Anna
"And lastly King Joffrey the first of his name, of Houses Baratheon and Lannister, King of Andals, Rhoynar and First Men, also calls upon Bran and Catelyn Stark to come to King's Landing to pledge their loyalty and the one of their bannermen to his throne."
It had been a long list the herald had read. Every single Lord of the seven kingdoms had been called upon to pledge their loyalty.
Now the ones already in attendance stepped forward to do so. First was Willas. He had stood besides her all this time. He had in fact barely left her side since he had arrived. When she asked him why, he only replied that since he was no longer Hand he now had more time.
He made a short bow in front of Joffrey and Margeary who sat surrounded by the small council.
"I hereby come in the name of my father, Lord Mace Tyrell to pledge the Reach unto the name of king Joffrey. May his rule be long and prosperous." As he straightened himself Lord Baelish wanted to speak up, but Joffrey seemed to have something on his mind.
"Tell me, my dear brother in law. If you do really come as my loyal servant to me, then why won't you kneel in front of me?" Anna heard a sharp his go through the crowd.
Willas grinded his teeth. "Your grace, as you can see, my injury prevents me from doing such simple task. Walking is no trouble, but bending my leg gives me great pains so-"
"The pains seemed to be no trouble, when you asked for the hand of a traitor in marriage. Do you honor the blood of traitors higher then your own king? Before a king everyone kneels. Only the ones who think themselves equal to kings stand." Joffrey's voice was as cold as iron. Willas gave Loras as sign and with the help of his brother slowly lowered himself ontu his knees. He bowed his head and repeated the pledge.
"Good," The king did not even try to hide his delight in humiliating the man who in the past had made no secret of his dislike for Joffrey. "We are glad to see that the reach still stands firmly on our side." He made a gesture to Littlefinger to continue.
"As you known your removal as hand was not a sign of us thinking little of your achievements during your short tenure. We just thought that the realm needed a more experienced hand in these times of unrest. To nevertheless acknowledge your services we hereby give you the title Master of Laws, so you will continue providing us with council. We also grant your father Mace Tyrell the title Master of Ships so that he may help us against all that may challenge our reign from the sea. Do you accept these honours in his and your name?"
"Yes and I pray that the seven will stand with us when ever we give council to his grace King Joffrey." His voice was toneless. Loras reached down and helped him back up. The crowd parted for Willas as he made his way back to Anna's side. She could read the expressions on his and everyone elses faces. Joffrey had lost many sympathies on this day.
Pycelle now spoke up: "In these times of turmoil the council considers the safety of his grace King Joffrey of the greatest importance."
Queen Regent Cersei, now there is an unnecessary addition to the council Anna thought, called for Barristan Selmy to step forward. What followed was such a break of taboo that even Anna was shocked that the lannisters would fall to such things. Before the eyes of everyone Ser Selmy was striped of his title Lord Commander and his membership of the Kingsguard.
As Selmy stripped himself of his armor he proclaimed: "I am a knight. I will die a knight."
"A naked knight it seems." Lord Baelish quipped. The hall erupted in laughter including the kingsguard. All except Ser Jaime Lannister, who, despite having just been raised to the position of Lord Commander, seemed to look with pity on his predecessor.
Ser Barristan's sword was the last thing hitting the floor. "Be glad that the kingslayer and the knight of Flowers stand in this hall. Otherwise I could probably cut through all the men who claim to protect you like a cake your grace." His footsteps echoed through the hall as he made his way out.
"Ser Loras Tyrell, please step forward." Pycelle called now.
"The small council raise you to the position of member of the kingsguard. You will have to forsake all alnds and women and be bound to protect the king's life until the day you die." Or are disposed of, Anna thought. "Do you accept this honor bestowed upon you?"
"Yes, I do. With a heart filled with joy." What ever joy he felt, he sounded more like a broken man.
"Ser Jacelyn Bywater please step forward."
A tall man with slat and pepper hair and an iron hand stepped forward. He wore the colours of the gold cloaks.
"After Janos Slynt's sad death by the jaws of a violent beast," The mention of Grey Wind brought tears to her eyes. Willas took her hand. "The city watch is in dire need of a new Commander. Considering your past services it is obvious that you are the man most fit to fill that vacancy. Do you accept this honor?"
"Yes, I do. And I am ever thankful for these honor your grace." At last someone who really is happy about his honors.
Next it was her turn. Willas had been the one to her tell her about it. She had to beg for mercy. Mercy from Joffrey. Only then could the crown show mercy to her father without losing face.
She stepped forward. "I have something to beg from your grace."
Joffrey considered her for a moment. His eyes flew over her finally resting on her chest. She had thought that Theon's eyes would be the vilest thing she would ever see in her life. But in Theon's eyes there had been misdirected love of sorts. In Joffrey's there was just the lust of an animal.
"Yes, please step forward lady Stark."
She stood in front of the Iron Throne. For a second she thougt about just bowing like Willas had done, but she knew better then that. As she knelt she felt as if her spine was snapping.
"Please, your grace. I beg you. Plese show mercy when judging my father."
Cersei scoffed: "The audacity."
"No, no let her speak. She is after all just a girl." Varys spoke up.
All just mummers, Anna thought. All so it had the right look.
Joffrey helt up his hand.
"Why should I show mercy towards a man who has claimed that I have no legitimate claim to what is rightfully mine? Towards a traitor, who tried to depose me and sell the throne to my uncle?"
"Pleasemy lord. Surely my father was deceived by the lies of the man around him. He corresponded often with Lord Stannis. Maybe your uncle's treachery had driven him to create lies so convincing that even my father could not see through them."
Joffrey, trying to keep up the act of still considering Anna's plea, turned to his mother.
"What does my council say? Should I show mercy towards Lord Stark?"
"If he confesseshis crimes it is most fitting for a king to show mercy towards those that wronged him." She replied.
"Then it shall be so." He looked Anna again with lusting eyes. "Will your father confess these crimes, my lady? If he does then he is free to take the black and become a man of the watch."
"Yes, yes, he will, your grace." And once he is save and I am wed to Willas, the North will be free to decend on you like a winter storm. For the first time she answered Joffrey's gaze and her eyes threw him a challenge. You better prepare yourselves Lannisters. Winter is coming.
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Up next: Election time.