Council

It took time for all the great lords to assemble, Lord Stark being the farthest away would need at least a month. During this time Stannis Baratheon used this time to use the captured elements of the Redwyne Fleet to launch an invasion of the last Targaryen Stronghold of Dragonstone. His intent was to neutralize the Targaryen fleet by whatever means and capture the remaining Targaryen children. Despite Tywin's insistence on killing them, Stannis was of a different mindset. But in the end, it didn't matter for by the time he arrived the Targaryen fleet had been destroyed in a storm and the Targaryen children had fled. A thorough interrogation revealed that Queen Rhaena had given birth to a daughter named Daenerys but sadly died in childbirth. This did not bode well with Stannis since it meant that they were a potential threat in the future. But since he didn't know where to start his search he could do little more than to return to Kings Landing to consolidate his position.

By the time he arrived the great lords had already assembled including Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn, Stannis Baratheon, Hoster Tully, Tywin Lannister and Doran Martell. Accompanying them were their most prominent bannermen and a small guard. There were only two notable exceptions. The deaths of Mace Tyrell and several of his male kin had caused unrest in the Reach. The new Lord of Highgarden was still too young so it was decided that Olenna Tyrell would serve as regent until Willas came of age.

The other absence was Balon Greyjoy, who much like Stannis and Eddard recently became a great Lord in his own right. His father Quellon Greyjoy had stayed out of the war and much like Walder Frey and Lord Tywin only entered after Robert's victory on the Trident. With urging from his sons, Lord Quellon attacked the Reach with 50 Longships and with the Redwyne Fleet at Storms End, there was little to stop him. He sunk and captures several ships and raided a few towns and villages before setting his sights on the Mander River. There he was met by the ships of the shield islands and a fierce engagement ensued. The Shield Island fleet was crushed by the ironborn but they had lost a dozen ships in the process, among the dead was Lord Quellon. With his father dead, his son and heir, Balon returned to the Iron Islands with the remainder of his forces. But his absence was of little consequence since nobody really cared.

Before the great council began the great lords talked amongst themselves. Jon Arryn was giving Eddard his condolences. "I'm sorry you had to come all the way back here my boy," Jon began.

Eddard shook his head, "Robert may be dead, but I must ensure it wasn't in vain," Eddard said with determination. "We fought to overthrow the Targaryens and I vowed to see it through to the end."

"I know this is the last place you want to be right now."

Eddard sighed, "we are often called to do things we don't want, I myself never wanted to be Lord of Winterfell and I still don't think I'll cut out for it."

Jon nodded, "you always did underestimate yourself Ned, remember I taught you as best I could and I know you'll do just fine."

Eddard still wasn't convinced and bowed his head, "I still can't believe Robert is really dead, he looked like he could survive anything."

"Not a broken heart it seems," Jon replied.

Meanwhile, Prince Doran and Olenna Tyrell were noted by the Rebel Lords as they were the Targaryens biggest supporters. Though many suspected that the Martels were coerced into it because of Elia's position.

"I'm sorry about your nephew," Olenna began, "whatever Tywin's reasons for his actions to do that to a mere infant..." She shook her head, "a terrible tragedy."

"Tywin will get his due in time," Doran so softly only she could hear. "But I'm sorry to hear about your son, he seemed like a fine man."

"I'm sure he seemed like a great many things," Olenna replied, "but a man of war was definitely not one of them. He was more interested in besieging the banquet table in his command tent that the castle of his enemy."

"I hear he was caught from behind since he never even bothered protecting his lines with barriers," Doran noted.

Olenna nodded, "further proof that he should have stayed out of the war," she sighed heavily at the bitter memory of her son. "We mothers do all we can to keep our sons from the grave, but we cannot seem to stop them from yearning for it. We shower them with good sense yet it usually slides right off like rain off a wing."

"My mother taught me well and I took her teachings to heart," Doran reflected. "But I've often found that if you don't seek death, death finds you instead."

"Then you had more sense than most men I know," Olenna said approvingly.

