Hey, readers.
So, to give you all a heads up, I'm not sure if I did the fight scenes well, but I will let you all decide that.
Enjoy.
Tyrion was walking down the hallway, preparing for the trial by seven when he saw Joffrey and his Kingsguard coming down.
"Getting ready for the trial, uncle," Joffrey greets him.
"Yes," Tyrion said sarcastically, "As all are to witness the spectacle that you made for us."
Joffrey chuckles, "I heard Mother took interest in the champions I chose for the trial. Do you know why?"
"Well, as Queen Regent, she needs to know the fighters in the trial by seven. Besides her daughter, your sister's life is at stake," Tyrion explains as an excuse.
"Ah yes, of course," Joffrey waves off, "Also to ensure they won't be bribed of any means, correct?"
Tyrion stayed quiet when hearing those words.
"I guess some men are easily bribed with the right amount of money," Joffrey chuckles, "Especially when some offer them larger pounds of gold than some offer."
Then, Tyrion realized that not only did Joffrey figure out Cersei tried to pay off the fighters, but now has paid them off with more money.
"Well, I should get ready," Joffrey smirks, "We should be in for quite a show soon."
And with that, Joffrey leaves Tyrion where he was as the Hand of the King tries to process what has happened and what to do next.
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When realizing what happened, Tyrion went straight to meet with Lenora in her bedroom.
"How did he find out," Lenora asked.
"Like you said," Tyrion told her, "They went to Joffrey and bartered higher amounts of money and Joffrey eagerly accepted."
Lenora buries her face in her hands, groaning with frustration. "What are we going to do now? We can't just raise the bribe higher because Joffrey will do the same thing. And that's if he doesn't kill us, which I'm surprised he hasn't yet. What do we do?"
"I don't know," Tyrion said honestly.
"What," Lenora asked, shocked by what he just said.
"I said, I don't know," Tyrion repeats. "I don't think there is anything to do now."
"You can't just give up," Lenora said, not believing she was hearing this, "There has to be another way to help Jarred."
"I'm afraid we've done all we can," Tyrion admits, "We tried, but I'm afraid we just can't go on."
"You'll find a way," Lenora urges, "You always find a way."
Tyrion ponders for a moment, before saying, "There is one thing. Pray that Jarred wins."
Seeing there was no way to convince him, Lenora sighed in defeat. But she can't accept it. Cass was her best friend and Jarred was always good to her. She just can't sit by and give up. So she decides to find help with someone who can help her.
She immediately goes to Ceryse's room to speak with her about any methods she could think of, "Ceryse, you're quite…. Clever when getting to do things. Maybe there's something you can think of that could help Jarred to increase his chances."
"If Joffrey finds out, he can take my head for it," Ceryse sat on her bed.
"I'll make sure that won't happen," Lenora assures her, "Tyrion and Cersei will make sure."
"Cersei," Ceryse questions.
"Of course, she wants her daughter alive," Lenora tells her, "Please. There must be something you can think of. Some kind of advantage Jarred could have in the fighting. Give him an edge."
"Like what poison the weapons," Ceryse jokes.
Lenora then had an idea dawned in her head, "Yes. That's perfect."
"I don't understand," Ceryse asked.
"We could poison the blades Jared and his champions have," Lenora suggested, going to sit on the bed with her friend, "Once the blade cuts the skin, they would be..."
"Dead," Ceryse finishes, "Instantly. People would find out and would be breaking the rules. No outside interference."
"They don't need to know if there is the right kind of poison," Lenora said, "What kind of poisons do you know that could help?"
Ceryse looks at her as if she is mad, not believing that Lenora would ask this, but seeing she is serious, she ponders a thought, "There is one poison."
Getting her attention, Lenora sits on the couch next to her, "What kind?"
"Um," Ceryse shifts as she is uncomfortable talking about this, "Well, there's manticore venom. If made correctly it can slow down the death of its victims."
"But not quick enough to notice," Lenora asked as Ceryse said nothing, but nodded her head to confirm Lenora's suspicion.
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"Manticore venom," Jonathor repeats as he and Hellen meet with Lenora and Tyrion, "On the blades."
"It's perfect," Lenora urges, "If worked correctly it can give the inflicted a slow painful death. It won't kill them instantly, but slow them down enough for the champions to make the fatal blows."
"I must say," Hellen admits, "I never imagine you would make such a suggestion, Lady Lenora."
"Jarred and Cass's lives are in danger," Lenora reasons, "This might be the only way to save them. We all know Joffrey is going to make sure they die."
