Hello!

This is the last we see of the characters in King's Landing for a bit so please enjoy this chapter, next one is at Casterly Rock!

I'm getting so hyped for the next couple of chapters!


Chapter 89: The Council of Two Queens

A week later …

Small Council Chamber, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Lannister/Tyrell/Arryn) in the Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms


Sansa walked through the open Small Council doors with Jojen slightly behind her. Her eyes fell on the table as she glided towards it. Margaery and Kenna were sitting at opposite heads tentatively eyeing each other. Tyrion and Qyburn had chosen to sit on the same side, with Tyrion sitting next to Margaery and Qyburn sitting next to Kenna leaving two chairs unoccupied across from them.

Both Queens turned to look at her, each with expectations of where she would sit.

Sansa smiled, situations like this used to fluster her but she was a veteran of the games of Queens now. She gestured for Jojen to sit first and waited to see which chair he would pick.

Jojen gave her a glance, not understanding the importance, and sat in the seat nearest to him, next to Kenna. Sansa gracefully slid into the space on Margaery's left.

"The people of King's Landing and the refugees from the North and Riverlands are not playing nice with each other but that is to be expected," Tyrion began, dispelling the cold tension that had settled at the table prior to Sansa's appearance.

Margaery gave Sansa an infectious smile and relaxed into her chair, "My cousins tell me that the Reach has received an influx of smallfolk from the Westerlands and the Riverlands in the past week as well."

"Expect more to come as word spreads of the Night Kings approach," Tyrion warned, "But to be blunt, they aren't our problem right now. We need to make sure King's Landing doesn't eat itself alive."

"Lord Tyrion is right, if the people of King's Landing turn on us, we don't have enough guards to repel them," Kenna said sternly, highlighting the potential catastrophe on their hands.

She hadn't felt safe traversing the city's streets as they had quickly ridden onto the Red Keep and the guards left behind to defend the Red Keep had been left for a reason; too old, too ill or too young. They wouldn't stand a chance against an angry mob baying for noble blood.

"The quickest thing that sows dissent is a lack food," Margaery said, "We have an abundance of grain and livestock that was organized in the case of a long-term siege by Daenerys Targaryen."

"A stockpile we may still need," Kenna cautioned.

Tyrion tapped the table with his fingers, "And one that we don't want to reveal we have."

"You are worried the peasants will find out and storm the stockpiles?" Margaery inquired.

Tyrion nodded and opened his mouth but Sansa cut him off, "You could move the supplies onto ships and keep them harbored in the Blackwater."

Kenna pursed her lip, "An easy target for say a dragon to swoop overhead and destroy."

Sansa leaned forward, "Yes, but a hard one for peasants to reach, who presumably don't know how to swim or sail."

"Lady Sansa presents a good solution for the predicament we find ourselves in today," Tyrion said, giving Sansa an appreciative smile.

Kenna and Margaery both nodded as Qyburn and Jojen were content to listen and observe.

Tyrion clapped his hands, "Excellent, we will distribute the food as necessary to keep the peasants off our backs till the armies return or the Night King comes to kill us all and move the supplies to the ships as soon as possible."

"What of our prisoners?" Qyburn asked, flicking his eyes between Kenna and Tyrion.

The acting Hand of Queen Margaery placed both hands on the surface of the table, "I don't believe my niece is a danger to anyone, I have set up her old rooms in preparation for her giving birth. Lady Shireen is content to read all the books in the library with Ser Davos watching over her shoulder. As for the Sand Snakes-"

"They stay in the Black Cells," Kenna thundered in a tone that didn't invite a second opinion.

"The youngest is just eleven years old!" Margaery exclaimed.

"Yes, and she would slit my throat all the same so she stays in the Black Cells with her sisters," Kenna retaliated with venom.

"What of Lord Robin?" Sansa questioned, remember the sickly little boy from her time at the Eyrie and wanting to test Kenna's reaction.

"He is no Lord, and is too weak willed to do anything of consequence," Kenna dismissed, "He may remain in his room under guard but if he puts a foot wrong, he too can join the Sand Snakes in the darkness or his parents in the Seven Hells."

No one felt the need to challenge Kenna's assessment and the conversation quickly flowed onto other details of how the city was to be run in the absence of a considerable military presence to back up their edicts and orders.


