The Great Hall's oak-and-bronze doors swung open and the herald announced in a clear voice, "Lord Tywin of House Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Shield of Lannisport and Warden of the West!"
Stannis impassively watched from his seat at the council table as the Old Lion of Casterly Rock walked up to the Iron Throne, his scarlet cloak billowing around him. The proud Lord Tywin had demanded a grand entrance as if he was the king instead of a subject rather than a direct meeting in the council chamber or even a private audience with the king.
Frightened gasps erupted in the sea of lords and ladies as they spotted the tall, large and intimidating Ser Gregor Clegane who stomped behind Tywin Lannister, wearing the heaviest plate armour in the Seven Kingdoms. His massive head was hidden under a plate helm with only a narrow slit for vision. Strapped to his back was a immense six foot, two handed greatsword. Not surprising, thought Stannis, watching a couple of ladies at the front slowly edge away. Out of all knights, Lord Tywin chooses Ser Gregor Clegane to guard him. Ser Gregor's presence did bring a rather interesting reaction though.
Most of the ladies paled at the sight of Ser Gregor Clegane, some fainting; Lord Tyrell squirmed and looked away; and Prince Oberyn Martell, who'd only arrived a few hours ago, looked as if he wanted to kill – or try to kill – Ser Gregor Clegane. Prince Oberyn did have good reason, as Ser Gregor did brutally rape and murder his late sister Princess Elia.
"Lord Tywin," acknowledged the king.
"Your Grace," greeted Lord Tywin, dipping his head. Stannis frowned. Only the bold and foolish would not bow before their king.
"You called for an audience, I believe. What is it you want? If you don't mind, it is quite inconvenient. Surely you know court is in the morning every day. Thanks to you, my small council had to cut their meeting short."
Lord Tywin's greenish-golden flecked eyes flickered to Stannis. Stannis stared back expressionlessly. "I have come to discuss the Casterly Rock succession Your Grace," he said, his gaze returning to the king.
"There is naught to discuss, Lord Tywin," spoke Stannis. Lord Tywin looked at him again. "You have a son, Tyrion." He nodded at the Imp, who was also a recent arrival at court. "As you well know, Lord Tywin, your eldest son is a knight of the Kingsguard, thus he cannot inherit," Stannis went on. "Due to that, Tyrion is your heir." Knowing full well Lord Tywin hated his dwarf son, Stannis plunged on. "It's what it is, Lord Tywin. Tyrion Lannister is your heir by law – unless there's some legitimate reasons why you wish to name another heir?"
Lord Tywin's lips tightened. Clearly he hadn't planned this. "Tyrion is unfit for lordship," he said stiffly.
"Unfit for lordship," the king repeated. He looked down at Tyrion. They'd often shared stories about their favourite whores whenever they met – a rarity. "That's an odd thing to say, Lord Tywin."
Threateningly, Lord Tywin took another step forward. "I did not come all this way just to discuss Tyrion's incompetence and indolent and embarrassing habits. Correct me if I'm wrong, Your Grace, but I believe the Crown has borrowed many gold pieces from Casterly Rock. Gold that is still…unpaid."
Lords and ladies murmured uneasily. Stannis glanced at the king and gave him a small nod. For what seemed like the first time in their lives, they had agreed on a plan to deal with the proud Lord Tywin Lannister.
The king shifted on the throne and said casually. "Yes…I suppose that must be, ah, remedied, yes?"
Lord Tywin gave him a cold smile. "Indeed Your Grace. I heard that the Crown is in no position to pay their debts. Is it true Your Grace?"
"His Grace doesn't need to reveal information of that sort," said Stannis curtly.
"Of course my lord Hand. It is…wrong of me to ask. However, I do have a list of excellent solutions to remedy the situation." This is what he wants. Lord Tywin is hungry for power as all lions are and he wants the court to witness him bullying the king and his small council into granting all of his requests. Stannis pressed some of his fingers together as he watched the king nod thoughtfully.
"What solutions do you have in mind?" the king asked eagerly.
"I believe that we've spoken about forming closer ties between our respective Houses through my brother Ser Kevan? You have a natural son and I have a niece that is also a natural child. A good match do you not agree Your Grace?"
To be frank, the king had about over a dozen natural children. During Lord Jon Arryn's tenure as Hand of the King, he had, for some reason, kept an eye on all of the known bastards and tracked them, even convincing the king to take in two. It was questionable and only earnt the queen and the late Lord Tully's fury. Stannis had read the late Lord Arryn's records about the king's bastard children a couple of times. There was the girl at the Vale, a grown woman now, and Gendry Waters and Edric Storm of course. There were obviously more – sixteen altogether, according to the late Lord Arryn – but it was clearly Edric Storm Lord Tywin was interested in. He was the the king's son with Delena Florent; Lord Tywin would only want the best for a member of his family.
