瑟曦明白對方言下之意览徒，“是啊，瓦德大人很快就要面對天父的裁判了颂龙，就讓麻雀們?nèi)ネ倭R他吧习蓬。反正慘案與我們無關(guān)纽什。”

Cersei was not slow to take his meaning. “Lord Walder must soon face the Father’s judgment. He is very old. Let the sparrows spit upon his memory. It has nought to do with us.”

“與我們無關(guān)躲叼÷郑”哈瑞斯說》憧叮“與我們無關(guān)让蕾。”瑪瑞魏斯大人承認或听√叫ⅲ“是的，與我們毫無瓜葛誉裆《俾”派席爾宣布。蓋爾斯大人繼續(xù)咳嗽足丢。

“No,” said Ser Harys. “No,” said Lord Merryweather. “No one could think so,” said Pycelle. Lord Gyles coughed.

“往瓦德大人的墳墓上吐唾沫大概連蛆蟲都淹不死粱腻，”科本同意，“不過呢斩跌，由王室公開處理紅色婚禮會不會更妥當绍些？找個廉價的替罪羊，幾顆佛雷的頭顱有助于收服民心耀鸦，也有助于安定北方柬批。”

“A little spittle on Lord Walder’s tomb is not like to disturb the grave worms,” Qyburn agreed, “but it would also be useful if someone were to be punished for the Red Wedding. A few Frey heads would do much to mollify the north.”

“瓦德大人決不會犧牲家族成員揭糕÷芸欤”派席爾表示。

“Lord Walder will never sacrifice his own,” said Pycelle.

“他不會著角，”瑟曦猜測揪漩，“可他的繼承人就沒那么死腦筋了。謝天謝地吏口，瓦德大人很快就得進墳墓奄容，新任河渡口領(lǐng)主必將放逐大批同父異母兄弟、討厭的表親和不懷好意的姐妹之流产徊，到時候從中抓幾個犯人昂勒，只怕他還求之不得呢≈弁”

“No,” mused Cersei, “but his heirs may be less squeamish. Lord Walder will soon do us the courtesy of dying, we can hope. What better way for the new Lord of the Crossing to rid himself of inconvenient half brothers, disagreeable cousins, and scheming sisters than by naming them the culprits?”

“在我們等待瓦德大人去世期間戈盈，還有另一個問題，”奧雷恩·維水提出，“黃金團主動取消了與密爾人的合約塘娶，君臨港口里傳說他們受史坦尼斯重金雇傭归斤，即將漂洋過海，前來助陣刁岸≡嗬铮”

“Whilst we await Lord Walder’s death, there is another matter,” said Aurane Waters. “The Golden Company has broken its contract with Myr. Around the docks I’ve heard men say that Lord Stannis has hired them and is bringing them across the sea.”

“他如何支付巨額傭金呢？”瑪瑞魏斯懷疑地問虹曙，“莫非拿雪塊當錢使迫横？這群人自稱‘黃金團’，史坦尼斯能有多少金子酝碳？”

“What would he pay them with?” asked Merryweather. “Snow? They are called the Golden Company. How much gold does Stannis have?”

“少得可憐矾踱，”瑟曦向他保證，“而且科本大人與海灣中密爾劃槳船的水手溝通過了击敌，黃金團是去瓦蘭提斯的——和維斯特洛剛好是反方向介返。”

“Little enough,” Cersei assured him. “Lord Qyburn has spoken to the crew of that Myrish galley in the bay. They claim the Golden Company is making for Volantis. If they mean to cross to Westeros, they are marching in the wrong direction.”

“或許他們不想替失利的一方打仗沃斤，所以換了東家吧圣蝎，與國內(nèi)形勢沒有聯(lián)系『馄浚”瑪瑞魏斯大人提出解釋徘公。

“Perhaps they grew weary of fighting on the losing side,” suggested Lord Merryweather.

“沒錯，”太后同意哮针，“瞎子才看不到我們已然大獲全勝关面。提利爾大人即將包圍風息堡，而我的表親達馮——新任西境守護——與佛雷軍合圍了奔流城十厢，雷德溫大人的艦隊駛過塔斯海峽等太，正沿海岸日夜兼程北上，龍石島剩下的少量漁船將無力阻擋他登陸蛮放。等我們切斷了龍石島與外界的所有聯(lián)系缩抡，假以時日，城堡必告陷落包颁，如此一來瞻想，僅有的麻煩就剩下史坦尼斯本人了∶浣溃”

“There is that as well,” agreed the queen. “Only a blind man could fail to see our war is all but won. Lord Tyrell has Storm’s End invested. Riverrun is besieged by the Freys and my cousin Daven, our new Warden of the West. Lord Redwyne’s ships have passed through the Straits of Tarth and are moving swiftly up the coast. Only a few fishing boats remain on Dragonstone to oppose Redwyne’s landing. The castle may hold for some time, but once we have the port we can cut the garrison off from the sea. Then only Stannis himself will remain to vex us.”

“若杰諾斯大人所言非虛蘑险，史坦尼斯正私圖拉攏野人≡牢颍”派席爾大學士警告佃迄。

“If Lord Janos can be believed, he is trying to make common cause with the wildlings,” warned Grand Maester Pycelle.

“人皮野獸而已，”瑪瑞魏斯大人宣稱，“找他們當盟友呵俏，史坦尼斯大人一定是走投無路了拴驮。”

“Savages in skins,” declared Lord Merryweather. “Lord Stannis must be desperate indeed, to seek such allies.”