"Yet there tends to be some which you're just never sure about," Doran noted, "Like the Demon of the Rock. It's rather ironic that the man you have every reason to curse is the same one I have every reason to praise."

Olenna nodded, "yes that bastard seems to have a habit of being unpredictable."

"And now here we are thanks to him," Doran concluded. He then sighed, "yet I have a feeling he'll be back someday you know."

"I know," Olenna acknowledged, "and one day, gods willing we'll have our revenge."

"So what do you intend to do?" Doran wondered.

Olenna frowned, "the usurper may be dead but it's clear that the rebels are dead set on not bowing to a Targaryen again."

"You intend to bend the knee?"

"It's either that or continue fighting," she replied. "War was never our forte, Tychus Lannister proved that." She turned to Doran, "what about you? What will you do?"

"Depends on what I make of the new 'king,'" Doran replied. "I came here to see for myself what kind of man he is. Make no mistake, if I get even the slightest whiff that he would harm my niece, then I will take back Dorne's independence. We withstood the dragons we can withstand a stag or lion."

The conversation between the Prince of Dorne and the Queen of thorns was noticed by Lord Stannis and Lord Tywin who were deep in their own discussion. "I urge you to treat the Martells and Tyrells with caution," Tywin insisted. "Right now they are your most powerful adversaries and will search for any weaknesses. You mustn't appear soft in front of the Loyalists, lest they plot against you."

"What would you have me do exactly?" Stannis quipped, "March on Dorne? Storm Sunspear?" Stannis shook his head, "history is littered with the futility of an invasion of that region. My men are weary of war and I know my allies are too. I will not send men to their deaths just to kill a single hapless girl."

"They fought against your brother, they will forever be against your rule and that of your children. Tywin pointed out, "and that hapless girl will not remain hapless for very long."

"For what crimes exactly," Stannis asked, "answering their king's summons? fighting their king's enemies? By the laws of Westeros, they have committed no crimes."

"You must punish them accordingly," Tywin urged, "Mercy is a virtue a king can ill afford."

Stannis' lip curled, "and pray tell, whom should I inflict these punishments on? Willas Tyrell, a mere boy? Doran Martell, whose own kin were hostages in all but name of the Mad King? I deem the damage you and Tychus inflicted upon them is punishment enough."

"All the same it would be wise to take hostages," Tywin concluded, "Prince Doran and the late Lord Mace left younger sons you can use to ensure their cooperation."

Stannis thought long and hard on this before nodded, "the idea has merit," He admitted, and it would do to try and mend things with Dorne something you seem to keep to avoid giving your past insults to them. But such a thing should be kept to a later date when the tensions have settled."

Tywin's eyes betrayed nothing and simply nodded before turning away to speak with Hoster Tully. Once he was gone, Doran went to speak with Lord Stannis privately "Lord Stannis."

Stannis turned to the dornishman, "Prince Doran."

"Might I have a word in private?"

Stannis looked around and nodded curtly. He led Doran to his chambers and locked the door Stannis took a seat and offered the same to Doran as well as wine, "what is it, Prince Doran?"

Doran took comfort in the man's bluntness that meant he could avoid any false pleasantries. "You are the Usurper's brother Lord Stannis and thus his successor."

"I am aware of that already Prince Doran," Lord Stannis replied. "What of it."

Doran sighed, "as you know my niece is a Targaryen and many would see her as a challenger to your claim to the throne."

"That is doubtful since her uncle Viserys Targaryen is still alive and with the Birth of Daenerys Targaryen her claim is pushed further back," Stannis pointed out. "In any case, the Dance of Dragons is a testament to the dangers of passing the throne to a girl."

Doran was unconvinced, "true enough but that didn't stop your brother from demanding her head, did it?"

"My brother has always been rash and impulsive, he tends to act on pure emotion." Stannis waved off. "But it seems you have a point to all this, I think it would be in our best interest if you got to it."

Doran's lip curled, "very well, it is clear to me that you will be chosen to be king. I want to know what you're intentions are for us. Robert wanted her dead as well as Tywin, they made no secret of it. But we will fight to the death to protect her even if Dorne has to become a free and independent kingdom again. Now I ask you, is my niece's life in danger?