The king smiled. "A marriage between bastards, Lord Tywin? I did not think it would be you who would want that. Lord Frey had offered his granddaughter for Edric. Bastard granddaughter. Her dowry will be her weight in silver. If you want a bastard marriage, I have another bastard, Gendry."
Lord Tywin stared at him. "I am offering my niece Joy Hill for your natural son Edric Storm Your Grace. No other. Her dowry will be her weight in gold." Ripples of admiration spread amongst the courtiers. Her weight in gold? Generous dowry for a bastard niece, but all the gold would be returned to Lord Tywin to pay off at least a quarter or half of the gold owed to Casterly Rock.
Sensing the king's interest, Lord Tywin's mouth twisted into something faintly resembling a smile or a grimace. "I'm willing to forgive the Crown a quarter of its debts," he said clearly, "if His Grace agrees to recognise my grandson Tommen of House Baratheon and his future descendants as the heirs of Casterly Rock. If His Grace agrees, I desire for Tommen to take the name of Lannister and once all our matters are concluded, I wish for Tommen to return with me to Casterly Rock. As well as that, I ask for the marriage of Tommen and Princess Minisa."
Stannis rose from his seat. "Lord Tywin, what you request is impossible." He'd already had a copy of Lady Cersei's arrest warrant in his grasp.
Lord Tywin frowned. "Lord Hand, my terms are beyond generous and like any lord in my position, I must secure my succession. Tommen is as much a Lannister as he is a Baratheon."
"Oh he is indeed a Lannister, but he is not a Baratheon," boomed the king. The lords and ladies whispered excitedly as Stannis walked up to Tywin Lannister, an arrest warrant in hand. He handed it to the confused Lord Tywin. "Are you aware that Ser Jaime and Cersei have committed incest?" Stannis said softly. "If that was not all, your daughter tried to pass off two of her children as mine. Read this Lord Tywin. We have evidence that two of your grandchildren are products of incest. I have already sent a raven ordering the arrest of the Lady Cersei. Moreover, both of her bastards will be brought to court for her trial."
Lord Tywin darkened. "What you say are blatant lies, lord Hand," he hissed. "I warn you, lord Hand, it is unwise-"
"I have condemning evidence," Stannis repeated. "We can continue this talk or we can discuss more in private with the king."
"The court will hear of it eventually lord Hand."
"They will." It was the truth after all. There was no point denying it. What King Robert said had already spread seeds of rumours and intrigue. In about six to ten minutes, an abundant supply of rumours would arise. "Would you rather all lords and ladies hear the blunt truth my lord, or a pretty little lie?" Stannis loathed lies, but it would be beneficial to soften Lord Tywin before Cersei's trial.
Lord Tywin glowered. "My lord Hand, is it possible to continue this discussion with His Grace somewhere more private?"
"You wanted privacy Lord Tywin," said the king pleasantly, gesturing for Lord Tywin and Stannis to sit down. "Now speak my lord."
"I will not have my daughter arrested," said Lord Tywin flatly, his eyes shining with anger. "I will not allow it."
"Allow it?" Stannis arched an eyebrow. "It's already done as I told you earlier. I myself had sent the raven and by now, Lady Cersei would have been arrested. If I am right, she is on her way to King's Landing as we speak under strict guard. You see, Lord Tywin, it's too late for you to forbid me to to arrest Lady Cersei."
"My lord Hand, in detaining my daughter on false and forthrightly ghastly and disgusting charges, you have offended House Lannister and the Westerlands. It is a mistake to earn the ire of the Westerlands, my lord Hand. In the past, those that have offended my House regretted it."
"Is that a threat, Lord Lannister? Must I remind you that threatening members of the royal family's considered treasonous? Perhaps the Lady Cersei will find it a comfort to be on trial with you. Adultery for her and high treason for you. Oh and your son Ser Jaime will be arrested too. Grounds of incest. He'll be stripped of his white cloak and if the king is feeling merciful, you and Ser Jaime will spend all the rest of your lives at the Wall."
The king grunted in agreement.
"Where is my son?" said Lord Tywin sharply.
"Guarding the drawbridge of Maegor's Holdfast," the king answered, "with my wife's uncle Ser Brynden." Usually guarding the drawbridge of Maegor's Holdfast was an individual task for one of the Kingsguard knights, but Ser Jaime was to be arrested immediately after the talk with Lord Tywin. Precautions were taken and the Blackfish was tasked to carefully watch Ser Jaime and a few other Kingsguard knights and household knights were stationed nearby in case Ser Jaime decided a run would be better than gracefully accepting arrest.
"Your Grace, my daughter is not a whore and her children are legitimate, all of them. Steffon, Cassana, Robert, Myrcella and Tommen."
Stannis frowned. "You forgot Shireen."
