The torches on the walls cast flickering shadows.
Step~ Step~ Glynn first ascended two steps, then turned, looking down at Petyr.
"Lord Petyr, you don't seem to have grasped the situation yet. The evidence of your crimes is already conclusive…"
His tone was calm: "If you attempt to escape, I can execute you on the spot."
As Glynn's words fell, Petyr's heart skipped a beat.
Petyr's face was somewhat ashen. He had painstakingly climbed step by step from the Fingers Peninsula to the position of Master of Coin, and with a few more interactions, he would gain the trust of the Direwolf. The ladder he had been planning for years was on the verge of success… If successful, he would possess greater power and higher status.
After this night, years of effort would turn to dust.
Petyr suddenly smiled, his smile both bitter and ironic.
Glynn's eyes subtly moved, and he gently consoled, "Lord Petyr…"
"The outcome of the game of thrones can sometimes change in an instant. The victor need not be arrogant, and the loser need not be overly disappointed. Once you've entered the chessboard of the game of thrones, whether you are the player or a pawn, as long as your life is not in danger, it is merely the first round."
Petyr had to admit that Glynn's words had comforted him somewhat; at least he wasn't as disheartened now.
Today's upheaval came too suddenly. Under Glynn's death threat, Petyr's resolve wavered for a moment, but… he was, after all, a power player with firm resolve… "Perhaps the wealth in my hands can make you interested in a new deal between us."
"Lord Petyr, you need that wealth more than I do. We both know that glittering gold dragons are the quickest way to gain support. I can't bear to jeopardize your safety because of my greed."
Petyr: "…"
He first unhurriedly straightened his collar before speaking: "Earl Glynn, it seems my second round can only be the Vale."
Step~ Step~ Glynn descended a step and said, "The Vale is a good place."
Petyr's eyes trembled, and he mused, "It's also a dangerous place."
He paused, then added, "The Vale Nobles will not support me."
"Lady Lysa and the young Duke will support you. That will be easy for you."
After a moment of silence, Petyr looked up and directly at Glynn: "Earl Glynn, what exactly do you want to do?"
Step~ Step~ Glynn descended another step. He reached out and patted Petyr's arm.
"King's Landing will await your return, Lord Petyr."
Petyr looked up at Glynn for a moment, then withdrew his gaze.
He habitually curved his lips, his voice seeming to regain its usual composure and elegance.
"Earl Glynn, what do you want me to do?"
"Earl Petyr, a man of your wisdom doesn't need others to teach him how to walk, does he?"
"Before me stands a truly wise man."
Glynn glanced at the dark corner: "Just luck…"
"...Direwolf…"
"...Luck…"
"...Friend…"
"...Wait…"
Footsteps receded, and the two voices gradually faded… Prime Minister's study.
Varys was explaining to a furious Duke Eddard.
His speaking pace was faster than usual: "Prime Minister, my little birds only listen and watch; they don't wield swords. If no one protected me, how would I dare to speak out? You should also know that Earl Petyr can buy anyone he wants, including my most trusted attendant, or my most trusted cook. What can I do but tremble in fear?"
Varys showed a very fearful expression: "After accidentally getting this information, I always couldn't help but suspect if those around me would harm me. Do you know what I fear most before going to sleep every night? I worry I'll never wake up!"
Duke Eddard frowned, and said in a deep voice, "Varys, if you hadn't chosen to conceal it, Prime Minister Jon might not have died."
Varys's eyes widened: "When I knew about that matter, do you know how ill Prime Minister Jon was? How could I dare to tell him his wife was stealing…"
As he spoke, he quickly stopped himself, paused, and then continued: "Prime Minister, I at least had to wait for his health to improve, didn't I? At that time, how could I dare to provoke the Old Duke again? I loved him just like everyone else."
Why was the truth so cruel? Duke Eddard closed his eyes in pain.
His wife's sister, Lysa Tully, was a lively and beautiful girl in his memories. Could time truly make a person so vicious?
Duke Eddard opened his eyes and said wearily, "Varys, do you know the reason?"