“走投無路柴信，而且愚蠢透頂，”太后說宽气，“他不曉得北方佬有多仇恨野人随常。這樣做，就是把北境往盧斯·波頓懷里推萄涯，實際上绪氛，個別諸侯已投靠那私生子，助其攻打卡林灣涝影，以趕走鐵民入侵者枣察，為波頓大人北進掃平道路了，其中包括安柏家族燃逻，萊斯威爾家族……別的名字我忘記了序目。就連白港也在動搖之中，白港之主同意把兩個孫女都嫁到佛雷家伯襟，同時為我們開放港口猿涨。”

“Desperate and foolish,” the queen agreed. “The northmen hate the wildlings. Roose Bolton should have no trouble winning them to our cause. A few have already joined up with his bastard son to help him clear the wretched ironmen from Moat Cailin and clear the way for Lord Bolton to return. Umber, Ryswell … I forget the other names. Even White Harbor is on the point of joining us. Its lord has agreed to marry both his granddaughters to our friends of Frey and open his port to our ships.”

“我們有船嗎姆怪？”哈瑞斯爵士迷惑地說叛赚。

“I thought we had no ships,” Ser Harys said, confused.

“威曼·曼德勒乃艾德·史塔克的心腹之一，”派席爾國師道稽揭，“能信任嗎俺附？”

“Wyman Manderly was a loyal bannerman to Eddard Stark,” said Grand Maester Pycelle. “Can such a man be trusted?

誰都不能信任∠疲“他是個擔驚受怕的老胖子事镣，他只堅持一點——放歸他的繼承人之前，白港不會屈膝膨桥÷耄”

No one can be trusted. “He’s a fat old man, and frightened. However, he is proving stubborn on one point. He insists that he will not bend the knee until his heir has been returned to him.”

“我們握有他的繼承人？”哈瑞斯爵士發(fā)問只嚣。

“Do we have this heir?” asked Ser Harys.

“是的沮稚，如果此人還活著，一定還被關(guān)押在赫倫堡册舞。是格雷果·克里岡俘虜他的蕴掏。”但魔山對俘虜從不客氣，也不關(guān)心贖金多少盛杰⊥斓矗“即便已死，我也會把加害他的人的首級統(tǒng)統(tǒng)送給曼德勒伯爵即供，并致以最誠摯的歉意定拟《旱眨”一個腦袋能滿足多恩親王驱证，一口袋腦袋應該能對付披海象皮的北方老頭子了延窜。

“He will be at Harrenhal, if he is still alive. Gregor Clegane took him captive.” The Mountain had not always been gentle with his prisoners, even those worth a goodly ransom. “If he is dead, I suppose we will need to send Lord Manderly the heads of those who killed him, with our most sincere apologies.” If one head was enough to appease a prince of Dorne, a bag of them should be more than adequate for a fat northman wrapped in sealskins.

“史坦尼斯大人就沒想過與白港結(jié)盟抹锄？”派席爾大學士指出。

“Will not Lord Stannis seek to win the allegiance of White Harbor as well?” asked Grand Maester Pycelle.

“噢伙单，他當然嘗試過获高，但他的建議都被曼德勒伯爵轉(zhuǎn)到了君臨吻育，回復他的統(tǒng)統(tǒng)是推脫借口扫沼。也難怪缎除，史坦尼斯要白港的軍隊和銀子，給的卻是……嗯梢为，實際上什么也沒給铸董∷诤Γ”她忽然很想為陌客點上一支蠟燭悲幅，感謝對方帶走藍禮汰具，留下史坦尼斯，若非如此吟孙，蘭尼斯特的日子就難過多了拔疚。“今天早上剛來一只烏鴉恰聘，說史坦尼斯派他的洋蔥走私販作為代表前往白港談判晴叨，此人現(xiàn)被曼德勒關(guān)了起來兼蕊，曼德勒詢問我們該如何處置孙技∏＠玻”

“Oh, he has tried. Lord Manderly has sent his letters on to us and replied with evasions. Stannis demands White Harbor’s swords and silver, for which he offers … well, nothing.” One day she must light a candle to the Stranger for carrying Renly off and leaving Stannis. If it had been the other way around, her life would have been harder. “Just this morning there was another bird. Stannis has sent his onion smuggler to treat with White Harbor on his behalf. Manderly has clapped the wretch inside a cell. He asks us what he should do with him.”

“送來都城仔細審問比較好哈雏，”瑪瑞魏斯大人建議裳瘪，“此人也許了解不少內(nèi)幕彭羹〗耘拢”

“Send him here, that we might question him,” suggested Lord Merryweather. “The man might know much of value.”

“處死他，”科本說憋活，“作為給北境的教訓悦即，讓他們看看咱們處置叛徒的手段辜梳∽髅椋”

“Let him die,” said Qyburn. “His death will be a lesson to the north, to show them what becomes of traitors.”

“我很贊同宗挥，”太后聲明契耿，“我已指示曼德勒伯爵立刻將其斬首示眾——如此一來搪桂，也徹底斷絕了白港與史坦尼斯結(jié)合的可能性踢械÷懔牵”

“I quite agree,” the queen said. “I have instructed Lord Manderly to have his head off forthwith. That should put an end to any chance of White Harbor supporting Stannis.”

“哈德绿，史坦尼斯得找個新首相了移稳，”奧雷恩·維水嘻嘻一笑个粱，“這回輪到什么菜都许？蕪菁騎士胶征？”

“Stannis will need another Hand,” observed Aurane Waters with a chuckle. “The turnip knight, perhaps?”

“蕪菁騎士睛低？”哈瑞斯·史威佛爵士迷惑地問钱雷，“他是誰罩抗？我沒聽說過這位騎士套蒂∑茫”

“A turnip knight?” said Ser Harys Swyft, confused. “Who is this man? I have not heard of him.”

維水翻翻白眼馍刮，不予作答卡啰。

Waters did not reply, except to roll his eyes.

“若曼德勒大人拒絕呢匈辱？”瑪瑞魏斯續(xù)道。

“What if Lord Manderly should refuse?” asked Merryweather.

