'Knock, knock, knock,' Margaery sighed as she rose from her seat. She passed a slumbering Loras as she walked to the chamber door. She was due to speak in the throne room and give her accounting of events to the King. She put on a somber face as she walked, there were rumors that Joffrey had lost his arm but they were only rumors. He may have been a cruel boy, but he didn't deserve what happened to him.
She opened the door and was greeted by the blonde hair and blue eyes of Tommen. If only Tommen were the firstborn, Margaery mused, I am meant to be a queen not a princess. It was a guilty thought, but Margaery knew that she would take becoming Queen with both hands. Even if it meant betraying Tommen. Though those chances were sparse, as Tommen and her would be married soon and so would Joffrey and Sansa.
The prince she surmised would be pliable to her wishes, less so than she would've hoped but enough.
Standing alongside Tommen was the auburn hair and blue Tully eyes of Sansa. She had a sullen look on her face. His face on the other hand was more stressed than somber, "My Lady," he said as he bowed his head. Margaery noticed the tired and weary glint in his eyes, a glint a boy his age should not have possessed."My mother would like to speak with both you and Lady Sansa before you speak to the King." Margaery nodded and they interloped their arms formally.
Soon enough they arrived in the Queen's chambers and the door was opened by Ser Meryn. Tommen walked in behind them as the Queen turned to face them. She was wearing red silks and had a glass of wine in her hand. She put a smile on her face, though Margaery could see the hints of simmering rage underneath. Both Sansa and her sat down on a sofa as Tommen sat on a silk chair beside them, the queen still stood facing them taking a swig of wine.
The room was Cersei's alone Margaery surmised. It was decorated in Lannister colors and smelled of the salty sea of the Blackwater. There were also several candles in the room giving it a pleasant sweet smell.
"So," Cersei started, "You were all there to witness what happened earlier." She paused and looked towards Sansa, "Your sister will tell her lies, you all however will tell the truth." She turned towards Tommen, "Me and my son have agreed that Arya's direwolf attacked Joffrey as both he and you," she said while gesturing towards Sansa. "Were walking through the gardens. The Braavosi attacked the Hound after the Direwolf was put down." She completed, her hands clasped over her stomach.
"But that isn't what happened," Sansa said bravely.
Cersei turned towards Sansa, her smile now made a sneer, "Yes it is if you want your betrothal to my son to continue."
Sansa nodded and bowed her head, Cersei then turned to Margaery who also nodded. "Now run along now, I have a few more things to organize before I go. My son will show you the way."
Tommen nodded and escorted them to the throne room he spoke as they left Cersei's chambers and were out of earshot of Ser Meryn, "Tell the truth of what you saw Sansa. The real truth. You too Margaery. Do not fear my mother, her threats are hollow. My father wants this marriage more than anyone and will not call it off so you need not fear Sansa." They both nodded.
Margaery was surprised at Tommen's betrayal of his brothers and his mothers trust, she knew Tommen and Joffrey weren't necessarily close by their interactions. Though it was a curious thing, she pondered if there was something deeper than a simple sibling rivalry. Though those thoughts were cut short as they entered the throne room.
The room was emptied of courtiers and only had the small council and the King in attendence. Both Ser Barristan and Ser Illyn standing beside the King. The only council member missing was Lord Stark, Margaery saw immediate worry and fear on Sansa's face as she turned to the Prince. "Where-where's my father?" She asked. Her voice little more than a whisper.
"He was found injured earlier, he'll be fine so don't worry Sansa. I'll take you to go see him after this." Margaery could see that Sansa was on the brink of tears though she simply nodded and continued walking towards the King.
Once they stood before the throne Tommen bowed deeply while she and Sansa curtsied. "Yes, yes rise." The King responded. There were several seats put on the dais, and the three of them moved to sit by Renly who was talking amiably with Baelish.
Soon after being seated, two Kingsguard led Arya and her dancing master Syrio Forel into the throne room. Arya looked a little dazed, her eyes were red and broken from the death of her wolf. Syrio looked just like he did earlier, not a scratch on him. They bowed before the king and were seated on the opposite side of the dais.
