A Falcon of Summer

by LawKeeper

At Riverrun in the one night before marching off to war with Robert Baratheon, Jon Arryn sires a son with Lysa Tully. Jasper Arryn is an untested green boy, a lord of summer, but when the king who sits on the Iron Throne commands him to hand over his wards, history repeats itself. As High as Honor!

30. The Sept of Baelor

Cersei

"Jaime," she whimpered. A pool of heat grew between her legs. She almost stroked herself, imagining her twin taking her against the soft velvet couch. My other half. She restrained herself. She was a Lannister, the daughter of the great Tywin Lannister, and would behave as one. Lord Stark thought himself clever with that lie about Joffrey and Jaime. Both still drew breath. I would know if my cub or my twin were dead. Still, she yearned for their coupling. It had been months since the Trident where he took her while Robert slept in a drunken haze with the roaring of the river, drowning out her screams of their lovemaking. Lancel had proved a pale replacement to his glory. Cersei poured herself a drink of sweet summerwine and chuckled. It had been some time since she thought of her cousin. Weak Lancel who couldn't even slay Lady Margaery.

Until there comes another, younger and more beautiful, to cast you down and take all that you hold dear. A shiver went down her spine.

Cersei smiled. It could never be Lady Margaery. No one would ever claim her beautiful again. Missing her ear and fingers. Maybe Lancel had done his job after all? Yes, he did. And the whore deserved it for trying to take what was hers. How she suffered for her position. Years enduring Roberts drunken bouts to get close to the Crown she deserved. She sipped another gulp down her throat. It doesn't matter. The fool Ned Stark somehow had figured it all out. Even Myrcella's part in her plot. Who told Lord Stark? Cersei wondered. Probably that spider Varys. She should have told Robert to have his meddlesome head removed from his shoulders years ago, but he had never seemed much of a threat. Varys had even been helpful, like the dutiful servant he was. It seemed he found a new master in Stark. "You killed Ser Kevan, didn't you? And used your own daughter to do so." Lord Stark said with judgement as if a wolf could judge a lion.

"I did." Cersei said with pride. "How does it feel knowing you discovered this truth too late to change anything? You failed your friend, Robert. Does that pain you?" She hoped it did.

Lord Stark didn't rise to the jab. "Why? Why did you kill your uncle?"

"He stood in my way and needed to be removed."

"Removed? It was murder."

Cersei's temper flared. "Don't you speak to me, oh high and mighty Lord Stark. I've seen that bastard you sired. Was it some Dornish woman you raped? Or mayhaps Lady Ashara, you despoiled? You are just as dirty as the rest of us."

"You used your own daughter to do it." Lord Stark said.

Cersei frowned. "Yes, she was the only one who could get close enough. Uncle Kevan was too cautious around me." She sighed. "She was supposed to remain unaware, but she's a smart girl and pieced it together." Cersei rubbed her cheek where Myrcella had slapped her. It stung. She was her daughter, and she loved her. If only she had not fallen under Lord Arryn's pathetic display of chivalry. The boy had corrupted her sweet daughter, twisting her away from her family.

If only Lord Arryn had come to that dinner. He would be dead, along with her uncle. Tommen would have been returned to the city. She would have killed Stark when the opportunity presented itself and would have crowned Tommen. He would have him summon his brother to take up his seat. Joffrey was born to rule. Unlike his soft weakling of a brother.

Cersei drank some more. Lord Stark had yet to remove her from these quarters in the Maidenvault. He was waiting for something. Cersei knew. Her fate wouldn't be kind. Ned Stark was no friend of hers. He would declare her guilt before the court and see her head removed from her shoulders in a public spectacle. Pycelle, the useless old dolt, had betrayed her. She needed poison to wrestle her fate on her terms and she had received not a note in passing. Abandoned to die a public death. It was infuriating, witless fools like Pycelle and her uncle that placed her in this position. If they understood anything, they would have helped me in placing Joffrey on his throne! Uncle Kevan earned his death. Along with Cousin Lancel. Fools the both of them!

"Mother?" a soft voice snapped her out of her stupor. Her little boy gazed at her with a surprised look. He had grown taller since she had last seen him. Time in the training yard had strengthened his body. The pudgy little boy had vanished. In its place, when she squinted, it was as if she saw Jaime as a boy. A kinder Jaime without his cocky smile and boyish bravado. "You look unwell." He swallowed. She gazed into the mirror and saw her flushed skin and saggy eyes. I look sloppy. A Lannister should never look sloppy.

