—At the Westeroi Parliament—
The Westerosi Parliament, the kingdom's officially acknowledged legislative body was founded 220 years ago in 903 AC following the ratification of the Acts of Union law signed and decreed by King Steffon VII Baratheon, known historically as Steffon the Wise – allowing the Great Houses' high lords and ladies and even lesser ones to have a say in the governing of the realm with Steffon's good friend and then-Hand of the King Lord Gerold Lannister serving as the Kingdom of Westeros's first Prime Minister. Each member of parliament from across Westeros would congregate to the Chamber of the Oathkeeper near the Dragonpit for voting on proposed legislation before sending it to the Prime Minister's desk for review; however, because the royal assent is required for any proposal to become law, the Prime Minister themselves often had to advise the reigning monarch and his/her Small Council – to which the monarch can either approve or veto.
Large yet distinctive, the esteemed chamber was once a building full of life and visiting dignitaries along the golden roads of the Street of the Sisters was instead replaced with a multitude of guards and a swarm of demonstrators – demanding answers or otherwise wanting their voices to be heard. Indeed, it was bound to be hell. 1,500 nobles acting as parliamentarians and their court pages sit in the rectangular assembly area as the current Prime Minister, Lord Garland Mallister of Seagard, preparing to take to the podium.
"Before I begin roll call," he began, "it has come to my attention that this afternoon's request from the Finance Committee and the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on has Braavosi Relations been postponed until next week due to concerns regarding the security of this proud nation and the well-being of its people. Rich and poor, young or old. These are troubling times as you yourselves are no doubt aware with tensions between this distinguished body and the Crown—"
"No shit there's a list of reasons that's in dire need of addressing! The recent rumors surrounding the death of Lord Bracken raises a great deal of concern. The Crown keeps flaunting its responsibility to govern the realm in a more dignified and sensible reason!" exclaimed Ser Reginald Hightower, parliamentarian of High Tower.
"Why bother? As a practical matter, this parliament no longer exists as it were during the days of absolute rule," asked Lady Jenna Blackwood, MP from Raventree Hall. "Who knows where all this madness ends? Next thing you know it's one of us that's—"
"Silence, wench! You speak of treason! What if the wrong people heard you say that?!" shouted Ser Maximillian Florent, MP from Brightwater Keep.
"My lords and ladies!" yelled another.
"Let the Prime Minister speak!" beckoned Lady Briala Greyjoy, MP from Pyke.
*BANG!*
*BANG!*
"ORDER! ORDER! There will be order!" shouted the Lord Speaker as he banged the gavel on the podium demanding silence.
But for one man leaning against a railing, listening to the bickering, the sight was becoming more unbearable.
"Ugh, madness. Sodding bureaucrats…" groaned Samson, a distinguished history professor at the University of King's Landing and a retired military officer in the Royal Army. A broad-shouldered man well into his late-50s, he is a proven battle commander who led his troops from the rear in countless battles in his youth and rose to national prominence as a war hero during the War against the Band of Twelve in 1089 AC – during which he met and befriended both Jaerys Velaryon and Jon Stark, the future royal consort and Lord of Winterfell respectively.
Because of his tactical prowess in liberating the Stepstones from the band of Lyseni-Tyroshi pirate kings and driving them away from the region, King Ormund III Baratheon personally rewarded Samson with a promotion to the rank of General and soon command of the entire Royal Amy before retiring eight years later. Lifelong military, got the job done, was popular with the troops… Samson had not planned on retiring but was given no choice due to a bad injury sustained in his right knee, resulting in his limp. Upon being honorably discharged, he was hired by the University of King's Landing as a tutor.
"Professor!" someone called out.
Samson turned to see a group of at least ten people standing behind a chain-link guardrail watched closely by two gold cloaks. At the very front was a moderately middle-class shopkeeper with a wooden pad and a piece of paper in his arm. The man was waving him over, hoping to get his attention.
"Yes, what is it?" Samson inquired.
"Would you be so kind as to sign my petition?" he asked. "There's been a 15 percent increase in poverty in King's Landing this year. Too many are without jobs, homes, quality care and are unable to provide for their families, yet our King does nothing. He must be made to care just as his ancestors of old did."
"I'm an old man, lad."
"But you're a war hero! The legendary General Samson the Tenacious. He who took on an entire armada of pirates and sent them scurrying back to the Seventh Hell from whence they came! Surely you must know by now that your name carries a great deal of weight to the people."
"Having my name being used to take advantage in the situation does nothing but sully the cause of those who have well-meaning intentions, but a lack of forethought," Samson dissuaded. Before he could continue, he noticed Sharra Arryn and Daemon Baratheon making their way towards him along with the rest of the Vale delegation. "Ah! There you are, you two!"