Sandor was next, and the process went much less the same. Margaery noticed Sandor glaring at Syrio which Syrio only responded with the faint hints of a smirk on his face.
Of course, Cersei entered last with typical Lannister arrogance in each of her steps, she sat herself beside the King as he began the process. "Cersei if you will," Cersei moved to stand before the King at the center of the dais. "You were the only one to speak to Joffrey correct?" Cersei nodded, to which Robert told her to proceed.
"He told me that the Braavosi attacked the Hound after barbs were exchanged, Joffrey tried to calm the situation down but Arya ordered her wolf to go and attack Joffrey-"
"That's not true!" Arya cried.
Robert interjected before Cersei could speak, "Quiet, you'll get your turn."
After a few more words Cersei was dismissed back to her seat, Margaery noticed Cersei shoot a confident smirk towards Tommen to which he replied in kind. "Arya," The King called, "Tell it all and tell it true."
Arya moved to stand in the center of the dais as all eyes turned towards her, "Me and Syrio were practicing water dancing when Joffrey and Sansa came. He started being rude to us and attacked us, Syrio disarmed him with a wooden sword-" Arya was interrupted by a loud chuckle from Renly but after a glare from both Robert and Cersei he shut up. "The hound moved to attack Syrio and while they were fighting Joffrey picked up a wooden sword and knocked me down. That's all I can remember." Cersei scoffed at Aryas truth. Robert turned to look at Syrio and Syrio replied reading Robert's eyes, "She tells the truth Your Grace."
Robert nodded then turned towards Tommen to which Tommen sighed and stood at the center of the dais. "I was not there for the beginning of the encounter though once Sansa warned me of what was unfolding I rushed to the scene. From how I saw things, Arya's got the right of it," Arya smiled with hope, while Cerseis glowered at him. Tommen continued, "By the time I arrived, Arya was unconscious, and the Direwolf was already attacking Joffrey. Clearly irritated over Joffreys unwarranted attack on Arya. I was able to stop the fight and get Joffrey to the maester… A similar thing happened on the Trident father, I was watching Arya and the butchers boy Mycah playing with sticks off in the distance. When I saw Joffrey appear, I made to hastily intercept him. From what I saw Joffrey seemed to be threatening both Arya and Mycah but I managed to calm the situation before anything happened."
Cersei was sputtering in anger, Robert held up a hand to stop her nonsense to which she hesitantly obeyed. "Lady Margaery?" The King asked, "My betrothed is telling the truth, your Grace." She responded as Tommen retook his seat beside her.
Robert nodded then turned to Sansa, Sansa sputtered nervously in response, "I-I…I uh" After receiving a gentle hand on the shoulder from Margaery and reassuring glances from Tommen she took a deep breath and spoke more clearly. "It-It was just a misunderstanding, me and Joffrey were walking in the gardens and we heard Arya and Syrio water dancing. An argument broke out between Joffrey and Syrio and a fight began. After…after Joffrey was outmachted I ran to tell Tommen what was happening."
The King sighed and pinched his head in thought. After a momentary silence he spoke, "Its settled, Arya and her dancing master will find somewhere else in the castle to spar… I'll talk to Ned whenever the hell he wakes up." He then turned to Cersei who by this time was flustered in anger and continued, "That wound ought to teach Joffrey a lesson."
Cersei glowered at him, "Your son may still have his arm, but he will never be able to use it the same again. And you do nothing?"
"Quiet woman."
Cersei didn't remain quiet, "They have another direwolf, how long before it attacks someone?"
Robert shook his head, "I forgot about the damned wolf, Ser Ilyn see to it that the wolf is put down."
After Sansa began to cry, Tommen interjected, "Father you can't mean-"
"Know your place Tommen," Robert commanded.