"My sweet cub." Cersei said and embraced her youngest child. Stroking his long, delicate blond strands. He had her hair. Softer than even Myrcella's. "How tall you are getting." She bade him to sit with her. "Tell me of your time in the Eyrie."

Tommen brightened. "I would love that mother!" He said. "I love Bran. He has been like a brother to me-"

"Joffrey is your brother."

"Joff is dead." Tommen paused. "And I'm glad for it."

Cersei struck him.

"How dare you say that of your brother! Your king!"

His stay in the Vale had corrupted her little boy. He had come to her more falcon than lion. She expected him to meow on the floor, nursing his wound, but he stood up. His cheeks reddened and his eyes flamed with defiance as hard as stone. "I shall be king after father! Not Joffrey! Father himself said so."

Cersei's lip tightened in a thin line.

"The realm deserves a better king than him!" She heard Tommens' voice, but it was Lord Jasper Arryn speaking through her son. She never should have let Robert send Tommen to be raised in the Eyrie. The falcon lord had confused her poor, weak-willed boy. I should have had Jaime cut Robert down. If she had asked her twin, he would have done so. Joffrey never would have been sent away if she had. They would have drenched the Trident with Robert's blood and Lord Arryns. She would have bathed in it.

He softened. "Please, mother." Tommen begged. Joffrey never would have begged. "I didn't come here to fight."

Cersei smiled. "Of course you didn't, my sweet boy."

Tommen sighed in relief. "I have spoken with Lord Stark on your behalf. He will show mercy for your crimes. If you confess them at the Sept of Baelor before the sights of Gods and Men."

"And in what form shall this mercy take place?"

Her son told her with pride. "You shall be given a place in the Sisters of the Faith!" Tommen said. "One day, I could even summon you back to the capital. It's perfect mother!" He swore excited and giddy as if playing with a kitten. "In a few years, you'll be back with us in the capital and all will be forgiven! You could even instruct my future daughters with Lady Sansa." The Stark whore who led Joffrey astray now would have her hooks in him. Maybe it's the Starks I should have been more concerned with? Bran Stark was the reason they had sent away her Joff. Robert loved the Starks more than his own lawful son. Now Tommen loved him more than his own flesh and blood.

"Joffrey would have fought for me."

Tommen flinched. "Joffrey is dead." She almost struck him again, but thought against it. A glint in his eyes reminded her of her own father. It warned against it. "Please, mother." He showed his weakness once more. "There is nothing else I can do for you." Tears formed in his eyes. "I wish not to lose you. I love you very much as much as I love Cella. Don't abandon us. We need you."

My cubs need me.

What would they do without her? She was their mother and couldn't abandon them to treacherous traitors like Lord Arryn and Lord Stark. She needed to survive and claw her way back to them. A Lannister always pays his debts. "Oh, my sweet boy." She wiped away his tears. "You tell Lord Stark I shall confess my sins before the sights of Gods and Men."

"Truly?" Tommens voice was filled with hope.

She kissed him on the brow. "I won't be parted from my children. Not even the Stranger himself could keep me from you."

Ned

"Ser Balon Swann!" The King's herald trumpeted as the crowd in the gallery murmured. He had been among the knights that left with Lord Renly. Ned shifted on the Iron Throne, an uneasy seat for any man. Dull blades dug into his back. It chafed him raw. Damn you Robert. He bade the knight to approach. Jory had seen him disarmed as he stood where Cersei Lannister had crumpled before the Iron Throne. "I shall confess Lord Stark. I shall confess my crimes before the sight of gods and men." She said, tears streaming down her cheeks, warming many hearts with her performance. He was not one of them. It was the promise of trying to stop the bleeding that motivated him. Robert charged him with defending his realm.

His guardsman at the foot of the throne tightened. Ser Balon was a skilled warrior. Ned could see lines of worry on Ser Balons face as he went to his knee. "Lord Regent, I bear poor tidings. Lord Tywin Lannister has seized my liege, Lord Renly! "The throne room went silent save for the sound of scuffed boots over the marbled floors. "The Old Lion broke parley and slaughtered Lord Renlys' valiant protectors and seized him! An act of villainy!"

