Chapter 127: Radical
Robert Baratheon was pacing.
That alone told Artos how the difficult the conversation is going to be. It seems he had gotten under his skin deep enough to make sitting unbearable.
"Tommen," Robert said, not looking at him, "is going to Casterly Rock as the Heir of Tywin fucking Lannister."
"Yes."
"And you want Tyrion Lannister," Robert continued, "the same Tyrion who once lost a fortune at a single game of cards in Lannisport, and you plan to make him Master of Coin. The same Tyrion that is supposed to be the heir of Casterly Rock and you are one helping Tywin to refuse Tyrion rights."
Artos nodded as if it is the most normal thing
"Are you shitting with me Artos. Tommen is my son and you made a deal without even asking me. Doing all this will piss off every Lannister including the Queen who would chew my head."
Robert finally turned to face him, hands spread as if physically trying to grasp the shape of what had happened. "Do you understand how mad that sounds when you say it? It's not easy to do"
"I understand it sounds mad," Artos said. "That doesn't make it wrong. And about Tommen , Tywin will handle it with the Queen. This is part of the deal. Yes she will be pissed but when she is not pissed? So it changes Nothing for us. Except your son got a nice future ,with Future of West more in support of Crown and two million Dragons less to pay."
"You helped Tywin Lannister disinherit his own son from Casterly Rock, You made a deal with him.and but plan to put him in charge of the entire crown's treasury instead. That would piss Tywin, I thought you said to me that you wanted good terms with him for this deal."
Artos smiled with cruelty " Oh come on, No one thought i would spare Tywin after what shit he pulled, It's just me being compromising with the punishment for the realm sake " he said as if doing a large favour on the realm
Robert stared at him, pissed at him from his every bone in his body "You do know how this looks."
"How." Artos asked innocently but that's just a act as a cruel glint In his eyes still remained.
"It looks like the Hand of the King is rearranging Westeros's great houses for what. Because he wants to have some fun. It will piss off and frighten a whole lot of Lords."
Artos allowed the faintest smile, his act of being generous continued. "Not for fun, Your Grace .For debt relief, mostly. I am just doing whatever I can do for realm. Your words really wound me, Your Grace."
Robert let out a short, disbelieving laugh, more exhaustion than humor in it. He dropped into his chair at last, rubbing at his temple as though he could massage the last few weeks out of his skull.
"Stop that bullshit even a nine namedays old won't buy that from your Mouth, Artos ." Robert said
Artos just smiled and laughed" Alright, Alright I was just playing but This is the best choice for the Crown. We are in a far better position than before."
"Well, I can't deny that.Two million dragons," Robert said. "Gone. Erased. Just like that. But still...."Robert's eyes flicked up at that, sharper than before. "You think Tywin would have used the debt against me?"
"I think Tywin uses everything against everyone, eventually," Artos said. "It's simply what he is. The debt was a leash. I cut two million dragons off that leash. It's not like Tywin is known to be generous Lord with pure intention every move of his , every favour of his is dipped in poison. He is a player of this game way long before us, We all are pieces on a board," Artos said simply. "I'm merely the one willing to put us in a winning position either by hook or crook."
Robert exhaled, long and heavy, and waved a hand as if physically pushing the argument away. "Seven hells. Fine. It's done, and apparently I can't undo it even if I wanted to. Just—" he pointed at Artos, "—give me some warning next time. Before the realm finds out from gossip instead of from me."
"I make no promises," Artos said, "but I'll consider it."
It Angered Robert to no extent
Artos laughed" I am just fooling around, Don't worry I will tell you the news and plans. I just thought you weren't interested in politics, that's why I didn't involve you."
Robert shook his head, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like a complaint about ever making him Hand in the first place, though there was no real heat behind it. Artos said nothing further, simply inclined his head and let the king have the last word, such as it was.
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The chamber Oberyn Martell had taken for himself in the Red Keep smelled faintly of exotic oil and wine, the kind of scent that seemed to travel with the man wherever he went, as much a part of him as the sharp, restless intelligence behind his eyes.
He was lounging when Artos entered, one leg draped over the arm of his chair, a cup of Dornish red in hand, looking every bit as relaxed . He is invited by Robb to be the judge in the Trial.
"Artos," Oberyn said, not bothering to rise. "Or should I say, Lord Hand now. Your reputation has grown rather more colorful since I last met you. You have made me happy quite a lot with some of your decision and some of your son."
"Oberyn." Artos inclined his head. "I trust the journey wasn't too tedious."
"Oh it was tedious coming to this filthy city," Oberyn said, swirling the wine in his cup. "But your son's actions were… persuasive. Also Lord Robb writes a compelling case for a man his age."
Artos smiles"Oh He's learning, inviting you is quite a thought. He is doing good."
Oberyn, a glint of genuine interest in his eyes. "So it was his idea." He took a slow sip. "I find that far more interesting . It seems next generation Stark will be much more dangerous."
Artos allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
"Ah, but it's rarely truly about the trial, is it?" Oberyn's smile sharpened, all teeth and amusement. "Will you let me participate in it. You know in which Trial i am taking about. "
"I know you don't need it "Oberyn said. "I don't waste flattery on men , so I know how capable you are." He set his cup aside, sitting up straighter now,
Artos smiled at that knowing the pain and anger in him , he could himself relate to it but that is something he can't offer as his son's life is on a stake and he can't afford any mishaps.
Artos didn't want to break words to Red Viper so he just changed the topic. " Lord Edmure Tully and Lord Tyrell has also come to represent as judges from our Recommendation. Well Lady Olenna has come in case of Later. You already know who controls the Tyrells "
Red Viper laughed at that but it seems he also got his answers, he can't he isn't disappointed but he also know Artos wouldn't agree.
So both Just moved on with thier discussion about the realm , trial and mostly Lannisters.
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