A song unsung
In this chapter you'll get to see the Joffrey of this story. He's not the same as in canon but he still has some of the same traits.
Chapter 9
299 AC, Kings Landing
The patriarch of the Lannister family sat to the right of his grandson, the king, looking at the new small council assembled before him. They, including him had been summoned by his grandson, the king, to discuss something. Tywin surmised it was about the lack of Lord Paramounts in King's Landing to swear fealty to their new king. Some were late to arrive and some weren't coming at all.
Lord Stark was well on his way to the capital. Lord Arryn was said to be bedridden and unable to travel. Lord Tully was to arrive any day. Lord Renly had left Westeros due to grief, he would swear fealty when he returned. He knew Joffrey wasn't the favorite of many lords of the land but he was their king and they would obey him.
His eyes made their way back to his grandson. The boy had the looks of a Lannister through and through. It did seem odd as he was the son of a Baratheon who were notoriously born of black hair and blue eyes.
As a child Tywin worried for the boy. He was cruel, far too cruel for his liking. It didn't help that Cersei coddled the boy. Even Robert was disgusted with his son's behavior, so much he ignored him for majority of his life. He quickly offered Robert to foster him at Casterly Rock. The king was hesitant at first but his lack of care for his son took over and he agreed. He remembered the screams of his daughter as they left for the Rock but she had no power to stop him.
It took a lot of effort to shape the boy into a true Lannister and even then Joffrey didn't change much. He did soak in some of Tywin's military knowledge and combat ability. He sighed as it was one of his few failures in life.
"Grandfather," The king questioned, "I think it's time we start, I will not wait any longer."
"Very well," Tywin cleared his throat getting the attention of those present. The room quickly became silent. Tywin gave a nod to his grandson giving him the floor.
Joffrey forewent greeting the lords before him, "We are here to discuss the future of Westeros not the absence of the Lord Paramounts."
"But your grace, they must swear fealty for the good of the realm." Varys spoke.
"They will come if they if they not what's good for them. Now onto more important business, my father was not the best of kings but there was one thing he was good at."
A devious smile crept onto the newly crowned king's face. The council knew what was coming and it made their stomachs twist and turn.
"War," He finished, "Robert Baratheon whored and drunk himself into a shell of his former self. As a child I heard stories of my father's fighting prowess. I want to be remembered like that and I will be."
"Your grace, what are you saying?" Varys spoke up in his usual light tone.
"We're going to war, the Targaryens have lived far too long and I will not be persuaded otherwise like my father was."
Tywin looked on in indifference. Joffrey was bloodthirsty and eventually he would be able to sate it but not now.
"Your grace, we cannot act so hastily. Westeros is in a time of disunity. Until we have the loyalty of all seven kingdoms we cannot afford war. Then there's the matter of ships. If we had those men we would need enough ships to cross the Narrow Sea. We would have to parley with the Free Cities to roam their lands with an army to avoid all-out war with Essos. Then there is the fact that we would have to find the Dothraki horde and keep a watch out for the Targaryen in Pentos, finally there are rumors of a Blackfyre leading the Golden Company. There are too many unknowns at the moment to act."
Tywin could see the rage build up in his grandson's face but it quickly faded. He could feel the tension in the air. Joffrey wasn't everything he wanted in a king but he was decent enough.
"Lord Tywin is right your grace, besides the royal coffers couldn't support such a war." Lord Petyr Baelish said giving his input.
Joffrey looked to the rest of the members of the small council. Lord Commander Barristan was the first to speak up.
"I have to agree with Lord Tywin. A war would not do the realm any good."
The new master of ships, Paxter Redwyne was the next to give his input. His words were near identical to Tywin's. Mace Tyrell, the new Master of Laws spoke of the might of the Reach but neither was he for or against the war. Pycelle unsurprisingly agreed with Tywin.
"I will heed your advice, but do not be mistaken my lords we are going to war. Lord Varys I want your little birds to get all the information they can on the Targaryens. Grandfather I will leave dealing with the Free Cities to you and as for the Blackfyre rumor it is just that."
Joffrey rose from his chair and exited the room. Tywin snorted at the boy's blatant disrespect. He would not continue to suffer such an attitude. He turned back to the council.
