Ser Meryn looked embarrassed, but still mumbled, "My lord," and opened the door for Tyrion. Tyrion had not brought his pets, the stinking mercenary or the wildlings.
As Tyrion entered, all the music abruptly stopped, and Lancel lowered his harp.
"Dear sister, you look truly enchanting tonight," Tyrion said to the Queen Mother first.
Then Tyrion turned to the singer, Lancel. "You too, cousin. I never imagined you had such a lovely voice."
Tyrion sensed something unusual in the air. His young cousin had grown very close to the Queen Mother lately, and he could not help suspecting a special relationship between them. Tyrion believed Jaime was a knight who never sought other women, but he had no faith in Cersei's virtue. If Cersei had slept with Lancel, Tyrion would have found it perfectly normal.
Lancel, however, was angered by Tyrion's words. He was a knight, after all, and he thought Tyrion was mocking him. His birth and recent knighthood had made him arrogant, as had his natural golden hair, green eyes, and strong, handsome appearance.
"Did Her Grace the Queen Mother summon you?" Lancel demanded.
Tyrion admitted she had not. "Not that I recall. I'm terribly sorry to interrupt your pleasant evening, Lancel. In fact, I have important business to discuss with my sister."
Cersei eyed her brother suspiciously. "Don't tell me you've come about those plans for the Beggar Brotherhood. Save it, Tyrion. Don't bother me..."
"They should count themselves lucky to have a merciful Queen Mother. If it were up to me, I'd have their tongues pulled out," Lancel added, echoing Cersei. No wonder Cersei doted on him so much. He had Jaime's youthful looks without Jaime's youthful pride.
Tyrion looked at Cersei. Apparently, the Queen Mother was furious with those prophets of the Beggar Brotherhood for