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It was midday as the longship of House Longwaters sailed across the Blackwater Bay with Ser Jarred and his father, Lord Jonathor, on the deck with the sight of King's Landing in their sights. With the great ship was a group of 70 ships from the Longwater fleet as Lord Jonathor sent a message saying not only was he coming to swear fealty but to provide aid and ships for protection from any invasion of Stannis Baratheon as proof of it.

Captain Nikados approached the father and son, "We will be docking soon, my lord."

"Thank you, captain," Jonathor said as he looked back at sea and began to breathe heavily.

As the captain returned to his duties, Jarred looked at his father, seeing how he was breathing. He looked a bit fatigued, as if he was exhausted, which was strange since it was only a seven-day journey, "Are you alright, Father?"

Jonathor stayed silent momentarily before admitting, "It has been over a decade since I've been in court."

"Well, I wouldn't have got you to come here if Mother didn't need help," Jarred said, knowing his father has mixed feelings about coming to the capital.

Jonathor turns to his son, putting his hand on his shoulder, "I know, my boy. I know. Hopefully, this will end quickly. In the meantime, we must keep our heads and maintain ourselves for appearances."

"Of course," Jarred nods. He was still angry about what Joffrey and Cersei did to his mother, but remembering his mother's words about trying to do this right and smart, he decided to follow his father's lead.

When the ship reached the city and docked at the Mud Gate, a wheelhouse awaited them. The father-son duo climbed in as the wheelhouse rode to the Red Keep along the Longwater entourage of attendants that came with them. Eventually, they arrived at the Red Keep with Kingsguard Knights meeting, leading them inside.

Lord Jonathor, accompanied by his son, Maester Samurel, and Nikados, led the Longwater entourage of attendants through the halls. As they approached the throne room, the grand doors opened, and members of the court bowed their heads in reverence. The Sea Dragon has arrived. While everyone stared at the entourage, Jonathor remained fixed on the Iron Throne, where Joffrey Baratheon dressed elegantly while wearing his crown, and his mother, Queen Cersei, sat along with members of the Small Council standing side them. Lenora, Ema, Ceryse, Jocelyn, and Sansa were not far away from the gallery, watching everything unfold. Cass wasn't with them as she visited her aunt to see how she had been faring during her current situation, which should be resolved today.

Once he comes upon the throne, Lord Jonathor gets down on one knee, bowing his head, along with the entourage following suit. Jarred was reluctant but decided to do so anyway.

"Your Grace," Jonathor proclaims, still bowing to the King.

"Rise, Lord Jonathor," Joffrey said as the great lord did as commanded, "I am glad you have come to the capital to swear allegiance. We have been waiting for such acknowledgment for some time."

"Indeed," Jonathor respectfully said, "I had many responsibilities to Dawn Isle and the trade agreements provided for the crown with our foreign allies to support your reign. With my lady wife being a member of the Small Council, we believed that she would speak on my behalf as we have conversed through raven messages. And yet, Your Grace, the previous Lord Hand, Eddard Stark, betrayed you by stating you have no claim to the throne."

As Lord Jonathor denounces Sansa's father as a traitor, Lenora, and the girls give her subtle looks. Sansa shifts uncomfortably upon hearing his words, but since they are in public, she can only stand still and remain silent.

Jonathor continues, "The previous Master of Laws, your own uncle, Lord Renly, has taken up arms against your rule, with House Tyrell giving support. A foolish endeavor on his part as he is no more than a third son seeking to raise his weak standing. Your other uncle, the previous Master of Ships, Lord Stannis, is at Dragonstone, raising an army to assert his own claim. Before leaving Dawn Isle, I received a message from Lord Stannis reminding me of the family ties we share by my marriage to your Aunt Hellen for my support."

"Is that so?" Joffrey asks, glaring at the lord, wondering where his loyalty lies.

"Yes," Jonathor answers, "However, I am aware of the laws of succession and that you are Robert Baratheon's eldest son. The Iron Throne is yours, not by a mere claim as Stannis and Renly, but by birthright according to the laws of gods and men. Therefore, my King, you can rest assured that House Longwaters will always support the rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms. And to prove that, we have brought 70 ships from the Longwater feet to come to King's Landing's defense should there be any attack on the sea by the traitor Stannis Baratheon."

Jonathor finishes with his head bowing low, showing respect as Jarred had a slightly annoyed look, still angry by the treatment his family suffered for the past few weeks. And it did not soothe his anger when Joffrey gave that sickening smirk, obviously liking what his father said, although he saw the Queen Regent was still giving a suspicious look them.

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"Don't you ever get bored here," Cass asked as she sat on a couch beside her aunt.

Hellen, resting her head on her hand pressed against the couch, said, "There are some books to read, some papers to go over for the trade, a few sewing to do. Other than that, it can get dull, but it's only been two weeks."

"I just hope that you can get out as soon as possible," Cass stated, "I still don't see why Joffrey did this."

"He and your mother just want to ensure our interest lies with the crown," Hellen tells her, "It'll all be over soon."

Cass was about to say something, but the door opened, revealing it to be Jarred and Jonathor. Hellen immediately gets up from the couch, "Jonathor."

"Are you alright," Jonathor goes to hug his wife.

"I've been better," Hellen said as she embraced her husband, "but nothing I can't handle."

"I'm glad," Jonathor said as they broke the hug and saw the princess, "Cassana. You were a child when I last saw you. How've you grown."

"It is good to see you again, uncle," Cass greeted warmly, "I'm glad to see you return to court."

"Duty happens to call, so I must answer," Jonathor said, although Cass could sense a bit of anger. No doubt, due to the way he was forced to come here.

"We're just glad all of this is over," Jarred inserted himself into the conversation.

