What if Tywin's Wife DIDN'T Die in Childbirth?

[Music] What if Tywin's wife didn't die in childbirth? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. The halls of Castley Rock are alive with activities as its ladies screams echo across the castle. She lies in her chambers, tended to by a dozen midwives and a maester, all brought in from across the seven kingdoms for their skill. They work furiously keeping Lady Joanna stable while they work the baby out. From the corner, Tywin Lannister watches the whole process, never taking his eyes off the site, despite how disturbing it might seem. It is rare for him to be unnerved, but this is one of those moments. His fingers curl and clench up into fists until his knuckles turn white, but after a few tense hours, he hears the sound of a child crying as Joanna gasps. The midwives immediately tend to her. The birth was difficult, and the lady will need time to recover, but she will survive, as will the child. As Tywin takes hold of his newest son, his expression darkens as he looks him over. Compared to the twins who were born before, this child was flawed. Cersei and Jaime were beautiful and golden. This boy has stunted legs, an overly large head, and mismatched eyes. How is he? He is a monster. He lifts the child up to show it to her, but Joanna's face hardens. Not at the boy, but at her husband. Despite her exhaustion, there is fire in her eyes as she levels a hard glare at him. He is our son, Tywin, and do not forget that. Tywin stares at her, surprise, flickering on his face, but then nods his head slowly. He is our son. It takes weeks for Joanna to recover, but the midwife's claim is accurate, and she soon makes a full recovery. Although Tywin remains uncertain about their newest born son, his wife makes it very clear she will not tolerate any abuse towards him. Lord Tywin agrees, but they agreed to keep Little Tywin away from the public eye for the moment. Now is not the time to show weakness, especially with the mad king growing increasingly unstable. With that madness, he turns his eye on the Lannisters, believing them to be plotting against him. Quarrels between the hand and king are growing increasingly common despite Tywin's best efforts to run the Seven Kingdoms. Meanwhile, Joanna continues to help Lady Ellia as a lady in waiting. Things only grow worse once reports of Tyrion's appearance reach the mad king's ears. He is quick to laugh about the predicament. Aries demeanes Tywin and says that perhaps it was fortunate he didn't marry into their family and that their blood must be polluted. This insult is too much for the young hand who resigns his position in a fury and takes his family home. This time Aries does not stop him and the couple returns to Castle Iraq. Without his position, Tywin focuses on administering his home region. as well as raising his children. He focuses primarily on Jaime, aiming to groom him to be his successor. He trains the boy in sword play, military strategy, diplomacy, and administration. While Jaime excels in marshall skills, it is clear that politics is of little interest to him. He can barely focus on it. Meanwhile, Cersei is even less competent. Though she sees herself as a cunning politician, the truth is she handles politics as effectively as a drunk in a wildfire chamber. His attempts to marry them off are even less successful. As if to insult Tywin one last time, Aras seeks to deprive him of his heir by naming Sir Jaime to the King's Guard, preventing him from holding lands or taking a wife. This insult is not lost on Tywin, who fumes, but cannot otherwise protest without it being seen as an insult to the king. Joanna tries to smooth things over by approaching Ellia in securing a match with Oberin Martell and Cersei. However, it is the little lioness who rejects this offer, refusing to marry anyone except Rhaegar. Despite that, Joanna continues to search for a match for Cersei, in part because of the incestuous activities she caught her engaging in with her brother. Though she never told Tywin, she knows that her daughter is not so easily cowed, and the best way to deal with the situation is to marry her off. Because of that, Joanna comes to see Tyrion as the true future of Castle Rock and watches over his education, and the boy takes to learning quickly. You act as if our line depends on those two. But you are forgetting about your third, Tyrion. No house would ever consent to a match with him. Even my banamin would bark at marrying a dwarf. One does not need to be married to rule. If he cannot father any children, then let Castile rock past Cersei's children when we marry her off. Or perhaps to Kevin even. You think our Benamin will like following a dwarf more than marrying him? No, but he will find a way. While you watch Jaime like a lion watches a deer, I handle Tyrion's education. And let me tell you this, he's read more books at seven than Jaime has his entire life. And he already shows more tact, intuition, and discretion that Cersei ever has. By law, and by intelligence, he is your blood. The boy is nothing like me. For a man who claims to be ruled by logic, and intellect, you are blind regarding your children. How dare. I dare because your pride will be the death of us. You seek the perfect heir as if you could conjure it by force of will. You've done many amazing things, my husband, but that is something beyond even you. You ignore what is right in front of you. Yes, Tyrion is a dwarf, but he is as close to you as I've ever seen someone. Whenever I give him a book to study, I see the same glimmer in his mismatched eyes that I saw in you when you were the hand. There is a long pause and Tywin stares at his wife. The anger in him slowly starting to disappear. You love him. He is our son. How could I not? The next day, Joanna tells Tyrion that they will not have their usual lessons. She says that since he is advancing so far, he deserves a break, and the little Lannister gladly accepts this offer. He takes off across the castle, playing by himself or talking with Jaime before settling in the library to read. He sits on a long open table studying the histories of the Targaryen kings of old. But as he finishes one chapter, the door slides open and Tywin appears. The youngest Lannister looks up and surprised to see his father as he thought he was off on business somewhere. The lord of Castle Rock walks over to Tyrion and eyes the book he is reading. Mother said you wouldn't come until supper. I changed my mind. Tell me about King Magar. Magar the Cruel? Mega the Cruel, third Targaryen king, crowned in defiance of the faith, executed all builders of the Red Keep after its completion so only he would know its secrets. Killed his wife when they gave him stillborn children. He also slew his nephew Aegon after he attempted a rebellion against him. Died alone, impaled on the throne, though no one knows how. And his failure, he ruled through fear. It worked until it didn't. His lack of heirs made his reign a dead end. He thought legacy could be hammered into place with swords and fire. But the realm remembers blood, not stone. Who succeeded