Overnight, King's Landing seemed to have changed completely.
News that the Queen had been confined to Maegor's Holdfast under the joint guard of the Kingsguard and the City Watch spread to every corner of the Red Keep overnight, like fleas with legs.
Although the king had ordered everyone to keep silent, how could a secret this explosive possibly stay hidden?
It had long since spread in private and was no secret at all.
The nobles whispered among themselves, their gazes taking on an indescribable quality whenever they looked at members of House Lannister.
Early the next morning.
Lynn was in the Tower's courtyard, getting used to his suit of black plate armor.
Though this armor, painstakingly crafted by Master Donal, was not as light as Valyrian steel, its protection and the flexibility of its joints far surpassed ordinary knights' armor.
Storm seemed to sense the coming battle as well, pacing restlessly nearby and snorting from time to time.
Just then, a figure appeared at the courtyard entrance.
The visitor wore an understated gray robe and a neatly trimmed goatee, with a carefully measured smile on his face.
Petyr Baelish.
Two servants followed him, carrying a heavy chest between them.
"Ser Lynn, it seems you're recovering well."
Littlefinger's voice carried his characteristic oily smoothness.
He made no mention of yesterday's harrowing assassination attempt.
His gaze, however, immediately settled on Storm, the black Shire horse.
A flicker of barely perceptible desire passed through the depths of his eyes.
"Thanks to you, Lord Baelish."
Lynn stopped what he was doing and removed his helmet, his face expressionless.
"I'm just a rough fellow, used to dealing with Wildlings beyond the Wall. I'm fairly sturdy."
"Heh, you're far too modest, ser."
Littlefinger waved a hand, signaling the servants to open the chest.
Clatter-
An entire