Stannis's eyes narrowed, "your family fought on the side of the Targaryens, why should I trust you not to do the same in the future when Rhaenys comes of age."

"I promise we are no threat to you," Doran insisted.

"That's what they all say at the beginning, but you clearly have no love for my family thanks to my brother. So what is to stop you from plotting to put Viserys on the throne or if you were to die what is to stop that evil-tempered brother of yours."

"I see from your perspective that is a problem," Doran admitted. "So it seems we are at an impasse."

"Indeed," Stannis agreed. "I have no reason to trust you, but even if Princess Rhaenys wants the throne there is little I can do about it. I cannot touch her in Dorne and she will still struggle to find support from the Rebel lords."

"No doubt you are correct," Doran acknowledged, "so how do you intend to solve this dilemma?"

Stannis studied the older man carefully trying to find traces of a lie in him but found nothing. His' lip curled, "does your niece make a claim to the throne?" Doran shook his head and Stannis stood up. "I am not Robert and I'm not Tywin Lannister. I do not see Rhaenys as a threat so I offer you this. If Rhaenys renounces her claim to the Iron Throne and swears not to take up arms against my family then she need not fear for her life. She may live the rest of her life as a Princess of Dorne and we shall have peace."

"King Aerys held my sister and her children hostage," Doran pointed out. "And Rhaegar dishonoured my sister. Believe me, I did not want to enter the war after what Rhaegar did to Elia. But we swore an oath as you did to your brother. Were it not for that I would not have given the dragons a single spear."

Stannis nodded, "very well, but be warned if I get a whiff of treason from you or her there will be consequences."

After the two men came to an agreement, they joined the other great lords at the Small Council chamber. Once everyone had gathered Jon Arryn stood up and began the council, "my lords, my lady, I believe we all know the reason for this gathering. King Aerys is dead, the Targaryen Dynasty shall never rule over us again." While several of them nodded in agreement. Doran Martell remained unconvinced. Jon continued, "now here we are to decide who shall be king over us, and ensure that no tyrant ever sits the Iron throne again."

The gathered nodded in agreement as Jon continued, "good now that we're all agreed let us decide. Since Robert Baratheon died without issue, by the laws of succession, the next in line is his brother Stannis. Now as representatives of the great houses each of you has a right to be heard. If we can all agree in favour of Lord Stannis than this should so smoothly for all of us."

The muttered amongst themselves until Stannis stood up slowly and the room grew silent, He didn't have the same presence as Robert but the strength and determination was there in his eyes. He took a deep breath and spoke. "I did not ask for this, nor for that matter do I want it. The iron throne is an uncomfortable chair to sit upon and a golden crown is heavy upon the head. As are the responsibilities that come with it. But my brother set this course and now I have a duty, not just to my family but also to the realm and great of small we must do our duty."

The room was silent as Stannis sat back down and the mutterings began again. Eddard was the first to speak as he stood up. "Stannis is Robert's brother, and Robert often told me what a serious man he was. Since the Targaryens shall never rule over us the throne is his by right. He treats this as a privilege, not a right and that's more than many kings could say." He turned to Stannis, "House Stark shall pledge for you lord Stannis." Stannis gave him a curt nod as Eddard sat back down.

Jon Arryn was next to speak, "Lord Stark speaks truthfully, Robert had often told me how serious a man Stannis was." He turned to Stannis as well, "he shall have the Vale."

"And the Riverlands," Hoster followed quickly standing up. "If Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark trust him that's good enough for me."

Tywin also stood up, "House Lannister is yours, Lord Stannis."

Now it came down to Doran Martell and Olenna Tyrell. Doran stood up first, "do you hold to the promise you made Lord Stannis?"

"I'm a man of my word Prince Doran," Stannis replied.

Doran nodded, "than House Martell shall declare for you."

Finally, all eyes turned to Olenna Tyrell, she remained unmoving for a moment before she stood up. "If this is the will of the council than we shall see it done, House Tyrell is yours, Lord Stannis."

