Chapter 34
300 AC
The Red Keep loomed large over King's Landing, its towers and battlements casting long shadows as the sun dipped below the horizon. Within its walls, the air was thick with the heat of the day, but in the chambers of Lord Elbert Arryn, a different kind of tension simmered—one that had nothing to do with the sweltering summer evening and everything to do with the dangerous game of thrones being played out in whispers and secrets.
Cersei Lannister, ever the master of manipulation, stood before the mirror in her private chamber, preparing herself for a crucial conversation. The reflection staring back at her was the image of regal beauty—golden hair cascading down her back, framing a face of flawless alabaster skin, with piercing green eyes that could be as cold as winter or as warm as summer, depending on what the situation demanded. Tonight, they would need to reflect vulnerability.
She adjusted her gown of deep emerald silk, letting the fabric drape elegantly over her shoulders, accentuating her slender neck and delicate collarbones. Her hands, steady and graceful, moved to touch her cheeks, ensuring that the tears would fall just as she intended when the time came.
Tonight, Cersei had to be perfect. She had to be the wounded wife, the wronged mother, and the steadfast lady of the Vale. Eddard Stark's accusations threatened to unravel everything she had carefully built, and she could not allow that. Not when the stakes were so high.
The heavy oak door creaked open, and Elbert Arryn stepped into the room. His face, usually so composed, was etched with lines of fatigue. The day had been long, and the responsibilities of his new position weighed heavily on him. Yet, the moment his eyes found Cersei, they softened, and he managed a tired smile.
Cersei turned from the mirror, her eyes already glistening with unshed tears. "Elbert," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "there is something we must discuss. Something terrible has happened."
Concern immediately clouded Elbert's features as he crossed the room to stand beside her. "What is it, my love? What troubles you so?"
Cersei allowed a tear to slip down her cheek, her voice faltering as she spoke. "It's... it's Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon. They've accused me of the most vile, horrid things, Elbert. They claim—" she choked back a sob, her hand trembling as she reached for him, "they claim that our children are not yours. That they are bastards, fathered by my brother Jaime."
The color drained from Elbert's face, his mind struggling to comprehend the enormity of the accusation. "What? How could they... Why would they say such a thing? This is madness!"
Cersei's tears fell freely now, her voice a broken whisper. "I don't know, Elbert. I don't know what they hope to achieve with these lies. They seek to destroy us, to tear our family apart. But I swear to you, I have been nothing but faithful to you. Our children... they are ours, yours and mine."
She took his hand, pressing it against her chest, over her heart. "Feel this, Elbert. Feel how my heart breaks with these accusations. I love you, and I love our children. How could anyone doubt that?"
Elbert's initial shock began to give way to anger—anger not at Cersei, but at those who had planted the seeds of doubt in his mind. "They have gone too far, Cersei. How dare they question the legitimacy of our children? They are blind if they cannot see the truth."
Cersei nodded, her tears still flowing. "Exactly, Elbert. Look at them—our beautiful children, each with your golden hair, each a testament to our love. Yes, their eyes are different shades, but that happens in families. Must every child inherit the exact same traits?"
Elbert's heart swelled with love and guilt as he gazed at her. How could he have allowed even a moment of doubt to enter his mind? "You're right, Cersei. Robert, Sharra, Joffrey, Owsin... they are ours. How could I have ever questioned that?"
Cersei leaned into him, her head resting against his chest, her voice soft and filled with emotion. "I fear for our family, Elbert. What if these lies spread? What if they turn others against us? I couldn't bear it."
Elbert wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, his voice filled with determination. "No one will believe their lies, Cersei. I won't let them harm us. You are my wife, and our children are ours. I will protect you from this, I swear it."
As if summoned by the strength of their parents' bond, the door to the chamber creaked open, and the children entered. Robert, the eldest, led the way with the confident stride of a boy who would one day rule the Vale. His golden hair gleamed in the candlelight, a mirror of his father's. Sharra followed closely behind, her green eyes wide with curiosity, taking in the scene. Joffrey and little Owsin came last, each clutching a small wooden toy, their expressions innocent and carefree.
Cersei quickly wiped away her tears, composing herself before kneeling to greet her children. "My sweet darlings," she cooed, opening her arms wide. "Come to me."
The children rushed to her, and she enveloped them in a warm, loving embrace. Elbert watched, his heart swelling with pride and love for his family. How could anyone look at these children and not see the truth? They were his, just as Cersei said.
Robert, ever observant, noticed the wetness in his mother's eyes. "Mother, have you been crying?" he asked, his young voice filled with concern.
Cersei smiled softly, brushing a hand through his hair. "Just a little, my sweet. But don't you worry about that. It's nothing that your love cannot mend."
Sharra, with the innocence of her youth, looked up at her father with a questioning gaze. "Father, why was Mother sad?"
