Hello, all. I live! I apologize for the long wait. Many changes have been happening in life, so I will warn you all for lower updates to be expected. Anyway, I was able to get this chapter up and I hope it is to your liking.

Enjoy.

The sun had finally set at King's Landing. People were running to their homes, gathering their loved ones, and seeking shelter as the bells tolled loudly. For Stannis Baratheon and his fleet of ships have finally come to take the city and the Iron Throne.

The Red Keep and the city were all getting ready for the siege as the people of the court were going to safe rooms for safety. Almost all the knights, guards, and soldiers were at their posts to defend the Keep, archers, and crossbows were ready at the wall, and the warships, both royal and from the Longwater Fleet, were in the position to fight. Most of the women and children were being kept at the Queen's Ballroom, a hall within Maegor's Holdfast. Its walls are paneled in richly carved wood, and every wall sconce has beaten silver mirrors that reflect torchlight, arched windows on the south wall can be covered with thick velvet draperies, large enough to seat a hundred people, so it was a good place for the women and children to hide in during the siege.

Cassana was still in her room, lying in her bed, getting more drunk, still reeling over the truth about her family. The only consolation she could get was her antler ring, which she kept turning over and over on her finger.

The door opens, revealing it to be Ema, "Cass. Everyone is going to the Queen's Ballroom; we need to get going."

Cass groans while sitting up, "I think I'll be fine here."

"Cass, it's the Queen's order to go there," Ema reminds her.

"The Queen can drag me there herself if she wants," Cass drools, "I'm not going."

Ema sighs, "I figured you'd say that. That's why I brought someone who might convince you."

Ema steps aside, revealing it to be Jarred. Cass quickly sits up straight, her eyes widen, and her jaw drops as she was not expecting him to be here. "Jarred."

Jarred gives a warm smile while walking into the room, "Everyone is saying that you've been going through something."

Ema, thinking they should have some privacy, closes the door, but not before giving a side eye at them, remembering the rumors about them, making her debate whether they are true or not.

Cass was going to say something, but she didn't know what. The only question that came to mind was, "How've you been?"

Jarred shrugs, sitting on the bed, "I've been well."

"I thought you were recovering back at Dawn Isle," Cass said, "You had bruised ribs, injuries."

Jarred tells her, "Cass, that was weeks ago."

"Really," Cass was surprised, rubbing her head, "Must've lost track of time."

"Yes, because you were getting drunk in your room," Jarred looks at the empty jugs of wine at her bedside table, "Which begs the question, why?"

Cass was about to answer, but she just trails off to an, "I've just been going through a lot."

Jarred hums, "I can imagine. Especially now."

Cass sighs, looking down and then up to Jarred again, "I just wish everything was back to the way it was. Before my father died. Everything was much simpler then."

Jarred nods, "I agree. But we can't control what happens in life, just how we handle it."

Cass puts much thought into what he said. For weeks she's been drowning her sorrows in wine, wanting to forget her problems. But they just keep coming after her.

Seeing this, Jarred rubs her back, "Listen, Stannis is coming right now, and everyone is expected to get to the ballroom for safety. You need to go there now. Please. For me?"

Cass was about to object, but seeing Jarred asking her nicely, she couldn't bring herself to say no, so she nodded her head in agreement.

"Thank you," Jarred says, giving a gentle peck on her head before getting up from the bed to leave the room.

"Are you going to fight," Cass suddenly asked.

Jarred turns back, giving a deep sigh, "I'm the son of the Sea Dragon. It's expected of me."

Cass gave a slight nod but inside she was reeling all over again. Jarred finally came back only to go out fighting in the coming battle again.

"But, I'll be fine," Jarred assures her, seeing her distress, "I mean, I survived the Trial by Seven, so."

Cass chuckles a bit as Jarred leaves the room. Giving out a sad sigh, she looks to her bedside table, seeing a jug still having some wine in it. She grabbed it, taking a full swing to it as the wine flowed down her throat.

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In the room, he shares with his wife, Jonathor, and Jarred straps on their silver-plated armor, which bore the Sea Dragon sigil of his house, as he prepares himself to fight in the battle to come.

Hellen enters the room, seeing they are getting ready to fight, "Do you think you can win?"

Jonathor looks to his wife, "That's for the gods to decide."

Hellen nods before going to her son, cupping his face with both hands, "Please be safe, son."

"I will Mother," Jarred tells her.

"Just try to be careful," Hellen begs, "I won't be able to take another loss."

Seeing his mother's pleading eyes, Jarred grabs her hands into his, "I promise I will come back. I fought in the Trial by Seven and won. I will do so again."

Hellen could do nothing but nod as she hugged him tightly for a minute to two. She then lets go of him, but not before lovingly kissing his forehead ever.

