The third day after dinner started off as always. Breaking fast together as a family and then lessons or play time for the children while I spared in the yard. I do not know why I had never embraced this time with my children, even the babes, because it was the most peaceful part of the day and one, I looked forward to. Just the simple act of conversing with my older children and listening to their point of view on new information that they had learned or were interested in was enlightening and pleasant to hear. My parents sure had never taken an interest in my brothers or myself this way as we were all sent off accept Renly to be fostered by ten summers. It is in one way that I failed with him as I never sent him to foster just thrusted him into Lord of our lands and a place on the council even though he was but a kid and not qualified.
After morning news and issues of the kingdoms taken care of the trails started; Cersei had indeed written her account of her crimes and those of her father, brother, and anyone else who had crossed her. It had delayed the trails by two days as it had taken that long for her to finish. In his lap lay a small pile of papers that had me feeling hurt, seething mad, and resigned to just getting this mess taken care of finally. While she had warned me in a letter after the morning meeting with her about their son the rest had not been, and it had made me glad I was sobber and had a way to work out my anger because after reading it I wanted her head.
She had not only known the children were not mine and had even believed Myrcella wasn't either but had actively had his trueborn children murdered as they had been found out. Sometimes brutally and others after many years of watching them grow in the streets starving and being subjected to crimes against them by those she hired. Somehow by the grace of the gods these had managed to survive their assassination attempts. I would not be taking that chance again with any of them. I just prayed that Lyanna would take care of those children that had not been able to live and that I could seek pence for my role in their murders. The worst was Gendry and what she had done to him and had it not been for the last-minute change of heart over the boy by his uncle he would have met the same fate as his siblings. Lannister could not kill the boy because it was from her body. I would never understand how she could treat our child the way she did just because he looked like me and wanted to hide Joffrey's birth being questioned.
"Court is called into session being the first of the Lords council and the 991st of the Small Council. First case to be presented is the Crown versus Jamie Lannister. He is accused of king slaying, of breaking his oath as a gold clock not once but multiple times, 6 counts of murder of a royal child, 12 counts of murder of a royal servant or guard, treason, upsure of the line of succession, incest, plotting to put a non-royal on the throne, plotting against the crown with his father, Lord Lannister, bribery. How do you plead." Master of Law Lord Jasper said addressing the Lords Council and the Small Council.
"Guilty and I request trail by combat." Jamie did as his father had instructed him to do. He knew not what the plan was other than beat his opponent and then get Cersei as well. He would be her champion and they would take the children and go back to Casterly rock.
"I agree with that and choose Prince Oberyn Martell to be the champion for the crown." Robert said and had to suppress a chuckle at the outrage that Tywin was showing.
Clearing the arena that had been set up right outside in the training yard the court went out to watch the battle. They had made sure all the children were locked away for the day and guarded by the Guards of the north. Robert knew they were unswayed and would make sure they were all safe.
The battle was fierce, and it looked like Jamie would win for a time until Oberyn made a move right and then spun around left instead catching his knife up under the chin of Jamie and pushing it in as the man fell from the strike. Jamie's life blood was draining out as Robert yelled out, "Guilty and sentenced by combat. Let all know that Jamie Lannister is guilty of all charges presented and paid with his life. We will reconvene inside for the rest of court."
Tywin was sitting stunned staring at his now dead son. His golden child who had finally given him a way to get him out of a lifetime service as a gold cloak and in his rightful place as heir. Now what did he have a daughter that was sure to be put to death, a deformed imp who was now the only one for heir and who had no children, and two boys created of incest and a stain on his glorious house.
"I want my grandsons and I request the bodies of my children so that we can take our leave and grieve in private." Tywin said as court was restarting.
"You will have their bodies when court is finished. You have no grandsons as you signed your right to them away and their only living parent is about to go on trial. Sit down and wait until we are done." I bellowed out growing red in face as I felt my anger spike at this man who thought he could demand anything from me.
