Hey guys, I know you guys are hoping that Joffery will try to take back the throne BUT because I had Cersei admit to her affair, he is also now known as a bastard and not even of Robert's blood.

This chapter will also have a bit of what is happening at Casterly Rock! Keep in mind that it has been about a month since Gendry entered the Red Keep and the Lannisters were expelled.

Hope you guys like it!

. … . … .

She was chasing cats again. Syrio encouraged it as much as possible.

They weren't dancing today which made her sad. It was the only thing in King's Landing that she enjoyed. She didn't fit in with Sansa or Septa Mordane, she hated sewing and wearing pretty dresses, she hated being a lady. She stopped trying and rebelled against wearing the dresses the septa laid out for her. She half-assed all of her sewing and would zone out to her lessons of manners.

Sword play was what she loved, feeling the hilt of needle in her hand, allowing it to become an extension of her arm. She couldn't imagine her life any other way.

So, she did as Syrio said, she chased the cats through the courtyard, down the hallways and pass the guards. She ran, she zigged, and she zagged. There were times when she would stumble, tripping over her own feet, and lose her balance. But that was the point. Learning balance, endurance and quick movements. It was fun. The most fun she has had in such a long time.

Arya was now running through the stables, she was gaining on the tabby cat as it raced through the stalls trying to keep out of her grasp. She dodged a few of the stable boys and avoided running into the posts that ran along the center aisle. She rounded the corner at full speed. Not watching where she was going she ran into someone and it was like hitting a brick wall. The force caused her to fall onto her back, her head hitting the floor. She caught a glimpse of King Gendry before everything went black.

When she came to there was a pounding and a dizziness in her head. She opened her eyes and was blinded by the sun shining down, which only made her head hurt more. She looked around her and realized she was no longer in the stables. She shot up straight and saw that she was in her chambers, and the sun was shining through the window where she lay. The quick movement made her feel sick as she grabbed the basin placed by her bed. She threw up, more than once.

She heard a light knock on the door. "Come in," she said sitting upright in her bed. The door opened slightly and the King poked his head in.

"Your maidservants informed me that you had waken," he said taking a step in to the room. "I just wanted to make sure you are alright."

"I'm fine," she said looking in her lap. "No thanks to you."

"Excuse me?" Gendry had a look of confusion on his face, it seemed to be mixed with annoyance. "You are the one who ran into me. I was nice enough to actually return you to your chambers. So, I disagree. A thank you is in order."

"You think I'm going to thank you for letting me hit my head? Not that I really believe in knights in shining armor, but I think you could have caught me before I fell," this time she looked at him with challenge in her eyes, hoping he would let it go and let her have her way.

"Well, not that I enjoy the title or power I hold, but I am the King," he accepted her challenge and she had no argument to retort once he brought up being king. He was right. He is the King. Lady or not she should at least be courteous.

"Then I thank you, Your Grace," she said defeated. She got up from her bed then and managed a slight curtsy. When she stood she couldn't manage to regain her balance and felt herself sway before seeing the ground rushing up to her once again. She was surprised when her head didn't make an impact. She felt an arm wrapped around her waist and she glanced up to see Gendry looking down at her.

"Are you okay, my lady?" he pulled her upright bringing her to stand close to him. She felt a hitch in her breath when she saw the look of pure concern on his face. It brought back a weird feeling in the pit of her stomach. But it wasn't like the nausea she felt before, it was pleasant. "Should I send for Maester Pycelle?"

She stepped back, regaining her composure. "No, I'm fine. I just need some rest." What was happening? She never felt that feeling before and knew that she had to get away from the King. "If you would take your leave, your grace." She went back to her bed and slid under the covers suddenly feeling too exposed.

"As you wish, Lady Arya."

"Don't call me that," she voiced with more bite than she intended.

"Then what should I call you?" he said raising an eyebrow.

She thought for a moment. "Just Arya," she said looking in her lap again. She felt her cheeks getting hot and she guessed that she was blushing, which only made her face even redder out of embarrassment.

"Okay, Just Arya," he said mockingly with a grin on his face. "And I would prefer you call me Gendry. I'm not very fond of titles."

"Okay, Gendry."

He smiled and gave a slight bow to her before leaving the way he came.

Arya couldn't understand the feelings she felt when he caught her, but she knew it wasn't a feeling that she wanted to feel.

. … . … .

He was King now. His coronation would be held in two days time now that his father has been properly put to rest. He couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by everything that has been happening over the past month. First being approached by Lord Stark, then being moved into the castle, there were all of his lessons, his father's death, and now it was he who sat upon the Iron Throne. Though it was an honour, it was more than he had ever expected. He had to be present at all small council meetings, it was he who had to listen and pass judgment on the petitions of the people. He was advised by Lord Stark – whom he kept on as Hand of the King – that he needed to remain firm in his decisions and do what had to be done. It was easier said than done. Who was he to have to sentence someone to death? Who was he tell people what they deserve? Sure, he was king. But, he was still a boy who came from flea bottom. He knows his peoples' sufferings and needs. And yet, he couldn't give them all of what they need. Apparently, his father left the crown so far in debt that they could barely afford the coronation and feast. He offered to pass on it, but they insisted that it had to be done. He had to be crowned and recognized by the gods as king in front of everyone. He couldn't simply just be given the title without proper acceptance and respect, and he couldn't get that without the realm being a part of it.

