Golden Tyrant (Game of thrones/Asoiaf)

Cersei Lannister sat in her chambers, her golden hair shimmering in the sunlight that streamed through the windows. She held a goblet of wine in one hand, her sharp green eyes fixed on the servant who had just delivered the news. Her expression was unreadable, but the tension in the room was palpable.

"He did *what*?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous.

The servant, a young girl with trembling hands, bowed her head. "Prince Eryx defeated Ser Meryn in a sparring match, Your Grace. They say he moved like a seasoned warrior, not a boy of fifteen."

Cersei's grip tightened on the goblet, her knuckles turning white. She took a slow sip of wine, her mind racing. Eryx had always been different—quieter, more calculating than Joffrey or Tommen. But this? This was unexpected. And in Cersei's world, the unexpected was dangerous.

"Leave me," she said, her tone icy.

The servant scurried out of the room, leaving Cersei alone with her thoughts. She rose from her seat and walked to the window, her gaze sweeping over the bustling courtyard below. Eryx's sudden display of skill was troubling. If he was truly as talented as the rumors suggested, he could become a threat—not just to Joffrey's claim to the throne, but to her own influence.

"A lion does not share power," she murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not even with its own cubs."

She would need to keep a closer eye on Eryx. And if he proved too ambitious, too independent, she would deal with him as she had dealt with others who stood in her way.

======

In a dimly lit chamber deep within the Red Keep, Robert Baratheon lounged on a plush couch, a goblet of wine in one hand and a buxom serving girl in the other. The room reeked of sweat, wine, and the faint scent of perfume. Robert's face was flushed, his laughter loud and unrestrained as the girl giggled at some crude joke he had made.

The door creaked open, and Ser Barristan Selmy stepped inside, his expression as stoic as ever. He cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the raucous atmosphere.

"Your Grace," Ser Barristan said, bowing slightly.

"There's something you should know."

Robert waved a hand dismissively, his attention still half on the girl.

"Out with it, Barristan. Can't you see I'm busy?"

Ser Barristan's lips twitched, the closest he ever came to a frown.

"It's about your son, Eryx."

Robert paused, his brow furrowing.

"Eryx? What's the boy done now? Broken another vase? Spilled wine on Cersei's favorite dress?"

"No, Your Grace," Ser Barristan replied.

"He defeated Ser Meryn in a sparring match earlier today. They say he fought like a seasoned warrior."

Robert blinked, his expression shifting from confusion to mild interest. He took a long swig of wine, then set the goblet down with a thud.

"Ser Meryn? That oaf? Are you telling me my boy beat him?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Ser Barristan said.

"He's only fifteen, but his skill is remarkable."

Robert let out a bark of laughter, the sound so loud it made the serving girl flinch.

"Well, I'll be damned! The boy's got some fight in him after all. Always thought he was too quiet, too bookish. But if he can swing a sword like that, maybe there's hope for him yet."

He turned to the serving girl, his grin wide and drunken.

"Did you hear that, love? My son's a warrior! A bloody prodigy!"

The girl giggled nervously, unsure how to respond. Robert didn't seem to notice. He grabbed his goblet and raised it high, sloshing wine onto the floor.

"To Eryx!" he bellowed.

"The pride of House Baratheon!"

He took a long drink, then set the goblet down and leaned back against the couch, his laughter filling the room. Ser Barristan stood silently, his expression unreadable. He had seen Robert's moods shift like the wind, and he knew better than to expect any real interest in the boy's future. For Robert, this was just another excuse to drink and boast.

=======

The cabin was quiet, the only sound the faint crackling of the fire in the hearth. Eryx sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed as he focused on the flow of mana through his body. The *Eternal Golden Lion* method was progressing well, and he could feel his strength growing with each passing day. But his meditation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside the cabin—light, deliberate, and unmistakably feminine.

The door creaked open, and Cersei Lannister stepped inside, her golden hair gleaming in the firelight. She was dressed in a gown of deep crimson, her expression calm but her eyes sharp and calculating. She closed the door behind her, her gaze sweeping over the room before settling on Eryx.

