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I hope you enjoy this chapter.
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Enjoy.
Cass was walking through the corridors with two Kingsguard Knights escorting her to her room, with Cersei following her.
She turns to her mother, "I can't believe you're letting him do this."
"He's the King," Cersei tells her, "I cannot disobey him. Just, please, don't make this worse."
"He's also your son," Cass argues, "And I'm your daughter. You have to do something."
Cersei looks at her daughter with agony. Her daughter was facing execution, begging for help, but she was not sure how. Suddenly, Joffrey and the Hound approach them.
"Be grateful that you're in your room and not in a cell," Joffrey gleefully japes.
"But I'm still a prisoner," Cass comments bitterly, "In my own home?"
"For now, yes," Joffrey smirks at her, "You'll stay here until the trial by combat has ended. You won't get any visitors, no contact, or anything. My dear Kingsguard, place my sister in her room and make sure she doesn't escape. We're all aware of a wild animal she can be."
"Where's Jarred," Cass then asked.
"In the dungeon," Joffrey mocks, "Where he belongs. Too good for him as he should be in the Black Cells but, I am merciful, aren't I."
Cass, seething with rage, charges forward to wring Joffrey's neck, but the Kingsguard both grab her arms to prevent her from doing so. She then sees her mother giving a pleading look to stop, so Cass relents, ripping her arms from the Kingsguard's grasp, giving her brother one last death glare, who kept his smug smirk. Then she turned to her room, going in as the doors closed behind her. Cass looks behind the doors, hearing the locking sound. She then breathes heavily before slamming her fists at the door repeatedly, screaming with rage.
Hearing her, Joffrey chuckles, enjoying every moment of it. Cersei looks to her son, seeing he has no worry or remorse, and tries to get him to see reason, "My son. This might not be the right course of action."
"Right course," Joffrey raises a brow, "She has been accused of treason by sleeping with her sworn shield."
"But there hasn't been any certain evidence to support that," Cersei advises as her son begins walking away with her trailing behind him, "The Longwaters are our ally and family. We shouldn't be quick to judge them."
"I'm not judging them," Joffrey sighs with annoyance, "Jarred demanded a trial by combat, so I'm giving him one."
"But remember Cass is your sister," Cersei tries to remind him, "You need to..."
Then Joffrey cuts her off, glaring at her, "I don't need to do anything."
Cersei wanted to say something, but seeing her son's expression, decided not to. Joffrey then turns to walk away with his mother staying where she was, contemplating what to do next.
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"I don't understand what you were thinking," Hellen paces back and forth while her son sits on a wooden bench while her husband leans against the wall of the cell.
"I was thinking of making sure Cass's head and mine are still on our bodies," Jarred exclaims, "I thought you said you were going to speak with Cersei anyways."
"I tried, but the council meeting was canceled last minute and she wouldn't speak with me. And all you did was make things worse," Hellen laments, "If we just took this to a trial before the court, we would've gotten out of this."
"I'm not sure if that's true," Jonathor denies, "Joffrey was more than eager to send them to their deaths. Even if we had a trial at court, it would be a farce and Joffrey would put witnesses to create all kinds of lies."
"Yes and now he's going to send the worst fighter imaginable to fight Jarred in the combat," Hellen argues back, "Why didn't you stop this?"
"Why I didn't stop this," Jonathor repeats in disbelief, "What could I do?"
"Have all the people spreading rumors dealt with, threaten to raise your fleet of ships against the city, something, anything," Hellen shouts.
"I already threatened to take away our support," Jonathor shouts back, "If I went any further, then we would be in the cells!"
"And now Joffrey is going to send someone to murder our son," Hellen shouts again.
Having enough of this, Jarred stood up from his bench, yelling, "Stop it!" Getting his parent's attention as they look at him, "This isn't going to help me and it's certainly not going to help Cass. The only way for this to end is for me to win."