Jon nodded, "then it is decided, we shall send ravens to all our bannermen, Westeros has a new King. Long may he reign."

"LONG MAY HE REIGN," they chanted.

After everyone had departed, Tywin approached Stannis with his daughter in tow. "Your grace, may I introduce my daughter Cersei Lannister."

Stannis hadn't seen Lord Tywin's Daughter since the Tourney at Harrenhal. They called her the Light of the West and even Stannis could see why. Cersei was indeed a ravishing woman comparable to the infamous Ashara Dayne. A slender figure with full breasts and a narrow waist, hair like a river of gold, and the greenest eyes he had ever seen. Yet despite her timid face, he could see that those eyes were hiding a fire inside them. This alone told him that she was no meek maid.

Cersei curtsied deeply and extended her hand, "my king it's an honour to finally meet you."

Stannis gazed at the stunning blonde as he bowed and pressed his lips to the back of her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my Lady."

Coronation

It had been decided that the Royal Wedding and the coronation would be performed in a single ceremony. In their respective chambers, both monarchs had an army of servants attending to them. Most of them were under Tywin's employ, he wanted to make sure everyone knew whos money was making this wedding.

Stannis was being prepared by grooms. He was not usually into such finesse but the recent circumstances demanded it. In the room with him was Renly who had been brought to the Capital to attend his brother's coronation.

"I still can't believe you're going to be king," the boy said in awe.

Stannis simply nodded with a sad smile as he took a look at the crown he had chosen. He didn't relish the idea of having a new crown made when there were several perfectly good ones already acquired. His raid on Dragonstone Stannis uncovered a box that contained the crowns of the previous monarchs including Aenys I, Jaehaerys I, Aegon III and Maekar I. After consideration he chose Maekar's crown as it seemed the most fitting.

"This should all be Robert's not mine," he said grimly. "He was always better than me at everything. I would have been content just being the Lord of Storm's End."

The mention of Robert caused Renly to lose his easy smile, "I'm going to miss him," Renly said sadly. "He often brought me great gifts and always made me laugh."

Stannis sighed and walked over to him placing a hand on his shoulder, "I know you do Renly I miss him as well, but he is with Lyanna now and I know he would be happiest with her." This made Renly' smile return as Stannis went back to his fitting.

Meanwhile, in her own chambers, Cersei checked herself in the mirror as her handmaidens inspected her making sure every seam was intact, and every lock of hair in its place. Part of her still could not believe this was happening, a year ago she had all but given up the idea of being queen. Now her long lost dream was becoming a reality. Before she could get too lost in her thought the doors opened and her father came in. With a simple flick of his head, the Handmaidens bowed and left the room knowing the indication meant that the Lord wanted a moment alone with his daughter.

Tywin grasped her by the shoulders and looked her over, "you look lovely Cersei," he said with the slightest hint of gentleness.

The compliment made Cersei smile slightly, "thank you, father."

"Remember your duty Cersei," Tywin reminded her for what seemed to be the hundredth time. "Give this man children with Lannister blood, the future of our legacy rests on your shoulders. Your brothers have done enough to disappoint me, do not follow their example."

Cersei nodded, even now, her father seemed to retain this invisible hold over her, "yes father." She said bowing her head, being reminded of Tychus made her frown inside. This would likely be the most defining moment of her life and her older brother would not be there to witness it. Tychus had promised her that after the rebellion, everything would be different and as usual, he was right. This gave her a fierce resolve, while Cersei felt like she needed to make her father proud, she also wanted to make her brother proud. He had after all helped make this possible so she was determined not to waste it.

The Door to her chamber opened and her intended husband stepped in and gave a curt nod as a greeting. "My Lady, Lord Tywin."

Tywin gave a slight bow in return, "your grace."

Cersei followed suit with a deep curtsey, "lord Husband."

Stannis turned to her father, "I would like a word in private with my intended if you would."

Tywin nodded and left the room closing the door behind him which was flanked by two Baratheon guards who made sure no one could eavesdrop. Once they were alone Stannis spoke first, "I trust all your needs have been met Lady Cersei?"

