Earl Jason heard a hint of regret in Duke Brynden's words. His eyes flickered, and he said, "Lord, Frey... might harbor..."
After a moment of hesitation, he said directly, "They are not reliable."
"Thank you for your advice."
Duke Brynden gazed into the distance and continued, "But they have The Twins, and you know its importance very well. This might sound heartless, but..."
He sighed again, "Queen Jeyne has passed away, which is a fact. As the King's Uncle, as his family, I have a duty to remind him of his responsibilities as King of the North and the Trident River."
At this moment, Roose Bolton's voice suddenly sounded behind them, "Yes, that is also your duty, Duke Brynden."
Duke Brynden and Earl Jason turned to look. Lord Bolton placed his hand on his chest and said, "I apologize; I didn't see your guards, so I came directly."
He nodded slightly, "Please forgive my presumption, Duke Brynden, Earl Mallister."
Duke Brynden shrugged and said, "It's alright, just an old Ser Barristan's lament, nothing to hide."
After the greetings were complete, Lord Bolton stood on Duke Brynden's other side and said, "If The Twins is willing to open its gates, the 4,000 soldiers I brought from the North can fight alongside King Robb."
Earl Jason's eyes subtly moved, and he said, "Lord Bolton, I heard that you have taken in the longshieldmen of Karstark? I also heard that Earl Rickard's eldest son, Harrion Karstark, is in the Bolton camp north of The Twins."
Lord Bolton's pale eyes flicked at Earl Jason, and he replied, "They are all Northmen, and so am I."
Earl Jason then said, "Harrion Karstark should be handed over to King Robb's custody."
Lord Bolton's voice remained soft, "He is not a criminal."
"Lord Bolton, he is very dangerous." Earl Jason was not satisfied with Lord Bolton's answer.
Lord Bolton first turned his head and stared at Earl Jason for a moment before saying, "Have you forgotten that Lord Eddard is still in Winterfell?"
Duke Brynden raised a hand to stop Earl Jason, who was about to speak, and said, "Eddard and Robb, father and son, need to meet as soon as possible, and clearly... The Twins has become even more important."
He added, "Lord Frey is a stubborn fellow. I hope my sincerity can move him."
Lord Bolton's eyes subtly moved, and he said, "Duke Brynden, sincerity alone is not enough. We also need to prepare for a siege in advance. Only fear can make Lord Frey believe King Robb's sincerity once again."
...
...
"Damn it!"
Bang!
Cersei Lannister, who had just returned from the Great Sept, grabbed a wine glass and smashed it against the wall after entering her bedchamber in Maegors Holdfast.
Jaime Lannister waved his hand, signaling the others to leave.
He closed the door and said, "Cersei, there's no need to be angry."
Queen Dowager Cersei said coldly, "Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, why are you still in the Queen Dowager's bedchamber?"
Ser Jaime shrugged. He picked up an empty glass and poured wine, saying, "I'm worried someone might be ambushing in the Queen Dowager's bedchamber. I have to stay and protect your safety; this is my duty."
After speaking, he handed the wine glass to Queen Dowager Cersei.
Queen Dowager Cersei snorted coldly, took the wine glass, and took a sip of summer red, saying, "Jaime, you're too slow. Didn't you hear who those commoners were talking about?"
Hearing this, Ser Jaime poured himself some wine while recalling, "The Little Rose of Highgarden, Margaery Tyrell?"
Queen Dowager Cersei held the wine glass and glanced at Ser Jaime, saying, "Thank the gods, at least our Ser has a pair of ears that still work."
Ser Jaime was not bothered by the sarcasm in Queen Dowager Cersei's words. He gave a knowing smile and said, "I only need to focus on you, you know, Lady Cersei."
Queen Dowager Cersei eyed Ser Jaime suspiciously. She felt that he seemed to have changed somehow, but she didn't dwell on it. At this moment, her heart was filled with rage because of Margaery.
After a moment of thought, Queen Dowager Cersei said, "House Tyrell has bought off the commoners of King's Landing with bread. She is not yet married to Joffrey, but her reputation has already surpassed my son's."
She declared, "I truly underestimated Margaery. She actually wants to control Joffrey."
As Queen Dowager Cersei finished speaking, Ser Jaime couldn't help but advise, "Cersei, if someone else were giving away free bread, the people of King's Landing would likewise proclaim that person's benevolence and generosity. With you and Father, no one can manipulate Joffrey over your heads."
Queen Dowager Cersei said angrily, "What do you know?! Didn't you see Margaery's desire for power? I know my son; he won't like this kind of woman. He wants an obedient wife."
Ser Jaime spread his hands and said, "Joffrey and Margaery's marriage contract is a condition of the alliance between Lannister and House Tyrell. This is an unchangeable fact."
After a moment of silence, Queen Dowager Cersei walked in front of Ser Jaime, looked him straight in the eye, and said coldly, "Go kill her."
Ser Jaime frowned and said, "Cersei, this isn't funny."
Queen Dowager Cersei stared at him unmoving, "I'm not joking. For you and my son, and for me, my Jaime."
Ser Jaime's voice carried a warning, "Margaery is the Duke of Highgarden's daughter. She is Joffrey's future wife. You have no reason to harm her."
The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew heavy.
Queen Dowager Cersei and Ser Jaime stood there staring at each other, neither choosing to back down.
After a while, Queen Dowager Cersei suddenly smiled, her slender fingers gently tapping Jaime's breastplate, and said, "You're becoming increasingly boring, Ser Jaime."
Seeing this, Ser Jaime finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Cersei, I've made some inquiries about Margaery Tyrell. I think she will make a good Queen for Joffrey."
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