Varys shook his head and said, "Hand Eddard, you must have heard that Lady Lysa miscarried 5 times after marrying the Old Duke… before having her current young son. After that, she always had hallucinations that someone was trying to harm her child. This is a very terrifying thing."
He sighed and continued, "It is said… many people have heard… that the Old Duke seemed to be planning to send his young son to Dragonstone, to be raised by Duke Stannis. Therefore, many people heard the couple arguing multiple times."
Varys clasped his hands together, lowered his voice, and added, "Guessing from the result, the separation of mother and child deeply stimulated Lady Lysa, who was already sensitive to stimulation. But who could have imagined it would lead to such a terrifying outcome?"
After speaking, he even hunched his thick, short neck.
Duke Eddard: "…"
Gods, how could this be? Lysa's crimes could not be forgiven for any reason. How should Lysa be judged next? When Catelyn learns the truth, she will surely be heartbroken… but I cannot embrace her.
Without a mother, what would become of young Robert of the Eyrie? That young son was Jon's only bloodline; he and Robert should protect him as he grows up.
And Petyr… Duke Eddard's tall, strong body rose from the chair. He strode over and took down the Ice Clan sword hanging on the wall; its blade was dark as black smoke.
Duke Eddard was filled with murderous intent. Varys retreated a few steps, trying hard to reduce his presence.
Knock knock knock, a knock came from the door.
Without waiting for Duke Eddard to respond, the door was already pushed open, and Petyr was shoved into the room by Glynn.
Petyr almost fell clumsily. He barely managed to steady himself with great difficulty.
"Shameless Petyr!"
Petyr heard Duke Eddard's angry voice. In his line of sight was a gleaming greatsword.
Duke Eddard had already met the five witnesses besides Hugh; they had all served Jon.
With conclusive evidence, Duke Eddard had no patience to listen to Petyr's cunning excuses… Only before the execution would he, according to tradition, look into Petyr's eyes and listen to his last words. This was his only chance to speak.
But… this was not Winterfell, but King's Landing; this was King Robert's Red Keep, and he was King Robert's Hand of the King; the man before him was King Robert's Master of Coin, and he could not execute him privately.
Varys's eyes moved. He stepped forward two paces and said regretfully, "Petyr, it's truly unbelievable. How could you do such a thing? The Old Duke trusted you most, yet you betrayed him with the most shameless act… Alas…"
He seemed unable to continue speaking, shaking his head and sighing again.
As Varys spoke, Petyr kept his head down and made no other move, but he nearly bit through his teeth… Duke Eddard finally suppressed his murderous intent. He rehung the Ice Clan sword on the wall, worried that holding the sword would make him unable to resist killing Petyr on the spot.
Duke Eddard said coldly, "Petyr, what poison did you give Prime Minister Jon?"
Petyr was shocked. He quickly denied: "Prime Minister, I did not participate in the poisoning, I swear!"
"Littlefinger, only the Others would believe your oath."
Petyr earnestly said, "Fair Prime Minister, I am telling the truth. I admit that I gave the Tears of Lys to Lady Lysa, but I never dreamed she would poison her own husband!"
Duke Eddard's gaze was sharp. He stared at Petyr and said, "Your excuse is ridiculous, Littlefinger."
Petyr explained: "Lysa… she said she was worried I would betray her. If I ever betrayed her, she would use the Tears of Lys that I personally gave her to send me to the stranger…"
Duke Eddard angrily interrupted: "Enough!!"
His breathing became somewhat heavy, and his voice was filled with anger: "I don't want to hear about your two's sordid affairs!"
"I'm saying… Urgh!!"
Smack! Glynn's scabbard struck Petyr's knee joint sharply.
Petyr's knees hit the flagstone floor with a thud, and he fell to his knees, letting out another cry of pain.
"Oh dear!" Varys exclaimed.
Glynn held his scabbard against the back of Petyr's neck and said, "Petyr, Duke Eddard is not interested in your adultery."
Petyr's hair was already damp with cold sweat. He stubbornly explained, "But I'm telling the truth, I swear to the Gods!"
Glynn's eyes narrowed slightly. He paused, then turned to Duke Eddard.
