How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Narrator.Paragraph)
Quote #4
The memory brought a wan smile to her face. Such an obvious ploy, that, yet deft for a boy of fifteen. Robb knew how ill-suited a man like Greatjon Umber would be to treat with a man like Renly Baratheon, and he knew that she knew it as well. (23.Catelyn.20)
Ah, but did he know that she knew that he knew she knew…? Robb may not be a master manipulator yet, but this fledgling attempt shows the boy is growing into his role as a Seven Kingdoms' politician.
Quote #5
"Do all maesters lie so poorly? I told Varys that I was giving Prince Doran my nephew Tommen to foster. I told Littlefinger that I planned to wed Myrcella to Lord Robert of the Eyrie. I told no one that I had offered Myrcella to the Dornish … that truth was only in the letter I entrusted to you." (26.Tyrion.128)
Tyrion shows just how adept he is at the game of thrones. By giving each member of the small council different information, he's weeded out his sister's informant. As a maester, Pycelle isn't supposed to support anyone but the king, showing how powerful duty is when compared with manipulation at King's Landing.
Quote #6
I rely too much on Varys, [Tyrion] reflected. I need my own informers. Not that I'd trust them either. Trust would get you killed. (42.Tyrion.19)
But who manipulates the manipulator? One of the problems Tyrion faces is that he can never be sure he isn't being played in the same way he is playing others. In many ways, Seven Kingdoms politics is like poker—that is, if you don't know who the sucker at the table is, then the sucker is you.