Jonathor then tells his son, "Go ahead, son. I'll be with you shortly."

Jarred nods, leaving the room for his parents to be in private.

Jonathor sighs while giving a sympathetic look to his wife, knowing they are going to fight her brother, "I don't know what will happen when I face Stannis, but,"

"It's not Stannis I'm concerned about," she says, causing him to turn to her, "I don't want you to go."

"I have to," Jonathor walks up to her.

"No," Hellen shakes her head.

Jonathor gently grabs her shoulders, "I will be back. I promise."

"You can't promise that," Hellen tells him.

Knowing she was right, Jonathor didn't say anything else but kissed her forehead before slowly going to the bed where his helm was waiting.

"Don't fight at the battle," Hellen suddenly says.

Jonathor looks back, "Hellen, this is my fleet, my men. I won't have them go off to fight in a battle while I stay here at the ballroom with you and the other women."

"I didn't say stay with me and the other women," Hellen clarifies, "I said don't fight at the battle."

Jonathor looked at her with confusion as to what she meant, until it dawned on him, "You mean…go to the ships but not in the fighting alongside my men."

"Nikados is the captain of the fleet," Hellen reasons, "let him lead the men."

Jonathor sighs, "I can't do that."

"Yes, you can," Hellen urges, "Lords do it all the time."

"You would have me humiliate myself by not fighting in the battle with my men, to have been branded like a coward," Jonathor argues.

"Yes," Hellen says honestly, "if it means having you alive then I am more than willing to allow that to happen."

"But I'm not," Jonathor raises his voice to her.

"Well, I am," Hellen does the same.

Jonathor shakes his head at her, "That stubbornness of yours is what I love most about you, but this is one of those times when it is unreasonable."

"Unreasonable," Hellen repeats, "Unreasonable to have my husband stay with me? Unreasonable that I don't want him to die quicker than he already is."

Jonathor stayed silent, "Hellen."

"I lost my father and mother years ago to a shipwreck," Hellen's voice begins to crack, "I watched as my eldest brother wasted away with wine and hunting and women until he became a shell of the man he was before. Until the first two killed him. I hear Stannis slowly being charmed by some Red Woman who practices foul magic and my youngest brother was killed somehow, and we don't know who it was. And then I had to watch my eldest son almost die in combat to the death while my other son was off to the other side of the world, doing what god's knows what to do and what you tasked him to do. I have lost too much. I cannot bear another loss."

Seeing his wife now in tears, Jonathor goes up to her, wrapping her in his embrace as she clings tightly to him. He hears his wife. He knows she doesn't want him to die, but he can't just stand by as his men fight in battle while he stays away. He'll be branded as a coward who is too afraid to fight in war. Kissing his wife's head, he lets go, grabbing his helm before leaving the room with his wife watching him walk away.

Hellen couldn't do or say anything but watch her husband leave. She loves Jonathor with all her heart and doesn't want to lose him, but knowing him, he will fight in the battle. She just begs all seven gods that it won't kill him.

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Everyone was walking fast in the Keep, all getting to the safe rooms for safety in case the Red Keep fell. As they were going, Cass, Lenora, Ema, Jocelyn, Ceryse, and Sansa were walking together, with the Stark girl's handmaiden Shae not far from them to the Queen's Ballroom as they met up with Tyrion who was walking in the opposite direction in his Lannister armor.
"Ah, my dear niece and sister," Tyrion greeted, "I see you and your friends are heading to the Ballroom."

"Yes, and it seems you are heading for battle," Lenora greeted back, "The King wanted Sansa to see him off, so we decided to be with her.

"Aren't you too short to fight," Jocelyn suddenly asked.

"Jocelyn," Lenora scolds.

Tyrion laughs a bit, "No, no, it's all right. You see my lady, I may not be fighting, but the army needs someone to lead them in battle. Tell them what to do and where to go. Men always need a strong leader to lead them and to keep them in line if they should stray."

"What happens if they do," Jocelyn asks again.

Tyrion smiles at the girl's innocence, "Well, then they would be in trouble when we win."

"If," Cass mutters, getting everyone's attention, but choosing to ignore her.

"I'm sure you will win, my lord," Ema quickly says, "You are a Lannister after all."

Before anyone could say anything else, a voice was heard saying, Sansa. All turned to see was the King with the Hound and Lancel trailing behind him.

"Always been a great romantic, my nephew," Tyrion sighs.

Ignoring his uncle, Joffrey says, "Sansa, come here."

"I will pray for your safe return, my lord," Sansa says to Tyrion.

Tyrion raises his brow, "Will you?"

Sansa nods, "Just as I pray for the king's."

She then goes to Joffrey as the other girls do the same, but not before Lenora grabs her brother's hand, "Try not to get killed."

