Sister's Keeper
Edited by DesertMortician
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 106: The Bells
Day 3
Alysanne's POV
I had just woken up when Missandei arrived. Jorah was already awake, finishing getting dressed as he was about to wake me. Our eyes focused on the flap to see a grinning Missandei. It was rare to see Missandei grin like a cat ate a canary. Yes, she would smile and the occasional smirk, but to grin like that is rare.
"Pardon me for intruding," Missandei apologized.
"What is it?" I asked, then yawned, wiping the sleep off my eyes.
"You should see for yourself," she answered. "The Lannister banners no longer hang on the battlements."
I stared at her surprised.
"White banners replace them," she explained. "The people have surrendered."
Jorah and I stared wide-eyed. The people have taken my warning to surrender. Then again, the battle at the gate proves how serious I was. Also, Varys made sure his little birds mention the Lannisters' wrongdoings. How much the city has suffered under the Lannister rule.
"There are some people here to address terms," Missandei added.
"Good, not dealing with blind faith," I said.
"Indeed," Jorah agreed, then pecked my temple. "I'll meet you at the war tent."
I pecked him on the lips and nodded. He finished getting dressed before leaving the tent. Missandei helped me get dressed, as I put on leather armor while my hair was put in two braids. Once I was ready, I secured my cloak and made my way to the War tent. There I found my War Council, Small Council, and three men who were not in armor. They were people who lived in the city.
The War council greeted me with formality, except the three men.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming," I greeted.
"So, you are Alysanne Targaryen?" the elderly man asked.
"Indeed, I am," I confirmed.
The men stared at me before whispering amongst themselves.
"Gentlemen, I know these past five years have not been kind to you," I started. "Let alone who my father was, and my ancestors. But I am the great-granddaughter of Aegon V."
The elderly man came over, "I was a mere boy, and I have seen all the kings since Aegon the fifth. I have seen a great king, fair kings, and terrible kings. And now there is a Queen who does not care about us. I am old, and the Stranger is nearby. I need to know that when the God of Death comes, my people are in good hands."
The two men nodded in agreement, which I assume were his son and grandson.
"I was there when your father let the Lannister Army take siege," the elderly man said. "I saw them sack the streets. Slaughtering the innocents, painting the roads red. The past few days, the roads were not painted red in blood by your men. Fire rained from the sky, yet the walls are scorched but not our homes. You let us decide."
I nodded.
"The people sent us to negotiate terms," he said. "If we let you be our queen, we have demands."
"And what are your demands?" I asked.
"There needs to be a council for the Small Folk and a member for the Small Council." He started.
"Done," I promised.
"We pick the candidates for the City Watch, and you select the final one. No lord can rule the streets. We don't want a slaughter again."
"Agreed."
"And because the Lannisters ruin our economy, we can't recover so easily," he said, embarrassed.
"Are you asking for no taxes?" Tyrion asked, baffled.
"Lord Tyrion, you were Master of Coin. You know how we suffered," he said bitterly.
"I know it will be a while before the economy returns. I understand the struggles," I assured.
The middle-aged man stepped forward, "There is a concern with your dragons. The dragons have not been seen for over a hundred and fifty years. We don't want another Dance of Dragons."
They fear what the dragons will do. I haven't forgotten the incident with Zala. How Drogon burned a girl alive while hunting the herd of sheep. The people want to make sure that the dragons don't harm and kill them. Let alone what Aegon II use of punishment was dragons burning people alive and consumed. As Aegon II had Sunfyre execute Rhaenyra right in front of her children. I promised myself to never use dragon fire as a means of execution.
"I assure you, dragon fire will never be a means of execution," I promised. "If a human is killed by dragons, I will take responsibility."
The three men nodded.
The middle man spoke, "We secured the outer parts. The Lannister forces have taken Aegon's Hill. Many people are being held hostage inside the Keep."
"We will do our best to free your people," I said. "I'm not here to conquer."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the elderly man said.
I nodded.
.o0o.
Gate of the Gods
Jorah stood at the gate with Jon, Grey Worm, and Ser Davos. Behind him were the Unsullied, Stormlanders, Dornish, and Reachmen. They were mixing the number of soldiers to ensure the people that this was not a foreign invasion. Ser Gareth and Ser Garlan came over riding their horses. They have to be careful; the goal is to get into Aegon's Hill to prepare for the second siege. Hopefully, Tyene and Arya can succeed in capturing the Queen to open the gate. All the attention turned to Jorah.
