The silence in the room was an unsettling one as it did not match the storm of thoughts within each and everyone's mind.
In the end, the woman of the hour cleared her throat and focused on the latest piece of information thrown on the table.
"Lord Baelish, are you suggesting I become Renly's pretender?" she asked, wishing to ensure she heard it all clear.
"That is correct, my lady" he answered. "You have more than enough experience leading armies into battle and everyone knows you are not defenceless either. You would be an ideal pretender for this plan"
To some of the men's surprise, Tywin interfered.
"No" he said, his voice stable and commanding.
Everyone turned to look at him, some with confusion and others with curiosity; except for Petyr who simply held back the need to roll his eyes at the overprotective nature of the Old Lion.
"For Visenya to be the pretender, it would mean leading the vanguard and taking the first wave of our attack if the men do not get affected by her presence as Renly. This is out of the question. The plan can continue without it by simply having a different attack formation that will ensure we do not get attacked by the side"
His allies exchanged looks, clearly debating.
Lord Mathis often glanced at his liege, Lord Mace and waited to see what he would say upon the matter. Both men had fought for the Targaryens and had pledged their allegiance long before Robert came into question.
They had heard of Visenya's victories while fighting along Rhaegar and they knew she was a capable fighter; evident by the victories the Lannisters had in their war against Robb Stark. However, there were indeed risks involved in leading the Vanguard and at the end of the day; Visenya was not a knight no matter the training, experience and skills she had.
Loras Tyrell felt offended to have a woman leading the vanguard and playing the biggest part in this campaign, not truly caring who Visenya was. He had heard of her but right now, they were talking of the biggest battle and the victory that would grant them almost immortal titles and glory.
Garlan Tyrell did not seem to fully agree with the plan either, believing that he was a better swordsman and could somehow make it in Renly's armour. However, with the time passing and Stannis' army gaining ground with it; he knew they had to make a choice.
Lord Tarly seemed to be the only one agreeing with the idea since Stannis was the biggest threat right now. If he managed to get the throne, the lands would be plunged into war because all of the lords inside that tent had defied him either directly or by siding with his brother Renly.
They had to defeat him and push him back, if not manage to capture and kill him. If doing that meant that Lady Visenya had to risk her life and be the pillar of this plan, then so be it.
Petyr Baelish watched with amusement but also slight annoyance as the Lion and the Dragoness locked in a heated battle of stares. It was known that the Old Lion had grown possessive of his wife, overprotective one might dare say behind his back because even the 7 knew he would never admit it out loud.
Tywin did not back down from his wife's stare, clearly seeing how displeased she was with his interference. He understood her reaction but he refused to use her as bait, to an attack that might not even work.
The plan was risky and while he desired victory and to crush his biggest enemy, he refused to do it by sacrificing his wife.
If the plan would not work, if the men did not believe she was Renly then she would have no true protection. She would be right in the centre, right into the heart of the battle while they would be fighting to take down the men and force them more towards her to eventually trap them.
However, he also knew he could not simply dare to use the excuse of her gender to justify his choice. It would be a blunt lie, one that everyone would see through because Tywin had never truly kept her away from the battlefield and never presumed because she was a woman, she was unable to lead and fight.
Visenya understood his protectiveness but right now their children were in King's Landing, their family and she could not even imagine what Stannis would do. As Kevan said, he would most likely slaughter them or take them prisoners, at least some of them.
She stood in the background for far too long during those wars, she heard his worries and agreed with his ideas to remain safe but enough was enough. In her last battle, she failed to protect her family but she was not going to let this be repeated.
"I will do it. Bring me his armour and I will wear it immediately if that will confirm I am a match" she said, finally looking at the Lords.
Lord Mace felt the need to argue.
"My Lady-"
However, she cut him before he could truly start speaking.
"I am sorry my Lord but this battle is of importance. With each passing minute we spend here, debating on the subject, Stannis Baratheon is one step closer to taking over King's Landing. Forgive me for being blunt but I let a stag take the Iron Throne once and I refuse to let it happen again" she said, looking at the older Lords. "Lord Tyrell, Lord Tarly, Lord Rowan" she called out the main great lords. "17 years ago you fought for my family and my nephew. You trusted him to lead the battle and take Robert down. I now ask you to trust me as the last member of the family you loyally served for so many years. I am asking you to put your trust in a dragon one more time"
No Lord dared to speak after her, her words had left an impact deeper than they expected. She spoke of the truth and before Aerys' madness, their houses had flourished and prospered under the Targaryens.