"Jarred," Hellen begins to say in a cracking voice, "Joffrey wants you dead. For what I don't know, but he will make sure this fight is going to be to the death. It could kill you."
"I know," Jarred said, "But this is my fault, we all know it. If I hadn't," He then stops himself to speak in a hushed tone in case the guards outside the prison door were listening, "If I hadn't had the affair with Cass, this wouldn't have happened. He wouldn't have the rumors to excuse all this to happen. I have to do this. Not just for me, but for Cass. Besides, we all know I am a skilled fighter. I was a squire to Barristan the Bold, and I know water dancing from Braavos. I can win. And I will."
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"A trial by combat," Lenora repeats as she, Tyrion, and Cersei are walking quickly down a hallway. "I can't believe he demanded a trial by combat."
"It's quite a gamble," Tyrion comments, "A gamble I used back at the Eyrie."
"Exactly, a gamble," Lenora said, "But this is not a gamble. This is a fight between Jarred and whomever Joffrey chooses and no doubt he'll get someone who can kill Jarred in an instance. Does Joffrey even know the consequences if this happens?"
"Losing the support of House Longwaters and them turning against us," Tyrion stated, "Possibly them siding with Stannis."
"And gives us another enemy to deal with," Lenora finishes, seeing Cersei hasn't said a word, "You seem quiet sister? Aren't you worried? It's your daughter's life we're talking about."
Cersei halted where she stood, yelling, "Of course, I'm worried for my daughter's safety! But what can I do!"
"Help her!" Lenora urges, "Talk to Joffrey and get him to see some sense in this!"
"I can't," Cersei shouted, "He won't listen! I can't do anything!"
"You can," Lenora stood in front of her, "Yes, you can. The only problem is you have never been firm with him. You never told him no and that he can do whatever he wants, and he believes he can. You made him the mess he is. Now you have to fix it."
And with that, Lenora walks away, as Tyrion gives Cersei one last look before leaving himself. Cersei stayed where she was, pondering what to do. How did it come to this? Her son is trying to kill his sister and for what? Why was he doing this? How can she stop this? She doesn't know how.
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Cass's friends were in Sansa's room, still reeling over what happened. Cass and Jarred are accused of having an affair, Jarred demanding a trial by combat, it was so much. Lenora enters the room, seeing her friends sitting on Sansa's bed.
"How is she," Ema asked.
"She's under guard in her bed chambers by order of the King," Lenora tells them, "Not allowed to have visitors until the trial by combat is over."
"And Ser Jarred," Sansa asked.
Lenora sighs, "Locked in the dungeons until further notice."
"Do you think Joffrey will execute them both," Jocelyn asked.
"Yes he will," Sansa spoke up, knowing from experience, "He'll kill them."
"But why," Ema asked, "She always kept her distance from Joffrey and hasn't done anything to him."
"No, but you can't say the same thing about Jarred," Ceryse comments, "Remember Cass told us Jarred called him a cunt. And defending Sansa against him in front of the whole, court."
Sansa looks scared and downcast, "Because of me this is happening."
"No, it's not," Ema wraps her arm around her, "Joffrey's just being a prick as usual. The only difference, he has actual power. Besides, Jarred isn't just any person in a fight, he's a knight and has many years of fight experience."
"And Joffrey knows that," Lenora added, "Meaning he'll choose a champion who will be the most savage fighter."
"I just wonder how Cass is," Ema said, "There has to be some way we can get in. At least one of us."
"Well, there might not be a way," Lenora shakes her head.
Ema, however, wasn't convinced. Without saying a word, she gets up to leave the room.
"Where're you going," Jocelyn asked.
"To see if I can get to Cass," Ema said as she opened the door.
"Ema, you can't. She's under guard," Lenora calls out, but to no avail, as the young girl is already gone.
Ema walks through the hallway, corridor, and steps until she reaches Cass's room, which is being guarded by two Kingsguard Knights, Ser Balon Swann, and Ser Boros Blount.
"Good Sers," Ema comes up to them, "I was hoping to speak with the princess."