A few days later …

Courtyard, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Lannister/Tyrell/Arryn) in the Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms


Kenna looked up into the sky; it was snowing. A constant reminder of the danger rumbling their way. She let the cold droplets fall onto her face and melt upon her warm skin. She closed her eyes at the refreshing feeling, letting it distract her from her racing thoughts for a few precious moments.

"To think in this very courtyard, we used to dance and sing together with such joy in our hearts. I remember those days like they were yesterday."

Kenna opened her eyes and spotted Margaery sheltering under the covered part of the empty courtyard.

I'd wager we are still dancing and singing, just not together and on a different stage, Kenna mused as Margaery kept a watchful eye on her.

"But they were years ago," the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms continued, "How so much has changed."

"Yes, now you are both mothers and Queens," Sansa said, stepping up behind Kenna to stare up into the sky as she had.

"Your time will come," Margaery said, braving the snow to stand beside the two other women.

Kenna inwardly smirked, Did she mean Sansa's time as a mother or as a Queen?

"Much has changed but we haven't," Kenna said.

"You point Queen Kenna?" Margaery asked, wondering where Kenna was going to take the conversation.

"We are the backbones in our Houses and if the Night King wins, we must lead the evacuation of King's Landing to Essos."

Both Sansa and Margaery seemed uncomfortable at that prospect but acknowledged it as a possible outcome.

Sansa took a step away from the Queens, "I must pray for my siblings and for the Night King's defeat."

Margaery and Kenna bid her goodbye and watched her retreat back inside. Sansa entire family was at the Rock. If the Night King was victorious then Sansa truly would be the last Stark. The lone wolf without a pack.


Margaery turned to Kenna, "Bravo, that was a nice little performance for Sansa but you forget I've seen your true face when you chucked me and my family in the Black Cells."

"I guess we are nothing more or less than what we choose to reveal."

"You revealed yourself as a self-serving bitch."

"Since you are very well acquainted with that concept it is a good thing, we are both on the same side no matter the outcome at Casterly Rock."

"Again," Margaery tutted out, "I ask, what is your point?"

"Our pretty faces and our sweet charm fool most people, don't they?" Kenna said, circling her fellow Queen, "but deep down we're ruthless because we are mothers and no mother is merciful to those that threaten harm to her children. Queen Daenerys will always be the greatest threat to our children."

"I understand she is the enemy and that we are allies, Kenna. No need for theatrics."

"Tyrell woman love their theatrics," Kenna grinned knowing her next words would shake Margaery, "Lady Olenna certainly did, Joffrey's death can attest to that fact."

Kenna's eyes locked onto Margaery's face but the anticipated confusion and shock she had expected to see just wasn't there. There hadn't even been an attempt to feign surprise.

"So, you knew …"

"My Grandmother told me afterwards that she would never have let me marry such a monster as Joffrey and that Lord Tywin would never let another mad King rule."

"I respected her deeply," Kenna admitted, trying to tug on Margaery's heart.

Margaery stepped close to Kenna and placed a palm of her cheek, "And now you will respect me."

Kenna didn't flinch at Margaery's intimate antics, "I have always respected you and what you are capable of."

"Good, because no matter if the Night King is victorious or not, we'll need each other in the coming weeks if our children are going to survive."


A week later … in the late afternoon

Hand's Study, Tower of the Hand, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Lannister/Tyrell/Arryn) in the Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms


Kenna paced from side to side.

"Please stop, it is exhausting just watching you," Tyrion exclaimed from behind the Hand's desk with a hand holding his head up.

Kenna relented but the intense look of thought didn't slip from her face and nor did she join Tyrion on the other side of the room. Her mind needed the space to breath.

"We still have half the wildfire cache?" Kenna checked.

"Yes," Tyrion confirmed, "the other half reached Casterly Rock a week ago as well as a good proportion of our siege weapons."

Suddenly the door burst open.

Tyrion was about to scolded whoever had entered but upon seeing them he held his tongue in genuine revelation.

"What, no greetings for family?" a loud and rapturous voice cackled.

Tyrion found his voice but didn't leave his chair, "Aunt Genna … I was unaware you were due to arrive today."

"Your father didn't want me at the Rock, I can't swing a sword or shoot an arrow so I was deemed surplus to requirements," Genna puffed as she promptly sat down in the chair opposite Tyrion.

"You will prefer being in King's Landing to being at the Rock when the Night King strikes," Kenna said behind Genna causing the older woman to spin around in the chair.