Tyrion smirks, giving a peck to her hand, "No promises, I'm afraid."

Lenora chuckles before she catches up with her friends while Tyrion talks with Shae for a bit.

Joffrey says, "Your king rides forth to battle. You should see him off with a kiss." He then pulls his blade, "My new blade. Hearteater, I've named it. Kiss it."

Not wanting to anger him, Sansa slowly leans to the blade, gently kissing it.

"You'll kiss it again when I return and taste my uncle's blood," Joffrey says confidently.

"Really," Cass rolls her eyes, "So, you're going to kill him yourself?"

Joffrey glares at his sister, "If Stannis is fool enough to come near me."

Cass begins to giggle, "What? You're going to go after him.? How else are you going to get the blood."

"Cass," Ceryse elbows her to be quiet.

Cass shrugs nonchalantly, "Sorry, just curious about what our King has planned."

Having enough of this, Joffrey stutters, "A king doesn't discuss battle plans with stupid girls."

"Of course, Your Grace," Sansa quickly recovers, "You're right, We're stupid girls. Of course, you'll be in the vanguard. They say my brother Robb always goes where the fighting is thickest. And he is only a pretender."

Joffrey then states, "Your brother's turn will come. Then you can lick his blood off Hearteater, too."

Once Joffrey and the Hound leave, Lancel is about to follow them until he looks to Lenora, telling her, "Be safe?"

"I was going to tell you the same thing," Lenora smiles at him, gently placing her hand on his, "I'm proud of you."

Lancel gives a smile to her while the other girls look at her with surprise, guessing that there is something between them as the rumors say.

"Lancel," Joffrey calls out, prompting the young Lannister to follow his King, giving Lenora one last smile before leaving.

When they were gone, Ema asked, "Is there something we should know."

"I…don't know, honestly," Lenora reluctantly admits before turning to Cass, giving her a hard look, "What was that?"

Cass gives a confused look, "What?"

"You were riling him up," Lenora tells him.

"Oh please," Cass sighs, stumbling a bit.

"Are you ok," Ema asked, noticing it.

Cass giggles, "I'm fine."

Not believing her, Lenora looks at the princess's demeanor. How her hair was a bit messy, her eyes a little watery, "You're drunk."

Cass giggles a bit more, "I may have had a drink before leaving my room."

"Oh for god's sake, Cass," Lenora getting tired of her friend's behavior.

"Let's just get to the ballroom, the Queen is probably waiting for us," Ema suggests, not wanting a fight to start.

"Maybe I don't want to go to the ballroom," Cass says, not wanting to be with her mother right now.

Ema looks at her, "Cass, we have to go. We're going through a siege."

"Oh, please," Cass sighs, "Stannis would never hurt me."

"Ok, but what about the rest of us," Ceryse asked.

Cass simply rolls her eyes with annoyance.

Lenora, having enough of this behavior, grabs her arm, "We are going there now."

"No," Cass says, yanking her arm away.

"Alright, that's enough," an older woman's voice was heard, causing the young girls to turn back, seeing it was Hellen Baratheon.

"We are going there, and it is not a debate. So, we are going," Hellen says in a firm voice, grabbing her niece's arm harder than Lenora did, "Now."

And with that, Hellen drags off Cass as the rest of her friends trail behind them as they get to safety for the remainder of the siege.

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Night had fallen, the bell toll, the battle for King's Landing, for the Red Keep, for the Iron Throne had begun. Tyrion, Lancel, Joffrey, and the Hound all go up to the top of the exterior wall that gives them a clear view of the harbor, which is empty, much to Joffrey and Lancel's surprise since the ships of the fleet, mostly from the Longwater Fleet, were nowhere to be found.

"Where's the Longwater fleet," Lancel asks with shock.

"On the way," Tyrion states while looking out to the sea.

"Why isn't it here now? They're coming," Joffrey questions in distress, but Tyrion does not answer. Joffrey then says, "Hound, tell the Hand that his king has asked him a question."

The Hound, annoyed, did what he was told, "The king has asked you a question."

Tyrion decides to do the same, "Ser Lancel, tell the Hound to tell the king that the Hand is extremely busy."

Unsure what to do, Lancel then says, "The Hand of the King would like me to tell you to tell the king,"

Joffrey cuts him off, "If I tell the Hound to cut you in half, he'll do it without a second thought."

Tyrion says, "That would make me the quarterman. It just doesn't have the same ring to it. Cut me in half and I won't be able to give the signal. No signal, no plan. No plan and Stannis Baratheon sacks this city, takes the Iron Throne, and puts your pinched little head atop a gate somewhere. It might be quite amusing, except that my head would be up there, too. I've never much liked my head, but I don't want to see it removed just yet."