"The Crown brings the charge of rape, torture, and murder of the crowned Princess Elia Martell, Murder of her daughter princess Rhaenys and Prince Aegon against Ser Gregor Clegane, Dustin Casterly, and Samwell Thompson. How do you plead?" Lord Jasper asked the three men.
"Not Guilty," Clegane said.
"Guilty." The other two repeated afterwards and knew they would find death for their deeds.
"My Grace, Lords of the Council, the Small Council, I would like to present evidence of the agreement between the Crown and Lord Tywin Lannister in which he was to turn these accused men over for the murders for a deal for trail by combat for his son Jamie Lannister. I would also like to submit the written account by Dustin Casterly in his own hand and by Samwell Thompson dictated to a panel of three who then wrote it down and signed it, and the written confession by Cersei Lannister." Lord Jasper said, handing the documents over to the councils and who proceeded to read it and pass it along until finally all had read it.
I took personal glee in the look on Lannister's face once he heard his own daughter sell him out and then the paleness as he read over her words written in her own hand. I could not wait to see what other charges in the future I would be able to bring against him and house Lannister.
"Do you deny writing this or dictating this" Lord Jasper asked the two men.
"No, My Lord," they both answered one after the other.
"And in your sworn statement you say that you were directed by Gregor Clegane to find and murder the Crowned Princess and her children. And it is to your understanding that those directions came straight from Lord Tywin Lannister." Lord Jasper asked.
"Yes, Mi Lord." Again, they both answered almost at the same time.
"Those in favor of death say I" I asked all in attendance and all but those beholden to Lannister said I. However, their vote against was not enough to have a say in the matter.
"Due to the nature of the crimes, I King Robert, sentences you to death by beheading at dawn." I said and nodded for the soldiers to take the men away. However, Clegane grabbed a sword from one of the guards and with a wide swing hitting all close to him he started to try and fight his way out of the room. Taking on and slewing four at a time Clegane finally came face to face with his brother who quickly sought out to end his brother. It had been a long time in the making and one The Hound didn't relish, but revenge for his attempt on his life as a child was just. It was a hard bloody battle but in the end the man known as The Mountain was dead and his brother was taken by the Maesters for medical treatment. Another break was called while the throne room was cleaned up and everything put back into its place before we restarted once again.
"I call the Council to order, and we shall continue to address the business of the day. Your Majesty the next order of business is a claim by Prince Dorne Martell and the House of Martell against Tywin Lannister and the House of Lannister." Lord Jasper announced.
"I will hear it, please present the case." I said the following the layout of the meetings.
"My Grace, Prince Dorne Martell and House Martell seek to sue Tywin Lannister for the death of their sister Princess Elia and her children. This is an offense against House Martell who is considered royalty among the seven kingdoms having sustained their status in treaty with the crown. They sue for the amount of 10 billion dragons and the Lannister ancestral home Casterly Rock." Master of Law Lord Jasper said addressing the courts and a hush went through the room as all eyes turned to look at Lannister who was white in the face but seething mad. He knew he had been tricked at this point and cursed the day his daughter was born, and he joined his house with this bastard of a king, and what made it worse was it had been so well played he had not seen it coming.
"I accept the case as legitimate because of the proof of the pervious trails and from his own signed deal for his son so it can move forward. What evidence do you have?" I declared and asked Lord Jasper to represent the evidence we had gathered and present in Cersei's account she had written out for us once we started clarifying her accounts.
"The written agreement from Tywin Lannister in which he agrees to give up those responsible for the attacks and murder of Crowned Princess Elia and her children. Testimony from those convicted of those murders. Finally, a detailed account of an overheard conversation between Lord Lannister and his brother and sister after the fact by Cersei Lannister." Lord Jasper said once again handing the evidence to the councils, but none read it as they had already been eager to read what the past queen had to say on the matter.
