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Tyrion VI

Tyrion looked out over the empty throne room whilst sat on the Iron Throne. He came in here sometimes to think and he often sat on the throne as it seemed to give him a clarity of thought he was unable to get anywhere else. He adjusted his position carefully, moving slowly to ensure he did not cut his behind. It truly was fulfilling its design by Aegon the Conqueror to ensure one could not sit easy in it. It was cold, hard and uncomfortable yet Tyrion felt he was born to sit in this seat. People started to filter into the throne room, ready for what was to be a memorable address.

In the week since his father's death he had managed to take over the council and had appointed himself both the King Regent and the Hand of the King. Tommen had agreed to this very quickly, probably due to the new kitten Tyrion had gifted him. Tyrion did feel guilt at manipulating the young boy but he knew he was going to use his position to best help and prepare the boy, not for personal gain like his sister had. He knew this was his chance to build the dynasty his father spoke of, in his name at first until Tommen was a man grown and ready to continue it forward.

Tyrion had plans and schemes in mind until a chance finding when he was clearing his father's chambers. He still had the message in his pocket now and he pulled it out and carefully read through the two sentences again before returning it. Why his father had dismissed it he did not know but he was not going to make the same mistake. If it was true…..well Tyrion couldn't take the chance that it wasn't. He had changed all his plans and he knew that when announced them to the court next it will be met with much interest and confusion.

Tyrion's first action was set in motion before he even entered the throne room. He had sent a raven to Littlefinger in the Vale asking for his presence at Kings Landing immediately. He had worded the message with enough mystery to intrigue Littlefinger enough to ensure he would come in person and not send a lickspittle in his stead. He had then send Bronn to go meet with the Stone Crows to ensure that Littlefinger doesn't make it past the mountain roads. Tyrion knew he could not trust Littlefinger once inch and therefore he wanted him removed from power. He was a dangerous cunning man so the only way to remove him was death, and all it cost Tyrion was arms for the mountain clan and an accident to befall Ser Balman for Bronn.

Tyrion saw that everyone was in attendance, including the small council surrounded him on the platform with the throne and the kingsguard who guarded them all at the base (except Loras Tyrell and Balon Swann who were with Tommen), so he began.

He addressed the audience "As a result of the unfortunate death of my father Lord Tywin Lannister, it falls upon myself to take his place as the Hand of the King. In addition I have appointed myself, with the approval of the small council, the King Regent until my nephew king Tommen reaches manhood. This change leaves gaps in the small council. My old position as Master of Coin will be taken by Lord Mace Tyrell."

Mace stepped forward and took a bow to the audience. There were a few half-hearted claps and Tyrion noticed Garlan Tyrell shake his head in embarrassment. Tyrion was glad Mace thought it was a honour to get this role, he considered him unintelligent and useless with numbers so he was ideal to be the man in charge of the money as Tyrion could run rings round him and get what funds he needs exactly when he needs them.

Tyrion continued "Lord Tyrell's replacement in his previous role of Master of Ships will be announced later in this address. The small council also lacks a grand maester so I have sent to the Citadel for a replacement. I am happy to report that Archmaester Marwyn is currently on his way to Kings Landing to take the role." Tyrion didn't announce that he had insisted on Archmaester Marwyn being sent to the capital, that was information that he did not need to divulge at this point.

"With the death of Prince Oberyn Martell, the Dornish seat on the small council is empty and after the recent tragic events we need to rebuild the relationship between the crown and Dorne. Therefore I request that Prince Doran Martell himself come to Kings Landing to take the seat on the small council, not anyone else in his place." Tyrion announced this whilst thinking "keep your friends close, your enemies closer."

Tyrion next addressed the Kingsguard "With the death of Ser Jamie we are needing a new Lord Commander. I am proud to appoint Ser Balon Swann to this role. Whilst he is fairly new to the Kingsguard he would never consider striking a young girl so he is a natural choice. I will be working closely with Ser Balon to pick a new member of the Kingsguard to bring our numbers back to seven. We will find a knight worthy of the honour."

Tyrion could see the crowd were getting bored already so he pressed on with that news that would certainly wake them up "The siege of Riverrun has gone on for too long and I want an end to it. Therefore I order the forces besieging the castle to stop with immediate effect and allow safe passage for Lord Edmure Tully and Brynden Tully to come to Kings Landing. Once here, if they swear fealty to King Tommen and pledge under oath the Riverlands armies to the throne, I will return the castle back to the Lordship of Edmure Tully. I will also find something for Ser Brynden to ensure his loyalty."