Elsewhere over at the Mud Gate, the whole Longwater Fleet was waiting for the right moment to strike. While planning with Lord Tyrion, Lord Jonathor has his ships waiting for Stannis's ships to come so they can ram them once Tyrion's special attack wipes out most of the enemy forces. Jonathor and Jarred were on the leading ship, high on the deck, waiting with their men who all donned Longwater armor, bearing the Sea Dragon sigil, flying the Sea Dragon banners, and waiting to fight.

"What are you going to do if you see Stannis," Jarred asks his father, "He's mother's brother and your brother by law."

Jonathor stood where he was, looking out in the distance, "Only time will tell."

Jarred looks confused, "Are you going to kill him?"

Jonathor looks at his son, giving a look that is unable to read. He then looks back to the sea. In truth, he wasn't sure what he would do if he faced Stannis. He is the enemy since the Longwaters have sided with the Lannisters. But he was his wife's brother. Not only that, but Stannis had to sail by Dawn Isle and Seaside Harbor to get here and did not attack according to reports, which he wonders why. Then again, Stannis was always focused on the end goal of everything, especially this one—the Iron Throne.

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Within Maegor's Holdfast, all the highborn ladies were in the Queen's Ballroom. It was considered the safest place in the Red Keep during the siege. All the women were either standing or sitting on the floor as Queen Cersei was at the head of the room, sitting in her chair with her children, Tommen, and Cass close to her, although the princess visibly doesn't want to be near her mother. Hellen was walking around, making sure the women were comfortable and secure as they were all terrified about the siege Cersei was doing nothing for them, but drinking, something her daughter was doing as well with the wine cups being near to them.

Lenora, Jocelyn, Ema, Ceryse, and Sansa were all sitting in a circle, somewhat close to Cersei and Cass, huddled together for safety as they were somewhat afraid.

"Will Stannis kill us when he wins," Jocelyn asked.

Lenora wraps her arm around the young girl, "Jocelyn, everything is going to be ok. Stannis is too honorable for that."

"Besides, we have Cass to vouch for us," Ema suggested, "She won't let anything bad happen to us."

"Are you sure about that," Ceryse argues, "For weeks she's been doing nothing but getting drunk on wine."

Ema looks to her friend, "Ceryse, come on. She's going through something."

"Well, so have I," Ceryse reminds her, "In case you all forgot I lost my brother."

The girls give her sympathetic looks as Ema tries to put her hand on her friend's shoulder, only to be swatted away as Ceryse continues, "My little brother was slain in battle, and I've been dealing with that while Cass goes on in her tantrum over… whatever it is she's upset about."

"Ceryse, no one is denying that you're suffering, but Cass did go through a lot," Ema reasons, "You know with Jarred and being accused of having an affair with him."

"Right," Ceryse scoffs, "That's the same as having a loved one die."

"Ceryse," Ema tries to calm her down.

"Well, it's not just me," Ceryse kept going, "Sansa too. She's going through more hard times than any of us."

The girls look in Sansa's direction, who quickly shrink from being the center of attention until Hellen comes over, "Hello, girls. I'm just wanting to see how you all been doing."

"Fine," Ceryse said with a cold tone.

Lenora looks to the older woman, "We're doing well enough with the circumstances. Thank you for your kindness."

"Oh, of course," Hellen smiles, "And Ceryse. I am sorry for what happened to your brother. I know the pain of it all too well."

Ceryse looks up to the Baratheon woman with sympathy, remembering that she already lost two brothers and is probably going to lose a third one. "Thank you, my lady."

Hellen smiles at her, rubbing the girl's back to comfort her. "How are the rest of you?"

"We're doing fine," Ema tells her, "A bit scared."

"Is your brother going to hurt us," Jocelyn asks her as Lenora gently tells her not to ask that question.

"It's alright," Hellen gives a motherly tone, "My brother may be a hard man, but he is an honorable one too. He won't harm innocent people."

"But we hear he burns people," Sansa spoke up softly.

Just as she did that, Cersei calls for her. Obeying the Queen, the young red-headed girl goes to the Queen, "I was wondering where our little dove had flown. You look pale, child. Is your red flower still blooming?"

Sansa nods, "Yes."

Cersei giggles, "Fitting, isn't it? The men will bleed out there and you will bleed in here. Pour Lady Sansa some wine."
She gives a gesturing command to a nearby servant to pour a cup of wine, then hands it to Sansa.

"I'm not thirsty, Your Grace," Sansa shakes her head.

"So," Cersei shrugs, "I didn't offer you water."

Sansa reluctantly takes the win, but then notices Ser Ilyn Payne was with them, "What's he doing here?

Cersei looks to him, "Ser llyn? He's here to defend us. When the axes smash down those doors, you may be glad to have him.

Sansa was confused, "But we have guards to defend us."