Jonathor turns to his son, "Well, not necessarily. We still have a war to fight in."

"I'll let you all be," Cass said as she left the room.

"Jarred, why don't you go with her," Jonathon said, "There are some things your mother and I need to discuss."

Jarred's brows raised slightly, surprised since he thought his parents wanted the family together now, "Really?"

"Just some political matters you would be bored with," Jonathor assures him while putting his hands on his son's shoulders, "We'll get together tonight to catch up. I promise."

Jarred, a bit hesitant, nodded his head and went with Cass.

When the door closes, Jonathor turns to Hellen, "Are you sure you're alright?"

Hellen was about to say she was right, but that would be a lie. She takes a deep breath and shakes her head as she returns to the couch. "You have no idea what court has been like for the last months. It's been so hard."

"I should've gotten here earlier," Jonathor goes to sit beside her, placing his hand on the back of her head and using the other to lovingly rub her back to calm her, "I just wish you would let me come after Ned's death."

"I wanted you here too, but I thought it wouldn't be prudent because," Hellen trails off.

"Hm. Maester Samurel said it's not as bad as before," Jonathor tells her, "I'm fine."

"Yes, but you never know," Hellen guessed, caressing her hand to his cheek, "You weren't supposed to take long journeys either. I mean…you look exhausted."

"Never mind that," Jonathor said, although he did feel a bit tired, "We have more important matters to deal with. I'm sure you know about your brothers."

"Well, Stannis, yes, I can see why he's doing what he's doing," Hellen said. "believing he's the rightful heir to the throne because…you know."

Jonathor nods, knowing they have to be careful about what they say about Cersei's children, more precisely, Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen being Jaime Lannister's incest bastards. At the same time, Cassana is the only legitimate child. But they can't say that out loud since there were spies all over the Red Keep, even if they have Varys at their side.

"Renly, however," Hellen continues, "I just don't understand what he thinks he's doing?"

"No doubt the Tyrells got their claws on him," Jonathor deduced, "I can only imagine what ideas they're filling his head right now."

"Yes, and now we have the Lannisters to concern ourselves within the Red Keep," Hellen said, "Lannister guards everywhere for months on end, spies lurking at your every move. It's so draining. If Robert took some interest in the realm, we probably never would have had this problem."

"Supposedly," Jonathor scoffs, never having a high opinion of his dead brother-by-law, "speaking of…how are you since his death? I never asked when we were writing letters."

Hellen looks at her husband, then trails off for a moment. After staying quiet, she admits, "I just keep thinking back to when we were younger. How big, tall, and strong he was. After our parents died on that shipwreck…I didn't know what to do."

"I remember," Jonathor said, remembering when Stannis Baratheon and Cassana Estermont died on a shipwreck when Aerys Targaryen tasked them to find a wife of Valyrian blood for his son, Rhaegar.

"Stannis was never the same after that, and Renly, well, he was too young to remember that," Hellen said, "But Robert seemed…in control. As if he knew what to do. Even during the Rebellion. But seeing him slowly wears down into what he became in the end. A drunk. I couldn't believe it."

Jonathor wraps his arms around her, "My dear."

"I just miss that Robert," Hellen admits, "I mourned him long ago. And now Stannis and Renly…It's as if the House Baratheon that was supposed to be is now gone."

"You still have a family here," Jonathor urges her, "You still have a husband who loves you. Two sons who need you."

"Our sons," Hellen said before thinking of her younger son, "How is Steffon?"

"He's well," Jonathor said, "For the time being."

"I still worry for him," Hellen admits, "Especially with…"

"We taught him well," Jonathor reminds her, "All we can do now is wait and see how he is when the time comes. He's nineteen years old. He's not a boy anymore."

"If it comes," Hellen says, "Still no word…him?"

"Not yet," Jonathor said in a low voice, knowing she was speaking about Areon Targaryen, "But he might still be with them. We need to be patient with it. Anything from Varys's birds?"

"No," Hellen said, "We haven't had the chance to speak since I've been here as a prisoner."

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Jarred and Cass walk down the halls of the Red Keep as they are on the way to Cass's room. Jarred went with her as her sworn shield, although there was an awkward tension between them.

"I'm sure you're glad that your father came," Cass started to make small talk.

Jarred looks straight ahead, "Yes, I am. Especially now that my mother is free."

"I'm glad," Cass said as they approached her bed chambers.

Seeing no one there, they went in with Jarred closing the door, then locking it, "Cass, we need to talk about what happened before I left."

Cass, walking to her bed, slowly sitting on it, "I suppose we do?"

"Yes," Jarred said as he took off his sheath to set it aside, then sat next to the princess, "That was the first time we laid together since…our affair."

"We were both a bit drunk at the time," Cass said.

"True, but it did bring back some memories," Jarred said, "Good memories. Besides, we did have that kiss before it happened."

"That was a moment of weakness," Cass admitted nervously.

"What happened after was one too," Jarred told her, "One that I don't regret. If I'm being honest."

Cass's eyes widen by this. Considering their last conversation, she thought Jarred would be beside himself after sleeping together. "I thought you would be having…mixed feelings about that."

"I do," Jarred admits, "But I can't deny that during that time, I was so worried for my mother, my father coming here, not finding Arya, hating what Joffrey did to my family, and when we did it…it felt good…I was able to forget about all that and…enjoy the moment."

Cass gives an understanding nod, "So, what are you saying?"

Jarred looks at her wonderingly, "Not all knights of the Kingsguard were virgins when taking the white cloak."

Cass gives a sly smirk, "OK?"

"And," Jarred continues, "We are alone."

"So," Cass encourages, knowing where he was going with this.