"Good morning, professor. I trust all is well today?" Sharra curtsied.
"Hello," Daemon acknowledged.
Samson turned to the petitioners. "As I said, using my name does a great disservice – but perhaps the Prince here would care to help you out," he suggested.
"Wait. Me?" he looked confused.
"Him?" questioned one of the younger female petitioners.
"But he's the King's brother!" seconded another.
"That may be, but I have known him since he was but a small boy. I fought alongside both his father and grandfather for many years. Prince Daemon is a good lad. He is nothing like Argilac, I assure you. Not once ounce of maliciousness or cruelty. He wouldn't harm a fly."
The shopkeeper looked elated. "Oh, in that case, it would be most helpful! Would you sign my petition, Your Highness?" he asked.
Daemon, still puzzled, looked at both Sharra and Samson. Sharra nodded her head in encouragement; Samson, meanwhile, maintained a neutral expression on his face. …'We, the people of Westeros, demand action! Help us in our fight poverty – starting King's Landing where the brunt of…' Seriously? There is only so much a madman can take before it all boils over. "Of course. I'd be happy to sign," he blurted out before taking the ink and quill before writing his signature.
"Thank you, Your Highness. Your support will make all the difference," the leading petitioners bowed before leaving the Chamber of the Oathkeeper with the City Watchmen peacefully escort them out.
"That was truly kind of you, Daemon," Sharra said. "It may not seem that way to others but even one small act can make a difference."
"Indeed, lad. Perhaps your brother will finally realize that you are your own man now. Even Argilac must understand that by now," Samson concurred.
The Prince pouted. "You could've warned me ahead of time before putting me on the spot."
"And ruin the opportune moment to prove yourself independent instead of relying on others? Bah! Your grandfather was against that line of thinking."
"I know, but still…"
"Anyhow, now that you're here, we can get down to business. Did Jarger tell you why you were needed?"
"He said after meeting with parliament I'm to tutor some history class with you. Why?"
Samson sighed exasperatedly. "So, he failed to clarify the 'actual' reason… again. Bloody fool's memory's slowly starting to fade away."
"'Again'? Professor, what is going on? Why am I here?" the Prince started getting suspicious.
But before Samson could answer, another parliamentarian shouted.
"We must appeal to His Grace's reason!"
"'Reason'?! Have you gone daft?! Our King refuses reasoning at every turn!"
All three overheard the ongoing debate on the parliament floor turning more heated as several MPs stood and began shouting over each other.
"That doesn't sound good," Daemon remarked.
Sharra shook her head. "No. It doesn't. Come. We've dallied for too long."
"Agreed," Samson nodded as they neared the inner chamber. "Perhaps your presence there can get them to come to their senses. You've made good progress in studying history so far, even if it was a bit sloppy and you needed more time to prepare – but time is an essence we no longer have now."
"Our ancestors convened at this very spot 800 years ago following the War for Westeros. It was here that King Daveth the Great himself enacted upon a series of reforms that served as the cornerstone of change, but it was King Steffon the Wise and Prime Minister Gerold themselves who introduced the idea of a constitutional monarchy. The checks and balances that were put into place have been slowly chipped away at these last four years. If we don't act now…"
"Sharra, professor… You two know where my loyalties lie."
"We know, lad. But there's still some who aren't convinced. They need a bit of persuading."
"But what can I do? Surely with Prime Minister Mallister's help, we can—"
"Daemon," Sharra interrupted. "Daemon, you're my best friend. You can count on both mine and Professor Samson's support. As does the Vale." She sighed and took a deep breath. "We're on your side. We didn't want to see you put in this situation."
"What situation?"
"The entire Westerosi Parliament and our Prime Minister are trying to call upon another Great Council regarding your brother's madness. They're intending either a regency or a forced abdication. Lord Mallister asked us to approach you on this personally," Samson revealed.
Daemon felt the world shifting around him too rapidly than he was comfortable with; his companions could tell by his body language and facial expressions. He had so many questions roaming through his head. Another attempt at convening a Great Council? They plan to force Argilac—his brother—to step down from the throne? A diplomatic coup d'état? Did Jarger mislead him from the beginning? What was going on?
"But… but it'll be a civil war," he stammered. Please don't make me do this. You're asking me to do something against my own family. Against the realm…
"And if we do nothing, then there will be civil war regardless," Samson pointed out.