"The king is set in his ways. Westeros will soon be embroiled in war. We can only prepare ourselves for what is to come. So I expect you all to do your jobs or you will be replaced. You are dismissed."
The council left in a fashionable manner. Tywin thought he would be left alone to begin sorting out the mess that was his grandson's kingdom. Mace Tyrell seemed to have something in mind as he approached the Hand of the King.
"Lord Tyrell." The Lord of the Westerlands leered down on the chubby man.
"Ah Lord Tywin, the wedding is near. Have all the preparations been made?"
Personally Tywin didn't care for the Lord of the Reach. The man presented himself as a fool. He tried too hard to prove himself, which led to him making bad decisions.
"I've made sure everything will be ready. There is no need to worry, Lord Tyrell." Tywin told him.
"Good…good, now about my son Loras and your granddaughter." The fat lord had the same gleam in his eye that he had when he made the match for Margaery and Joffrey.
"I have business to attend to, as do you. Now is not the time, we both must get to work."
The Shield of Lannisport gave the man no chance to continue his pursuit of power. Flanked by his guards Tywin made his way to the Tower of the Hand. Inside he found a familiar but undesired visitor. He narrowed his eyes at the surprise guest.
"Lord Baelish, I assume you have important news. Otherwise I have work to do."
"I'm sure you consider the lives of the king and his family important." The master of coin saw Tywin's hand clench around the pommel of his blade, "It is not me who is threatening their lives Lord Tywin but an employee of the Iron Bank."
Tywin relaxed his hand much to the relief of the Vale lord. He set a cold gaze upon the scarred man. He sat down the things in his hands.
"These Braavosi are not to be trusted." He thought to himself, "What would possess them to send a collector unannounced?"
"I'm sure he can tell us that, shall we?" The infamous coin man gestured for Tywin to lead.
Tywin brushed passed the man and headed towards the throne room. His guards fell in line behind Lord Baelish.
The old lion's eyes narrowed as he spotted the man of the Iron Bank. His face was hidden behind a cloak but his dark eyes peered over the piece covering his mouth.
Tywin knew what the Iron Bank was capable of when they wanted what was due. He almost admired the shadowy leaders of the bank. He was not a person to cross but neither were the lenders of Braavos, so he would tread lightly.
"Do you represent the crown?" His voice was smooth and low.
Tywin spotted a curved blade on the man's hip as he extended his hand for Tywin to shake. The Lannister patriarch eyed his hand as if it carried disease.
"I do represent the throne in this matter. I might ask what reasons your employers had sending you here with no prior warning."
Having already pulled his hand back the man showed no sign of anger at the slight. His dark eyes met Tywin's emerald ones.
"Then you know the amount your king owes the bank. My masters believe too much time has passed since the last payment. I am here to get either the full three million dragons or let know you of the fifteen percent increase of interest."
Tywin's eyes narrowed at the choices set before him. His family's reign would never be secure if they always had to be wary of Braavosi assassins hidden in the shadows. The crown and house Lannister were now essentially the same and many expected his house to carry the load, especially the financial part of it. He could easily pay the bank back but he would not do so, at least not yet.
"How long will you be in Westeros?"
Once again he ignored the Hand's question, "If it is time you need then I am allowed to give you a day and that is all. If I do not hear from you by then it will be seen as a failed payment and the interest will increase."
With that the man strolled out of the throne room. Tywin's hand unconsciously gripped his blade. The man spoke to him as if he was his equal.
"That's quite a steep price to pay either way." Petyr said reintroducing himself after being silent during the entire exchange between Tywin and the other man.
Tywin ignored the man and made his way back to his quarters. His room remained in silence as he thought about what he would do next. The remainder of his day was spent in deep thought.
The morning sun shone down on King's Landing. The capital's streets were bustling and the smallfolk were busy making a living. The guards at the gate were standing idly as they did every day until a small contingent of men arrived.
"Halt." The group of horsed men stopped at the command, "What business do you have here in the capital?"
"I'm here under the orders of my father." The young man at the helm spoke.
"And who is your father, boy?" The guard asked with irritation clear in his voice.
"Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, Lord and Warden of the North," Robb said with a look of equal irritation on his face, "Now if you would open the gates we could go on about our business."