Lord Tywin's eyes glimmered with hatred. "She's no granddaughter of mine."
"Shireen is my daughter, Lord Tywin. She's more Baratheon than Myrcella and Tommen who are in truth bastards."
"And your proof lies in an old book? Forgive me lord Hand, but that is thin."
Stannis pulled a folded piece of parchment from his pocket. It was the list of all the Baratheon-Lannister marriages recorded in the ponderous yet essential book, 'The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms'. There was only one copy of that book and in King's Landing, valuables and vital books or an essential scroll or two could disappear under questionable circumstances. At the present, the book was safe in Shireen's chamber in Storm's End. Stannis could've kept the book in his own rooms, as Lady Cersei never entered there without good reasons, but he did not want to take the risk of her discovering it. Lady Cersei did not go near Shireen or her rooms at all which was why keeping the book there of all places was the most ideal solution.
"What is that, lord Hand?" asked Lord Tywin coldly.
Stannis met his icy gaze. "Robart Baratheon and Lanna Lannister," he read out aloud. "Joren Baratheon and Malora Lannister. Stanwell Baratheon and Alysanne Lannister. Roland Baratheon and Meredyth Lannister. Gowen Baratheon and Tya Lannister." He looked back at Lord Tywin. "These are all the Baratheon-Lannister marriages before mine own."
"What about them lord Hand?"
"Not all of them yielded children, but some did. Joren and Malora had two sons and a daughter. All three of them were black of hair with blue eyes. Stanwell and Alysanne also had a son and daughter. Black-haired and blue-eyed. Lastly, Gowen and Tya had a son who died in infancy. He was black-haired and blue-eyed. More to the point, Lady Cersei had given me four trueborn children, all with black hair. They will remain legitimate. It is only Tommen and Myrcella who are bastards of incest. You should be pleased to hear that Lord Tywin."
"That still proves naught, lord Hand. If this is what you plan to present to all of the courtiers, I fear you are wasting your time."
"I have letters, Lord Tywin. Letters between Ser Jaime and Cersei Lannister. In one of them, Lady Cersei admitted to Ser Jaime that Tommen will succeed you as the Lord of Casterly Rock as is his birthright…as a full-blooded Lannister."
Lord Tywin's lips tightened. He glanced at the king and then at Stannis. "There must be something that can make these filthy charges go away," he said quietly, a hint of weariness in his voice. Arrogance remained, but it was tired now. "I won't have House Lannister's legacy tarnished."
"Tommen will not succeed you as Lord of Casterly Rock. He's a bastard and I'll not turn a blind eye to that. He has no succession rights to either Casterly Rock or Storm's End. If you insist on naming a bastard your heir, you must know that His Grace and I have agreed that Tommen will never wed a princess."
"Forget about all this, my lord Hand. Forget about it and I'll forgive the Crown of all its debts to Casterly Rock. All its debts."
Desperate act of a desperate man.
"That's quite generous of you Lord Tywin," said the king with a smile, "but I'm afraid the High Septon will have my head. Incest is taboo, Lord Tywin, and all the gold in Casterly Rock cannot save your son and daughter. Besides, Ser Jaime had cuckolded my brother and lord Hand. That will not do at all. Surely from one man to another, you'd want justice if you were cuckolded?"
Lord Tywin was silent. Taking the opportunity to speak, Stannis said, "I'll have justice, Lord Tywin. I will have it. If you try in any way to bribe or hinder the trial, I will have you charged for interference and you'll have the pleasure of watching your son Tyrion become Lord of Casterly Rock before you face judgement as just plain Tywin Lannister. That's a warning and a promise, Lord Tywin, and I'm sure you know that I am a man of my word."
"You will also remain here as my honoured guest," added the king.
"For how long Your Grace?" Lord Tywin said in a low voice.
"Until everything is sorted," the king replied, "a little after that too. Oh, and all of your letters will be read too. I thought it best to warn you my lord."
"Nothing I suggested will change your mind?"
"Nothing," said Stannis firmly. "Nothing at all."
Arresting Ser Jaime Lannister was easier than Stannis had anticipated. Instead of an escape attempt or even a denial, Ser Jaime had only sighed and allowed two of his sworn brothers to take him to the dungeons. After ensuring the angry Lord Tywin was confined in his chambers, Stannis went to visit Ser Jaime.
As he was highborn and a knight, Ser Jaime was detained in one of the smaller cells on the second level of the Red Keep's four levels of dungeons.
"Lord Hand," drawled Ser Jaime, attempting a weak smirk as he caught sight of him. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Why?" said Stannis promptly. "You must know it is wrong."
"Why what lord Hand?"
"Fornicating with your own sister Ser Jaime. You know quite well that you are Myrcella and Tommen's true father."
