Lanna had plenty to talk about regarding some lord they couldn't wait to meet or some great necklace or dress they'd purchase from the most expensive shops in King's Landing. Tyra talked every now and then but she allowed her cousins to speak the most. She wanted to like them but felt an outsider among them. Tyra preferred the company of Tyrion or Uncle Kevan.

They rarely made camp along the road. At least the bigger inns could provide shelter for Lyle and his riders. But every inn had curious eyes constantly watching their guests of honor. One could never have a moment of privacy except in your own room. It was almost worse at the castles. Every lord constantly wanted her to meet a son, no doubt to seduce her. It was incredibly irritating. The first great holdfast they reached was Deep Den. The seat of House Lydden was different from most castles as the structure itself was mostly dug into a large mountainous hill. It looked like a mine with a large gate and battlements in front of it. Lord Lewys Lydden had received a letter from Tywin informing his vessel of Tyra's approach and the man was more than happy to accommodate her in every way.

House Lydden had a rich history with House Lannister. Their ancestors were Andal invaders who settled in the Westerlands. They rose to prominence when King Gerold Lannister the Third died with no male heir. His only living daughter was married to Joffrey Lydden who was eventually renamed Joffrey Lannister and crowned King of the Rock. It was almost like a fairy tale come true. A man born a knight ascends to the throne and became Tyra's ancestor. The Lyddens may have lost some of their prominence but not their pride. Lord Lewys was every bit the gracious host one would expect for a daughter of Tywin Lannister.

The next day, Tyra and the others departed. Mountainous terrain smoothed into the calm farmlands and fields of the Reach. The road began more populated and crowded which caused a few incidents. Ser Lyle Crakehall sometimes took his job of protecting Tyra and her cousins too seriously. More than once, he drew his sword ready to hack apart some peasants who would be blocking the road and not get out of the way fast enough. He almost killed a merchant whose wagon had broken down in the road.

"Ser Lyle. Don't you think a true knight would help this man repair his wagon rather than threatening his life?" Tyra chastised him.

Lyle wasn't thrilled with the task but he ordered some of the escorts to dismount and help the merchant push his wagon off the road. They also made what repairs they could before remounting and getting back underway. Tyra gave the merchant a gold dragon for his troubles. His eyes lit up as the sight of a gold coin in his hand.

"Thank you m'lady," he called out to her as her wagon wheel passed by.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. The names of the inns and castles they stayed in were different but everything was essential the same. Lords and innkeepers treated her as a guest of honor, giving the best seat at dining tables and the best rooms to sleep in. It took about a fortnight to reach King's Landing from Casterly Rock at their pace and yet once the city was in sight, Tyra didn't feel at ease. This wasn't Casterly Rock where her family reigned supreme. This city and castle it surrounds belongs to Robert Baratheon. He might be Tyra's brother by law but he was no friend to the Lannisters.

They entered the city via the Lion Gate and passed through the various markets that littered the streets. In King's Landing, you could buy almost anything if you had right amount of money and know the right people. Armor, swords, daggers, shields, crossbows, maces, and that was what you could buy just on one street. Off in the distance, Tyra could make out the old ruins of the Dragonpit on Rhaenys's Hill and later the Great Sept of Baelor on Visenya's Hill. Smallfolk scurried out of the way but watch as Tyra's escort passed by. None of their eyes were friendly and that wasn't surprising. The Sack of King's Landing was still fresh in everyone's minds.

An honor guard awaited them as the gates of the Red Keep. A few were clade in yellow and black, Baratheon colors, but most were in red and gold. Tyra was surprised how Lannister men at arms outnumbered the Baratheon men and City Watch. Had Robert Baratheon been smart, he would keep Lannister men to a minimum and have the castle mostly guarded by his own soldiers. By allowing Cersei to bring more and more men from the Westerlands over the years, it gave their family a very strong advantage should tensions sour between the Lannisters and Baratheons.

Several prominent officials stood at the end of the courtyard Tyra's entourage entered. She didn't recognize most of them but they stood off to the side, meaning their importance was minimal. But the one who stood in the center, the most important of them, was very familiar. Cersei Lannister was dressed in red silk with golden lion embroidery. She might have married a Baratheon but she'll always be a Lannister and her choice of clothing reflected that. Tyra and her cousins exited their carriage and presented themselves before the Queen with a curtsey. The escort including Ser Lyle also bowed their heads.

"Your grace," Tyra addressed her sister.

Cersei smiled and gently touched her younger sister's shoulder. "Come now sister. You needn't use such formalities between us," she said.

She motioned for everyone to rise. After Tyra got to her feet, Cersei wrapped her arm around her sister's and led her inside the castle. The Queen seemed genuinely happy to see her sister and that somewhat surprised Tyra. Not that the two of them ever hated each other but they weren't really close. Maybe living in King's Landing had made her lonely. It wasn't like she had many allies or friends here. Father always did say anyone who wasn't a Lannister couldn't be trusted.

"I trust the journey was uneventful?" asked Cersei.

"Yes," answered Tyra.