After staring at her for a moment, Jarred slowly gives her a soft kiss. When done, they stare at each other for a moment before Cass kisses him back. After a few kisses, Jarred starts kissing her neck, and she begins to moan a bit with pleasure as they slowly lay down on the bed, as he rubs his hands over her body.

Cass stopped for a brief moment, "Just a quick question. Does this concern you being angry with Joffrey for what he did to your parents?"

Jarred shrugs, "Problem?"

"Not really, no," Cass admits as they go back to kissing as she slowly begins to undo Jarred's pants.

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Night fell on King's Landing as almost everyone was getting ready for bed. Lord Jonathor left the Red Keep for a bit to check on the ships he brought from Dawn Isle, but it wasn't just for that. As he got on the ship he arrived in, he went below deck to the hold, where no one was. It was all empty except for one person. That person stood in the middle of the room under a dark cloak. After Jonathor shuts the door, the person turns and pulls back his hood, revealing himself as Lord Varys.

"Lord Varys," Jonathor greeted.

"My lord," Varys bows, "I trust your visit has been successful."

"I'm sure you know by now," Jonathor muses, "Knowing how your birds are everywhere."

Varys gives a small smile, giving the lord his answer, "Such disrespect your family endured. Your poor wife. Suspected as a traitor."

"So you understand how dangerous it is for us to be here long," Jonathor said, knowing the spider asked him here for a reason. "News of the East?"

"An uncertain tale, I'm afraid," Varys admits.

Jonathor gives a confused look, "What do you mean?"

"That is what I mean," Varys said cryptically, "Uncertainty. My birds say that the Dothraki are still marching down the Dothraki Sea as we speak. However, I received this report about an event long ago. It is a great distance from here to Essos."

"Regardless, keep your birds circling," Jonathor tells him, "We need to get rid of Khal Drogo before his Khalasar get to Westeros. We can't move forward with Areon being with those savages."

"My birds are already on their way to deal with the Khal," Varys reports, "It will take time for them to get their and back, but we must be patient. Once their Khal is dead, the Khalasar will be divided and be of no use."

"Good," Jonathor said, "What if my son, Steffon?"

"In Qarth, awaiting your orders," Varys reports.

"Good," Jonathor sighed with relief, glad that his youngest son was okay, "Make sure to let him know to be ready anytime now."

Varys nods as Jonathor walks out of the hold ever so carefully so no one can be suspicious. He wonders what Areon Targaryen is doing now. The plan was to have him stay in Pentos, but that didn't work as his older, mad brother, Viserys, wanted him close by. Since then, Varys's bird followed the young Targaryen's whereabouts with the Dothraki. They are now on their way to Westeros because of King Robert's assassination attempt on Daenerys Targaryen and her unborn child. Hellen and Varys planned to give the young Khaleesi a potion to make her feign illness, but nothing fatal to her or the child until Jorah Mormont ruined everything. SO now the plan is to take out Drogo since Khalasars dissolves into new, smaller Khalasars when their Khal died. Meaning when Khal Drogo dies, the Khalasar will abandon their plans for Westeros, which will give enough time for Varys's bird to get Areon to safety for the plans Jonathor, Varys, and Hellen have.

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While everyone else was sleeping, Jarred and Cass were wide awake. Jarred lay on his back, while Cass rested her head on his bare chest. He gently caressed her arms with his hands, and they both enjoyed the quiet moment they shared under the covers. Suddenly, Jarred got up from the bed to put on his pants.

"Are you leaving?" Cass asks as she shifts onto her side, resting her head on her palm.

"I do need to get going," Jarred told her while putting on his boots.

"Everyone is still asleep," Cass teased. "So why not stay in bed?"

"And when morning comes, and a servant walks in on us," Jarred questioned while looking for his shirt, "I'd rather not take the risk. We need to be careful."

Cass waves it off. "We've been careful before."

"Yes, but knowing your brother," Jarred countered, "He'd take my head off in a second."

"True," Cass agrees as she sits up, "I guess we'll have to wait for the next time. A time I eagerly wait."

Jarred chuckles a bit. "Speaking of. This is for… enjoyment… right? Nothing more?"

"Of course," Cass shrugs, "We're simply enjoying each other's company. My father did it all the time."

"But he was King and a man," Jarred counters.

"Ah, yes," Cass sighs, "Men can do whatever they want, sleep with whoever they want, and women cannot. It depends on what you have between your legs."

"I didn't make the rules, Cass," Jarred said as he finishes getting dressed.

Cass gets up from the bed, puts on her nearby robe, and remarks, "I suppose it's only a matter of time before Joffrey has women in his bed, too."

Jarred rolls his eyes, "I highly doubt that. He doesn't seem comfortable with that kind of subject." Although the mention of Joffrey brought up something, "Cass…did you hear anything from Stannis yet?"

"You mean what your father said? That he's amassing an army for his claim to the throne," Cass asked as she sits back down on the bed.

"Yes, that, but," Jarred says, "Before my father and I left Dawn Isle, we got a message from him. About the Iron Throne and Joffrey."

Cass crosses her arms and asks, "Oh, what did it say?"

Jarred hesitates before admitting, "Something disturbing."

Confused, Cass asks, "What do you mean by 'disturbing'?"

Jarred is unsure of how Cass will react, but decides to tell her anyway, "It said that Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are not Robert Baratheon's children. They were born to your mother and someone else."

"What," Cass asked with surprise, "By whom?"

Jarred reluctantly says, "By Jaime Lannister."

Cass's eyes widen with shock, "Why would he say something like that?"

Jarred admits, "I have no idea."

Cass then asked, "So, he's saying we are all bastards by our own uncle."

Jarred clarifies, "No, only Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen. Stannis confirmed that you are the only legitimate child of Cersei and Robert."

Cass vehemently denies this, "No, that is not true. My mother and her brother... That's disgusting. Only the Targaryens do that, not ordinary people."