Ser Jaime was silent for a minute. When he spoke, the Lannister arrogance had vanished. "I love her," he said quietly. "I can't expect a man like you to know how it feels. I loved Cersei since the day we both entered the world. Without her, I feel incomplete. When we made love, it feels like we are whole."
Stannis's impassive expression contorted into a look of disgust. "When did you realise Tommen and Myrcella were your children?"
"When they were born. When Cersei gave birth to Robert, I wasn't so sure if he was mine. You see, Cersei was happy at her twins. They weren't the lion cubs she wanted, but they were still her perfect twins. She wanted to call them Joffrey and Joanna, but you already sent her a letter naming them Steffon and Cassana." He'd chuckled. "Cersei was livid. Anyway, every time Cersei would visit court, I would find her and we would fuck." Stannis's nose twitched. Ser Jaime saw it. "You don't like fucking, my lord?" Ser Jaime said bitterly. "Cersei said that to me too. She had once said all you cared about was having heirs. It would not matter whether they are in truth mine…or yours."
"Why did you choose to confess? You are a good swordsman, I will not deny it. If you wanted, you could have tried to escape capture."
Ser Jaime shrugged. "What's the point of that? It's true I am more warrior than a thinker, but with the Blackfish next to me and no doubt more knights nearby, it would be folly. Besides, I knew one day someone would discover what we did. I'd tried telling Cersei that, but she would not listen. She said no one would discover it, most of all you."
"When's the last time you…did her?"
"Fucked her, lord Hand?" Ser Jaime smiled. "That you don't need to know."
Stannis rapped on the cell door. He was done talking to the Lannister knight. It was time to return to the council chamber where the small council would resume the meeting Lord Tywin had interrupted. Lord Redwyne sounded eager to speak to him too, no doubt about the return of his son and heir. Stannis had expected it since the moment Lord Redwyne learnt the truth about Myrcella and Tommen. It was almost anticipated that Horas Redwyne was to marry Myrcella once she was of age. It would end Baratheon and Redwyne hostilities once and for all, but with Myrcella a proclaimed bastard…
Leaving Ser Jaime in his prison, Stannis made his way out of the dungeons and to the council chamber. It wouldn't be long before the Lady Cersei arrives for her trial, Myrcella and Tommen behind her. All three of them would be guarded with men handpicked by Stannis. He wasn't risking any chance for either of them to be spirited away by men loyal to Lord Tywin Lannister. Lord Tywin was a man who would do anything to protect his House's legacy, which would no doubt include a shot at spiriting his incestuous daughter or bastard grandchildren (or all three of them) to somewhere safe like Casterly Rock.
As Stannis reached the council chamber's door, a sudden thought hit him. I did not even consider Lord Tywin's offer, he contemplated. Should I have thought more about it? It was for mine own sake that I demanded justice. Without the debts owed to Casterly Rock will be a relief to the Seven Kingdoms though…He shook his head. Justice was more important than matters of state.
What of the children? A voice whispered in Stannis's mind. Do children deserve to suffer for the crimes of their fathers or mothers?
Stannis nodded at the two guards who pushed open the door for him. Only the king was there waiting. "Your Grace," said Stannis, swiftly hiding the surprise. "It is…astonishing to see you here so early." He didn't mention that it was also quite a revelation to see the king in the council chamber at all.
"I heard you went to talk to Ser Jaime," the king commented, gesturing for him to sit down. "How did it go?"
"It was satisfactory Your Grace," said Stannis tightly.
"You know after the trial you will be free to wed?"
"I plan not to unless obliged to for the sake of the Seven Kingdoms. Your Grace, I must ask. Why are you here so early? All the other councillors haven't arrived – not even Lord Varys."
The king sighed. "Would it hurt you to call me brother or 'Robert' at least? You hadn't called me brother since I had that blasted crown put on my head."
Stannis stared at him. Their conversation was getting odder. "Forgive me Your Grace," he said finally. "I have council matters to attend to. Rosby inheritance and all that. I believe the meeting will not start until ten minutes. Lords Redwyne and Tyrell prefer to arrive last."
"I see." The king patted him on the shoulder. "You know if you want, we don't have to have a trial. If you wish, just say the word and I'll have both Ser Jaime and Lady Cersei executed."
The Westerlands wouldn't be pleased. "Thank you," muttered Stannis. Robert was only trying to be…comforting. "Thank you for the offer, um Robert, but there will be a trial." His fingers curled into a fist. "There will be justice."
Life is getting busier and busier. Writing stories, plotting stories, work, more work, sleep etc. I'll keep trying to upload a chapter per week. The terms Lord Tywin stated in this chapter were meant to be slightly outrageous as he is still a proud man who wants power and a brilliant legacy.
Clary Sage - this is getting into a repeated habit, but sorry, sorry, sorry! The oneshot still isn't done yet! I'll try and have it finished and posted next Wednesday, but sorry again if it isn't done by then.
