The Catspaw Succeeded – So…now what

Stannis

Stannis and Robert were in Roberts solar. Not usually….or ever used for actual work, it was now covered in papers and books. It had been a week since the double discovery of Joffrey's hiring of Catelyn and Bran Stark's killer and Cersei and Jaime Lannister's incestuous affair. All three were still residing in the Black cells.

As soon as they had been secured in the Black cells, they placed the entire Red Keep on lockdown. Nobody in. Nobody out. Members of the Small Council had been denied as well. Though Renly and Baelish were the only two who tried. Varys was nowhere to be seen. Stannis was wondering if Varys would return. When inquiries were made by those denied entry or if asked by family members of those who worked in the castle they were told that there was a security matter to be dealt with. All inside were safe but a serious investigation was going on.

It was not exactly far from the truth. They had secured the other two children in their rooms. All staff or members of the court who were from the Westerlands were confined to the Maidenvault as a group and told to not try and leave. While not in the Black cells, Lancel Lannister was in a normal dungeon cell. He had attempted to escape. Tyrek Lannister had a brain and wisely kept his head down. Grand Maester Pycelle had originally been thrown in a dungeon cell because he had sent a raven to Casterly Rock when explicitly told not to. What Pycelle didn't know was that Stannis had long suspected the Grand Maester's loyalty was not to the ruling House as the Grand Maester was supposed to be. After consulting Pylos and Dovos, the Casterly Rock raven was secretly swapped out for one trained to go straight to a window in the Hands Tower. So far all redirected ravens they intercepted were from the Queen. They did not interfere with hers and had sent them in their way. But when this particular raven appeared in Pylos' window with a sealed letter containing Pycell's seal, the Grand Maester was arrested. The raven he sent had distorted the truth about what had happened, stating only that Ser Jaime had been grievously wounded when defending his sister from the King who had been in a rage about an unknown matter. Pycelle also promised he would see to getting Tywin's children released from their confinement as soon as possible and sent on a ship to The Rock.

After the initial work was done - Stannis, Robert, Ser Brynden, and Ser Baristan spent days discussing what needed to be done. They eventually concluded that no trial would be held for Cersei and Ser Jaime. They had been caught in the act by the King himself, the Hand, The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, and a well known and respected knight in Ser Brynden Tully. While Joffrey had 'confessed', his guilt was less concrete. Robert was adamant he needed a public trial to disown his own son.

Stannis sat there stony faced. "What?" Robert asked "Are you saying he should not have a trial?"

Stannis shook his head. "I am telling you now Robert after everything we have seen that I have serious doubts that he actually is your son".

The two knights in the room not named Baratheon looked between the two brothers. Stannis with his stern face. Roberts face alternating between tomato red in rage at the idea and milk white when faced with what they previously found.

After several moments where Stannis thought he may have to call Pylos for something to calm Robert down, his brother finally spoke. He was practically shaking when he did so.

"Explain to me why I should not rip that badge off your chest right now". A side effect of this event was Robert was drinking less and participating more in ruling. Though Pylos actually recommended that Robert still drink some wine. Something to do with an illness called withdrawal syndrome he displayed after an entire day without any wine.

Stannis never backed down from Robert's gaze. "For several months leading up to Jon Arryns death, he and I had been traveling through the city meeting numerous children. Children born from washerwomen, serving girls, whores, and barmaids. Women with blond hair, red hair, brown hair, and black hair. Women with blue eyes, green eyes, hazel eyes, brown eyes, and even a Lyseni whore with purple eyes. Hair and eyes of all combinations. Yet every single child we saw had our thick black hair and bright blue eyes. All of them were confirmed bastards of yours. A total of 16 in all. And that includes Mya Stone and Edric Storm. We also consulted the great book of the lineages. Every Baratheon has been born with black hair and blue eyes since our House's foundation. No matter what. Even when a past Baratheon married a Lannister or some other blonde haired woman." He paused for a moment. "Now tell me, what color hair and eyes do your children with Cersei have?"