“他膽敢拒絕凡壤！哼夹囚，洋蔥騎士的頭才能換回他兒子的性命垂谢±闹欤”瑟曦笑笑徙邻【樵裕“那老笨蛋或許對史塔克家夠忠誠民鼓，然而現(xiàn)在臨冬城的狼群死光了——”

“He dare not. The onion knight’s head is the coin he’ll need to buy his son’s life.” Cersei smiled. “The fat old fool may have been loyal to the Starks in his own way, but with the wolves of Winterfell extinguished—”

“陛下您忘了珊莎夫人丰嘉∫鳎”派席爾提醒路幸。

“Your Grace has forgotten the Lady Sansa,” said Pycelle.

聞聽此言简肴，太后頓時發(fā)作砰识，“我才沒忘記那只小母狼辫狼〖樱”瑟曦甚至不愿提及對方的名字秦叛≌醢希“她是叛徒之女避咆，我本該把她打入黑牢查库，結(jié)果卻養(yǎng)狼為患樊销。她分享我的壁爐與廳堂围苫，與我的孩子們一同玩耍剂府，我不僅養(yǎng)活了她腺占，給她穿的住的衰伯，還親自教導她意鲸，想讓她對這個世界不再那么無知论矾。結(jié)果呢，結(jié)果她回報我的是什么蚜退？——協(xié)助謀殺我的孩子钻注！找到小惡魔的時候幅恋，一定也能找到珊莎捆交，她現(xiàn)下還沒死……但我指天發(fā)誓玄括，到時候她會哭泣著向陌客歌唱遭京，祈求死亡之吻哪雕！”

The queen bristled. “I most certainly have not forgotten that little she-wolf.” She refused to say the girl’s name. “I ought to have shown her to the black cells as the daughter of a traitor, but instead I made her part of mine own household. She shared my hearth and hall, played with my own children. I fed her, dressed her, tried to make her a little less ignorant about the world, and how did she repay me for my kindness? She helped murder my son. When we find the Imp, we will find the Lady Sansa too. She is not dead … but before I am done with her, I promise you, she will be singing to the Stranger, begging for his kiss.”

一陣尷尬的沉默。你們都把舌頭吞掉了嗎孝扛？瑟曦惱火地想苦始。她不禁懷疑自己還設(shè)立御前會議干嗎陌选？

An awkward silence followed. Have they all swallowed their tongues? Cersei thought, with irritation. It was enough to make her wonder why she bothered with a council.

“另外咨油，”太后續(xù)道，“‘艾德大人的幼女’此刻正在波頓公爵身邊法瑟，只等卡林灣陷落便會嫁給他兒子拉姆斯霎挟∷重玻”只要這女孩能支持波頓家族對臨冬城的要求千所，他們才不管她原本只是小指頭送來的淫痰、某位總管的女兒呢待错』鸲恚“就算北方佬偏愛史塔克，我們也雙手奉上了一位谱仪》柙埽”她讓瑪瑞魏斯大人滿上酒杯敬尺。“長城還有些麻煩蜻直，守夜人弟兄們失去了理智袭蝗，竟然選擇奈德·史塔克的私生子作總司令朵逝。”

“In any case,” the queen went on, “Lord Eddard’s younger daughter is with Lord Bolton, and will be wed to his son Ramsay as soon as Moat Cailin has fallen.” So long as the girl played her role well enough to cement their claim to Winterfell, neither of the Boltons would much care that she was actually some steward’s whelp tricked up by Littlefinger. “If the north must have a Stark, we’ll give them one.” She let Lord Merryweather fill her cup once again. “Another problem has arisen on the Wall, however. The brothers of the Night’s Watch have taken leave of their wits and chosen Ned Stark’s bastard son to be their Lord Commander.”

“雪諾，那孩子是個雪諾瓶佳“运牵”除了廢話，派席爾還會說什么傻工？

“Snow, the boy is called,” Pycelle said unhelpfully.

“我在臨冬城見過他一次中捆，”太后道，“當時史塔克家很不想讓他露面臂容。嗯脓杉，他模樣像極了他父親球散。”正如勞勃的私生子也像極了勞勃屋讶，不過勞勃從不讓他們在宮中出現(xiàn)——他只提過一次斩芭，就在貓的不幸事件之后划乖，他咕噥了幾句要把某位私生女兒帶到身邊琴庵。“你想怎么做就怎么做贪庙，”她當場告誡他，“不過我提醒你导披，到時候你得自己為那小婊子的健康負責≈贡希”這番話換來了一塊在詹姆面前無法掩飾的淤傷漠趁，但有效地阻止了私生女的到來扁凛。凱特琳·徒利真是只軟弱的老鼠，臥榻之側(cè)闯传，豈容他人酣睡谨朝？她下不了手，到頭來卻把這骯臟的任務丟給了我甥绿。“雪諾和艾德大人一樣包藏禍心共缕，于國不忠洗出，”瑟曦表示，“作父親的把王位獻給史坦尼斯骄呼，當兒子的送出的則是土地與城堡共苛。”

“I glimpsed him once at Winterfell,” the queen said, “though the Starks did their best to hide him. He looks very like his father.” Her husband’s by-blows had his look as well, though at least Robert had the grace to keep them out of sight. Once, after that sorry business with the cat, he had made some noises about bringing some baseborn daughter of his to court. “Do as you please,” she’d told him, “but you may find that the city is not a healthy place for a growing girl.” The bruise those words had won her had been hard to hide from Jaime, but they heard no more about the bastard girl. Catelyn Tully was a mouse, or she would have smothered this Jon Snow in his cradle. Instead, she’s left the filthy task to me. “Snow shares Lord Eddard’s taste for treason too,” she said. “The father would have handed the realm to Stannis. The son has given him lands and castles.”