Properly, Alysanne should be here leading the march. However, with Alysanne being pregnant, Jorah did not want to risk the mother's life to his child. It still amazes him that Alysanne was carrying his child so soon. Therefore, he took the lead. He needed to prove that he can be a king consort and protect the realm when Alysanne cannot.
"We better get moving," Jorah said, not one for speeches.
Ser Garlan nodded as he drew a horn and blew on it to signal the men to get ready. The gate opens, as the people in charge mustered their strength. The plan was simple. They were to march through the city towards Aegon's hill and deal with the Lannister forces. They expected a battle to come.
Suddenly a man on a horse rushed over, breaking the chain of command. It was Ser Jaime. The men stopped him before he could reach the other royals.
"What's the meaning of this?" Ser Gareth demanded.
"My lords, I may be of assistance with the Lannister forces," Ser Jaime said.
"Let him through," Jorah declared.
Ser Gareth and Ser Garlan had their horses move. Ser Jaime got off his horse and came over towards Jorah and Jon. The King of the North stared at the King Consort, wondering if this was a good idea. Despite the fact, Alysanne has agreed to spare the unborn child and temporarily postpone Cersei's execution until the child is born. It was hard to trust a Lannister from the main house.
"My lords, I might be able to encourage the Lannister forces to stand down," Ser Jaime offered.
"And how would you do that?" Ser Davos asked.
"I am the rightful Lord and Warden of the Westerlands. Head of my house," Ser Jaime explained. "I shall enact my right of leadership. They cannot defy my orders."
"Doesn't your sister have more rights as ruling queen?" Ser Gareth asked.
"I know the general who is in charge. Give me this chance to prove myself," Ser Jaime said.
All eyes were on Jorah to make the final decision. He contemplated, knowing men have better authority than women. And Ser Jaime brought up a good point. He does have the power to control the Lannister Army. Just wished the Kingslayer offered this sooner rather than later.
"Very well," Jorah said.
Ser Jaime sighed in relief.
Jon was impressed by Jorah's action, as was Ser Davos. With nothing else to say, they made their way through the Gate of the Gods, marching towards the Red Keep. Men on horses took the lead to secure all is safe up ahead. As they made their way through the city, they noticed the streets were barren. Other than the people taking refuge inside the buildings, staring through the windows. Alysanne made it clear no innocent blood shall be spilled.
The one thing Queen Alysanne despises was the blood of innocents being spilled.
Jorah remains cautious as Dark Sister was caressed tightly in his hand. Jon is the same with Longclaw, as was Grey Worm with his spear. They marched through Street of Seeds passing through the Cobbler's Square, which was still empty.
Something felt off. Despite the fact the people have surrendered, they have not crossed paths with any of the Lannister forces. Jorah got a bad feeling. As much as he appreciated the people fighting back to claim their city, like the Slaves in Yunkai and Meereen, it seemed a bit too easy. He glanced at Ser Davos, who was a native to King's Landing. The Onion Knight held the same regard in something that did not feel right. There was something definitely off.
.o0o.
Tower of the Hand
Cersei sat in her chambers, staring out towards the scenery. She heard the commotion last night as the people fought against her army. Even Lucion came in with the terrible news. He had no choice but to pull the army back to protect the Red Keep. Even begged Cersei to take the distraction as her chance to escape and start a new life. However, Cersei wouldn't listen. She was tempted to have Ser Gregor throw her cousin out of the tower but decided not to.
So here she was, watching the city as she heard the enemy marching in. The dragons were nowhere in sight. It made Cersei disappointed that her plan won't follow through more than she anticipated. Having the dragons burn the city and ignite her traps that lay lidden all about and forgotten since the Mad King's reign.
Qyburn had found Wildfire under the Sept of Baelor. Although, he found more hidden under the basements in other locations as well. When the time is right. The city will burn in the green fire once again. Not just the Blackwater Bay nor the Sept. If she was going to one of the Seven Hells, she'd take as many people with her.
As she took a sip of wine, watching the show.
.o0o.