Genna let out a chortle after a moment's realisation, "How splendid, you must be Queen Kenna Lannister, I have heard so much about you; the bad, the good, the confusing and the interesting."

"I don't put much stock in rumours or gossip Lady Genna," Kenna said, advancing towards Tyrion and leaning on the desk to face the large blond women.

"Shame, it is ever so much fun to work out what is true and what isn't."

"I guess everyone wears a mask," Kenna said taking in everything she could from the new Lannister as Genna did the same in return.

"Yes, but do you wear yours to hide or to become who you really are?" Genna asked, her green eyes gleaming as if Kenna was a puzzle to be solved.

"I become what I must to ensure the best outcomes for my family."

"Ah," Genna gasped excitedly, "I see it now, the fire in your belly and the steel running down your back. You make a fine lioness."

"I'm a falcon."

"Of course," Genna drawled, "but those who mate with lions tend to become lionesses to protect their cubs and you strike me as the type to defend my brother's children to the death."

Kenna quickly whipped her head back to Tyrion and sent him a stunned look, who in turn gapped open mouthed at his Aunt.

"Close your mouth dear nephew or you will catch some flies."

"Father told you?"

"Don't look so shocked dear nephew. I've known your father a great deal longer than you have. He told me about Jaime and Cersei before I left the Rock. He wanted me to know the truth so I could fully support you in the event that you become head of our house. And it wasn't hard to make the logical leap that if Jaime loved Cersei all these years that he wouldn't bed his wife just because he had one. I know how my brother thinks and I know his type of woman, and you my dear," Genna shifted her attention back to Kenna, "certainly fit that mould."

Tyrion got over his surprise with a shake of his head, "I would have loved to have heard that conversation."

"Oh, it wasn't pretty. I shouted about hypocrisy on his part, he shouted about family survival or legacy I wasn't really listening at that point. But at the end of the day, he is my brother and I his sister. I would do anything for him and that includes returning to this dreadful city and helping you where I can."

"What of your husband and children?" Tyrion asked, remembering she had a family of her own.

"Sent them to Oldtown, I'd rather have no distractions."

"How … forward thinking of you," Tyrion replied.

"Now we need to discuss the evacuation plans in the event that this Night King comes for us. I noted that the Redwyne Fleet and some Lannister ships were stationed just off Casterly Rock which I assume means the Arryn and Golden Company ships are floating in Blackwater Bay?"

"Yes, I have eighty Galleys under my command," Kenna answered.

Genna nodded in thought, "Not enough for the whole city but enough to transport those that matter."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Tyrion said grimly.


An hour later …

Godswood, Red Keep, King's Landing, Seat of power of House Baratheon (Lannister/Tyrell/Arryn) in the Crownlands, Capital of the Seven Kingdoms


Sansa was sitting before the great Weirwood, staring up into the rich red leaves that were shielding her from the gentle falling snow. She marvelled at how much the scene reminded her of the Godswood at Winterfell but the space was much more contained and felt utterly wild and unkept.

A movement to her right caused her to jerk and get to her feet.

Sansa peered at the newcomer pushing his way through the rough bushes and long snow-covered grass.

"Jojen? What are you doing? What is wrong?"

He reached Sansa but fell at her feet to his knees, sucking in deep breaths. She placed both her hands on his shoulders to steady the small Crannogman as he continued to let out short puffs of mist towards her midriff.

"Jojen?" she tried again and nearly jumped backwards when his wild green eyes caught hers.

"He's there … The Night King approaches the walls of Casterly Rock and his army … is endless," he gasped out in a tone somewhere between horror and resignment.

"So, it begins," Sansa whispered, letting images of her siblings flash through her mind.

She dropped down to Jojen's level and started to rub gentle patterns into his shoulders, which was more to keep herself calm than it was to comfort the greenseer.

"Will you sit with me Jojen? I don't want to pray alone."

Jojen looked up into her Tully blue eyes then to the face of the Weirwood tree staring at them, "I will."

A moment later Sansa's hand curled around his and both were facing the Weirwood tree in silent contemplation of what the future held, not just for them but, for the Realm.


Author's Notes:

I hope I established not everything is all rosy in King's Landing, danger still lurks in that city for our characters!

I couldn't have Sansa, Kenna and Margaery reunite in King's Landing without a bit of drama or calls back to the time they were 'friends' together in King's Landing and parallel their experiences and new positions with each other.