“守夜人軍團發(fā)誓決不插手七大王國的爭端蜓萄，”派席爾提醒大家隅茎，“幾千年來，黑衣人秉承傳統(tǒng)嫉沽”傧”

“The Night’s Watch is sworn to take no part in the wars of the Seven Kingdoms,” Pycelle reminded them. “For thousands of years the black brothers have upheld that tradition.”

“現(xiàn)在卻被打破了，”瑟曦接口绸硕，“那野種來信口口聲聲宣稱不參與內(nèi)戰(zhàn)堂竟，但行勝于言，他的行動說明了一切玻佩。他一面為史坦尼斯提供補給與保護出嘹，一面又傲慢地向我們索要士兵和武器∫Т蓿”

“Until now,” said Cersei. “The bastard boy has written us to avow that the Night’s Watch takes no side, but his actions give the lie to his words. He has given Stannis food and shelter, yet has the insolence to plead with us for arms and men.”

“膽大包天税稼！”瑪瑞魏斯大人聲稱，“決不能聽任守夜人軍團倒向史坦尼斯大人垮斯±善停”

“An outrage,” declared Lord Merryweather. “We cannot allow the Night’s Watch to join its strength to that of Lord Stannis.”

“我們要公開宣布這位雪諾大人是叛臣賊子，”哈瑞斯·史威佛爵士決定兜蠕，“讓黑衣弟兄們將其拋棄扰肌。”

“We must declare this Snow a traitor and a rebel,” agreed Ser Harys Swyft. “The black brothers must remove him.”

派席爾國師沉重地點點頭熊杨，“我建議明確知會黑城堡曙旭，在更換總司令之前，別想得到一兵一卒晶府∫恼”

Grand Maester Pycelle nodded ponderously. “I propose that we inform Castle Black that no more men will be sent to them until such time as Snow is gone.”

“咱們新建的大帆船需要槳手，”奧雷恩·維水說郊霎，“把全國各地的偷獵者與盜賊都交給我好了沼头，別送去長城∈槿埃”

“Our new dromonds will need oarsmen,” said Aurane Waters. “Let us instruct the lords to send their poachers and thieves to me henceforth, instead of to the Wall.”

科本微笑著傾身向前进倍，“守夜人替國家防御著古靈精怪呢，大人們购对，我建議咱們一定要幫助勇敢的黑衣弟兄猾昆。”

Qyburn leaned forward with a smile. “The Night’s Watch defends us all from snarks and grumkins. My lords, I say that we must help the brave black brothers.”

瑟曦銳利地瞥了他一眼骡苞，“你什么意思垂蜗？”

Cersei gave him a sharp look. “What are you saying?”

“很簡單楷扬，”科本解釋，“多年以來贴见，守夜人不斷要求增援烘苹，難道現(xiàn)在史坦尼斯大人去幫忙了，托曼國王反而不聞不問片部？莫如送去一百精銳镣衡，先穿上黑衣……”

“This,” Qyburn said. “For years now, the Night’s Watch has begged for men. Lord Stannis has answered their plea. Can King Tommen do less? His Grace should send the Wall a hundred men. To take the black, ostensibly, but in truth …”

“……再除掉瓊恩·雪諾〉涤疲”瑟曦高興地替他說完廊鸥。我就知道把他選進御前會議很英明∠剿“就這么辦惰说。”她撫掌大笑缘回。若這野種真是艾德大人所生助被，一定會來者不拒，把送來的人手不加懷疑地統(tǒng)統(tǒng)收下切诀。甚至在嗚呼哀哉之前揩环，還會給我寫封感謝信呢！“當然幅虑，此事需要精心安排丰滑，細節(jié)就交給我吧，大人們倒庵“”動手不動口，這才是應敵之道擎宝∮袈瑁“今天我很滿意，感謝大家的諫言绍申，還有議題嗎噩咪？”

“… to remove Jon Snow from the command,” Cersei finished, delighted. I knew I was right to want him on my council. “That is just what we shall do.” She laughed. If this bastard boy is truly his father’s son, he will not suspect a thing. Perhaps he will even thank me, before the blade slides between his ribs. “It will need to be done carefully, to be sure. Leave the rest to me, my lords.” This was how an enemy should be dealt with: with a dagger, not a declaration. “We have done good work today, my lords. I thank you. Is there aught else?”

“只剩下一件事，陛下极阅，”奧雷恩·維水用抱歉的口氣說胃碾，“將謠言帶給御前會議或許不太合適，但最近碼頭里傳得沸沸揚揚——消息主要來源于東方的水手——龍出現(xiàn)在……”

“One last thing, Your Grace,” said Aurane Waters, in an apologetic tone. “I hesitate to take up the council’s time with trifles, but there has been some queer talk heard along the docks of late. Sailors from the east. They speak of dragons …”

“獅身蝎尾獸又在哪兒呢筋搏？哦仆百，還有古靈精怪？”瑟曦咯咯笑道奔脐，“等他們談論侏儒時再來找我吧俄周，大人們吁讨。”她站起身來峦朗，而這宣告了御前會議的結(jié)束建丧。

“… and manticores, no doubt, and bearded snarks?” Cersei chuckled. “Come back to me when you hear talk of dwarfs, my lord.” She stood, to signal that the meeting was at an end.