"It's a good plan," Jonathor said, "It might increase Jarred's chances in the fighting."
Hellen thought about it for a moment, wondering if it would work, but if her son would live, then she couldn't argue. "Alright."
"Good," Tyrion said, "We'll make sure that happens and then truly leave it to the gods. We'll leave you both in peace for tomorrow."
Tyrion and Lenora leave the room, but not before Hellen says, "Thank you, Lenora. Truly."
Lenora looks back, giving a grateful nod to her before closing the door. Tyrion and Lenora walk down the hallway conversing.
"Lady Hellen wasn't the only one surprised by your methods," Tyrion comments.
"Well, I got an idea," Lenora said.
"From whom," Tyrion asked.
"Just an idea floating around," Lenora said, not wanting Ceryse to get into trouble.
"Father would be quite impressed," Tyrion then says, causing Lenora to stop. Noticing this, Tyrion continues, "You must admit that this is the type of strategy he would use. Although, poison is a woman's weapon."
Lenora shifts for a moment, not sure how to respond to that, "I just want to save my friends."
"Hm," Tyrion hums and nods before walking away, leaving her where she was, "You're more like him than you care to admit."
Lenora stayed where she was. Shocked by what Tyrion said. That she was more like their father. Does that mean she's ruthless like he is? She didn't have the time to think about it. The only reason she suggested poison was because she knew Joffrey would make sure Jarred died for some reason, and Cass would be executed as well. So, she's just doing everything she can think of to make sure that doesn't happen.
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It was morning. The trail by seven has come for the first time in almost a century. As the sun was still rising, all members of the court came to attend to witness the trial. They all sat at the seats provided for them at the outskirts of the Red Keep while at the royal dais, King Joffrey sat between his mother, Cersei, on his left, and his uncle and Hand, Tyrion, on his right. Lenora, Jocelyn, Sansa, and Ceryse all sat behind them along with Lord Varys and other members of the court.
Ema arrived later than everyone else as she went to her seat in between Sansa and Ceryse. "Sorry, I'm late."
"You went to see… her," Ceryse said, not wanting to let loose that Ema could see Cass.
"Praying that this won't end badly," Ema said to her.
"Is she alright," Sansa asked.
"I don't know," Ema said carefully. "How's everything here?"
"We're about to find out," Ceryse said, a bit nervous since Lenora took her idea about poisoning the blades.
Ema looks around to see many people have attended. Lords, ladies, members of the court, knights, squires, hedge knights, servants, even septs and septas of the faith have joined in, "So many people."
"Well, it's a trial by seven, the first time in almost a century," Lenora said, "Of course they'd want to witness it. That and Joffrey probably encouraged it."
"When was the last time this kind of thing happened," Jocelyn asked.
"It was somewhere around 209 AC, I believe. During the reign of King Daeron the Good," Ceryse ponders, "his grandson, Aerion Brightflame did something to some mummer, and Duncan the Tall goes to her defense. After that, Aerion accused him of assault, so the knight demanded a trial by seven to prove his innocence."
"Did they die," Sansa asked.
"Some of their champions did," Ceryse answered, "But Ser Duncan and Prince Aerion didn't. Aerion decided to yield so Duncan won."
"Maybe that will happen here too," Jocelyn hopes.
Sansa, however, says in a grim tone, "I doubt it."
Before the dais everyone is sitting where Ser Meryn Trant, Ser Preston Greenfield, and five other men, who all were brutish and intimidating like, all waiting at an arena-like space for the fighting to happen.
On the other side of the arena were, Ser Lancel, Bronn, and two knights of the Longwater household provided by Lord Jonathor and two of Tyrion's hill tribesmen, getting their armor and weapons ready.
In their pavilion was the Longwater household with Maester Samurel, Captain Nikados, and other servants attending to Jarred, who is wearing leather armor instead of bronze, iron, or steel, was at his dais with his parents as they were speaking with each other before the trail begins.
"You should be wearing suitable armor," Hellen slightly urges, terrified for her son.
Jarred puts on his leather gloves, "It would slow me down when doing the water dancing techniques."
"Just remember about your blades," Jonathor reminds him the blades her laced with the manticore poison, hoping no one will notice.
"I know," Jarred nods as the family of three looks to see Tyrion coming up to him.
"Not many men would use the type of armor you wear," Tyrion comments.
Jarred gives an amused smile, "Perhaps. Maybe that will give me an advantage of being quicker."