Jarred concludes, "I'm just repeating what Stannis wrote."

Cass still cannot believe it. She denies the possibility that her mother had children with her own twin brother, Jaime. Cass barely had a relationship with him as he was always protecting the King. The closeness between Cersei and Jaime was because they were twins, nothing more.

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A few weeks after House Longwaters came to the capital, King Joffrey's name day arrived, and to celebrate it, the young King decided to hold a combat duel. Mainly to the death, much to the king's amusement as his sworn shield, the Hound and another man were fighting each other on a balcony with spectators of the court members watching them from all around. The Hound knocks the other man's shield away and hits the man off the wall, falling straight to the floor with blood splattering from the impact, causing some to feel uneasy about it.

However, King Joffrey, on the other side of the balcony in a pavilion with his younger siblings on his right and Sansa, Cass, her ladies, and Jarred on his left, seemed to enjoy the ordeal as he went straight up to the balcony to see the dead body.

"Well struck, Dog," Joffrey turns to Sansa, "Did you like that?"

"It was well struck, Your Grace," Sansa repeated.

"I already said it was well-struck," Joffrey said in annoyance.

Sansa nodded, "Yes, Your Grace."

Joffrey stared at the young lady. Princess Cassana kept Sansa close to her, worrying about what her brother would do to her since he takes pleasure in torturing her, such as forcing her to look at her dead father's head on a spike.

Seeing Joffrey was giving a look she could not read, Cass immediately said, "An enjoyable sparring. Let us have another?"

Staring at Sansa for a bit more seconds, Joffrey waves off his hand for the next round as two men drag the dead fighter away, leaving behind a trail of blood, with a servant boy walking over to clean up the blood.

"Who's next," Joffrey questions before looking to Jarred, "Perhaps you, dear cousin."

A bit surprised by this request, Jarred said, "I am honored, Your Grace, but I am sworn to your sister's protection, so I must stay by her side."

"And I say, go fight," Joffrey orders, "The Dog won't fight if that's what you are worried about. You might not be able to keep up with anyways, considering your dancing lessons."

The comment caused a few other court members to chuckle, much to Jarred's displeasure. He wants nothing more than to smack Joffrey in the face, but he is the King, so he can't. Jarred leaves his post to go to the fighting ring without saying a word. Cass gives him an apologetic look, but she can't do anything but sit as she sees Joffrey giving a stern look.

"Ser Dontos of House Hollard," the announcer called. Everyone was waiting for the knight, but he didn't come. "Ser Dontos of House Hollard," the announcer called again, but no answer.

"Here I am," the absent knight ran up the stairs disorderly, dragging his weapon on the ground while holding his helmet.

"Are you drunk," Joffrey asked as he sat on the pavilion.

Ser Dontos mutters, "No. Uh, no, Your Grace. I had - I had two cups of wine."

Staring at the drunk, Joffrey repeats, "Two cups? That's not much at all." He then gestures to a nearby servant to bring a casket of wine, "Please, have another cup."

Ser Dontos looks confused, "Are you sure, Your Grace?"

"Yes, to celebrate my name day," Joffrey smiles, causing Cass to give him a suspicious look as he was never that nice, "Have two, have as much as you like."

"I would be honored, Your Grace," Ser Dontos bows to Joffrey, who looks over to Ser Meryn.

"Ser Meryn, help Ser Dontos celebrate my name day," Joffrey commands, "See that he drinks his fill."

Ser Meryn and two other Kingsguard knights grab Ser Dontos, bringing him closer to the pavilion, suddenly forcing Ser Dontos on his knees. One Kingsguard knight keeps him down while Ser Meryn and the other Kingsguard get a funnel and the casket of wine. All look with shock as they realize what is about to happen as Ser Meryn forces the funnel into Ser Dontos's mouth. The Kingsguard with the barrel begins pouring the wine down the funnel, causing the drunk knight to gurgle and struggle a little bit as he begins to choke.

Everyone looked at the drunk knight choking on the wine. They want to help, but all can do nothing but sit and watch as Joffrey is king and can do whatever he likes. Sansa, however, suddenly blurts out, "You can't!"

All now put their eyes on her, "What did you say?" Joffrey gives her a death glare, "Did you say I can't?"

Seeing what she just did, Sansa quickly recovers, "I only meant… it would be bad luck to kill a man on your name day."

Joffrey waves it off, "What kind of stupid peasant's superstition."

"One any would take seriously, Your Grace," Ceryse humbly says, "Many in the city would think that."

"The girls are right," Sandor said suddenly, causing Sansa and Ceryse to look at him with surprise as he supported them, "What a man sows on his name day; he reaps all year."

Joffrey sighs, not wanting to deal with this anymore, "Take him away. I'll have him killed tomorrow, the fool."

The barrel and funnel are removed as the Kingsguard releases Ser Dontos, who pukes a wine onto the ground.

"He is," Sansa said, "A fool - you're so clever to see it. He'll make a much better fool than a knight. He doesn't deserve the mercy of a quick death."

After hearing that, Joffrey stood up from his seat, "Did you hear My Lady, Ser Dontos? From this day, you'll be my new fool."

Ser Dontos bows his head, still grasping for air, "Thank you, Your Grace." He then looks to Sansa, "And you, My Lady, thank you."

Sansa gives a slight nod to the drunk knight. Cass grabs Sansa's hand as the Kingsguard drags him off, saying, "Good work. You saved his life."

