Renly II
The talk with Cersei had gone well, yesterday, she was defeated and she knew it but it was satisfying to see, such a proud women to be stripped of her fine cloths and beaten by guards was so humiliating for her that she was having a hard time admitting it to herself.
He pushed that to the back of his mind he was meeting with Lord Commander Barristan Selmy and his lover which nobody could know: Loras Tyrell. He being his kingsguard was the perfect cover they could spend knights together with no one knowing as Loras was guarding him. It would be harder when he married his sister but it would be worth it.
Loras's sister had arrived a week ago and her escort led my Ser Garlan had not stayed long as he left to go lead the Tyrell forces, she was beautiful enough, king and sweet but also he could manipulative and sly. She would make the perfect Queen but all she was to him was an alliance, someone who would give him and heir and possibly a friend.
They were going to decide the remaining Kingsguard and he wanted both their inputs as he and Ser Barristan wanted to bring the guard back to its former glory with honourable and true knights who were known for their legendary and valour throughout the seven kingdoms. Not filled with Lannister lackeys like the previous one.
"I Want Ser Balon Swann," demanded Ser Barristan "He is young, a second son so not waiting to inherit land, courteous, brave and a skilled fighter."
"I agree, he is from one of my loyal Bannermen as well so yes I will raise him to the Whitecloak."
"What about Ser Robar Royce from the Vale e came to the capital for the Hands tourney and is still here working with the Gold Cloaks to prepare the city defences in case of attack," suggested Ser Loras.
"That is an interesting choice, I was thinking Ser Gerold Dayne, he is a skilled swordsman apparently myth has that he could have rivalled his cousin rival Arthur Dayne."
"That may be true my grace but he is known as Darkstar down in Dorne, they say he has a cruel mouth and a crueller tongue, I am sorry my Grace but I will not have a man like that on my Kingsguard."
"I agree with Ser Barristan, he is also from Dorne, I do not trust them." Stated Loras siding with his commander.
"Ser Loras you are Kingsguard now you do not ge tinvovled in regional disputes it is our job not to judge," ordered Barristan
"Yes lord Commander."
"Okay Ser Robar Royce is in, as well as Ser Garth "Greysteel" Hightower, we will have another ledgendary Hightower in the Kingsguard like the White Bull."
"Yes I agree with that Your Grace, but I want a knight on the kingsguard who is already legendary and a proven battle commander, I want the Blackfish."
"He is castellan on Dragonstone but I can easily find someonelse maybe Ser Davos Seaworth, Stannis's old right hand man, yes he can take over as Castellan of Dragonstone and Blackfish will join the Kingsguard, he never wanted to marry anyway."
"Then we have our Kingsguard, Lord Commander send the Ravens, and if you would like to accompany me, we have a small council meeting today." Everyone was finally here except his Hand, Lord Jason Mallister who was leading the Royal fleet into battle and Master of Whisperers but Ser Barristan would fill in for that position as well as Lord Commander.
As he walked into the council chamber behind the Throne Room flanked By Ser Barristan, the council stood up apart from Prince Oberyn who was longing on his chair with his feet up on the table. He was about to say something about his insolence and lack of respect but one look from Ser Barristan shaking his head slightly, told him not to. It was too early to cause strife and hatred on the council, even with alliance of marriages they were still unsteady as a new ruling body. He went to the headof the table and sat down.
"The first small council is called to order, Ser Barristan what is the first order of business?"
Everyone looked the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard waiting for him to speak, Prince Oberyn still looking as uninterested as ever.
"Your grace, Lord Randyll Tarly sent a raven saying there army has reached Crakehall and is beginning a siege of it, when Ser Garlan arrives they are going to try and an dinfiltrate and capture it, at the moment though there supply lines and camps are being raided by some tribesman from the vale in wood down there."
"What are the Tribesman from the Vale doing so far self?" Matthis rowan asked mystified.