him? Jiharis the wise. A boy king crowned by the high septum. He undid much of Magar's legacy. Healed wounds Magar tore open. And yet, if you ask me, he owes his success to Mega. Explain. It was Jiharis who made peace with the faith, but Maggar was the one who brought them low enough that they would accept peace. The faith militant had stood longer than the Targaryenss and would not have meekly accepted its disillusion even with the generous terms that Jiharis offered. But Maggar did not make peace. He conquered and broke their backs until they were exhausted from war. Indeed. What does that tell you about the rule? That fire may win a throne, but only patience keeps it. Fear is useful, but only when it doesn't burn your bridges behind you. Tywin is still. For a moment, all the harshness in his face seems to soften ever so slightly. He had expected the boy to be clever, knowledgeable, perhaps, but he was also insightful. He didn't just read. He understood the meaning behind these words, something he had long tried to teach Jaime, and something Cersei never grasped. And here the boy was years younger but understanding without needing to be taught. Tywin exhales slowly almost soundlessly. The fire crackles. He steps back studying Tyrion as if seeing him a new. Not as a deformity, not as a disappointment, but as a piece in a game he never knew he possessed. Though he still sees a dwarf, he begins to see something else. An heir, perhaps. Well served. Very well then. I think you've earned your supper. I take that as a compliment. Don't. But there is no venom in his voice, only the flicker, just a flicker of something resembling pride. Days later, Tywin announces that he will personally oversee Tyrion's education. He says he did the same thing to Jaime, and it would be unfair if he denied that right to his other son. Their lessons begin much as with Jaime. Tywin doesn't bother with teaching his son skill at arms, for Tyrion will never be a warrior. But he does teach him how to select men. They walk around the barracks looking at men who show promise. Not just those who hold a sword well or those who know how to joust, but men who have a fire in their hearts to do what it takes to win, and those who are cunning and determined. But he primarily focuses on teaching his son about the history and politics of the Iron Throne. He shows Tyrion the great statement of the Iron Throne and the kings before that, what their skills were and where they fell short. He shows him the current state of affairs in the realm through letters he receives from his allies in court and has the boy analyze it. Unlike Jaime, Tyrion voraciously absorbs this knowledge, providing input and ideas where things might go wrong. While Jaime sees things as a labyrinth he cannot escape, Tyrion sees it as a puzzle that he must analyze. Soon enough, Tywin begins to focus all his attention on his youngest son. To Jaime, this is a relief as he no longer feels the pressure to leave the king's guard now that Tywin has the air he desires. In contrast, Cersei grows resentful as she sees Tyrion as nothing more than an upstart dwarf, a blemish on their family, one that prevents her from achieving power. However, that training is cut short by the emergence of Robert's rebellion. The instability of Aries's rule finally boils over and half the realm rises against him. The Starks, Baratheons, Tullies, and Aarenss all raise their banners against the mad king. Tywin immediately declares neutrality, deciding to sit and wait to see what shall transpire. Over the years, he watches as the rebellion grows in strength, while Aries grows in madness. He dismisses hands as quickly as he finds them. Yet, the Lord of Castle Rock continues to watch the events closely until the Battle of the Trident, where he at last sees where the wind is blowing and calls his banners. But before setting out, he turns to Tyrion. Why do you think Aries is losing? He lacks stability and focus. He's had three hands in a year and exiled or killed each one who displeased him. Each comes in with their ideas and ways of doing things, focusing his cause to shift with them. Lord Merryweather wanted peace. Lord Conington wanted to fight. And Lord Chastel now wishes to surrender. Good. And if I were to go to King's Landing and offer my services to him, he may accept you for a time, but the king wants them to produce victory from the folds of their cloaks. And when they cannot, he rids himself of them. One does not discard a tool at the first sign that does not work. Soon enough, Lord Tywin marches to King's Landing, but not to offer his services. Instead, his men storm the city as soon as Pycel convinces the king to open the gates. The fighting spread throughout the street as they capture the city. Tywin watches all of this from just outside the gates when his wife approaches him. You will crush the mad king's reign on this day, my husband. But I must ask, what of the others in the Red Keep? Do not worry, my dear. I mean to instruct Sir Gregor to spare and leave her unharmed. And what of her children? My dear, you know that they will pose a threat to the Iron Throne. If I let them go, then one day they may decide to retaliate. I said nothing of letting them go, but surely you can keep them as hostages. Let them be fostered somewhere. Or perhaps send them far away where they will not be able to threaten us. And what will Robert Baratheon think when he hears of this? I marched out here to prove my loyalty and ensure he does not retaliate against us for sitting out the war. If I were to take these children, he would see it as me hedging my bets. And what of the Dornish? They are their children as much as Rhaegar's. What if they get ideas as well? Robert is a stubborn man who fancies himself a hero. And heroes do not murder children. You should take them captive. You can just as easily demand that Robert do it himself, and he will falter. As for the Dornish, keeping Ellia alive will be worth getting assurances that they do not try to crown the children. Those are large gambles, Joanna. If they do not pay off, we risk the very survival of our house. You were not there in Duskindale. The Targaryenss are willing to extinguish entire houses if they define them. The Targaryenss a decade ago were not the same dynasty it is now. Enough of these rationalizations, Tywin. I know you. If you want something done, you'll find a way. But if you don't, you'll find an excuse. Tywin and Joanna lock eyes and stare at one another. Left in a battle of wills that soon ends when Tywin calls for Sir Gregor to modify his orders. Just as they scale the walls of the Red Keep and secure the palace, Ellia is seized by a group of Lannister men and brought to safety, as are her children, who are immediately brought to Joanna, who treats them with all the courtesy their station befits. When they search for the mad king, they soon find him already dead as Jaime Lannister did the deed for him. When Tywin gets a glimpse of this, there is no judgment, no anger, only approval as he nods and awaits the rebel's arrival. As expected, Ned is furious at this betrayal and