"Ah," Tyrion says, "Well, you're a brave man."
"Lord Tyrion, Jarred begins to say, "I wish to thank you for giving two of your hill tribesmen to fight with me."
"Of course," Tyrion said, "The princess asks for you."
"How is she," Jarred asked, knowing Cass was still being held in her room, probably not being able to see this.
Tyrion gives a serious look, "That depends on you, I'm afraid." He then turns to walk away, "Best of luck. I pray the gods are on your side."
Jarred looks to his father, "If I don't win, Cass will die, will she?"
"Don't say that," Jonathor said.
"But she will die," Jarred repeats, "Will she?"
Jonathor stays quiet, but Hellen decides to say, "All the more reason for you to win."
"Just… If I fail…promise you both to do whatever it takes to save Cass," Jarred pleads to his parents.
"We'll do what we can," Jonathor said, "Promise us that you won't fail."
Jarred wanted to say he wasn't certain but decided not to. Just then, Bronn came forward, "The fighting is about to start, boy. Best get ready."
Jarred nodded as he hugged his father and then his mother, who was trying her hardest not to get emotional. When he finishes, Jarred marches forward with his champions up to the arena as their opponents do the same.
In the middle was the High Septon who speaks to the beginning of the fighting. "We all stand together in the sights of gods and men to determine the fate of Ser Jarred of House Longwaters. The knight has been accused of taking the maidenhead of the Princess Cassana of the House Baratheon. Breaking his oath as a knight. And committing treason of the crown of the Iron Throne. But, according to custom, Ser Jarred has requested to prove his innocence, not with words, but with blades. May the Mother grant them mercy. May the Father give them such justice as they deserve? And may the Warrior guide the hand of our champion once one has been revealed."
And with that, the High Septon leaves the arena as the two opposing sides march forward, readying for battle. Jarred and his champions look at their enemy. Two of them were Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Preston Greenfield. The rest were mere men, most likely criminals of the Red Keep as they bore excited faces as if they were ready to be killed. Some of them have weapons while others have daggers, spears, and axes, Jarred has his longsword in his grip his slender blade sheathed on his belt and a shield in his other hand, as do the rest of his champions.
Everyone held their breath as they saw the opposing side and then ran straight for each other. The fighters clash together with swords and steel, fighting for victory. Jarred begins clashing with one of the fighters until another one comes rushing towards him, swinging his axe at Jarred's head, who uses his shield to defend himself. However, his opponent swung his sword at him, but Jarred was able to tuck and roll away from the fighter.
As he tries to gain his ground again, Jarred goes to see Bronn fighting two men and Lancel struggling to keep up with his opponent. Meanwhile, the other knights were fighting off their enemies until Ser Meryn, in his knight armor, came towards swinging his sword at Jarred, almost decapitating him, but Jarred quickly took a couple of steps back to avoid the strike, only to fall to the floor, losing his grip on his slender sword. Then Ser Meryn steps on the shield Jarred was holding, causing the young knight's arm to go in a painful position, making him scream in pain. Before Ser Meryn could do anything, one of the hill tribesmen swung his axe at the corrupted Kingsguard knight to stop him.
Suddenly the fighter with the axe came up to Jarred, trying to hack him, but Jarred slid and rolled away. As he was getting up the fighter kept swinging his axe, nearly hitting Jarred who barely got away. He tries to clash with his sword, but the axe knocks it out of his hand, so Jarred uses his shield to his defense, although his arm is still hurting. Then the fighter hit his axe on the shield hard enough for Jarred to fall, then hitting the axe on the ground, narrowly missing Jarred who kept rolling away until he was able to get up with the axe getting swung up, narrowly missing his body then having two daggers fly right past his face. One hitting the his opponent in the shoulder, and the other striking another fighter in the chest who seemed to be going after Jarred. The young knight looks to see it was Bronn who threw the daggers before going back to the fighting.
Unsheathing his slender sword, Jarred goes to fight the opponent with the axe, moving swiftly and carefully until he can make a small slice to his neck since he isn't wearing a helmet. He was able to cut him, allowing the laced poison to seep in the wound which will begin to slow the fighter down. Then seeing his chance, he stabs his slender blade into the fighter's throat, immediately getting him out of the fight when he starts choking from his blood.