King's Landing
The army had reached the Great Central Square that was the center of the city. There stood a partial of the Lannister forces at the ready with shields and swords in hand. Ser Lucion stood at the front, wearing the elite general helm that covered his face.
Ser Jaime got off his horse and walked over with Widow's Wail in his hand.
"Cousin," Ser Jaime greeted.
Lucion lifted the visor to stare at his cousin, "Ser Jaime. You fight with the enemy."
Ser Jaime glanced at the men behind him before facing Lucion, "I think the odds are not in your favor."
Ser Lucion scowled at him, "Nor are they with you."
Ser Jaime stepped forward but stopped at the halfway mark. "Let it end, Lucion. You are an admirable man of honor."
Ser Lucion sighed.
"The war has been over since yesterday," Ser Jaime reasoned. "I'm telling you this as your cousin and Lord of House to stand down and let these men through."
Ser Lucion sheathed his blade and stared at Ser Jaime. The Kingslayer did the same, seeing his cousin come closer. Enough so that their conversation can be private as both armies watched the to talk. Unable to hear their words, despite the silences that engulfed the square.
"She won't listen," Ser Lucion whispered. "I tried to convince her to surrender or escape."
Ser Jaime nodded, resting a hand on his cousin's shoulder, "And I appreciate all you have done. Now it's time I take charge."
Ser Lucion nodded.
Jaime gestured for the War Council to come over. Jorah, Jon, Ser Davos, and Grey Worm stepped forward, joining the men.
"How many men are guarding the Red Keep?" Jorah asked.
"Two thousand," Ser Lucion answered.
"And Small folk?" Jon asked.
"A thousand," Ser Lucion answered. "Not including the servants."
Jon nodded, knowing they have to be careful in this siege. Jorah took the number in, figuring out if Ser Jaime and Ser Lucion can order the Lannister army to stand down. Leaving the Royal garrison remaining.
When all of a sudden, there was the ringing of the bells.
It was faint, meaning it was coming from Aegon's Hill. Soon the other bell towers were ringing as if a message was being passed through King's Landing.
Ser Lucion was confused as he stared at the nearest bell tower. All looked at the belltower as the bell began to ring. There are no plans to use the bells. They were never used as a means to surrender. Something was not right.
The city grew silent. Both armies became quiet. Only the sound of bells ringing echoed throughout the stone streets. Why were the bells ringing?
It took Ser Jaime a moment to realize what this messed. For it has been twenty-five years since he heard of this plan. How the Mad King told Lord Rossart to ignite the Wildfire. To spread the message to set the traps off, to burn them all. Before Ser Jaime could react, there was a vibration on the ground. Those moments brought fear to the Kingslayer. No one had time to respond. It was like an eruption of a volcano. Everyone turned around to see a burst of black and green smoke filled the sky like green fire waves crashed along the city. Buildings were exploding as those hiding secrets of the Mad King's vaults ignited and erupted from the catacombs under the city.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
"Wildfire!" Ser Davos gasped. Having a flashback of his son Matthos being consumed by the deadly green.
Jorah and Jon stared at the Onion Knight, unable to believe it.
"We need to get the people out of the city!" Ser Jaime ordered.
"Get everyone out!" Jorah ordered his men.
The best they can do is get everyone out of the city before it is engulfed in Wildfire.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
There was a loud explosion. As if Dragonmont or a volcano had erupted. I was in the war tent going over plans when the ground shook, followed by the sound of the eruption. Confused, I stared at Varys, Tyrion, and Missandei in what just happened. The two men's faces drew blank as colors drained as well.
"What was that?" I asked.
Neither of them answered as they rushed out of the tent. Missandei and I followed them as many ran out of the camp to better view the city wall. There was a massive smoke of black and green. I was utterly shocked when another explosion happened as green flames took to the sky.
"Is that…" I couldn't utter the word.
"Wildfire," Tyrion finished.
"Wildfire?" Missandei asked.
"A flammable substance created by man to resemble dragon fire," Varys explained.
I stared at Tyrion. He and Ser Jaime mentioned my father had hidden Wildfire throughout the city as a precaution if King's Landing ever got sacked. To purify the city and be reborn as a dragon. No, no one should not know about the Vaults of Wildfire hidden throughout. Only King Aerys II, Lord Rossart, and Ser Jaime knew of the vaults. The Kingslayer killed them both, and no one knew of their location. King Aerys the second made sure those who put the barrels containing Wildfire.