Cass gazes at her brother, her mind filled with questions about what could have led him to become like this. Although Joffrey has always been insufferable and spoiled, he now behaves in ways Cass never imagined he would. She can't help but think about what Jarred had told her the night before about Joffrey's true parentage. According to Jarred, Joffrey is not Robert's son; instead, he is the child of Jaime. This revelation has left Cass wondering if her younger siblings are also Jaime's children. Although she finds it difficult to believe the lies, she can't shake off the feeling that there might be some truth. The revelation also explains why Ned Stark had said that Joffrey had no claim to the throne.

The princess's thoughts were interrupted when a voice cried, "Beloved Nephew."

Everyone's head turned to see it was Lord Tyrion Lannister, wearing a rusted armor with…. companions following him, causing some people to mutter.

"We looked for you on the battlefield." Tyrion said as he made his way to the dais while Joffrey sat down, "You were nowhere to be found."

"I've been here, ruling the kingdoms," Joffrey excuses himself as Tyrion pours himself a cup of wine from the nearby table that carries drinks.

"What a fine job you've done," he said sarcastically before looking to Myrcella, kissing her cheek, "Look at you. More beautiful than ever." He then turns to Tommen, "And you! You, you're going to be bigger than the Hound but much better looking." The young children smile while Tyrion points to the Hound, saying to one of his companions, "This one doesn't like me."

"Can't imagine why," the companion said.

Tyrion then turns to the other side to Cassana, "And my eldest niece. Bold and wild as ever, I believe?"

"I see you haven't changed from your trip, uncle," Cass chuckles as Tyrion grabs her hand to kiss it.

"One would believe," Tyrion said while moving to Lenora, "And my favorite sister. Beautiful as before."

"You flatter too much, brother," Lenora smiles at Tyrion as he kisses her cheek.

Having enough of the pleasantries, Joffrey said, "We heard you were dead."

Myrcella then said with a gentle voice, "I'm glad you're not dead."

"Me, too, dear," Tyrion sips his cup, "Death is so boring, especially now with so much excitement in the world."

"Such as being at the Wall," Cass guessed, "Must have been exciting."

"Indeed it was. Especially the journey back," Tyrion japes before turning to Sansa, "My Lady, I'm sorry for your loss."

Joffrey, with a scoff, said, "Her loss? Her father was a confessed traitor!"

"But still her father," Tyrion corrected, "Surely, having recently lost your beloved father, you can sympathize."

Joffrey then turns to Sansa as everyone else did, waiting for your reaction. Sansa quickly straightened herself, saying, "My father was a traitor. My mother and brother are traitors, too. I am loyal to my beloved Joffrey."

"Of course you are," Tyrion said with a sympathetic look, knowing she was saying this for her safety. Sansa nodded while Cass took her hand tightly to comfort the girl.

Tyrion then gulps down his wine, "Well, enjoy your name day, Your Grace. I wish I could stay and celebrate, but work is to be done."

Tyrion begins walking away from the tent, with his companions following him, as Joffrey turns in his direction, along with everyone else, asking, "What work? Why are you here?"

But Tyrion does not answer; he leaves without saying a word with his companions following him, leaving everyone with more questions and fewer answers.

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The council members sit at the long table within the Small Council chamber as a man walks over with a covered birdcage, placing it before them.

Pycelle explains as the servant removes the cover, revealing it to be a bird, "The raven arrived from the Citadel this morning, Your Grace. The conclave has met considered reports from Maesters all over the Seven Kingdoms and declared this great summer done. The longest summer in living memory."

"The peasants say, a long summer means an even longer winter," Varys recites.

Pycelle scoffs at this, "A common superstition."

"Considering we never know when winter ends, it would be wise to ration as much as possible," Hellen councils.

"We have enough wheat for a five-year winter. If it lasts any longer", Baelish shrugs indifferently, "we'll have fewer peasants."

Hellen glares at Baelish, "Hopefully, it won't come to that. Many 'peasants' march to the capital for shelter from all the fighting happening."

"The city is drowning in refugees fleeing the war," Ser Janos Slynt concurs, "We have nowhere to house them, and with winter coming, it'll only get worse."

After gesturing to take the bird away, Cersei asks, "You command the City Watch, do you not, Lord Slynt?"

Ser Janos said, "I do, Your Grace."

"And are you not a Lord at my command," Cersei asked again.

Janos bows, "I owe my title and lands to your generosity, Your Grace."

"Then do your job," Cersei commands, "Shut the gates to the peasants. They belong in the field, not our capital."

Ser Janos bows again, "Yes, Your Grace."

"You are aware more peasants will be coming regardless. To the point where they will surround us," Hellen argues, "Are you going to send all of them away?"

"If their welfare concerns you so, good sister, perhaps you and your husband can house them back at Dawn Isle," Cersei japes, "Seaside Harbor has taken in strays over the years. Hasn't it?"

"I'm concerned that there could be a riot soon by their hands," Hellen countered, "If the people see that they are not being cared for, they could raise arms against us."

Cersei, however, dismissed this, "Then the City Watch will deal with them if it comes to that."

Before Hellen could say anything, everyone in the room heard a whistling getting closer. They all turn, seeing that Tyrion makes his way to the table.

"Don't get up," Tyrion said as he approached Cersei, giving a quick peck on her cheek before going to his place at the table, "More ravishing than ever, big sister. War agrees with you. Forgive the interruption, carry on."

"What are you doing here," Cersei asked in annoyance.

"It's been a remarkable journey," Tyrion said while grabbing a glass and a jug of wine to pour himself a drink, "I pissed off the edge of the Wall; I slept in a sky cell. I fought with the hill tribes. So many adventures, so much to be thankful for."

Having enough of this, Cersei asked more authoritatively, "What are you doing here? This is the small council."

Tyrion smirks, "Yes, well, I do believe the Hand of the King is welcome at all small council meetings."

Cersei corrects him, "Our father is the Hand of the King."