"A letter from Roose Bolton reports that his scouts had seen a large host of them march from the Vale led by Tyrion Lannister, they had expected to see them at the Battle of the Green Fork but they were nowhere in sight, Tyrion must ordered them there," replied Barristan
"Another message from Robb arrived today he is planning to lead an attack on the Golden Tooth with 7,000 cavalry and 7,000 footmen, while Ser Edmure has a force of 11,000 what they canget from the Riverlords force and is planning to hold choke points at the ford preventing Tywin's Crossing or holding him long enough while Eddards 26,000 strong army made up of stormlords and Roose Boltons army plus a small force led by Obara Sand catchs up and attacks him from behind."
"Yes the rear is always the best place to attack, isn't ti so your Grace," sniped Oberyn
Renly largely ignored that comment and urged Ser Barristan to continue, "Lord Jason Mallister's Royal fleet had met with the Reach's fleet and are waiting by the Shield islands for one of our forces to break through into the Westerlands and then will blockade Lannisport Harbour."
"Okay enough of the battles and troop movements we must decide what we will do to end this war. Any suggestions?" Renly asked not having much expedience in this himself
Mace Tyrell had remained silent and sullen until this point and continued to, Prince Oberyn as usual spoke first, "We kill all the Lannisters and then install someone as Warden fo the West who is loyal to you your grace!"
"You wish to do what Robert did to the Targeryeans and what the Lannisters did to the Tarbecks and the Reynes?" asked Ser Barristan agahsted.
"Yes they deserve it, it would be justice for the realm."
"Justice for your sister and her children you mean," corrected Matthis Rowan knowingly.
"Prince Oberyn not all of the Lannister were responsible, Ser Gregor Clegange has already been killed, and I have already promised you we will do all we can to capture Ser Amory Lorch and Lord Tywin Lannister alive if possible so you can have justice but I won't have my first major act as king be a horrific genocide of murdering children and ladies like you suggested, I want to be loved as well as feared and respected, and anyway Casterly Rock is an impregnable fortress, and has not been captured or stormed in centuries perhaps ever."
Prince Oberyn looked satisfied with that, and stayed quiet for the moment.
"Your grace I have suggestion, if you want to be loved as well as respected, show a degree of mercy, Tywin, Jamie, Cersei,, Joffery and perhaps Tyrion must all be put on trial and if found guilty executed but the Westerlands have been ruled by the Lannisters since before Aegon's Landing. Tywin's brother Kevan has been captured I suggest to order all Prisoners brought here for trial when it is safe to do so but Ser Kevan was only following his brothers orders his loyalty is admirable, I suggest we form a term fo suurenders which will allow Ser Kevan to be granted lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West, thus remaining power within that region. We can of demand reparations and weaken their power in other ways taking some land and gold," suggested the Lord Commander.
"Lord Tyrell do you have any comments," Renly asked.
"Er No, Your grace I agree with whatever you think is best, but if land is being taken from the Westerlands, I want the reach to get some of it."
"I will take your demands into account and your suggestion Lord Commander is most interesting."
"Are there any more matter that we need to address?" King Renly questioned looking around.
"Yes your grace a couple of things concern me, firstly with the gallant death of Theon Greyjoy, Balon Greyjoy has no reason not to attack or declare his independence again, with all our armies bust he could attack anywhere on the west coast we need to be alert in case of raiding parties, they may even retaliate against the Starks for the loss of his final son," summarised Matthis Rowan, he had always been good at thinking ahead Renly thought he was certainly a good addition to his small council as Master of Coin.
"Also Lord Mace mentioned to me today that Cersei is requesting or should I say demanding another audience with you, your Grace, concerning Joffery, apparently he's is in bad shape always muttering to himself or crying, shaking and is now clawing at wall completely destroying his hands and fingernails, she begs that you release him from the cells and confine him to a quarters somewhere, she will do anything she say," announced Lord Matthis.
"Lord Mace why was this not brought to my attention earlier," he asked turning to Lord Tyrell sat on his left.
"Err well your grace, I didn't think it was err, necessary, I mean I didn't want to burden you, she saw you yesterday, I thought ummm she should wait," he spluttered nervously, not quite knowing what to say.
"Lord Mace I decide what is necessary, do not fail to bring to me information like this again as Master of Law it is your responsibility, do you understand?"
"Yes your Grace sorry your Grace, it won't happen again your Grace"
"Good council dismissed, Ser Barristan with me," they strode out the hall and he headed towards the black cells.