"Guards we have paid," Cersei corrects her, "Should the city fall, they'll be the first ones out of the doors."
The grand doors open, revealing to be a gold cloak walking through the room until he stood before Cersei, "The lads caught a groom and two maids trying to sneak away with a stolen horse and some gold cups."

Cersei scoffs, "The battle's first traitors. Have Ser llyn see to them. Put their heads on spikes outside the stables as a warning."

"Spike," Cass looks to her mother in question.

"The only way to keep the small folk loyal is to make certain they fear you more than they do the enemy," Cersei tells her daughter before looking to Sansa, "Remember that if you ever hope to become a queen."

Sansa then said, "You said he was here to protect us."

Cersei replies, "He is. Traitors are a danger to us all. More wine."

The servant pours more win for the Queen and Princess as Sansa turns to her friends and Hellen as they all had concerned looks with their Queen in a state.

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Jonathor and Jarred stayed at the leading ship, not moving a muscle as they finally saw the Baratheon fleet coming up to the city. Many ships, large ones, small ones, all sailing to the city, ready for the attack, waving the banners of a stag on fire. They were far away, but the Longwater men could still see them, getting their weapons ready for a fight.

Nikados walks up to his lord, asking, "Orders, my lord?"

"We stay," Jonathor said, "Not until they've come to the city."

Nikados nods his head when they soon see a small ship coming out of the city, sailing straight for the enemy fleet.

Jarred asked, "What is that?"

"A trick of Tyrion's," Jonathor tells him, not taking his eyes off it.

Jarred looks at his father, wondering what type of trick he means. Soon, he realizes what it means as suddenly, a small light arrow is seen shooting out from the distance, close to the city walls, flying high and above straight to that ship as it passes through the enemy fleet. Once the flaming arrow hits the lone ship, a great green explosion of fire bursts out, consuming all around it. Jonathor, Jarred, Nikados, and all the other men on the ships squint their eyes, trying to shield their eyesight from the glowing green light of the flames, watching it consume all of the Baratheon ships, hearing the soldiers there screaming in pain. It was then Jarred understood what his father meant and what was Tyrion's trick as he knew what that green explosion of flame was. Wildfire. He remembers it all too well. From the days of the reign of the Mad King Aerys Targaryen.

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All the women were frightened as they heard a large explosion from outside. They didn't know what it was, but it was loud enough to be heard that caused most of them to kneel and pray to the seven gods for protection. Lady Hellen did her best to calm them down while Cersei was getting drunk on her wine. Cass was doing the same, but many could tell she wasn't wanting to be with her.

Seeing Sansa with a small group huddled for prayer, Cersei drunkenly calls, "Sansa, come here, little dove."

Sansa goes to the queen," My queen?"

Cersei tilts her head, "What are you doing?"

Sansa shifts a bit, "Praying."

Cersei gives a condescending smile, "Oh, you're perfect, aren't you? Praying. What are you paying for?"

"For the gods to have mercy on us all," Sans answered meekly.

Cersei responds, "Oh. On all of us?"

Sansa nods, "Yes, Your Grace."

Cersei smirks, "Even me?"

"Of course, Your Grace," Sansa presses, becoming afraid which Lenora and the other girls notice.

Cersei then asks. "Even Joffrey?

Sansa begins to recite, "Joffrey is my,"

"Oh, shut up, you little fool," Cersei mocks her, "Praying to the gods to have mercy on us all. The gods have no mercy. That's why they're gods."

Having enough of this, Lenora gets up, walking to Cersei to grab her drink, "My Queen, I think you've had enough."

"Oh, do you, dear sister, or should I say my half-sister," Cersei swipes her drink away from Lenora, "Or better yet, Lady Sanya's welp."

Lenora, used to how her sister thinks of her, chooses to ignore her, but the drunken queen continued, "Father told me that when he caught me praying. Did he tell you that? My mother had just died. I didn't understand the concept of death, the finality of it. I thought that if I prayed very, very hard, the gods would return my mother to me. I was four."

"Your father doesn't believe in the gods," Sansa suddenly asks.

"He believes in them; he just doesn't like them very much," Cersei states, holding out a glass for her servant to fill, "One for her."

The servant pours the wine, handing it to Sansa. Lenore, seeing she didn't want to do it, tries to get her out, "I'm not sure it is wise for a girl her age to drink as much as you."

"I am the Queen; you are a servant to my daughter. Know your place girl," Cersei sneers at her.

Lenora looks to Cass, who is sitting next to them, giving a pleading look for help, but the princess shakes her head and keeps on drinking. Cersei orders Sansa, throwing a pillow on the ground before Sansa, "Here. Sit. Drink."

Having no choice but to obey, Sansa sits and takes a sip of wine.

"Not like that," Cersei chides her, "Drink, girl."

