Chapter 60: The Highgarden Messenger Who Should Not Appear
Lord Jon Arryn suddenly asked, "Has the Kingswood hunt proceeded on schedule?"
This was the second time. Lord Jon Arryn had already asked the same question yesterday.
Petyr, his head slightly lowered, a sneer flashing across his lips, "Yes, they have all set off. The noble ladies of the Crownlands have also arrived as scheduled. You may rest easy."
Lord Jon Arryn nodded slightly. "Petyr, you must remember not to underestimate this kind of event. It can capture people's hearts without them realizing it."
Petyr placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head, his voice very respectful. "Thank you for your guidance, my lord. I will take it to heart."
"The Queen..."
Petyr noticed that Lord Jon Arryn, who had just been about to speak, seemed to fall into thought and stood quietly to the side.
...
After a long while, Lord Jon Arryn finally spoke. "I have handled affairs of state for many years and met all sorts of people. The thought of that 'little baron' named Glyn always makes me uneasy. It's ridiculous—he's just a boy. I don't know why I get this feeling."
A flicker in Petyr's eyes, he offered comfort, "You are likely just overtired. No one is at their best when exhausted."
Lord Jon Arryn ignored Petyr's comfort and continued, "Queen Cersei's willfulness is unpredictable. A person of her character must never be allowed to hold a sharp sword in her hand; she will eventually do something astonishing. You must trust an old man's judgment. My honor does not permit me to slander Her Grace the Queen."
Lord Jon Arryn raised a slightly trembling hand, and Petyr quickly stepped forward to hold it with both of his.
"The people of Crackclaw Point are a pack of beasts in human skin, a bloodthirsty sword."
Lord Jon Arryn was a very pragmatic man who did not exaggerate. Hearing this, the spot on Petyr's chest where Glyn had cut him suddenly felt cold.
"Petyr, we must find a way to get that bloodthirsty sword out of the Queen's hands."
Petyr naturally understood the meaning behind Lord Jon Arryn's words. He was being asked to make a move against Baron Glyn, or at the very least, drive him out of King's Landing.
Petyr felt a headache coming on. He really did not want to deal with Baron Glyn again anytime soon.
After this period of repeated contemplation, Petyr had developed a deeper understanding of the game of thrones.
Military nobles like Baron Glyn would abide by the rules of the game when it was advantageous to them, but when the situation was unfavorable, they wouldn't follow any rules. They would choose to resort to the most primitive violence.
Realizing this left Petyr with complex feelings.
...
Although Petyr's mind raced through many thoughts in that instant, his face betrayed nothing. "Lord Arryn, your method is actually very good. Sending Baron Glyn to deal with the Targaryen hatchlings is perfectly justifiable."
Petyr was a confidant personally promoted by Lord Jon Arryn, so he was very clear on many of Lord Arryn's affairs.
Petyr's lips curved as he gently patted the back of Lord Jon Arryn's hand. "Your merciful self has already given him a month. If he refuses, he will be unable to remain in King's Landing, because His Grace Robert will not..."
Petyr's gaze was filled with reverence. "And if Baron Glyn accepts, he must leave King's Landing all the same, for the Targaryen hatchlings are across the Narrow Sea. You are a brilliant player; in truth, you have already completed your setup and need only await the good news."
...
In the Kingswood, beneath the azure sky, the branches of the trees intertwined.
The journey was rainless, and the Kingswood hunting party arrived at its destination on time.
Back in King's Landing, Glyn had already arranged for men to set out ahead with temporarily conscripted craftsmen.
All the tents the Queen would use had been erected long before her arrival. Inside, the ground was covered with pre-laid wooden floorboards.
This morning, a carpet merchant who arrived early had also laid out his Myrish carpets over the floorboards.
Due to the lack of time, this was all Glyn could manage. Everything else followed precedent. The extra gold he had received from Petyr was mainly used to increase Queen Cersei's satisfaction.
A pleased Queen Cersei wouldn't quibble over how many gold dragons Glyn had spent, or how many were left over.
As for the others' tents, Glyn stuck to precedent. The bustling crowd was just beginning to set them up.
...
Inside the Queen's tent.
At this moment, only Cersei and Glyn were here.
Queen Cersei was a "homebody" who preferred to spend most of her time within the Red Keep. She had never liked dirt roads and billowing dust, so she was very satisfied with Glyn's meticulous arrangements.
Queen Cersei was wearing a thin, silk open-front nightgown, her delicate body faintly visible through it, which left Glyn unsure where to look.
*I can't break character, that would rob Boss Cersei of some of her fun.* Glyn could only lower his gaze and study the patterns on the Myrish carpet below.
...
Queen Cersei's hand still held a full goblet of summerwine.
Queen Cersei glanced sideways at Glyn, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes.
"Baron Glyn, is there a response from Highgarden?"
Glyn looked up, his brown eyes meeting Queen Cersei's. "Yes, Your Grace. The Highgarden envoy just arrived. My clansmen happen to be responsible for the outer perimeter security over there. I've had the envoy taken elsewhere directly, so he won't be spotted by anyone here."
Her fingertips caressed the goblet for a moment before Queen Cersei took a sip of summerwine. Only then did she speak. "You've done well. Intercepting the Pufferfish Duke's envoy was the right move. For now, don't let him be seen."
Glyn shrugged, his tone tinged with helplessness. "I just habitually made some extra preparations. To be honest, I'd rather my arrangements not be needed. I can only guess that Lord Mace was simply too excited after learning you were sending an envoy."
After a pause, Glyn continued, "Our raven-sent message hinted that we had important matters to discuss. Normally, both sides would be discreet. For example, I am going to Highgarden under the pretext of purchasing grain."
Glyn was mixing business with pleasure—running errands for Queen Cersei while conveniently purchasing a shipment of grain for his own lands.
...
Queen Cersei glanced sideways at Glyn. "My little baron, did you discover something?"
Glyn spread his hands. "What should have been a routine matter has taken an abnormal turn. I think there must be some unforeseen factors involved."
"Perhaps someone within Highgarden doesn't want to see Lord Mace establish... a friendship with Your Grace?"
Queen Cersei slammed her goblet down on the table. Her beautiful eyes stared at Glyn, her tone icy. "Who is it? Who dares to interfere in my affairs?"
*Even if I guessed, I can't tell Queen Cersei. What if, in a fit of anger, she orders me to chop someone down when I get to Highgarden?*
*Working for Boss Cersei isn't easy!*
Glyn actually found himself missing Jaime. If he were here, he would take the initiative to stop Cersei, even if she was the one who gave the order.
Jaime has been a bit derelict in his duties lately. He, who was usually inseparable from her, has been frequently absent from Queen Cersei's side.
Glyn stepped forward, picked up the wine flagon, and began to pour. "Your Grace, it could be anyone in Highgarden. For now, there is no clear suspect."
After filling her goblet, Glyn set the flagon back down and added, "When I arrive at Highgarden, should anyone appear who seeks to obstruct Your Grace, I will deal with them one by one."
Cersei leaned back against the cushions with a satisfied air, picking up her goblet again as the corners of her lips curled up. "Then they had best be careful. They don't yet know how sharp your blade is!"
Queen Cersei raised her goblet, tilted her beautiful chin, and took a sip of summerwine. "I agree."
(end of chapter)