"The Vale will need a new Lord Protector with the death of Littlefinger," Tyrion thought to himself, "I'm sure the Lords Declarant would not object to the Blackfish taking the role to look after his niece's child, especially after his many years serving as the Knight of the Gate."

The audience murmured with shock. A voice suddenly came from the audience "You cannot do this! Riverrun was promised to House Frey by your father."

"Whom speaks to the King Regent? Step forward." Tyrion responded in his most formal voice possible. When the man came forward he knew immediately he was a Frey, he shared the same rat-like features as the Head of the House.

The man took a knee then quickly stood. "I am Ser Raymund Frey, the eleventh trueborn son of Lord Walder Frey."

Tyrion stared firmly at the Frey "You disagree with my decision Ser Raymund?"

"Yes," Raymund responded with an air of authority that angered Tyrion, "House Frey helped the throne rid themselves of the traitor Robb Stark and his men and were promised Riverrun as a reward for their actions. Your father agreed and it would be dishonourable to go against his promises."

Tyrion responded sharply "Do not talk to me about honour Raymund Frey. The decision has been made and I am not going to change my mind. If Lord Walder Frey has issue with it then he is welcome to come dine and discuss with me here at Kings Landing, a place where guest right still is honoured."

The crowd laughed and Tyrion could see Raymund was getting mad with his ugly rat face getting redder. When the laughter died down he responded "Please King Regent, Robb Stark turned into a wolf and beg-"

Tyrion cut him off and pointed at the Frey whilst he spoke "Do not dare continue your lies Ser Raymund. I don't believe them, no-one here believes them, the whole of Westeros does not believe them! Say another word and Ser Ilyn will take your tongue before you are sent to the Wall."

Raymund glared at Tyrion but moved away from the throne and back into the audience. Like all of Westeros, Tyrion despised the Frey's following the Red Wedding and he smiled to see the audience visibly part to Ser Raymund as no-one wanted to be associated with him.

Tyrion carried on "Now where was I…. ah yes Emmon Frey and my Aunt Genna Lannister were due to inherit Riverrun. Instead I am granting Genna the position of Lady of Casterly Rock where she will rule with her intelligence and nobility." Tyrion was careful to not to appoint her husband anything and he was certain Genna would not grant him anything.

Tyrion could see the audience whispering and discussing what he was doing. He carried on "I am also concerned with the Stormlands who have supported both Renly Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon instead of their King. Therefore I am going to give them a new liege lord who will ensure their allegiance to the throne is true. Lord Randyll Tarly, I appoint you Lord of Storm's End. You are to go there and break the siege, then it is all yours."

Randyll approached the throne slowly, looking very shocked. He eventually took a knee and spoke calmly "Thank you King Regent, I will not fail you."

Tyrion had thought hard about this decision but eventually it made sense to him. Not only had he taken away the only good proven battle commander from the Reach and brought him closer in loyalty to the throne but he had placed him exactly where he is needed if the note in Tyrion's pocket was true.

Tyrion watched as Randyll Tarly returned to the audience in what appeared to be a daze before carrying on "There are still forces loyal to Stannis Baratheon holding Dragonstone whilst he goes recruiting wildlings at the wall. I consider it vital that this siege is broken and Dragonstone returns to the crown. Therefore I appoint Ser Kevan Lannister the new Lord of Dragonstone. You are to head there immediately and break the siege, using whatever naval might you see fit."

Just like the decision with Randyll Tarly, Tyrion was placing his uncle Kevan in a strategic position, even if he did not know it yet.

Kevan duly accepted with good grace and Tyrion continued "The throne is still at war with the Iron Islands. They have recently taken the Shield Islands by force and I am concerned the realm may get dragged into another war, just like King Robert in 289AL. Therefore I intend to make an offer to Euron Greyjoy, the self-proclaimed king of the Iron islands. If he swears fealty to the throne then he is free to keep the Shield Islands as his own, he will receive land in the North and he will even be named to the small council as the new Master of Ships."

The audience erupted in noise and Tyrion was sure people had thought he had gone mad. Mace Tyrell approached the throne "Lord Tyrion you cannot ally with that pirate! He would betray us in a heartbeat."

