[165] The Lady of Clegane Keep

Chapter 165: The Lady of Clegane Keep

—

The Tower of the Hand stood ready for its new occupant, though not quite in the way I had envisioned when I claimed the Iron Throne. Servants bustled about, carrying linens and furniture, transforming what had once been Tywin Lannister's austere quarters into something more fitting for my newest appointment.

I ran my fingers along the freshly polished desk, remembering how Tywin had once sat here, plotting the downfall of my house. Now he existed only as dust and memory, while I ruled the Seven Kingdoms. The irony was not lost on me.

"Your Grace," a servant said, bowing deeply. "Is the arrangement to your satisfaction?"

I surveyed the chamber with its heavy oaken furniture, bookshelves already filled with tomes on Westerosi law, and the large map table positioned near the window to catch the morning light. "Add more candles. Lady Clegane values her reading, and I won't have my Master of Laws straining her eyes."

The servant nodded, hurrying to fulfill my command as I moved to the window. From this height, King's Landing sprawled before me, a city of stone and secrets now firmly under my control. The Red Keep's towers and turrets rose majestically, while Blackwater Bay glittered in the distance, its waters calmer than the day Stannis had attempted his ill-fated assault.

Lady Alysanne Clegane as Master of Laws.

The appointment would raise eyebrows, no doubt. Not merely because she was a woman – though that alone would ruffle traditional feathers – but because of her unique position. House Clegane was notorious for producing brutes like Gregor and Sandor, men who solved problems with steel and blood. Yet Alysanne had carved a different path, her mind as sharp as any sword.

I recalled our first meeting at Casterly Rock, after the attempt on my life. Where others had panicked or dithered, she had methodically uncovered the traitor. Lord Westerling's betrayal had been laid bare by her careful investigation, his connection to the Faceless Men exposed with surgical precision. And she had done it all with a calm efficiency that I found increasingly... intriguing.

Certainly not beautiful in the conventional sense, I mused, remembering her imposing frame, nearly matching my own height. Her face was strong rather than delicate, with high cheekbones and a jaw that spoke of her family's warrior heritage. But her eyes – damn, her eyes held a fierce intelligence that made conventional beauty seem trivial by comparison.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

"Enter," I called, turning from the window.

A young page, one of Margaery's I noted from the rose embroidered on his doublet, bowed nervously. "Your Grace, Lady Alysanne Clegane has arrived in the capital."

"Already?" I smiled, pleased by her promptness. "And how has the court received her?"

The boy hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "There was... some commotion, Your Grace. Lady Clegane arrived astride a destrier that would make most knights envious, wearing riding leathers rather than a gown. Several lords remarked upon her... unusual appearance."

"I imagine they did," I laughed. "And did Lady Clegane grace these lords with a response?"

"She said..." The page swallowed hard. "She said that men who concern themselves with a lady's attire rather than her mind reveal more about their own inadequacies than hers."

I couldn't contain my bark of laughter. "Perfect. Have Lady Clegane escorted to her quarters to refresh herself, then inform her that I will receive her formally in the throne room in two hours."

After the page departed, I returned to the window, watching as a tall figure dismounted in the courtyard below. Even from this distance, Alysanne Clegane cut an impressive silhouette – broad-shouldered yet unmistakably feminine, moving with the assurance of someone who had never apologized for the space she occupied in the world.

[Image Here]

Unlike my other women, I thought. Margaery with her subtle manipulations, Sansa with her quiet resilience, Arianne with her sensual boldness, and even Brienne whom I didn’t even spend much time with, with her steadfast loyalty. Each of them were beautiful and valuable in their own way, brought into my orbit through circumstance or strategy.

But Lady Clegane... she was different.

She had earned my attention through pure competence. No games or seduction, nor any political advantage. Just raw intelligence coupled with undeniable strength. The combination was refreshing.

The news from Braavos has changed the game, I reflected. My destruction of the Iron Bank and the Faceless Men had sent shockwaves through the Seven Kingdoms. Lords who once hedged their bets now raced to declare their unwavering loyalty. Those who had whispered about the Mad King's son now spoke of the Dragon King's vision.

Fear and fascination. The twin pillars upon which all lasting rule was built. And banks. I need to start my own bank. Not under my name though, it needs to look separate enough from Westeros. Ah, I feel like the old coots from back on Earth.

I smiled, anticipating the throne room spectacle to come. Lady Clegane would make quite the impression, of that I had no doubt. And I found myself uncharacteristically eager to see her again.

