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"Who found the body?" Tywin asked as the sheet was lifted from the cart. Robert's bloody corpse on full display. Tywin placed a handkerchief over his face as the foul odor invaded his nostrils. The stench of his voided bowel filled the air.
"Ser Jamie... The Queen had sent him to find the King. Since he didn't return last night," Varys answered as he stood by Tywin, looking at the body. The sight was grotesque, but he didn't show his disgust. Varys then waved to the guards by the cart, they pulled the sheet over and covered up the body. "We must inform the prince."
"King," Tywin corrects. "We must inform the King."
Varys nodded his head. "Yes, the King," he said as he looked to Tywin and saw the older man clutching the murder weapon in his other hand. The blade was strangely ornate with a dragon bone hilt and incrusted with a ruby. "Curious why the killer would use such a blade. Even more curious that they would leave it behind," he said, his eyes tracing along the strange weapon.
"It's rather simple. They want to frame us for his murder," Tywin said making Varys arch his brow. Once the Silent Sisters finally arrived to move the bodies the two men turned and headed back into the Keep.
In the royal chambers, Jon and Daenerys were both curled up in their bed. Sheets tossed and stained from the night of passion they shared. Even as the hour of the rooster came they remained in each other's arms. Jon let a smile grace his lips as he woke to the sight of his princess. He traced his fingers across her forehead, brushing the silver hairs that clung to her skin. Daenerys let out a soft groan in response but didn't move. She only clung even tighter to him in her sleeping state. Jon didn't have the heart to wake her even as his stomach ached for breakfast.
Knock, Knock, Knock, Knock.
Daenerys jerked her head hearing the loud banging on the door. She was about to yell profanities to be left alone when the door burst open. "Seven Hells!" Daenerys said as the two knights burst into the room. Jon and Daenerys both clung the sheets to their bodies at the intrusion. "What is the meaning of this?!" Jon asked until he saw Jamie walk into the room and saw the sight of relief on his Uncle's face.
"Good, you two are alright," Jamie said in relief as his eyes still scanned the room for intruders.
"Uncle? What's going on?" Daenerys asked as she held the blanket tight over her chest.
"It's... it's Robert the King, he's dead," as soon as those words left Jamie's lips, the two royals felt their whole worlds crashing down around them.
"How? What happened? Who did this?" Jon asked as his face grew pale. Daenerys held her husband tighter as she felt a tremble shake through him. Letting him know she was there.
"We do not know who," Jamie answered as he hung his head. Two Kings have now died on his watch. And one by his own hand. "Come get dressed. You must address the small council," Jamie said as he nodded to the knights to leave the room following them out.
Jon watched them go, leaving him and Daenerys in bed. "Come let us get dressed," Daenerys finally spoke moving to untangle herself from the sheets. She went over to the water basin by the mirror to quickly clean herself off.
Jon remained seated on the bed for a moment watching her out of the corner of his eye. Jon then shook his head. "No," he spoke firmly. "I have to see father first," he said as he rose from his bed going over to the dresser to grab something to wear.
"Jon, what about the..."
"Dany... I need to see him," Jon said as he slammed the dresser closed.
Daenerys heard the strain in his voice as he faced away from her. She then came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist placing her head on his back. "It's alright Jon. It'll be alright," She whispered feeling his heavy breathing beginning to calm. "We will see him first," she said softly.
Jon sighed into her touch. He reached down and intertwined his fingers with hers, holding her arms around him. She could feel a tremble and shake in his grasp. Jon was scared, even terrified. Daenerys could easily understand why. She placed her lips on his back, giving his skin a gentle kiss before letting him go. "Let's go," she whispered as Jon nodded his head.
Once Jon was dressed and ready, he left the room with Daenerys. Their hands linked together as the knights posted at their door escorted them to the chamber of the Silent Sisters. They had already stripped the three bodies and were beginning to clean the wounds when they saw the two royals enter. As soon as the now King and Queen approached the three women froze and turned and bowed deeply.
