The deadlock was forcibly broken by Tyrion's cold calculations and Cersei's obsession with Joffrey. The price was the Queen Mother's personal journey into danger.
Petyr Baelish slowly rose, as graceful as an actor taking his final bow. A gentle, harmless smile still lingered on his face, and his clear, earnest voice broke the heavy silence:
"Since Her Majesty the Queen Mother will be going to Duskendale in person to oversee the negotiations, stability here in King's Landing becomes all the more important. We must ensure that while she maneuvers on the front line, no trouble erupts behind her, lest wavering factions undo all our efforts."
His gaze swept over the others before settling on the ashen-faced Cersei and the composed Tyrion. He continued:
"The Vale. The Eyrie stands high and is easily defended, and the knights of the Vale are valiant warriors. Their strength cannot be ignored. Ever since Jon Arryn died and Lady Lysa returned there with her son, the Vale has all but shut itself away, its allegiance uncertain. With the situation now so dire, we must win over every force we can."
He stepped forward, placing his right hand over his heart, humble yet resolute:
"I volunteer to go to the Vale myself. Through my past friendship with Lady Lysa Arryn, I will try to persuade her and the lords of the Vale. They must understand that only by standing beside the Iron Throne and the Lannister-Baratheon royal house can they preserve peace in the Seven Kingdoms and the Vale."
"If I succeed, King's Landing will gain a shield to the east, and the Queen Mother will have greater leverage in Duskendale."
No one objected. Varys nodded with a smile, Pycelle muttered his agreement, and the other ministers were glad to see someone take on this thorny