"Beautiful, isn't she?" Jaime said from behind Tyrion, as the two brothers looked at the young woman that had been danced around the floor by every eligible lord present.

"I believe that merely calling her beautiful would be doing the young lady a huge disservice; truth be told, I don't believe that I have ever seen another creature in the whole of the Seven Kingdoms that is quite so exquisite and perfectly formed." Tyrion said, sighing heavily as he took a gulp of his wine.

"You should ask her to dance, I am sure that the delightful young doe would say yes. From what I have been told, her outward beauty is only matched by her intelligence, and kindness." Jaime said, smiling down at his younger brother.

Tyrion moved his eyes back to look at the woman; when she had first arrived at the Red Keep, he had heard rumours that she was a gifted intellect, and spoke many languages; but Tyrion knew that no such lady could possibly be interested in him, so he had chose to keep a distance from the rare beauty, instead, choosing to admire her from a far.

"And what do you think the king would say if I, the imp, were to ask his beloved niece to dance; and what's more, what would her father say if he found out? No Jaime, it is better to watch the fair (Y/n) from a distance." Tyrion lamented, slumping back down into his chair at the table.

"Anyway, I think she would much prefer someone like you; tall, handsome, and charming, what more could a woman want? Certainly not a man like me." Tyrion groaned, finishing off the wine in his goblet, and pouring more.

Jaime looked over at Cersei who was currently glaring at (Y/n) disdainfully. "There are a number of reasons as to why I don't ask her to dance; and you shouldn't do yourself such a disfavour Tyrion. There would also be another benefit of asking the lady Baratheon to dance, I mean other than the pleasure of her undoubtedly delightful company." Jaime said, chuckling softly into his goblet.

"And what, pray tell, would that be?" Tyrion asked hesitantly, looking at the mischievous glint in his brother's eyes.

"Haven't you seen the way that father is looking at her? The old man has taken a liking to her, but strangely doesn't appear to be able to pluck up the courage the speak to the young lady. Now, if you were to ask the lady to dance, just imagine what that would do to father." Jaime said, smiling as a wicked smirk crept across Tyrion's lips.

"You know something, I believe that I should ask the lady (Y/n) to dance; after all, faint heart never won fair maiden." Tyrion laughed, rising from his seat, and brushing off his outfit.

"Wish me luck." He said, as he walked boldly over to where (Y/n) was speaking to a group of other ladies.

A cough suddenly alerted (Y/n) to the presence behind her, as she turned, she was delighted and surprised to see the man that she had been hoping to get to know ever since she had arrived in Kings Landing. She had heard much of Tyrion's intelligence, and had been told of his sharp wit and humour from some of the handmaidens that her uncle had assigned to care for her during her stay; but until now, the youngest Lannister had proved elusive, much to her chagrin. Handsomeness in a man was a nice thing to have, but (Y/n) had always preferred men of intellect over those with little more than striking looks, and even though Jaime Lannister was indeed handsome, (Y/n) had always been more interested in meeting Tyrion.

"Oh, Lord Lannister, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." (Y/n) said, with a small curtsy, as the young women behind her giggled softly.

"I was wondering if you would do me the honour of the next dance?" Tyrion asked, holding out his hand for the young Baratheon to take.

(Y/n) looked down at his small hand, and then back up to his gentle face.

"I would be delighted my lord." (Y/n) said, choosing to ignore the words of the women behind her, and allowing Tyrion to lead her onto the dance floor.

As Tyrion took his place for the dance, he couldn't help but notice the angry look on his father's face, as he purposely moved closer to the elegant doe.

"May I ask you something my lady?" Tyrion asked, as the two moved effortlessly around the floor.

"Why did you agree to dance with me?" He enquired, watching as the happy smile, that had previously graced (Y/n)'s lips, became small and sad.

"Why would I not my lord? I have been hoping that you would dance with me tonight, seeing as you seem to have been doing your best to avoid me since I have been here; I hoped that this evening I would finally get to meet the one man that I have wanted to see ever since I heard of you." (Y/n) said, looking down at the man who was gripping onto her hand tightly.

"So, you wished to meet the imp that everyone talks about so disdainfully? Well my lady, I hope that I have live up to your expectations; I will trouble you no more and allow you to re-join your friends. Thank you for the dance." Tyrion said angrily, as he let go of her hand, and made his way to leave the gathering.

(Y/n) stood frozen to the spot for a moment, her cheeks glowing red as all eyes seemed to have turned towards her. She was angry at what the others were saying around her, but more, she was angry at the man she had just met who presumed to know her mind. Stealing herself, she made her way out of the hall, determined to find the man that had done her such a wrong.

Running through the corridors of the Red Keep, (Y/n) finally found Tyrion making his way back to his chambers.

"How dare you presume to know my mind; how dare you presume that I was shallow enough to only want to meet you because you were "the imp"! For your information, Tyrion Lannister, I had heard that you were a man of intellect, with a quick and sharp wit, and a kind and gentle nature; but it would appear that what I heard was wrong....... You are nothing but a fool who likes to put words into the mouths of others." (Y/n) huffed indignantly, as she stood in front of Tyrion, stopping him dead in his tracks.

Tyrion sighed, feeling slightly uncomfortable under the burning glare of the young woman before him.

"Please my lady, I beg your forgiveness; it is just that I am so used to the mockery of others, that I made a mistake in your case." Tyrion said apologetically, trying to smile up at (Y/n).

"So, because you were hurt by others, you instantly thought that I would be like everyone else?" (Y/n) asked, her demeanour softening none, as Tyrion continued to apologise.

"It is merely that I am not lucky enough to have such a beautiful woman interested in me; now if I were my brother, it would be a different matter, but I'm not." Tyrion told (Y/n) as he looked up into a face that was no longer angry.

"My lord, it is true that your brother is very handsome, but I find intelligence far more appealing; even if that intelligence comes in a smaller package." (Y/n) told him, leaning down and placing a soft kiss to the shocked Tyrion's cheek.

"Well then my lady." He said, trying to regain his composure.

"Could I interest you in a game of chess in the library? I have been waiting some time for a worthy opponent, and if it true what they say about you, then I might have just met my match." Tyrion smiled, holding out his hand for (Y/n) to take.

"I would like that very much my lord; but I must advise you that I have inherited a talent for strategy from my father and uncle, and I have no intention of letting you win." (Y/n) warned, smiling as she took his hand.

"I would not expect anything less my lady." Tyrion chuckled, as he led (Y/n) to the library.

As he looked up at her as they walked, Tyrion couldn't help but smile. As beautiful as she was, the allure of her intellect was far more captivating, and no matter what may happen in their little game, he knew that she had already won his heart.