Petyr Is Sweet-Talking You

As the army gathered, violent crime in King's Landing began to increase.

Correspondingly, the prostitution business in the city began to increase. Even if Stannis wanted to eliminate prostitutes and "close brothels," now was not the time. Even if he saw it, he could only pretend not to see it.

In order to "regulate" these matters, Petyr began to exert his influence to the point that he regained the power to move freely within the court.

For someone who uses chaos as a ladder, this convenience is naturally not to be missed.

They quickly approached Varys.

The two met in a secluded corner, their figures concealed by the surrounding bushes and flowers.

"Isn't it amazing? Eddard, who values honor the most, actually fooled the entire Seven Kingdoms," Petyr exclaimed.

"Oh? So you believe this Jon is really Rhaegar and Lyanna's son?" Varys asked, getting straight to the point.

"Isn't that right?" Petyr said matter-of-factly.

His analysis, like others, concluded that Jon would never be so eager to seize the Iron Throne simply because his son had silver hair and purple eyes.

The situation was so tense, and with Melisandre, Davos, and Florent all in Casterly Rock, he could no longer keep it a secret and finally made his decision.

Most importantly, although there is no concrete evidence for this matter, the logic behind it is frighteningly sound.

How could someone who values honor allow a fisherwoman of unknown origin to become pregnant? And why is it forbidden in Winterfell to discuss Jon's birth mother?

Why didn't Rhaegar bring Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning?

If Arthur had been the one to fight Robert, would the outcome of the battle have been different?

Moreover, it seems that Rhaegar cares a lot about his and Lyanna's child, as he actually sent three people to watch over Lyanna when she was about to give birth.

Could it be that Rhaegar already knew his son was extraordinary? This is indeed a question worth exploring.

Varys did not answer Petyr's question, but instead asked him directly about his intentions.

"Lord Varys, you've changed so much. You're not as composed as before." Petyr, leaning on his cane, moved a few steps closer to Varys.

Petyr no longer hid his severed wrist in his sleeve; instead, he made himself a prosthetic hand out of wood and coated it with gold powder.

"I know you were the one who leaked my service to Queen Selyse. There must be a force behind you that I can't even imagine—"

"I am merely a merchant who makes a living from intelligence; Petyr is too kind to me," Varys retorted, still vehemently denying it.

Their plan has reached a critical juncture.

According to the messages that came back, Connington and his party were in Slaver's Bay helping Daenerys deal with the Sons of the Harpy' rebellion.

Once the Slaver's Bay issue is resolved, Young Griff. will unite with Daenerys and bring back three dragons to sweep across the Seven Kingdoms.

"It's alright, Lord Varys. As I promised before, I'd be happy to serve you whenever you need me."

A hint of apprehension flickered in Varys's pale purple eyes.

He knew how difficult Petyr, who only cared about himself, was to deal with.

Similarly, Varys didn't want him to join Young Griff's group, as that would be tantamount to inviting trouble or letting a wolf into the house.

Therefore, Varys simply expressed his gratitude for Petyr's overtures, without any intention of engaging in deeper cooperation with him.

However, Petyr remained undeterred, insisting that he was ready to cooperate with Varys at any time.

After his conversation with Varys, Petyr managed to find Selyse through some maneuvering.

Because the House Florent's Brightwater Keep has already been captured.

Apart from herself, almost all of Florent were held captive in Highgarden.

This worried Selyse greatly, and she often couldn't sleep all night. Her already thin figure became even more emaciated.

Given her condition and physical state, it would be impossible for her to have a healthy heir.

To ease his mood, his daughter Shireen has been keeping him company lately.

At this moment, Selyse was nestled in a large chair, which was like an empty, drafty, and broken shell, offering nothing but a false sense of security.

Sir Petyr, how has your leg been lately?

When Selyse saw Petyr's cane and his limp right leg, she felt a pang of guilt.

"What else can I do?!" Petyr grumbled inwardly, but didn't show it. Instead, she put on a warm and welcoming smile, "Your Majesty, thank you for your concern. Anyway, most things are done by the servants, so whether my leg is inconvenient or not is not a big deal."

"Hmm." Seeing him say that, Selyse nodded, as if she really believed Petyr's polite words.

Petyr felt even more displeasure upon seeing Selyse in this state.

It's true that loyalty to anyone is unreliable; one can only be loyal to oneself.

Petyr, having composed himself, stepped forward and, with a very serious expression, said, "Your Majesty, may I speak with you alone for a few minutes?"

A look of confusion crossed Selyse's face, but due to her guilt and her inexplicable trust in Petyr, she dismissed the maids and had them take Shireen with them.