****

The throne room hummed with thinly veiled curiosity as nobles and courtiers gathered for the day's audiences. I sat upon the Iron Throne, its barbs no longer threatening my thickened skin. The hundreds of swords melted by Balerion's fire had long since ceased to be a danger to me.

What would Aegon think of his descendant now? I wondered. Would he recognize what I've become? Something beyond even the original Conqueror himself?

The great doors swung open, and the Master of Ceremonies struck his staff against the marble floor three times.

"Lady Alysanne of House Clegane, Daughter of Clegane Keep," he announced, his voice carrying to the rafters.

She entered alone, requiring no escort or fanfare. The crowd parted before her as water breaks around a stone, murmurs rippling through the court as they took in her appearance.

Lady Alysanne stood nearly six and a half feet tall, towering over most men present. She had chosen attire that acknowledged court formality while refusing to diminish her presence – a high-necked gown of deep burgundy, the cut martial rather than demure, with clean lines that emphasized her strong shoulders and proud carriage. Her dark hair was pulled back in a simple style that revealed a face more handsome than pretty, with intelligent eyes that missed nothing.

She moved with surprising grace for her size, her steps collected as she approached the throne. Unlike many who came before me, she betrayed no nervousness, no sycophantic eagerness to please. Just calm confidence and the subtle assessment of a scholar cataloging details.

"Your Grace," she said, her voice rich and clear as she bowed – not the curtsy expected of ladies, but a warrior's acknowledgment of respect. "I answer your summons with gratitude for the consideration."

"Lady Alysanne," I replied, keeping my voice formal for the court's benefit. "Your service at Casterly Rock revealed qualities sorely needed in my Small Council. Intelligence. Discernment. Dedication to truth regardless of consequence."

I gestured toward the assembled courtiers. "The realm requires order after years of chaos. Laws that protect the weak without hampering the strong. Justice administered with wisdom rather than whim." I leaned forward slightly. "I would name you Master of Laws, Lady Clegane, to bring your unique perspective to my council."

A hush fell over the court, followed by the inevitable whispers. No woman had ever held such a position, though my own appointments had already broken precedent with Ros as Mistress of Whispers.

Lady Alysanne's expression remained composed, though I caught the momentary glitter of her eyes – the only indication of surprise she allowed herself. She was surprised that I hadn’t been joking when I offered her this position.

"Your Grace honors me with this offer," she said after a moment's consideration. "And after recent events, only a fool would decline the favor of the Dragon King."

A ripple of nervous laughter swept through the court. Everyone present understood the reference to Braavos and the fates of those who had opposed me.

"However," she continued, "I accept not out of fear, but conviction. The laws of this realm have too long served the powerful at the expense of the common folk. If Your Grace truly wishes reform rather than mere continuation of past injustices, only then I would be honored to serve."

Clever, I thought. Accepting while establishing her principles. Setting terms without seeming insubordinate.

"Reform is precisely what I seek," I replied. It wasn’t a lie. I wanted to create a lawful place. Where the only unlawful being would be me. "The old order died with Tywin Lannister. We build something new upon its ashes."

I rose from the throne, a move that always commanded attention due to my transformed height. "Lady Alysanne Clegane, kneel and receive your appointment."

She knelt with surprising grace, her head bowed as I descended the throne steps.

"By my authority as King of the Seven Kingdoms, I name you Master of Laws and advisor to the crown. Rise, Lady Clegane, and take your place among my council."

As she stood, our eyes met, and I saw the same keen assessment I had first noted at Casterly Rock. Not the worship of Kinvara or the calculated affection of Margaery. Not even the genuine but deferential respect of Brienne. This was the gaze of someone who saw me clearly and evaluated without fear.

To be logical, she was stupid not to fear me.

But stupidity in this manner was often an attractive trait.

Across the throne room, I noticed my queens and lovers watching with various expressions. Margaery's perfect smile revealed nothing of her thoughts. Sansa studied Lady Clegane with open curiosity. Yara looked grudgingly impressed.

"The Small Council shall convene tomorrow morning," I announced. "For now, Lady Clegane will require time to settle into her new chambers."

As the formal ceremony concluded and the court began to disperse, I added, "Lady Clegane, attend me in my solar this evening. There are matters requiring immediate discussion."

She bowed again. "As Your Grace commands."

**

**

**

Come find fellow fans on Discord and more chapters on !

: .com/Master4thWall

Discord: https://discord.gg/dQeu27jBvf