"I'm afraid the princess is under guard, my lady," Ser Balon said, "The King forbids any visitors."
"I'm aware of the King's orders," Ema said, "But I was hoping that if you allow me to enter the room, you would also be there to ensure nothing happens. Meaning the princess will still be under guard. I just want to see my friend."
"Forgive us, my lady, but we cannot," Ser Boros replied.
Ema refused to give up. It was widely known that she was one of the most beautiful maidens in the realm. However, it wasn't just her physical beauty that captivated many men, but also her gentle grace and charming personality that won over the hearts and minds of others. Ema was well aware of her alluring qualities. And she knew it well.
"I understand, good Sers," Ema's voice begins to crack, "I just wish to make sure my friend is alright. She and I have known each other since we were girls and now I'm afraid for her life and there's nothing I can do. And I know you don't wish to be punished, but I was hoping that you would be compassionate enough to allow me to enter only for a few seconds. If not then just let me see her or give a message to make sure she's alright. Please."
The knights were about to say no again, but they looked at the sad look of Ema Swyft with her eyes, threatening to tear up. They wanted to say know, but they couldn't say it to this poor girl. After some more convincing, they decided to let her enter the room.
Cass was sitting on her windowsill, fiddling with her lion necklace, in deep thought. When the door opens, she turns to see it is Ema coming in. Gasping with joy, Cass runs to her friend, engulfing her in a hug, "Ema, I thought no one was allowed to see me."
"You know how charming I can be," Ema wipes some of her fake tears.
Cass notices this, "Were you crying?"
"Just a way to get me inside," Ema reveals.
"Oh," Cass realizes before asking, "How's Jarred?"
"He's in the dungeon," Ema said, "They say the trial by combat will be tomorrow at dawn."
"Did Joffrey pick out who would be his champion," Cass asked.
Ema shakes her head, "Haven't heard anything yet. But probably soon."
"I can't believe he's doing this," Cass said, "Why is Joffrey doing this?"
"I don't know," Ema said, "But we're not worried. We all know how good of a fighter Jarred is. He'll win."
"I know," Cass said, "I just keep thinking this is my fault."
"Your fault," Ema asked, "How's this your fault?"
Cass looks at her friend, wishing to tell her, but couldn't, "Just…. You know…. The rumors."
"That's all they are rumors," Ema insisted, "Everyone knows Joffrey is just doing this to get back at Jarred for defending Sansa when he was about to have Ser Meryn strike her. It's not like they're true, right?"
Cass fidgets a bit, "Right. Yeah."
Noticing this, Ema looks concerned, "Are you alright? You seem scared."
"I am," Cass clears her throat, "For Jarred."
"Don't worry," Ema said, "We know he's going to win. We just need to keep faith in him, and all of this will be over."
She then embraces Cass in a hug who returns it. Although Cass was still feeling guilty as this was her fault. If she hadn't started the affair, none of this would be happening. She wishes she could tell someone, but the only people who know are Ceryse and Jocelyn. And she can't get to them. Then, Ser Boros reminds her that Ema needs to leave before anyone else notices she's here. So, she left.
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Jarred was in his cell lying his back on the bench, still thinking about the trial by combat he demanded. While it is dangerous, he still believes that this is the best course of action. All he needs to do is face his opponent and defeat him. Whether that opponent yields or gets killed depends on him, but Jarred knows he can't take any chances, and he knows he can win.
Suddenly, the door opens as Ser Meryn and Sandor Clegane enter with Joffrey coming in with a smug smile. "Worse quarters than you're used to, cousin?"
"I'm resilient, Your Grace," Jarred sits up on the bench.
"I'm sure," Joffrey said, "I must say, I admire your demand for a trial by combat. Not many would do so. Especially for the whole court to see."
Jarred gives Joffrey a hard look, "The princess was being accused. As her sworn shield, I come to her defense."
"And to defend yourself since the rumors concerned you as well," Joffrey continues.
