The figure was tall and slender.
A deep red silk gown perfectly accentuated her mature and alluring curves.
Her golden hair was meticulously styled into intricate braids, coiled at the back of her head,
with a few unruly strands falling onto her smooth neck.
Cersei Lannister.
She wasn't wearing the queen's crown.
But her inherent arrogance shone brighter than any jewel.
The room still held the scent of leather and sweat from Jaime.
Cersei's arrival, however, brought a rich, sweet floral scent from a southern garden.
That scent aggressively invaded the small room, completely dispelling the ruggedness and coldness of the North.
Lynn's muscles tensed even more than when Jaime had entered earlier, the moment he saw her.
If Jaime was a lion baring its fangs,
then Cersei was a venomous snake coiled in the shadows, ready to strike a fatal blow at any moment.
"I heard about your heroic deeds,"
Cersei said.
Her voice was like the finest wine, rich and smooth.
It also carried a hint of intoxicating sweetness.
She slowly walked into the room, her red skirt silently gliding across the floor.
She didn't look at Lynn, but her gaze scrutinized every inch of the room.
The simple bed, the solitary chair, and the thin layer of dust on the windowsill.
Her eyes revealed an undisguised contempt.
As if her presence was a condescending gift to this room.
Cersei walked to the bedside and stopped.
Her blue eyes finally fell on Lynn.
"A brave Night's Watchman."
A captivating smile played on Cersei's lips.
But the mirth never reached her cold eyes.
"You saved the Stark child."
"Which also means you saved His Majesty the King's reputation."
"Tell me, how should I thank you?"
Lynn didn't speak.
He just looked at her calmly.
Looking at this beautiful face, sung about by the bards of the Seven Kingdoms.
And also at the ruthlessness and madness hidden beneath that beautiful mask.
"What a beautiful woman,"
Lynn thought to himself.
Cersei didn't seem to mind Lynn's silence.
She extended her hand.
It was a very well-maintained hand.
Her fingernails were neatly trimmed and smooth, radiating a healthy sheen.
Her fingertips gently touched Lynn's arm, which was covered by the blanket.
Even through the coarse linen, Lynn could feel its delicacy and coolness.
"Tell me, what do you want?"
Cersei was eager for information, which made her lean slightly forward, completely oblivious to the impropriety of her actions.
In this era, there were no obstructions; everything there was exposed before Lynn.
Lynn didn't offer a reminder, simply treating it as a benefit from Cersei.
The sweet fragrance seemed to grow even stronger.
"Gold?"
"Or do you want a good position in King's Landing?"
Cersei's voice was very low, carrying an alluring, seductive magic.
"Just name it, and the House Lannister can fulfill your every wish."
On the surface, it seemed like a simple condolences.
If it were anyone else, they might have already accepted the reward.
But Lynn had a God's-eye view; he knew Cersei's character too well.
This was a trap.
If he agreed, he would fall under the control of the House Lannister.
All that awaited him was to be silenced.
Lynn knew that if there was any possibility he knew about this matter, Cersei would personally deal with him.
This woman did not tolerate any uncontrollable factors.
Lynn's eyelids drooped, concealing the emotions in his eyes.
"Serving House Stark is my duty, Your Majesty."
"Bran being alive is the best reward for me."
Cersei's hand paused for a moment.
A subtle ripple flickered in her beautiful eyes.
Withdrawing her hand, Cersei's smile remained unchanged.
"What a loyal warrior."
"Ned Stark truly found a good subordinate."
She changed the subject, her tone carrying just the right amount of concern.
"That poor child, Bran."
"It's truly unfortunate."
"I heard he loved climbing ever since he was little; what a mischievous boy."
She seemed to be talking to herself, yet also asking a question.
Lynn's heart beat steadily in his chest.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"It was an unfortunate accident."
Lynn repeated her words, without adding a single extra syllable.
Cersei's gaze lingered on his face for a long time.
She seemed to want to find even the slightest flaw in his calm expression.
However, she failed.
Lynn's face was like the frozen earth of the North, hard and unyielding.
"Were you practicing swordplay right below the tower at that time?"
Cersei asked, seemingly casually.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"It was indeed very quiet there."
"I heard a scream."
"Then, I saw Bran fall."
Lynn's answer was identical to what he had told Catelyn earlier.
Cersei fell silent.
In the room, only the crackling of burning wood in the fireplace remained.
The sweet floral scent began to feel somewhat oppressive.
After a long while.
Cersei smiled again.
That smile was even brighter than before.
"Lynn."
"Recover well."
Cersei straightened up, resuming her regal, queenly posture.
Then she turned and walked towards the door.
Lynn's gaze lingered on Cersei's swaying figure as she walked away.
A queen, huh?
He wondered what it would feel like to conquer her.
This world was very open; even wives didn't mind their husbands lingering outside, which was the origin of so many bastards.
It was true that there could only be one wife, but there was no rule about how many lovers one could have... Lynn wasn't either.
Cersei's figure disappeared behind the door.
But the sweet floral scent, like a persistent illness, still lingered in the air of the room.
Lynn knew he wasn't completely out of danger yet.
As long as Bran didn't wake up, this secret would remain hidden.
"Knock, knock."
Another knock on the door.
The sound was very soft, unlike anyone else's before.
Lynn frowned.
"Come in."
The door was pushed open a crack.
A small head peered in.
It was a thin, small face, with messy hair, and a pair of gray eyes filled with worry and dependence.
It was Arya Stark.
She wasn't wearing a fancy dress like Sansa.
Just a practical gray tunic and trousers, with a wooden sword tucked at her waist.
When she saw Lynn, her eyes lit up.
Arya pushed the door open, walked in, and then carefully closed the door again.
She walked to the bedside, looked up, and gazed at Lynn lying on the bed.
"Are you badly hurt?"
Lynn shook his head and ruffled Arya's small head.
"They said you saved Bran,"
Arya added.
An expression of admiration appeared on her face.
It was the exact same expression Sansa had when looking at Joffrey.
"They said you caught him with your body."
"They said your bones might even be broken."
Arya's tone was filled with awe.
"You're so brave."
"Braver than Robb and Jon."
Lynn looked at her.
Looking at this girl who would one day become a Faceless Man.
At this moment, she was still just a little girl who admired heroes.
"Thank you,"
Lynn said.
Arya pursed her lips, seemingly making a momentous decision.
She suddenly leaned forward.
Before Lynn could react, a soft, cool touch landed on his cheek.
It was a kiss.
Carrying the scent of the morning frost of the North.
After the kiss, Arya's face instantly flushed crimson.
Like a startled rabbit, she abruptly took two steps back.
"This is... this is my thank you gift for you!"
She stammered.
Having said that, Arya turned and ran.
She pulled open the door and disappeared down the hallway without looking back.
Even though she was young, under the tutelage of the septa, she wasn't completely ignorant; she knew exactly what she was doing.
Silence returned to the room.
Lynn raised his hand and gently touched his cheek.
A trace of the girl's warmth still lingered there.
Just then.
Outside the castle, a long horn blast sounded.
The hunting party had returned.
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