"Mother," Eryx said, opening his eyes and rising to his feet. He bowed slightly, his tone respectful but not subservient. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Cersei smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Can a mother not visit her son without reason?"

Eryx returned the smile, his expression warm and genuine. "Of course, Mother. I'm always happy to see you."

Cersei stepped further into the room, her movements graceful and deliberate. She glanced at the practice sword leaning against the wall, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "I hear you've been busy. Defeating guardsmen, impressing the court. Quite the little warrior, aren't you?"

Eryx chuckled softly, his tone light and self-deprecating. "I wouldn't go that far. I simply enjoy training. It clears the mind."

Cersei's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze piercing. "Training is one thing, Eryx. But drawing attention to yourself? That's another matter entirely. You must be careful. The court is a dangerous place, full of vipers who would use any weakness against you."

Eryx nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're right, of course. I'll be more cautious in the future. Thank you for your concern, Mother."

Cersei's smile widened, though it still lacked warmth. "That's my boy. Always so thoughtful, so obedient. It's no wonder your father is so proud of you."

Eryx's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Is he? I hadn't noticed."

Cersei laughed, a soft, melodic sound that was as much a weapon as her words. "Oh, Eryx. You know how your father is. He may not show it often, but he cares for you. We all do."

Eryx stepped closer to her, his gaze steady and sincere. "I know you do, Mother. And I'm grateful for it. You've always been there for me, guiding me, protecting me. I wouldn't be where I am today without you."

Cersei's smile faltered for the briefest of moments, her mask slipping just enough for Eryx to see the flicker of surprise in her eyes. She recovered quickly, her expression softening. "You're a good son, Eryx. A true Lannister."

Eryx reached out and took her hand, his touch gentle but firm. "And you're a good mother, Cersei. Strong, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to your family. I admire that about you."

Cersei's breath hitched, her usual composure shaken by the sincerity in his voice. For a moment, she was at a loss for words. She had come here to manipulate him, to remind him of his place and ensure he remained under her control. But now, she found herself disarmed, her carefully crafted words slipping away.

"Eryx…" she began, her voice softer than she intended.

Eryx smiled, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "I know it hasn't been easy for you, Mother. Raising us, dealing with Father, navigating the politics of the court. But you've done it all with grace and strength. And I want you to know that I see that. I appreciate it."

Cersei's throat tightened, a strange emotion stirring within her—one she hadn't felt in years. Pride? Affection? She wasn't sure. But it was unsettling, and she quickly pushed it aside, her mask slipping back into place.

"You've always been too kind, Eryx," she said, her tone light but her eyes guarded.

"But remember, kindness is a luxury we cannot always afford. Not in this world."

Eryx nodded, his expression serious.

"I understand, Mother. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect our family. You have my word."

Cersei studied him for a long moment, her sharp mind trying to reconcile the boy before her with the image she had of him. He was different, she realized. Stronger, wiser, more confident. And yet, there was a warmth to him, a sincerity that was hard to ignore.

"Good," she said finally, her tone firm but not unkind.

"Remember who you are, Eryx. A Lannister. And Lannisters always pay their debts."

Eryx smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"And a Baratheon. And Baratheons always rise to the occasion."

Cersei laughed, a genuine laugh this time, and for a moment, the tension between them melted away. She reached up and cupped his cheek, her touch surprisingly gentle.

"You're a clever boy, Eryx. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Eryx leaned into her touch, his smile warm and genuine.

"Thank you, Mother. I won't."

As Cersei left the cabin, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She had come here to manipulate him, to ensure he remained under her control. But instead, she found herself charmed, her defenses lowered without her even realizing it. And as she walked back to the Red Keep, she couldn't shake the feeling that Eryx was not just a boy to be controlled, but a force to be reckoned with.

As the door closed behind Cersei, Eryx's smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet determination. He had seen through her manipulations easily, his millennia of experience making her attempts seem almost childlike. But instead of dismissing her, he had chosen to charm her, to plant the seeds of change in her heart.

