Tenderness and Innocence

Cersei's green eyes lightly swept over Gryn's body. The corners of her lips lifted in a meaningful smile as she said, "Your words are always so pleasing, dear Gryn. I can hardly resist rewarding you in advance, right here."

Gryn looked as though he were gazing at some priceless treasure. Raising his cup in salute, he said, "A deal is fair. I have enough patience, my Queen Regent."

Cersei elegantly raised her wine cup in return. "I'm looking forward to it, dear knight."

"So am I."

After breakfast, Gryn unexpectedly received the treatment that had once belonged only to Jaime... watching Maidservants dress the Lioness before a full-length mirror.

An hour later.

Gryn and Cersei found Qyburn already waiting in the hall of Maegor's Holdfast.

A faint smile that easily inspired goodwill rested on his face as he placed a hand over his chest and bowed respectfully. "Good day, Your Grace, my lord duke."

Cersei slightly raised her chin and said haughtily, "Good day, my Master of Whisperers."

With that, she continued forward, adding, "Walk with us."

As they walked, Cersei sensed Gryn's gaze and turned her head toward him. Her red lips parted. "The Old Lion did not like the Master of Whisperers, but I am different. I need eyes that can help me root out my enemies, and Qyburn happens to have a good pair of eyes."

Qyburn's intelligence-gathering abilities had earned Cersei's approval. He was one of the many council members Cersei had personally promoted the previous night.

Lord Gryn had to admit that the Lioness's speed in taking action was indeed... impressively swift.

"Your eyes are keen."

Gryn turned back toward the man following behind them, and Qyburn gave him a gentle, faint smile.

He dipped his chin. "Congratulations, Lord Qyburn."

At that, Qyburn again placed