瑟曦離開議事廳時，迎面吹起一陣狂暴的秋風甚垦，城市彼端受神祝福的貝勒大圣堂內(nèi)茶鹃，仍舊傳出哀悼的鐘聲涣雕。院子里艰亮，四十多位騎士在用劍盾比武，敲打得“叮叮咚咚”挣郭。柏洛斯·布勞恩爵士護送太后回住所迄埃，瑪瑞魏斯夫人正在里面與喬斯琳和多卡莎咯咯說笑《艺希“笑得這么開心侄非，什么事啊流译？”

A blustery autumn wind was blowing when Cersei left the council chambers, and bells of Blessed Baelor still sang their song of mourning off across the city. In the yard twoscore knights were hammering each other with sword and shield, adding to the din. Ser Boros Blount escorted the queen back to her apartments, where she found Lady Merryweather chuckling with Jocelyn and Dorcas. “What is it you all find so amusing?”

“雷德溫那對雙胞胎逞怨，”坦妮婭解釋，“他倆無可救藥地愛上了瑪格麗夫人福澡。從前叠赦，他們經(jīng)常決斗是為了決出誰是下一任青亭島伯爵，現(xiàn)在他們卻又雙雙想成為御林鐵衛(wèi)革砸，只為了接近小王后除秀。”

“The Redwyne twins,” said Taena. “Both of them have fallen in love with Lady Margaery. They used to fight over which would be the next Lord of the Arbor. Now both of them want to join the Kingsguard, just to be near the little queen.”

“雷德溫家的人的雀斑總比見識多算利〔岵龋”但這對她而言是有用的信息，假如在瑪格麗的床上抓住流口水爵士或恐怖爵士……瑟曦不知道小王后會不會喜歡雀斑效拭≡菁“多卡莎，把奧斯尼·凱特布萊克爵士找來缎患〗梵希”

“The Redwynes have always had more freckles than wits.” It was a useful thing to know, though. If Horror or Slobber were to be found abed with Margaery … Cersei wondered if the little queen liked freckles. “Dorcas, fetch me Ser Osney Kettleblack.”

多卡莎臉一紅，“遵命较锡∫导冢”

Dorcas blushed. “As you command.”

等侍女離開后，坦妮婭·瑪瑞魏斯給了太后一個探詢的眼色蚂蕴，“她干嗎臉紅暗蜕ⅰ俯邓？”

When the girl was gone, Taena Merryweather gave the queen a quizzical look. “Why did she turn so red?”

“因為愛情，”這回輪到瑟曦咯咯發(fā)笑了熔号，“她被咱們的奧斯尼爵士迷住了稽鞭。”這是最年輕的凱特布萊克引镊，胡子刮得也最干凈朦蕴，他和哥哥奧斯蒙一樣黑頭發(fā)，鷹鉤鼻弟头，笑口常開吩抓，缺點則是臉上還有提利昂的妓女留下的三道長長抓痕「昂蓿“我認為疹娶，她喜歡他臉上的傷疤÷琢”

“Love.” It was Cersei’s turn to laugh. “She fancies our Ser Osney.” He was the youngest Kettleblack, the clean-shaved one. Though he had the same black hair, hooked nose, and easy smile as his brother Osmund, one cheek bore three long scratches, courtesy of one of Tyrion’s whores. “She likes his scars, I think.”

瑪瑞魏斯夫人的黑眼睛里閃爍著淘氣的光彩雨饺，“是嗎？傷疤讓男人看起來危險惑淳，危險中才有刺激额港。”

Lady Merryweather’s dark eyes shone with mischief. “Just so. Scars make a man look dangerous, and danger is exciting.”

“喲歧焦，你怎能講出這種話來移斩，我的好夫人？”太后揶揄倚舀，“再說了叹哭，如果危險中才有刺激，你怎么會嫁給奧頓大人痕貌？當然风罩，我們都很喜歡他，可是……”培提爾曾評價說瑪瑞魏斯家那代表豐收的巨號紋章簡直是專門為奧頓大人設(shè)立的舵稠，因為他的頭發(fā)像白菜超升，鼻子猶如甜菜根，腦袋瓜里裝的多半是豌豆麥片粥哺徊。

“You shock me, my lady,” the queen said, teasing. “If danger excites you so, why wed Lord Orton? We all love him, it is true, but still …” Petyr had once remarked that the horn of plenty that adorned House Merryweather’s arms suited Lord Orton admirably, since he had carrot-colored hair, a nose as bulbous as a beetroot, and pease porridge for wits.

坦妮婭清脆地笑道：“我夫君是個寬厚的好人兒室琢，委實談不上什么危險，不過呢……希望陛下別小瞧了我落追，我爬上奧頓大人的床鋪的時候可不是什么溫柔處女喲盈滴。”

Taena laughed. “My lord is more bountiful than dangerous, this is so. Yet … I hope Your Grace will not think the less of me, but I did not come a maid entire to Orton’s bed.”

你們自由貿(mào)易城邦人凈是些婊子，不是嗎巢钓？不過這也算件好事病苗，總有一天，她會好好利用這份信息症汹×螂“噢，好夫人背镇，你一定得告訴我咬展，你那個……你那個危險的初戀情人是誰呢？”

You are all whores in the Free Cities, aren’t you? That was good to know; one day, she might be able to make use of it. “And pray, who was this lover who was so … full of danger?”

坦妮婭橄欖色的皮膚在她臉紅時顯得更黑了瞒斩∑破牛“真糟糕，我不該多嘴的济瓢。陛下荠割，就讓我保留自己的小秘密吧妹卿，好嗎旺矾？”

Taena’s olive skin turned even darker as she blushed. “Oh, I should not have spoken. Your Grace will keep my secret, yes?”

“男人有傷疤，女人有閨秘夺克』妫”瑟曦吻了她的臉，心想我很快就會把他挖出來铺纽。

“Men have scars, women mysteries.” Cersei kissed her cheek. I will have his name out of you soon enough.