"Yes, but in his absence," Tyrion challenges as he takes out a scroll, handing it to Varys.

After reading the letter, Varys reports as Cersei grows infuriated at the news, "Your father has named Lord Tyrion to serve as Hand in his stead while he fights,"

"Out! All of you out," Cersei yells, standing up as the council members do as they were told and leave the room to the Lannister siblings. Before leaving, Hellen looks back, surprised that Lord Tywin Lannister has given the position of being the Hand of the King to the son that he hates. She remembers Tywin being Hand during King Aerys's reign and how effective he was. So, having Tyrion sent instead was…interesting.

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Since coming to court, Lord Jonathor stayed in his wife's room, which some would find strange since some lords sleep in separate rooms from their wives. The lord, however, insisted on it, so it was done.

While his wife attends the small council meeting, Lord Jonathor remains in their room to receive a medical check-up by Maester Samurel. Jonathor has been experiencing an unknown illness lately, which the maester has been unable to diagnose only detecting chest pains, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Although the symptoms are not severe, they are still concerning; Lord Jonathor tries to hide his worries from the public, trying to appear strong as a man of his status must never look weak.

"How is the pain today, my lord," Maester Samurel said quietly and carefully while pouring a cup of milk of the poppy.

"Not as bad as before," Jonathor said while taking the cup before drinking it. "Is there anything you found to determine what I have?"

"Not yet, my lord," Maester Samurel said, "but I am still looking."

As Jonathor hears this, the door immediately opens, revealing it to be Hellen.

"Everything alright," she closes the door as she enters the room.

Jonathor said, "I'm fine. Nothing serious."

Hellen gives an uncertain look, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Jonathor said, wanting to change the subject, "How was the small council meeting?"

Hellen stares at her husband for a second but decides to drop it for another time, "Tyrion Lannister has come to court."

Jonathor's eyes widen, "Tyrion. I thought he was at the Riverlands."

"Apparently, he's been sent here as Hand of the King," Hellen reports, "Under his father's orders."

"Is that so," Jonathor's brows raised, knowing how much Tywin hates his son, "How surprising."

He looks at maester Samurel, signaling for him to leave the room and grant the couple privacy. The maester obliges, gathering his things and exiting.

When the door closes, Hellen sits on the couch beside Jonathor, "Tywin wouldn't have sent his son here for no reason. Especially Tyrion."

"So the question is why," Jonathor said, "Tyrion may be drunk, but he is no fool. He is quite intelligent, despite his father's thoughts."

"If he is acting at his stead," Hellen contemplates, "That can only mean to bring order to the court since Joffrey is creating chaos."

"Just a matter of what kind of order," Jonathor concluded, "Order for the realm…or House Lannister. He does have two sisters here. The Queen Regent and one of the ladies-in-waiting of the princess."

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When settling in the Tower of the Hand, Tyrion sent for his younger sister, Lenora. After a few moments of waiting, Lady Lenora enters the private audience chamber. It wasn't large, but Myrish rugs, wall hangings, and golden-tinted round windows made it pleasant for such times.

"You summoned me," Lenora walks inside to take her seat.

Tyrion, carrying two cups of wine, comes to her, "I figured you and I would want to catch up on the latest events. It has been months since our last meeting."

"Yes, you went to see the Wall," Lenora takes the cup of wine, "And then you got arrested on your way back. By Catelyn Stark. For a murder charge."

"Yes, lovely woman," Tyrion said before drinking his cup, "Quiet admirable in fact."

"She blamed you for the attempt on her son's life," Lenora recounted.

"And Joffrey cut off Ned Stark's head and dragged us into war," Tyrion waves off, "We all have matters to deal with."

"Hm," Lenora hums, "How's Father and Gerold?"

"Considering the circumstances and Jaime's capture, I'd say could been better," Tyrion said, "They're on their way to Harrenhal at the moment."

"What are they going to do with Jaime," Lenora asked. Lenora has a strained relationship with Jaime, but he is still her blood, so she would be concerned for his safety.

"I don't know," Tyrion admits, "Father didn't say. But I have my plans during my time here with everything happening."

"I hope my letter brought some light to it," Lenora said.

"Yes, it was quite informative," Tyrion said, "Father said to keep sending in reports to him occasionally. Although we did not know about the events with Lady Hellen and Lord Jonathor."

"Apparently, Cersei and Joffrey were questioning the loyalties of House Longwaters," Lenora explained, "So, they couldn't take any chances. Their words, not mine."

"I believe that," Tyrion drinks his wine. It was stupid of Cersei and Jaime to handle the Longwaters the way they did. Hellen and Jonathor were respectable and influential people in the realm, so their treatment was reckless especially since Lord Jonathor has the largest fleet, which is imperative now. "The question is, was it our King's decision or our dear sister's?"

"Probably Cersei's, but Joffrey more likely egged her on. He's becoming a bit," Lenora tries to find the right words, "Unpredictable. He cut off a mummer's tongue because he didn't like the song he wrote."

"And what did Cersei do," Tyrion asked.

"Nothing, of course," Lenora scoffs, "She never did anything to discipline him. Always let him do what he wants and tell him he can do whatever. It's no wonder how Joffrey got the way he is, and I'm afraid it will only get worse."

"That is why I am here," Tyrion proclaims dramatically.

"That's why father sent you as Hand," Lenora asked.

Tyrion nods, "In his stead. To bring Joffrey to heel. And I will need your help to do it."

"My help," Lenora repeats with surprise, "What can I do?"

"Just keep tabs on the court," Tyrion tells her, "You should know all the goings on with your time here at court."

"As a lady-in-waiting to the princess," Lenora clarifies.

"Meaning you've seen the people at the court and how they act," Tyrion said, "Did you not?"