Jarred stayed quiet as Joffrey smirked at him, "Well, wouldn't be the first time you came running to a woman's defense. Even interrupted my orders to punish Sansa Stark for her treasonous brother."
It was then that Jarred realized why Joffrey was doing this. A petty action to get back at him for defending Sansa. Jarred wanted to say something but decided to keep quiet before things got worse.
Seeing Jarred still won't say a word, Joffrey then says, "It will be quite a spectacle for the people of Kings Landing. Knowing that the gods will be in judgment for you and my dear sister. We should make it more so. Wouldn't you agree?"
Jarred furrows his brows, "more so?"
"Yes," Joffrey begins to give a frightening smile, "I decided it would be more suited to have a trial by seven."
Jarred's eyes widen, "A trial…. By seven?"
"Yes," Joffrey chuckles, "You might be aware of it. Where instead of one champion for the defender and the accuser, they would require seven champions to fight on their behalf. Or in your case, fighting with you."
Jarred was speechless. A trial by seven? An event that hasn't been done for almost a hundred years since the reign of King Daeron the Good. It would be different if it was just him and another knight as he had better chances, but now seven against seven. He wasn't sure if he could win.
"I'm sure this would be much better," Joffrey concludes, "That way we can be certain that the gods will show their judgment upon you as it is linked to the Faith of the Seven and Andal tradition." Seeing Jarred was still silent, Joffrey begins to enjoy it, "You seem frightened by it. You are innocent are you not?"
Jarred stutters, trying to find the words, but can't.
"Then you have no problem with the new trial," Joffrey concludes before leaving the dungeon, but before he does, he turns back to Jarred, "And since I'm still merciful, I'll allow you to practice your sword work at the training yards, but you'll be back here afterward." And with that, the King and his guards left the Longwater knight, who was still dumbfounded by what just happened.
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"My son is going to fight in a trial by seven," Jonathor repeats as his wife sits on the couch, burying her head in her hand as Tyrion comes to give them the news.
"I'm afraid so," Tyrion said sympathetically.
Hellen clears her throat, "Do you know who will be the fighters?"
"Mostly skilled murderers from the Black Cells, I'm afraid," Tyrion reports, "The King didn't waste any time picking them out. I suggest you use this time to find suitable fighters for your son."
"We are. Some of the knights I brought with us from Dawn," Jonathor said as he put his hand on his wife's shoulder, who was trying to compose herself.
Seeing that they'd wish to be alone, Tyrion decides to bid them a good day and leave the room, but not before giving a comforting hand gesture to Hellen's shoulder as he leaves. When the door closes, Hellen immediately goes to the desk where a jug of wine and cups where waiting.
"Hellen," Jonathor tried to say something but didn't know what. Hellen tries to pour herself a cup of wine, but she then breaks down in tears, slowly falling to the floor as Jonathor goes to embrace her in his arms. Once they were both on the floor, Hellen held him tightly, crying in grief as her husband stroked her hair, trying to calm her, "It's alright. Everything is going to be alright."
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"A trial by seven," Lenora says to herself, as Cersei and Tyrion are in the Queen's private chamber, discussing what has been buzzing at court, "It's like he's trying to create a spectacle for everyone that ends in a blood bath."
"That's exactly what he wants," Tyrion stated, "A blood bath."
"There's no way Jarred will survive this," Lenora said, "He's going to be killed with certainty."
"Maybe he should," Cersei spoke softly, causing Tyrion and Lenora to look at her with confusion, "If he truly defiled my daughter, then he should die."
"Cersei, he didn't do it," Lenora urges, "They didn't have an affair. It's all rumors. You of all people should know about that. Oh wait, in your case it's true."
Cersei then gives her a death glare, "What?"
"Oh for god's sake Cersei, I'm not blind. And neither is Tyrion," Lenora said, "I already know that you and Jaime are together, and Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are his children while Cassana is Robert's."
