-44- The queen is angry

Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast garden.

Queen Cersei, dressed in splendid attire, sat gracefully, smiling gently as she watched Princess Myrcella playing with Prince Tommen.

Prince Joffrey sat next to Queen Cersei, with a hint of impatience on his face.

Not far away, Ser Jaime stood with his sword drawn.

Lancel and Jaime stood together, nervously avoiding the occasional glances from Joffrey.

Gallen and Tyrion's figures appeared in the garden, approaching Jaime and Lancel.

Gallen stood beside Jaime, while Tyrion cheerfully pulled Lancel, who looked embarrassed, to the other side.

Jaime glanced at Cersei not far away and involuntarily lowered his voice. "Little lord, what did Lord Arryn say?"

Unconsciously, Jaime's address for Gallen changed from Half-Wild to little lord.

Gallen replied, "He promised me Crackclaw Point and wants me to..."

Gallen didn't deliberately conceal anything and recounted the events to Jaime, emphasizing the discovery of the compartment in the lord's study.

Jaime's tone was tinged with sarcasm. "The Hand of the King's study is drafty, yet the old lord didn't notice."

Gallen nodded in agreement.

After their conversation, the atmosphere between Jaime and Gallen became somewhat awkward. Although they had become somewhat acquainted, perhaps they simply didn't click, and they rarely found common ground beyond official matters.

In an attempt to break the awkwardness, Gallen glanced at the children playing in the distance.

Should he compliment the little lions?

With nothing else to say, Gallen decided to start a conversation. "Princess Myrcella is very cute."

However, Jaime didn't pick up on Gallen's lead and just gave him a cold glance.

At that moment, the astute Gallen seemed to catch something.

Unbeknownst to Gallen, Tyrion, who had been standing beside Jaime, observed the entire exchange.

Tyrion's eyes flickered, his face remained impassive, but he chuckled inwardly.

Before Gallen could ponder further, Cersei's handmaiden approached. "Good day, Lord Gallen, the Queen summons you."

Gallen and Jaime exchanged a glance before following the handmaiden.

.........

Queen Cersei nodded slightly in greeting to Gallen and said, "Lord Gallen, this is my eldest son, Joffrey Baratheon, the heir to the Iron Throne."

Joffrey tilted his chin slightly, lips curved in a manner similar to Cersei's.

Like mother, like son. No wonder Cersei loves Joffrey the most!

Gallen bowed slightly. "Good day, Your Highness."

Joffrey was pleased with Gallen's address.

Unlike his crybaby brother, who was called Prince Tommen, Joffrey was called Prince Joffrey himself. Such a similar title did not satisfy Joffrey's desires. He was the only heir to the Iron Throne, and only he should be represented as the prince.

Gallen's address suited Joffrey's taste.

Joffrey's mood suddenly improved. "Good day, my lord, I've heard of your battles, and I admire your bravery."

Cersei was somewhat surprised. It was rare for the proud Joffrey to show good will to someone he met for the first time.

Cersei nodded in satisfaction. He truly takes after me. With just one look, he can discern a person's worth. Like mother, like son!

Feeling pleased, Cersei called for Myrcella and Tommen.

"Good day, Prince Tommen."

"Good day, Princess Myrcella."

Gallen busied himself with greeting the children.

Joffrey's satisfaction with Gallen's address made his mood even better. "Mother, I want to reward Lord Gallen."

Gallen's ears perked up, and suddenly his back didn't ache anymore.

Capable people should be continuously rewarded to make them even more loyal. Joffrey had already understood this principle, and Cersei was pleased. Joffrey truly takes after me!

Cersei looked tenderly at Joffrey and indulged, "Alright, my little prince, I'll take care of it."

"Tommen, Myrcella, both of you should take a rest."

After speaking, Queen Cersei instructed her handmaidens to take care of them and then lifted her hand, gesturing to Gallen. "Lord Gallen, walk with me."

Gallen's inwardly raised his eyebrows as he approached Cersei, gently supporting her slender arm that she raised, helping her to rise.

In the distance, Jaime and Tyrion exchanged a glance as they watched Cersei and Gallen stroll into the garden.

Tyrion grinned and said, "Brother, your scheme didn't work on our dear sister."

Jaime felt embarrassed and helpless.

Tyrion patted Jaime's thigh reassuringly. "Jaime, don't worry. Things aren't as dire as we feared. It seems our sister is still rational, which is a good sign. You haven't failed."

.........

Gallen accompanied Cersei as they walked in the garden. The garden of Maegor's Holdfast was lush with trees and filled with the sounds and scents of birds and flowers.

Cersei stopped in her tracks, gazing at a sea of flowers, her tone cold. "Lord Gallen, when were you planning to tell me about that old coot who approached you?"

The Red Keep truly has no secrets. Jaime can't be relied upon for such matters; he's only good for swinging a sword!

Gallen's eyes flickered. "The old man tempted me to go across the strait to deal with the two remaining dragons."

Cersei sneered disdainfully. "Truly a coward."

Cersei glanced lightly in Gallen's direction and asked, "Tempted?"

Gallen's tone was mocking. "Once the deed is done, he promised to appoint me as the Governor of Crackclaw Point and bestow upon me the title of Protector of Crackclaw Point."

"You seem reluctant?"

Gallen nodded. "Your Grace, I've heard that for over a decade, the Red Keep has been sending assassins to kill the young dragons, yet they've been unsuccessful. Now, all of a sudden, the task is handed to me. The old man's motives are impure."

"So what do you think the old coot's motives are?"

After a pause, Gallen spoke up, "He wants to separate me from your side. He probably thinks the sword I wield in your service is too sharp."

Cersei turned her body to face Gallen, meeting his gaze. She lifted her chin gracefully and curved her lips slightly. "Just as I thought, Lord Gallen. You're of similar age to Joffrey, and I have high hopes for your future."

Gallen's voice carried a hint of excitement. "Your Grace, House Crabb will never forget thsi favor."

Cersei stepped closer to Gallen, and because they were so close, Gallen could feel Cersei's breath.

Cersei's gaze at Gallen was very tender as she lifted her arm and gently caressed Gallen's cheek. "What a good boy..."

Cersei helped Gallen adjust his collar gently.

Under Cersei's actions, she noticed Gallen's "abnormalities", and his chest subtly rising and falling.

Cersei curled her lips into a smirk.

Cersei's delicate hand once again caressed Gallen's cheek. "That old coot dares to cross me, and order my officer. He never takes me seriously. I am angry, and we must do something about it."