You could hear a pin drop in the silence. Then the wooden arms of the chair Robert was sitting in snapped as he ripped them away in a rage of fury. He pounded his fist on his desk so hard Ser Baristan later commented he was shocked he had not broken his hand. "I want those twin incestuous heads on top of the Castle gates, NOW!"

"We can't, Robert." Said Stannis. "At least not yet. We need a confession from one of them. A written confession. And soon. Despite our best efforts, word will spread. When Tywin Lannister learns of this it must be from us. We need all bases covered. Without one of his children confessing he would never believe it. Yes, in the end we would defeat him. But already this will rock the realm. War would tear it apart.

Robert took a lot of convincing but he eventually agreed they needed a confession about the children. Robert stated confession or no, his marriage was as of this moment annulled and Joffrey was stripped of his titles and to be sent to Winterfell. His status as a bastard meant that his fate now rested in the hands of Lord Stark."

The next day Ser Jaime was brought up from his cell and to the Tower of the Hand. He was given a small glass of water but no food. He sat across from Stannis with Ser Baristan behind him. Ser Brynden was there as well, leaning back against a wall as if there to just observe. Stannis didn't have a sense of humor and wouldn't engage the arrogant Lannister's insults. Ser Baristan was too honorable to do so. Robert needed Ser Brynden there to counter the arrogant man's japing and to twist the proverbial knife if needed. Jaime had been escorted to the room by a dozen men at arms led by Ser Aron Santagar.

Jaime Lannister had a hard time looking at Stannis. Not out of embarrassment or shame. Spending several days in a pitch black cell and then summarily dragged into sunshine had thrown him off kilter. Only now could he see anything. Glancing down at his left hand, he confirmed what he had deduced when awaking in black cells. He no longer had a left hand. He had vague memories of actually seeing Cersei screaming for him through a gaping hole in his hand. No maester could heal a wound like that. He was lucky they took the hand. Aerys would have let it fester. Eventually rot would have cost him most if not all of his arm. Small mercy that had been unconscious when they did it.

But Jaime was still Jaime and arrogant as ever. He spoke before Stannis could begin. "So tell me, why am I still alive? Is Robert not man enough to do what is needed?" Stannis glowered at the man. He had never liked the Kingslayer. Stannis was not one for jokes and this Lannister always was japing. "You are only still alive so you can save your sister's children".

That got his attention. "What have you done to them? And Cersei? That fat pig will never touch my sister!" Roared Jaime.

"He has no desire to, Sisterfucker. You've done that quite enough yourself." said Brynden.

Jaime tried to get up but Baristan threw him down back in his chair. It was a futile effort with his feet shackled together. One step and he would have fallen on his face.

Stannis continued. "Jon Arryn and I suspected you or some other man were the true father of your sister's children. We have a trove of evidence pointing out the lack of any Baratheon traits or features. We just needed confirmation of who it was. And it turns out your own son in his own bout of stupidity gave it to us on a 'golden' platter".

Jaime Lannister sat there gobsmacked. He didn't know what was worse. That they knew about him fathering Cersei's children, or that Stannis FUCKING Baratheon had used THIS MOMENT to make a GODS DAMNED JOKE!

Ser Brynden snorted to himself. But Stannis just stared at him. Jaime hated those eyes. They were the same as Roberts. Anything to do with Robert he hated. Looking for some way to deflect he turned to Ser Brynden. "Why are you here, Blackfish? Shouldn't you be guarding a useless gate in the Vale? Oh, that's right, you've had a tragedy in your family. That poor nephew of yours. I wonder what he…"

Before Jaime could even finish his insult he saw stars. Ser Baristan had smacked him across the back of the head with his armored glove. "I already knew you had no honor when you sullied the white cloak by killing your King. And then you sullied it again by cuckolding this King with your own sister! And now you speak ill of a dead child in front of his family? I have no idea what Ser Arthur Dayne saw in you all those years ago. Trust me, Oathbreaker, your single empty page in the White Book will be fuel for the fire that burns your cloak to ashes. I'll see those ashes to where they belong, dumped down a privy shaft!"