The guard signaled for the gate to open. Robb and his men entered the city unbothered. As they trotted towards the Red Keep Jory leaned over towards Robb.
"We're going to get in and get out, no lingering. Your Father wants us back North as soon as possible."
"I know what my father said." Robb snapped before sighing, "I'm sorry, I'm just a little on edge."
"I understand but you can't do anything rash, Lady Margaery is soon to be queen." Jory said in a caring tone.
Robb rode on in silence. His mind was akin to a summer storm at Storm's End. Margaery hadn't left his mind since the day he received that letter. He grew up knowing she would be his wife, his forever. They connected at a level he believed couldn't do with anyone else.
They arrived at the large castle. Just like at the gate they were questioned and Robb had to give the same answers. This time they had to wait but not for long. The hand of the king himself exited the keep with a group of Lannister guards behind him.
"Robb Stark, Lord Stark sent his boy in his place."
Robb did his best to hide his discomfort at the slight, "As I'm sure you know my father has more important business at the moment."
"More important than insuring his loyalty to his king?" Tywin asked.
"The loyalty of the North would mean nothing if it were overrun with wildlings." Robb said holding his ground with one of the most feared men in Westeros.
Tywin kept silent and eyed Robb. His emerald orbs scanned every inch of Robb. The heir to the North stood or rather sat firm under the brutally scrutinizing gaze. An awkward silence passed through the two groups.
"Come, we will speak on whatever matter you came for once we're inside."
Robb and his men dismounted, their horses were tended to by some guards. Tywin led them through the halls of the great castle to the main hall. Robb commanded his men stay outside and entered with only Jory at his side. Tywin went and stood at the head of the table.
"So boy" Robb's jaws clenched at the term, "I assume this wildling threat is serious if it can make your father abandon his duty to the king."
"His duty is the precise reason his is not here, Lord Tywin." Robb held the gaze of Lord Lannister, "He is Warden of the North and that means he must defend the realm from all wilding threats and as of now there are one hundred thousand of them marching towards the wall."
"So you've come for help?" Tywin asked.
"I've done what I came to do, now if you would excuse me, my men and I will be on our way back North to fulfill our duty."
Tywin watched as the young man stood up. He could see the anger hidden behind his eyes. He knew it wasn't just about his words to the young man. If his memory served him right his grandson was to marry northern heir's former betrothed.
"Nonsense, you and your men have journeyed here all the way from the North. You will take a nights rest and leave on the morrow."
Robb shared a look with Jory, who shrugged his shoulders before nodding. Robb released a sigh before facing Tywin again. He knew this wasn't a fight he could win.
"You're most gracious, Lord Hand."
Robb begrudgingly followed the king's justice, who had been standing guard behind Tywin, to their appointed quarters. As soon as he and Jory were alone in his room his strong façade dropped and a frown appeared on his face.
"I could not deny the hand of the king. He might have taken it as a slight."
"I understand, my lord. Lord Tywin is a man who knows what he's doing. I am sure he has ulterior motives. I advise we stay to ourselves until morning comes and we leave at first light."
Robb nodded at the lieutenant of the Winter Wolves. Jory had been around as long as Robb could remember. His father Martyn had died fighting the Greyjoy's on the Stepstones. Jory quickly joined the famed northern group of soldiers and rose to the rank of lieutenant. Robb was thankful for his presence.
"Jory I want you to send most of the men back to the ship, leave only five here. Make sure they feed Grey wind or he'll be howling all night and then get some sleep."
Jory nodded and left to do as he was commanded. Robb sighed as he sat on his bed. There was so much going on and he felt an immense weight on his shoulders. He needed something to calm his nerves. Standing up he went in search for a courtier to find him some ale or wine. It wasn't long before he had downed several tankards of ale.
Night had come and with it a wave of slight exhaustion. His vision was blurry and his steps hesitant. Although the ale hindered his thoughts, he knew well enough to sleep the effects of his late night drinking off. He stripped down to his small clothes and nestled himself against the furs in his bed. He closed his eyes and let the cool embrace of sleep take him.
"Robb?" A gasp escaped his lips, his eyes snapped open. He quickly sobered at the image of his guest.
