After my guards and I cut down the last of the attackers, we returned to the tavern. I told Jaime everything—the ambush, Alysanne's betrayal, and the hidden loyalists.
It was already deep into the night by then, so I sent a messenger to Uncle Kevan at once.
---
[Next Morning – Casterly Rock]
The sun had barely risen when word came: Father had summoned me.
Jaime, my guards, and I rode to Casterly Rock. The moment we passed through the main gates, I noticed it—more guards, more patrols, more steel than usual lining the halls.
A reaction to last night, no doubt.
We went straight to Father's study.
Inside were half the pillars of House Lannister—Ser Rylen, Uncle Gerion, Uncle Tygett, Uncle Kevan, and several important retainers. And Father, seated with the same cold authority he always carried.
"Father," I greeted, Jaime doing the same.
"So," Father said flatly, "you were attacked. Again." His tone held no surprise, no sympathy. "Explain to me, Cerion, why you were wandering a back-alley in the middle of the night."
"I went out for a walk," I answered.
"With only a handful of guards," Father snapped, "while the rest were off drinking and rutting like fools."
He leaned forward, voice sharp. "If you had died, it would've stained our House's reputation for decades."
He paused. "You reported they were Targaryen loyalists hiding in Lannisport."
Then he turned to Kevan. "What do you know?"
Uncle Kevan cleared his throat. "They arrived in Lannisport not long ago. After identifying the bodies… it seems they came from the abandoned lands of House Reyne."
"House Reyne's old lands…" Tygett muttered. "Always did say half the scum of the west hid there without fear."
Ser Rylen spoke next, voice heavy with resolve. "My lord, I believe it is time to wipe out these Targaryen loyalists completely."
Father nodded slowly. "It seems we have no choice but full subjugation."
Jaime opened his mouth—likely to volunteer—but Father cut him off immediately.
"No. You will not take part in this." His tone was edged with lingering bitterness. "You are Kingsguard now. Your sword belongs to the king."
Jaime swallowed whatever protest he had.
Then Father looked directly at me.
"Cerion, you will lead this subjugation. You have been their target from the start. This is your chance to prove yourself—and to stop further assassinations."
He didn't wait for my response.
"Rylen, prepare the troops and supplies. Tygett, you will assist Cerion."
Both bowed their heads in acknowledgement.
"Now go. All of you. Prepare." Father leaned back in his chair, dismissing us with a tired wave.
One by one, everyone filed out of the chamber.
I turned to leave when Jaime called after me.
"Brother."
I paused. "Do you need something?"
"No." He sighed. "Just… be careful. Don't drop your guard in battle. And don't let them corner you again."
His jaw tightened—I could tell he wanted to be the one riding out there, testing his sword against rebels, but Father's command bound him.
We parted ways, and when I reached my chambers, Tyrion was already waiting outside my door.
"I heard you were ambushed," Tyrion said bluntly.
"Yeah," I answered with a small smile. "But I'm fine. They've all been dealt with."
"I assumed as much." He squinted. "What happened at the meeting?"
"Father decided to subjugate the loyalists. And he's placed me in command."
Tyrion smirked. "Hmm. Sounds like he wants you to make a name for yourself—same way Jaime did."
"He does," I replied. "And I won't waste this opportunity."