insists that Jaime be punished. While Robert is cooler, he cares little for the Mad King and is more concerned about the remaining Targaryenss. When he learns that Tywin has taken the children into custody, he immediately demands that Tywin hand them over, a demand that Joanna refuses. As expected, Robert rages and calls them monsters, saying that they must be executed to prevent this war from continuing. But when handed a knife and told to do it himself, he hesitates, just as Joanna predicts. Is this what you call loyalty, Lord Tywin? You proclaim me king, but you have these two welps hidden. Some would call that treason. It is anything but that. I have no intention of crowning them. After all, this would mean dethroning my own daughter. Robert freezes and takes a moment to understand the implication. When he does, his face darkens. He clenches his fist and steps forward. Are you attempting to extort a marriage pack from me, Lord Tywin, even as you proclaim loyalty, but spit on my face? Why shouldn't I have you executed where you stand? Because you would lose your insurance, your grace. Think of the big picture. Aries other children are still unaccounted for. They have a claim to the Iron Throne stronger than yours. But these children's claims supersede theirs. They will not be able to crown themselves without looking like usurpers. So long as they live, and I have no reason to crown them if you accept my pact. From enemies, they become your shield. Robert does not like this plan one bit, but his allies consider it. John, Aaron, and House Tully both see the logic behind it. And in truth, neither of them is comfortable with slaying the Targaryen children either, especially Jon, who called his banners to save the lives of two young men. But the most surprising is Ned. Though he never liked Lord Tywin, he also acknowledges the brilliance of this plan and is grateful to spare the lives of these children. He's also seen enough bloodshed in this war and is grateful to see their lives saved. Seeing how they all support this, Robert has no choice but to agree. However, he does manage to wiggle some concessions out of Tywin. The first is that Jaime shall remain on the King's Guard. While this works to honor Tywin, in effect, it gives Robert a hostage to execute if Tywin goes back on his word. The other is that one of his children must be fostered by Ned, the Lord of Winterfell's integrity is beyond dispute, and Robert trusts no one but him for this task. Years ago, Tywin, who had been angered by these terms, now gladly accepts them. Though he is displeased with having to lose Jaime, he now has another heir he can groom to secede him and deems it acceptable. He also sees no problem surrendering one of the children, knowing that Ned will never crown him either. One person who isn't happy is Joanna. She still recalls the incestuous activity of her twin children years ago and doesn't like the idea of keeping them so close together. However, she cannot confide in anyone without risking compromising her position. And when she suggests that Tywin pushed to have Jaime sent home, he refuses. Having Jaime dismissed will complicate Tyrion's succession and reminds her that he already did all of this for her and to not push her luck. Joanna is unwilling to risk revealing their incest and instead reminds Cersei and Jaime to take their role seriously. But if Joanna is upset at this development, Cersei is livid. She has also been promised the chance to marry the silver-haired prince, but that has now been snatched away from her forever. Now she must marry the man who is responsible while her mother tells her to simply go along with it. Jaime is also far from pleased. While he has no problem serving in the king's guard, he is now regarded as a king slayer by most. They whisper that the only reason Jaime managed to retain his position is his father's position. The problem is now it leaves them spending more time together than ever without anyone able to supervise them. At first, it seems that this will not be an issue as a child is soon born from Robert and Cersei's union. A black-haired girl by the name of Bar. Bara Baratheon, the firstborn daughter of Robert and Cersei, grows up as her father's pride. Within her sharp green eyes is a fiery temperament that reminds him of Lyanna. She soon takes after the Stark woman more ways than one, as she also loves horseback riding and is never one to run from a challenge. On more than one occasion, she runs back into the Red Keep with dirt on her face and a torn dress from some challenge or fight she's gotten into. Robert only laughs this off and ruffles her hair while Cersei scolds her and shames her for lacking any shame. But this does not discourage the child as for the moment she first grips a wooden sword, the king calls her his little dough, even when it makes the court whisper. She rides before she walks properly, climbs battlements in her dress, and knocks over squires who tease her. Robert again sees Lyanna in her, the daughter Lyanna might have given him, strong, untamed, and beloved. He lets her train with the yard boys and even orders a customforged Warhammer fitted for her young hands, saying that steel suits her better than silk. Her knuckles bleed, her hair is wild, but she beams as he claps her on the back, and the court takes notice. But Cersei notices more. To her, Bar is not a daughter. She is a rival, a mirror reflecting all the freedom Cersei was never allowed. Joanna's presence has ensured that Cersei's girlhood was guarded and arranged. No combat, no freedom, only duty and no love. Seeing Robert Dodon, their daughter feels like betrayal. Instead, she turns to Jaime, the only place she has ever known warmth. And Jaime, now a king's guard with little purpose but much bitterness, welcomes her. In secret, they are children again. And in secret, three more children are born. Joffrey is the first. From the moment he takes his first breath, Cersei adores him, for she sees in him a prince unmarried by compromise, untouched by Joanna's restraint. She spoils him as fiercely as Joanna disciplined her. Joffrey becomes hottie, quick-tempered, and cruel to servants and animals, but never corrected. Then came Marcela, gentle and observant, and Tommen, sweet and soft-spoken. Cersei pours love into them, but Joffrey is her favorite, just as Bar is Robert's. Bar is none the wiser. She loves Marcel and Tommen, having her sister play as her lady in waiting and her brother as her squire. They adore her, but Joffrey is something else. He hates being second to her. Hates that people whisper about how she rides and fights while he sits pampered like a doll and brocade. But he learns painfully never to cross her directly. The last time he raised a hand to her, she broke his nose with a hit of her dagger. Cersei screamed and bered until she was on the verge of tears. But Robert ended the matter in a single sentence. Then don't raise your hand to a warrior if you aren't prepared to fight. Elsewhere, the Targaryenss grow in shadowed places. Aegon, rightful son of Rhaegar, is raised in Lannister care. Elliot Martell, always