Bloodline 3

"Margaery Tyrell."

Gryn sighed again. "I am in a difficult position. The gravely wounded Queen Regent Cersei entrusted the kingdom to me, yet now you ask me to defy her will.

"As you said, this indeed concerns the Lannister-Tyrell alliance, but I must remind you, if I disregard that will..."

His gaze swept across the room. "...it will tarnish the honor of House Crabb."

After a pause, Gryn fixed his gaze on Mathis. "In that war sixteen years ago, even after Prince Rhaegar had fallen, every man of House Crabb fought until they were all dead, leaving behind only my pregnant mother."

His gaze passed over the others again. "My lords, that is honor defended unto death."

At the mention of the "War of the Usurper," Pycelle, who had once persuaded Aerys II to open King's Landing's gates to Lord Tywin, could not help but shudder.

Though he had yet to understand why the Lord Regent, who had always trusted him greatly, had suddenly brought up that great war, his experience serving several kings told him that remaining silent now was no different from sitting still and waiting to die.

There were no secrets in the Red Keep. Pycelle could practically imagine the Old King's Men's jubilation and the New King's Men's unease.

For... years of war had weakened the lords of the Seven Kingdoms, while this Lord Regent was a renowned commander of the Seven Kingdoms who commanded a powerful army.

And... this Lord Regent was the Bloody Earl who had personally buried the old Vale knights.

Whether intentionally or not, if he wanted to live... he had to stand firmly on the Lord Regent's side.

As for the ever-blooming Golden Rose, they could discuss it once Lord Mace entered the Red Keep!

With that thought, Pycelle turned to