Elbert knelt beside Cersei, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Your mother is strong, and she is brave. She just needed a little reassurance, that's all. But now, everything is right again."
Cersei glanced at Elbert, her eyes brimming with gratitude. She had won his heart again, solidifying the bond between them. The seed of doubt planted by Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon had been uprooted before it could take hold.
As the evening wore on, the family spent time together, their laughter echoing through the halls of the Red Keep. Cersei was the picture of motherly devotion, her every word and gesture reinforcing the idea that their family was unassailable, built on love and loyalty.
When the children were finally tucked into bed, Cersei and Elbert retired to their own chamber. Elbert's guilt was palpable, and he sought to make amends with soft words and tender touches. Cersei accepted his affections, knowing that every moment of his contrition only strengthened her position.
In the darkness, as Elbert drifted to sleep, Cersei lay awake, her mind turning over the events of the day. She had managed to keep Elbert on her side, but she knew Eddard Stark would not be easily swayed. He was stubborn, honorable to a fault, and now, more than ever, a threat to everything she had worked so hard to secure.
But Cersei was no stranger to the dangers of the game of thrones. She had learned from the best—her father, Tywin Lannister, had taught her that victory came not just from strength, but from cunning, from knowing when to strike and when to retreat.
As she lay beside her husband, Cersei allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. The truth, or what others believed to be the truth, was hers to shape. And as long as Elbert believed in her, she held the power in her hands.
The accusations of Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon were serious, but Cersei had faced worse. She would protect her family, not out of love alone, but out of a fierce desire to maintain the power she had worked so hard to secure. The game was far from over, and Cersei Lannister intended to win.
For in the realm of Westeros, love and loyalty were weapons as sharp as any sword, and Cersei knew how to wield them better than most. The stakes were high, but the rewards were worth the risk. And as the night deepened, Cersei Lannister prepared for the battles yet to come, confident that she would emerge victorious.
The flickering torchlight cast long shadows across the stone walls of the Red Keep as Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark made their way through the winding corridors, their footsteps echoing in the silence of the late hour. The gravity of their mission weighed heavily upon them—this was no ordinary audience they sought. Tonight, they would confront King Rhaegar Targaryen with the truth about Cersei Lannister and her children, a truth that could shake the very foundations of the realm.
As they approached the doors to the king's private chambers, the guards on duty stepped aside, recognizing the urgency in their expressions. The heavy oak doors creaked open, revealing the spacious room beyond, lit by the warm glow of a roaring fire. King Rhaegar sat at a table near the hearth, his silver-gold hair gleaming in the firelight, his violet eyes thoughtful as he looked up from a map of the realm spread out before him.
"Robert, Ned," Rhaegar greeted them with a nod, his voice calm but curious. "What brings you to me at this late hour?"
Robert wasted no time, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by a grim seriousness. "Rhaegar, we have discovered something... something that you need to know. It concerns Cersei Lannister and her children."
Rhaegar's gaze sharpened, his expression becoming guarded. He gestured for them to sit, sensing the weight of their words. "Tell me," he said, his tone even but edged with concern.
Eddard stepped forward, his voice steady as he began to speak. "Your Grace, Jon Arryn was investigating a matter before his death—a matter that we believe cost him his life. He discovered that Cersei's children are not fathered by her husband, Elbert Arryn. They are, in fact, bastards, fathered by her brother, Jaime Lannister."
For a moment, there was silence. The only sound was the crackling of the fire as Rhaegar processed what he had just heard. His face remained composed, but his eyes darkened with the weight of the revelation.
"Are you certain of this?" Rhaegar asked, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of something more dangerous—something that hinted at the Targaryen fire beneath his cool exterior.
Robert nodded emphatically. "We are certain, Rhaegar. Ned has seen the records himself. The children's traits are unmistakable—they are Lannisters through and through. Jon Arryn knew this, and it's likely why he was killed."
Eddard continued, his tone somber. "Your Grace, I have compared the genealogies, the traits of both House Arryn and House Lannister. There is no doubt. The children do not share the characteristics of House Arryn. They are bastards, and this deception has been carried out to place Lannister blood in the line of succession to the Vale."
Rhaegar's expression hardened as he considered their words. He had always been a man of reason, a king who valued justice and the truth above all. But this—this was treachery of the highest order. The implications were vast, not only for House Arryn but for the entire realm. The Lannisters were powerful, and such a scandal could lead to open conflict.
"Cersei Lannister has deceived the realm," Rhaegar said slowly, the full weight of the betrayal sinking in. "She has endangered the stability of the Vale, and in doing so, she has threatened the peace of the realm."
Robert's fists clenched at his sides, his anger barely contained. "This is what the Lannisters do, Rhaegar. They lie, they scheme, they think they can manipulate everyone and get away with it. We cannot allow this to stand."