fragile in health, survives thanks to Joanna's intervention during the sack. She and Joanna remain as close as ever, and she is allowed to raise her son in Castly Rock. Ellia cannot train her son in warfare, but Joanna ensures he receives the best tutors. The same maesters who once schooled Jaime and Tyrion. Tyrion, despite his father's reservations, becomes something of an older brother to the boy. He teaches him wit, caution, and the value of history. Aegon becomes thoughtful and curious, a quiet flame compared to Barah's wildfire. Meanwhile, Raineies, IA's daughter, is spirited away to the north under Ned Stark's protection. She grows up beside Jon Snow and Sansa. Treated not as a guest but as kin. Where Aegon is solemn, Rainees is fierce and witty, quick to defend her Frost siblings. She enjoys needle work and listens to songs with Sansa, but enjoys playing in the gardens fighting with sticks alongside Arya while Jon and Rob laugh. Elia visits her regularly and the two remain close. However, Elia struggles to keep up with her daughter due to her poor health. That responsibility falls to Oberin, who helps keep the spirit of Dorne burning bright in his niece. His children accompany him from time to time and teach her how to defend herself. With Oberin and Ellia's blessing, they allow Rainees to study self-defense as well. She spars with Jon daily, and they grow as close as any trueborn siblings could be. Meanwhile, Bar and her rivalry continue to grow with Cersei pulling the strings from behind. Though Joffrey is legally the heir, she isn't satisfied with that. She wishes for Bar to be cowed and made submissive. The resentment she's long felt from Tywin, Joanna, and Robert comes bursting forth as she takes it all out on her daughter. It begins with whispers. Joffrey boasts in the yard that Bar is no true heir. That a girl with a sword is still just a girl. He says it too loudly near squires and small folk, just loud enough for Bar to hear. She ignored it the first time. The second time, she bloodies his lip. But Cersei never rebukes him. Instead, she watches with a glass of arbor red in hand, smiling faintly as her goldenhaired son plants seeds of doubt among the lord's sons and noble cousins. The prince is bold, they say. The princess is wild, and in court, perception is power. Then it's the hunt. Joffrey laughs as he points to a boar's trail in the king's wood and tells Bar that a true Baratheon never hesitates. She charges alone, ahead of the knights, only to be thrown from her saddle when the beast turns on her. The gash along her ribs cost her a week in bed. Robert doesn't know who to shout at more. Joffrey for egging her on or Bar for listening, but Cersei only feigns concern, murmuring that perhaps Bar isn't quite suited to the burdens of royalty. During the next hunt, Robert makes a point not to bring Bar along. When Bar returns to the training yard, still stiff from the wound, she finds Renley waiting. You don't need to prove yourself to a boy who has never held a blade in his life. Stannis is harsher but pats her head. Princes baiting each other is courtly sport. Real heirs don't play games. Such behavior is beneath you. Especially since your brother is a weak willed fool. Yet the princes do not let up. Joffrey is always watching, always smirking, always whispering just loud enough for her to hear. And Cersei, she watches from her balcony, letting the wolf and the lion tear at each other until only one is fit to wear the crown. But she isn't the only one watching. The Baratheon brothers watch this with growing curiosity, too. It is clear that Cersei favors Joffrey, but they also notice how similar they look, not just in temperament, but also in appearance. Though Bar has Robert's hair, she has her mother's green eyes. Seeing how close they are begins to raise some questions about them and whether she truly has been faithful to the crown. John Aaron, who has some knowledge of royal lineages, also notices how strange this appears, and they agree to launch an investigation. The only problem is Robert himself, as he will not believe any of those rumors without proof, and Joffrey is still the legal heir. So, they must consider ways to get Robert to change his mind. They agree that Joffrey would be a terrible king on his own. And with Cersei whispering into his ear, things will only get worse, and that they must ease Robert into the idea of disinheriting Joffrey. Over the next few weeks, John Aaron moves between small council meetings to look into the matter. He visits the bastards of Robert throughout the city and examines their features and those of the mother. Though their mothers are blondes, redheads, and brunettes, all of his children have dark hair. At the same time, he also examines the lineages of the Baratheon line and sees that almost all of them have black hair. Stannis helps, visiting the bastards outside the city, including Edric Storm. Renley, meanwhile, slowly convinces Robert to secure Bar's position. He talks to his older brother, saying how Bar is closer to his child than anyone else. She is strong, an accomplished warrior, and brave. Meanwhile, Joffrey is spoiled and too much like his mother. He also has Barro meet with influential nobles at court, men like Balen Swan, the Red Wine twins, and Yan Royce. There, he tells her how to talk and charm them, showing them that she can carry on Robert's legacy. However, these efforts do not go unnoticed. There are eyes and ears in court who watch everything, and they report to their different masters. Cersei hears of this and begins working to find a suitable match for Joffrey and her youngest children. But she isn't the only Lannister who takes notice. Tywin and Joanna also hear of this. At first, Tywin is aloof to this power struggle, as both Joffrey and Bar are his grandchildren and simply wish for them to stop this petty squabble. But Joanna sees the other Lannister children and the truth of it. She knows that Joffrey and the others are not from Robert's loins, and with this investigation, they risk uncovering it and exposing the Lannister's shame to the realm. Joanna Lannister stands at the window of her solar, the late afternoon sun washing her golden hair and amber. Her hands tremble slightly as she clasps them before her. Tywin watches her silently, seated rigidly at the table, fingers steepled beneath his chin. They're closing in. John, Erin, Stannis, even Renley. They're not fools. Let them sniff. They have no proof. What they chase is hearsay and rumor. These rumors have more truth than you know, husband. What do you mean, Cersei and Jaime? I caught them in the past doing things siblings should never do. I had kept them separated. It's always why I didn't protest when Jaime was ordered to remain in the King's Guard. It was the one thing he ever took seriously. I had thought that it would put an end to things, but it seems I was wrong. You're assuming that Joffrey is their child, but you have no more proof than they do. We are not even certain if there is truth to this. Stannis is methodical, and John Aaron has already started visiting Robert's