Unless...
The destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor.
Cersei must have found other vaults throughout the city and have set them off.
She was not going to give up.
Also, my husband and nephew were there.
Along with my Commander.
"Your Grace," Tyrion called out, snapping my train of thought.
I looked down, staring at him.
"We need a way to stop the fire," I told him, gaining my composure.
Tyrion nodded, trying to think about it. I have no knowledge of Wildfire. All I knew is that it was the third deadliest flame, after a volcanic fire and dragon fire. It is a green flammable substance that a small contact of fire can cause massive destruction. As we watched it happening before us.
"Is there a way to put it out?" Missandei asked.
"No, only wait," Varys answered.
"There must be another way," Missandei insisted.
Tyrion blinked and looked at me, "When there are forest fires in Westerland, we learned that new fire can take out the old fire."
"Your Grace, to stop the spread, you need to use dragon fire," Tyrion said.
"You're advising that I burn the city?" I asked, utterly bewildered.
"Just the part where the wildfire is at," Tyrion reasoned. "The people should be evacuating the area to get away from the flames. You must hurry."
I stared at the black and green smoke. Grasping his words and knowing his husband was in there. I rushed over to Viserion, not bothering to switch armor. Viserion was with Drogon and Rhaegal. The black dragon was still under my spell as he stared at me. Immediately, I got on Viserion, who sensed something was wrong. Using the spell to connect our souls, we took off to the sky, heading towards the city.
I need to stop this fire before history repeats itself. I won't let my father's madness consume what my ancestors created. I will not let Cersei smear my father's mentality on those who can't fight for themselves. Paranoia is the cause of destruction. It had drawn my family for many generations that led some to madness and others to death.
Viserion flew across, giving a roar. Through the streets, I can see the people running, trying to make it out of the city. Desperately trying to avoid the green flames. Soaring down, using a control spell to tighten Viserion's flames to the prime source of the Wildfire. The golden flames swirled into the green fire as the two fought. For a second, I thought Tyrion's plan might not work…until the green flame vanished and was replaced with normal fire.
Sighing in relief, despite being a fire, it was not the deadliest one.
Having no choice, Viserion continued as we searched through the city on locations where the Wildfires have been unleashed and doing our best to cancel it out. Drogon realized this and did the same, as well as Rhaegal. Drogon headed towards Visenya's Hill, Rhaegal to Rhaeny's Hill, while I took Viserion to Aegon's hill.
There were many craters where the vaults had exploded. All the dragons and I can do are cancel them out to a more stable fire. Through the streets, I tried to find Jorah. Instead, all I saw were the many armies trying to lead the people out of the city. Reach and Lannisters were getting people out while the Unsullied and Dornish marched in towards the Red Keep.
Furious, I made my way to the Red Keep.
.o0o.
Cersei's POV
Cersei watched, holding a glass of wine in hand. She oversees the city burn in green fire. As the winter winds carry the flames over to the next building. Her green eyes marvelled at the deadly flame as if it was a dance. Although she instead keeps her title as Queen. She will let the city burn to the ground before dying. Becoming Queen of the Ashes.
Until she saw the three dragons come in.
Cersei was confused. Wondering why the dragons are now here. When the golden dragon breathes fire into the city, it enlightens her, thinking Alysanne has gone insane. However, that changed when the poisonous green flames turned orange and extinguished. Alysanne was changing the fire to a different nature.
She fisted her wine glass until the bowl shattered. Red liquid splattered all around, followed by another crimson color. Pain. The Lioness felt pain in her right hand as she opened it, finding shards of glass inside. She stared at it, seeing the blood seeping out.
Qyburn stormed in, "Your Grace, it isn't safe here any longer."
"The Red Keep is the safest place in the city," Cersei defended.
"The Unsullied have breached the gates of the Red Keep," Qyburn reported.
Cersei stared at the blood on her hand. How the blood reminded her that she was mortal. A mere human. Her eyes water as she glanced up to see the dragons extinguishing the Wildfire over time that leaves nothing but smoke. A lone tear fell.