"How do we even know these words to be true?"Grand Maester Pycelle croaked. "Lord Tywin is a Lord Paramount. I highly doubt he would stoop so low." He stroked his brilliant white beard ponderously.

"Tis no lie!" Ser Balon declared.

Ned was inclined to agree. Lord Tywin was a viper in the grass. Tradition. Honor. Even the notion of decency was a foreign concept to the man. He wouldn't hold anything sacred. Guest right. Parley. Mayhaps, even kinslaying? Ned mused. His own daughter killed her uncle without shame and his grandson nearly killed his younger siblings on the Trident. All of them were byproducts of the same rotten line. Roberts biggest mistake was not sending Lord Tywin to the Wall. The Lannisters should not have been rewarded for her crimes, it had nearly poisoned the Baratheon dynasty.

"Varys?" Ned turned to the spymaster. "Have you heard of this?"

"Nay." Varys said. "My little birds have only told me that Lord Tywin and Lord Renly were to meet at Bitterbridge."

"My father bade me to ride as if the Stranger himself were on my heels!" Ser Balon said. "He believed you deserved to know, so justice may be done."

The Grand Maester shook his ancient head. "Justice? For a rebel lord in defiance of the crown. A man who ignored the commands of the Iron Throne."

"He defended the honor of his betrothed."

"Treason by another name is still treason. Lord Renly has broken the kings peace as well."

Lord Nestor shook his head. "Even a rebel lord should not have been seized during parley. It's criminal."

"Lord Nestor, I find-"

Ned raised his hand to silence him. "He speaks true. Lord Renly has much to be taken into account for." He rose. "But I shall stand judgement in our kings name. Not Lord Tywin. Renly is still Robert's own flesh and blood." He twisted as the Grand Maester wilted like a flower. "If Lord Tywin has broken the sacred rights of parley, he shall answer it with his life. The law is clear."

"Jory."

He dipped his head. "See that Ser Balon is given comfortable quarters for the night."

"Lord Stark." Ser Balon declared. "Allow me the honor of accompanying you to see justice is done."

Ned considered it. Ser Balon was a fine knight, and it would do well for them to have a son of the Stormlands with them. "I swear my sword to you and the Crown!" He added.

"Very well."

The court ended shortly after, with Jory and his guardsman ushering the attendees out of the throne room. Ned quickly made his leave to the stables where horses had been prepared for him. He inspected the encampment outside of the city walls. He walked amongst the detachments of River Lords and Men of the Vale. Lord Yohn joined him, along with Ser Moonton, and they made final preparations for the supply trains that would follow them. Wars are won with carts and the food they carry. Last night, his nephew had made his will known that the command of his host would fall to Lord Royce. Ned had nodded in approval. The boy troubled him and he could not have him in command. His youth and inexperience made it impossible. How could he possibly think I would mean Roberts blood harm? It was madness that Jon Arryn's son held him with such suspicion and doubt. It made him doubt the education his son was receiving. Ned had questioned Bran of the things Jasper Arryn had taught him, and he found little disagreement in them. "A man is only as good as his word." Bran said. "There is no shame in admitting one's mistakes and accepting the consequences." His son claimed Jasper Arryn, a good man and diligent lord. "Adrian, he helped with his horsemanship, Tommen on how to hold a lance, myself the bow, and Jon, well, Jon doesn't need help, really." When he returned to the Tower of the Hand, Ned saw it firsthand. Jasper Arryn, with his wards going over drills under the grizzled gaze of Ser Brynden. His nephew was helping Bran with his footwork. A small smile graced his face that reminded him of Robb.

"When I had to ride on the back of the cart. Angry at everyone." Bran told him. "He rode with me and endured my sullen silence. I'm happy being his squire."

Jon Arryn's kindness lived in the boy's heart. Ned didn't deny that. It was his obsession with legacy like some Lannister that concerned him. Jon didn't care about legacy. Only behaving as befit a lord. Ned would not have faulted him as much for defending his mother, but it seemed he was more offended by appearances than the crime itself. Was that his notion of honor? Derived from the opinions of others? Ned sighed. Maybe he was too harsh on the boy? Cat would tell him to treat him gently.

Lies and secrets swirl around him.

What other secrets did he hide behind his declaration of duty and professions of loyalty? Jon Arryn never would have kept a secret that could have saved lives. He's not Jon Arryn. He remembered. Ned had an inkling of what happened. Robert neglected his duties to the realm, and Jon did his duty for him and neglected his son and heir. Now, I have to do both.