Then Jarred faced Ser Preston, who wore armor, so it was harder for Jarred to strike him, but Jarred wore leather armor which was lighter and easier to move and quicker to doge the attacks. As Ser Preston charged at him, Jarred quickly dodged the attack, but Preston swung his sword down low, slashing Jarred's left leg causing him to shout in pain, but still pressed on. Bronn was able to kill one of his opponents but then two more came to him after they killed one Longwater knight. Lancel was fighting his hardest and seemed to be winning, when suddenly he was able to use his blade to bash his opponent's helmet, causing him to fall.
Before he was able to get up, Lancel used his sword to drive his sword right at the fighter's eye, instantly killing him. He never took a life, but can't process it at the moment as another fighter came to him. The fighting continued as everyone looked on. Joffrey was smiling to whole time while Cersei, Lenora, and Tyrion had looks of worry, hoping that Jarred would win. Lenora's friends were worried too as they tried to look away but to worried to do so. Jonathor was staring intently at his son fighting while Hellen kept her hands together tightly, praying that her son survived this.
The fight seemed to go on for hours. Three of Joffrey's fighters have died while two of the hill tribesmen were killed. One of the two Longwater knights was killed, and the other was too hurt to fight anymore. Bronn was fighting with one enemy, Lancel fighting another, and Jarred was standing in between Ser Meryn and Ser Preston. Ser Meryn wielded a sword while Ser Preston wielded a Morningstar.
Jarred, limping from the attack on his leg, still wielded his sword, readying for the offense as the two knights charged at him. Jarred clashed with Ser Meryn, but it allowed Ser Preston to hit him in the ribs with his Morningstar, causing the Longwater knight to fall to the floor writhing in pain before Ser Meryn came again, ramming against Jarred's collarbone, possibly breaking it, making the pain even worse.
Jarred was in immense pain from his leg to his ribs, believing it might have broken something, but he had to press on. However as he tried to get up, Ser Meryn used the hilt of his sword to hit Jarred in the face, causing him to hit the ground. On the ground, he sees Lancel, bloodied and bruised, trying his best, but ultimately fails as he is punched to the ground while Bronn fights off his last opponent, killing him by driving his sword through the armpit, killing his enemy, but was too exhausted to go help Jarred as he was injured from the fighting.
Jarred didn't know what to do. During the fighting, he was able to fight quickly, but now his wounds and limits were catching up with him. He sees Joffrey smiling at him, Cersei and Tyrion having a look of indifference, and Lenora, and her friends with worried looks, knowing if he fails, their friend, Cassana will die. He then turns to see his mother and father. His mother gave a pleading look and his father gave an encouraging one, both urging him to get up.
Jarred wasn't sure if he could do it, but then his mind went to Cass and how her life depended on him winning. She has been accused of treason like he has. If he loses, he dies, but so will she. He can't let that happen. He moans in pain, but he powers through as he charges at the two knights. He uses one hand to clash with Ser Meryn and his leg to kick Ser Preston who fell to the floor. Jarred was able to push Ser Meryn aside before going behind Ser Preston, striking his sword to the back neck right between the breastplate and helmet, instantly killing him.
Seeing he was not going down, Ser Meryn charges at him, clashing harder than ever while Jarred tries to fight it off, but to no avail with his bruised ribs and collar bone and bleeding leg which was getting worse as he was beaten to the ground. When finally beating their opponents, Bronn and Lancel tried their hardest to go to Jarred's aid as Lancel struck his sword at Ser Meryn's back, causing him to turn to face the two.
Seeing this was his chance, and that the other fighters were either dead or disposed of, Jarred used his sword, while still on the ground, to slice Ser Meryn behind his legs, causing him to fall to the floor on his knees while screaming in pain. Before he could hit the ground, Jarred, using the last of his strength, raised his sword and sliced Ser Meryn's head, cutting through his throat, causing his head to fall off as the body fell to the floor, convulsing and bleeding, much to the horror of the audience.
Seeing his opponent was dead, Jarred looked around to see most of the fighters were dead, including half of the Longwater knights, while the rest were back at the pavilion, being tended to by Maester Samurel. The only ones left standing were Ser Lancel and Bronn, indicating the trial by seven is over, and Jarred won.
Seeing this, Hellen whispered, "He won." She turns to her husband, "He won."
"He won," Jonathor smiled at her as relief took them both. They look on to the audience of the royal dais, seeing mixed feelings. Cersei and Tyrion bore looks of relief because this means not only is Jarred now innocent of his crimes, but so is Cass, meaning she is now safe from harm. Lenora and her friends had looks of happiness now that their friend would live. Joffrey, however, had a look of anger. Jarred won and he lost along with two members of his Kingsguard.