"Keep your mouth shut if you wish to keep your tongue," Cersei seethes at her.
"Oh yes," Lenora said, "I'm the one in danger."
"Alright that's enough," Tyrion exclaims, "Right now we have more pressing matters to deal with. Cass and Jarred's survival. I'm sure you want that, Cersei. And for Cass to live, Jarred needs to be proven innocent as well. So he needs to win."
Cersei didn't say anything, but she can't deny that he was right. She wants her daughter safe and if it seems that having Jarred win is the only way, then so be it. Even if the rumors are true.
"Varys said Joffrey already picked his champions for the fight," Tyrion ponders, "Jarred will need to find strong suitable fighters. Sellswords even."
"What about Bronn," Lenora suggested, "He fought during your trial by combat. And the Hill Tribesmen you brought. They'll do whatever you say."
"True," Tyrion said, "If Joffrey allows it."
"He may be King, but he can't decide who will be fighting with Jarred, especially in a holy event like the trial by seven," Lenora said.
"Yes, but there is another matter," Tyrion said, "Will Bronn do it? We may be friends but,"
"Pay him," Lenora immediately said, "He may be captain of the guard, but he's still a sellsword."
"What if we paid off the champions Joffrey has," Cersei suddenly suggested, getting her sibling's attention. "We can pay them to lose on purpose."
"Cersei," Lenora begins to say.
"The lowest fighter can be bought," Cersei continues, "In the trial by combat or seven, you don't need to die. Just to yield. We can have them do the same."
Tyrion thought about it for a moment, "That could work. With the right amount of money. However, what will stop them from telling Joffrey to get higher money from him."
"I already gave them the money," Cersei then said, making Lenora and Tyrion look at her with shock.
"What," Lenora said, "How? When?"
"I had Ser Ilyn have the servants in form me of which fighters Joffrey picked," Cersei explains. "I was able to do it shortly after he picked them."
Lenora then asked, "Did you make sure that they won't say anything to Joffrey?"
"They've been paid, they won't say anything," Cersei mumbles.
Lenora sighs, "Cersei, you can't trust them not to say anything. They might go to Joffrey to barter more money from him if they do kill Jarred."
"That won't happen," Cersei simply said.
"You don't know that," Lenora exclaims.
Cersei then said in a whisper, mostly to herself, "It's too late now. They took the money, and they'll intentionally give away the fighting. Jarred will be found innocent. Cass will live. And all of this will be over."
Seeing that it was already done, Lenora looks to Tyrion, "What do you think."
Tyrion stayed quiet for a moment as he pondered, "I'll meet with the fighters to make sure that they are well paid."
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Jonathor and Hellen were meeting with Lord Varys in their chambers to see if his little birds had more information on Joffrey's champions.
"One of them is a disgraced soldier of the City Watch after the dismissal of Janos Slynt," Varys reports, "Two of the others are Ser Meryn Trant and Preston Greenfield."
"Two Kingsguard Knights," Hellen gasps with surprise.
"Joffrey claims that it would bring honor to the gods if honorable and loyal servants to the crown would act," Varys explains.
"Honorable, no," Jonathor scoffs, "Loyal, however, is more sound. Ser Meryn is the most loyal to Joffrey, as was seen when he was about to strike Sansa before Jarred intervene."
"Agreed," Varys nods his head.
"But what about the other one," Hellen asked.
"Ser Preston Greenfield is a disgraced knight," Varys reports, "My birds say that he meets with a draper's wife in the city when her husband's away."
"An oath breaker," Hellen spat with disgust, "And he's supposed to be a champion under the seven gods?"
"If he does what Joffrey tells him to do, then yes," Jonathor guesses, "Keep us informed of anything else that may happen, Lord Varys."
"My birds are flying around as we speak," Varys said, "And you should know Joffrey has invited many more of the city to witness the Trial by Seven that has not been seen for almost a century."
Hellen sighs with worry while Jonathor shakes his head, both knowing that Joffrey wants this to be a spectacle for all to see. Why? They don't know. All they know for certain is that their son needs to win.
