Naturally, Lynn could never agree to Cersei's demand.
So he brushed her off with a casual excuse about needing more time to consider it.
When she left, Cersei's steps were unsteady.
She held her back straight, using every ounce of strength to preserve the pride and dignity befitting a queen.
But only she knew what lay beneath that splendid facade: a body still trembling faintly, utterly conquered.
Cersei dared not look back.
She feared seeing Lynn's calm eyes, which seemed to see through everything.
Those eyes would remind her of everything that had happened in the room, of her shameful surrender and submission.
Only when the heavy oak door closed behind her, cutting off the gaze she both feared and uncontrollably craved, did Cersei seem to lose all her strength. She braced herself against the cold wall and gasped for breath.
Her hands unconsciously rose to her chest, but she quickly regained her clarity.
She had come bearing the last of House Lannister's pride, hoping to bargain with Lynn as an equal, using her body and secrets as leverage.
Instead, she had been utterly crushed.
Cersei pulled herself together and headed toward the Red Keep.
Lynn felt no desire to sleep.
He stood by the window as the night breeze dispersed the charged atmosphere lingering in the room, a mingling of lust and the hunger for power.
Cersei was a clever woman and a capable gambler.
Once she confirmed that she could not defeat her opponent, she decisively chose to place her bet.
She had offered Lannister wealth, the king's life, and the promise of a future heir to the throne in exchange for a seat at the new table.
Lynn was very pleased.
He needed House Lannister's grain and iron goods to equip his impoverished domain.
He also needed