Cersei nodded timidly, "I have, thank you, my king, My father has made sure of that."

Stannis nodded, "yes your father seems to be dead set on contributing as much as he can to his daughter's coronation. If only he showed as much commitment to my brother's cause." Cersei didn't answer this as he stepped forward, "Cersei I want you to be honest with me since we're alone." Cersei tensed up wondering what he had to say. "Is this what you want?" Cersei was surprised by the question and wondered why he would ask such a thing before he continued. "It may be our duty, but I have no desire to bed an unwilling woman."

Ceseri sighed and sat on the bed, "since I was a girl I always wanted to be queen," she admitted. My Father and aunt always assured me I would be, and when I saw Rhaegar I was enamoured by him like every other simpering maiden. I thought nothing could be more perfect.

"My only real regret is that this is most likely the most momentous part of my life and Tychus isn't here to see it." She looked down He once told me that when the war ended everything would be different." Looking up again she continued, "I guess I can't call him a liar, though it wasn't what I expected."

"I never expected to be king yet I have gone from a second son expected to inherit nothing to the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms," Stannis replied.

"Well the gods do love their stupid jokes," Cersei quipped.

Stannis hmphed, "gods, I stopped believing in them the day I saw my Father's ship The Windproud crushed on ship breaker bay. I vowed that day that any god so monstrous as to kill my parents shall never have my worship. The High Septon's lackeys prattle me of how all Justice and goodness flows from the Seven Yet all I have seen of either was made by man, not by any god."

"My brother said something similar after the death of my mother," Cersei remembered, "though he still lights candles to the Stranger." Cersei gave a bemused smile, I guess I took after him in regard to gods. They have no mercy, no worries no compunctions because to them we don't matter."

Stannis nodded in agreement and was relieved to find common ground with his new queen no matter how small it was. After a moment he pulled out a box from beneath his cloak, "I have something for you," he said presenting her the box. "I understand a husband owes his wife a gift and a queen should have a crown." Cersei carefully opened it and inside was the Crown of Jaehaerys the Conciliator, a simple gold band with seven different coloured stones. Cersei gasped, "m-my King I-I It's wonderful. Then despite herself, she stepped forward and kissed Stannis on the caught Stannis off guard and he felt his cheeks redden.

"I thought it would suit you the best," Stannis explained, "the crowns of King Aenys and the mad king are absurd and ill-fitting considering their size and dragon ornate and the one of Aegon the third is hardly a crown at all."

Cersei gave him a small smile, "thank you, my king."

"Stannis reached out and took her hands in his, "Lady Cersei, you are to be my wife and my queen, call me Stannis when we're alone."

By the time they were ready, everyone had gathered in the throne room with the Great Lords in the very front along with Cersei Lannister who stood beside her father. The double door opened and Stannis strode in wearing polished armour under a golden surcoat bearing the Black Stag of Baratheon. The Baratheon knights drew their swords and held them over his head making an archway. Stannis stepped between them with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He stopped at the foot of the throne where the High Septon was waiting with the crown on his hand.

"Stannis Baratheon, step forward," Stannis stepped up to the High Septon and got down on one knee. "In the sight of Gods and Men, I now proclaim Stannis of the House Baratheon the first of his name. King of the Andals the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." He placed the crown upon Stannis head and he stood up and turned towards the crowd. "Long may he reign," the High Septon declared.

"LONG MAY HE REIGN," the crowd roared. Stannis slowly took his seat and the gathered lords bent their knee.

Stannis lifted his hand in a gesture, "rise," The crowd did so and started clapping. Stannis didn't waste any time getting down to business and one of his first acts was to rebuild the small council. The overthrow of the Targaryen reign had left the entire council all but empty while most were easy enough to fill, two positions caused complications.

Since the death of Pycelle, a raven had been sent to the citadel for them to choose a new Grand Maester. To make matters more complicated the Master of Whisperers post was also empty. Men Like Ser Barristan didn't miss the Spider, for in his mind Varys was the man responsible for King Aerys spiralling into madness, and Stannis was of the same mindset. Unfortunately, the Spider's skills as Master of Whisperers was undeniable and this made finding an equally suitable replacement with such an intricate spy network extremely difficult.