Tyrion waited for the crowd to quieten then responded "I am aware of his reputation, both the good and bad. However I feel the good outweighs the bad. And to ensure his loyalty, if he accepts the offer then he will be married by my sister Cersei, King Tommen's mother, who I am sure will keep him loyal."

"And he is a cruel vicious man," Tyrion thought, "who can deal with Cersei and make the treacherous slut suffer for what she did to me and Jamie."

Before Mace could carry on Tyrion raised his hand and spoke clearly "The offer will be made Lord Tyrell, we will have to see what he makes of it."

Tyrion knew this was a risky offer and even an idiot like Mace Tyrell knew that Euron Greyjoy would betray the throne as soon as it was worth his while. However Tyrion knew his strengths and he wanted him to use them, not to mention the fabled Iron Fleet.

Tyrion had announced everything he needed to so he drew the address to a close. He remained seated whilst the crowd left the room and no doubt began to spread the word of what Tyrion had announced today. He could hear Mace Tyrell muttering in anger as he left the platform and Kevan gave a shocked but happy look towards Tyrion as he left the room. Eventually all had gone aside from Varys who approached the throne and smiled as he spoke softly "Well you have done something I thought not possible Lord Tyrion, you have completely confused me. What is your end game?"

Tyrion said one word "Peace."

"But why?" Varys asked with genuine confusion, "You have won the North, the sieges of Riverrun, Storm's End and Dragonstone cannot go on forever and the Iron Islands don't hold enough threat to worry you. If you wait long enough you will have won as everyone else will be dead."

"True but we need peace now. Westeros has greater threats to come and we need to be united in order to stand a chance of winning." Tyrion spoke then slowly removed the message from his pocket and passed it to Varys. "I found this in my father's chambers."

Varys read it aloud "Daenaerys Targaryen has three dragons and has conquered Meereen. She is coming to Westeros for the Iron Throne." He put his hand to his mouth in apparent shock but Tyrion was observing him and guessed that the Spider already knew this information. He still did not trust the eunuch but he felt confident enough to divulge the reasoning behind his plans.

Tyrion spoke up "If this is the case then Westeros must be ready to fight together. She will be able to conquer a divided kingdom with ease, I'd rather she had slightly less chance."

Varys looked deep in thought and eventually responded "This explains why you gave Dragonstone to Kevan and Storm's End to Randyll Tarly. The best battle commanders ready to defend the places she is likely to land."

Tyrion interjected "My guess is she will want to land on Dragonstone as it is her ancestral home but the Stormlands and Dorne are the other likely options. That's why I want Doran Martell here in Kings Landing – he might be needed as a hostage if she goes to Dorne for support."

Varys took over "And you will have the armies of the Riverlands to supplement those of the Stormlands, the Reach and the Crownlands too as Edmure Tully will certainly accept your offer. An army that vast could hold off the Dornish and whatever horde the Targaryen girl brings with her dragons. Ah but th-"

Tyrion interrupted and carried on "Yes the throne will have the Iron Fleet, led by the tactical genius of Euron Greyjoy, ready to stop any ships crossing the Narrow Sea."

Varys laughed "And of course giving him your sister was only to ensure his loyalty?!"

Tyrion smiled back "No that is what she deserves. She will sweeten the deal though as I have no doubts he will enjoy the idea of breaking a woman like her mentally. Our bigger problem is the dragons. If they are fully grown then there is no army or navy that can beat them. That's why I demanded Archmaester Marwyn become the new Grand Maester. By all accounts he is the most knowledgable of all the Citadel regarding magic and dragons. Let's hope he can help us find a defence against them."

"I applaud you Lord Tyrion," Varys spoke kindly though as usual Tyrion was not sure of his sincerity, "You truly are a player in this game and one who sees the big picture."

Tyrion responded grimly "If we do not stop her and the dragons then the game will be over for all of us. I'm doing what needs to be done for the good of the realm."

Tyrion shuddered when he said those words. He realised then it that moment that, whether he liked it or not, he truly was his father's son. They shared the same strengths – intelligence, ruthlessness and an ability to control people - and weaknesses - pride and a streak of unforgiving cruelty. The only difference between them was that Tyrion was alive and able to do what his father could not anymore – create the dynasty of House Lannister so no-one can look down on them again. All he had to do was find a way to stop the dragons.

The end – hope you enjoyed!