"While damaging what proof is there, he ordered the murders and didn't know after the fact who had done it." Lord Tyrell asked because while the overheard account was damming it was after the fact and had not said that he ordered the murders just knew about them.
"None my lord. While many will testify that nothing is done without the authority of Lord Lannister, there is none that has come forward that will say he directly or indirectly ordered their murders. He did benefit from the murders though by showing his loyalty to the new crowned king and by getting his daughter married and crowned as queen." Lord Jasper disclosed, and this raised many eyebrows as if it could have happened but there was no proof.
"Lord Lannister is there anything you would like to add." I inquired to the glaring man giving him more rope to hand himself with. I knew the man was doomed either way because he could admit to knowing after the fact and be held liable for not turning them in before or he could admit nothing happens without his knowledge and be held liable for ordering their murders. The beauty of it was he had done it to himself by signing a simple agreement that was witnessed by the small council.
"Not at this time but would like the chance to appeal the decision later on." Lord Lannister said standing and walking down in front of me with a glare to anyone who met his eyes.
"Granted. I now ask the Small Counsel and the Lords Counsel to offer their recommendations on guilt and if so to what extent would the fine be." I said sitting back to watch as the men of the council gathered around and talked about the case. It was 30 minutes later that they all finally finished and resumed their seats.
"Do you have an order of guilt?" I queried.
"Yes, my Grace. The Small Council and the Lords Council find that Lord Tywin Lannister knew after the fact who had murdered the Crowned Princess and her children and helped to conspire to hide those guilty from punishment. For this we fine House Lannister 1 billion dragons for each of the children and 5 billion dragons for Princess Elia Martell to be paid to House Martell. This totals seven Billion dragons in total." Lord Arryn spoke, and all watched as Lannister stormed out of the great hall. I knew he was bankrupt. He had gone from the richest to now barely anything left. At least he had his business' and his ancestral home to rebuild on.
"Lastly, My king, the crown charges Queen Cersei Lannister Baratheon with treason, upsure of the line of succession, incest, and plotting to put a non-royal on the throne, murder of royal true born children before they were born by drinking moon tea, complicity of murder of children with royal blood in the murder of the pervious princess and prince born to Crowned Princess Elia, the complicity of murder of Crowned Princess Elia, murder of servants and soldiers of the crown, plotting with others against the throne, abuse to the Crown Princess Myrcella Baratheon, 5 counts of murder of trueborn children of his grace and herself after birth, 10 counts of murder or plotting to murder the children of King Robert seed, and lastly for neglect of the kingdom by using funds set aside for the orphanage for her own gains." Lord Jasper stated, and a hush settled over the whole of court who listened as the ragged Queen entered looking all the worse for wear.
"How does the Queen plead." I demanded staring at the woman daring her to speak out of turn.
"Guilty your grace." She expressed barely above a whisper.
"What proof does the crown have of these charges." Lord Tully asked, wondering just how old his daughter's oldest girl was and if he could get her married to the now soon to be single King.
"I submit the sworn testimony of Lord Stannis Baratheon and Lord Arryn on what they found. Along with a statement by Master of War Selmy and five guards that were with them when the queen was found in her bed chambers with her brother. Here are five statements by grand maesters and the Arch grand maester of the tests done on all the children the very next morning the last arriving just this morning by messenger who had the Maester of Winterfell test a Gendry Waters after the Queen admitted that he was the first true born son between them. Lastly, we have the written statement from the Queen herself detailing all the crimes stated against her." Lord Jasper revealed as he handed over all the documents and the courts went into recess so that the Lords of the Small Council and of the Lords Council could read them and could give their ruling.
It was two hours later when I was told that finally the ruling had come in. "How does the Councils rule in this case." I inquired about while taking the pages that was handed to me and looking them over with holding a smile because it was not the right time to take relief and show happiness in finally being free of her and her family.