Robert swiftly rose from the throne followed by Ser Barristan, Ser Illyn the hound, and all of the Small Council and left the throne room. Syrio and Arya left a few paces after the King did. Sansa was crying softly as Tommen took her arm and bid her to rise, Margaery rose too and took Tommens other arm.
"I need to speak to you Tommen," Cersei said.
"Not now mother-"
"Yes now!"
Tommen nodded in the direction of Margaery as she took Sansa's arm and led her out of the throne room.
Tommen POV:
Tommen took the seat closest to his mother as she rose gracefully from her chair and walked over to him with a sneer on her face. She slapped him hard as his face flung away from her in the unsuspected slap. He bit his tongue in surprise and a small unmanly whimper escaped him. He brought his hand to his now red cheek as he grimaced and turned to look at his mother with confident defiance.
"He is your brother Tommen, what do you have to gain from seeing him fall?"
"Its the truth mother, Joffrey attacked Syrio and Arya-"
"The truth?" Cersei laughed, "Joffrey is your brother thats the truth. I expected better from you Tommen."
With that the Queen soon to be dowager queen left the room. Tommen soon joined her in her departure and was heading to his chambers when a thought passed his mind. I haven't visited my dear brother yet have I?
Tommen redirected himself from his own quarters to Joffreys to go check up on his beloved brother. As he got closer to the Crown princes quarters of Maegors Holdfast he smelt strong perfume and heard very small footfalls which he was convinced even the most observant of people wouldn't have been able to hear.
Sure enough when he turned around he saw the round and plump face of Varys. "My prince, may I have a word?"
Tommen nodded his assent and the eunuch began, "I wanted to say my wishes of health to the prince. I went to see him earlier but he was still unconscious. And now I am convinced because of this late hour he is likely slumbering."
"I'll be sure to tell him of your consolations." Tommen turned to leave, but the Eunuch continued, "It was indeed a surprise when you betrayed your mother's trust in favor of that of Arya Stark."
Tommen took on an inquisitive and shocked look and Varys simply laughed it off, "Do not worry my Prince, nothing gets by me. However, I was able to surmise this without the help of my birds. However, I did need their help in discovering who was Baelish's fierce rival when it came to both quantity and quality in brothels."
Tommen was able to calm his features a bit but was nonetheless surprised of his revelation. He always assumed that both Varys and Littlefinger knew but to hear it out loud was a different matter. "I-I uh," Tommen was unable to form a coherent response after being taken off guard so suddenly. Varys waved his hands in a dismissive manner, "You need not worry, my prince. If Baelish somehow doesn't know. I assure you your secret is safe with me."
"Why?" Tommen asked.
Varys took two steps forward while he wrung his powdered hands together, "It is a dreadful game we play is it not? A vile game. It's especially shameful that one so young should be aware of it."
Tommen recomposed himself, "Indeed it is Varys, but it is also a necessary thing for me to be aware of the game, isn't it? My brother and sister may be unaware, but I can't let myself fall victim to those who would deceive me."
"You mustn't worry my prince, I and indeed all those who are on the council would seek to protect you."
"Protect me?" Tommen questioned. "Did you protect the Mad King when my uncle shoved his sword in his back?" Tommen said taking a step forward. "Did you protect Princess Elia and her children from the Mountain and his mad dogs?" Tommen took a deep inhale of breath and then continued. "I do not need your protection Varys, I have gotten along fine without it."
Varys had a somber look on his face, a look of failure and regret of failing to protect Princess Elia and her children. "It troubles me every night of my past failures… But I serve a new dynasty now, you're the sharpest of your siblings. The only one in your family who seems interested in protecting the realm that they are supposed to serve…. A shame you weren't born first."
"I don't think my brother or mother would appreciate that sentiment."
Varys titled his head in agreement, "Indeed, though I'm sure you do." Varys feigned a yawn, "The hour grows late my prince, I should be going now." He turned around to leave but after taking a few steps held up one finger and turned to face Tommen, "I almost forgot my prince, if the need arise. I am obligated to serve you no matter the task, no matter the intention." With that, the Eunuch left the Prince and rejoined the shadows.