Jon and Daenerys both looked at the bodies in shock. Jon Arryn and his squire had their throats slit. The cut, so deep and so clean their heads were nearly cut clean off their bodies. But Roberts, his body was the most gruesome. His stomach gashed open with his guts hanging out. The wound was more comparable to someone mauled by a beast. But the stab over his heart. The one that killed him was proof that it wasn't a beast, but something worse. Something evil.
Jon and Daenerys stood next to their father's body. The man's horrified look frozen on his face staring up at the ceiling. "I was angry with you..." Jon spoke, tears welling in his eyes. "I was angry you didn't come. I hated that you chose your hate over Dany and me. But you didn't deserve this. No one deserves to be gutted like an animal," he said as he reached out to take Robert's hand. "We will bring you justice, father. I swear."
"You two shouldn't be seeing him like this," a woman's voice broke through the silence. They turned and saw Cersei walking into the room. She wasn't too broken up learning of Robert's death, to be honest. Her only concern was how her children would be taken to the news. "Come, let the Silent Sisters finish their work," she said beckoning her two eldest away.
Jon and Daenerys moved to leave the room. But Jon still looked back at his father. Getting one final look. He watched as the Sisters began to use needles and threads to sew Robert's belly closed. Their sewing was crude, they stuffed what flesh they could in place as they sealed up his gut.
When they left, the guards that waited bowed their heads before they escorted them away. Jon looked to Cersei and then to Daenerys as they walked by his side. "How can someone do that?" Jon said as he hung his head.
"Being a King you make enemies... and Robert especially made plenty of them," Cersei said as she pictured her husband's corpse. "There is no telling how many wanted him dead. And how many more with the means to do it," she admitted. Robert was always cruel, and belligerent, and made few friends at court. He was a bad king.
"If I am to be King... How am I to know who our enemies are? If they are numerous and unknown... how am I supposed to face them? Defeat them?" Jon asked as he began to feel the weight of it all. The weight of the crown, the kingdom, the people. He was still a young man.
"A good King knows when to save his strength and when to destroy his enemies," Cersei said as she turned to Jon. "You must allow yourself to grieve and save your strength. The small council and the one you choose as your Hand, will help keep order and keep the kingdom running while allowing yourself to adjust," she said then turned her gaze to Daenerys. "Besides you are not alone in this. You have your Queen, you have your family. We will take any burden off your shoulder that is too much for you."
Daenerys took Jon's hand holding it tightly between her fingers. "She's right. No one expects you to take this on all on your own. We are here for you," she said with a small smile holding his hand and giving it an encouraging squeeze.
Jon nodded his head as he gave the two women a soft smile. "Aye, thank you... both of you," Jon said though the weight was still there, even with their encouraging words. The crown was still heavy.
"You'll be a good King." Cersei smiled at him as she reached out to adjust his collar. "Your grandfather and the small council are expecting you. We shouldn't keep them waiting," she said as they turned to make their way to the chamber.
In the small council chamber, the lords discussed their next moves with Robert's death. Janos Slynt just left the room to send orders to the city watch. They ordered to search anyone entering or leaving the city. Though Tywin knew they wouldn't find anything. The killer whoever it is, or they are, is most likely long gone. Ser Jamie confirmed to them no evidence was left behind at the scene of the crime. No tracks, no footsteps, no sign of anyone. Whoever killed Robert knew what they were doing.
"Do you have any answers for us Master of Coin?" Ned Stark asked Baelish as they discussed the assassination. Since Lord Stannis and Lord Renly weren't available, the northern lord attended the meeting. He is the blood uncle of the future King and a friend of Roberts. Tywin thought it best to have him in on the discussion as he had no fear that Ned Stark was involved.
"And what do I have to answer for Lord Stark?' Baelish asked ignorantly.
"You are responsible for the crown's wealth and its treasures. Yet this dagger... managed to slip out of the vaults without your knowledge? I find that quite suspect," Ned said with a narrow gaze never trusting the greasy-haired man.
"Are you accusing me of regicide? Because if you are, I have three lovely witnesses to my whereabouts," Littlefinger retorted with a sly smirk.
"When do people with coin ever get their hands dirty?" Ned shot back as he glanced down at Littlefinger's soft hands with a judging gaze.
