Building an Empire in Game of Thrones (REWORKED VERSION)-Chapter 82: Breaking the Red Wedding

Cersei slammed her fists on the table as she read the piece of paper in front of her. The betrothal between House Arryn and House Martell had gone through and there was nothing she could have done about it. When Littlefinger returned after failing his task so quickly, Joffrey threw him in a cell and called him incompetent.

She tried to tell Joffrey not to be too quick at making such decisions, but he ignored her. She had already lost control of him and there was nothing she could do to regain that control. Joffrey had already started mounting the heads of enemies outside of the Red Keep as trophies and a warning to anybody who would disobey him.

Tyrion was putting him in his place here and there, but that didn't sit well with Cersei as she despised the 'little monster' as she calls him. She couldn't wait until her father came to take his place as the Hand and Tyrion gets cast aside like he deserves. Though she would much rather cast him into the ocean and watch him struggle to survive.

That aside, they were beginning to lose support as they had lost the Dorne and the Vale to the Imperials who had a rather good reputation among the commonfolk. If they didn't start eliminating their enemies, then they would be at war forever eventually killed by their enemies.

In the Tower of the Hand, Tyrion had taken a sip from his wine as he sorted through all sorts of documents that bored him out of his mind. At first, he didn't know how to react when he was appointed as the acting Hand, but as time passed, he enjoyed the power that he had.

He had some good men under him as well. Bronn, his trusted sellsword, was now commanding the City's Watch and doing a rather commendable job of it. Varys continued to serve the role he had for decades but had made the decision to help Tyrion out only because the two of them were similar in how people perceived them.

Varys had already been contemplating his role as the Master of Whispers because he alongside many others could see where the war was headed. First it was Dorne, now it was the Vale. How long until it was the entire continent, and he would be stuck serving the wrong side.

Varys didn't want to remain in a losing position, which was why he planned to observe how the war between House Lannister, Stannis Baratheon, and Robb Stark progresses before making a decision on what he would do. He respected Ned Stark and knew that his son was well educated in the Imperial Union. So, his best bet was either to support them or switch sides and work under the emperor.

Even if he didn't switch sides, he knew that Tyrion would forgive him for any betrayal he might commit. At the Black Cells of the Red Keep, Littlefinger stood looking rather annoyed at his current situation. He didn't expect such a reaction from them tossing him into a cell rather than letting him scheme up something to turn this failure into a success.

He had spoken with Tyrion on the matter and thought they came to an understanding. But as the day went on, it seemed like they had forgotten about him. Even more so when news of Renly's defeat had reached King's Landing.

Renly's defeat made Joffrey angry at the council for their incompetence and allowed Tyrion to convince him that Littlefinger could yet prove useful. Tyrion knew better than anyone that Littlefinger was always useful, especially when there is chaos and opportunity to be found.

After releasing him from the cells, Tyrion invited Littlefinger to his office where the man looked defeated but not broken. Tyrion could tell that there was a lot more he could do before his ambition was truly snuffed out. In that regard, they were similar men.

Dismissed by those around them, looked down upon for things beyond their control. "You took your time," Littlefinger said as he entered. Tyrion smirked, "Did I? I thought a night's stay would give you some time to consider your next contribution to the crown." Littlefinger raised a brow, "I suppose Stannis' victory has sped things up in the city." Tyrion poured himself another glass of wine and gestured for Littlefinger to take a seat.

"The Stormlands are his, and now we have other concerns. But you did well, making it back so quickly." Littlefinger sat down and tried not to show relief, instead he leaned back and pretended to be confident. "Quick enough to still be of use?" Tyrion nodded. "You'll find Joffrey has no patience for failure. But my father sees value in a man who knows when to cut his losses and strike anew." Littlefinger remained silent as Tyrion continued. "We have rumors of Robb Stark's carnal adventures with this Westerling girl. A marriage broken before they even marched south. My father will want to fan that fire, and what better man than one who knows how to breathe on kindling?" Littlefinger, sensing the chance at redemption, leaned forward.

"Perhaps I can rouse Lord Frey with a few select words." Tyrion smiled again. "I was certain you'd volunteer. This time, bring it back in writing." Littlefinger rose and adjusted his coat, already plotting his next move. "It seems the crown's favors are more fleeting than usual." Tyrion moved to pour him a drink but stopped as he saw Littlefinger already on his way out of his office.

"They are," Tyrion said quietly to himself, "But some favors are more persistent than others." Cersei, hearing of this development, was not pleased but knew that if anyone could manipulate those crusty old fools at the Twins it would be Littlefinger. And if he couldn't... well, then she might give it one tries her way by sending them an assassin or two.