Sans then takes a bigger gulp as the Queen continues her drunken rant, "I should have been born a man. I'd rather face a thousand swords than be shut up inside with this flock of frightened hens."
She said it loud enough for all to hear, much to Lenora and Hellen's annoyance as Sansa softly said, "They are your guests under your protection. You asked them here."

"It was expected of me," Cersei gives a mocking tone, "as it will be of you if you ever become Joffrey's queen. If my wretched brother should somehow prevail, these hens will return to their cocks and crow of how my courage inspired them, lifted their spirits."

"And if the city should fall," Sansa then asks.

Cersei leans in, "You'd like that, wouldn't you? The Red Keep should hold for a time, long enough for me to go to the walls and yield to Lord Stannis in person. If it were anyone else outside those gates, I might have hoped for a private audience, but this is Stannis Baratheon. I'd have a better chance of seducing his horse."

The women and girls look at her, surprised by her words,

"Have I shocked you, little dove," Cersei asks, "Tears aren't a woman's only weapon? The best ones are between your legs. Learn how to use it."

Hellen, listening to every word, looked at her with disgust at what the Queen was saying. She was supposed to make everyone in the room feel safe, no more danger or scaring them with what was going to happen as all the young girls in the room started to shake with fear.

Cersei continues, "Do you have any notion of what happens when a city is sacked? No, you wouldn't, would you? If the city falls, these fine women should be in for a bit of a rape." All the women look to the Queen with shock at what she heard, especially the younger girls as Jocelyn is clinging to Lenora who wraps her arm tightly around her younger cousin, even Cass is feeling disturbed by what her mother was saying, "Half of them will have bastards in their bellies come the morning. You'll be glad of your red flower then. When a man's blood is up, anything with tits looks good."

Hearing enough, Hellen marches up to the Queen, forcibly grabbing the cup of wine out of her hands, "Enough, Cersei. You're scaring everyone."

"Oh, are you scared, sister," Cersei mocks, "While your dear husband and son are out fighting out there, you are here with the rest of us. Of course, your dear brother would never harm you like the rest of us. Then again, not all the soldiers would think the same way. Slices of cake just waiting to be eaten."

Hellen could do nothing, but look at your "sister", with disgust and shame at what her behavior was, while everyone else could only hold on to each other with fear of what could happen. If the defending army succeeds, they are safe, but if not, they will be raped. Cass, still drunk, could only look at her friends, seeing they were scared as they all huddled together with fear. So, deciding she had enough of her mother, the princess goes to her friends, joining them as they prepare for the worst.

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The flames were burning green. Many ships were burning or sinking as the men in them were screaming in pain. Many jumped ship to escape the flames and put out the ones they were covered in, but to no avail as the masts of the ships, the decks, the port bows, and all parts of the ships were falling off along with the flames seemingly burning the water as well. But that didn't stop Stannis, however, as the rest of the ships that remained untouched by the wildfire attack sailed through the burning wreck until they reached the Mud Gate where the Longwater Fleet was waiting for them.

Seeing the time has come, Jonathor orders Nikados, "Move forward."

Nikados nods before yelling to his crew to be made ready for the fight as they did. The anchors have been raised, the sails have been raised, and the Longwater ships, big and small, were now sailing to the enemy.

Jonathor and Jarred stayed on the deck, bracing for the impact as the leading ship sailed straight for the first enemy ship, crashing into the side, causing everyone on deck to stumble a bit but regain their stances.

"Attack," Nikados yells as the men climb on the hanging ropes so they can swing to the enemy ship. Once they did, the men fought off their enemy who did the same to get on the Longwater ship. Swords and spears clash together as men on the deck fight their enemy with steel and blood. Jonathor and Jarred stayed close together as they went to the main deck to fight with their men. Jarred, having his slender sword, fought in water dancing style, striking and slicing his opponents at every turn while Jonathor wielded two swords in his hands, fighting off every enemy in sight and striking each other down.

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Back at the ballroom, Cersei continues to drone on about whatever she desires to Sansa while Hellen makes her rounds, trying to calm everyone.

Meanwhile, Cass and her friends stayed close together, "I can't wait until all this is over."

"When this is over, will we be raped," Jocelyn asked fearfully.

"No," Lenora quickly said in a comforting tone, "no, of course not. Stannis is too honorable for that."

"He would never do anything like that to me," Cass said.

"Are you sure," Ceryse suddenly said, causing them to look at her, "Cersei was telling to truth. In war, men can do vile things."

"Ceryse, stop it," Ema slightly scolds.

Before anyone could say anything, the doors of the ballroom open as Lancel Lannister marches in his armor, "Your Grace!"

"What news," Cersei asked.