Not wanting this to go any further, Tyrion rose from his seat, declaring, "It seems the gods have made their will know, Your Grace. Ser Jarred of the House Longwaters, you are hereby found innocent of any crimes you have committed and are free to go." He then turns to Ser Balon Swann, "Go tell the Kingsguard that Princess Cassana is now free from her bedchambers."
The Kingsguard knight looks to his King, who begrudgingly nods his head. And so he went to do as he was bid as everyone began clapping and cheering at the victory.
Jarred couldn't believe it. He won. He won the trial by seven. He thought he wouldn't win, but he did. Now he and Cass were safe. He looks to his fellow companions, Bronn and Lancel giving head nods that they did it. He looked to his parents who had nothing but pride for their son, but suddenly, he felt faint.
Everything was fading to black as he started to pass out. Seeing this, Hellen ran to her son, catching him before he hit the ground, "Jarred! Jarred! Someone help!"
Running up to them, Jonathor yells, "Maester Samurel!"
The old maester rushes to his aid as everyone looks on to see what is happening. Wondering if Jarred was alright or was about to die.
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There was nothing, but darkness. An empty void where nothing was seen or heard. Just complete blackness that seemed to go on for hours. Suddenly, a hint of light started to make itself known as it grew brighter and brighter. Jarred stirs a bit as his eyes slowly open. Once they did, he looked around to see that he lying on his bed in his room. He sees he is shirtless, having bandaged cloth wrapped around his body and a cast on his right arm. Looking not far away, he saw Maester Samurel on a small round table, writing a letter while speaking with his father who stood up, listening intently to what the maester was saying. He looks to his side to see his mother sitting in a chair fast asleep. "Mother?"
Hearing his voice, Hellen jolted awake, seeing that her son had come to. She quickly leans forward to caress her son's forehead, "Jarred."
Hearing her, Jonathor and Samurel quickly came to Jarred's side.
"Mother," Jarred moans in pain, "What happened?"
"You won the trial by seven, son," Jonathor tells him, "But you got severe wounds."
"You have two broken ribs and might have a fractured collar bone," Samurel said while bringing a cup to him, "You are bruised, but not broken. It'll take many weeks to heal." He pours a cup, giving it to Jarred, "The milk of the poppy will dull the pain."
Jarred moans in pain, trying to sit up with his mother's help. He takes the cup and drinks it down. Once he was done, he slowly lay back on the bed. "What about the other fighters?"
"Two of the hill tribesmen died," Hellen tells him.
"But what about our men," Jarred asked again.
Jonathor and Hellen look at each other nervously, unsure of what to tell their son.
"No need to worry about them," Hellen tells him.
"I want to know," Jarred demands, "What happened to Lancel and Bronn?"
"They're fine," Jonathor said, "Lancel is recovering. As for Bronn… Well, he's not that easy to kill."
"What about the other knights," Jarred asked.
Hellen and Jonathor look at each other again. They don't want to say, but seeing their son demanding the truth, they have no choice.
"one is in recovery, but the other died," Jonathor confesses, "It seems one of Joffrey's champions took one of the poisoned blades somehow and cut him down with it.
"Oh," Jarred sighs, wishing that the death didn't happen, "Who was he?"
"Keneth Baird," Jonathor said, "He was young and received his knighthood last year. But we'll make sure he is honored for fighting at your side."
Jarred nodded, knowing there was nothing to be done now, but another person came to mind, "What about Cass? Is she alright?"
"She's fine. She's in her room with her friends," Jonathor assures him, "You don't need to worry anymore."
Jarred sighed in relief, knowing that Cass was safe now and so was he.
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"I'm so glad you're alright, Cass," Sansa said as she and the rest of the girls were in Cass's room, sitting at the windowsill like they usually do.
"So am I. I'm just worried about Jarred right now," Cass said.
Lenora tells her, "It's only been a day. The maester said he should wake up soon."
"I just can't help but feel like this is my fault," Cass confesses.
"You can't blame yourself," Ema gives a comforting hand to her shoulder, "It's not your fault. You know how rumors can be."
"Always run wild," Lenora agrees, "Especially about the royal family and at court too."
Cass shifts a bit when hearing that since the rumors are true. But since Jarred won the fighting, that means the gods deemed them false, so she decides to keep quiet as she looks to Ceryse and Jocelyn, mentally telling them not to say anything.
"Let's just be glad this is over and done with," Ceryse ends the discussion, "Now we can get on with our lives."
