Cersei's announcement hit King's Landing like a thunderclap.
The Queen Regent of House Lannister was not only marrying off her daughter—she intended to drag the neutral Vale of Arryn into the war as well.
While others weighed complex political calculations, Cersei's thinking was simple. She believed Lysa Arryn shared a common enemy with her, so she let the rumors spread freely.
Through Varys's intelligence, Cersei had learned that Lysa still adored Littlefinger and harbored deep hatred toward Roman for capturing him and toward Catelyn for allowing his death.
The Queen Regent saw this as a golden opportunity. Since both women had lost the men they cherished because of Roman, Cersei assumed Lysa would naturally side with her.
As for whether she truly planned to marry Myrcella to the intellectually disabled heir of the Vale?
Cersei didn't particularly care. She only needed the knights of the Vale. Once her father rebuilt Lannister strength, she could break the engagement and send those mountain folk packing.
Others did not view it so lightly. The Seven Kingdoms waited anxiously to see how Roman—the most important party involved—would respond. His reaction could decide the next phase of the war.
In the lands of House Whent, people cursed Cersei for her foolishness and felt outraged on Roman's behalf.
"Why does Lord Roman still insist on that engagement? Cersei already discarded the late king's promise like trash. There's no need for him to remain so courteous!"
"Who knows? Maybe Lord Roman is preparing for a new offensive. I doubt he'll let House Lannister humiliate him for nothing."
"Whatever! Our campaigns against the Lannisters and Tyrells haven't stopped. Let them scheme all they want. We'll keep fighting our own fight. Just trust Lord Roman!"
Duskwood City – Master Bedroom
Fili entered Roman's chambers carrying a stack of intelligence reports. The young woman looked anxious.
"Lord Roman, the rumors outside are going wild. They say Princess Myrcella is going to break off her engagement and marry Robin Arryn of the Vale. Aren't you worried?"
Roman sipped his hot tea and smiled at her. "Marriages between nobles are never simple. Cersei acts on impulse, but Kevan and Tywin are both in King's Landing. They won't allow anything that foolish. Most likely they're using this engagement as a bargaining chip for future negotiations."
Fili asked worriedly, "What if House Lannister decides marrying into the Vale is more valuable than marrying you? What if they really break the engagement?"
Roman stood up, took her soft hand, and gently pulled her down onto the sofa beside him.
Fili let out a small gasp as she settled into his embrace.
Roman looked at her seriously. "What's this? You actually want Princess Myrcella to marry me? You know what that would mean for you."
Fili rested her cheek against his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist, speaking softly.
"Compared to my own feelings, your marriage affects the fate of our entire territory. I am your attendant. I think of your interests first, and my own only afterward."
Roman's heart tightened. He hadn't meant to test her, but Fili had laid her heart completely bare. For a moment he was silent.
He lifted her chin and kissed her.
The kiss was long and tender. Roman didn't know how else to respond to her sincerity, so he expressed it this way.
Fili understood perfectly. She had followed Roman for years. They shared an unspoken bond. She knew every nuance of his expressions, actions, and tones—and she knew he cared for her deeply.
Sometimes she allowed herself to dream: after the war ended, Roman would not marry a noblewoman but would stay with her, letting their relationship grow even deeper. She had even thought of names for their future children.
But she knew it wasn't realistic. Roman's position and sense of responsibility would never allow him to act freely.
For now, she could only hold him tightly, savoring the taste of his lips and tongue while she still could.
When Roman finally ended the kiss, he pressed his forehead to hers and gently rubbed their noses together.
"Thank you, Fili. I will handle this properly. I will never let you suffer any grievances because of these matters."
Fili looked at his serious face and suddenly laughed.
"Why so solemn? I know exactly what kind of person you are, Lord Roman~ Don't overthink it. Your energy is precious—why not contact Princess Myrcella first?"
"No rush," Roman said. He stood up, lifted Fili into his arms, and carried her toward the bed. "Before dealing with that mess, stay here and keep me company."
Fili giggled. "Lord Roman~ Hehe, you look fully recovered!"
Roman smirked. "Worry about yourself first!"
Suburbs of Rosby
Myrcella had brought her attendants out to relax.
Everyone had tried to persuade her not to stray too far from the castle walls in case of a surprise attack by Harrenhal forces, but she had obtained permission from the commander and come anyway.
Her mood was terrible. Ever since Cersei had torn up her engagement to Roman, Myrcella had sunk into deep melancholy.
She could no longer bear staying inside the dull fortress. It felt like a prison.
She had come out partly to clear her mind, and partly because she still clung to a childish fantasy.
The princess dreamed of being found by the hero like the ladies in the old stories, and then beginning a different kind of tale.
Although she had grown more mature after everything she had endured, she still couldn't help imagining those dreamlike scenes.
"Princess, we are already quite far from the castle. Going any farther would truly be dangerous!"
Myrcella asked, "Has this area been breached by the enemy?"
The attendant hesitated. "…No, but we still hope you will return to Rosby soon."
"I only just came out. Are you going to deny me this rare chance to breathe fresh air? I only want to see the scenery. I won't do anything reckless."
Seeing they could not change her mind, the attendants could only sigh and stay close, ready to protect her at any moment.
The sun climbed higher. They followed Myrcella as she wandered aimlessly across the wilderness. Nothing unusual appeared, and the attendants had to admit that Lord Tarly's defenses were actually quite solid.
Suddenly, a strange sound came from above—like the rush of birds cutting through the air, but much louder.
"Not good! Look at the sky!"
Everyone looked up.
Two bright white spheres appeared overhead. One descended rapidly and crashed into the ground right in front of them.
White flame and lightning erupted together, but both shot harmlessly into the sky, leaving Myrcella and her attendants unharmed.
Then a black figure stepped out of the flames.
Amid stares of shock and fear, the figure spoke calmly:
"Long time no see, Princess Myrcella."
Now Get The FULL AVAILABLE NOVEL at Once!
At Lower Price Now!
@patreon.com/Authorizz/shop