Cersei didn't answer Lynn's question. Just gave an inaudible cold snort. That sound mixed mockery with self-destructive resignation.
"In this city, winning is everything." She turned. Moonlight through the window outlined her curves. Even dark clothes couldn't hide her innate nobility. "Losers have only one road: death."
Cersei walked slowly to the desk. Fingertips traced the surface. Stopped at the dragonglass dagger Lynn had placed there. The blade—pure black—reflected cold light in moonlight.
"You like collecting dangerous things?" Her voice light. Like lovers' whispers. But those green eyes: scrutinizing.
Lynn said nothing. Just watched her. Watched this Queen of the Seven Kingdoms perform her last desperate struggle in this small study.
Cersei's gaze moved from the dagger. Back to Lynn's face. She suddenly smiled. "You want an ally, Lynn. I think we'll make excellent partners."
Before the words finished, Cersei reached out. Untied her clothing. Movements composed, elegant. No shyness. As if undressing held no shame.
The dark garment slid down her smooth skin. Pooled at her feet. Moonlight poured unreservedly over her. That body sung by countless poets, desired by countless men—now exposed without cover before Lynn.
Like a statue carved from ivory and gold. Beautiful. Proud. Yet radiating lethal temptation. She was using her most powerful weapon. A queen's body to gamble a family's future.
"Now, are we honest enough?" She raised her chin. Like a proud lioness. Eyes challenging Lynn.
Lynn's face remained expressionless. He just stood. Step by step, walked before her. His figure so tall, easily enveloping both moonlight and Cersei in his shadow.
Lynn didn't speak. Just reached out. Gripped Cersei's chin. Not much force. But undeniable meaning.
Cersei's body stiffened. Those proud green eyes flashed humiliation and anger. But she didn't resist. She felt the dangerous, powerful, aggressive aura from Lynn. Completely different from Robert's fat and alcohol stench. A force that made her tremble—yet made something deep in her body uncontrollably desire.
"Not enough." Lynn's voice: light.
Next second—the world spun. Cersei gave a short cry. Lynn swept her up. Threw her heavily onto the wide bed with thick cushions.
Cersei wanted to struggle. Scream. Curse this man who dared humiliate her with the vilest words. But all resistance was crushed the instant Lynn pressed down.
He declared his dominion in the most direct, primal way. No foreplay. No tenderness. Only pure conquest through power.
Cersei felt like a small boat in a storm. Ready to be shattered by surging waves any moment. She bit her lip hard. Wouldn't let herself make any weak sound. She was Cersei Lannister! Queen of the Seven Kingdoms! She couldn't!
But her body's response betrayed her will. A domineering, unfamiliar sensation exploded from her body's depths. Instantly swept through her limbs. Broke the dam she'd built with pride and reason.
Her mind went blank. Hatred, humiliation, fear... All emotions swallowed by the intensifying tide.
She thought of that pig-fat husband who only knew drinking and roaring. Thought of her handsome twin brother—far less forceful than herself. Neither could give her this feeling. Being completely dominated. Even her soul trembling in submission.
She hated this feeling. Yet hopelessly drowned in it. Even the proudest lioness, facing a true lion, would be completely conquered one day.
"Casterly Rock..." Cersei gripped Lynn's broad back. Moaned out her real purpose for tonight. "Casterly Rock... will trade fully with the Gift... Food, iron, cloth... Everything you need, House Lannister will deliver to your lands at lowest prices. We... need a powerful ally."
She offered the first pledge of allegiance with her family's wealth for this twisted alliance just formed.
She wasn't stupid. She knew: this man had grown into a behemoth no one could ignore. Dragon. Wildling army. Unsullied legion... Better to be an ally sharing the cake than an enemy.
Lynn had earned his seat at the table.
Lynn's movements stopped. He looked at the woman beneath him—hair disheveled, tears at her eyes' corners, yet still biting her lip, refusing to show weakness. Approval flashed in his eyes.
Even now, she hadn't forgotten her purpose. Worthy of being Tywin Lannister's daughter.
Cersei gritted her teeth. Wouldn't let herself make shameful sounds. In the room: only their heavy breathing.
That mad tide receded. Cold reason reclaimed the high ground. Cersei shoved Lynn away. She sat up from the bed. Back to him. Quickly searched for her clothes thrown on the floor. She didn't want Lynn to see her expression now.
Her legs still trembled slightly. That unfamiliar afterglow made her feel waves of panic and shame.
Lynn didn't touch her again. Just calmly watched her wrap that perfect body back into clothes symbolizing power.
When Cersei dressed again and turned around, she'd become that lofty Queen of the Seven Kingdoms again. Only slightly reddened eyes and flush not fully faded from her cheeks betrayed what just happened.
"Casterly Rock's promise—you heard it." Cersei walked to the window. Let cold night wind blow against her burning cheeks. "But it's not enough."
Her voice regained its usual coldness. Even colder. "Ned Stark is a fool. His honor will kill him. And everyone standing with him."
She turned. Green eyes in moonlight like two bottomless lakes. "He's your protector now. But soon he'll become your burden."
Cersei was sowing discord. She wanted to completely peel Lynn from the Stark camp. Bind him tightly to the Lannister chariot.
"Lord Stark is my benefactor." Lynn responded flatly. He needed to show moral struggle. Make Cersei think he could be persuaded. Get her to reveal more.
"Benefactor?" Sure enough, Cersei gave a disdainful cold laugh. "In King's Landing, there are no benefactors. Only stepping stones and stumbling blocks. You'll understand soon."
Cersei stepped forward. Lowered her voice. That voice carried chilling coldness. "How long do you think Robert can live?"
Lynn feigned confusion. Raised an eyebrow: "The king is in his prime."
"Prime?" Cersei's lips curved with inexplicable amusement. She leaned to Lynn's ear. Warm breath mixed with her unique fragrance drilled into his ear. "A body soaked daily in wine and poison—rotten inside and out long ago."
"Poison?" Lynn's tone carried just the right surprise.
Cersei straightened. Looked satisfied at the "shock" on Lynn's face. She wanted exactly this effect. She wanted Lynn to understand: she held secrets that could overturn the entire board.
"Some poisons are colorless, tasteless." Cersei's eyes grew complex. Hate. Helplessness. And desperate resolve. "It won't kill you immediately. Just slowly corrode your mind. Make you irritable, suspicious, stupid..."
She paused. Said word by word: "Eventually, he'll kill himself."
Got it. Lynn understood. Cersei had spilled her father Tywin Lannister's plan completely. This was no longer probing. This was naked surrender.
"When Robert dies, Joffrey will take the throne." Cersei's voice held mad calm. "But Stannis and Renly won't let it go. The Seven Kingdoms will descend into war. I need you, Lynn."
She stared at Lynn. Those green eyes burned with power's flames. "Leave the Starks. Join the Lannisters. I need your army, your dragon, to protect my son. Protect our shared throne!"
"What do I get?" Lynn pondered. Asked the key question.
"Besides Myrcella, besides Lannister wealth and friendship..." Cersei's face showed a victor's smile. "You'll get a king's promise. A king you personally put on the throne. My son Joffrey only admires two people. One is Robert. The other is you! Once Joffrey takes the throne, whatever you request, he'll agree."
Almost promising Lynn future status as "Protector of the Realm." Conditions looked tempting.
Lynn looked at her. Suddenly smiled. Seemed his current chips weren't enough. Making Cersei still underestimate him. He had no interest in putting Joffrey on the throne.
But Lynn believed: as he grew stronger, Cersei would raise her price.
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