Before anyone can say anything, a guard enters the room, "Princess. Ser Jarred has awakened."
Once hearing those words, Cass immediately gets off the windowsill and rushes out of the room, running through the hallways until she comes up to Jarred's bedroom. When coming inside, she saw Jarred was awake in his bed, wearing a cast on his right arm and bandaged cloth wrapped around his body.
Seeing who it was, Jarred looked to the side of the bed, "Cass. You're ok."
"Oh," Cass sighs of relief as she goes up to the bed, "And so are you. Right?"
"Yes," Samurel confirms, "Some bruised ribs and collar bone, but he should be fine in a few weeks."
"Nothing was broken," Cass asked in surprise.
"Well, it seems Jarred's opponents weren't fighting as hard as we believed," Jonathor said, although the truth was the poison they laced the blade with was the reason the fighters didn't do their best as it slowed them down. According to Varys most of them died from the poison and Cersei and Tyrion made sure Joffrey didn't know.
"I'm so glad you'll be alright," Cass takes Jarred's left hand, "And I'm so sorry this happened."
"No, it was my fault," Jarred tells her, "If we hadn't…. done what we did this wouldn't have happened."
"All that matters is that it's over," Jonathor tells them, eyeing them both, "It is over, right?"
"Yes," Cass nods, knowing they were speaking about their affair.
"Of course," Jarred did the same.
"Good," Hellen crosses her arms, eye a bit to Cass, making the princess uncomfortable, "Right now he needs to rest. Especially because."
As she trails off, Jarred asks, "Because what?"
"Son," Jonathor begins to say, "Your mother and I were talking and we think it would be better to take time now to recover, but spend the rest of it back home on Dawn Isle."
"We're leaving," Jarred asked.
"Just until you make a full recovery and the rumors about you two die down at least," Jonathor clarifies, "We'll see what goes on from there."
"It's for the best," Hellen said.
Jarred and Cass look at each other, unsure about this. But then again, the rumors are still going around. Jarred may have been proclaimed innocent, but it may be for the best if they keep their distance for a while, so they concede to the parent's wishes.
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After speaking more with the Longwaters, Cass goes back to her room where her friends are waiting. When she comes into the room, they all immediately go up to her asking questions.
"How's Jarred," Sansa asked.
"Is he ok," Ema asked.
Cass calms them down, "He's okay, he's fine. A bit bruised, but he'll live."
"Oh, thank the gods," Lenora breathes with relief.
"Although he's parents will be sending him back to Dawn Isle," Cass then reveals, "So, he can make a full recovery at home. They also said it would be best if he and I have some distance between us."
"Really," Jocelyn asked, "We're not going to see him anymore."
"Just for now," Cass tells her.
"That would be best," Lenora said, "Considering the rumors about you two and the circumstances."
"I agree," Cass eyes Jocelyn and Ceryse who eyes back at her, "I just wish to know where the rumors came from anyway."
"Who knows," Lenora shrugs, "Sometimes these rumors can be from misunderstandings and be blown out of proportion."
"Um, about that," Jocelyn's eyes off a bit, getting the attention of the girls.
"What," Ema asked her.
"Jocelyn, no," Ceryse tries to stop her, knowing what Jocelyn heard from the servants.
"Well," Jocelyn begins, "Actually, I heard some of the servants talking about it. And, I heard one of them saying it was from the King."
This brought shock to all the girls, especially Cass. "From Joffrey?"
"The servant said it was uttered from his lips, actually," Jocelyn confirms.
The girls couldn't believe what they just heard. The rumors came from Joffrey. The King. Why? Why would he do this? But their thoughts were interrupted when they saw Cass's eyes begin burning with rage from what she just learned.
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Cass marches down to Joffrey's room in a black fury, pushing the doors open to see the King leaning on his chair at a table, eating his dinner.
"What the hell, Joffrey?!" Cass slams her hands on the table, "Are you trying to get me and Jarred killed!"
"Excuse me," Joffrey eyes widen as if she insulted him.
"I know, Joffrey," Cass seethes at him, "I know you were the one who spread those rumors about me and Jarred."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Joffrey gets up to leave the table to his bed that carried his crossbow.
"You knew exactly what you were doing," Cass shouts while following him, "You knew that we were going to get executed. You spread those rumors, you arranged the trial by seven all to get rid of me or Jarred or both. I don't know which is but why? Why would you do this!"
"Listen carefully, sister," Joffrey points at her, "I don't know what you are talking about, nor did I arrange anything to punish Jarred's crime against the crown."