等多卡莎把奧斯尼·凱特布萊克爵士帶到柬帕，太后便遣散了女人們〗泼牛“來陷寝，和我一起來窗邊坐坐，奧斯尼爵士其馏。要酒嗎凤跑？”她為兩人都倒上酒∨迅矗“你的斗篷很舊了仔引，我想給你換身新的『职拢”

When Dorcas returned with Ser Osney Kettleblack, the queen dismissed her ladies. “Come sit with me by the window, Ser Osney. Will you take a cup of wine?” She poured for them herself. “Your cloak is threadbare. I have a mind to put you in a new one.”

“換身新的咖耘？白袍子？誰死了撬码？”

“What, a white one? Who’s died?”

“現(xiàn)在還沒有儿倒，”太后表示，“你這么急著想加入你哥哥奧斯蒙的行列呜笑？”

“No one, as yet,” the queen said. “Is that your wish, to join your brother Osmund in our Kingsguard?”

“御林鐵衛(wèi)夫否？不找筝，只要能取悅陛下，我愿做您的女王護衛(wèi)慷吊⌒湓＃”奧斯尼咧嘴而笑，臉上的傷疤成了亮紅色溉瓶。

“I’d rather be the queen’s guard, if it please Your Grace.” When Osney grinned, the scars on his cheek turned bright red.

瑟曦伸手在傷痕上梳理急鳄，“你可真大膽啊，爵士先生堰酿，你差點又讓我不能自已疾宏。”

Cersei’s fingers traced their path across his cheek. “You have a bold tongue, ser. You will make me forget myself again.”

“而您真好心触创，”奧斯尼爵士抓住她的手坎藐，粗魯?shù)匚撬闹割^，“我可愛的太后哼绑⊙意桑”

“Good.” Ser Osney caught her hand and kissed her fingers roughly. “My sweet queen.”

“知道嗎？你是個壞蛋抖韩，”太后湊在他耳邊低聲傾訴蛀恩，“不是真正的騎士∶。”她讓他隔著絲裙服撫奶子双谆。“夠了席揽⊥绮觯”

“You are a wicked man,” the queen whispered, “and no true knight, I think.” She let him touch her breasts through the silk of her gown. “Enough.”

“不，不夠幌羞。我想要你寸谜。”

“It isn’t. I want you.”

“你要過我新翎〕膛粒”

“You’ve had me.”

“只要了一次〉貑”他再度抓住她的左乳愁拭，粗暴的擠壓令她想起了勞勃。

“Only once.” He grabbed her left breast again and gave it a clumsy squeeze that reminded her of Robert.

“一夜春宵獎勵一位好騎士亏吝。你為我出色地服務岭埠，并因此得到回報。”瑟曦將手劃過他股間惜论，透過馬褲许赃，感覺到對方硬了起來」堇啵“昨兒早上混聊，你在場子里擺弄新坐騎？”

“One good night for one good knight. You did me valiant service, and you had your reward.” Cersei walked her fingers up his laces. She could feel him stiffening through his breeches. “Was that a new horse you were riding in the yard yestermorn?”

“那匹黑牝馬乾巧？是啊句喜，那是我哥哥奧斯佛利送的禮物。我為它取名‘午夜’沟于】任福”

“The black stallion? Aye. A gift from my brother Osfryd. Midnight, I call him.”

真是個呆子】跆“戰(zhàn)馬騎著上戰(zhàn)場展懈，至于魚水之歡嘛……還是要騎精神抖擻的小母馬哦」╄担”她微笑著擠了擠他那活兒存崖，“告訴我實情，你是不是看上了我們的小王后嗜傅？”

How wonderfully original. “A fine mount for a battle. For pleasure, though, there is nothing to compare to a gallop on a spirited young filly.” She gave him a smile and a squeeze. “Tell me true. Do you think our little queen is pretty?”

奧斯尼爵士警惕地退開金句，“她很漂亮檩赢，但還是個孩子吕嘀，我寧愿要女人≌曷鳎”

Ser Osney drew back, wary. “I suppose. For a girl. I’d sooner have a woman.”

“何不兩者兼得呢偶房？”太后輕聲說，“替我摘下那朵小玫瑰军浆，重重有賞棕洋。”

“Why not both?” she whispered. “Pluck the little rose for me, and you will not find me to be ungrateful.”

“小玫……瑪格麗乒融？您的意思是瑪格麗掰盘？”奧斯尼那活兒萎了下去≡藜荆“她可是國王的老婆愧捕，不是連御林鐵衛(wèi)睡了國王的老婆都會被斬首的嗎？”

“The little … Margaery, you mean?” Ser Osney’s ardor was wilting in his breeches. “She’s the king’s wife. Wasn’t there some Kingsguard who lost his head for bedding the king’s wife?”

“那是前朝的故事了申钩〈位妫”況且被睡的是國王的情婦，不是老婆，而情夫的首級是他全身上下唯一保留住的部分邮偎，伊耿三世當著情婦的面將他肢解管跺。但此時此刻，瑟曦不想用這些恐怖的陳年往事嚇唬奧斯尼禾进』砼埽“托曼并非庸王伊耿，你別擔心泻云，我讓他干什么他就干什么贩绕，不多也不少。我要瑪格麗的首級壶愤，不要你的淑倾。”

“Ages ago.” She was his king’s mistress, not his wife, and his head was the only thing he did not lose. Aegon dismembered him piece by piece, and made the woman watch. Cersei did not want Osney dwelling on that ancient unpleasantness, however. “Tommen is not Aegon the Unworthy. Have no fear, he will do as I bid him. I mean for Margaery to lose her head, not you.”

他大吃一驚征椒，“呃娇哆，您是指她的貞操吧？”

That gave him pause. “Her maidenhead, you mean?”

“貞操當然也要——如果她還有的話勃救，”瑟曦再度撫摩他的傷疤碍讨。“瑪格麗會對你的魅力……視而不見嗎蒙秒？”

“That too. Assuming she has one still.” She traced his scars again. “Unless you think Margaery would prove unresponsive to your … charms?”