Strong alliances had been made; trades and powerful positions had been given as Wardens and Lords of endless hectares of land. They fought against the Stag, taking over Storm's End per Rhaegar's plan and were ready to fight for him more as the rightful heir and a much better King.
Now, as they all looked at her they could also see him. They could see Rhaegar but also all the other famous Targaryens before her, who led armies into endless successful battles and commanded dragons that cast a shadow over the sun itself.
Everyone remembered how the former Princess fought in the front lines, going as far as to wound Robert and do everything in her power to protect Rhaegar. She had smacked her horse on his, she had taken an attack from his war hammer and yet she survived and stood in front of them; once again in armour and once again ready to defend the Crown.
Tywin wished to argue, wished to put her into her place but then heard her speech and saw how they were looking at her. His jaw clenched because even he felt conflicted, far worse than when she asked to join Rhaegar in battle against Robert.
She went after the Lords by using their former alliance, using her name and her family to reclaim their trust and their support. And in the end, it was clear by their faces that they were persuaded by her words as they remembered whom they served before Robert forced them to bend the knee or die.
"I am with you, Lady Visenya," Lord Tarly said, being the first to speak.
"Rhaegar would be a good king and we all know he placed his utmost faith in you, my Lady" Lord Mace said. A silent look with Lord Rowan and the answer was clear. "We will follow the plan and lend you Renly's armour"
The mighty Dragoness bowed her head to them.
"Thank you, my Lord"
She lifted it again, her chin now held high in pride as her eyes glowed with the hidden flame of her ancestors.
"I promise not to fail you and no matter what the men might think, I will still fight them until there is none of them left in my way"
Dozens of barges sailed down Blackwater Rush during the early hours of the morning, the main one carrying the most important men and women of the incoming battle.
Visenya stood at the galley of it, dressed in Renly's armour. She fixed a little bit the breastplate that was a tad bigger than her usual armour since Renly had a broader chest and shoulders but not as broad as the majority of men in the army.
She felt odd, wearing armour that was not hers; let alone one with the Baratheon stag on it. She swore her ancestors would mock her while Steffon would roll in his grave from amusement. Robert most likely would try to curse her from whatever hell he ended up in.
The sound of steps against the wooden floor made her turn her head, only to notice Loras Tyrell heading her way. He was the youngest of the Tyrells, known for his swordsmanship and his thirst for glory. He did have a certain charm on him and a more feminine appearance with his long dark hair, standing out against the more masculine men of his age and even older.
"Young Lord Tyrell" she greeted him, the stag helmet held under her one arm.
"Lady Visenya" he greeted and stopped next to her, eyes scanning her up and down in the Renly's armour. "I see you are indeed fit for it, perhaps a little thinner" he pointed out.
The Dragoness arched one single white eyebrow as she looked at him.
"You are not here for a casual talk, Lord Tyrell. Why have you come?" she asked, deciding to skip any more pleasantries and cut to the chase.
The young boy cleared his throat, placed his hands behind his back and looked around for a moment as he gathered his courage.
"I have a request" he started and she motioned with her hand for him to continue. "When this is over, I would like the armour returned to us..." he cleared his throat.
This picked her interest and she looked at him, head tilted slightly to the side.
"That is an odd request; may I ask what is of interest to you?"
He did not reply directly and he kept avoiding looking at her in the eyes for long, something that she was quick to notice.
"Renly was a good leader and he would have made a good King. I simply wish his armour to be returned to him and his home when this is done"
Visenya blinked slowly, the gears in her head working and her sharp gaze softened ever so slightly.
"There is nothing wrong in choosing the company of a man over a woman" she finally said, shocking him.
He turned his head and finally looked at her, lips parted in surprise but before he could try to deny anything; she started talking again.