Jon Arryn and Stannis knew that the former Grand Maester Pycelle had been Tywin's man through and through. They were also aware of how much influence House Tyrell had over the citadel which meant that they would attempt to install Mace Tyrell's uncle Gormon as the new Grand Maester. So while Stannis pacified Drgonstone, Jon visited the Citadel to find a new candidate. Choosing based on merit, Jon examined several of the archmaester's nominees. Of them, two stood out Maester Ereck the bastard son of a hedge knight and Maester Turquin the son of a cordwainer. Despite being of low birth, both men proved to be considerably skilled so Jon threw the support of the rebels under these two candidates. The citadel expected counterpressure by the Tyrells to appoint Gormon but a stern letter from Olenna Tyrell convinced the conclave to cave into their argument and in the end, elected Maester Erreck as the new Grand Maester.

In a twist of irony, it was at the Citadel that Jon came across one man, in particular, Archmaester Marwyn. Marwyn was considered an oddity among his fellow peers being the only Archmaester that had forged a Valyrian steel link indicating his extensive study of magic. He also seemed to have a different level of thinking compared to his fellow Archmaesters and had no qualms about interacting with commoners. Because of his field of study and 'other activities,' Marwyn was not popular among the other Maesters so when the chance came to leave and achieve a high ranking position Marwyn was not slow to accept.

With a new Grand Maester and Master of Whisperers, the Small Council was full again. Stannis decided it was time to announce them to the court. He stood before the gathered lords in the throne room and turned to the Lord of the Westerlands. "Lord Tywin Lannister step forward."

Tywin stepped towards the throne and bowed, "your grace."

Stannis looked at him and continued, "during the reign of King Aerys Targaryen the second of his name, you served him loyally and faithfully for twenty years. All the realm knows that during your reign as Hand the realm prospered. It is my wish that you continue to do so again. Therefore, Tywin Lannister Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West, I would name you the Hand of the King."

Stannis made a gesture with his hand and a servant came forward with the Hand's pendant on a pillow. The servant stepped down and presented it to Tywin. Tywin bowed deeply before taking it. "thank you, your grace."

Stannis didn't want to make him had after he contributed late to their cause but he could not deny Tywin's ability as a leader. In order to stabilize Westeros, Tywin was necessary. Once Tywin stepped down Stannis called Up the next man, "Lord Jon Arryn," the old man stepped up and bowed. "My brother spoke highly of you as a wise and prudent man. With these considerations in mind, I can't think of anyone better to serve as the new Master of Laws."

Lord Arryn bowed which was considerably more sincere than Tywins, "Thank you, your grace, I swear to serve you well."

Once he stepped down Stannis spoke again, "Ser Barristan Selmy." The Knight in white armour stepped forward and bowed, "your Grace," He said humbly before rising. "With the unorthodox dismissal of Jaime Lannister, you are the Last of King Aerys Kingsguard still in Westeros since as I understand it. Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Gerold Hightower and Ser Oswell Whent have fled to protect the Last of the Targaryen line. Your skill is legendary throughout the realm and no man here can deny you devotion to duty and honor. I will give you a choice, I will need a new kingsguard and I can think of no man better to have as it's Lord Commander. But if you still feel your duties lie with your former King and wish to join your sworn brothers in exile I will not hold it against you and allow it.

This shocked everyone at court but none more so than Ser Barristan. The new King was actually giving him the option to serve the last Targaryens and quite possibly fight against him. He admitted that the idea of rejoining his sworn brothers was tempting especially given Robert's behaviour towards the Targaryen children though he did regret it towards the end. But he had weighed his options on the other candidates Prince Viserys was not only too young but had been subjugated to his father's madness for some time and had become greatly influenced by him. Princess Rhaenys was younger still but few would support putting a girl on the throne. But Stannis seemed different in most aspects he had shown mercy to his former enemies and now was even giving him the option of regaining his honour. Besides if not for Robert, he himself would have died on the Trident along with Prince Lewyn and Jonothor Darry. Ser Barristan had always wanted to serve with pride to a worthy king and perhaps Stannis was the man to give him his chance

With all this in mind, Ser Barristan took a few steps forward and knelt, "I would be honoured to serve as your Lord Commander My King," he said. This was greeted by applause from the court and Stannis nodded in approval.

