Building an Empire in Game of Thrones (REWORKED VERSION)-Chapter 79: The Small Council’s Plan Fails

Arriving in the Eyrie, Littlefinger was allowed into the castle as a representative of House Baratheon. The Vale was technically still a part of what consisted of the Seven Kingdoms at this point as they had yet to formally announce their separation from House Baratheon.

They also didn't recognize the authority of the 'Boy King' Joffrey, nor did they like the other people who were crowned as Kings in this war.

Littlefinger was escorted up the stairs and into the castle by the House guards of House Arryn. As he approached where Lady Arryn was waiting, he adjusted his cloak and made sure to look somewhat presentable. He was led to the grand hall of the castle where Lady Arryn was sitting alongside Rodrik Arryn, the eldest son of Jon Arryn born in 283 AC during the same time that Robb Stark was born.

With the help of the potions that the Houses of Westeros imported from the Imperial Union, many children historically who were supposed to be stillborn had actually been born.

Rodrik and Robb had grown up together spending numerous months with each other within the Imperial Academy of Excellence. Once things started heating up in Westeros, they had returned to their respective positions as the heirs of their houses.

Rodrik wanted to help Robb when he learned about what happened to his uncle Lord Eddard Stark but was counseled by other lords of the Vale and his mother to not call their banners for war. Ultimately, he decided to not intervene in the war and let the squabbling houses of Westeros duke it out.

He had faith in Robb and the North to beat the Lannister armies and take the fight to Joffrey Baratheon for the execution of Eddard Stark. Robb knew his father wasn't dead so the reason for the continuation of the fight was for the respect of his house and the independence of the North from the 'Boy King' Joffrey.

Littlefinger took a deep breath before he stepped into the hall. His eyes immediately focused on Lysa, who was seated in the seat next to Rodrik. Around them were the ladies and few other nobles of the Vale who were already in The Eyrie discussing things with Lady Arryn.

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"Lady Arryn, Lord Rodrick," Littlefinger bowed as he greeted the Lord of the Vale and the Lady of the Vale who was still technically ruling the Vale. "I bring greetings from House Baratheon." Already he had to change the way he was going to approach this situation as he expected to meet with Lady Arryn alone, not with the Lord of the Vale and other nobles present.

Lysa remained silent, acknowledging the gesture with a simple nod. "Lord Baelish," she began. Littlefinger waited for her to continue. However, before she could speak further, Rodrik chimed in. "We are aware of the turmoil that envelopes Westeros." he began. "The Vale has always done its duty to the kingdom. But duty to a dying realm is no longer virtue. The kingdom fractures day by day. The only loyalty worth keeping is to one's people and one's future."

Littlefinger showed a smile before responding. "And yet alliances built in haste often shatter the same way. The match with House Martell may seem prudent, but the Empire has made many promises and kept few. They move fast, too fast. The moment Dorne is no longer useful, the Imperial Union will leave them scorched." He read about the Imperial Union, studied about the things they have accomplished and how powerful they were. He knew things that most Great Houses didn't know, and he wanted to leverage that by creating false narratives to create a conflict of interest between the two.

"You've always been clever with words, Petyr," she said, using his first name. "But I've heard the same whispers from you before."

Littlefinger stepped forward a little, lowering his voice. "And yet here I am, Lysa. Not as some schemer in King's Landing, but as a man who knows what's coming. The Empire has bled half the continent already. You think they'll leave the Vale untouched once their foothold in Dorne is secure? They don't want allies. They want subjects."

Rodrik's clenched his jaw but remained quiet. He watched his mother's expression, trying to read what she was thinking.

"You assume I have no understanding of what's at stake," she said. "You think I agreed to this union on a whim?"

"No," Littlefinger said. "I think you agreed to it out of fear. Or worse, out of loneliness."

Rodrik rose from his seat at this statement, causing the guards to place their hands on their swords. "Watch your tone." But Lysa raised her hand, stopping her son and the guards.

"Fear? Perhaps. But not loneliness. Rodrik and I made this decision together. House Martell and the Imperial Union has pledged more than soldiers. They've promised structure, trade, medicine, and dignity. What has Joffrey offered? More crowns for his puppets and heads on pikes for the rest."

Littlefinger's smile faded as he realized that the cards he had brought to play were slowly running out. He knew he had to make some changes quickly.

"Then let me offer you something better," he said. "A seat at the table in King's Landing. Real power, not as an appendage to the Martells or a vassal to an emperor who claim to be the apostle of some gods from who knows where. But as the Vale reborn anew, as a cornerstone of Westeros' future. One we build ourselves united with House Baratheon."

Rodrik rose up again. "A future under Joffrey? You offer us a place in a kingdom where mad boys play king and honest men die in dungeons or get beheaded? No, Lord Baelish. I've seen the Empire; I've walked through its halls and studied in its school. They are what Westeros should have been while you cling to ruins." Rodrick was showing the education that he had gotten from overseas. This was his first time speaking in such a public manner with other lords and ladies watching.

Littlefinger looked at Lysa, hoping that she would say something.

"You always wanted to be more than a lord, Petyr," she said. "But your dreams are still small. The world is changing, and you come bearing promises from a dying house which is run by a child born of incest. We will not break this betrothal."

It was silent and for a long moment, Littlefinger stood motionless. He had come here to use his old relationship to manipulate Lysa, but from the start it seemed that his plan was doomed to fail once he was placed in front of other nobles.

"Then I suppose I've overstayed my welcome." Rodrik gestured to the guards, who began to step forward.

"Escort Lord Baelish to the gates," he said. Littlefinger turned and walked out of the hall without another word. But inside, he wondered what would become of him since he failed his task. Would Joffrey behead him or would Cersei? He had played his cards and lost.

Lysa ordered some of the ladies to leave the room, leaving her, Rodrick, and a few of the nobles alone. From the shadows of the corner, a Shadowhand agent stepped out and walked next to Lysa. "I guess I must thank the Imperial Union for warning me about what House Baratheon had planned." Lysa stated.

"As our future allies, it is only right that we protect both our and your interests until the alliance is cemented." replied the Shadowhand agent.

"And this is for you, young Lord of the Vale." the Shadowhand agent pulled out a sword and handed it to Rodrik. The sword was made with Valyrian steel and enchanted with dwarven runes to make it stronger. It was a gift for House Arryn to improve the relationship between House Arryn and the Imperial Union.

Rodrik took the weapon, his eyes widening as he unsheathed it. He ran his fingers down the dwarven runes that he had learned about during his time at the Academy. He never imagined that he would receive a gift like this, yet still he wasn't going to be swayed by this gift.

"It's perfect." Rodrik stated as he looked back at the agent. "Our loyalty won't be bought, but your gesture is appreciated."

The agent nodded their head, fully aware what the Lord meant, "We respect that and would have it no other way."

He turned his attention back to Lysa. "Lady Arryn, we'll share intelligence with your kingdom to protect you from any further surprise visits or other matters of importance that directly affects the Vale."

Lysa nodded her head as the agent stepped into the shadows and disappeared out of sight. The other Lords of the Vale were glad that House Arryn made the decision to become betrothed to House Martell. The benefits and other things that they would receive were immense and soon enough they imagined that they would eventually get involved in the affairs of the Continent.