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke: "Duke Eddard, once Lysa Tully is brought to King's Landing, the truth will come to light. And Petyr, though a criminal, is also a witness."
Duke Eddard understood the implicit meaning in Glynn's words. Acting according to the laws of the kingdom would prevent other unnecessary troubles.
Duke Eddard nodded slightly.
"Guards!"
The study door was pushed open, and Jory and several Northern guards strode in.
"In the name of King Robert, in my name as Hand of the King, imprison Petyr Baelish in the Black Cells!"
The Red Keep's dungeon had four levels.
The top-level cells had narrow, high windows, used for holding common criminals. The second level had small, single cells, used for holding noble captives. The third level was called the Black Cells, with even smaller cells where no light could enter, reserved for the most wicked and dangerous prisoners. The bottom level was the torture chamber… The next morning, Maegor's Garden.
Queen Cersei sipped summer red. She wore a high-necked dark red gown, with various exquisite gems sewn onto the bodice.
Sansa couldn't help but widen her eyes, looking at Queen Cersei. So beautiful!
Cersei's emerald eyes looked at her, and her face showed the sweetest smile Sansa had ever seen.
"Good child, come here."
Sansa Stark curtsied obediently.
Cersei, with a smile in her eyes, observed the shy Sansa and said, "I've always wanted to have a good look at you, but I've been so busy lately that I only now have time. Are you getting used to living in the Red Keep?"
Sansa politely replied, "Your Grace, thank you very much for your concern. It's very good here. Everyone is both caring and friendly to me. I like it very much."
Queen Cersei patted the chair next to her and said, "Come, sit beside me."
"Yes, Your Grace," Sansa sat beside Queen Cersei.
"My dear Sansa…"
Queen Cersei extended a soft hand and placed it on Sansa's wrist, then continued: "You truly are a beautiful, good child. Joffrey told me he likes you very much."
Sansa, overjoyed, forgot the etiquette Maester Mordane had taught her: "Really?"
Cersei's emerald eyes trembled slightly. She smiled gently and said, "Of course it's true."
She added, "You are so lovely. I'm very happy to have you with me."
Sansa's cheeks flushed slightly. To be loved by Queen Cersei, she was so happy she could barely breathe.
Queen Cersei reached out and caressed a lock of Sansa's auburn hair, her fingertips brushing her cheek.
She curved her lips and said, "The Gods bless you. I will bless you both."
…When Glynn approached, he blinked, looking at Cersei and Sansa, who seemed like mother and daughter in their warmth.
Boss Cersei… Is she setting her sights on Sansa? The Direwolf's Little Wolf Girl is completely unsuspecting.
Glynn sighed inwardly. Joffrey also acted very well at the tourney feast that night, completely charming little Sansa.
Cersei is skilled at honey traps, and Joffrey is skilled at charming men. They are truly mother and son.
Upon nearing them, Glynn greeted, "Your Grace, Miss Sansa."
Queen Cersei smiled and said, "Earl Glynn, is there a result?"
Glynn nodded slightly, glancing at Sansa beside Queen Cersei.
Sansa was about to rise but was stopped by Queen Cersei, who kindly said, "Sansa, I almost consider you my own daughter, and I can see that you truly and sincerely love Joffrey. We will be family sooner or later, it's fine."
Family?! Sansa's little face flushed crimson from shyness and excitement.
Glynn withdrew his gaze. After a moment, he said, "Queen Cersei, the culprit has been found, and a seat on the Small Council is now vacant."
Queen Cersei pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "That is indeed good news."
Glynn respectfully said, "Your esteemed Grace, everything unfolded as you expected, everything is within your control. Please forgive my presumption, but I must praise you; the Gods have bestowed all beauty upon you."
Glynn was a good subordinate, attributing all credit to Boss Cersei.
Queen Cersei slightly raised her chin, in a good mood, picked up her wine glass from the table, and sipped summer red.
"Earl Glynn, my children all enjoy your lessons very much."
…Sansa secretly observed Queen Cersei's every move, her eyes filled with admiration.
She will marry Prince Joffrey. I will be a good wife like my mother, and in the future, a good queen like Queen Cersei.