Tyrion had sent a raven to his father telling him the plan he had come up with. Tywin, knowing how useful Littlefinger was, agreed to the proposal. He sent a raven to the Frey's using their current situation to manipulate them into planning a 'Red Wedding' to get rid of the Starks all at once. He also got Lord Bolton in on this plan too and offered him the title of Warden of the North in exchange.

A day later, Lord Frey replied and expressed interest but also concerns about such a plan. He wanted insurance from the crown that they would not suffer from such an incident. If he got the insurance and protection, then he would not hesitate to switch sides and get back at the Starks. Roose Bolton had also agreed with the promise of Warden of the North. Over the next 2 months, talks and schemes had gone through while the Wedding between Robb Stark and Roslin Frey.

Once the day came, the Lords of the North and their allies had gathered in the Twins to host the wedding. The Lords sat down and watched the marriage between Robb Stark and Roslin Frey. After they were wed, the highborn nobles feasted, while knights, lesser lords, and bastards ate in the opposing castle. Common soldiers celebrated in the tents outside.

During the wedding, Robb danced with a number of Frey woman, including his newly wed wife, Roslin, Alyx, Fair Walda, Lady Joyeuse, Ami, Fat Walda, Serra, Sarra, Shirei, and Dacey Mormont. Several poor dishes are served, the most appetizing being pink lamb.

Before Robb and Roslin departed for the Bedding custom, the doors to the hall were shut close which caught the attention of Lady Catelyn. Next, they started playing the "The Rains of Castamere", a song associated with Lord Tywin Lannister. This caused her to look around as Lord Walder Frey raised his hand causing everybody to take their seats.

Catelyn sat next to Ned while Robb was directly in front of Lord Walder Frey. "Your Grace," he began. "My honored guests," he turned to the gathered lords, "Be welcome. The Red....." he couldn't get the next words out as somebody opened the doors of the hall and stormed in.

"My Lords.....There are Dragons outside." he reported. The Lords in the hall didn't know why Dragons were here so they all got up and ran outside to see what was going.

Hovering above the castle, Maximus alongside Hera, and a few dozen Imperial Guards had arrived at the wedding for a surprised visit. The armies of the North and their allies had armed themselves, though many didn't know what they could do against the Dragons besides shoot arrows.

The Lords had left the entrance of the castle and looked up to see a massive dragon followed by several small dragons hovering in the night sky. Nyxara had flew a little low, allowing Maximus to jump off her back and land on the ground right in front of all the gathered lords.

The guards had taken out their weapons ready to fight if necessary, while Ned Stark had reached the front and bowed his head. "Your excellency, it's good to see you again." he stated.

Sansa and Arya had also come forward and greeted him followed by the rest of the Lords. They all bowed respectfully, surprised to see the emperor himself arriving at the Twins. Robb rushed outside and moved to greet him. "Your excellency," he said. "We didn't expect you. It's an honor." Robb was shocked just like everyone else.

Maximus looked around seeing all of the faces gathered. "It's an important day for the Starks and the North. And I was just a short distance away, so I thought it appropriate to attend." Lord Frey had come forward as well with a few of his kin.

Though he was caught off guard, being a man who covered all his bases, he quickly adapted to this current situation and acted like nothing was wrong in hopes that Maximus wouldn't stay long. "You came at perfect time your excellency." He shifted into a smile. "Though it's bit of surprise you know how us old men are with surprises." "Especially when they don't go according to plan," Maximus said flatly, causing Walder Frey's expression to change from thrilled, to annoyed in an instant. He didn't know if Maximus knew what he had planned or if he was just trying to flex his empires might.

Regardless, he would still make sure that this would go on smoothly without anybody knowing prior knowledge about what he had planned. "We welcome you for however long you'd like to stay," Walder Frey said after a few moments of silence, "I'm sure a man of your station has many other places to be."

"I do," Maximus replied. "But I'll remain until this wedding's purpose is seen through. Wouldn't want any misunderstandings. Or accidents."

Catelyn stepped forward, a sense of relief washing over her. Though they had been careful not to speak openly of it, she and Ned had shared suspicions about Lord Frey's loyalty. The old man was clever but long-winded. When that music began playing, she feared the very worst was about to happen.

Arya nudged Sansa and whispered, "I thought he wouldn't come." Sansa shushed her sister before whispering back. "So, did I. But now everyone will think the Starks have even more support than before!"

Hera and 5 other Imperial Guards, all Valkyries led by Brunnhilde had landed behind him. Maximus gestured to Hela, "Allow me to introduce one of my wives, Hela, and these other 5 behind me are my Imperial guards." Hela approached the balcony's edge while Brunnhilde and the rest of her guards stayed behind with Maximus.