奧斯尼給了她一個受傷的眼神勃黍。“她很喜歡我晕讲。她的表親們老愛取笑我的鼻子覆获，說我的鼻子太大，但上回梅歌這么說的時候瓢省，瑪格麗制止了她弄息，還夸獎我的臉挺可愛∏诨椋”

Osney gave her a wounded look. “She likes me well enough. Them cousins of hers are always teasing with me about my nose. How big it is, and all. The last time Megga did that, Margaery told them to stop and said I had a lovely face.”

“瞧摹量，我的眼光果然沒錯÷ǎ”

“There you are, then.”

“是缨称，陛下，”男人狐疑地說祝迂，“可睦尽，如果我和她……和她……做了……？”

“There I am,” the man agreed, in a doubtful tone, “but where am I going to be if she … if I … after we …?”

“……做了丑事液兽？”瑟曦尖聲笑了兩下骂删，“與王后同床自是謀逆大罪掌动，托曼別無選擇，只能將你發(fā)配絕境長城宁玫〈只郑”

“… do the deed?” Cersei gave him a barbed smile. “Lying with a queen is treason. Tommen would have no choice but to send you to the Wall.”

“長城？”他沮喪地喊欧瘪。

“The Wall?” he said with dismay.

想忍住笑實在很難眷射。別笑，別笑佛掖，男人們最恨被人嘲笑妖碉。“黑斗篷與你的眼睛和頭發(fā)很配芥被∨芬耍”

It was all she could do not to laugh. No, best not. Men hate being laughed at. “A black cloak would go well with your eyes, and that black hair of yours.”

“沒人能從長城回來∷┢牵”

“No one returns from the Wall.”

“我會把你弄回來冗茸，只要你替我殺一個男孩∑ブ校”

“You will. All you need to do is kill a boy.”

“誰夏漱？”

“What boy?”

“與史坦尼斯結(jié)盟的野種。放心顶捷，他年輕稚嫩挂绰，而我將額外撥給你一百精兵》辏”

“A bastard boy in league with Stannis. He’s young and green, and you’ll have a hundred men.”

凱特布萊克在害怕葵蒂，她能嗅出他的感覺，但他的自尊心不容許他將其表達出來专肪。男人啊男人刹勃，全是一個樣『坑龋“我殺過的男孩數(shù)不勝數(shù)，”他夸口伍宦，“只要這孩子一命嗚呼芽死，國王就會赦免我？”

Kettleblack was afraid, she could smell it on him, but he was too proud to own up to that fear. Men are all alike. “I’ve killed more boys than I can count,” he insisted. “Once this boy is dead, I’d get my pardon from the king?”

“不僅赦免你次洼，而且提拔你當領(lǐng)主老爺关贵∠弈”只要你沒給雪諾的弟兄們吊死悲柱。“你知道的悯许，太后需要伴侶；需要一個無所畏懼的男人來保護她炭剪×妨矗”

“That, and a lordship.” Unless Snow’s brothers hang you first. “A queen must have a consort. One who knows no fear.”

“凱特布萊克伯爵？”笑容在他臉上緩緩擴散奴拦，傷疤成了火紅色媒鼓。“噢错妖，我喜歡這點子绿鸣。高貴的領(lǐng)主……”

“Lord Kettleblack?” A slow smile spread across his face, and his scars flamed red. “Aye, I like the sound o’ that. A lordly lord …”

“……方才配得上太后的臥床≡萋龋”

“… and fit to bed a queen.”

他忽然皺眉道：“可長城很冷潮模。”

He frowned. “The Wall is cold.”

“我很溫暖痴施，”瑟曦環(huán)住對方的脖子再登，“只消睡一個女孩、殺一個男孩晾剖，我就成了你的人锉矢。你有勇氣嗎？”

“And I am warm.” Cersei put her arms about his neck. “Bed a girl and kill a boy and I am yours. Do you have the courage?”

奧斯尼想了一會兒齿尽，點點頭沽损。“我也是您的人循头，一切聽您吩咐绵估。”

Osney thought a moment before he nodded. “I am your man.”

“很好卡骂，爵士先生国裳，”她吻了他，并在抽身之前讓他短暫地嘗到了她舌頭的滋味全跨》熳螅“現(xiàn)在做這些足夠了，其他的我們可以等浓若。今夜渺杉，你會夢見我嗎？”

“You are, ser.” She kissed him, and let him have a little taste of tongue before she broke away. “Enough for now. The rest must wait. Will you dream of me tonight?”

“會的挪钓∈窃剑”他沙啞地答應。

“Aye.” His voice was hoarse.

“和咱們的處女瑪格麗做愛時也會想起我碌上？”她逗弄他倚评，“當你進入她的時候浦徊，會想著我？”

“And when you’re abed with our Maid Margaery?” she asked him, teasing. “When you’re in her, will you dream of me then?”

“會的天梧，我會的盔性。”奧斯尼·凱特布萊克發(fā)誓腿倚。

“I will,” swore Osney Kettleblack.

“很好纯出，去吧》罅牵”

“Good.”

