A Doe in a Lion's Den
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 14: Death of a Dynasty
The following day was Lord Stark's confession. All he has done, after a week in the black cell he would confess for a crime he did not commit. After visiting most of my illegitimate siblings, I could see why Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark believe Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella were not Robert's children. But then comes the debate that they could just inherit more of Cersei's genetics. However, the more I look at them, precisely Joffrey and Tommen the less I see of Robert. Joffrey was lean, his face more chisel. Father…before gaining weight, held robust features, and a muscular body. All the bastard's males had that.
If only Father had said, something written or told more people about this.
Unless they have been killed.
But at this time, I cannot object without evidence.
So, at the moment, I need to rely on Joffrey decision of Lord Stark treason.
During morning breakfast, he was grinning about the confession at high noon. Blabbering about the setting, with the bells of the Sept ringing, and the Archseptor being there. Since the High Septor does not part take in these executions. It would take place on the front steps of the Great Sept of Baelor Between Gods and men, for all could hear. There Joffrey shall give his mercy. I was surprised, as mother said, Lord Stark shall take the black, being a Crow up North to protect the wall.
Once dinner was over, I went to my chambers to change for the event. Aurora came holding a red gown, with golden capes. I frown, especially seeing the lion crest.
"Your brother recommends you wear it," she said.
"What is my family crest?" I asked.
"A stag," she answered.
"And what is on the dress? "I asked again.
She looked at the cape seeing the rich embroidery details of a lion. "A lion."
"And my father is not put to rest in the Stormlands," I seethed.
Aurora eyes widen, realize the offense the dress has made. I went to the wardrobe to collect my mourning gown for the event. Putting on a black gown, covered with golden embroidery, and antler design belt. My hair pulled up in braids forming a bun. Once dressed I went to fetch my younger siblings but was greeted by my mother.
"Tommen and Myrcella will not be attending the event," She said.
"Is that wise?" I asked. "They should see Joffrey's mercy."
"Not today, my dear." Mother said, touching a braid that was on my shoulder. "Why are you not wearing the dress your brother picked for you?"
"Father is not put to rest in Storm End until he is, so I will mourn," I explained.
Mother sighed, her hand caressing my cheek, "You and Robert held a strong bond. You were his fawn."
I nodded. "I miss him."
"Many do," She murmured.
The stepping of metal boots caught our attention as Lannister guards escorted Lady Sansa. The young wolf wore a pale blue dress, with a silver belt. Her fiery hair tamed in a southern bun, and a golden Lannister necklace rests on her chest.
"Lady Sansa," I greeted.
"Your Grace," Sansa said shyly to me, then face the queen. "Your Grace."
"Come little dove," Mother said.
With nothing else to be said, we headed to the courtyard where a palanquin waited for us. Once inside, the strongest men lifted us up and escorted to the Sept of Baelor. Sansa was thanking Mother for sparing her father, as Mother assure her these things do happen when there is a significant loss. However, both continue to wear red and gold, instead of black. Especially my mother, since a widow wears black for at least a year before wearing proper attire. Let alone, both wearing the Lannister crest on their capes.
By the time we reached the steps, upon the black stones a crowd has formed around the statue of Baelor the blessed. Gazing around, my eyes widen to see Arya crouching around the statue's leg. Another Stag dressed in common clothes stood beside her along with a Crow. Ser Wensington assured me in the early hours, that he found Yoren, and took him to Arya. Along with a knight name Joseph Musgood. He will be accompanying them until Arya is in the hands of either her brothers, Lady Catelyn, or Winterfell councilmen. If anything were to go wrong, they would stop at House Tully. All that matter was Arya returned to her kin.
It wasn't long, as two of the City Watchmen came out dragging Lord Stark to the Steps. He walked by his daughter, alongside Yoren and my Stag sighing in relief before taken to the steps. The crowds called him a traitor. The bells stop ringing and the crowd grown silent.
"I am Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Hand of the King," Lord Stark called out. He paused gazing upon Sansa, who nodded to him. He sighed facing the crowd. "I come before you to confess my treason in the sight of Gods and men. I betrayed the faith of my king and the trust of my friend Robert. I swore to protect and defend his children, but before his blood was cold, I plotted to murder his son…and seize the throne for myself."
The crowd screamed at him. One had the audacity to throw a rock that struck the Lord's face. Sansa gasped, stepping forward but I stopped her. This was wrong, I learn sharp details if a person was lying. And standing before us, Lord Stark was lying, since he could not face the crowd of his supposed sin. Sandor stood behind and helped Lord Stark correct his posture.
"Let the High Septon and Baelor the Blessed bear witness to what I say," He continued, stopping himself choking the words out. "Is the one true heir to the Iron Throne, by the grace of all the Gods, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the realm."