Jaime's face reddened at the chastisement. He never acted like he cared when they called him Kingslayers. It stung, but it was nothing compared to the idea of what Ser Arthur would think. Despite his questionable actions around Lyanna Stark, Jaime still revered Ser Arthur Dayne.

Stannis spoke again. "I tire of this charade, Ser Jaime. Your japes will not save you. Nor will they save your sister. But your working hand means you can write."

Jaime laughed. "If you think I'm going to confess to anything you are insane". He glanced back at Ser Baristan. "And don't burn that cloak yet, I will need it back when I kill you in Trial by Combat".

Stannis suddenly thundered "There will NOT be a trial for you, Kingslayer. You were caught in the act by The King himself. As well as your Lord Commander, myself as Hand of the King, and Ser Brynden here. Not to mention Ser Aron when he brought the men at arms that secured you and your family. You and your sister are guilty of incest. And you both are guilty of treason for trying to subvert the line of succession. We have already spoken to the High Septon. When provided with the accusations and statements sworn to the Seven by the witnesses, he wants no part in you trying to pervert the Gods will in a trial by combat." Stannis let that sink in for a moment before finishing with, "Make no mistake, Kingslayer, you and your sister have a confirmed date with Ser Illyn. As for your bastard children, Tommen will be sent to the Wall and Myrcella to the Silent Sisters…..unless you cooperate"

"You did not mention Joffrey" Ser Jaime pointed out.

Brynden answered that. "Because your twisted son used Meryn Trant to hire the man that murdered my niece and grand nephew! When we confronted him he confessed he did it to try and impress the King! That's when he ran and delivered you as well to us"

Jaime's head swam at this. He didn't know what to do. Tyrion would know what to do but he was journeying back from the Wall. Oh Gods…he may have reached Winterfell by now, or was even farther trying to leave the North…. When the Northerners learn about Joffrey arranging the deaths of the two Starks and have a Lannister in their midst.

Jaime closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "If…I were to confess….what would happen. To me. To Cersei…to….our…children….?"

Stannis looked him in the eyes. "Previous Kings pardoned Lords for rebellion. But Cersei tried to usurp the throne for herself and Joffrey by passing off her bastards as Robert's children. You betrayed your King and aided treason by knowingly fathering the children. We cannot let that stand. For confessing we will allow your children, save Joffrey, to be sent to Casterly Rock for your father to determine their future. For their actions Joffrey and Trant will be sent to Winterfell for Northern Justice. They will either lose their heads or be sent to the Wall. You cannot be blind to Joffrey's cruelty. But Tommen and Myrcella are guilty of nothing."

Jaime sat in stunned silence. Eventually a piece of parchment was laid in front of him with a quill and a pot of ink. He sat and contemplated everything. After several moments he spoke. "I will confess to fathering Cersei's children". He glanced at Ser Brynden and then looked back at Stannis. "And I will confess to pushing the Stark boy from the Broken Tower after he caught Cersei and I…."

Ser Baristan, despite his age, was fast enough to grab hold of Ser Brynden before he could reach Jaime Lannister. "You piece of filth! I don't care what you ask for, I will not rest until I see your head roll!"

Stannis had Ser Brynden removed from the room. Baristan returned and the both looked at him. "You could have withheld your involvement with the boy's fall. Why admit it?"

Jaime took a deep breath. "You cannot send the children to my Father. They will never be seen again. He despises bastards. He only grudgingly accepted my bastard cousin Joy Hill because she is his last link to my Uncle Gerion. But he would never accept Tommen or Myrcella. His pride and legacy means everything to him. They would be a permanent reminder of his children's folly. And you must guarantee Tyrion's safety. He is on a journey from the Wall. He may very well be in Winterfell when word arrives. He should not be punished for our actions.

Ser Baristan and Stannis looked at each other. Stannis sighed and told him to write it all down and they would speak to Robert.