Qyburn came over, "Maegor's Holdfast would be a better place to wait out the storm."
A small sob escaped her lips.
Not having a choice, she conceded. Qyburn took her hand, removing the glass shards before taking a piece of cloth wrapping it around the wound. Once treated, he led the way so she could be safe with her Queensguard.
.o0o.
The Red Keep
They heard the eruptions from the tunnels. The invading party paused, wondering what all the commotion was about. They had just passed the dungeons and chamber of dragon skulls when the Red Keep shook.
"What the fuck was that?" Sandor asked.
"Seems like the siege is still going," Tyene answered.
"No," Sandor said. "I've been in many wars, and no fucking army can make that kind of ruckus," Sandor clarified.
"Probably the dragons," Arya said, leading the way.
The others followed her. They have to reach Cersei and open the gates. Arya remembering the tunnels since her early years of chasing cats came into use. It was tedious, but they managed to reach the Tower of the Hand. They reached the courtyard where the floor was painted as a map of Westeros and the lion's décor everywhere. The last time she was here, the walls were of falcons to honor Lord Jon Arryn. It was strange to be here for Arya since this was her home for a short period of time when Ned Stark was Hand of the King.
Now it was her enemy's home.
And from what Varys little birds had reported, Cersei has made the Tower of the Hand her home. Since Lord Tywin used to live here until his untimely death. Still, Arya needs to keep her promise to not kill Cersei just yet. Not until the unborn child is born. Much to the she-wolf's irritation.
They can hear the dragons roaring off in the distance.
Sandor had taken the lead and stopped facing the group.
"Go home, girl," Sandor told Arya.
"I'm going to kill her," Arya said, walking ahead, except Sandor grabbed her arm.
"You think you've wanted revenge a long time?" He asked, then continued. "I've been after it all my life. It's all I care about. And look at me. Look at me!"
Both girls looked at him. Seeing how livid he was with his scars and burns.
"You wanna be like me?" Sandor asked, wrapping a hand on the back of Arya's neck. "You come with me; you die here."
He let go and started walking ahead.
Arya paused, taking his words in. She still wanted to kill Cersei, yet she realized there was no point. It won't bring back her father. She turned around, facing her second father figure.
"Sandor," Arya called out.
He turned around, facing her.
"Thank you," Arya said.
Sandor nodded, "You all stay here. I'll take down as many as I can, and you deal with the rest."
Tyene nodded, "Save one Queensguard for me."
Sandor shook his head as he made his way up the steps of the tower. All seven of them were trained fighters, and they let a man go up alone for a suicide mission. A man who spent the majority of his life wanting revenge, all because he played with his older brother's toy and got his head shoved into the fire for it.
The seven of them listen, hearing the dragons roaring out, not sure what was going on. As time passed, they heard a brawl going, the sounds of swords against swords, cries, and screams. Not long after the sound of rushing feet, Cersei and Qyburn came down with three remaining Queensguard. Ser Gregor was not there to protect the Queen. In other words, he was either dead with Sandor, or the two brothers were still fighting.
Cersei's eyes widen when seeing them. Arya stared at Cersei, seeing how heavily pregnant she was that she can go into labor any day. The Lioness eyes stared at Arya as she took a step back away from the Stark.
"Do you remember us?" Tyene asked.
"I know her," Cersei said, pointing at Arya.
"Of course, you do; you killed her father," Tyene said. "As your lies killed my father."
Cersei was confused.
"My name is Tyene Sands. Prince Oberyn Martell was my father," Tyene said, drawing her two daggers. "He was a good man. And your vengeances got him killed. Now, we can do this the easy way or…the hard way?"
"Kill them," Cersei ordered.
The three Queensguard drew their swords and went for the attack.
"Hard way it is, then," Tyene chirped.
The seven divided, as Arya fought one with Tyene while the rest fought the other two. Drawing Needle, she analyzed her opponent. Seeing the house crest being of House Blount. Boros Blunt was a skilled knight earning his place in the royal guard since Robert Baratheon's reign.
Blount swings at her, which she steps to the side and deflects. Blount tried to force his way back with another swing Tyene came in striking back, thus deflecting, only for the knight to do a thrust. Once more, Arya deflects, pointing up, keeping the blade away as possible. Arya kept the distraction as Tyene snuck forward, sliced through the gambeson of Blount's exposed armor on the arm. This distracted the man enough for Arya to thrust Needle, getting under the breastplate and getting the Queensguard in the abdomen.