"We find that the Queen is guilty of all charges and grant the divorce of King Robert and Cersei Lannister. We also voted to strip Cersei Lannister of queenship immediately and charge restitution from House Lannister in the amount of 3 million dragons. All jewels and possessions are here by ordered back into the crowns vaults to be passed on to the future Crowned Princess once she is crowned queen of the seven kingdoms." Lord Arryn articulated.
"Your Grace, I request audience before you pass judgment on Cersei Lannister." Myrcella said having asked to be escorted to the throne room to speak. Luckily for her being the princess had sway plus her father had not left word she could not come just had to be escorted everywhere that she went.
"Granted, but sweets are you sure?" I questioned. I was pissed she had managed to get here and ask to speak but knew from our talks she was a resourceful girl and that she had things she needed to say to her mother now that she felt safe to do so.
"I am father, I need this." Myrcella said coming to stand by her father.
"I ask for mercy for Cersei Lannister. Not because she deserves it but because her children Joffrey and Tommen would become orphans who is innocent in this whole matter. I do not want anything to do with the woman who is my blood mother as her abuse to myself has truly been overwhelming and it is by my father, his graces, actions that has started me on the road to healing. I do not seek her freedom nor ask for her to have it easy. I simply wish to see her locked away and to have to live with her crimes for the rest of her days. I feel this is what will truly punish her the most. She was no mother accept to Joffrey who she spoiled and let act however he wanted; I cannot remember a time she even hugged me nor read to me. When I was sick it was a nurse by my side, when I was scared and alone, it was my father or Tommen. I thank you for your time and hope that this is the last time I ever see Cersei Lannister or any one of them again." Myrcella read off a page and then looked at her father. I hugged my daughter and whispered my love to her as I bid her off watching as she left as quickly as she came in.
"I want so badly to sentence you to death by my hand for the things you have done to that girl alone little lone my other true born children. However, I would not be the kind of king and leader that I want her and my other children to be if I could not find mercy in my heart for the woman who I was married to and who is the mother of two of my children. I do believe Myrcella is correct that this punishment would be more fitting for a lifetime of remembering than a quick death like your brother met." I said, twisting the knife in her heart as I let that moment of her finding out her twin and lover were dead sink in as she quietly let tears fall but pulled her shoulders back not wanting to appear weak.
"I declare that you are to be taken to the White tower and locked in until your natural death. You will be provided with the basic clothing, food, and medical needs while you live with what you have caused your family and kingdom. You will not be allowed visitors, letters, or outside news accept that of your sons who can choose to stay with you or not. You need to be thankful to your daughter and her incredible heart because otherwise I would see your last breath." I bellowed out at her and took a deep breath controlling my anger as I continued to glare at her.
"Is there anything else today, Lord Jasper?" I inquired as my now ex-wife was escorted out of the room and I was in desperate need of air and a distraction as I wanted to drink something and just forget this whole mess for a while but knew I must not start again or my family would fall because of it because while I had gotten rid of some vultures there were others circling still that would take advantage of any opportunity he gave them.
"Not at this time my grace." Lord Jasper replied, and I nodded before dismissing court as I left by a side door and going to my rooms to change into my sparing clothes but instead found my daughter waiting curled up in front of the fire. Her little face red from the tears she had shed and her shoulders shaking from her sobs. I lifted her into my arms sitting down and just holding her close as I too felt drained and exhausted from the day's events. Yes, the mess was over and yes, I had had time to adjust while in my vision state, but it had not made it any easier at the end to deal with. I had not loved her, but we had shared moments and had been together and shared a daughter together.
"I am sending her to White Tower where she will live out the rest of her life." I told her and she nodded as she curls up into me, finally closing her eyes.
I sit there late into the evening dismissing everyone that had knocked just looking over my past and focusing on the future. It was almost dark out when I finally took my daughter to her rooms and handed her off to her nurses to take care of while I went in search of some food and a walk about the keep.