Rhaegar nodded, his resolve hardening. "You are right, Robert. This cannot be ignored. The truth must be brought to light, and justice must be served. The realm cannot be allowed to be ruled by deceit."
Eddard leaned forward, his voice urgent. "Your Grace, we must act quickly. Elbert Arryn is unaware of the truth, and Cersei will do everything in her power to keep him in the dark. We need to gather our allies, ensure that the truth is known to those who can help us bring her to justice."
Rhaegar stood, his decision made. The firelight flickered in his violet eyes, reflecting the determination of a king who would not allow his realm to fall into chaos. "We will gather the Small Council," he declared. "This matter will be addressed immediately. The Lannisters will answer for their actions."
The Small Council Convenes
The next morning, as dawn broke over King's Landing, Rhaegar summoned the Small Council to a private meeting. The air in the council chamber was tense as the members took their seats, each aware that something of great importance was about to be discussed.
Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King, was the first to arrive, his expression inscrutable as always. He took his seat with the air of a man who knew his power was absolute. But even Tywin, with all his cunning and influence, could not have anticipated what was to come.
Steffon Baratheon, Master of Laws and Rhaegar's father-in-law, entered next, followed by Oberyn Martell, Master of Whispers, whose sharp eyes missed nothing. Eldon Estermont, Master of Ships, and the Grand Maester Pycelle took their places as well, each exchanging glances as they sensed the gravity of the situation.
Rhaegar entered last, his presence commanding the attention of all. He took his seat at the head of the table, flanked by Robert and Eddard, whose somber expressions set the tone for the meeting.
Rhaegar wasted no time in addressing the council. "A grave matter has come to my attention," he began, his voice steady but firm. "It concerns Lady Cersei Lannister and her children."
Tywin's eyes narrowed, his gaze flickering briefly to Eddard and Robert before returning to the king. "What matter could be so urgent, Your Grace?"
Rhaegar's violet eyes locked onto Tywin's with an intensity that left no room for doubt. "It has been discovered that Cersei's children are not fathered by her husband, Lord Elbert Arryn. They are, in fact, bastards, fathered by her brother, Ser Jaime Lannister."
A shocked silence fell over the council. Tywin's face remained a mask of cold indifference, but his eyes burned with a fierce anger that he barely managed to contain.
"This is a serious accusation," Tywin said slowly, his voice measured. "Do you have proof?"
Eddard stepped forward, presenting the genealogical records he had examined. "The evidence is clear. The children's traits do not match those of House Arryn. They are unmistakably Lannisters."
Oberyn Martell, ever the one to speak his mind, leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "So, the lion has been caught in his own web. How fitting."
Steffon Baratheon, Rhaegar's father-in-law, nodded gravely. "This is a matter of great importance. If what Lord Stark says is true, the legitimacy of House Arryn is in question. The stability of the Vale—and by extension, the realm—is at stake."
Rhaegar's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that none could ignore. "The truth must be brought to light, and justice must be done. The Lannisters will answer for this deception."
Tywin's gaze was icy as he looked at Rhaegar. "You are the king, Your Grace. The decision is yours to make. But I warn you—this will have consequences. The Lannisters do not take such accusations lightly."
Rhaegar met Tywin's gaze without flinching. "Neither does the crown, Lord Tywin. The realm will not be ruled by lies and deceit."
The Decision
As the council meeting came to an end, Rhaegar gave the final order. "We will move forward with the investigation. Lord Elbert Arryn must be informed of the truth, and Cersei Lannister will be held accountable for her actions."
Robert and Eddard left the chamber with a sense of grim satisfaction. The truth had been brought to light, and now, justice would be served. But they knew that this was only the beginning. The game of thrones was a dangerous one, and the players were powerful.
As they walked through the corridors of the Red Keep, Robert turned to Eddard, his voice low but firm. "We've done what we had to, Ned. Now, we must prepare for whatever comes next."
Eddard nodded, his resolve unwavering. "The Lannisters will not take this lightly. But we have the truth on our side, and with Rhaegar's support, we will see this through."
The Final Thoughts
In the days that followed, the tension in King's Landing grew palpable. Whispers of the Lannisters' deception spread through the halls of the Red Keep, and the smallfolk in the streets could sense that something was amiss.
Rhaegar Targaryen, the king who had always valued justice and truth, now faced one of the greatest challenges of his reign. The truth about Cersei Lannister's children had the potential to plunge the realm into chaos, but Rhaegar was determined to see justice done.
The game of thrones was far from over, and the players were more dangerous than ever. But as long as there were those who stood for truth and honor, the realm had a chance.
For in Westeros, the pursuit of justice was a perilous path, but it was the only one that could bring lasting peace. And with Rhaegar, Robert, and Eddard united in their cause, the realm would face whatever storms lay ahead.