Joffrey smiled happily, gazing upon us where Mother gave an approving grin.
Grand Maester Pycelle came over waving his arms slightly to calm the crowd down, "As we sin, so do we suffer. This man has confessed his crimes in sight of Gods and men. The Gods are just, but beloved Baelor taught us they can also be merciful. What is to be done with this traitor, Your Grace?"
All eyes went onto Joffrey.
Now is the time to prove what kind of King he would be.
Joffrey raised his hand to calm the crowd, " My mother and sister wish me to let Lord Eddard join the Night's Watch. Stripped of all titles and powers, he will serve the realm in permanent exile. And my Lady Sansa has begged mercy for her father. But they have the soft hearts of women. So long as I am your king, treason shall never go unpunished."
By the Seven….
"Ser Ilyn bring me his head!" Joffrey ordered.
Immediately, Mother, Sansa and I rushed to Joffrey to stop him. A Kings guard grabbed Sansa while Mother and I grabbed him. Yet his green eyes focused on the horror written on Lord Stark's face.
"My son, this is madness." Mother scolded.
"Do this, and House Stark will not forgive," I added.
"Put him down!" Lord Slynt Ordered.
Two of the King's Guard came over and forced Lord Stark onto his knees. Not accepting this, I shoved Joffrey out of the way, running over in an attempt to save Lord Stark's life. Jumping off the first platform running faster when an armored arm wrapped around my waist and picked me up. Looking over my shoulder to see it was the Hound.
"Unhand me!" I ordered.
"Not a chance," he grumbled. "Can't defy the king's command.'
I thrashed and kicked in the mutt's arms trying to break free. Looking at the audience, noticing Arya was missing. Hopefully, Ser Joseph and Yoren have taken her away to prevent such tragedy. Then onto the steps, seeing Ser Ilyn put on his executioner mask, prepping his sword. I begged them to stop. Hearing Sansa begging, along with our mother.
Lord Stark gazed into the sky before bowing his head, accepting his fate.
"I'm sorry," I cried.
In one fellow swoop, the broadsword came down decapitating the Lord of Winterfell. My heart literally dropped, feeling the death of a strong friendship between the Baratheon and the Stark. An alliance, a bond, and brotherhood coming to an end.
Silence engulfed my ears, unable to hear the noise of deception. Watching his head falling to the ground, the body dropped limped, as blood gush out of what remains of the neck. The Kings Guard collected his body. Ser Ilyn bent down gathering Lord Stark's head and raised it in the air. The crowd cheered in applause, as the black executioner came over bringing his head to Joffrey. Sansa saw this and fainted to the ground.
Ser Wensington who rushed onto the stage came over and punched the Hound in the face. The shock caused the Hound to let go, and my Stag grabbed me. Unable to comprehend, he picked me up and carried me away. The only thing I managed to say, was "Sansa."
"Lamar and Forrester will get her," Ser Wensington assured.
I merely nodded, lost in shock.
.o0o.
Ser Wensington set me on a chair back in my chamber. He removed the tiara and the antler belt. He took off his gloves and touch my hand and forehead.
"The shock will fade in time," He said.
He stood up and went over to the table pouring a glass of water. Not long after he came back handing me the glass, "Drink."
With shaken hands, I accepted the goblet and drank. After a few sips, I looked at him, "I need to send a raven…to Rob, Lady Catelyn…."
"Your grace," He started.
"They need to…. I failed…"
Suddenly Ser Wensington grabbed my hands. "Elain."
My eyes fell upon his green orbs. They were a dark shade of green of a pine needle. Not the shade I'm accustomed to, of envy of a Lannister.
"Elain right now let's focus on you." He murmured.
"I've failed," I whispered, eyes growing watery. "I failed him."
Ser Wensington sighed, "You cannot save every, Elain. You kept two of your three promises, that is enough."
"But he's dead," I cried. "Joffrey killed him. He has initiated war upon two kingdoms."
"Maybe so," Ser Wensington said. "But I will be here to protect you."
"He will pay for this," I growled.
"The old gods and the new will ensure his punishment are met." Ser Wensington said, as his hand cradle my cheek wiping the tears away. "But right now, you need to rest."
"I don't think I can rest without being haunted of that horrid image of death," Ser Wensington sighed, as he gotten up and asked a servant for milk of the poppy.
I have seen death before. I have witnessed assassin who was caught and killed on the spot. I have seen men executed for their crimes under King Robert's command. Watch men die on the jousting field. I have seen countless Northern guards killed by the command of the traitorous Lord Slynt. But never have I seen an innocent man murder because of the truth. Joffrey is no brother of mine. We may share the same mother….but he is no Baratheon. Even with our fury, we know right from wrong.