Sharra didn't like putting her friend in a rough patch, but she had to make him understand. "We can't keep permitting King Argilac from doing what he wants with no accountability on his part. His actions represent a failure to listen. That's why parliament wants to do it peacefully without resorting to violence. We are sworn to uphold the principles of this kingdom, even if the monarchy does not."
"Sharra—"
"I know he's your brother, Daemon, but the people are going to need you one day. You can't afford to sit on the sidelines forever. You need to be ready for any scenario."
By the time they arrived on the Parliament Chamber's floor, the situation looked like it was bound to further escalate into a full-out brawl.
"Coward!"
"King's Landing is a city of cowards!"
"Treason! I'll shut your cock hole!"
"Shut your own! Fuck the Westerlands!"
"Fuck the Reach!"
*BANG!*
*BANG!*
"ORDER! We shall have order!" again demanded a visibly frustrated Lord Speaker.
Prime Minister Mallister, having finally had enough to the political infighting, decided enough was enough. "The motion for parliament is hereby suspended until hostility from the lords of Horn Hill, Crakehall, and Griffin's Roost understand that acts of violence will not be tolerated in this chamber. Remove them from the premises," he echoed to which parliamentary security had the unruly lords escorted out. "We can only judge the future from what we have suffered in the past. More than 1,000 years ago our nation was forged in the crucible of combat. With fire and blood. That all changed when House Targaryen was removed and since then our nation has acted on cooperation to help it heal and move forward. These are rather difficult times. Peace is our objective here… not war."
"How many more of us have to die before this strife ends? How many more meet the same fate as the late Lord Wilmund Bracken, the Hand of the King?" asked Ser Jason Dayne, MP from Starfall. "We need more security before push comes to shove…"
"I believe we may have found a remedy, my lords," Sharra chimed as she took to the stand.
"Ah, Lady Arryn. We were wondering when you were going to show up."
"Pardon my tardiness. If the Prime Minister will allow me five minutes to the floor?"
Lord Mallister looked at her. "Without objection, the parliamentarian from the Eyrie is recognized for five minutes."
As the rest of the Vale delegates too their seats, Sharra shuffled some documents in front of her desk. "Lord Prime Minister, Lord Speaker, my distinguished colleagues. Four years ago, a tragedy struck this nation when we lost a beloved sovereign. Queen Shiera of the House Baratheon, the Third of Her Name, passed away from a prolonged battle with an illness we have not yet seen. We pay tribute to her house and honor her memory. My mother was her handmaiden before she became Lady Paramount of the Vale and Wardness of the East. I have known her since I was a little girl. She was a mother to not just her children but to us all. Since then the Health and Medicinal Research Committee has donated a generous 12 million Gold Dragons in funding to improve the lives of its citizens—nobles and commoners alike. That all changed with the ascension of her firstborn son, King Argilac the Fourth of His Name. Our factory workers report longer hours, unreasonable, unsafe working conditions… Children—little children as young as eight or nine years old—losing access to affordable education and forced into labor to make ends meet or face the risk of being forced to live the rest of their lives out on the streets."
Many of the lords and ladies boo and yell.
"Even as we speak," she continued, "the more the people cry out, the more cruelty our monarch brings down. Three years ago, Argilac had a man's tongue ripped out with hot pincers for having the courage to ask the Crown for fairness. Two months later, he had lords executed for imagined slights and took their wives and daughters as his mistresses, forcing himself on them daily before banishing them into permanent exile when they had bastards in their bellies. I could go on and on, my lords and ladies, but we all know what kind of man Argilac has shown himself to be. That sort of unruly behavior is not tolerated in the Vale. King Argilac believes he sees nothing wrong with what he is doing. He takes great pleasure in it, inflicting pain, misery, and torment on anyone he gets his hands on. Whenever we point out the flaws in his mismanagement of the kingdom, people go 'missing.' Violence! Fear and blood! That's his way of punishing those who call him out on it because we know he's wrong. We're not dimwitted. He's not fit to rule anything!"
"And what do you propose we do about it?" inquired Lady Myranda Tully, MP from Riverrun. "The King has so far curtailed and strictly limited our legislative duties and prevented one Great Council after another from ever occurring. Whatever we decide will affect the outcome of this day."
Sharra turned to Daemon. "I had hoped to find a relative solution to our problems within the Acts of Union's parliamentary bylaws. If it pleases the Prime Minister, I would like to introduce a close friend of mine. Lords and ladies, I yield back the remainder of my time to present to you Queen Shiera's second son, Prince Daemon Baratheon, who has agreed to address parliament."
"Good luck, lad," Samson nudged encouragingly.