Lenora thought about it. She has been in court for several years and has seen how it works. Who is in it, and what they do. She's only ever been a bystander in court, never gets in trouble, and does what she's told, so what Tyrion asks for is a bit much for her.

"Tyrion, I've never been the type of person to play the game," Lenora tries to reason her way out.

"I disagree," Tyrion reasons, "You might know more than you do. More than our sister, certainly. Besides, you are the most comely and well-behaved lady in the realm. No one would be suspicious of you. You can use it to your advantage."

Lenora thought about it. It is true that people only look at her as the perfect lady who would never do anything but what she is told. Now is the time to do more.

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It was hot and blistering as Areon Targaryen, his sister, her Khalasar, and Ser Jorah rode through a great desert called the Red Waste. After Khal Drogo's death and cremation, the Khalasar debated where to go. After some discussion, they decided to cross the desert, especially since the Red Comet passed over them in that direction, which motivated Areon to follow it, taking it as some sort of sign since it was from his dreams. Some of the Dothraki men believed it was a bad omen, but since they witnessed the comet while Areon emerged from the burning pyre unharmed, they decided to follow it.

They all walked and rode their horses through the hot desert for several days. As their supplies and water began to decrease, they were forced to eat horseflesh for food, and some even died. However, they pushed on. Areon, with Dany and Jorah by his side, walked on the ground, wearing a headwrap to protect his sensitive bald head from the sun. One of the dragons, the large black one, perched on his shoulder, while the gold and green ones, which were somewhat smaller, were caged and carried by the nearby horses. Areon thought the black dragon needed to eat and offered him some horseflesh meat, but the baby dragon refused.

Doreah, looking at the dragon with intrigue, asked, "What did your brother say about them, Your Grace?"

"He said they ate meat," Areon said to her.

Doreah asked again, "He didn't tell you what kind of meat?"

"Viserys didn't know anything about dragons," Areon said harshly, not wishing to talk about Viserys, "He didn't know anything about anything."

Sensing the tone, Doreah drops the conversation as Areon takes the dragon off his shoulder and into his cage. Hearing what happened, Dany looks at Areon, wondering why Areon reacted the way he did with Doreah, but has a good idea it was about their brother, whom he barely talks about. Suddenly, a horse collapses at the front of the group, causing Jorah to jog forward to see what happened. Dany and Areon follow after him.

Dany kneels to look at the horse, seeing it was dying from the heat, saying, "She was Drogo's first gift to me."

"I remember," Jorah said.

Areon puts his hand on her shoulder to give comfort, "I'm sorry, Dany."

"I promised to protect them," Dany said, "Promised them their enemies would die screaming. How do I make starvation scream?"

"We just need to get past this desert," Areon tells her before looking to Jorah, "There is an end to it, right?"

Jorah looks around the desert, "This is further east than I've ever been. But, yes, Your Grace, everything ends, even the red waste."

"Is there any other way to pass," Areon asked.

Jorah ponders momentarily, "If we go south to the land of the Lhazareen, the Lamb Men will kill us and take your dragons. If we go west to the Dothraki Sea, the first Khalasar we meet will kill us and take your dragons."

"So we can only go north and east." Areon ponders. Turned to see everyone exhausted, tired, and almost passing out from the heat, concluding there was no way they could march forward. He didn't know what to do. If anything, he was the reason why they were going through this desert, mainly because he wanted to follow the Red Comet, which was starting to fade off in the sky.

Before he could do anything, Dany got an idea. She stands up and speaks Dothraki to all Rakharo, Aggo, and Kovarro to take their horses to ride out to the north and the east to see if there was anything out there to get shelter.

When she was done, Areon comes up to her, "Do you think they'll find anything."

"I'm not sure," Dany admitted, "But we can't keep wondering around."

Areon still wasn't sure about it, but since they were stuck in this desert, they didn't have a choice. And with that, the Dothraki riders rode off to the direction their Khaleesi told them to go, hoping to find any place where the Khalasar could go to find refuge. They hope it won't be long before they die from the heat.

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Princess Cassana sits in front of the vanity mirror in her chambers, brushing her hair to prepare for the day. Usually, her ladies would be helping her get ready, but she likes doing it herself most of the time. As she brushes her hair, she contemplates the recent events. Her affair with Jarred is back on, her uncle Tyrion is acting as Hand of the King, and her other uncle Jonathor is now in court. However, the one thing that plagues her mind is what Jarred told her. Specifically, the message delivered from Dragonstone the day before. Her uncle Stannis has denounced her siblings, Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen, as not true heirs to the throne but incest children by Cersei and Jaime while she is the only legitimate child of Robert Baratheon. She couldn't believe it. That would mean her mother has been lying all her life and that she was guilty of treason, which could have her, the children, and Jaime executed.

All Cass could do was stare at the lion necklace she wore on her neck, a gift from her mother while looking down at the antler ring in her jewelry box, a gift from her father before he died. She wonders if her father knew about it, but right away, she dismissed the thought as he would have killed Cersei and Jaime himself if he believed it. But it didn't answer the question if it was true. Her uncle Stannis thinks it is true. What if her aunt Hellen believes it is true? What does her mother feel about it?

Wanting answers, Cass leaves her chamber to find her mother, Hellen, or anyone who can give her answers. She saw one of her mother's servants walking up the hallway as she was walking. The servant asked where her mother was, and she told her she was going to the Throne Room. And so Cass immediately goes to the Throne Room to see her mother. As she got there, the grand doors were open, and as she went in, she saw hundreds of workers who seemed to redecorate the whole room. It was decorated with banners and hunting tapestries along vines wrapping around the stone columns. But now they are all gone, replaced with large furnace torches surrounding the columns, making the room grim. Not at all what Cass recognized. Looking around the room, she sees her younger brother in a proud stance, as if he is proud of what he is doing.