.o0o.
Sansa was brought to my chambers in the early morning. Aurora was doing my hair, while my ladies' gossip away. The moment the girl enters, the room was engrossed in silence. Turning around, I gestured Aurora to stop braiding my hair.
"Lady Sansa Stark, Your Grace," One of my ladies said.
"Lady Sansa," I greeted.
She wore a pink dress. Her hair neatly groomed, but her eyes were red and puffy from crying. No longer she wore Joffrey's necklace. Instead, it was a silver dragonfly. Sansa gave a curtsy, trying to be respectful. "Your Grace."
"Do your duties honorably and virtuously," I quoted calmly. "And remember, we all bound to serve and obey. Now my ladies, excuse us while I have a word with Lady Sansa."
The noble women oblige as they gave a curtsy and left. I nodded to Aurora to go as well. She gave a curtsy and left leaving me alone with Sansa Stark. Getting up from my chair, I gestured her over to the bed to sit down.
"I ask to see you. I know that things have not gone well for you since your father was executed." I said calmly, in case Aurora or any of my spies could here.
"I have been utterly abandoned," Sansa said. "I feel I was condemned because of what my father did. He was a traitor."
There were allowed three knocks on the door. The sound startled Sansa, but I sighed in relief. It was Ser Forrester, giving the signal that no one was in the halls.
"Sansa, you no longer need to hold back in front of me," I told her. "I know your father was not a traitor. He was an innocent man doing the right thing."
Sansa was surprised by this.
"I cannot give you the details for your own safety, but I made a promise to Eddard, that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. As long as you are one of my ladies and stay close by my side, Joffrey cannot harm you. So, do as you can to be near me as possible."
Sansa merely nodded.
I hugged the girl, "Let it out. Don't hold your tears."
Sansa sobbed bowing her head as tears fell. I rubbed the poor girls back, "There, there, Sansa. He is always with you."
Alone for an hour did I tend to Sansa's grieving. Once the tears have dried, I gave her a warm wet rag to wash her face, and clean her eyes
.o0o.
In the Great Hall, Joffrey had heard of a troubadour created a new ballad in honor of my father. So, he sent the guards to fetch the troubadour name Marillion for this day. The dark hair troubadour was baffled, as he carried to the throne room. Joffrey sat on the Iron Throne with Mother sitting beside him as Queen Regent. My ladies and I stood in the gallery, observing this.
"Your Majesty," Marillion greeted with a boy.
"I heard you created a song in dedication of my Father," Joffrey said.
"Uh, I have your grace," Marillion confirmed.
"Well, let us hear it." Joffrey command. "Be the first to see of my Late father."
Marillion was about to protest, we Ser Meryn came over and forced the man down on the ground and shoving the instrument on his Lap. Marillion hesitated, plucking a few strings as the Great Hall became silent.
"The boar's great tusks, they boded ill,
for good King Robert's health.
And the beast was every bit as fat,
as Robert was himself.
But our brave King cried, 'Do your worst,
I'll have your ugly head,'
You're nowhere near as murderous as
the lion in my bed.'
King Robert lost his battle,
and he failed his final test,
The lion ripped his balls off,
And the boar did all the rest..."
This was an insult to my father. Although, I could imagine my father laughing at this, and pulling an awful prank to scare the poor man. Joffrey would be different. Already, my Mother held back her disgust in how she was portrayed in the song.
Joffrey clapped his hands.
Other joined in the applause.
"Very amusing," Joffrey complimented. "Isn't it a funny song? Thank you for your rendition. I imagine it was better received in that tavern."
"I'm sorry, Your Grace." Marillion apologized picking his lyre up. "I will never sing it again. I swear."
"Tell me, which do you favor: your fingers or your tongue?" Joffrey asked.
"Your Grace…" the troubadour replied confused.
My eyes widen realizing what Joffrey was asking.
"Fingers or your tongue?" Joffrey asked again. "If you got to keep one, which would it be?"
Marillion hesitated as he thought of the decision.
"Or I could just cut your throat," He suggested.
"Every man needs hands, Your Grace," Marillion answered fearfully.
"Good, tongue it is," Joffrey praised.
"Your Grace, please," Marillion pleaded.
Two Lannister soldiers marched over and forced the troubadour onto the ground.
"Ser Ilyn, who better than you to carry out the sentence." Joffrey complimented.
The silent executioner nodded, pulling out a pair of tweezer and a dagger. Ser Ilyn marched to the pyre, using the flames to sterilize his tools for mutilation. Marillion begged for forgiveness. "Your Grace, I beg of you. I won't sing it ever again."