Daemon nervously adjusted his collar as he stood on the parliament floor. All eyes were locked on him. By the Gods, he was uncomfortable! As the younger son, he never expected to participate in the game of thrones' political intrigue – but now that he was, Daemon had to essentially step onto the national stage at some point in his life. But why now? Why like this?
Gods have mercy. Mother, what do I do? Where do we go from here? "Honorable lords and ladies of the realm, distinguished members of parliament, and The Right Honorable Prime Minister Lord Garland Mallister," he cleared his throat. "You have all been through some of the most… difficult times. I understand that Argilac has been too… preoccupied to treat you as he should. I don't condone acts of violence or any type of mistreatment. Our founding fathers stood against this level of corruption during their time even long before Westeros became a single nation – not seven individual kingdoms. You remember from the history books that my ancestor, King Robert I Baratheon, rebelled and overthrew the ruling royal House Targaryen 800 years ago when Aerys the Mad exhibited the same behavior. But for the time being, I must ask this legislative body to ignore any wild rumors you hear until we get official confirmation."
So far so good. You did not shout, you did not threaten, and you are being more sensible, thought Sharra approvingly. It is only a shame you were not the firstborn. Maybe the kingdom might have been better off with you on the throne, not Argilac.
Ser Wyman Blackwater, MP from Summerhall, shifted in his seat. "So, you propose we do nothing while your brother continues to trample on us all? Is that what we're hearing from you, Your Highness?"
"I only ask for patience, ser. Calmer heads will prevail, I'm sure of it."
"No offense, Your Highness, but our patience had run out a long time ago. Four years we have had to deal with this. Four. Years! Things were different when Queen Shiera the Pure was alive, Gods have mercy on her soul. She must be rolling in her grave right now if she could see what her two sons have been doing."
Daemon felt a nerve twitch. NEVER talk about my mother like that, bastard! "This coming from a man who's currently on his twelfth marriage?" he retorted.
That comment caused some mix of laughter and scorn; Wyman's face turned to beat red with anger as Sharra looked away embarrassed.
"The Prince of Dragonstone will refrain from using that language in this chamber as it is not only intolerable but goes against all the rules of procedure," reminded Lord Mallister.
"Apologies, Prime Minister. We've all been under a lot of stress… but I've had to deal with my brother for longer than most. If you answer Argilac with violence, then Argilac will only respond with even greater violence. Too many innocents are already caught up in the middle and I don't want to see more of them getting hurt."
"The North sympathizes with your concerns, cousin," remarked Ser Rodrick Stark, MP from Winterfell. "You have a good heart. But sometimes inaction can be just as cruel as the person committing the act of injustice themselves. Right now, we need actions, not words."
"But…"
Another parliamentarian stood. "The nobility of Dorne concurs with the delegate from Winterfell. In accordance to Article 12, Clause 6, Section 4A of the Acts of Union, 'in the event should a reigning monarch start exhibiting any signs of malicious intent or abuse of power or conflict of interest, the Westerosi Parliament shall be given the emergency power and authority needed to call upon a Great Council to resolve the issue.' Written and signed with royal assent by King Steffon VII. We assembled here are all bound by that law your ancestor wrote. Sunspear moves for a vote on assembling a Great Council."
"You're right. We must unite!" echoed another parliamentarian.
This causes a great stir in the assembly. A loud murmur of crescendos into a roar of approval and jeers. Daemon stood stunned and speechless. No one was listening to him despite his pleas. Sharra gently places a calm reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Daemon. You tried your best, but some people just can't be reasoned with if emotions are running dangerously high," she said apologetically.
"The Iron Islands seconds the motion for a Great Council."
"The motion has been seconded by Lady Briala Greyjoy of Pyke," the Lord Speaker recorded.
"There must be no more delays. No more being sidelined. The motion is on the floor and must be voted upon in this session."
The assembled members of parliament begin to chant.
"Vote now! Vote now! Vote now!"
*KA-BANG!*
The abrupt sound of a musket shot quickly silenced the chant as the Dornish parliamentarian's forehead was suddenly pierced by a tiny ball of lead firing through the air and blood sprayed everywhere. The shot pierced the Dornishman's forehead and he suddenly fell to the ground dead. In an instant, panic and screaming filled the room as a large battalion of Argilac's enforcers led by a tall man wearing a lion great helm; his steel plate was enameled in deep crimson and highlighted in gold with golden sunburts rondels; his cloak was heavy cloth-of-gold clasped with gold miniature lionesses and attached to his left flank was a gilded longsword with a lion head pommel but a gilded musket pistol with the smell of gunpowder emanating from the barrel.
