Lord Bolton's camp outside the walls.

[Marie]

It didn't matter, in terms of the negiotiation, but Rhaenys had to ask, for Maekar's sake.

"Are they pretty?"

[The Smith]

"One of them is. Not sure which." Tyberion replied and chuckled, "We will leave their names blank until such a time as he can meet and choose."

[Marie]

"Ah, so they are not going to make the decision themselves?" Rhaenys asked.

[The Smith]

"No Reed does not care which. Only the alliance." Tyberion replied.

[Marie]

"Well and good then. So, tell me about Lord Frey. How old is he and what kind of man? Does he have a wife?"

[The Smith]

"Lord Victor Frey is in his early forties. He is married to Lord Reed's sister. He is a... well a Frey." Tyberion shrugged.

[Marie]

Oh, you mean treacherous as sin, lusts after gold as much as normal men desire women and looks like a weasel? Yes, I know all about Freys.

"What children does Lord Frey have? I wonder if marriage alliances will serve for them as well?"

[The Smith]

"They have a daughter as well." Tyberion frowned though, "My lady the only way I was able to convince Reed to settle with just a marriage was with Frey's help. If I return telling him you have snatched away his promotion he may turn stubborn."

[Marie]

She wanted to correct him because he'd used the wrong honorific, but it would sound petty, so Rhaenys pretended not to notice.

"I have not said yes or no either way. I just want to know first if Ariel knows anything about the situation with the Mallisters. I need to play fair with both Frey and Mallister, if Lord Mallister lives. If not, it doesn't matter, but if he does live..that is more difficult, Lord Lannister."

[The Smith]

Lannister nodded. "Of course your Grace." He stood waiting.

[Marie]

Rahenys looked at Ariel.

"So, Cousin, do you know anything about House Mallister's survival or extermination, and what do you make of the offers I have made those at Moat Cailin?"

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel shrugged. "As far as I know, there remain at least one or two living Mallisters, but I do not claim perfect knowledge of the situation. They may have been...removed since I last spoke with Aranya."

She paused, then continued. "You play a dangerous game, Your Grace, but then again this would not be the first time you have rewarded someone for standing against you." A slight smile. "But you have precious little choice, I fear. The offers are sound; they're as good as you'll get from this damnable extortion. Though if Mallister lives, you'll have to break faith with one or both lords." She tapped the table. "Be very careful what you do in such a case. You have neither the strength nor the right to deprive Mallister of his rule right now, but neither should you give an oath that you do not mean to uphold. It's bad business."

[Marie]

"Damn," said Rhaenys, troubled.

She was trying to hard to be honourable but it seemed that wasn't going to be possible. She turned to Tyberion.

"Tell Lord Frey that I will give him the Riverlands."

I will have to give the Mallisters something else if they survive.

[Princess Ariel Targaryen]

Ariel nodded to Rhaenys. "The game's afoot. The Mallisters will have every cause and right to raise their banners now," she said, a trace of sadness in her expression.

[The Smith]

Tyberion hobbled inside. A bit later the gates opened and Lord Frey, and Lord Reed come rode out with a small escort. They dismounted and looked about for Rhae. Seeing her they waledk over and knelt, swearing their allegiance.