Goodbye to What Was

"Gendry?" King Robert said raising his voice to make it clear that it was absurd. "You want me to take in my bastard, the blacksmith's apprentice, as my heir. Are you mad!?"

Ned sat back waiting for his friend to calm down.

"That you would even suggest such a thing is completely and utterly foolish Ned, even for you. You may have been willing to take in your bastard Jon Snow but I will not hear of it."

"Please, just think on it Robert. You may see that you have no other option at this point. Unless you remarry and a son is born to take your place you have no other choice but to accept Gendry. You can have him legitimized, raise him from here on out to take your place. Or at least acknowledge his claim until we can think of another solution," he stopped there and watched as the King thought things over. He could tell of the inner conflicts just by the look upon his face. Ned knew this would be challenging news to bring to the King's attention, but he also knew that something had to be done. So, he sat and watched as his friend thought some more, he waited patiently.

"I've thought Ned. And you are right, this is the only solution for now. I am to hold a meeting of the small council on the morrow to discuss preparations for the changes that will be made within the palace. I thank you again for always being honest with me, my friend. Especially with a matter that I could have labelled as being treason," he said with a small smile on his large round face. "You are to leave me now and I will see you after we break our fast on the morrow."

"Good night, your grace," and with that he left the King's solar hoping that tomorrow might mean a better future for the seven kingdoms than there might have been had the Lannister's kept their position within the palace.

. … . … .

Ned was glad when the sun rose and matters would soon be at hand. He couldn't help but feel that things had to be dealt with as soon as possible.

He decided to have his first meal of the day with his daughters Sansa and Arya who had accompanied him to King's Landing. He had very little time throughout the day to spend with them so this was the most opportune time.

"Good morning, girls," he said as he seated himself at the table that they shared for meals.

"Good morning, father," Sansa replied sweetly with all manners that a lady should have. Arya remained silent pushing her food around her plate with a fork. He decided not to press it as there was obviously something on her mind.

"I must request that you girls stay in the Tower of the Hand today," he said to them before taking a mouthful of eggs.

"That's not fair!" Arya yelled at him with obvious disagreement. "I'm supposed to have my lessons with Syrio today. How am I ever to learn if I cannot even leave my room?"

It wasn't a question. She grabbed her plate and stormed from the room without a second thought.

"Father, can I ask why? Is there something wrong?" Sansa looked at him with an expression of worry that he knew Arya could not muster. He loved both of his daughters equally but for different reasons. Sansa reminded him of her mother, her beauty was something that could not be compared to many in the kindom, her red hair flowed beautifully down her back and she was a young girl of innocence and manner. He knew that she would grow to be a lovely lady and make her family proud. Arya on the other hand, he believed should have been a boy. Her rebellious nature was much like his own when he was young and her stubbornness was something that showed her strength. She didn't have the breathtaking looks that her sister has but she was beautiful nonetheless.

"It is a matter we will discuss later, for now Jory will be keeping an eye on you and your sister. I must be getting to a meeting now, I shall see you this evening."

. … . … .

He entered the council chambers and took his place at the table, in the chair to the right hand side of the King. Robert had yet to arrive and the small council members were talking amongst themselves. He looked around eyeing the men around him of whom he's grown to understand that he would never be able to trust. There was the eunuch Varys, known as the spider and the master of secrets. He tended to know everything before everyone and is known for having the largest collection of spies throughout the palace. Ned discovered early on with him that he could not be trusted. Then there was Petyr Baelish, commonly known as Little Finger, owner of a brothel in the city and also the man in charge of all of the crown's expenses. He was a man of manipulation. Next to him sat Renly Baratheon, King Robert's youngest brother, he reminded him so much of Robert when they were young that it often through him off to look at him. Lastly, there was the Grand Maester Pycelle.

Ned sat waiting, not taking part in any conversation until Robert made his appearance. It was often he who led such meetings. But this time, it was Robert's place to do so.

When he entered, he took his time making his way through the chambers. Once seated, he waved a servant over to fill his goblet with wine. By now, everyone was silently waiting for Robert to speak and Ned eyed him carefully waiting for him to do so.