Gendry was leaving the Tower of the Hand, he had been visiting Arya Stark, finally. It wasn't what he had expected for their first encounter but he had finally talked to her. She had a very unladylike personality, and she seemed to enjoy a challenge. He liked that she didn't like the use of titles either. They seemed to be on the same page. When he saw her fall today, a sense of panic and urgency shot through him. He wanted nothing more than for her to be okay. And when he took her up into his arms, he couldn't help but to take in the smell of her. He couldn't help but notice the young innocence written across her face. When the maester told him she would be okay he was overcome with relief. Then, when she almost passed out in her chambers he felt himself lurch forward, but didn't know how he came to be holding her waist. When he looked at her, he saw how she lost her breath suddenly because the same thing happened to him. He couldn't believe that he was standing so close to her, that he was looking so deeply into her large, doe like brown eyes. He felt his stomach flutter with butterflies and he couldn't breathe. When she backed away, he was filled with both relief and disappointment. It would have been nice to hold her a little longer, but he was glad that she broke their small connection.

. … . … .

Meanwhile, with the Lannisters

The Journey

"Mother, why are we going to Casterly Rock?" asked Myrcella, she was never one to enjoy travel. They were in the carriage and had just begun travel on the King's Road. "And, why is father not coming with us?"

"You must not worry, my darling. We will be going to stay at Casterly Rock for now. King Robert must stay in King's Landing for that is his place," Cersei avoided answering her children's questions. She managed to keep the gossip from their ears until the left, but she was sure it would catch up to them at some point. But, in the meantime, she wanted to protect her children from the proof. How could she tell them that they were the children of her brother Jamie? How could she tell them they are bastards?

"Well, you did not give an answer…" Joffery was her stubborn child. Her eldest living son, her pride and joy. He was supposed to be the king. He was supposed to sit upon the Iron Throne. But, Ned Stark ruined that. He exposed her secret to Robert. And, it was he who ruined the life of her children. She would never find them proper marriages now.

"Nor should I have to. For now it is none of your concern, we will discuss it when I seek fit," she said silencing him. It was going to be a treacherous two weeks of travel in the carriage with her children so full of curiosity.

The first week was not as bad as she had originally thought. The children seemed to understand that she was not willing to discuss their sudden leave from King's Landing. It was an annoyance that she had to listen to Tommen and Myrcella blabbering on about childish nonsense, and Joffery being an asshole as always. He constantly tormented his younger siblings and was actually quite cruel at times. It worried her gravely of the kind of man he would grow to be. During the nights they slept peacefully with their few house guards standing watch outside of the carriage. Jamie travelled with them also, but they had discussed it and thought it best that they keep their distance until matters have been settled. So, he stood guard with the other men, as was his duty.

On their eighth day, they received the news of Robert's death. Cersei herself felt indifferent of the matter. She loathed her husband anyways and was quite happy of his demise. Her only regret was that she had nothing to do with it. Her children on the other hand were distraught. Tommen and Myrcella cried for hours at a time, they did not speak to anyone but each other, and ignored their mother for not allowing them a goodbye to their "father" before they left. Joffery was hurt by the news but he didn't shed a tear and mocked his siblings to no end for their weakness. When she asked him why he did not cry he responded with "Kings do not cry, mother." And, with that her heart sank. How could she tell him the truth now?

On the tenth day, they were attacked by a gang of bandits. They killed multiple guards but in the end Jamie and a few of the others were able to prevail and take a hostage. After torturing him for what seemed like forever, he finally told them of their plans. They discovered that some of the surrounding lords wanted both Cersei and Joffery dead. Cersei for her treason and Joffery because of his previous claim as crowned prince. Cersei managed to hide this from her children too. But she could not wait to be safe in the confines of her home.

Casterly Rock

When they finally arrived at the Rock on the fourteenth day, Cersei and Jamie had a meeting with their father.

"So tell me, what is this all about?" Tywin Lannister was all about business. He had not seen his children in some time but was disappointed in Cersei for losing her Queenly status and returning home with bastard children. Their family was known for their pride and money. But with this recent turmoil, their pride was no more.

"I am sorry father," Cersei began.

"I'm not looking for apologies, I'm looking for an explanation!" the anger and frustration in the matter boiled to the surface before the conversation had even began.

"Ned Stark found evidence that my children were not of Robert's seed. He brought it to Robert and they accused me of treason. I admitted by guilt, father because it was the truth and I have nothing to prove it otherwise. Robert allowed us to return to Casterly Rock," she said with her shoulders back. Just because she brought her father shame, it does not mean that she should lose her confidence. "He could have had my head."