Baelish breathed deeply annoyed that he had to suffer the presence of the Warden of the North. "Like I said before. Aegon's fang should have been in the vault. And yes, true. I am responsible for the contents. Including the gold, treasures, and Targaryen artifacts. But I did not remove the dagger," he stated firmly.
"As much as I would like to believe otherwise. I don't think Lord Baelish had a hand in this," Varys spoke, his arms crossed over his chest folded into his sleeves. "As stated earlier, the killer most likely wanted to frame either us or a member of the royal family for the late King's murder."
Ned sighed, even though he felt uneasy about Littlefinger. He relented his accusation. "Then what would be the point of it? Why go through all this trouble?" he asked confused.
Baelish let a small smirk fall on his lips as he looked at Lord Stark. "Chaos," he answered simply. "Robert killed with a weapon only the King's most trusted and his family had access to. The Lords of the realm would see it as the small council getting rid of one King and installing a puppet in his place."
"And do you plan to hide this from the boy?" Ned asked concerned.
Tywin then spoke up. "No, the King should know of what happened. Hiding the details will do him no good, but the other lords are another matter."
"Maybe we say the official story is the King died due to a hunting accident? Maybe gutted by a boar?" Baelish offered a convenient excuse. "He was quite fond of drink. And drink can make one slow."
"What about Jon Arryn and his squire? Were they fond of drink?" Ned argued shaking his head. "Trying to cover up the deaths will cause as much if not more trouble as letting the truth come out."
"Oh Lord Stark so honorable..." Baelish groaned a bit irritated with the northern lord. "Then what would you have us say?"
Ned sighed as he looked to the councilors and then to Baelish. "King Robert was assassinated, and the crown will find his killers and bring them to justice. Anything short of that the other Lords will see the small council as compliant with the murder."
"As... blunt as Lord Stark's suggestion is... I think it is also the right move," Varys said as he agreed with him. "Some servants and guards have already seen the bodies. It won't take long for their lips to slip, and details of his death spread. Small whispers can spread just as quickly as wildfire."
Just as they continued their discussion about Robert's death, the chamber doors swung open. Two Kingsguard opened the chamber doors and Jon and Daenerys stepped into the room with Cersei at their backs. The lords rose to their feet to greet them.
"My King, it is good of you to join us," Tywin was the first to speak. He gave a curt smile as he stood up from the head of the table. Offering the seat to the young King.
Jon felt all eyes on him a small nervousness creeping up. But Daenerys presence next to him calmed his nerves. Jon marched over taking the chair as the one next to it was freed for the new Queen. Once the royals sat the rest of the councilors took their seats. "Apologies if we kept you waiting... we were paying respects to my father," Jon said as he gulped slightly.
"No need to apologize, we all deeply grieve for your father's passing. He was a good man and a good King. I'm sure you will make him proud," Baelish offered words of condolence.
"Yes, a good and well-respected King," Pycelle joined in Baelish's words. Varys on the other hand, did his best to not physically roll his eyes at the false praise.
Jon could also tell the words were hollow. He may be young, but he knew when someone was trying to butter him up. After taking his seat, the council brought Jon and Daenerys up to speed on their talks. From details of Roberts's assassination to Jon's coronation. The latter which Jon could care less about at the present moment. "Are there any suspects?"
"There are a few potential culprits, but we have nothing concrete enough to actually accuse anyone," Varys said carefully as there was one suspect he had in mind. When his gaze looked to Daenerys, he wondered if her brother was behind this assassination. Robert's assassins did fail to kill him once again. It would be understandable that Viserys would want to return the favor. And using that dagger would be a way to send a clear message.
"And this dagger... who else knew of it?" Daenerys asked, gesturing to the weapon that lay on the table on full display to the council. A weapon wielded by her ancestor. A relic of her family. Of her House. She curiously wondered if was also an attempt to frame her for her father's murder as well.
"That is also hard to say your Grace... the only people who should know of its whereabouts, let alone have access to it, are the people in this room," Baelish answered honestly. "But we will find answers for you, and we will ensure justice is brought," Although Littlefinger spoke with confidence, that answer didn't put Jon's mind at ease.