Tyene twirled her blade around, getting Blount in the armpit, avoiding the armor. The knight gasped, falling to his knees as blood seeped on his black armor and onto the painted floor. The girls let the man, letting the rest of the team continue to fight. They spotted Cersei and Qyburn trying to escape. Not accepting this, they ran after the two stopping them.
Qyburn quickly turned around to protect the Queen. However, Tyene threw a dagger getting the Unchained Maester in the arm. Qyburn cried out in pain, falling to the ground... He felt pain as well as a burning sensation. One he realized is a symptom of the poison. He glanced up, staring at Tyene.
"That is for bringing the Mountain back," Tyene answered.
Qyburn uttered to speak, yet the poison was burning faster in his veins.
Cersei tried to run, but Arya stopped her, aiming her sword at the queen's swollen belly. The Lioness stepped back, seeing the Sand Snake behind her. Along with the remaining of her three Queensguard, now severely wounded or dead. She was surrounded by the daughters of her enemy and men who served the Targaryen Queen.
"It's over," Arya said in a monotone voice.
Cersei looked down in defeat.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
The Dragon fire managed to counteract the Wildfire. And over time, the flames diminished as the new fire cut out the air that made the Wildfire breathe. Suffocating the green flames. It took some time, but the dragons and I managed to stabilize the Wildfire.
Afterward, I flew around King's Landing, trying to see if I can be of assistance. At the central square, somebody was waving over holding a Lannister flag. However, it was no Lannister soldier, but Jon. I guided Viserion down, landing center where soldiers made their distance.
Viserion gave a warning roar not to attack.
The warning seemed to set for only Jon to make his way over.
"Jon, what happened?" I yelled.
"I don't know, the Lannisters surrender, and Wildfire is exploding everywhere," Jon explained.
"Cersei is making sure the city burns to the ground," I said. "The dragons can extinguish, but it will be a long recovery."
Jon nodded in agreement.
"Where's Jorah?" I asked.
"He headed towards the keep once we got the people out," Jon answered. "Along with Ser Gareth and Ser Garlan."
I sighed in relief.
"Head over to the Red Keep, I'll meet you up there," Jon said.
"Be careful," I told him.
He opens his mouth to say something rhetorical though shut it. I chuckled slightly, having assumed he almost called me aunt. However, we are still keeping his true heritage a secret. Now was not the time to expose it. With nothing else to say, Viserion took to the sky.
So many thoughts were running through my head. All around the city was covered in smoke. The dragon fire suffocated the Wildfire leaving small fires that are dwindling from the cold winter air. It was startling how Cersei was going to go for power. As if saying, "If I can't have it all, no one can." And that means killing innocent lives for someone willing to sacrifice the common welfare. Then again, my father did the same.
I shuddered, trying not to think about my father.
When I reached the Red Keep, the gates were open as the Unsullied secured the area while the Dornish helped the people. There were Lannisters soldiers there, except they were not fighting back or being held prisoner. I was utterly confused. Wondering how the Lannister forces cooperate so easily.
The people moved out of the way in the courtyard. Viserion landed there still on guard, giving a warning growl. The people stared at Viserion between awed and afraid. A few Unsullied came over, providing security. I climbed down and placed a hand on the pommel of Frozenfang, looking around.
Grey Worm came over, "My Queen."
"Grey Worm, report?" I replied.
"Ser Jaime helped us in taking the city and having the Lannister forces stand down. They let us in, and we tried to secure the area," Grey Worm reported. "The people have been cooperating."
I nodded, "Where is Jorah?"
Grey Worm gestured to the steps. He led the way as the Unsullied covered me as we climbed the steps to the very top. There by the grand door was Jorah, Ser Garlan, Ser Gareth, and Ser Jaime waiting to discuss. All of them were covered in soot and blood. When they saw me, they stopped to give me a bow. Losing all formality, I rushed over and hugged my husband. Throughout the entire time, I feared he perished in the explosions or Wildfire.
"Thank the gods," I said.
"Same to you," he said, hugging me close.
