Chapter 67 The Roseroad 2
With a heavy grunt, an entranced Lady Lysa Tully lifted her skirts at the waist.
Petyr Baelish reached out and stopped Lady Lysa Tully's movement.
"Lysa."
Petyr's magnetic call seemed to awaken a shred of sanity in Lysa.
Petyr's lips curled into a smile, his face filled with touching affection. "Lysa, come with me."
Hidden deep in Petyr's heart was a cold rationality. He played different roles for different people, always adopting the one most beneficial to himself.
No matter how impulsive Petyr was, he would never conduct his affairs near the base of the Tower of the Hand. He didn't tell Lysa the location was unsuitable, as he could never bear to refuse her affections.
...
Petyr's elegance was still intoxicating. "There's a room over there that can somewhat match your beauty, my Lady Lysa."
Lysa's cheeks flushed an even deeper red. In his heart, she would forever be Miss Lysa Tully of Riverrun, the one he loved so deeply!
We will finally be together!
Lysa shyly placed her plump hand into Petyr's outstretched palm.
Petyr's eyelids twitched imperceptibly.
"Petyr, you haven't come to see me in days."
Lysa's tone held a hint of complaint, but it was mostly coquettishness.
Given Lysa's current age and appearance, her expression, movements, and tone were extremely incongruous. Yet, on the face of the inwardly formidable Petyr, there was only an unchanging look of adoration.
Petyr squeezed Lysa's hand. "I do it all to protect our future. For you, Lysa, I can endure anything."
Lysa thought of how, for her sake, Petyr had spent over a decade by her husband's side, humbling himself and serving devotedly.
Lysa knew very well that Petyr never liked it, that he endured it all silently for her.
Lysa's heart filled with love. She didn't know what she could possibly do for Petyr to repay his deep affection.
The only thing she could do now was this. Lysa lowered herself once more.
The smile on Petyr's face stiffened slightly.
...
After a good while, he flicked himself clean.
Lysa's gaze drifted downward. "My Littlefinger is very lively today."
Lysa was speaking words of private intimacy, but upon hearing "Littlefinger" from her lips, Petyr's smile still stiffened for an instant.
With one arm around Lysa, Petyr took a step. "My Lysa, you may not sleep a wink all night."
"Petyr, my knight, I do so love to sleep in."
...
...
In the Red Keep.
Varys stared at the slip of paper in his hand.
In the shadow cast by the candlelight, the expressionless Varys exuded an icy chill.
"Lord Varys, Lady Arryn and Lord Baelish have entered a room together. Shall I arrange for someone to listen in?"
Varys set down the paper and nodded slightly, his hands habitually clasped. "Heh, men and women are most likely to reveal precious information when they are lost in the throes of passion."
"As you command, Lord Varys."
Varys spoke again. "The City Watch's investigation report, has it been delivered to Janos?"
"It has been delivered. Everything is proceeding smoothly, according to your will!"
"Don't be careless. This matter must be concluded perfectly. From now on, do not place anyone where Baron Glynn is present."
"Then... as you command."
Varys rose from his cushion and walked slowly to the window. "No need for suspicion. There are always some extraordinary people in this world."
"Lord Varys, I'm worried about the future..."
Varys's impassive eyes stared into the darkness outside the window. "Unless the entire Red Keep is torn down—which no one can do—my little birds will still be everywhere."
...
...
King's Landing, the Queen's Quarter, City Watch Station.
Foley was sitting slumped against a wall, looking a bit listless.
Seeing Leyton walk toward him, Foley spoke up. "Leyton, have you finished distributing the silver stags to them?"
Leyton stretched lazily and mimicked Foley's posture, leaning back. "Yes, they were all very cooperative this time. Even though we didn't have the Lannisters' red cloaks to help, it was even easier."
Foley laughed heartily. "If it were me, I'd be more than willing too. I wish Her Grace the Queen would pass by here every day!"
Leyton smiled and nodded. "Her Grace has already returned to the Red Keep. I don't know when she'll be back next, but it's good to have something to look forward to."
Leyton then asked, "And you? How is their training coming along?"
Foley shook his head and said, "I can only say they're obedient enough."
"Foley, they're not from Crackclaw Point, and the people they'll have to deal with in the future will be different."
Foley nodded wearily. "Don't worry, Leyton! I'm just bored, that's all. And I miss The Whispers a little."
Leyton shrugged. "I miss it too. It's been a long time since I've been hunting. This place... it's too peaceful. It makes a man soft."
"Do you think Lord Glynn will run into any trouble in the south?"
Leyton thought for a moment before answering, "I can say there won't be any major trouble. After all, Lord Glynn is traveling in the name of Her Grace the Queen."
Foley leaned closer to Leyton and lowered his voice. "Heh, that's hard to say."
Leyton looked at Foley with a puzzled expression.
"The trouble isn't about other people. It's about Lord Glynn himself..."
...
...
The Reach, the Roseroad.
Glynn and his party traveled south along the Roseroad. As they drew closer to Highgarden, they encountered a fair number of patrols from The Reach.
Glynn frowned slightly.
The armor worn by the soldiers of The Reach had caught Glynn's attention.
A patrol in The Reach consisted of twelve to fifteen cavalrymen. Glynn had already passed more than a dozen such units, and every single cavalryman was clad in full plate armor.
They had a large population, and they were very wealthy.
This was Glynn's first impression of The Reach.
...
...
As midday approached, Glynn and his companions slowed their pace, preparing to find a place to rest for a while.
Before long, Anguy, who was scouting ahead, galloped back to the main party.
"Lord Glynn, there's a village up ahead. A noble lady is distributing food to the villagers there."
"Free food?" Anguy's words immediately caught Monton Waters's attention.
"Were there any banners? Did you get a clear look at the noble lady?"
"I didn't see any banners. I was worried about causing a misunderstanding, so I only looked from a distance. She was a young lady with brown hair and green eyes."
Glynn raised an eyebrow and pulled on his reins.
"We won't be entering the village. Is there a suitable place to rest up ahead?"
Not entering the village? Is my lord doing this so as not to disturb the villagers receiving food?
Lord Glynn is always so benevolent.
...
...
Anguy immediately replied, "There's a small path ahead on the right. Follow it for a little while and you'll come to a small river. It's also a very suitable place to rest."
Glynn nodded slightly, waved his hand, and called out, "Move out!"
(end of chapter)