等他走后暂筝，瑟曦讓喬斯琳替自己梳頭，一邊脫下鞋子硬贯，像貓一樣舒展身體焕襟。天生我才必有用，她告訴自己饭豹，精妙的謀劃讓她很得意鸵赖。若是寶貝女兒與下賤的奧斯尼·凱特布萊克私通的把柄被抓住，梅斯·提利爾將無話可說拄衰，史坦尼斯·拜拉席恩和瓊恩·雪諾也不會奇怪奧斯尼到長城充軍的原因它褪。嗯，就安排奧斯蒙爵士去把弟弟和小王后捉奸在床吧翘悉，以確保其他兩位凱特布萊克的忠誠茫打。父親，你看見了嗎妖混，你還會想盡快把我嫁出去嗎老赤？真遺憾哪，你和勞勃制市，還有瓊恩·艾林抬旺、奈德·史塔克、藍禮·拜拉席恩祥楣，你們統(tǒng)統(tǒng)都死了开财，只剩下我。當然荣堰，我沒忘記提利昂床未，可他活不了幾天了。

After he was gone, Cersei summoned Jocelyn to brush her hair out whilst she slipped off her shoes and stretched like a cat. I was made for this, she told herself. It was the sheer elegance of it that pleased her most. Even Mace Tyrell would not dare defend his darling daughter if she was caught in the act with the likes of Osney Kettleblack, and neither Stannis Baratheon nor Jon Snow would have cause to wonder why Osney was being sent to the Wall. She would see to it that Ser Osmund was the one to discover his brother with the little queen; that way the loyalty of the other two Kettleblacks need not be impugned. If Father could only see me now, he would not be so quick to speak of marrying me off again. A pity he’s so dead. Him and Robert, Jon Arryn, Ned Stark, Renly Baratheon, all dead. Only Tyrion remains, and not for long.

夜里振坚，太后召瑪瑞魏斯夫人來臥室做伴≌牛“你要酒嗎渡八？”她問對方啃洋。

That night the queen summoned Lady Merryweather to her bedchamber. “Will you take a cup of wine?” she asked her.

“小女王，”密爾女人咯咯笑道屎鳍，“大騎士宏娄。”

“A small one.” The Myrish woman laughed. “A big one.”

“行了逮壁，明日孵坚，我要你去見我的媳婦】”太后一邊讓多卡莎替她換上睡衣卖宠，一邊吩咐道。

“On the morrow I want you to pay a call on my good-daughter,” Cersei said as Dorcas was dressing her for bed.

“瑪格麗女士總是樂于接見我忧饭】肝椋”

“Lady Margaery is always happy to see me.”

“我明白〈士悖”太后沒有忽略對方對托曼的小妻子的稱呼刺洒。“告訴她吼砂，我贈送給貝勒大圣堂七根蜂蠟逆航，以紀念咱們親愛的已故總主教大人∮婕纾”

“I know.” The queen did not fail to note the style that Taena used when referring to Tommen’s little wife. “Tell her I’ve sent seven beeswax candles to the Baelor’s Sept in memory of our dear High Septon.”

坦妮婭輕笑道：“您說得這樣清楚因俐，她便會送上七十七根蜂蠟，以表示自己更深刻的悼念赖瞒∨遥”

Taena laughed. “If so, she will send seven-and-seventy candles of her own, so as not to be outmourned.”

“要尊重別人的虔誠信仰哦，”太后也笑了栏饮，“說了這個吧兔，你還要向她悄悄吐露，有人暗中仰慕她袍嬉，某位優(yōu)秀的騎士由于迷戀她境蔼，夜夜不得安寢∷磐ǎ”

“I will be very cross if she does not,” the queen said, smiling. “Tell her also that she has a secret admirer, a knight so smitten with her beauty that he cannot sleep at night.”

“陛下箍土，我可以問問是哪位騎士嗎？”坦妮婭的大黑眼珠里閃動著淘氣的火花罐监，“莫非是咱們親愛的奧斯尼爵士吴藻？”

“Might I ask Your Grace which knight?” Mischief sparkled in Taena’s big dark eyes. “Could it be Ser Osney?”

“或許吧，”太后說弓柱，“但你決不能在她面前直說出名字沟堡，讓她慢慢打聽侧但，慢慢地求告你，懂嗎航罗？”

“It could be,” the queen said, “but do not offer up that name freely. Make her worm it out of you. Will you do that?”

“只要能取悅陛下禀横，我什么都干≈嘌”

“If it please you. That is all I wish, Your Grace.”

屋外柏锄，冷風吹起，屋內(nèi)复亏，她們就著青亭島的金色葡萄酒趾娃，一直聊到清晨。坦妮婭醉了蜓耻，于是瑟曦從她口中套出了情人的名字茫舶。那是一位密爾船長，或者說是海盜刹淌，黑發(fā)披肩饶氏，一道傷疤橫貫臉頰，從耳朵直到下巴有勾≌钇簦“我拒絕了他一百次，他卻不以為意蔼卡，”密爾女人告訴太后喊崖，“最后我莫名其妙就答應他了。我想雇逞，他這種人是無法拒絕的荤懂。”

Outside a cold wind was rising. They stayed up late into the morning, drinking Arbor gold and telling one another tales. Taena got quite drunk and Cersei pried the name of her secret lover from her. He was a Myrish sea captain, half a pirate, with black hair to the shoulders and a scar that ran across his face from chin to ear. “A hundred times I told him no, and he said yes,” the other woman told her, “until finally I was saying yes as well. He was not the sort of man to be denied.”

“我了解這種人塘砸〗诜拢”太后淡淡一笑。

“I know the sort,” the queen said with a wry smile.

“真的嗎掉蔬？陛下您也見過這種人廊宪？”

“Has Your Grace ever known a man like that, I wonder?”

“比如勞勃∨危”她嘴上這么說箭启，心里想著詹姆。

“Robert,” she lied, thinking of Jaime.

但當她闔上雙眼蛉迹，出現(xiàn)的卻是另一個弟弟傅寡，還有昨天早上那三位白癡。只不過這回裝在他們袋子里的，卻真真正正是提利昂的頭顱赏僧。她把它涂上焦油大猛，扔進臥房的夜壺中扭倾。

Yet when she closed her eyes, it was the other brother that she dreamt of, and the three wretched fools with whom she had begun her day. In the dream it was Tyrion’s head they brought her in their sack. She had it bronzed, and kept it in her chamber pot.