"I will try my best not to harm the armour. Once the battle is done, I will have it cleaned and return to you personally"
Loras pressed his lips in a thin line, having nothing to say. He felt exposed and honestly, kind of afraid because his father did not know of his...interests. He would never truly approve, already wishing to marry him to a daughter of some high Lord.
He was afraid that she would expose him or perhaps even disagree with the idea but the look she gave him was nothing but that. He swore he could see understanding in her face and then reminded himself that she was a mother as well, who perhaps her own son was like him.
There hadn't been any news of betrothal for the Lion heir and rumours spread that there were rejections. Perhaps the young Lion was like him or perhaps his mother was not keen on giving him to another woman.
Loras was not sure but as he kept looking at her, he could at least be sure that she understood him.
"Thank you, My Lady," he said and was about to leave but stopped, turning to face her halfway. "We will have your left, in case things turn south. You can retreat towards our side and we will protect you" he finally said, earning a small smile from her.
"Thank you, My Lord. I will make sure to keep it in mind" she said.
Without another word, he kept walking and passed by Tywin; who was busy marching her way and he was not pleased.
He barely is lately and I haven't made it easier for him either, she thought in her mind.
"Lord Husband" she greeted formally, giving a small head bow.
He stopped in front of her, back straight and hands held behind. He was in his own armour, the mighty lion heads staring back while the red fabric was matching the colour of his boiling blood at seeing her with that ridiculous green armour.
"I see you are ready for your part" he pointed out, trying his best to be civilised only due to the incoming battle that would change the course of the war.
"I do not enjoy seeing myself in it if that is what you are worried about. I am ready because I wish for this to end and keep our family safe" she reminded him and he felt the need to groan in frustration.
"Do not be surprised, Tywin" she said in a softer tone but there was still strictness behind it. "I took an arrow for Rhaegar and risked my life during that Tourney to keep him safe. You should know that when it comes to family, a dragon always protects...as does a Lioness"
Tywin took a deep breath, staring her down but saying nothing for a moment. His gaze was hard but he could not hide that damn pride he felt for her. He knew who she was and how much she valued family; it was one of the things that had drawn his attention.
Even after agreeing to the terms of marriage, he knew he would win much more than just securing his place as Hand and an heir. Because her need to protect her family was what made her truly dangerous. A woman willing to reach the extremes to keep her loved ones safe meant a woman who would do the same for her children... his children and his legacy.
She was, indeed, a born Lioness when it came to her children and her pack; he knew that and he was constantly reminded of it. He was proud to have her by his side, protecting their family and ensuring their family name lived on but sometimes, she was being too much.
Sometimes those conflicted feelings of his were the main obstacles in his mind, the annoying voice at the back of his mind whenever she chose to risk her life on the battlefield or anywhere out in the open.
Sometimes, her braveness and stubbornness were too much and often divided him between the sense of doing what had to be done and going against all of it to ensure he would not lose her.
It was never the fact that he did not trust her but rather that he, in the end, was human and so was she. They were not immortals, they were not unstoppable and the Stranger could come for them at any moment.
So, why chase after him when his visit can be delayed?
In the end, he closed his eyes momentarily and let out a heavy sigh.
"Your stubbornness and pride will be the death of me one day, mark my words" he said, opening his beautiful green eyes to look at her.
She graced him with an amused smile.
"I assure you, I will not let the Stranger take you from me that easily," she said, looking up at him with that damn confidence she always had. "And to ease your worries, my lord, I will fall back once the vanguard meets the first soldiers and will not remain at the head of the army"
This seemed to please him, at least a little bit but it was not the reassurance he wanted. That reassurance would be for her to ride with him, stay back and with soldiers around her but he knew he could not have that; not this time.
Before more could be said, a soldier shouted that they were reaching their destination and should get ready to disembark.
They looked from the soldier back at one another but none said anything immediately.
In the end, Tywin made the first step.
"Are you ready for this?"
She smirked, chin held high.
"Haven't Genna told you the story? I was born ready for battle" she joked, bringing up the story her sister told her the day of her wedding.
The story behind her chosen name and her birth, how for a baby she cried so loudly as if letting out a war cry on her own. The story of how when she was a baby, she had her right hand always in a closed fist and she kept it lifted, as if a sword was held in there ready to cut down the enemy.