bastards. One look at the boy and the girl side by side is enough to cast doubt. And you know what doubt does to succession? Why did you not tell me this sooner? I thought that I could handle this matter. Do not blame yourself. Those two are a handful at the best of times. But this is a dangerous position. If that truth becomes public, we will be seen as traitors, not just Cersei. All of us. At that, Tyrion finally speaks from the shadows by the hearth, swirling a cup of wine. Well, it's not as though we weren't expecting the occasional rebellion. But I dare say a civil war might be a tad inconvenient. If the rumors are spread, and they will, we must get ahead of them. Control the narrative. If we make it our decision to back a legitimate heir, we're no longer traitors. We're survivors of the realm. Barra, she's the only one whose parentage no one questions. If Stennis and Renley see us as allies, they would be less inclined to make fuss about the others parentage. There would be no point if Bar is declared heir by Robert. So, it's decided we back Bar. Soon enough, letters and riders leave Castle Rock, reaching John Aaron in the dead of night. The hand reads the parchment twice, then a third time. Tywin Lannister's words are deliberate and clear. Tywin offers his alliance, his wealth, and the full prestige of House Lannister to back Robert's trueborn daughter. He proposes fostering the girl to buy unity under her claim. God's helpless. The lion wants peace. A Lannister asking for stability. Either the end is near or the truth is cornered them. It makes perfect sense, though. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose if it comes to war. Tywin wants a dynasty that outlasts the Targaryenss. They very well can't do that if there's a civil war. No doubt Tywin is preventing another Mega the Cruel. That or he realizes that Barra is the only legal heir. The three men look at each other in silent agreement. Weeks later, the gates of Castly Rock open under a crimson sky. Beneath them rides Bar, flanked by a modest escort of Stormlanders. Joanna Lannister is the first to greet her with an embrace. Bar hesitates at first, but then melts into it. The scent of citrus and parchment clings to the elder woman. You're safe here. We've prepared chambers fit for royalty. Though, before I take you there, I must ask, how did it feel to hit Joffrey? Turion, relax, mother. No one can hear us. Serious, I must be honest. It felt amazing. Oh, I'm sure it did. Tell me, did he cry when you struck him? I bet he shouted for his mother. He did, and he wept like a newborn babe. I nearly tripped over myself laughing. At least we know this one's Roberts. What? Nothing, my niece. Just that I think we will get along splendidly. Their lessons begin at dawn. They read histories of queens who ruled from behind the throne. Alisain, Nimriia, and Visenia, and discuss the art of political survival. Joanna teaches her when to speak and when to wait, how to command a room without volume, but with stillness. V is used to commanding men like Robert did, but Joanna and Tyrion teach her to woo and charm them. She understands alliances and war, but they teach her about alliances in politics. This reflects in her dress, too. Barra showed up in traveling leathers and dressed like a knight. But Joanna shows her that sometimes to dress unassumingly is just as valuable and soon finds herself trying gowns no different than the other courtly ladies. Tyrion, meanwhile, shares his subtler skills. How to deflect insult with cleverness, how to spot manipulation from courtier, how to make allies of skeptics. over goblets of Dornish red. He quizzes her on small council dynamics, noble house rivalries, and how to win loyalty for men twice her age. Tywin trains her to be ruthless. Bar has the killer instinct, but he refineses it into a powerful blade. He teaches her when to intimidate, threaten, or flatter a bannerman. Tyrion comes to appreciate his young niece's company as though she towers over him. She never once tries to make him feel small. The two spend hours sharing wine and trading stories about their experiences with Joffrey. Meanwhile, while Johanna finds Bara brutish and lacking some of the grace expected of her, comes to love her granddaughter, pleased to see that her efforts at least bore some fruit. But perhaps the person she becomes closest to in Castle Rock is Aegon. Though their meeting was initially awkward given the bad blood between their houses, the two became fast friends as they sparred together in the training yard. Aegon grows up to be stubborn and proud, quick to offer challenges to the princess, egging her on. But unlike Joffrey, these are made in good fawn and not to demean her. Tyrion once sees them rustling in a stream and quips that they are recreating the battle of the trident. Months later, Bar returns to the great hall of the Red Keep. Ahead of her, Tywin had sent letters to Robert, praising his daughter for her strength and heart. Now, she does not come alone. Her escort was carefully selected by the conspirators. Sir Gendry Storm, Edric Storm, Ma Stone, Loris Tyrell, Preston Greenfield, and perhaps most surprisingly, Aegon Targaryen. The sight of the Baratheons standing together was Renley's idea to show Baratheon unity, and their support extends to the old guard and the new. Behind them are ravens of support from the Veil, from the Stormlands, from keyhouses of Westeros, and from John Aaron, hand of the king, who stands near the throne with a satisfied expression. The court falls into murmurss. Robert stares at her as if seeing her for the first time. There's no doubt she's his daughter now. Not just in hair and eyes, but in presence. She stands taller, firmer. Her armor gleams, but it is the calm, focused expression that silences the room. Joffrey sneers at the sight of her bastard armor, as he calls it. Cersei lays a hand on his arm to still him, but her own face is pale, her jaw clenched so tight the muscle twitches. But Robert laughs. I hope this is not a rebellion. Bar's response was to flash him a toothy smile. Damn, I've missed that smile. Welcome home, girl. From this day forth, she is Bara Baratheon, my trueborn daughter, an heir to the Iron Throne. The goblet slams against the arm of the throne as he sits back. A roar of conflicting emotions floods the hall. Cheers from Stormlanders and veil lords, stunned silence from others, and murmurss of outrage from certain corners. You said this wouldn't happen. It won't. I will not let it. Cersei does not answer. Her eyes are locked on Joanna, standing beside the girl who just took her son's throne with Lannister support. Cersei and her allies have not been idle either. Though others have praised Barra for her qualities, Cersei has gone around the court with one simple reminder. She is a daughter, not a son. While some lords are willing to overlook that, others are more old-fashioned and unwilling to compromise on such a matter. Houses in the Crownlands, Riverlands, Reach, and even the Westerlands all murmur their discontent behind it. She has sent letters to the Narrow Sea, searching for support