"Good. Father was quite insistent we send outriders to join your escort once you got near the capital but I knew you wouldn't have any trouble in the Crownlands," Cersei replied. That didn't surprise Tyra. Tywin wouldn't want anything happen to his daughter or more appropriately his investment.

"I didn't see the king sister. Is Robert busy?" asked Tyra. Not that she relished the thought of seeing him again but it was only proper for Robert to welcome his sister by oath to the Red Keep. The last time Tyra saw him was during his wedding to Cersei. He was an impressive man, large and handsome. He was no Rhaegar Targaryen but he was still one could easily fantasize about. He also seemed to make Cersei happy who smiled the whole day of their wedding. It was nice to see her so happy after being miserable in Casterly Rock for so many years following Father's falling out with King Aerys. Cersei loved the capital and more importantly loved Rhaegar and both were taken from her when Father resigned as Hand of the King. She lost Jaime as well after he joined the Kingsguard.

But the day after the wedding, things changed. Cersei barely wanted to look at Robert let alone be seated next to him. She was angry and miserable. When Tyra finally asked her what was wrong, Cersei told her that the night before in their bed Robert called out Lyanna Stark's name as they had sex. No wonder she was so angry.

"My beloved Robert is hunting in the Kingswood. He left when our scouts reported you were a day away from the city," replied Cersei. Tyra couldn't help but feel disgusted. It was a slap in the face and the king knew it. Robert could at least try to hide his contempt for the Lannisters.

"Believe me sister we're better off. Let him hunt his boars, there's more important things to worry about," said Cersei.

"Like my wedding," stated Tyra.

Cersei gave a halfhearted laugh, "That won't be for years to come and besides I have great news. I'm pregnant."

Tyra was stunned for a moment then smiled, laughing as the sisters embraced. "Congratulations sister," Tyra whispered.

"Nothing Robert can do will take away my joy. It's a boy Tyra, I just know it. He'll be so handsome and all of Westeros will bow before him," Cersei laughed as the two separated.

"Have you told anyone else yet? The whole kingdom should celebrate the news," asked an excited Tyra.

"Best not. The last thing Robert needs is another excuse to throw those feasts of his. He indulges himself enough as it is," Cersei sighed.

"Where's Jaime?" asked Tyra. She didn't see him during her arrival.

"With his king. He was excited to hear you were coming but he is a Kingsguard," Cersei stated matter-of-factly.

"Let me guess. The king insisted he go with him as well," Tyra growled. Her opinion of her brother-in-law was growing more distasteful by the minute.

"Actually he wanted Jaime around to prove he was a better hunter then our brother. Jaime won the tourney at our wedding while sweet Robert was forced to sit and watch. Kings aren't supposed to be participating in such things and he resents that. So he decided he would show up Jaime this way," Cersei answered. Every time she mentioned her husband's name, Cersei had a blanch tone in her voice. Tyra couldn't blame her.

"That's the mindset of a child," Tyra sighed.

Cersei laughed, "A thought that is on everyone's mind. You're just one of the few willing to say it."

The two could hear a scuffle up ahead as an old man came around a corner gripping a young boy's arm tightly. "I've told you Renly…" the old man said furiously before noticing the sisters.

"Sister this is Lord Jon Arryn and your betrothed," Cersei said, slightly amused.

Remembering her courtesies, Tyra curtseyed. "My lords," she said.

"My lady," Jon acknowledged her. "I do apologize for being late for your arrival. Lord Renly here decided to hide in the study rather than attend," he said as he glared sternly as the young boy. Renly winced, knowing he was going to pay for this later. The boy was only a few years younger than Tyra but he would no doubt outgrow her by the time they both come of age. He was truly was Robert's spitting image only younger with short trimmed black hair and deep blue eyes. But the boy didn't seem to have the same confidence and presence his other brothers had, though that could simply be because he was still a child and one that was in trouble.

"Renly this is Tyra Lannister. My younger sister and your betrothed," Cersei spoke to the boy.

"….My…lady," Renly said, nervously bowing his head. Tyra curtseyed in response.

"Apologize Renly," Jon sternly commanded him.

"I'm sorry my lady," Renly said, barely able to look at Tyra.

"Apology accepted my lord. I'm sure you meant no offense," nodded Tyra.

"Since you felt the need to avoid your betrothed's arrival, you now have plenty of time to practice your sword skills with the master-at-arms," Jon said. No doubt this was a punishment of sorts judging from the fact that Renly's face turned pale. Lord Arryn led the boy away, leaving the two Lannister sisters to themselves.

"He's…not what I expected," admitted Tyra. King Robert and Lord Stannis had a commanding and sometimes intimidating presence. Little Renly was the exact opposite of his older brothers. He seemed meek and shy. It was somewhat of a relief for Tyra though, hoping that Renly grew up to be nothing like his brothers.

"I said the same thing about Robert and I'm sure Stannis's wife felt the same on her wedding night. Baratheons have a knack for being disappointments. I hope for your sake Renly proves the exception," remarked Cersei.