The figure was tall and slender.
A deep crimson silk gown hugged her mature, alluring curves. Her golden hair was intricately braided and coiled at the back of her head, with a few stray strands falling onto her smooth neck.
Cersei Lannister.
She wore no crown, but her innate arrogance shone brighter than any jewel.
The room still held the scent of leather and sweat from Jaime. But Cersei's arrival brought a rich, sweet floral fragrance from the southern gardens. This scent aggressively invaded the small room, dispelling the roughness and cold of the North.
Lynn's muscles tensed even tighter upon seeing her than when Jaime had entered.
If Jaime was a lion baring its fangs, then Cersei was a viper coiled in the shadows, ready to strike a fatal blow at any moment.
"I heard of your heroic deeds," Cersei began. Her voice was like the finest wine—rich, smooth, and carrying an intoxicating sweetness.
She walked slowly into the room, the hem of her red dress gliding silently over the floor. She didn't look at Lynn; instead, her gaze scrutinized every inch of the room. The simple bed, the lonely chair, the thin layer of dust on the windowsill. Her eyes revealed an undisguised disdain. As if her presence was a gift to this room.
Cersei walked to the bedside and stopped. Her blue eyes finally landed on Lynn.
"A brave Night's Watchman."
The corners of Cersei's mouth curved into a charming smile. But that smile never reached her cold eyes.
"You saved a Stark child. Which means you also saved His Grace the King's face. Tell me, how should I thank you?"
Lynn didn't speak. He just looked at her calmly. Looking at this beautiful face sung of by bards across the Seven Kingdoms. And looking at the malice and madness hidden beneath that beautiful mask.
Truly a beautiful woman, Lynn evaluated in his heart.
Cersei didn't seem to mind Lynn's silence. She reached out a hand. It was an extremely well-maintained hand. The nails were trimmed round and smooth, glowing with health. Her fingertips landed gently on Lynn's arm, covered by the blanket. Even through the rough linen, Lynn could feel the delicacy and coolness.
"Tell me, what do you want?"
Cersei was desperate for information, causing her to lean forward slightly, unaware of the impropriety of her actions. In this era, there were no barriers; everything was exposed to Lynn.
Lynn didn't remind her, treating it as a benefit from Cersei. That sweet, cloying scent seemed even stronger.
"Gold? Or perhaps a decent position in King's Landing?" Cersei's voice dropped low, carrying a corrupting magic. "As long as you ask, House Lannister can grant your every wish."
On the surface, it looked like a simple condolence visit. Anyone else might have already accepted the reward.
But Lynn had the perspective of a god; he knew Cersei's character too well. This was a trap. If he agreed, he would fall under the Lannisters' control. The only thing awaiting him would be silencing.
Lynn knew that if there was even a possibility he knew about the affair, Cersei would take action herself. This woman allowed no uncontrollable factors.
Lynn lowered his eyelids, hiding the emotions in his eyes.
"Serving House Stark is my duty, Your Grace. That Bran is alive is the best reward for me."
Cersei's hand paused for a split second. A tiny ripple flashed through her beautiful eyes.
Withdrawing her hand, the smile on Cersei's face remained unchanged.
"Truly a loyal warrior. Ned Stark has really found a good subordinate."
She changed the subject, her tone now carrying a perfectly measured concern. "That poor child, Bran. Truly unfortunate. I heard he liked to climb since he was little; what a naughty child."
She seemed to be talking to herself, yet also questioning.
Lynn's heart beat steadily in his chest.
"Yes, Your Grace. It was an unfortunate accident."
Lynn repeated her words, not adding a single superfluous word.
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 devoid of ripples.
"You were practicing swordsmanship right below the tower at that time?" Cersei asked seemingly casually.
"Yes, Your Grace. It was indeed very quiet there."
"I heard a scream. And then, I saw Bran fall."
Lynn's answer was word-for-word the same as what he had told Catelyn.
Cersei fell silent. In the room, only the crackling of the burning wood in the fireplace remained. The sweet floral scent began to feel oppressive.
After a long time, Cersei smiled again. Brighter than before.
"Lynn. Heal well."
Cersei straightened up, resuming her lofty queenly posture. Then she turned and walked toward the door.
Lynn's gaze lingered on Cersei's swaying back.
A Queen?
I wonder what it feels like to conquer her.
This world is very open; even wives don't mind their husbands lingering outside, which is the origin of so many bastards. While one can only have one wife, there's no rule about how many lovers one can have...
And Lynn wasn't...
Cersei's figure disappeared behind the door. But that cloying floral scent lingered in the room's air like a maggot in the bone.
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. This sound was very light, different from everyone else's.
Lynn frowned. "Come in."
The door cracked open. A small head peeked in. It was a thin little face, messy hair, and grey eyes full of worry and dependence.
Arya Stark.
Unlike Sansa in her gorgeous dresses, she wore a simple grey tunic and trousers for easy movement, a wooden sword at her waist. Seeing Lynn, her eyes lit up.
Arya pushed the door open, walked in, and carefully closed it. She walked to the bedside, looking up at Lynn lying there.
"Are you hurt badly?"
Lynn shook his head and ruffled Arya's small head.
"They say you saved Bran," Arya said. Her face showed a look of adoration. It was the exact same expression Sansa had when looking at Joffrey.
"They say you caught him with your body. They say your bones might be broken." Arya's tone was full of amazement. "You are so brave. Braver than Robb and Jon."
Lynn looked at her. Looking at this girl who would become a Faceless Man in the future. Right now, she was just a little girl worshipping a hero.
"Thank you," Lynn said.
Arya pursed her lips, seemingly making a major 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 kissing him, Arya's face instantly turned bright red. Like a startled hare, she jumped back two steps.
"This is... this is a thank you gift for you!" she stammered.
With that, Arya turned and ran. She opened the door and disappeared into the corridor without looking back.
Despite her age, under the septa's teachings, she wasn't ignorant; she knew exactly what she was doing.
The room returned to silence.
Lynn raised his hand and gently touched his cheek. A trace of the girl's warmth still lingered there.
Just then.
A long horn blast came from outside the castle.
The hunting party had returned.