I can't believe it has taken me so long to get Genna Lannister in this story but here she is!

Next few chapters will focus on the Long Night conflict and it gets juicy!


Reviews:

Ser Dorito of Aisle 13 – Fleets are an interesting one! It is a question of time, resources and knowledge but Tyrion, Qyburn, Margaery, and Kenna is a strong team to have in King's Landing to control the populace, prepare for either a war with Dany or an evacuation to Essos, and deal with any lurking threats …

I'm not going to introduce cannons or fire lances (gunpowder hasn't been discovered and isn't going to be at this late hour) and the repeating crossbow is a cool idea but I think mounted ballista's will have this capacity and the long range. Bows are mainly used a top a defensive structure with their long range and the repeating crossbow based on the Chinese designs seems to be very short range, primarily killing by poison based on my research.

NightlyRowenTree – He did but it might not be very lasting … xD

Guest (commented 4/02/2021) – I'd say he deserved your 'chew out' but I don't think secrets work on the basis of who deserves to know them xD Yeah Oberyn doesn't have a leg to stand on really but he has lost a lot! I guess Arya does but it isn't quite a direct link of loyalty. Based on TV show Daenerys I would agree. Harsh on Varys, he was just doing what a Spider does you know maiming children, playing Queen maker … (joking) xD

Supremus85 – I mean yes but to be honest I don't want to write that story. I think there are many more people who would appreciate the Tywin/Kenna shorts I am doing than would if I did Robb/Kenna just because there aren't a lot of Tywin/OC but there are piles of Robb/OC stories. Writing Kenna/&Tywin scenes is one of the highlights of writing this story for me.

That is a lot of Kings and Queens! There is so much tension and I will try my best to resolve most of it in delightful ways ;P

Chris141linardi – It was long awaited! As much as they like and respect each other in their own way their relationship has always been political at its core and the act of 'coupling' is still a part of that so hold onto that feeling you got from the Author Notes ;)

Guest (commented 4/02/2021) – Oberyn isn't very diplomatic but to be fair he has lost like 90% of his family at this point to actions attributed to Aerys, Rhaegar, Kenna, Tyrion or Tywin.

Ksyushangel – Terribly sorry I upset you! Glad you liked the 'council' scene and all the tension between the characters :) The twins' scene I put in there because I wanted to show Tyrion and Kenna interacting with the twins, which is just cute and a nice change from the dire situation the Realm is actually in!

As for everything else, believe in the author please :)

Shadow Wolf 15846 – Smart cookie! The reaction is going to be insane!

Antares Graceford – He was badass in a very 'I will never stop till I'm dead' kinda way and I think his death was cool and hot lol

Mister LaGuardia – Thanks :) Dany does make political mistakes and will continue to do so because she doesn't understand the country she wants to take over and nor does she have the education or the correct people around her to do so. But she will try her best and she has dragons/horde of Dothraki to back her up. Robin is still in a perilous position I would say.

DannyBlack70 (commented on Chapters 87 & 88) – Glad you are liking the spot light on the Starks; I always knew they would grow in importance to the story. I'm using the Casterly Rock from the books that is like three times as high as the Wall not that pitiful excuse they used in the show! It means nothing good for Lannisport but I imagine there would be an attempt to evacuate the city as much as that is possible to the Reach by ships or the Ocean Road. Robb really doesn't trust Kenna anymore; he may 'love' her but he doesn't trust her.

"If he dies I doubt I''ll forgive you" … I'm saying nothing!

NCVII – What can I say, I'm a great hype machine :P The author thanks you for recognizing more effort is going into this story than D&D put in for the last two seasons of the show ;P

That is indeed the mood I was going for. I like the idea that all the world needs to burn is a good person with an army and a world vision to achieve at all costs. I also wanted that conversation to happen between Cersei and Varys as they are the 'old hands' and have seen the inner works of how power operates.

Well, you don't have to wait so enjoy! Yeah, yeah I'll believe it when I see the reviews buddy xD


Next Up: The Long Night begins, the War for the Dawn starts, life struggles against death, the Battle of Casterly Rock is upon us! Woop! (I have been waiting nearly two fucking years to post these next chapters)

PS: This story is slowly being beta'd by 23smiles so if you do reread earlier chapters it might look slightly different (better grammar & sentence structure etc) but the content will remain the same.

If you are enjoying this story please *Toss a coin to your writer, Oh valley of readers* and review, follow and favorite!