"M-Margaery" The southern beauty nodded, "What are you doing here?"
Robb was confused. What was Margaery, the soon to be queen, doing in his room. How did she get past his guards without them knowing? How did she even know he was in King's Landing? So many thoughts were running through his mind, but none were more powerful than the thought of having the love of his life all to himself. A selfish thought he knew but at the moment he didn't care.
"I heard you were here and I had to see you." She said as tears began streaming down her face.
"Margaery, what if you were—."
"I made sure I wasn't followed. I would never put you in danger like that."
The heir of Winterfell sighed heavily. A storm of emotions had erupted within him when his eyes landed on Margaery. He was happy to see her but in a place like King's Landing he could never be sure of his safety.
"I screamed and yelled when my father told me the news. It was all for nothing, all the years we spent dreaming about our future together…ripped away so my father could say his grandson was king."
Robb could say no words. Only anger and sadness would spew from his mouth. He would not ruin the moment with such things, wrapping his strong arms around her he just held her in his arms. For what seemed like eternity they sat there in each other's arms but in reality it was only minutes.
Robb brought his hand up and cupped her face, "You know there can never be an us, we can never be together."
Pain, hurt, sadness, that was all he could see when he looked at her. It felt as if he had been skinned alive and plunged into a vat of boiling wildfire when he said those words. Margaery ran her smooth hands up the side of his face.
"We can be us, here and now, it's just me and you."
Margaery released herself from his arms. As if she were some Goddess she shone with moonlight in the darkness. Rays of lights hit her body accentuating her curvy frame. The Stark heir took in all her beauty. He looked her up and down. From her beautiful big brown eyes, down to her shapely legs. His heart began beating faster, pounding against his chest. Margaery reached up to her shoulder and pulled her right arm out of her dress, followed by the left. Soon she naked as the day she came into the world. She began sauntering towards Robb. He knew what was about to happen, he could feel his member harden. Despite the alcohol in his system he knew it was wrong.
"M-Margaery you know we can't—." He was stopped by a thin finger touching his lips.
"Shhh, we both want this." They were face to face now. He could feel every breath she took. Her soft skin was pressed against him.
"Gods, I am fool." He thought to himself.
Waiting no longer Margaery crashed her lips into his. As if he wasn't protesting just seconds ago Robb's tongue invaded hers. Finally giving in to what he wanted, Robb rolled over putting Margaery on her back. He slid out of his undergarments and now he hovered over the southern beauty. His blue eyes met her brown, without speaking he asked if she was sure, she gave a smile and a strong nod.
He slowly slid his length towards her. She gave a small moan as his tip touched her entrance. She grabbed the pillow to muffle her screams as he continued to enter her. As he fully entered her she released a loud scream.
Robb's head snapped with wide eyes. He looked around for Margaery but there was no sign of her ever being there. No maiden's blood on the covers, not even the scent of flowers.
"A dream?" He asked himself.
His thoughts were quickly interrupted by two loud raps at the door. Quickly putting on his clothes he answered the door, finding Jory there.
"It is time we departed, my lord."
299 AC, Pentos
Viserys Targaryen, self-styled, Free King of Westeros, had enough of plotting and was ready to put years of planning into action. His life was better than it ever had been, even before the fall of his house at the hands of the Usurper and his dogs. He had come to tolerate—even like his wife, the birth of his son helped with that. Then there was his son, Balerion. The boy was the center of his life and that was the sole reason he had gathered those who would help him take back his blood right.
"It is time, my lords." He said to the two men who had helped him along the way and his mysterious adviser.
"What of your sister, your grace?" Illyrio asked.
"She will fall in line or she will burn with the rest." Viserys answered with no hesitation, "I will suffer no insolence from her. She will serve me and then her children will serve Balerion."
"I don't think it wise to anger her, your grace. She is the wife of the most powerful khal roaming the Dothraki Sea." Ordello warned.
"She is my younger sister and she knows her place and that savage she calls a husband will know his when the time comes." Viserys spoke in a tone that the two men knew all too well. They didn't want to anger him any further and send him into one of his childish tantrums.
"I understand your eagerness to win back what is rightfully your but—." The cloaked man was cut off.