He had encountered women like Cersei before—proud, ambitious, and fiercely protective of their own. And he had changed them, not through force or manipulation, but through understanding and compassion. Cersei was no different. Beneath her cold exterior was a woman shaped by pain, fear, and a desperate need for control. And if anyone could change her, it was him.

"Very well, Mother," he murmured to himself.

"Let's see if I can't bring out the best in you."

========

The door to the cabin creaked open, and Eryx stepped out into the crisp morning air. His punishment was over, and he was free to return to his chambers in the Red Keep. The weeks of isolation had been productive, but he was eager to rejoin the world and continue his plans. As he walked through the courtyard, the servants and guards nodded respectfully, their whispers following him like a shadow.

"There he is, the prodigy prince…"

"They say he defeated Ser Meryn without breaking a sweat…"

"A true Baratheon, that one…"

Eryx ignored the murmurs, his mind focused on the tasks ahead. He had much to do—training to resume, alliances to forge, and a family to navigate. But as he approached his chambers, he found his path blocked by a familiar figure.

Joffrey Baratheon stood in the hallway, his golden hair gleaming in the sunlight, his smirk as sharp as a dagger. He was flanked by two guards, their expressions carefully neutral. Joffrey's green eyes gleamed with malice as he looked his twin brother up and down.

"Well, well," Joffrey drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "If it isn't the great warrior prince. Finally done hiding in your little cabin, are you?"

Eryx stopped, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. "Joffrey," he said, his tone neutral. "What do you want?"

Joffrey's smirk widened. "Can't a brother welcome his twin back? I heard you've been playing at swords with the guards. How quaint. Did they let you win to spare your fragile pride?"

Eryx's lips twitched, but he didn't rise to the bait. "If you're here to waste my time, Joffrey, I suggest you find someone else to bother. I have more important things to do."

Joffrey's eyes narrowed, his smirk fading into a scowl. "You think you're so clever, don't you? Always with your nose in a book, always acting like you're better than everyone else. But you're not. You're just a bastard who got lucky."

Eryx raised an eyebrow, his expression amused. "Is that what you came to tell me? That I'm lucky? How enlightening."

Joffrey's face flushed with anger, and he took a step closer, his voice rising. "You think you can embarrass me in front of the guards and get away with it? You think you can steal my glory? I'm the heir to the Iron Throne, not you!"

Eryx sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Joffrey, if you're so concerned about your glory, perhaps you should spend less time whining and more time training. Or is that too much effort for you?"

Joffrey's hand twitched toward the dagger at his belt, but he stopped himself, his eyes darting to the guards behind him. He forced a laugh, though it sounded more like a snarl.

"You're lucky Mother favors you. But don't think that will last forever. One day, you'll step out of line, and I'll be there to put you in your place."

Eryx's smile was cold, his eyes glinting with a dangerous light.

"I look forward to it, brother. But until then, I suggest you stay out of my way. You wouldn't want to embarrass yourself again, would you?"

Joffrey's face turned red, and for a moment, it looked like he might lunge at Eryx. But then he seemed to think better of it, his smirk returning as he took a step back.

"Enjoy your little victories while you can, Eryx," he sneered.

"They won't last forever."

With that, he turned on his heel and stalked away, his guards trailing behind him. Eryx watched him go, his expression unreadable. Joffrey was a nuisance, but he was also a liability—a cruel, impulsive boy who could ruin everything if left unchecked.

As Eryx entered his chambers, he closed the door behind him and leaned against it, letting out a slow breath. Joffrey's taunts were nothing new, but they were a reminder of the challenges he faced. His brother was a problem, one that would need to be dealt with sooner or later. But for now, Eryx had more pressing matters to attend to.

He walked to the window, his gaze sweeping over the bustling courtyard below. The Red Keep was a maze of intrigue and danger, but it was also a place of opportunity. He had already begun to lay the groundwork for his plans, but there was still much to do.

"Patience," he murmured to himself. "Patience and precision."

He would deal with Joffrey in time, but not yet. For now, he would focus on strengthening his position, gathering allies, and preparing for the challenges ahead. The game of thrones was a long one, and Eryx Baratheon was a player who knew how to win.