She gazed down at the gathering and gave an ironic smile. "I see the Starks are not the only ones who like to keep a close family." Some of the Lords chuckled nervously, knowing full well that such a statement meant more than it suggested. "I promise we won't take up too much time now that we're here," Maximus said. "Enjoy the night's festivities while they last."

With that they moved back into the hall, several lords offering their seats to Maximus and Hela. The Asgardians spread out in several corners of the room watching over all the people gathered. If anything happened, they could reach Maximus within a second before any harm came to him.

Once everybody found their seats, Maximus gazed at Lord Walder Frey, "Now, please continue your little speech. I believe your last word was Red, so why don't you continue what you were saying." He smirked as he took a sip from a cup of wine that one of the Frey's daughters had poured for him.

"I was just gonna say, enjoy this beautiful red evening in which we honor the marriage between his grace and my daughter." he had to quickly come up with a lie or else he didn't know what would happen. Maybe his castle would be burned down, his entire house, or just him.

Maximus took another sip of the wine before placing it back onto the table. "I, will only say this one Lord Frey." Maximus stood up as his expression turned serious and the lords within the room felt a sudden pressure. "You have but one choice. Get on your hands and knees right now and beg that I won't feed you to my wyverns for conspiring with the Lannisters."

Gasps filled the room, and all eyes turned to Lord Walder Frey. He stood, mouth slightly open, hands trembling as he didn't really have a choice in the matter. He stood up from his seat and got onto his knees in front of all to see.

His kin watched in horror, some stepping forward, unsure whether to follow him or die where they stood. Catleyn Stark held her breath, surprised that Lord Frey would conspire during a Wedding.

Robb turned to Maximus with a questioning look. "He conspired with them?" he asked.

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Maximus nodded. "But" he said, "even snakes can be useful." Lord Walder knelt, angry but more frightened than anything else. "Your excellency," he said, "please forgive an old man for..." Hela interrupted him. "For treachery? For plotting? For having no spine?"

"Old men are known for their foolishness," Maximus said. "And their attachment to old enemies." His gaze moved across the room as he spoke, settling on Roose Bolton at the far table.

"They remember their place once shown a kinder way." Roose Bolton met his eyes, stone-faced. The Freys were shamed, but they were not fools. If Maximus knew what they had planned, then there was no possible way that they could do anything now. Robb would be on guard for the rest of the evening. They had gathered their forces outside and there were Dragons flying above them.

He mustered all the dignity he could and gave a nod which was more than sufficient to spare him one way or another. "Then I will show a kinder way," Walder Frey said loudly. "And take this gift not as weakness, but as mercy." Maximus sat back down and poured himself more wine. To him this was nothing more than a distraction that he could have handled without even being present. But where was the fun in that? It gave him a chance to see the Stark Family and see how the Twins looked in person compared to through a screen.

He then turned to Robb and said out loud, "Though the fault lies with you young Stark for your nightly adulteress adventures with another lady before you even got married." Robb's face turned red as the lords all looked at each other. Some of them knew already but now it was out in the open for everybody to hear. Arya and Sansa looked at their older brother with wide eyes. Ned lowered his head slightly.

Maximus didn't just want to put the Frey's in their place, but also revealed that Robb's actions were the cause to this. Unfortunately, this would put a stain on his relationship with his now wife Roslin Frey. Despite the tension and harsh words, the rest of the night's feast progressed without incident. Maximus had made his point to the lords gathered and put Lord Frey in his place.

The following day, guests and banners began to depart from the Twins. The war against the Lannisters was about to continue as they would push further into the Westerlands and eventually the Crownlands.

Littlefinger, who was somewhere in the other castle hiding until the massacre was over, had his room stormed. Imperial guards had stormed the room and dragged him out secretly in chains, removing a piece on the board from the Lannister's.

When the news of Lord Frey's submission reached Tywin Lannister in his war camp outside Harrenhal, Tywin was furious. "The man is a slippery weasel," Kevan said, standing beside him. "Slippery enough," Tywin growled, "to avoid paying for what he did." His plans were thwarted and the only thing he could do now was fight them out with swords. It would cost him dearly since they were backed by Imperial support.

Meanwhile in Winterfell, everything was going smoothly after the attack by the Ironborn. The Ironborn led by the traitor Theon was captured by Shadowhand agents as they stormed the castle. They were thrown into the dungeons by the acting Lord of Winterfell and Prince, Bran Stark. Counseled by Maester Luwin, the Ironborn attackers were kept as prisoners and a reminder.

But the Ironborn were successful in other places such as Deepwood Motte, Torrhen's Square, and Ashemark. They had sent raiding parties elsewhere while they stalled the Northern forces at Winterfell. However, most of these raids were against unsupported or lightly defended areas since all the Northern banners had joined Robb in his war against the Lannister's.