"What crime is that," Cass questions.
"Defying me in front of the whole court when challenging Ser Meryn when he was following orders to discipline Sansa Stark," Joffrey tells her.
It was then that Cass realized, "That's what this was about? Because Jarred defended Sansa. He was saving her; you were about to kill her."
"I was punishing her for her traitorous brother's crimes," Joffrey seethes at her, "Just as I was punishing Jarred for his. You were just a casualty."
"A casualty," Cass repeats, horrified of what her brother sees her as.
"Well," Joffrey chuckles a bit before giving her a wretched smirk, "it's better than being Jarred's whore."
It was then that Cass had enough. She smacks him right across the face. Hard enough for him to fall to his bed. Furious at what she did, Joffrey tries to get the crossbow, but can't because she then grabs him by the hair and throws him on the bedside table.
"You crazy bitch," Joffrey yells before grabbing her hair, "Get off me!"
As they pulled each other's hair, punched, and kicked, the room became a battlefield. They smashed through everything in sight, including a few paintings on the wall, and some decorative items on the floor, and even ripped down the curtains from the balcony wall.
Cass lets go of Joffrey pushes him to a wall and then grabs a nearby vase, throwing it at his head. He ducks to avoid it, having it shatter in pieces when hitting the wall, then charges at her, causing both of them to crash into the chair and hit the floor with him on top of her, grabbing her head, and hitting it to the floor.
Despite the pain, Cass was still able to grab his hair to get him to stop, roll over until she was on top, grab a cushioned seat from the chair, and press it on Joffrey's face. He grabs the cushion hard enough to rip it away from his face, ripping the cushion with feathers flying all around. Pushing Cass off of him, she falls to the floor as Joffrey grabs her by the ankle. She digs her nails on the floor to claw herself away, but to no avail, so she turns to face him while still on the floor and uses her free foot to kick him in the leg, causing her to let go of her ankle.
As Joffrey regains himself, Cass gets up and looks at Joffrey, then screams as she charges at him, grabbing him by the throat. Joffrey grabs her hair again to get her off, getting her to let go of his throat. However, she smacks him again, pushing him to the table that held his dinner. She flips the table, forcing Joffrey to fall on the floor with all the food splattering all over him as she goes down to fight again.
Hearing all the noise coming from the room, two Lannister guards enter the room with Cersei they all see the royal sibling fighting each other and the room in a complete mess.
The guards ran to the siblings, trying to tear them apart as it seemed they were ready to kill each other as their mother screamed, "Enough! Stop it! Enough!" The fighting had finally stopped as the two knights held them tightly, "What has gotten into you two?!"
"She attacked me! I want her dead!" Joffrey exclaims while pointing at her.
Cass points at him, yelling, "I don't know who his father is, but it must be some demon from the pits of the Seven Hells!"
Joffrey tries to attack her again as Cass does the same, but the Lannister guards prevent them. Not wanting the fight to get worse, Cersei orders them to be separated with the King in his room and the princess in her. So the knights did as they were told.
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Dragging the raging princess to the Queen's bedchambers, the Kingsguard finally lets her go as the Queen orders privacy with her daughter. When they were alone with the door closed, Cersei looked at her daughter, who was in a state of disarray from the fighting.
"What were you doing," Cersei chastised her, "Fighting with your brother like that?"
"It was him, mother," Cass exclaims, "Joffrey was the one who spread those rumors about me."
"What," Cersei's eyes widen.
"He was doing it to punish Jarred for defending Sansa from Joffrey 'punishing' her for Robb Stark's actions."
"Oh," Cersei mutters to herself, "I thought."
"What," Cass asked, "you thought what? You knew!"
"I thought it was possible," Cersei reluctantly admits.
"Why didn't you do something," Cass yells.
"Joffrey is the King," Cersei defends, "There is nothing I can do."
"Oh, yes, nothing you can do," Cass laughs bitterly, "You never do anything to Joffrey. You never stop him correct him or do anything. No. All you do is walk around, let him do what he wants, how he wants, to whoever he wants. It's like…..you believe he's doing everything right."
"No, I don't," Cersei tries to tell her, "If I could do anything I would. But I have tried many times to stop Joffrey from what he does, but he."
"He's a monster," Cass cuts her off, "A monster that needs to be put down."
"Cassana, that's enough," Cersei gives a warning tone.
"Well, it's true," Cass continues, "He terrorizes Sansa, he inflicts torture on other people, and wants to kill everyone whoever he thinks slighted him."