"Then we welcome you with open hearts and may your loyalty never waver," the King responded.

Once he took his place near the king, Stannis spoke again, "as for the rest of the Small Council. I have decided that Hoster Tully shall be my Master of Coin and Wyman Manderly will be the Master of Ships. To replace Grand Maester Pycelle, the citadel has chosen Maester Erreck to take his place. To serve as Master of Whisperers I have selected Archmaester Marwyn to replace Lord Varys." Stannis had wanted to make sure all the rebels got something out of the equation. So he made sure the North and the Riverlands got representation within the Small Council. As their names were spoken they bowed and thanked their king for the responsibility.

The Stag and the Lioness

The next day was just as busy as everyone prepared for the Royal wedding Cersei and Stannis were taken to be fitted for the wedding while everyone gathered at the Sept of Baelor for the marriage ceremony. By the time everyone had assembled Stannis was waiting next to the High Septon, his armour discarded and was replaced with a black surcoat with fine gold details in the shape of antlers and Black breeches. The doors of the Sept opened and everyone gasped, even Stannis felt his breath caught his throat.

Cersei Lannister looked like the maiden herself, her golden gown shining like the sun. Her hair fixed into an elaborate braid dropping over her shoulders complimented it perfectly. As she approached Stannis she gave him a dazzling smile and took his hand as the Septon began the ceremony. 'He's not Robert,' Cersei thought. Yet seeing him sitting there strong, lean and clean-shaven, he looked oddly impressive. The prayers were tedious at best and Cersei could see that her husband was not too fond of it either. Finally, it came to the part they both were waiting for.

"You may now cloak the bride and bring her under your protection," The High Septon began. Tywin removed the crimson Lannister cloak from his daughter and stepped back allowing Stannis to wrap her in the beaten gold of House Baratheon. They turned to the seven and outstretched their enclosed hands. When this was done the High Septon continued, "my Lords, my Ladies we are gathered to witness the union of man and wife." He then proceeded to wrap their conjoined hands in a ribbon. "In the light of the seven, I hereby seal these two souls as one binding them for eternity." He finished with the ribbon and said, "you may look upon each other and say the words."

Stannis and Cersei turned to each other and together they said the words. "Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger. I am yours and you are mine from this day until the end of time with this kiss, I pledge my love." They closed their eyes as Stannis cupped her cheeks and the two kissed. Cersei realized that Stannis had most likely never kissed before, Cersei didn't mind they would have plenty of time to work on that.

Cersei then curtseyed before her king as Stannis a gesture and a servant stepped forward carrying a pillow that held what would be the queen's crown. Stannis took the crown and gently placed it on Cersei's head, Cersei looked up and rose beaming. Stannis took Cersei's hand in his and together Both King and Queen turned to the gathered lords and ladies and raised their enclosed hands. The crowd broke into cheers seeing their new king and queen.

The Royal Celebration was to be a grand affair, though not too extravagant. No performers or over-abundant course meals, just musicians and all the lords of Westeros, save those of the Iron Islands. Every Lord and Lady present approached to swear fealty to the new king and queen.

Finally came the part both were dreading, as a lord yelled. "Time for the bedding ceremony." Soon the other lords were yelling, "BEDDING, BEDDING, BEDDING."

As the chants grew louder, Cersei looked at her husband expectantly. Then to her surprise, Stannis stood up with his hand raised and the crowd grew silent as his fierce gaze slowly looked around. "There will be no bedding ceremony," he declared.

The lords looked at each other in confusion, "but my king." One lord objected, "the guest right is an age long tradition."

"The first night is an age long tradition," Stannis snapped, "perhaps we should go back to those ways as well."