"The Imp has set the river afire," Lancel reports, "Hundreds of ships are burning, maybe more. The Longwater fleet met the opponent and sank more ships. Stannis' fleet was destroyed, but his troops have landed outside the city walls."

Becoming fearful, Cersei asked, "Where is Joffrey?"

Lancel tells her, "On the battlements with Lord Tyrion."

"Bring him back inside at once," Cersei commands her, holding on to Tommen tightly.

Lancel, however, was hesitant, "Your Grace. The king's presence is good for morale."

"Bring him back to his chambers now," Cersei orders.

"Not here," Lancel asked in confusion.

"With the women and children," Cersei asks as if he was an idiot, "Do you want him to be mocked as a coward for the rest of his life?"

"No, but I," Lancel tries to say.

"Now," Cersei orders.

Having no choice but to obey, Lancel turns to leave the room to do what he was told. As he was going, Lancel gave a quick look to Lenora who looked back, hoping nothing bad would happen.

"When I told you about Ser llyn earlier, I lied," Cersei admits, "Do you want to hear the truth? Do you want to know why he's here? He's here for us. Stannis may take the city, he may take the throne, but he will not take us alive."

Realizing what she is talking about, Hellen goes to Cersei, forcing her to get up from the chair, whispering in her ear so no one can listen, "Are you telling me, you tasked Ser Ilyn to kill us if the city falls? Are you insane?"

"I'm sure you of all people would know what it's like to be a prisoner," Cersei reminds Hellen of her time as a prisoner of the Mad King, "Meaning you would be for this plan."

"This isn't a plan this is madness," Hellen tries.

"It's done," Cersei pries her arm off of Hellen's, going back to her seat.

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The battle was failing. The men of the Red Keep were losing heart. Their King Joffrey ran away scared from the battle, causing the soldiers to give up the fight. Lancel rushes back to the ballroom as Cersei rises from her chair, holding Tommen tightly as Lancel says, "The battle is lost, Your Grace. Stannis' troops are at the gates. When the gold cloaks saw the king leaving, they lost all heart.

Cersei, however, didn't listen, "Where is my son?"

Lancel urges her, "I want to escort him back to the battle."

Cersei wasn't moved, "Why do I care what you want?"

Hearing what they are saying, Hellen says to Cersei, "If the men see their King fighting with them, it will make them want to fight harder. It could make all the difference."

Cersei wouldn't listen, "I want my son inside."

Wanting to remain strong, Lancel tries to say, "Now listen to me-"

Enraged, Cersei leaps up, striking Lancel's wounds from battle, causing him to fall to the ground, writhing and screaming in pain.

"Lancel," Lenora exclaims, rushing to his side.

"Cersei," Hellen yells at the Queen who ignores everyone while going to her daughter, forcibly dragging her away from her friends. Cass was fighting, not wanting to leave them, but her mother held tight with one arm while using the other to hold Tommen as all the women went into a panic, with Hellen trying to calm them down, but failing.

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Out at the Mud Gate, the navy battle rages on. The Longwater Fleet fights off the Baratheon Fleet, ships ramming at each other, some having catapults throwing flaming balls in the air to strike at the enemy, burning some men while destroying the decks. The Longwater Fleet, however, where smaller, making them more maneuverable so they could sail faster and evade the incoming attacks. Longwater men were able to throw railings and rope up to the enemy ship, climbing up to the deck to fight their enemy. The Baratheon soldiers try to fight off, but the Longwater soldiers are not only from Westeros, but they are also from the Free Cities, having foreign ways to fight. Despite most of Stannis's army being sellswords, they did not have the ferocity or fighting skills that the Longwater men had.

Jarred was fighting off men left and right. Four or five men surrounded him, raising their swords at him, but he was fast and quick, graceful but deadly as he quickly acted by raising his slender sword and carefully swinging it to the other soldier's necks which were vulnerable from their armor, cutting their throats at once. When the four or five men fell, seven more appeared, but Jarred remained strong and ready to fight. Up on the upper deck, Jonathor fought his opponents, stabbing and killing all of them with powerful blows. He just struck one soldier while another ran up to him, but the Sea Dragon used his remaining sword to strike him. They clash their swords until Jonathor hits his opponent's head upward, revealing his under the chin, allowing the Sea Dragon to drive his sword up to it, killing the enemy instantly while blood splatters to the victor's face. Watching the soldier go down, Jonathor wipes the blood off his face, as more comes to him. Clashing for a bit, the great lord, struck his opponents down before looking out on the main deck, seeing his men fighting the battle as the night raged on. He goes to walk down the steps, but looks to his side, seeing two soldiers swinging on ropes to fly over to the ship, but Jonathor raises his swords in both hands, using the left to swing at one and the right to swing at the other, killing them both instantly.

