Game Of Thrones : Merchant of Two Worlds

With Jon Arryn's death, speculation is rampant about who King Robert will choose as his new Hand of the King.

The most prominent candidate is Tywin Lannister, the Duke of Casterly Rock and father of Queen Cersei. Tywin, known as the "Old Lion," was once Hand to the Mad King, Aerys Targaryen, for over two decades and proved himself a masterful administrator. Many believe Tywin's experience and shrewdness make him an obvious choice.

Another contender is Stannis Baratheon, Robert's stern and unyielding younger brother, who commands the royal fleet from Dragonstone. Known for his integrity and strict discipline, Stannis is respected, though not particularly liked. Even Robert has little affection for his rigid brother, but Stannis's capability is undeniable, making him a serious candidate.

Then there's Renly Baratheon, Robert's youngest brother and the charming, sociable Lord of Storm's End. Renly has a flair for politics and has already begun maneuvering to secure the position. However, his youth and carefree nature make him seem frivolous in the eyes of many nobles. Despite Robert's affection for his younger brother, it's doubtful he would entrust Renly with the responsibilities of the realm.

In the Riverlands, Jon Arryn's former domain, there are no lords with the stature to challenge Tywin or Stannis for the position. The elderly Horst Tully, Duke of Riverrun, would have been a strong contender, as his daughters are married to two key allies: the Warden of the North, Eddard Stark, and Jon Arryn himself. However, Horst's failing health has taken him out of the running.

This leaves Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. A close friend of Robert's since their youth, Ned fought alongside him during the rebellion against the Targaryens. His hatred for the Targaryens runs deep, as the Mad King Aerys executed his father and brother. Robert and Ned are like brothers, bonded by war and shared grief, making Ned a strong contender for the role of Hand.

Other regions are less significant in the debate. The Reach is unlikely to produce a candidate, and the Iron Islands, home to the rebellious Greyjoys, are entirely out of consideration. The Greyjoys, a house of pirates and raiders, are more likely to declare themselves kings than vie for political appointments.

In summary, the most likely candidates are Tywin Lannister, Stannis Baratheon, and Eddard Stark.

Inside the Red Keep, in the queen's chambers, Cersei Lannister was deep in thought. Robert, mourning the loss of Jon Arryn, had taken to drowning his sorrows in wine and the company of women at various brothels in King's Landing. He hadn't returned to the castle for several nights, leaving Cersei alone.

Jaime Lannister, Cersei's twin brother, took this as an opportunity to visit her. After a moment of passion, the two lay together on her bed.

"Jaime," Cersei began, her voice thoughtful, "who do you think Robert will choose as Hand of the King? Do you think it could be Father?"

Jaime frowned, uninterested in politics. "Why bother thinking about that now? Let's just enjoy the time we have together," he replied, running his fingers lazily through her golden hair.

Cersei scowled at his response. "You're useless," she muttered, pulling the blanket tighter around her. Her desire for power burned as brightly as ever, and she couldn't ignore the potential influence her father would wield if he became Hand. "Tell me, Jaime," she pressed. "Can Father be chosen?"

Jaime sighed, sitting up slightly. "It's possible, but unlikely," he admitted reluctantly. "Robert doesn't trust our family. You're already the queen, and if Father becomes Hand, he'll worry we're consolidating too much power. He'll fear waking up one day to find himself no longer king."

Cersei's blue eyes narrowed, frustration clear in her expression. Jaime's lack of ambition was always a source of irritation for her. Their father, Tywin, had often lamented that Jaime cared more about his sword than politics. Tywin had once remarked that if Tyrion had Jaime's stature, or Jaime had Tyrion's wit, the Lannister legacy would be secure.

But Jaime wasn't entirely oblivious. "Robert might pick someone he trusts more—someone like Eddard Stark," he said.

Cersei's lip curled in disdain. "Stark," she spat. "That northern fool wouldn't last a month in King's Landing. He knows nothing of politics."

Jaime shrugged. "That might be why Robert chooses him. He values loyalty, and there's no one more loyal than Stark."

Cersei said nothing, her mind racing. The thought of Eddard Stark, her family's old rival, standing at her husband's side filled her with unease.

Jaime leaned back, clearly eager to leave the subject behind. "Let's not dwell on these things, Cersei. We have tonight. Let's make the most of it."

But Cersei's mind was already elsewhere, scheming, plotting, and imagining what steps she would need to take to secure her family's power.

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