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Lenora, still trying to keep up with her play with Lancel, visits him as they talk about recent events.
"You think he can still win," Lancel asked as they sat at a small table in Lenora's apartments.
"I don't know anymore," Lenora admits, "Tyrion is trying to find fighters who can help Jarred, and Jonathor is going to his men. But Joffrey is the King, and he can find fighters of his own."
"Are you worried for Jarred," Lancel asked, seeing her distress.
Lenora looks at him, "Of course. He's been one of the few friends I have. And it's not just familiarity, but the consequences of having the Longwaters being our ally or enemy. They have a large fleet that could go against Stannis."
"I could fight with him," Lancel said.
Lenora looks at him with wide eyes, "What? Why?"
"You said Jarred needs strong fighters," Lancel explains, "I think I could help."
"Oh, Lancel," Lenora tries to say, "Are you sure? It's dangerous."
"No dangerous than the riot we've been in," Lancel reasons.
"But, Lancel," Lenora tries to be nice, "You're not a strong fighter."
"I believe I can help," Lancel urges, "It's just…everyone always seen me as…an annoyance. Or someone to use until I'm useless. Everyone but you. So, I thought this could be the time to show them… that I can be a real knight."
Lenora listened to his words. The way he said them made her feel sympathy. All his life he felt inadequate to those around him. First his father, then Robert, and now with Cersei who is just using him for her pleasure. Now he sees this as an opportunity to be more. "You know you might die from this right."
Lancel stayed quiet for a moment before saying, "I know."
Seeing there was no changing his mind, Lenora grabbed his hand, and looked into his eyes, saying, "Thank you."
Lancel smiles, grabbing her hand in return. He lingered a bit before Lenora noticed this, causing her to move her hand from Lancel's.
Clearing his throat, Lancel gets up, "Well, I best be going for practice."
"Of course," Lenora said as he left the room. When alone, Lenora keeps in mind Lancel holding her hand a bit too long, hoping that he wasn't developing any feelings for her. She's not infatuated with him in any way, so she hopes that this wasn't what she thought it was.
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Jarred was practicing his sword fighting skills for the trial with Bronn as he was told he would be one of the champions in the trial. Bronn keeps clashing his blade with Jarred's, trying to beat him, but to no avail. Jarred was fighting with his slender sword, fighting in the Braavosi way, dodging, and striking him at every turn. Once their blades came together, having both of them face to face, Bronn tried to strike Jarred with his free hand, only for Jarred to see it going to happen and avoid it by using his left knee to hit him in the gut, causing the sellsword to get pushed back, allowing the knight to turn and elbow him in the face.
Bronn tumbled a bit, grasping where he was, then laughed, "Well, played. Most knights wouldn't do that."
"They do if their life depends on it," Jarred says as his father comes to the scene, wishing to see how his son is doing.
"Jarred," Jonathor calls out, getting his son's attention. Jarred goes up to him while Bronn goes to take a break as the father and son talk, "Your mother and I got some of the best knights for you. They're all trained well, have years of fighting experience, they'll help you."
"Can they keep me alive," Jarred said, "Do you know the champions Joffrey picked?"
"Tyrion has been keeping me informed," Jonathor reluctantly said, "Mostly they're prisoners of the dungeons."
"Oh, so murderers and rapists can be in the trial by seven for the gods' supposed judgment," Jarred says bitterly before looking up at the castle walls, seeing Joffrey, the Hound, and many courtiers watching him from above.
Jonathor looks at them before looking back to his son, "Just remember that in the fighting, all that matters is that you stay alive. Besides, Tyrion and I have spoken, and he'll be lending some of his hill tribesmen to fight with you."
"Really," Jarred said, "How generous of him."
"He knows our family is a valuable ally," Jonathor said, "And he knows the consequences if…"
"If I die," Jarred said, nodding his head, knowing his father was right. He needs to survive long enough to win, and if Tyrion is offering help, then he can't complain. Just then Lancel Lannister came carrying a sword.