"Well men, we have an urgent matter to attend to," he looked around and everyone remained quiet waiting for him to continue. Robert looked at Ned then and he only gave him a slight nod. And so he went on, "It has been brought to my attention that my wife has been unfaithful to I, her king, as a result Joffery, Tommen and Myrcella are not born of my seed."

Ned took notice to the expressions of the other council members to see if there is any recognition to what has been said. As expected, Varys, Pycelle and Little Finger do not seem at all surprised.

"How can this be?" said Renly the only one truly surprised by the announcement.

"It seems that my wife has taken another to my bed, I am not sure as to who but I now know that the children are not mine."

It is Varys that speaks next, "But your grace, this means that there is no heir to the Iron Throne."

"I am well aware Varys, thanks for stating," Robert takes a long drink of his wine, "I end my marriage and begin the search for a new bride. In the meantime, I need to name someone heir to my throne should I die."

"Well next in line would be Stannis, would it not?" asked Little Finger with an obvious look of disgust.

"A child born of Robert's seed has higher claim," Ned interjected.

"You are going to search for a bastard, brother? You cannot be serious," Renly took this as an insult.

"I have found one already. I am to send Ned to collect him after this meeting so he shall begin his lessons. I have drawn up my new will, all of Cersei's children have been disinherited and my bastard is now first in line for the crown. I sign now and so shall you all as my witnesses," Robert finished his signature, passing the paper around the table before sealing it with his sigil. "We shall summon Cersei now to have her admit to her sins so I can move on from this deceit."

. … . … .

When Cersei entered the chambers she glided across the room in all of her grace. She took her seat at the foot of the table, opposite to her husband.

"So, why have I been summoned?" she says so as she leans back with the poise of a queen.

"Do you have anything you wish to tell me?" Robert drank from his glass again.

"What ever are you talking about Robert? Please, do not play these mind games with me."

"Is it true, that you have committed treason against I, your king and husband? Have you been with another and allowed him to father your children?" Robert spit this at her with disgust.

Her expression remained unwavering, though she did look around at the other men seated at the table. Her gaze landed on Ned before turning her attention back to her husband, "Do you honestly think I am capable of such treachery Robert? What proof do you have?"

"You did not answer my question, women. Have you, or have you not?" He raised his voice then.

"I have not loved you in many years, Robert."

"Answer the question women, before I lose my temper."

"Robert, we have not lain together in some time, you do the math."

"So you admit your guilt?"

"I do."

"Your grace, you realize that admitting to these accusations you have forfeited your title as Queen and your children will no longer be known as having royal blood," Varys stated as to confirm what was happening.

"Well, Varys, it seems you have all made up your minds in the matter. So, why should I try to prove you otherwise? I admit to my infidelities, I admit that my children were not born of Robert's seed. I had hoped that my secret would have stayed hidden but there is not much I can do now," she turned her attention to Robert then, "Shall you have my head?"

Ned was surprised by her admittance, he would have guessed that she would have put up a fight to hold her families claim. He saw the surprise in Robert's face when she asked him of what was to come of her. He sat silent for a few minutes, looking at her with such hatred. After a moment his expression softened, which in such a situation is quite rare for Robert.

"No. I will allow you to return to Casterly Rock with your family. I may have a temper but I am not unforgiving. I will not deprive those children of a mother after losing everything else they have ever known/ You leave in two days time. Take your children and your brother and leave my city. You shall not return. The Lannister's will no longer have any ties with the crown and should your family move against me, the Lannisters will be no more… Do you understand me?" He looked at her with daggers in his eyes.

"Yes, your grace." She stood and began walking to the door.

"One more thing, Cersei," Robert said, and she turned to face him. "Joffery's betrothal to Sansa Stark is no more."

At that she turned and continued her way out of the room not looking back.

. … . … .

I know, I know. Where the hell is Gendry right? Don't worry he will be in the next chapter and then a bit later Arya will be thrown into the mix.

Let me know what you think so far!