After they had his confession they had him taken back to his cell. Stannis then met with Robert, armed with the confession and also a list of names. Pylos had scoured the family trees of any noble maid. He had Ser Baristan and Ser Brynden attend for support in this matter as a sounding board. They both had provided wise advice and well thought out arguments when needed. Ser Brynden though was still wroth over Jaime's words.

Robert was again in his solar. He was alone, with a small piece of paper in his hand. A drawing of the late Lyanna Stark was on it. He quickly tucked it away when they walked in. "So, did he confess?" Asked Robert

Stannis nodded. "Yes, he did. To that and more. He did so asking for conditions regarding the children and for Tyrions return home from the North." Stannis explained what Ser Jaime said about his Father. Robert was not in a forgiving mood. Robert asked where the children could go? "I am not sure. We will have to think of where. Now that one matter is done we need to discuss the future. We need to secure your succession."

Robert looked at him like he was crazy. "You want me to remarry? Why should I? I have you and Renly as my heirs. Renly is still young and unmarried. And you could still have a son with your wife."

Stannis was used the Robert exasperating him. But this was the first time he felt shock, pity, and anger at the same time.

"Robert! The Lords of Westeros put YOU on this throne. They want your line to rule. I will rule as the law demands, but ONLY if you leave no heir. I am no Otto Hightower, I will not use my role as Hand to strengthen my own interests. My wife and I have little interest in each other and have no plans to have more children. I am content with Shireen. As for Renly…for Sevens sake, how do you not know?! Loras Tyrell is his lover!"

Robert yelled for wine and a small decanter was brought. Stannis had been able to keep him relatively sober but Stannis would not begrudge him this time. After Robert finished a glass and poured another he looked at the men in front of him. "All right, from those papers I see you have some names for me. Who are they?"

Stannis pulled the papers out and went over each with Robert - listing all the positives and negatives.

"These are in no particular order of preference. First I have Margery Tyrell. Young, beautiful, and cultured from our reports. An ideal appearance of a Queen. But her father is Mace Tyrell. He is a grasping buffoon. I would not envy having him as a goodfather. He also tried to starve us out for a year in the rebellion, mocking us with his feasting. I know he swore fealty but I myself have never forgiven him"

Robert grunted in agreement

Ysilla Royce. Only daughter of Yohn Royce. You have a strong history with the Vale. Young, beautiful, very intelligent. Little in the way of negatives. But also tying you to a region you already have the support of. Another safe choice would be Myranda Royce. She 2-3 years older than the others and freshly widowed. So no blushing maid but not a crone"

Robert acknowledged this and motioned to continue.

Alysanne Lefford. Daughter of Leo Lefford. Heir to the Golden Tooth. Not my first choice honestly but she is a…...

Robert was shaking his head no. "I cannot take another wife from the Westerlands".

Stannis nodded and continued. "Talla Tarly. Daughter of Randyll Tarly. She is of similar age to Margery. I was not able to find out much about her. But she would bring an alliance to the Reach. And if Viserys Targaryen ever convinces those horse lords to cross the narrow sea we will have taken away the most capable commander from the Warden most likely to side with the Targaryen's.

Robert seemed intrigued by that idea.

"Other than a Stark female, which we do not have, the most palatable choice in the North is Wynafred Manderly. Alys Karstark is too young and not a follower of the Seven. House Mormont has several daughters but they are too small and poor a house. The rest are names we considered but did not push forward with. Sansa Stark is much too young. Barbara Bracken is a fine choice but that is asking for trouble with the Blackwoods. We considered Arianne Martell. Prince Doran would have accepted but Prince Oberyn would poison the feast not to mention she exemplifies the prejudice that Dornish are promiscuous and that is the LAST thing we need in a queen.

Robert sighed and said he would think it over. But before he let them leave he said "Remove the Tyrell girl from that list. No Baratheon of our generation is marrying into that family."