there. But her biggest ally came from an unlikely source, Mace Tyrell. Unlike the other great houses, the Tyrells did not seriously benefit from Robert's rebellion and have felt excluded. Even Dorne managed to secure an alliance with House Lannister. But now Cersei offers Mace what he has always desired. She hints at a marriage pack between Marjgery and Joffrey in exchange for support. The great hall is a light with music and golden firelight. The banners of House Baratheon hang high above the Deis and nobles from across the realm toast to the health of the new heir. Bara Baratheon sits beside her father, radiant in black and gold. She raises her cup politely, exchanging words with the lords of the Veil and Stormlands. Cersei Lannister glides through the hall, a soft smile on her lips, never lingering too long in any one conversation. To Lord Wedwin, she murmurs about tradition. To Lord Mutin, she reminds him how his line traces its strength through sons. At the side tables, she leans in to whisper, "A girl cannot rule. Not truly. And if she does, what will stop the realm from breaking?" She reminds them that they may need their swords ready. Some are concerned, and others whisper that they are outnumbered and need more allies, but she simply smiles and tells them that their allies will come. Later, while Robert laughs and claps Renley on the shoulder, Cersei steps behind the high table. Her fingers curl around his goblet, refilled with arbor gold, and she swaps it with another. The poisoned cup is barely distinguishable, a faint tinge of bitterness masked beneath the sweetness. Robert drinks deep, roaring with approval as the music swells again. By dawn, Robert Baratheon is found slumped over his bed. Blood smeared across his face, a thick red a thick red trail leaking from one nostril. The maesters say he drank too much. His liver long ruined. His heart too strained. But John Aaron narrows his eyes. The wine smelled odd last night, too sweet. Renley clutches the back of a chair, stunned. Stannis turns to stone. Bar kneels at her father's side in silence, her hand wrapped around him as she weeps. Her sworn swords around her, clenching their fists, except for Aegon, who squeezes her shoulder and embraces her. The court descends into a cold, heavy morning. Two days later, a procession bearing Robert's body moves to Storm's End. The sea is calm, the air heavy. Lord Bryce Karin stands at the head alongside Renley, flanked by knights bearing black banners to symbolize their grief. But just before midday, a horn sounds from the mists. Sails appear, red, black, and silver. A three-headed dragon roars on their canvas. The first of the Targaryen ships reaches the shore. Dothraki scream as they leap from the decks, blades flashing the sun. War cries fill the air. Viserious Targaryen stands at the helm, crowned in gold. Behind him, Cal Drogo roars to his blood riders while Daenerys watches with silent fire in her violet eyes. The Stormlands escort is overwhelmed. Baratheon banners are cast into the sea. Bryce Karen falls, giving his life to allow Renley to escape. By nightfall, the realm knows the dragons have returned. The Dothraki scream as they ride through the villages of the Stormlands. Smoke curls into the sky and fire dances on the rooftops of defenseless towns. Calrogo rides at the front. Merciless and unstoppable, Alvaseris Targaryen, clad in black and steel, proclaims the return of his family's domain. As the chaos spreads, the signal fires blaze across the horizon. In the Westerlands, banners long quiet are raised once more, not for the crown, but for rebellion. A few houses like houses Farman, Leford, and Casease all proclaim themselves loyal to Viseris. In the Crownlands, houses Rosby, and Stokeworth barricade themselves and declare neutrality. Some whisper open support for Joffrey, others for Barra. This is the case in nearly all regions. Cersei watches it all unfold from the Red Keep and knows the moment has come. She gives the order. Joffrey, pale and panicked, is smuggled out through the tunnels beneath Mer's Holdfast. Jaime rides with them as they vanish to the Stormlands to meet Cersei's new husband, the silver-haired prince Viseris. In the reach, Mace Tyrell mobilizes his banners under the pretense of supporting King Joffrey. At Cersei's coaxing, he sends men into the Westerlands to support the rebels, forcing Tywin to remain where he is and crush his threat. They're hit from behind his reach bannerman and to Tywin's fury, long ships flying the Kraken of House Greyjoy. Cersei promised the Ironborn the western coast and a chance to rebuild their kingdom, provided they pay the iron price. Victorian Greyjoy lands at the coast, burning towns in the name of the old gods. But in the north, the wolves remain united. At Winterfell, Rob Stark, Raina Targaryen, and Jon Snow stand with their banners held high. They're not broken. They are not divided. From the Dread Fort to the wall, the North gathers its strength. They first push back the Ironborn attacks, leading lightning strikes while Ned mobilizes the Northmen in strength to move south of the neck. In the Stormlands, Dorne arrives with banners of red and gold, bolstering the battered houses loyal Dara. Stannis Baratheon and Lord Anders Yornwood push the Dothraki back from the Black Haven Hills. Dornish spears and Stormland swords fight side by side and allow Renley to gather his forces. For a moment, it seems they might hold. Under Renley's instructions, the Stormlanders and Dornishmen press forward to pursue the fleeing Dothraki. But from the woods and hills to the east, a new force emerges. Ragged, foreign, and terrifying. The Golden Company, bolstered by another free company, cells swords, falls upon the tired Westerosce like a thunderclap. War elephants trample fleeing men. Dornish lines are shattered. A massive beast crushes Sir Courtney Penrose beneath its feet. Stannis disappears in the melee. His banner burns. Renley is last seen rallying a group of knights before a collapse of cavalry drives them into a gully. When the dust clears, both brothers are gone. Lord Yornwood rallies the survivors and retreats to Storm's End. Back in King's Landing, the bells toll not for morning, but for war. Baradon's armor black as night, crowned with a stag sigil edged in gold beside the lion of Lannister. She walks the halls of the Red Keep with John Aaron at her side and Tyrion Lannister flanking her. They burn our homes. They kill our kin. If this usurper wants war, we'll give him one. The gates of the city open and from them marched the remaining forces of the Crownlands, Dornish men and the Veil. They aren't many as most of these were men who lingered in the capital after the funeral. But among them are John Aaron, Sir Barristan, and Tyrion. They ride through the Crownlands, gathering whoever they can and forcing the neutral houses to reconsider their alliances. Soon their numbers swell to 6,000. With the Dornishman battered, Stannis and Renley missing, and the Golden Company pushing into the Stormlands, Queen Bar turns her gaze northward to the Riverlands. It remains the crossroads