CERSEI

Not long after Ser Barristan leaves Cersei begins her plotting. For the past four years she and Joffrey have been working to make him to be an upstanding Prince so that Robert would not strip him of the crown. She sends an invitation to Mace Tyrell inviting him and his family to King's Landing as royal guests of the Queen. When they arrive she is there to greet them with Prince Joffrey.

"Welcome to the Capital and the Red Keep Lord Tyrell."

"You honor us with your invitation and greeting my Queen. May I present my wife Lady Alerie." As he calls their names they either curtsey or bow, "My mother Lady Olenna Tyrell, My son Garland Tyrell, My other son Loras, and My daughter Margaery Tyrell…"

"This is my son Prince Joffrey. My daughter Princess Myrcella, and my youngest son Prince Tommen. Come my servants will show you to your quarters and later we shall dine together." After greeting her guests Cersei takes Joffrey to a private room to speak with him. "Remember what I told you Joffrey."

"Yes Mother I remember."

"Good do you have the gift ready?"

"I do."

She kisses him on the forehead, "Go then."

While Joffrey charms Margaery Cersei sends gifts to her guests and gets ready to dine with them. At the last minute she goes to see Robert, "Robert won't you join us please?" She says genuinely begging, "Am I one to beg for anything? Please join us."

"No the Tyrells supported the Dragons during the rebellion. I will never forget that or forgive it. Now I am going hunting."

"And Joffrey?"

He stops with a dramatic sigh, "What of him?"

"Have you made up your mind?"

"He has improved a lot over the years…We shall see I don't know."

Cersei watches as he leaves, his words enforcing her resolve to see him dead and Joffrey on the throne. She heads to the kitchens to make sure everything is flowing perfectly for her guests. When the time comes she and Joffrey enter the dining hall together with Myrcella and Tommen. "Will his grace the King be joining us?" Mace asks.

"I'm afraid affairs of state take my husband away…He sends his regards." Conversation flows along with the food, wine and drink. As the time passes Cersei notices that everyone but Olenna participates in the conversation.

Mace stands up after the Queen, "Your Grace thank you for the company and the fine meal."

"Hopefully this is the start to many wonderful things between our families. Lady Olenna may I speak with you in private?"

"Of course your grace." They wait until the others have left, "More wine?"

"No thank you. Let us talk plainly…I know the King is thinking about stripping Prince Joffrey of the crown."

"He was going to do it and I convinced him to give Joffrey a second chance."

"Fine, you want this alliance, but if your husband is against it."

"He knows that by allying himself with your House will only increase his power."

"Is it true the crown is broke?"

Cersei smiles, "We or rather my husband the King owes gold to the Iron Bank."
"And your father." Olenna adds.

She raises her glass, "My compliments to your spies."

"Would the King be more agreeable if House Tyrell paid half of what is owed to the Iron Bank?"

Cersei smiles and presents Olenna's offer to Robert who accepts. Now she uses her wealth to buy the loyalty of the City Watch. Soon it will be time move against Robert.