"Ser Lancel," Jonathor greeted as he approached them.
"My lord, Ser Jarred," Lancel greeted back, "I was wondering if there are any more positions to be your seven champions."
Jarred and Jonathor look at him with surprise, "You wish to fight with Jarred."
"Indeed," Lancel confirms.
"Why," Jarred asked, never guessing Lancel Lannister would come to support him.
"Because," Lancel thinks to come up with an answer before finally saying, "I believe you are innocent."
Jarred and Jonathor look at each other, unsure if they should allow him to join, but they can't say no.
"Thank you," Jarred nods as Lancel gives a grateful smile.
"I'll let you practice," Jonathor said as he went to walk away as the two knights began their training, although he still stayed for a moment to see how their training was done.
"Bronn, this is Ser Lancel," Jarred introduced the two men, "He'll be fighting with us."
"Did any fighting," Bronn looks at him, up and down.
"Y-yes," Lancel stutters for a bit.
"He's a knight," Jarred said, "He can fight."
Bronn shrugs his shoulder, stepping aside as Jarred goes to the rack of weapons, containing swords, axes, daggers, and spears to take a longsword to fight with Lancel.
As the two knights begin their fighting, Jarred is more skilled in it while Lancel isn't. The more he tries, the more he gets knocked down by Jarred, much to the amusement of Joffrey and the courtiers.
Jarred and Lancel clash their swords together until Jarred makes a quick move with his leg that trips Lancel to fall face-first to the ground. Sighing, Jarred goes to help him up, "You need to be careful and watch your every move."
"I know," Lancel gets up.
"Do you," Jarred asked, "Because this isn't a game, this is real. You need to fight well and be ready."
"I know," Lancel tells him.
Suddenly Joffrey decides to make a joke, "It seems my dear cousin decides to take up with the weak lion." The courtiers laugh at the joke as Jarred and Lancel look up to see what they are doing, "Oh, no offense cousin. You always take sympathy for the simple-minded. Then again you have a savage sellsword coming to your aid. Perhaps he can teach you a thing or two about your fighting skills."
The courtiers laugh again, causing Lancel to feel humiliated, while Bronn just sighs in annoyance. Jarred, however, glares at Joffrey, but then sees a lantern hanging on a wooden support beam not far from the crowd, but still close enough.
Looking over to the weapons rack, the young knight throws his sword to the ground, walks to the rack, and gets the spear. He walks back to where Joffrey and the courtiers are. Joffrey is entertaining his courtiers with some jokes and they're all laughing. Once finished aiming it, Jarred throws the spear with all his might. The courtiers kept laughing until the spear flew past them and hit the lantern, causing it to shatter into pieces, with the spear still stuck in the wooden support beam.
Everyone stares in shock at the spear, then at Jarred, who bears a stoic expression. He gives a low bow. "I suppose my skills are better than we thought, Your Grace."
And with that, he picked up his sword from the ground to continue his practice with Lancel, who looked at him with shock, and Bronn, who had a surprised, yet amused look. The courtiers are no longer laughing but whispering to each other about what Jarred is doing. Normally, this would be considered a crime of treason, but it's clear that Jarred isn't aiming at Joffrey, but making a point of some kind. Joffrey remains speechless, about to tell the guards to kill Jarred, but Sandor stops him.
"He's already going to his grave, Your Grace," Sandor counsels, "No need to rush it."
Joffrey glares at Sandor, and then at Jarred who continues his fighting with Lancel, but eventually relents and walks away, with the courtiers watching him go. Jonathor was nearby, witnessing the whole thing with uncertainty. He knows his son wasn't intending to strike at Joffrey but to make a point. Although he worries it won't give him the results he wanted. Jarred did it to silence Joffrey's antics, but Jonathor fears it only made things worse with it. Now Jonathor prays his son survives the fighting tomorrow.
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