"I'm done for the day," Joffrey announced, standing up from the throne. "I'll leave the rest of the matters to you, Mother."
He took off his crown, handing it over to a servant, before coming over to the gallery. Meanwhile, Ser Ilyn marched over, using the tweezer to force Marillion tongue out. In one clean cut of the blade, did the tongue came off? I turned my head away, not able to watch the troubadour spit out blood, crying in agony.
Joffrey, Ser Meryn, and the Hound came over to us. It was shocking to see the hound in Kings Guard armor. Looking entirely different. I glared at him, not forgetting how he is preventing me from saving Lord Stark.
"You look quite nice," Joffrey complimented to Sansa.
"Thank you, my lord." Sansa managed to say.
"Your Grace, I'm king now." Joffrey corrected. "Walk with me. I want to show you something."
"Lady Sansa and I have an appointment to attend to," I interrupted.
"Oh, it'll only be quick," Joffrey assured. "You can accompany us, dear sister."
Unable to resist, we follow Joffrey. He took the lead with Sansa walking beside him. I walked several paces behind, followed by The Hound, Ser Meryn, and Ser Forrester. We walked through the castle, till reaching one of the courtyards. I stopped to realize where he was taking Sansa. The wall of heads. Before I could speak, it was already too late.
"No, please no!" Sansa cried, turning to run but Ser Meryn stopped her.
Joffrey walked over to the ramp, pointing at a specific head, "This one's your father. This one here. Look at him and see what happens to traitors."
"You promised to be merciful," Sansa mumbled, refusing to look.
"I was," Joffrey said. "I gave him a clean death. Look at him."
Sansa shook her head, "Please let me go home. I won't do any treason, I swear."
"Mother says I'm still to marry you. So, you'll stay here and obey." Joffrey said and bellowed. "Look at him!"
"Enough!" I said marching over to Joffrey, blocking his view of Sansa. "She is my lady."
"And soon to be my wife," Joffrey sneered.
"Until your wedding, " I countered.
Joffrey glared at me with venom. A standoff took place between us. We both share even height, while dominance held power. I was first born, high princess, leaving me with sibling authority. He may be a king, but between us, he knows not to challenge me. If any harm comes to I, it will ruin any future alliance. Let alone to the kingdom.
A cry disrupts, as we turned to see Ser Meryn forcing Sansa to look up. A second later she fell into a daze, gazing at her father's head.
"How long does she have to look," Ser Meryn asked.
"As long as it pleases me," Joffrey said. "I'll tell you what: I'm going to give you a present. After I raise my armies and kill your traitor brother, I'm going to give you his head as well."
"Or maybe he'll give me yours," she murmured.
Joffrey was bewildered by this. He collected himself, "My mother tells me a king should never strike his lady. Ser Meryn."
Instantly, Ser Meryn turned Sansa around and slapped her twice across the face. Sansa did not utter a single word, only touch her bleeding lip. I scowled, nodding to Ser Forrester. He nodded, drawing his dagger and pinning Ser Meryn to the wall, the dagger pointed at his neck. The Hound stood out of this argument, being clever.
"What are you doing!" Joffrey yelled.
I turned around and marched over to my brother. My eyes burning with anger that cause Joffrey to stumble back and pinned to the wall.
"You listen here," I warned, loud so everyone could hear. "Sansa is one of my Ladies. If you or your men harm her in my presence, there will be consequences."
"You can't threaten me," Joffrey growled.
"I can threaten you, but I can threaten your men." I seethed. "Ser Forrester exchange the same treatment to Ser Meryn."
"As you wish, your grace." Ser Forrester replied.
Summoning his strength, he slapped Ser Meryn across this face. The King's Guard ground covering his face. No one else intervenes. Not even the other White Cloaks. Joffrey's eyes widen, realizing I am serious of my threats.
"Our's the fury," I warned. "Never forget that."
I walked over to Sansa where The Hound has given her a handkerchief. She accepted the offer and dabbed her lip. I place my arm over her shoulder, as a sign of protection leading the girl away. I know this has cause war between us.
"You will obey!" Joffrey yelled. "Or it'll be another lesson."
"We'll see you in court!" I counter back.
After this incident, I'll make sure one of my guards to be by her side.
There is no doubt that Robert Baratheon's dynasty has come to an end. He created an era of strength and honor. Now with Joffrey as the new king, his reign was about power and death. Many lives will be lost between him and his sadistic pleasure. The only thing I can do, I protect Sansa the best to my abilities until the Small Council decides on a wedding date for either of us.
No one is safe.
I am on a roll. I hope you enjoy my take on Season One. Now it's time to do Season two.
Thanks for reading and please leave a review!