for all these armies to meet and must not be allowed to fall. Tyrion advises caution, but Barah chooses boldness. She rides at the head of her host, the banner of House Baratheon unfurling in the wind. At her back, knights from the veil and the battered remnants of the Crownlands form a growing coalition. The Riverlands are in chaos. House Bracken and House Blackwood are at each other's throats. Riverrun has closed its gates, stockpiling weapons for war. Rebel lords hold Maiden Poolool, Stonehedge, and Derry, holding themselves in Viseris's name. But Barra brings order. At Maiden Poolool, she leads a charge that breaks the garrison before nightfall. At Stony Hedge, Tyrion devises a plan of faint retreat, luring the enemies into the open by bearing Blackwood banners. Just as the northern host led by Eddard Stark and his sons arrive in thunderous force, House Frey is quickly brought to heal once hosts appear on both sides. Within weeks, Barah has secured the trident. Her victories are swift, her legend growing. But she is not alone. Rainey's Targaryen rides beside her, outshooting even some of the Dothraki and riding along, hunting Briggins and freeing villages accompanied by the sand snakes. Jon Snow commands a column of men at arms, being the first to top the wall at Derry and personally defending Sir Raymon. Rob Stark leads the vanguard that breaches Harrenhal's gate. Aegon Targaryen's victory at Seagard with the help of the Baratheon bastards, Cedric Storm and Gendry. They ambush an Ironborn attack on the castle, driving them towards the gates where Jason Malister forms up behind them. Even Loris Tyrell joins in, choosing his loyalty to Renley over Mace. He liberates the border villages, terrifying the encroaching Tyrell soldiers into surrendering. These young heroes, once scattered by bloodlines and bastards shame, now stand united. They are fire and ice, storm and shadow, heirs to a new age. While Tyrion forms a strategy, they at last smash the remnants of the rebel riverlords along the Red Fork. Here the princes and princesses fight for their future. They lead the charge alongside Barrist and Selme and Yon Royce. As the two men smash into the rebel flanks, they see them hitting the center and watch as the young lords and ladies break through. And for a moment, it seems like the age of heroes comes again. With the Riverlands free, the royalist coalition marches west. Though Barah longs to find her missing uncles, she understands the harsh reality of war. No victory can be secured without gold, and no gold flows more freely than in Castly Rock. She leads the royal host west, leaving garrisons between to secure the trident. But so does Tywin Lannister. After breaking through the reach's ambushes, Tywin regroups with what remains of his army. House Lefford lies to block them, but Tywin hits them from behind and soon sets the castle flame. Mace Tyrell sees the tides turning, abandoning his campaign and slinks back to High Garden. His ambush dies with the hopes of the rebel lords he once courted. He has no desire to face the fury of how Stark the wrath of the dragons and the vengeance of a Baratheon queen. Lannisport is still secure. Castly Rock still stands. And with his children scattered and his legacy threatened, Tywin prepares for a final reckoning. Across the continent, Cersei Lannister and Vizerious Targaryen stand at top a cliff. Watching the fires in the distance. Calrogo commands fewer men than before, but those that remain are the fiercest alive. The Golden Company, blood soaked and paid in advance, marches behind him. But with Mace and the Rebel Lords faltering, they know they must act. They know what must come. Cersei, her eyes wild with conviction, proposes a final union of their forces. Together, they will shatter Bar's coalition. She promises him the Iron Throne as the regent lord. Together, they shall groom Joffrey to be ruler and rule through him. But before they march out, they stall for time and reach out to the royalists, offering to discuss matters and come to a peace agreement. Although surprised, they agree to meet up in Harrenhal. Soon, a dozen house banners flutter above the ruined castle. At one side of the longstone table siters Lannister, clad in black and crimson, her son King Joffrey and Prince Viseris Targaryen, decked in gold and ivory. Opposite them sit Lord Tywin Lannister, Lady Joanna, Lord Eddard Stark, Prince Oberin Martell, and Queen Bara Baratheon. Let us speak plainly. The realm has bled enough. You have come with terms. So have we. Mace Tyrell is to be stripped of all titles and holdings for his treason. The Dothraki and the Golden Company are to return across the Narrow Sea within a fortnight. All the loot they have taken must be left and redistributed amongst the people. And Viserius Targaryen may live if he swears no further claim, but Cersei Lannister is to be given to the silent sisters. The other side laughs. Viserius laughs the loudest. You speak of justice while holding dragons and traitors at your side. Here are our turns. All of you will kneel. Joffrey is the king by blood and crown. Yet you would replace him with another brute like the usurper. Our terms are simple. I will serve as the protector of the realm. The dragon spawn Aegon and Renerys will be turned over as hostages. And Bara Baratheon, the little queen, will serve as their handmaidaden. I've heard better offers in brothel. Careful, snake. I'll have your tongue. You all sit here and pretend to be noble, but you're hypocrites. You raised a girl onto the throne you would never let me touch. You swore her with privileges that few would ever be granted just because Robert happened to favor this brute. You were denied not for being a woman, but for refusing to learn. You sowed cruelty and harvested madness. You could not rule because you cannot even control your base desires. You had power and used it to destroy. Mother, I will not pretend that you had a perfect path. I know you have suffered and what you say is not untrue. Many are denied the privilege I've been given. Yet you forget. You denied to others the very rights you now claim was stolen from you. You did so when it was convenient for you. You did not fight for a woman's dignity. You fought for your own vengeance. That is not justice. That is ruin. The girl speaks truly. If you truly wish for peace, to put an end to the wailing widows and grieving mothers, then give us terms. Genuine terms. The hall falls silent. Where was this talk when you betrayed my father? Accept what we offer or it shall be war. So be it then. As the delegates disperse and tempers fade into grim preparations, Bar lingers in the empty courtyard of Harrenhal. Around her, the companions who bled for her stand tall. Rob Stark, Jon Snow, Ry's Targaryen, and her brother Aegon. Loris Tyrell, the Sand Snakes, and the Baratheon Bastards. Vera looks at them all. The tension she felt in the hall eased as she regards them. You fought for me, but more than that, you fought for each other. For a realm that might be better than the one we were given. For that, I will always be grateful. To think the seven