Of all the things Cersei does in AFFC, this one is actually kosher. As both King and overlord of the Crownlands, Tommen has pretty broad powers here, because without an heir, Rosby is technically in escheat, and has reverted to the crown.
What makes Harrenhal unusual is that, as a part of the Riverlands, normally it would be the direct overlord of the Riverlands (the Lord Paramount) who would exercise those rights, but because of the unique way that Aegon the Conqueror dealt with Harrenhal, the Crown exercises direct authority despite the subinfeudation that makes the Lord of Harrenhal a vassal of the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands first, and a vassal of the King second.
Cersei’s actions with regard to Rosby are most similar to happened with regard to the Hornwood lands, are they not?
I mean, there’s not an exact parallel because of the presence of Lady Hornwood, but its the same basic thing; there’s no lord and no heir, which means that the fief reverts to the liege lord to be re-assigned. With the Hornwood lands it is Robb Stark, with Rosby it is Tommen, which means his regent, Cersei.
The biggest difference narratively is that Maester Luwin and Robb Stark are concerned with things like empathy for Lady Hornwood, the good governance of the Hornwood lands, the upholding of the social order by giving due consideration to people with blood claims on the land, and other such things.
Whereas Cersei doesn’t give a shit; to her Rosby is just a bauble to be disposed of as she sees fit. So it seems more egregious despite operating on the same principle.
Yeah, it’s pretty similar. I mean, in the case of House Hornwood, you have Larence Snow and whatnot, but it’s still a case of the lord having to decide between relatively distant or weak claims.
But yes, even though she’s not breaking the law, Cersei’s not doing a good job.
RFTIT Tumblr Backup 