So far, the council didn't really have any answers for him. Instead, they only gave him more questions. Not just of the murder but his faith in them. These were his father's councilors. These were the men that ran the Kingdom, while his father drank and whored himself. "Thank you, my Lords, for your insight and council," Jon started as he drew the council's attention. "I believe... due to my father's death that some changes must be made... Umm, Lord Baelish," Jon called out the man's name making him raise his brow.
"Yes, your Grace?"
"The crown owes you a debt for your years of service to my father... but due to the events surrounding my father's death. I do not feel comfortable having you serve as Master of Coin at this time," Jon's words made Littlefinger look at him in pure shock.
"But... but your Grace. I have done nothing but be a loyal servant to the crown," Baelish was almost wordless.
"You are in charge of the crown's wealth and treasure. And while on your watch, not only was one of these treasures stolen but it was used to kill the King," Jon answered sternly. "Now, at such time that an investigation can clear you of all wrongdoing. It is best that you do not serve as a member of this council."
Hearing Jon's words Varys couldn't help the small smirk that graced his lips. He rarely, if ever, got to see Littlefinger taken down a peg. So he was going to enjoy every second of this. "But your Grace, we will still need a Master of Coin. Who else but Lord Baelish would take up such a position?" Maester Pycelle argued in Littlefinger's defense.
"Until such time I can find a more... permanent Master of Coin. I will have my Uncle, Lord Tyrion serve as Master of Coin," Jon said to the old Maester before turning to Littlefinger. "Guards if you can escort Lord Baelish out of the small council," he ordered as the two guards at the door approached.
Littlefinger was still stunned by the turn of events. But once he saw the guards he composed himself. He would not be dragged out. He simply straightened himself and bowed to Jon. "Your Grace," he said with narrow eyes before motioning to leave.
Once he was gone Jon turned his attention to the Master of Whispers. "Lord Varys," he spoke, getting the man's attention. "Once Tyrion has been notified of his new position, I would like it if you can brief him on his duties."
Varys was cautious when his name was brought up. But nodded his head. "Of course your Grace I will see to it personally Lord Tyrion is accommodated to his new office."
"Good. Plus, once that is done. I would ask if you and Tyrion pass by Lord Baelish's establishments with some guards. If there are any relevant documents or gold that belong to the crown in his personal offices. I ask that be returned," Jon said as he wanted to cover his bases.
"Very wise decision your Grace. I will make sure everything is accounted for," Varys smiled in agreement. He was actually quite impressed with the young King so far. His first act as King in getting rid of Littlefinger was a decent start.
"Till the culprit is found, we should increase security around the Red Keep. Only those that are permitted should be allowed to enter for the time being," Jon said drawing the council's attention. "And with all due respect, since the killer may have a potential tie to any council member. I don't think I can have any of you investigate yourselves," he said turning his gaze to Eddard Stark. "Uncle, I would have you conduct the investigation into my father's murder. As my acting Hand," he said making everyone jerk their heads in surprise.
Ned blinked for a moment he was too, stunned by Jon's proposal. "Your Grace I'm not..."
Jon quickly cut Ned off as he began to speak. "I know you are Warden in the North. This position is only temporary," Jon tried to explain his thought process. "Until I can fully trust the members of this council. I cannot select a permanent Hand without some doubt. Besides, you are my father's friend. If there is anyone that would do whatever is in their power to find the culprit it would be you." he said hoping he was making the right choice. "Once the investigation is done, I will announce my true Hand, and you can return North."
Tywin was a bit curious about Jon's decision. Eddard was indeed a reasonable choice for a Hand. Though Tywin half expected he would have been the one chosen for the position. "Thank you, your Grace," Ned bowed his head. "I will do all in my power to help you seek justice."
"I know you will Uncle," Jon said as he rose to his feet. The councilors followed suit. "Lord Eddard Stark, I name you Hand of the King," Jon proclaimed doing his best to give a commanding tone as he made his first official decree. "I charge you to bring the King's justice and you will do so in my name."
"I will your Grace. In your name."
(Catspaw Dagger is only its nickname in GOT I decided to call it Aegon's fang)
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