"Cassana," Cersei urges again.
"He's like a rabid dog," Cass went further, "And when you see a rabid dog, you have to put him down. Like Uncle Jaime with the Mad King."
It was then that Cersei smacks Cass in the face hard enough for the princess to stumble. Shocked by what her mother did, Cass stumbles back on the bed with her hand on her cheek, feeling the pain stinging her cheek. She looks up to her mother who bore an angry look at her face.
"I never want you to say that again," Cersei says in a low tone. "He is your brother. No matter what. We are family and we defend our own."
Cass didn't say anything but grumbled while trying to ignore the pain of the slap.
Feeling a bit guilty, Cersei starts stroking her daughter's hair, but a question comes to her mind, "What did you mean when you said you don't know who his father is?"
Cass looks at her but stays quiet. Her mother says, "Cassana."
Cass chuckles, "Come on. You and Uncle Jaime. The rumors about you two."
"Cassana, I said that's enough," Cersei tells her once more.
But Cass wasn't going to let this one go. She rises from the couch, "Are they true?"
"What," Cersei stutters, "How could you ask such a thing?"
"Because I want to know," Cass said forcefully, "Are they true?"
"Of course not," Cersei fiercely denies.
Cass presses further, "So, Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are not Jaime's?"
"No," Cersei repeats, "These are just rumors made by your bitter uncle, Stannis."
"So, Stannis is a liar," Cass asked.
Cersei nods, "Yes."
"And Ned Stark was a liar," Cass asked again with her voice cracking.
"Ned Stark admitted that he lied," Cersei counters.
"So you and Uncle Jaime never did what they say you did," Cass's tears begin to show from the ordeal.
Cersei grabs her daughter by the shoulders, "No, no, my darling. I promise they are not true. I love you uncle as my twin. He and I came into the world together. And people who see how close we are, seeing how much we care for each other, will be willing to use it against us. And your uncle is not like that. He's kind, brave, and selfless. Always willing to do anything for us. Out of all the men in my life, only a few can be the best, and your Uncle Jaime. He is the best out of them all."
Cass listened deeply to what her mother was saying. She started to believe her, but then Cersei said Jaime was the best out of them all. When she said those words, Cass could see something in her mother's eyes. Some kind of….. affection….. loving even….. It was then that Cass got her answer.
"Oh, gods." She whispers to herself.
"Your uncle and I are twins," Cersei continues, "And we love each other as we should. And those people will do anything to destroy us. That is why we must be ready to defend one another from anything."
"Well, maybe," Cass begins to say while fidgeting her hands together, "Maybe that's true."
"It is," Cersei said in a soft tone, hoping her daughter will believe her.
Cass stays still for a moment. Giving a blank look that leaves her mother uncertain. Then, Cass took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and smiled, "I believe you. I'm sorry."
"Of course, my dear," Cersei smiles, hugging her daughter tightly.
Letting go of the hug, Cass smiles at her, "I should go clean up. And let us hope Joffrey will be in a forgiving mood."
"I'll speak with him," Cersei tells her as her daughter begins to leave the room. But before she does, Cersei calls her, "Cass, don't tell anyone about our conversation. For safety reasons."
Cass looks at her, smiling, "Of course, mother."
The princess leaves the room, closing the door behind her. Once she was outside the room, Cass put her hand to her mouth, trembling a bit. She didn't believe her mother who just gave her the answer to her question. She saw how she talked about Jaime. She sees how her mother looks when talking about him. The rumors are true. Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are Jaime's and Cass is Robert's. Not wanting to cause a scene, Cass regains her composure as best she can, slowly walking away, trying her best not to cry.
When she gets to her room, closing the door behind her, Cass leans on it, covering her mouth, crying to tears as she slowly falls on the floor. She cries more as the truth of her mother still runs fresh in her mind. All these years her mother was sleeping with her brother. Her Uncle Jaime. She looks back to all the times she had with them. She wasn't close with her uncle, but there was always a familiarity between them. But now looking back, all this time.
The princess takes hold of the lion necklace her mother gave her, ripping the chain off and throwing it to the floor. She goes up to her bed and collapses on it as she cries harder and harder. She then sees the antler ring from her father. The only thing she has left of him. She had a troubling relationship with him but now wants him back. She wants her father back, but he's gone forever. She takes the ring and holds it tightly in her hand as she stays on her bed, crying harder than ever.
Well, this was a dramatic chapter. Follow, favorite, and let me know your thoughts on the reviews.