brought us together. Indeed. There might even been another time when we would have been enemies. Doesn't sound like a realm I'd want to live in. Whatever comes next, I want you to know I owe the kingdoms to you. And if war must come, I am at least grateful that this war brought us together. There are no cheers, just nods and the quiet, dangerous certainty of a final battle approaching. To the north, Jon Snow and Rob Stark stand at the head of the vanguard. Across the churned earth, Sir Jaime Lannister commands a host of cell swords and rebels. The most prominent of them is the Golden Company, which flutters in the extreme left. The charge begins. The northern steel crashes into the mercenary lines. Snow and Stark fight side by side, cutting through with grim precision. Ned hangs back and directs troops to where they are needed and commands the reserves. He plugs up a dozen gaps formed by the hardened cell swords and personally leads the charge to beat them back. These men are disciplined and hardened by war. They do not break until they hear the sound of a horn blowing and then chaos erupts. Tyrion smiles from the battlements, knowing that the marshall prowess won't be enough. So he offered secret terms while they negotiated in Harrenhal. Any company that defects would be granted lands in the seven kingdoms. Among them were the second sons under Brown Ben and several others. Those who long for home more than gold turn on their comrades. The Cell Swords center collapses and Jon drives his sword into the brereech. Rob commands a cavalry charge while Ned gathers all his reserves and launches a counterattack surrounding the Lannister force. Sir Barristan Selme leads the two Winterfell boys right to Jaime's camp. Steel clashes as Sir Barristan rushes Jaime himself. Rob and Jon move on either side, striking hard and supporting him. And yet, the Golden Lannister refuses to yield. He steps back step by step, pairing each strike as his men are slaughtered all around him. Sir Barristan is relentless, though, and sees something else. Hesitation in Jaime. You do not want to be here. And yet, I must. It doesn't have to end like this, Lannister. I have family behind me. One who never judged me. Who I was not merely the king's slayer to. You have family here. No one knows how Tyrion made his way here, but he pushes himself forward and regards his brother. Jaime levels his sword, but the imp does not seem afraid. Jaime, you are not the slayer to me, just my brother. And for once, Jaime listens. He kneels and lets his sword fall from his grip. To the south, Aegon and Rainey's Targaryen lead the Dornish light infantry in a skirmish against the charging Dothraki horde. Arrows whistle through the air, coated in Dornish poisons. Horses scream. Screamers fall. Their foot archers outrange the Dothraki, and they stay behind a shield wall. At their side, Sir Loris Tyrell blocks arrows with his shield and gallops to cut down Dothraki who get too close. They bait the Dothraki into a trap. As the screamers press the attack, Yon Royce and his heavy knights of the Veil hammer into their flank. Reerys organizes her archers and rains down poison missiles on them. Dornish spears sweep in from other sides and Prince Ober and Martell himself dances through the melee. He meets Cal Drogo on the bloods slick field. The two clash, ferocity against finesse. Oberin pierces the call's side with a spear. The mighty warlord falls, gurgling curses. Poison slows him down and allows them to capture him. Nearby, Viseris Targaryen tries to rally, shrieking about dragons and destiny, but Aegon rides him down. The two dragons clash in a spark of swords. They seem equally matched, but Reys kills his horse from under him, and Aegon ends it with one clean strike. Within Harrenhal, the reach storms the gates. They far outnumber either army, and it tells as even Harrenhal's formidable defenses cannot hold them. Mace Tyrell's army floods the cursed halls. Joffrey pining and cruel trails behind them with his crossbow, losing bolts into chaos. The defenders are outnumbered, outflanked, outmatched. Bara Baratheon refuses to yield. She fights through the fire in fear. Surrounded by Gendry, Edric Storm, and Maya Stone, her hammer rises and falls with purpose. And though her chest is heaving, she continues to shout, "Attention you riverfolk and Westermen. It's about time we stopped holding back and show them what we can do. They say a Northman is worth five southerners, and a Dornishman is more cunning than any Andal. Let's [ __ ] prove them wrong. Around her, clusters of riverlords let out a roar while Westerman raised their swords up high. Suddenly, they stop giving ground and allow Tywin to reform them. Bar marches through their lines, sweeping her hammer and crushing three men. But then, a bolt from Joffrey's crossbow catches her in the side. She stumbles, blood blooming down her armor. Men rush to finish her off, but Maya, Gendry, and Edric block their path, parrying their strikes. But the roar that rises next isn't from her throat. It's from the east. Over the ridge, a battered army charges down the slope. Renley Baratheon still shining beneath dented green armor and sword drawn. Stannis led what remains of the Stormlands host. They ride with fury. Both men are haggarded with open cuts across their faces and their eyes burning red with fury. Remley's jovial demeanor and Stannis's cold expression are gone, replaced with blistering rage. As one, they rise their swords and hack through the defenses. Where is our niece? Their cavalry hits the reachmen hard, scattering them. Seeing this, Barra rises to her feet, leaning on her Warhammer, and then shouts, "The counterattack begins now. Ours is the fury. Hear us roar." Beside her, Bar's half siblings roar and rush forward. Their hammers and swords flash, cutting through the nearest reachmen. The rest of the army collapses, and Joffrey turns to run, but an arrow takes him in the leg. He crawls toward the gate. He doesn't make it. A spear from Dorne finishes what fate had begun. With this victory, the royalists at last forced the invaders to terms. Daenerys takes charge of this operation and asks to make terms, offering to leave immediately if Cal Drogo is returned to her. She offers Cersei in exchange. Bar agrees to these terms and allows them to go. Though many urge her to execute Cersei, Barah does not have the heart and instead takes her to the Silent Sisters. Once the invasion fleet disappears, she begins consolidating her rule. First, she marries Aegon to strengthen her claim and gathers all the young heroes who shed their blood alongside them and allows them to join her new council. Together, they begin to rebuild the realm, but also make it better. In particular, they begin to reform the way women are treated in society, giving them more rights, ensuring that Cersei's claims are addressed. That's our theory. Westeros is a land filled with exciting stories and possibilities, and we love exploring them. If you want to accompany us on this journey across the Seven Kingdoms and beyond, then please like, share, and subscribe to our channel.