As the shouts and screaming intensified, Samson angrily recognized the man as he removed his helmet. He was around the same age as the professor, but he was shaven head with bushy golden side-whiskers and pale green eyes. The way he stared at people he commanded a powerful presence combined with an intimidating gaze.
"General Gerion Lannister," Samson acknowledged.
The name alone sparked a sense of terror. Gerion Lannister is a cold, calculating and ruthless man who ruled over his dominion as Lord of Casterly Rock, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands and Warden of the West; yet he was currently a prominent high-ranking General in the Royal Army of Westeros with a reputation for ruthless efficiency, earning the epithet 'the jaws of my army' from King Argilac. Indeed, if he were to burn down an entire city to rout the enemy, he would do it without a moment's pause. No fear, no hesitation, no mercy.
"There will no longer be a vote of any measure being carried out within this chamber," Gerion coldly announced.
Oh, my Gods… He-he just killed him, Sharra's mind raced.
"G-General! What are you doing?!" shouted Daemon with shock in his voice.
"General Lannister! What is the meaning of this?!" demanded the Prime Minister.
Gerion ignored their calls. "By order of His Grace, Argilac of the House Baratheon, the Fourth of His Name, King of Westeros and Protector of the Realm, the Westerosi Parliament is officially dissolved effective immediately. All in attendance are to hereby be taken into custody for trial."
"On what charges?!"
"Treason." He turned to his men. "Take them away. If they resist, shoot them. Return the Prince to his chambers and make sure he stays there like a good lad. His lady friend can join the rest of the traitors."
Traitors? Have you gone mad?! "You can't do this!" Sharra protested.
*BAM!*
One backhand and Sharra spun to the ground. Daemon rushed to her, but his arms were roughly grabbed by a multitude of his brother's soldiers. No matter how hard he resisted, their grip on him was tight. Gerion cusped the Prince's chin and brought him to eye-level as the guards took Sharra and the other parliamentarians away.
"Perhaps the King has been too lenient with you, Prince Daemon."
"What are you going to do to them?" he questioned.
"That is up to your brother to decide," the Great Lion of the Rock answered. "And to say he is most displeased with your disobedience would be a monumental understatement. The work we are doing here is all in the name of peace."
"This is murder, General! Can't you see what you're doing? You're not bringing peace! You're starting a war!"
*BAM!*
One gut punch and Daemon was left gasping for breath.
"Peace can't be made a reality by wearing a velvet glove. You are young, but you still have much to learn. His Grace will see to that personally."
Chapter End
Author's Note: The second chapter has arrived, but the situation has clearly escalated dangerously further. Parliament declared disbanded, the delegates being arrested and accused of treason, and Daemon will soon be brought face-to-face with Argilac himself. How will the descendant of Daveth Baratheon handle this crisis? Find out in the next chapter as Westeros's tyrannical ruler makes an official appearance.
Guest #1: There is a civil war coming to Westeros, that's for sure. Brother against brother, the last born descendants of Daveth the Great.
C.E.W: Things are really escalated due to Argilac Baratheon's madness, and cruelty as King. Now Parliament has been disbanded, its members detained as traitors and Daemon due to face Argilac soon. I fear Argilac will do something cruel to make Daemon rebel against him. Perhaps it involves Sharra, kill her right in front of Daemon. Don't get me wrong, I'm prefer not to see her die, but Daemon needs a motivation to rebel against Argilac. Daemon already shown hesitation in it.
Parliament still has many loyalists in the city, and those loyal to the late Queen and her legacy. Someone might be willing to make a move to help Daemon escape. With any luck they can use secret passages before anybody realizes the Prince is missing.
From what I'm able to dig out in this chapter. So far, it appears the Crownlands support Argilac as does the Westerlands, and the Reach. The Stormlands are loyal to the Baratheons and Argilac is the head of House Baratheon. The Riverlands are currently unknown, but the North and the Vale as well as the Iron Islands appear to oppose Argilac and his tyrannical policies.
The way I figure it, if Daemon escapes he might be able to rally the North, the Vale and the Iron Islands against Argilac. Dorne might not want to take part due to wanting avoid loss of life, and the Riverlands are still unknown. Also, given Argilac's tyrannical policies, Daemon might be able to claim loyalty of many officers in the army particular with Professor Samson's help. Some of them might be experienced, quick on counter attacks and troop movements, not be underestimated. It could be civil war between north and south Westeros.
Also when Daemon makes his move, he will need a general. I would recommend Samson but he's a cripple, not quite the ideal person to lead Daemon's rebel forces. Perhaps an inspiration of Ulysses Grant lol. Inspirational by the recent history series Grant 2020.