He first went to see if what was said about Joffery was true, as they reached the door, he could hear sobbing and gargled words coming through the door, as the guards opened the door, he was shocked at what he saw. Joffery was curled up in a corner still in his princely clothes now all filthy and foul. His eyes were blood shot, his ruffled and his arms and shoulder all scratched up by him, you could see dried blood around his hands mixed with dirt.
"Joffery, can you hear me," he shouted over Joffery's screaming and muttering.
He started shaking uncontrolably moving his head side to side, "No don't hurt me, I am king, kings don't get punished, you'll be punished. No NO NOOOOO! Leave me alone, I order you I am king," he whimpered, moving closer to the wall.
"Joffery no one is going to hurt you,"
"No, No, I am king, I don't get punished, I ordered someone to murder Brandon Stark, no punishment, why am I being punished now, No release me."
"Joffery, listen to me, wait what did you say, Brandon Stark, Eddard's son., What did you do?" he asked, look at Ser Barristan making sure he heard it too and he wasn't going mad. The Lord Commander nodded, assuring him that he heard it too.
"NO, no punishment, Brandon Stark didn't die, assassin with balde I gave him failed, but still no punishment, why am in in cell now, I ddin't do anything. Release me, RELEASE ME, RELEASE ME,"Joffery shrieked.
"Ser Barristan, order 2 other Kingsgaurd plus more guards to go arrest Pyter Baelish," he ordered.
"On what charges, Your grace," he queried.
"For starting this bloody war, he lied to the Hand of the King, which meant he lied to me."
He left the cell and went into Cersei's.
"Wow what an honour, the king has come to my chambers, what's the special occasion," sneered Cersei sarcastically.
"Cersei, don't take that tone with me. I came here because of Joffery and to offer you a deal to save his sanity."
"Not his life?" she begged.
"His life was forfeit the moment you said he had a claim to the throne."
"Fine what is the deal, it doesn't sound like much, "
"It is more than you deserve, you and Joffery will sign this document," he said handing it to her, "Admitting to all you have done and surrendering your right to the throne and yours and his heirs. You will also sign and endorse a surrender document to the leader of the Lannister's army, agreeing to the reparations they must pay for this war."
"And what will I get in return," she asked meekly but looking crushed.
"You will stay in this cell, but Joffery will be granted confinement to quarters in the keep."
"I want to be able to see my children,"
"Okay 1 visit every 2 days, if and when both you and Joffery sign these documents, I will remove Joffery now to show my good faith but he will be back in a black cell if this document isn't signed soon."
He turned leaving Cersei still sitting in her own filth but clutching a glimmer of hope.
A few hours later he was walking through the Red keep with Brienne of Tatth following closely behind him as his guard, when someone approached from behind, "Your grace may I speak to you."
He turned to see Margaery, his betrothed standing there, in a slimming green dress showing off her shoulders and cutting down quite low.
"Yes my love, Brienne leave us."
"I don't think that is wise your grace," she said cautiously
"Fine just take a few steps back," he hadn't spoken much to Margaery since she had arrived, preferring the company of the other kind, but he knew he had to keep up the appearance, and he didn't want to be cruel to Margaery, he did care about her but like a sister, she was still a girl to him only 16 and probably a maid., he sort of felt sorry for her having to marry him but they were both just players in the game of thrones.
He took her hand and led her through the keep.
"So how are you finding the capital my lady," he asked cheerily.
"Different, your Grace, from Highgarden I mean. This place is huge and the stench, you can smell it from everywhere and the people half of them live in squalor, or shanty towns outside the walls, I have never seen a place like it before."
"You can call me Renly, we will be married soon. Yes I have never been to Highgarden but I hear it is beautiful but here there is a different beauty."
"What is that, Renly," she askedsmiling lightly.
"You, my lady," he grinned
"Thank you," she blushed.
Author's Note
Hope everyone is liking the story and where it is going, hopefully there aren't many typos, I am still looking for a beta reader, I have sent pms out but no reply. Please review, they inspire me and make me want to write. Thank you to everyone who is following or has favourited my story, I really do appreciate it. If anyone has any suggestions I do appreciate and take them seriously.