When he is done, he goes to see Stannis on the next ship. He wasn't sure if he was going to kill him. This was his brother-by-law. His wife's brother. Can he kill him? Before he could do anything, enemy men came rushing to him, breaking his thoughts as he needed to go back to the battle. Jonathor raises his swords, clashing and striking down his opponents with power and precision. It can be said that he was striking down more opponents than his son and men combined as blood was all over him.

As this was happening, Nikados had many men raising flaming arrows, "Nock! Loose!"

As he gave the order, flaming arrows shot up and rained down on the enemy, killing many of them instantly. Jonathor looks at the men, seeing Stannis at the battleship. Seeing his enemy, and deciding to fight him, Jonathor prepares to use one of the ropes to get across the ships when suddenly hit by dizziness, and his vision becomes blurry. He felt the world around him moving, and his breathing became labored. His body felt heavy, and he struggled to keep his balance. Realizing that his condition was acting up again, Jonathor fought off an attacking enemy soldier, slaying him. However, his condition continued to worsen, and he felt like everything was getting heavier, and his breath was escaping his lungs. More enemy soldiers came to attack him, but his son, Jarred, came to his rescue. Jarred, a young Longwater knight, set aside his slender blade and unsheathed his sword, slaying all of the enemy soldiers and saving his father's life.

"Father," Jarred comes to him, wondering if he was alright.

Before Jonathor could say anything, Nikados could be heard saying the enemy was retreating. The father and son look to see that the ships that remained standing were sailing away, bashing through the Longwater ships as if they were trying to escape. It was then that Jonathor and Jarred realized that Stannis was retreating, but why?

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Cersei takes her youngest son and eldest daughter to the throne room, with her sitting on the Iron Throne with Tommen at her knee while Cass is sitting on the floor next to the throne. Cass was afraid. They were supposed to be at the Queen's ballroom for safety, not the throne room.

"Mother, this is the first place Stannis would come to," Cass tells her mother, fearfully, "Why are we here?"

Cersei gently strokes her daughter's arm, "Shh. Be calm, my sweet."

"Be calm," Cass repeats as if her mother is mad, "Right now the enemy is at our gates, and you want to be calm? When might we die from Stannis?"

"Cass, you're scaring your brother," Cersei tells her as Tommen bore a look of fear.

Cass, however, continues, "You should be scared."

Cersei gives her a patient look, grabbing her arm to bring her closer as Tommen says softly, "They're still fighting."

"No one's going to hurt either of you," Cersei promises her children, "I'll tell you a story. You both know the one about the mother lion and her little cub? They lived in the woods."

Cass rolls her eyes with annoyance while Tommen looks at her with interest, "The Kingswood?"

"Yes, my love," Cersei smiles, "In the Kingswood, there lived a mother and her cub. She loved him very much. But other things lived in the woods. Evil things."

Tommen asks, "Like what?"

Cersei answers, "Like stags."

"Stags aren't evil," Cass tells her, "They don't hunt or kill. They just eat grass."

Cersei gives an intense look, "And wolves. He could hear them howling in the night. The little cub was frightened. His mother said, 'You are a lion, my son. You mustn't be afraid. For one day, all the beasts will bow to you. You will be king. All the stags will bow. All the wolves will bow. The bears in the north and the foxes of the south, all the birds in the sky, and the beasts in the sea, they will all come to you, little lion, to rest a crown upon your head.' And the cub said, 'Will I be strong and fierce like my father?'"

As Cersei tells her story, she slowly grabs a small vile from her pocket, much to her daughter's confusion, "Mother."

Cersei kept going on, "'Yes,' said his mother. "You will be strong and fierce just like your father.' She then presents the vile to her children, "'I will keep you safe, my love. I promise you.'"

She then proceeds to give the vile to Tommen who looks like he is about to drink it.

"Mother, what is that," Cass asked, seeing her mother giving a serious look, giving her the idea what this is. But before anyone could do anything, the doors busted wide with soldiers and men rushing in. Cersei shot up from the throne, clinging her children close to her as they all looked in fear that Stannis had entered the Keep. However, when they looked, they saw soldiers wearing Lannister armor, and what seemed to be armor from House Tyrell, as one of the soldiers took off his helmet, revealing himself to be Ser Loras, the Knight of the Flowers. Next to him was a Lannister soldier who followed suit, revealing himself to be none other than Gerold Lannister. But the most recognizable man was Tywin Lannister himself as he walked up to the room.

"Father," Cersei gasps as the vial slips from her hand, shattering on the floor.

"The battle is over," Tywin declares, "We have won."

As the words flew from his lips, Cersei sighed with great relief, hugging her children tightly as they all took in that they were in no danger. Stannis had lost the battle. They had won. They will live another day.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. As I said, many changes happened in life so expect slower updates than usual. Regardless, follow, favorite, and share your thoughts on what you think of the chapter.