Overreaction

It was just before noon when King Robert Baratheon sat on a comfortable chair behind a desk in his chamber. He was already drinking, of course, but was not deep in his cups yet. He read a few boring letters from across the realm. It was then that his son, Joffrey entered the room, his sworn shield Sandor Clegane following after him. The boy seemed very happy and held something in his hands.

"Father, father! I have brought you a gift! Look!" The boy spoke with excitement.

When Robert looked upon the dead, unborn kittens in his son's hands, he did not react with anger. Nor he did react with revulsion. Instead, the King stared for a moment with disbelief at the grim scene in front of him in absolute silence.

As the seconds and even minutes passed, young Joffrey began feeling that perhaps he has done something wrong. Perhaps his father disapproved? The King stood up from his chair, and slowly turned to one of his Kingsguard nearby, Ser Barristan Selmy.

"Ser Barristan," spoke the King. The older man reacted swiftly and looked upon his liege.

"Your Grace?" he asked, knowing a command was to be given.

The words were quiet, barely a whisper, but Ser Barristan heard them loud and clear.

"Arrest this boy."

For a knight with Ser Barristan's years of experience, the split second he took to react was like an eternity. Surely his King would not dare kill his own son? Robert Baratheon was many things, but not a kinslayer. However, it was only a second of doubt and the old knight obeyed.

Sandor Clegane stepped forward between Ser Barristan and Joffrey, clearly intending to interfere. Normally, King Robert once more would have reacted with anger. He would have shouted at the Hound to step aside. However, those present in the room could only see him stand with calm.

"Ser Barristan, Ser Boros, Ser Mandon. Kill this man," the king spoke softly.

The fight which ensued was short. While Sandor Clegane was skilled and strong, he was not able to face so many opponents at once. In the end, the Hound's bleeding corpse lay upon the stone floor of the king's chambers, while Ser Barristan held a crying Prince Joffrey with a firm grip.

King Robert, along with the knights of the Kingsguard and the Prince made their way to the throne room. On the way the king told servants to summon members of the Small Council, the Queen and the Hand of the King. It did not take long for all parties summoned to arrive. Upon arriving they saw Robert sit upon the Iron Throne, surrounded by the Kingsguard. Ser Jaime Lannister as well and though his face was blank of all emotion, one could see hatred in his eyes.

"What is the meaning of this?! What are you doing to my son?!" The Queen demanded.

The King did not address her directly, instead he spoke to the entire room, though his gaze was still focused on Prince Joffrey.

"Lords and Ladies of my court. We gather here at this hour to pass judgement upon this boy," the King spoke and pointed a finger at his son. At once many whispers started, as well as more than one shouts of disbelief.

"I accuse my son, Prince Joffrey Baratheon of madness and I deem him unfit as my heir," the King continued unbothered by the growing shock in the throne room.

The King then spoke of the deed Joffrey has committed against the pregnant cat. He also spoke of signs in his son's behavior he has seen before but dismissed so far. Witnesses were called in. Some defended Joffrey, some spoke against him. In the end, it was clear that no matter what the gathered people spoke the King's mind was set and would not be swayed.

"This realm has endured the madness of Aerys II Targaryen. Many here remember what he did to those he saw as enemies, no matter if they were innocent or guilty. We all remember his cruelty and thirst for blood and fire. I cannot and will not let that happen again. After I die, this realm deserves a King who will not butcher anyone he pleases," Robert declared.

He stood from his throne.

"Joffrey Baratheon, I find you guilty of madness. You are hereby stripped of your title as Prince, removed as my heir and I banish you to join the Night's Watch at the Wall in the North."