"How can you possibly understand? Did your family reign for three hundred years only to be usurped by lesser beings?" Viserys snarled, anger beaming from his eyes.
The man remained silent, though he kept his gaze for a few moments. Viserys ignored the man and turned his gaze back towards the magisters.
"I need a ship. I'm going to the home of my ancestors."
The two older men seemed baffled at the statement. It was widely known that Viserys wanted to be back in Westeros on the throne. Yet here he was asking for a ship to sail in the opposite way, to a ruined land.
"But your grace Valyria is nothing but ash and rock." Ordello said, trying to reason with his good son.
"He is right, your grace. There is nothing there and even if it is all those who dared ventured there have never returned." The cheese monger added.
"There will be no changing my mind. Many of those who went to Valyria to steal my people's secrets were of tainted blood but I am the blood of the dragon." His voice echoed throughout the meeting hall. He puffed his chest out as if it were swollen with pride.
"If I may" His hooded advisor inquired, Viserys gave an affirmative nod, "What awaits his grace in Valyria?"
The Targaryen fell into deep thought. The last few nights he had dreamt of dragons. A black dragon with the likeness of his son's namesake. A green one with scales of jade, a pale white one and lastly a crème colored one with red streaks down its back. For some reason he felt a connection to that particular one. In his dreams he sat atop the streaked dragon while the other three hovered in front of him. He didn't know what it meant but he would have his dragon. With a dragon nothing would stop him.
"The Gods of old Valyria have graced me with visions of dragons. The whispers of my ancestors are calling me home. I will return and receive what they have for me."
"I would continue to plead with his grace to change his mind but I know it would be all for naught. I will inform one of our captains to ready a ship. It will be ready soon, your grace." Illyrio said from his seat.
"Good, you all are dismissed." Viserys watched as the three men leave his presence.
Dragons, images of dragons crowding the air of Old Valyria filled his mind. He had read many stories of the time before the doom. The catastrophic event was bittersweet for his family. On one hand they lost their culture, their people but on the other hand they came out on top. With fire and blood they united Westeros under one throne. Once he returned from his pilgrimage he would do the same.
For now he would listen to his enigmatic advisor advice and let the houses of Westeros tear themselves apart. He heard whispers of the false king sitting on his throne, even more so than the missing usurper. His thin lips formed into a smile at the thought of the usurper's dead body. He didn't know if he was dead or not but he had been missing for two months without any sign of returning. Viserys would have loved to personally steal the light from his eyes but there was one less Baratheon in the world.
The Baratheons, born from a supposed bastard brother of Aegon the Dragon, "Hmph, false from the start." He thought.
He would not let anyone stand in the way for the oncoming Targaryen era. Once he had Westeros he would expand like the Freehold once did. The dragonlords would rule the world once again.
"Your grace?" A meek voice floated through the air.
Viserys lifted his head seeing a servant girl. Her thin frame seemed to shake in his presence. She knew her place as she kept her gaze on the ground. His eyes caught a package in her hands.
"What is it?"
She presented the box. He lazily signaled for her to approach him, which she did. The king snatched the wrapped object from her hands and dismissed her. Thinking it a gift Viserys hurriedly tore the wrapping off. A small wooden box sat in his lap, he took the top off.
His eyes widened and his hands began to shake. The objects his eyes landed on brought back memories. Inside the box were the rings of his father. They were thought to be stolen in the attack on the Red Keep. Under the rings he spotted a piece of paper. Seeing as it was folded he assumed something was on the inside of it.
Know your place, you are not the rightful king. You know who I am.
Sincerely, Your King
Like never before rage built up inside of the silver haired man, "Rrraaahhh!"
His anger got the best of him as he shot up throwing the box at the wall, shattering it. He ripped the note in his hand to pieces and continued seething with anger.
Does Viserys know this supposed rightful king? Will he give up his claim or will he fight for it. In any event I hope you guys are still enjoying the story. I'm also sorry about the lack of updates but my toddler nephew thought it best to break most of my keys, which is horrible in more ways than one. School just started back up and it's my junior year of college and without a laptop things will be pretty hard but I'll be getting a new one soon. That means more updates but as you would assume schoolwork will come first. Until next time, Lknight out!