I leaned up, giving him a kiss, which he kissed back. Although being in public, it was cut short. I sighed, thankful that my husband was still alive. It amazes me how things went despite the surprising attack from Wildfire. The Red Keep has been taken by my forces and allies.
The doors open as the team that waited three days inside the tunnel came out. All of them dragging an angry Cersei Lannister. Her green eyes glaring at Arya Stark, who held the chains that shackled her hands. She was indeed so pregnant that she could give birth any moment. She glared at me until staring at Ser Jaime. Her eyes watered, being betrayed by her own brother, her twin brother. Tyene came over with a smile.
"Queen Alysanne, may I present Cersei Lannister," Tyene said. "The woman who stole the throne and executed your sister."
I was utterly impressed.
"Thank you, Tyene Sand and Arya Stark, you have brought justice to the realm," I said, walking over to Cersei.
Cersei glared at me, "You think you have won. They fear you; they know the dangers the dragons are."
"And I will take responsibility," I said. "Unlike you to set off Wildfire. History will know you as the Mad Queen."
Her face turns red from that.
"Take her to one of the apartments with guards. Find midwives at the ready in case the child is born." I ordered, turning around.
"No, you can't do this!" Cersei shouted as four Unsullied came to grab her. "I am the Queen."
I snapped my head towards her, "Be fortunate that you are not put in a black cell. I am giving you more courtesy than you gave my sister."
She growled about to lunge, except Arya pulled the chains preventing her from attacking me. The Unsullied took Cersei into custody. I sighed, feeling the weight I had on my shoulders since Daenerys' death lighten. It will not resolve what Cersei has stolen from me. But taking her power is the first step in getting justice.
I felt entirely different than sacking Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen. For the first time, I was back home, back to the Castle where I was born. It felt so different, not the same. I no longer had the eyes of a child. Now I am a woman who has experienced the worst of the world and got myself out of it.
I glanced at Viserion, who stared at me. His namesake desired, if not demanded, to be back to claim the Iron Throne and be king. Now here I stand. Viserion gave a nod of assurance to let me know all is well.
It would be a while when Jon and Ser Davos arrived with the others. Missandei made her way to Grey Worm while Varys and Lord Tyrion walked over to me. Prince Quentyn walked over to his cousin Tyene.
"Cersei?" Tyrion asked.
"Placed in her own chambers with guards," I answered. "As I promised."
Tyrion sighed in relief, "Thank you, your grace."
"I did not do this for you," I said. "But for the child."
Tyrion nodded, glancing at his brother then back to me. "Allow me to escort you to the throne room."
I nodded.
Tyrion led the way as we followed him. Jorah stood by my side yet made side glances now and then. I was nervous, not knowing what changes there would be. It has been over twenty years since I last stepped foot in the throne room. My heart was racing, not anticipating what is to come.
We entered the throne room as the Unsullied pushed the grand doors into the Throne Room. From what I recalled, the skulls of dragons lined on the sides, but now they were gone. Everything that resembled the dragons. The pillars were wrapped with fire pyres. Lannister Banners hanging along the walls. At the very end was the Iron Throne. A throne forged by the swords of all the enemies of Aegon the Conqueror. All the blades from every house in Westeros, forged by the flames of Balerion the Dread. A throne where many generations of kings once sit. Above the throne along the window was the Lannister Crest.
Reaching the steps, I stepped up and stood in front of the Iron Throne. Three hundred years of kings. A rare memory that I no longer visualize of being three years old. Aerys had brought me over and placed me on his lap as he gave me a history lesson. One I have almost forgotten since I have always been in the tower.
I reached out and placed my hand on the pommel of the throne. The cold metal riling my senses to realize this was real and not a dream. I exhaled heavily, gripping the pommel to confirm this was real. I took a deep breath.
Accept your destiny, Visenya whispered. You are finally home.
Mentally nodded, I sat down on the Iron Throne.
More people filled the Throne room yet kept their distance.
The people who have supported me grinned in the long journey we have come from.
Tyrion was the first to speak, "Long Live the Queen!"
"Long Live the Queen!" everyone exclaimed.
Long Live the Queen.
Finally, a Queen on the Iron Throne.
Thank you all for your patience. King's Landing's battle was hard, and I didn't want to have the same plot as the show.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.