Alternative Marriages: Cersei Lannister’s Potential Spouse if Lyanna Stark Had Been Captured by Robert

Imagine a different narrative in the world of Game of Thrones. What if Lyanna Stark had not eloped with Rhaegar Targaryen, but instead was captured by Robert Baratheon and forced to marry him? This scenario would have significant implications for Cersei Lannister, who would have had to secure alliances and political balances in a drastically different manner.

Securing Alliances for House Lannister

If Lyanna Stark had been captured by Robert and forced to marry him, Cersei Lannister would have had no choice but to find an alternative spouse. Given the political climate of Game of Thrones, several options present themselves. One possible candidate could have been a member of the House Baratheon, such as Stannis, Robert's brother. This marriage would maintain an alliance between House Lannister and House Baratheon, albeit with a different dynamic due to Robert's marriage to Lyanna.

Alternatively, Cersei could have been married to another powerful house to strengthen the Lannister's influence. For instance, she could have been betrothed to a member of the House Tully, solidifying ties with the Riverlands. This alliance would have been beneficial in securing power and resources. Another option could have been a strategic marriage to a foreign house to further secure alliances and maintain Lannister supremacy over Westeros.

Political Realities and Personalities

The specific details of Cersei's marriage would have depended on the political landscape at that time. However, the underlying goal would have remained the same: to secure and maintain Lannister influence. The fallout from such a marriage would have been complex. It would have affected the broader narrative and decisions of key characters, such as Robert Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon.

It's important to note that the capture scenario represents a significant deviation from the actual events of the story. In a world where Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen had remained together, Cersei Lannister would not have been in the same position to choose her marital alliances. The absence of Rhaegar's influence and the lingering grudge Robert and Lyanna held against each other would have further complicated the situation.

Post-Rebellion Marriages

In the aftermath of Robert's Rebellion, several options for Cersei's marriage would have become viable:

Stannis Baratheon: As the brother of Robert and a legitimate claimant to the Iron Throne, Stannis could have been a suitable choice. Edmure Tully: The younger son of Lord Hoster Tully, Edmure would have been a potential match. His marriage to Roslin Frey would have been dissolved to make way for a Cersei-Edmure union. Willas Tyrell: A younger brother of Mace Tyrell, Willas could have been considered. However, his preference for Roslin Frey would have made him less suitable. Other Bannermen: Various other bannermen could have been considered, but their suitability would have depended on political connections and personal preferences.

Among these options, Edmure Tully stands out as a particularly viable choice. Unlike Willas Tyrell, Edmure might be more willing to give up his family name and allow the Riverlands to unite with the Westerlands. This would have been politically advantageous for the Lannisters.

Ultimately, the narrative

In this hypothetical scenario, Cersei Lannister would have found herself in a unique and challenging position. Her marriage would have been a strategic decision, aimed at securing and maintaining power. The marriage would have been crucial not only for Cersei but also for the broader political landscape of Westeros.

The potential marriage to Stannis, Edmure Tully, or another powerful figure would have altered the course of Game of Thrones. The implications of such a marriage would have been far-reaching, affecting not only Cersei's personal story but also the fate of her family and the political dynamics of Westeros.