"I would have. Are you stupid, daughter of mine? Though I am quite ashamed at this point to call you so. Robert is dead Cersei! Your son could be sitting upon the Iron Throne as we speak but because of your selfishness and inability to keep your legs closed, our family is brought to shame! No other houses will associate with the Lannisters. We no longer hold any strong alliances. We are defenseless!" Tywin yelled at his daughter as he paced the room.

"Father, I believe you are exaggerating," this is the first that Jamie spoke and he regretted it the moment the words escaped from his lips.

"Exaggerating? Do you know how many years it has taken to get our family to the top? Do you know hard I have worked? How hard my father has worked? I knew Cersei was not the brightest Jamie, but I expected more from you. How dare you question me?"

"We will build new alliances," Jamie suggested.

"And how do you suppose we do that? My daughter is an unfaithful wench, and her children are all baseborn bastards. One of my sons is an abomination. And Jamie, you…" he seemed lost for words for a moment. "…you are a traitor known as the Kingslayer. What am I to make of you lot?"

"Father, I am sure we can think of something. We can win back the throne somehow," Cersei had been thinking about it. She could find some way to get Joffrey back on the throne. They could find followers and lead another rebellion. The Baratheons never had any claim to begin with.

"You think I am going to support you and your bastards in your manipulative plans?" Tywin glared at his daughter with a look of disgust.

"Well, it is a bastard who sits upon the throne now. Why can it not be my bastard?" She asked convincingly.

"First off, Cersei I must ask. Who is the father of Tommen, Myrcella and Joffery? I have been ever so curious," he said eyeing both her and Jamie, who eyed each other looking for an escape. How are they to tell their father of their incest?

"Father, I do not think that is of importance. I think…"

"Thinking is not your best talent. Tell me, now! Who fathers your children?"

"I do," Jamie said with his eyes cast to the floor. He could not look his father in the eye. He could not look at him at all. He looked to Cersei and saw that she was avoiding his gaze also. A few moments passed without Tywin's response and Jamie felt himself growing nervous. He took the chance and looked at his father. All he saw was a stern look upon his face and fire in his eyes that burned right through him. "Father, I love Cersei. She is half of who I am and I refuse to be without her."

Cersei looked up at his confession, she knew of the love that he held for her, but never had she ever thought he would admit to their father.

"I am disgusted at the both of you right now," Tywin said in almost a whisper. He could not fathom the idea of his twin children engaging in such acts together. And to have reproduced three children.

"Father, the Targaryens have been marrying siblings for generations. You should be proud to have grandchildren with such strong Lannister blood."

"Proud? You want me to be proud? How do you expect me to be proud of bastards born of incest?" He was pacing again. "There is no justifying your actions. If you thought I was angry and ashamed before, you have no idea the rage I am feeling now. I want you both out of my sight!"

"But, father…" Cersei tried to say.

"OUT!" he interjected before she could say anymore. She cringed at the furiousness of his tone but stood and left the room with Jamie trailing behind her.

A few more days passed before her children questioned her again. And she felt she could no longer hide her secret from them.

"Children," she started, looking at her three kids sitting before her. "I have something to discuss with you. You have been wonder for some time now why we left King's Landing. I am ready to talk about it and answer any of your questions."

"Are you going to tell us that father was not really our father?" Tommen asked, sadness written across his face. This caught her off guard. She did not expect them to know as she has tried her hardest to keep it from them.

"Well…" she started.

"Don't you dare lie to us, mother," Joffery said with a threatening look as he glared at her.

"Fine," she submitted. She had a problem with giving in to him. "Robert Baratheon is not your father. You are all baseborn and have no claim to the throne as you have been raised to believe. Nor are you of high enough birth to be engaged into proper marriages. I am sorry for the deception and I hope you can forgive me for my lies."

Myrcella was crying. She had always dreamed of being married and having a proper family of her own. Though still possible, it would not be of what she is used to.

Tommen sat in silence with his head in his hands. She could tell he was not crying but it was evident he was upset.

Then, there was Joffery. He stood from where he sat and began pacing the room. She knew that it would affect him the most because he was raised to be a king from birth. He had been filled with expectations and promises to one day rule. She could see the fury bubbling in him, the redness of his face was a dead giveaway. She sat waiting. And sure enough, he exploded.

"Mother, you whore! How could you be so stupid? You promised me a crown! You promised me I would be the king and you have taken it from me! All of it! You will pay for your treason. My father…" he paused, took a breath and corrected himself. "… King Robert, may not have punished you for your sins but you deserve it! He was weak in his decision, but I will make sure that you get what you deserve!" He stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him.

Tommen and Myrcella sat close to each other holding hands, tears streaked both of their faces as they cried. Not only were they upset at learning the truth, but they were also crying out of fear of their brother's words. Cersei herself sat in silence, what could she possibly say?

. … . … .

Longer chapter, right?!

Leave a review. I'm really loving them so far and they keep me going strong!

Another update in a few days!