"Your Majesty, I have noticed that our King has been keeping King Robert's two illegitimate sons with him at all times."

"Oh, those two children are as strong as their father. His Majesty appointed them as his guards, which is certainly partly to train them."

Selyse explained to Petyr, not particularly concerned.

Upon hearing this, Petyr feigned sudden realization, patted his chest, and said, "If that's the case, then I'm relieved. Thank goodness it's not—"

Petyr deliberately told only half the story, arousing Selyse's suspicion.

"Not what?" Selyse asked curiously.

Seeing that she had taken the bait, Petyr whispered, "I thought His Majesty Stannis wanted to change his heir."

"How is that possible!" Selyse's voice, sharp as a whip, rang out, her eyebrows almost standing on end.

She looked like a wounded mother animal desperately protecting her cubs, appearing extremely distressed.

"His Majesty previously took Shireen under his wing as a sommelier, teaching her the principles of governing the country," Selyse said, as if trying to persuade Petyr, but more like she was testifying for herself.

"Your Majesty is right, but that was before Jon's rebellion. I fear that Your Majesty keeps King Robert's two bastard sons by your side to choose your own heir."

Then, Petyr expressed his concerns.

Jon was arguably the most formidable enemy Stannis had ever faced, and given his suspected Targaryen identity, he was extremely troublesome, even jeopardizing the very existence of the monarchy.

In addition, if Jon hadn't supported Stannis, he probably wouldn't even know where he is now.

Many people like to say that Stannis's throne was "given to him by Jon Snow".

The two are almost evenly matched in strength, but Stannis is less famous.

At this time, Shireen, being a sickly little girl, was naturally not capable of uplifting people's spirits.

It is Robert's two illegitimate sons, on the contrary, that evoke memories of past victories.

"No, that's impossible! How could Stannis pass the throne to someone who isn't his own? Shireen is his daughter!"

"I can't help it, "Selyse said, instinctively clutching her skirt, clearly very nervous.

"Yes, Her Majesty is right, but I still have one thing I'm very worried about."

"Speak!" Selyse stared at him, her eyes wide.

"That's your family. What if—I mean, what if His Majesty Stannis chooses to marry into another family?"

boom-

Selyse's body trembled violently, and her entire upper body visibly swayed.

She felt her body spinning.

"His Majesty!"

Petyr threw down his cane and scrambled over to Selyse, seemingly genuinely worried about the queen's health.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you don't need to take it seriously. I was just guessing. Your Majesty is a man who values honor so much; he wouldn't do such a thing," Petyr quickly reassured her, but he knew he had already planted a seed of doubt in Selyse's heart.

"Sir Petyr, are you... are you telling the truth?" Selyse found herself shedding tears, looking into Petyr's grey-green eyes as if seeking a confirmation.

"Yes, yes, it's true, His Majesty wouldn't be that kind of person."

It took Selyse a long time to recover from the unsettling possibility.

No wonder this woman was suspicious.

She was able to marry Stannis entirely because of the feud House Florent and House Tyrell.

Florent is like a nail driven into the Reach.

Now Tyrell has directly attacked and captured Brightwater Keep, and at the same time, he and Jon have imprisoned almost all of Florent.

"The House Florent has already sacrificed themselves and can no longer offer any assistance to Selyse and her children." And now is precisely the time when Stannis needs a strong ally; replacing Florent is not out of the question.

"Your Majesty, I have already pledged my allegiance to you. I am your vassal, and that will never change. I will answer your call whenever you need me."

Listening to Petyr's words, Selyse felt as if her heart had been invaded.

"Yes, thank you, Sir Petyr."

"Then, I'll take my leave." Petyr distanced himself from Selyse, picked up his cane, and took several steps back. "Okay." Selyse nodded, but then, remembering something, quickly said, "Wait!"

Selyse then took a handkerchief from her bosom and handed it to him.

"You can come find me anytime you want with this."

Petyr took Selyse's handkerchief as if he had grasped a rope for climbing upwards.

A few days later, Stannis led his army out to Harrenhal, a massive force of over 50,000 men marching in a grand procession.

Harrenhal can undoubtedly be called the shield of King's Landing 'Crownlands.

Thanks to the Trident River, food can be quickly transported to Harrenhal. At the same time, Harrenhal, as the largest fortress in the Seven Kingdoms, can accommodate a large amount of supplies and soldiers, making it a bridgehead for attacks.

Before leaving, Stannis took Thoros with him, leaving Davos to guard King's Landing.

Petyr, with his previous experience as Treasurer, was the best logistics manager, but Stannis did not fully trust him. Instead, he had Davos oversee everything, while Varys continued to monitor the East for him.