Chapter 16. Peace Offering

Tywin Lannister rides back toward the capital only stopping to eat, relieve himself, and change horses. When he reaches the Red Keep he summons Lord Commander Meryn Trant who was made Lord Commander in place of Jaime Lannister and Jarron Serret Lord Commander of the City Watch. "Gentlemen we have lost this war…Both the Martells and Tyrells have abandoned us…I have no choice but to give the Starks what they want…"

Both men look at each other, "The Queen Mother will not be pleased my lord hand…"

"That is why I need a guard posted at her door…"

Jaime is the throne room with a sword Master practicing. "Very good my King…"

That is when Tywin bursts in with members of the King's Guard, "Grandfather!"

"What is this…Let me go!"

"Forgive me! But the only way I can make peace is to give the Starks what they want…"

"I'm the King you can't do this!"

"Gag and bind him!" Tywin coldly orders and as they do he gives the sword master a bag of gold coins for his silence.

Cersei is in the room with Jaime talking, when the doors open. "Your majesty we need you to come with us…" Sir Baron says.

"Why has something happened?"

"No, but please come with us…"

"Is it our father?" Jaime asks.

"No sir…we have orders…The Starks are winning the war and we must make preparations for the safety of the royal family…"

Cersei smirks, "I am well protected I assure you…"

"Let me go!"

"My father will hear of this!" Jaime says.

After they force Cersei out Sir Marbrand enters Jaime's room, "I feel like you are still the Lord Commander of the King's Gaurd…We are sworn to the King not his Hand…"

Jaime sits up, "What are you babbling about?"

"Your father has taken the King to offer him up to the Starks…"

Tyrion is in his room with Shae when a knock comes at his door, "Go away…"

Podrick bursts into the room with Sir Marbrand, 'Begging your pardon milord, but he insisted…"

"I was sent by your brother…He wishes to see you…"

Jaime is in a chair with wheels built by Tyrion, 'Have I ever asked a favor of you little brother?"

"None that I can recall…"

"Well I am asking one of you now…"

Cersei has been confined to her room with her handmaidens. Then there is a loud clang of swords on swords. The door burst open and in walks Tyrion with Bronn and Podrick. "The only reason I am here is because our brother asked me…Father has taken Joffrey to offer him to the Starks for peace…" Cersei runs to the stables with Bronn and Podrick right behind her. She saddles a horse and the three of them ride at break neck speed after Tywin Lannister.

Deep Den

Robb and Justin are in Deep Den as the only Lannister Castles left are Silverhill, Cornfeild, and Crakehall. Robb called off the advance to watch and see what the Martells and Tyrells would do but so far they have opted not to continue fighting for the Lannisters. The Iron Bank wasn't going to loan the crown anymore gold so Robb had time to plan an assault against the capital. He was going to send the Black Fish with 30,000 men to take the remaining hold fasts while he marched to king's landing.

Robb sat in the main hall with Justin and all his commanders. As they talked a soldier entered and whispered into Robb's ear. When Robb stood up it grew quiet, "It seems Tywin Lannister is here and wishes an audience…"

When Tywin entered he walked through Banner Lords of the Vale, House Stark, and Riverrun. Robb himself sat on a makeshift throne with Talisa sitting beside him. Justin stood to his right with his mother, uncle, cousin and the Black Fish.

"Lord Tywin welcome…"

"Make sure he's not armed!" Justin says.

As the men search him Tywin looks at Justin, "You must be Justin Stark…"

"I am!"

"If only you had stayed away boy!"

"If I had come sooner my Uncle would be alive…"

"Bow before the King in the North!" Umber demanded.

Robb raises his hand, "That won't be necessary…He is not of the North…So Lord Tywin what do you want here?"

"I have come to make peace…" He waves his men and they drag a hooded young man. When they remove the hood a wave of whispered shock crosses the main hall. "You said if I wanted peace then to give you Joffrey…Here he is my grandson…The King!"

"Kill'em!" Arya shouts from Brienne's side.

Before Robb can speak the same man from earlier whispers into his ear again, "Bring her…"

"Joffrey!" Cersei screams running in with Bronn and Podrick running close behind. "Let me hold my son…"

"Mother don't let them kill me!"

They hug but Tywin's men pull her away, "Father please don't do this!"

"Do have peace your grace?"

Cersei escapes the man holding her and falls on all fours before Robb, "I beg you great King in the North…Spare my son…He was reckless…and foolish to have your father beheaded…I beg you take me in his stead…"

"Get up!" Tywin says grabbing her arm, "You are a Lannister!"

"Please great King…Show mercy!"

"Did you show my daughter mercy?" Catelyn yells, "Or my dead husband…He doesn't deserve mercy…"

Robb looks at his mother before he stands, "This little wisp of a man beheads my father and slanders his good name…" He shakes his head, "I cannot show mercy…Joffrey Baratheon I do hereby sentence thee to death by beheading…"

"No Please! I'll change…" He please grow desperate as they force him to his knees.

Tywin pulls Cersei in, "Don't look…"