I barely had time to catch my breath before I was called again.
A servant found me in the yard, sweat still clinging to my skin, and told me Lame Lothar wanted a word.
Lothar Frey.
He wasn't the strongest or the most respected of Walder Frey's sons, but he was dangerous. Unlike the brutes, the bullies, and the arrogant fools who thought swords were the only path to power, Lothar used his mind. He handled the day-to-day business of the Twins, managing the Frey household, balancing rivalries, and making sure the castle didn't collapse under the weight of its own greed.
And now, he wanted to talk to me.
I wiped the sweat from my face and followed the servant.
A Frey's Welcome
Lothar's chambers were well-kept, a stark contrast to the rest of the Twins. The furniture was fine, the hearth burned warmly, and the table was covered in maps, letters, and wax-sealed scrolls.
He was seated when I arrived, sipping wine, his leg stretched out awkwardly due to his limp. He gestured to a chair. "Sit."
I obeyed, keeping my face neutral.
He studied me for a moment, eyes sharp and knowing. "You embarrassed Ser Danwell today."
I kept my hands still. "I didn't mean to."
Lothar chuckled. "Of course you did. And you did it well."
I stayed silent. This was a test—I could feel it.
Lothar set his cup down. "I watch everyone in this castle, bastard or lord. And you? You're… interesting."
That sent a chill down my spine.
"You hide your intelligence well," he continued. "Most bastards try too hard to prove themselves. They make noise. You, on the other hand, let them think you're weak—until it's too late."
He smiled. "I admire that."
I chose my words carefully. "I just want to survive."
"Good," Lothar said. "Because House Frey is a nest of vipers, and only the careful survive."
I didn't need him to tell me that. But I didn't interrupt.
"You have no lands, no title, and our father barely remembers your name," he continued. "But you have potential. I want to see if you can be useful."
Useful.
That meant he had a task for me. And if I succeeded, it meant I had value.
I nodded slowly. "What do you need?"
Lothar's smile widened. "A simple favor. There's a man in the stables. One of our riders. He's been selling information to our enemies."
I kept my expression blank, but my mind raced.
This was a test. If I refused, Lothar would see me as weak. If I accepted, I would be proving I had a stomach for the darker side of Frey politics.
And if I failed?
I wouldn't get a second chance.
Lothar's eyes gleamed. "Do this for me, and I'll make sure people start remembering your name."
I exhaled slowly.
This was my first real step into the game.
I just had to make sure I didn't fall before I learned how to play.
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A/N: Sorry for not uploading new chapters. But don't worry I will release 2-3 chapter per week.
And please check out my another book if you like this book.