"Jeffrey, w-what are you doing," Cass asked her brother, still looking around the room, "All of father's hanging and tapestries. They're all gone."

"Father is dead," Joffrey said indifferently, "The throne has a new King, so it's time for a change."

"But I liked all the tapestries," Cass said, "I thought it made everything seem so quaint."

"Exactly," Joffrey scoffs, "Not suitable for a King. Then again, father was a drunk."

Cass couldn't believe what her brother was hearing. She thought Joffrey always looked up to Robert, always trying to prove himself to them. Then again, Robert was never the best father to them. He even said Joffrey wasn't a man when he died; maybe he was doing this out of spite. Before Cass could say anything, their mother, Cersei, asked, "What is this?"

"Joffrey thinks it's time for a change," Cass reports.

"And to start is by returning this room to its proper glory," Joffrey stated, "Say what you will about the Targaryens. They were conquerors. That is a seat for a conqueror. It needs a room to match it, not vines and flowers."

Wanting to change the subject, Cersei said, "We can't find Arya Stark."

"With luck, she's dead in a ditch somewhere," Joffrey mutters as he walks closer to the throne.

"Perhaps. But if not, we need her," Cersei says as she and Cass follow him, "They'll never give Jaime back to us for Sansa alone."

"I think they might," Joffrey disagrees, "They're weak. They put too much value on their women."

"Sansa is Robb's sister," Cass said, hoping they would try to find Arya, "Of course, she's valuable to him. Just like Jaime is valuable to us. Having Stark's sisters will be twice as valuable to Robb."

"And yet our cousin was not only stupid enough to lose her but not competent enough to find her," Joffrey waves off.

"Jarred could have found her if you gave him more time," Cass came quick to Jarred's defense.

"More time," Joffrey scoffs, "Three months is enough time, and he couldn't even do that. He's useless."

"He had the whole city watch at his disposal," Cass argues more, causing Joffrey to give her a look, but she doesn't care, "If they couldn't find her, how can one man do it himself?"

"Regardless," Cersei intervenes, not wanting her children to argue, "We need to set our armies to find her. Send out as many men as we can. I'm sure if you asked Grandfather,"

Joffrey turns to his mother, "The King does not ask; He commands. And my grandfather's stupidity on the battlefield is why Robb Stark has Uncle Jaime in the first place."

"His life is in danger," Cersei presses further.

"We're at war. All our lives are in danger," Joffrey states with annoyance until a thought comes to his mind, "I heard a disgusting lie about Uncle Jaime. And you."

"Joffrey," Cass scolded him, knowing he was talking about their uncle Stannis's proclamation about their mother and uncle.

"It's alright, dear," Cersei tells her before looking at her son, "Our enemies will say anything to weaken your claim to the throne."

Joffrey gives a glare, "It's not a claim. The throne is mine."

Realizing her words, Cersei quickly recovers, "Of course it is. No one believes this foul gossip."

"Someone believes it," Joffrey counters, "Father had other children? Besides me and Cass and Tommen and Myrcella?"

Confused by where this was going, Cass asked, "Joff, what exactly are you asking mother about?"

With a smirk, Joffrey answered, "I'm asking if he fucked other women when he grew tired of mother. How many bastards does he have running,"

Hearing this, Cersei immediately slaps Joffrey in the face, shocking him, Cass, and everyone else in the room as the workers stop what they are doing. Joffrey recovers himself, looking at his mother with shock at what she just did. Cass stood by, holding her breath, and her eyes widened. Never has their mother ever laid a hand on Joffrey. She always coddled him or spoiled him, so there were no words to describe the shock she had.

A few seconds later, the workers returned to what they were doing while Cersei, realizing what she had just done, now had a nervous look at Joffrey glares at her, saying in a low voice, "What you just did is punishable by death. You will never do it again. Never." Joffrey walks up to the throne without letting her say a word, "That will be all, Mother."

Seeing her mother frozen while staring at Joffrey, who sits on his throne, Cass immediately goes to Cersei's side, "Mother. Come."

Snapped out of her senses, Cersei sees her daughter and decides to go with her, but not before giving one last look to her son, who gives a death glare, still angry by the slap.

The mother and daughter left the Throne Room and walked through the halls as Cass said, "I never saw you hit him like that."

"It was a mistake," Cersei mutters, mostly to herself.

"If you ask me," Cass continues, "He deserved that long ago."

"Your brother is the King," Cersei sharply reminds her, "Remember that. No matter what."

"Even if he's," Cass argues, only for her mother to stop her.

"No matter what," Cersei repeats with more force.

Cass wanted to argue some more, but she saw the look on her mother's face. It was a look of fear. She never saw it before. Her mother was actually afraid. "Are you afraid of him?"

Cersei stayed stone still for a moment, before coming close to her daughter, caressing her cheek, "No. Of course not. …. try not to get in his way. Please?"

Cass wasn't sure what to think, but seeing her mother's fear, she decided to obey her. After answering her with a nod, Cass turns to walk away, but not before thinking of the question she wants to ask.

Turning back, Cass asks her mother, "The message Stannis spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms, about you and Uncle Jaime. They aren't true. Are they?"

Cersei's face went blank. A look Cass could no longer read, before that same fear went back into her face, "Of course. Don't believe such dangerous gossip. Stannis only seeks to undermine your brother for his own purposes."

Cass is still trying to figure out what to think. She wants to believe her mother's words but can still see fear in her mother's eyes. In fact, it seems like her mother is even more afraid than before. Despite her doubts, Cass gives her mother the benefit of the doubt and gives her a thankful nod before returning to her chambers. While she wants to trust her mother, a nagging feeling of uncertainty lingers in her mind.

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