Cersei looked at her husband surprised at hearing him speak so resolutely about this. To be honest she wasn't entirely against it. "A bedding should be a private affair shared only by a husband and his wife," Stannis continued. "I do not feel like sharing it with men who are already married." Nobody said a word as Stannis extended his hand to Cersei who took it gratefully and they made their way to her new chambers. They entered the bedchamber and Stannis closed the door behind him before turning back to Cersei.

"I apologize for what has to happen tonight," He said bluntly. Cersei nodded and began to slowly unlace her dress. Stannis dropped his own clothes and they stared at each other taking in their spouse's bodies.

'He's bigger than Jaime,' Cersei thought, 'in every way it seems.' Tall and broad, every inch of Stannis was lean hard muscle. He was not as tall or muscular as Robert but he was still powerfully built.

'She truly is the maiden' Stannis decided. She had an unblemished form with shapely legs and her ample chest was topped with pink nipples. Her nether regions were also neatly trimmed. Stannis picked her up causing her to gasp and laid her gently on the bed, he kisses her gently, too gently and then began trailing kisses down her body. When his lips touched the sensitive spots she let out a gasp. He flicked the nipple with his tongue before he blew into it. The sensation sent a tingle up her spine.

'He may not have been with a woman but he isn't completely hopeless.' Cersei wondered were he had learned this. His kisses trailed lower to her belly button as his hands reached her core. Cersei wondered 'what he was doing?' But that question vanished to this new sensation. Jaime never did this with her and he was never able to cause such stirrings within. Stannis took the nub of her clit between his thumb and forefingers and rubbed it. Only when Stannis had her writhing under him did he finally enter her. Their bodies began moving in sync until Cersei felt that touch inside her, the one that sent her over the edge. Her breathing quickened and she racked her nails on Stannis' back as they both climaxed. Cersei felt the heat of his seed spilling within her. They both collapsed on the bed sweating and panting in the aftermath of their first bedding.

As they lay there, Cersei finally spoke up. "What you did with your fingers, where did you learn it?"

Stannis growled slightly, "whenever Robert visited Storms end he barely talked about anything save for his multiple trysts and he tended to go into a lot of detail. Details I did not wish to hear yet they stuck in my mind all the same. I figured since men like it when women pleasure them down there I assumed that women must like it if the roles were reversed."

Cersei smiled, "so you never had anyone before we wed?"

Stannis turned to her, "never, I'm not my brother, I would never besmirch a woman's honour. There's been no one else." Cersei smiled and kissed his forehead as exhaustion overtook that as they curled up and fell asleep.

Stannis would spend the better part of the day dealing with various problems brought to him by the lords and smallfolk. After this was done Stannis went to see his wife. He opened the door to her quarters and found her wielding a longsword in her room. Much to his surprise she was able to do so quite well her stance was steady and her graceful swings showed that she did have some training. Cersei whirled around making a downward stroke and ended up clashing with Stannis who had drawn his own sword to block it. Seeing her husband watching her, Cersei instinctively pulled away and lowered her sword. "My Lord Husband," she said in greeting though her eyes were defiant.

"Who taught you to wield a sword?" Stannis asked simply instead of berating her.

The question caught Cersei off guard, so she picked up her sword and returned it to its sheath. "My brother," she said after a moment.

"Tychus?"

Cersei nodded. "I always wanted to wield a sword so he started training me whenever he could. I know this isn't proper for a lady but."

Stannis shook his head, "warrior women are uncommon but not unheard of. War is no place for a woman but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be able to defend himself."
Stannis smirked slightly, "I met him once, the day he liberated Storm's End." Stannis had even managed a smile that day one of the few times since his parents died.

He noticed the smile she had when his name was mentioned. "You admire him," he stated as a fact.

"He's my older brother," Cersei replied. "He believed in me and was my confidant, and the father Tywin never was. When I heard he had fled I was devastated."

Stannis studied her for a moment, "I know it's unorthodox but if you wish I will arrange for a master to train you."

Stannis could barely react when Cersei launched herself at him and kissed Stannis full in the mouth.