Littlefinger

Petyr Baelish sat down in the office at his most luxurious brothel. Out of frustration he picked up an expensive paperweight and threw it against the wall. Either the quality of the paperweight or Petyr's lack of muscle was the reason it had not broken. It just thunked and then fell to the floor that was covered by a heavy Myrish rug. For over a week he had been denied entry to the Red Keep and unable to reach any of his paid informants that survived Stannis' purge. He had finally received a summons to a meeting. One that was for the ages.

Petyr sauntered into the Small Council meeting with his typical sly grin he knew irritated others and that he used to perfection. He nodded to Stannis and as he sat down he noticed Ser Brynden Tully was seated at the table in the spot more served for those invited to appear. He greeted the man like the Uncle he had been but was given a cold stare back. Hmm…..Hoster must have told him about Lysa's pregnancy all those years ago. Oh well. Ser Brynden never really took to him anyways.

Renly was there as well pestering Stannis with questions about what had happened. Varys walked in silently with his slippered feet. His perfumed body gave his presence away before he was seen. All they needed now was Pycelle. He heard a commotion behind him and everyone stood. Robert Baratheon strode into the room like a man on a mission. He sat at his rarely used spot at the head of the table. Ser Baristan entered as well and sat at the spot reserved for the Lord Commander. This was new. Even when present, rarely as it was, Robert never let Ser Baristan take the traditional role for the Lord Commander to have a say at this table. And normally Roberts would already be drunk asking for more wine from one of his Lannister squires. Now he was sober, though he did pour a small glass of wine. Something was afoot…..

Stannis began. "I call this meeting to order. I will begin by…"

Petyr interrupted Stannis and gave him one of his looks that he knew made the man grind away on those poor teeth of his. "Aren't we missing our Grand Maester? Shouldn't we send a servant to wake him up from wherever he has dozed off?"

Stannis did start grinding his teeth but it was the King that spoke. "Stop wagging that silver tongue of yours Baelish before I have Ser Illyn cut it out for me". Said Robert with a disdainful glare at Petyr for a moment before nodding to Stannis.

"As I was saying, I want to start by giving a summary of events that started a little over a week ago here in the Red Keep and leading up to today. I want no interruptions while I go through them". Stannis glanced at Petyr while he said this, though did give Renly a quick glare too.

"It has been discovered through evidence brought from Winterfell by Ser Brynden Tully, along with corroborating testimony from Ser Aaron Santagar and a confession by the now former Kingsguard Meryn Trant, that the boy Joffrey paid a man to murder Bran Stark. This action also resulted in the death of Lady Catelyn Stark by being present in the room."

Petyr had been holding onto a quill when Stannis spoke. By the end of his statement that quill had been snapped in his hand. That inbred little shit is the reason my Cat is dead!

Even if Petyr wanted to say anything , Stannis continued. "When confronted, Joffrey confessed in front of the King, Ser Baristan, Ser Brynden, Ser Aron Santagar, and myself of his role in the crime. While in our shocked state he then ran and led us on a chase through the Keep. We caught up to the boy just as he barged into his mother's chambers." He sighed for a moment, glanced at Robert who looked like he wanted to punch someone, and then continued. "Within her chambers we found the Queen naked and mounted atop her brother, the Kingslayer, in full coitus."

Damnit! Petyr screamed in his mind. He had wanted to keep that a secret for his use.

"Ser Jaime attempted to arm himself but was disarmed by his Grace and rendered unconscious by Ser Baristan" said Stannis. "Cersei Lannister, Ser Jaime Lannister, and the boy Joffrey, have all been confined to the black cells. Furthermore, Grand Maester Pycelle has also been confined to a dungeon cell. He disobeyed a direct command from the King by attempting to send a raven to Casterly Rock despite being told no communication of the events inside of the castle was allowed. His raven distorted the truth and stated he would try to smuggle our prisoners from their cells to the West."

Stannis sighed and continued to speak. "The Kingslayer wrote a confession, given voluntarily and without physical persuasion. In it he declares that all three of the children - Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen - are not the fruit of his Grace's loins. But that they are bastards born of incest between the now former Queen Cersei Lannister and her brother, the Kingslayer".