==========

Eryx sat in the center of his chamber, his eyes closed as he focused on the flow of mana through his body. The *Eternal Golden Lion* method was progressing well, and he could feel his strength growing with each passing day. But his meditation was interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

"Come in," he called, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.

The door creaked open, and two small figures slipped inside. Tommen, his golden curls bouncing as he walked, and Myrcella, her green eyes wide with concern. They hesitated for a moment, as if unsure whether they were welcome, before stepping further into the room.

"Eryx," Myrcella said softly, her voice filled with relief. "We've missed you."

Eryx's expression softened as he rose to his feet. "Tommen, Myrcella. What brings you here?"

Tommen shuffled his feet, his hands clasped behind his back. "We… we wanted to see you. Mother said you were being punished, but we didn't know why. We were worried."

Myrcella nodded, her gaze dropping to the floor. "We heard you were in the cabin for weeks. We wanted to visit, but Mother said we couldn't."

Eryx felt a pang of guilt. He had been so focused on his training and plans that he hadn't considered how his isolation might affect his younger siblings. He knelt down to their level, his smile warm and reassuring.

"I'm sorry you were worried," he said gently. "But I'm fine, really. The cabin wasn't so bad. It gave me time to think, to train. And now I'm back, so there's no need to fret."

Tommen's eyes lit up, his worry replaced by curiosity. "Is it true, Eryx? Did you really beat Ser Meryn in a fight? The guards said you moved like a seasoned warrior!"

Eryx chuckled, ruffling Tommen's hair. "It's true. But it wasn't much of a fight. Ser Meryn is skilled, but he underestimated me. That's a mistake he won't make again."

Myrcella's eyes widened in awe. "You're amazing, Eryx. I wish I could fight like that."

Eryx smiled at her, his tone encouraging. "You could, if you wanted to. It's all about practice and discipline. Maybe I can teach you someday."

Tommen's face fell slightly, his expression uncertain. "Do you think Father will be proud of you? He's always talking about how strong he was when he was young. Maybe now he'll notice us more."

Eryx's heart ached at the vulnerability in Tommen's voice. Robert Baratheon was many things, but a attentive father was not one of them. He placed a hand on Tommen's shoulder, his gaze steady and reassuring.

"Father is… complicated," Eryx said carefully. "But whether he notices or not, it doesn't change the fact that you're both strong in your own ways. Tommen, you have a kind heart, and that's a strength not many people have. And Myrcella, you're clever and brave. Never let anyone make you feel otherwise."

Myrcella smiled, her cheeks flushing with pride. "Thank you, Eryx. You're always so wise."

Tommen nodded, his expression brightening. "You're the best brother, Eryx. Even better than Joffrey."

Eryx laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "I'm glad you think so. But let's keep that between us, alright? We wouldn't want to hurt Joffrey's feelings."

Tommen giggled, and even Myrcella couldn't suppress a smile. For a moment, the three of them sat together, the bond between them stronger than ever. Eryx felt a sense of peace he hadn't known in weeks, a reminder of why he was doing all of this—not just for himself, but for his family.

==========

As Tommen and Myrcella chattered excitedly about their lessons and the latest gossip from the court, Eryx listened with a smile, his mind drifting to the future. These two, so innocent and full of potential, deserved a better world than the one they were born into. A world free from the petty squabbles and endless wars that plagued Westeros.

He would create that world, no matter the cost. For Tommen, for Myrcella, and for all those who deserved a brighter future.

When the time came for them to leave, Eryx walked them to the door, his hand resting on Tommen's shoulder. "Remember," he said, his tone gentle but firm, "no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you. Both of you."

Myrcella hugged him tightly, her voice muffled against his chest. "We know, Eryx. And we'll always be here for you too."

Tommen nodded, his expression serious. "We're a family. And families stick together, right?"

Eryx smiled, his heart swelling with affection. "Right."

As the door closed behind them, Eryx stood in the quiet of his chamber, his resolve stronger than ever. The road ahead would be long and fraught with danger, but he would walk it without hesitation. For his siblings, for his family, and for the future he would build.