Well what do you know, Stannis can put 2 and 2 together.

Renly was still silent but looked like a fish out of water. Ser Baristan and Ser Brynden both looked grim but determined at the summation.

Varys looked on serenely. Petyr knew the eunuch was silent because he had most likely known just as much as he did. Petyr detected blood in the water.

"I am curious, what inducements were given to get Ser Jaime to confess? And why is it you were forced to literally stumble onto this matter? Why was it not discovered by our Master Of Whispers?"

Stannis slowly turned his gaze towards Petyr. Petyr let his face to stay relaxed and arrogant but he felt disconcerted at the stare he was getting.

"For a supposedly clever man you have a very hard time listening to simple instructions." barked Stannis. "I said I wanted no interruptions. If you speak again without my leave you'll be on the next ship back to the pitiful strip of land you call home"

Petyr nodded and looked away.

"Ser Meryn Trant and Joffrey Hill will be sent to Winterfell for House Stark to determine their fate. Jaime Lannister has been stripped of his white cloak and knighthood. Cersei has been divorced immediately from the King. Both will face the King's justice on the morrow. A rider and a small detachment of guards has been sent to Casterly Rock. They carry a lengthy letter containing the same summation I gave to you all as well as a copy of Ser Jaime's confession. Tommen and Myrcella will be kept here as hostages for House Lannisters cooperation. The rest of the Realm will receive ravens detailing the same facts." Stannis looked across the room. "Now I will hear your thoughts".

Renly was the first to speak. "Robert - give me leave and I will escort Margery Tyrell to King's Landing. She is the best choice for a new Queen."

Robert shook his head. "I have been considering brides from all over the seven Kingdoms. But I will not consider her. Your cavortings with the Tyrells is something we will discuss in private after this meeting"

Varys was next to speak. "Your Grace, I apologize that I was unable to uncover this awful situation. All I can say for myself is that, as you know, I was previously directed by the former Queen to keep my little birds out of the family apartments. Lord Arryn had agreed to this provision. Cersei and her brother must have been able to keep it from the servants because my little birds heard no songs from them. As for where I have been, I was outside of the Red Keep gathering my birds songs when the incident occurred."

Stannis just looked at Varys "Come to my office one hour after we end here. We have much to discuss."

Stannis turned to Petyr. "Baelish, I don't need your opinion on this matter. I've already seen and heard enough garbage this week. But what I do need is a summary of all outstanding loans owed to House Lannister. After this debacle they WILL be stricken from our ledgers. Also, Pylos will need access to the taxes paid to the Iron Throne for the last five years."

Back in Petyr's office he was drinking a glass of wine and debating how his cyvasse board had been knocked over. His goal to incite a conflict in Westeros was falling apart. Robert was by no means secure in his throne, but with the Queen and Joffrey gone, it meant the most easily lit fires were gone. He needed something he could use to reignite it.

He was also frustrated with Stannis. Petyr had lingered around and was able to find out that Stannis and Robert had further dismissed any consideration of a Tyrell queen. Add to that they informed Renly they had plans to betrothe him to Ysilla Royce! This would seriously undermine any attempt to keep the Knights of the Vale out of a conflict until he let Lysa allow it. The Royce's were a strong house and commanded a lot of respect in the Vale. And there was no way he could let that damned Maester have his ledgers.

Petyr opened his desk to get a sheet of paper when there was a knock at his door. It was a Red Keep informant of his. If he remembered right, she was a servant who slept with Pycelle on occasion for good coin and brought gossip to Petyr. She was also quite adept at knowing what information was useful and what was not. She didn't speak but just simply set down a small object bundled in a rag and left. Petyr removed the object from the rag and realized what it was. A wide grin appeared on his face. He called out to his aide outside. When they answered he said "Please send someone to fetch my scribe immediately. I have need of him."

Petyr looked at the seal of Grand Maester Pycelle. Time to climb a new ladder.