Ned returned to his solar, the sound of laughing boys fading from his ears. A letter on his desk confirmed Lord Stannis had passed the Broken Arm of Dorne and sailed with all haste along the Summer Sea. The Royal Fleet was under his command. At least one of Roberts brothers has remembered his duty. Though Stannis Baratheon was always a man defined by his sense of duty. His reply had been terse. As the Iron Throne commands. Ned had little doubt he would see the fleet to Seaguard. Lord Stannis crushed the Iron Fleet at Fair Isles and would defeat them again.

We'll need those ships to ferry us across once the Tyrells and Lannisters are dealt with.

Other missives he signed with ink and his seal. Missives to the High Septon and commanders of the Watch overseeing the public confession of Cersei Lannister. Ser Tallhart believed crowds of thousands would be assembled around the Sept of Baelor. "I'll need to bring five hundred of my men to keep order, my lord." He told him. Ned agreed with every request he asked of him to ensure security for themselves and Cersei Lannister.

Night dragged on as the candle wick died down and his vision blurred. Ned was busy penning a letter to Robert informing him of his intention to march on the Rock and root out Tywin Lannister from whatever den he was hiding in. Jory popped his head in. "My lord, Lord Arryn wishes to see you." It was late, but if he had come, mayhaps, it was important.

"Send him in Jory."

Jasper Arryn gazed at him long and hard, clutching pieces of parchments until his knuckles turned white. "This was left for me." He said, placing two letters on his desk. "You are Lord Regent. This information belongs to you." Ned leaned forward, puzzled by the air of secrecy and judgement.

"And what shall I find, nephew?"

"It would be best if you simply read it, my lord."

Neds eyes widened with every word he read. House Tyrell hand in the death of Ser Kevan. Lord Baelish's grubby fingerprints over the plot as everything finally clicked into place. Who had secured the poison. Why Ser Hugh had attacked his nephew. A web of lies and corruption. Two sides of the same coin. Ned mused as his nephew studied him. "By the Gods." He mumbled. "This changes much." Cersei Lannister was not the only criminal who needed to face the Kings Justice for the murder of a lord.

"Mayhaps you already knew?" Jasper Arryn said and handed him another letter.

He saw the seal of House Stark. "Tis my seal?" Ned said, puzzled. "And it looks like my words, but I've never written such." And the words were outrageous. Destroy the truth? What fear did he have from the truth? His nephew gazed at him with distrust. He's uncertain? Ned thought, amazed. "I had no knowledge of any of this."

Shoulders slouched, and he nodded. "I- "A moment of doubt flashed on his face. "I believe you." And dipped his head politely. "I beg your pardon for my behavior. A man can only offer his apologies when he knows he has done wrong. I should have done my duty to the Crown and told you the truth about Queen Cersei, but I was fearful and distrustful, so I held my tongue. It was the wrong choice."

"How long have you known?" Ned asked.

"A day." He admitted. "I wish to think of it before I did anything. The choice needed to be the right one."

"You still hold reservations about me?"

Jasper nodded lightly. "But my father trusted you and believed in you, so I should, too. He was a better Arryn than I could ever hope to be."

"Why would you believe these to be my words?"

"Mayhaps you wish to punish only the Lannisters for their past crimes. Your disdain of Lord Tywin is well known." Jasper sighed. "But that's just what these creatures that live in this hellish city wish me to think. They seek division between you and me. United, nothing can overthrow us. I won't fall prey to whatever tricks these sycophants throw at me."

Ned rubbed his temples. What have you left me, Robert? He missed the simplicity of the North. No secret letters or conspiracies in the dark or courtly factions that sought his destruction."The fact you still harbor such feelings worries me." He confessed. His nephew bristled, but dipped his head in understanding. "But I thank you for coming to me. You did the right thing."

Jasper Arryn didn't reply for a moment. "As you say." His voice was formal and distant. "Do I have your leave?"

"You do." As he turned to leave, he made a realization. "Wait, do you know who sought to pit us against the other?"

Jasper Arryn shook his head. "Not the faintest idea."

Jasper

My dearest Myrcella, I wish I could hear your voice and feel your touch. I ache for it as girlish as it is. There are truths I've learned. I wish I could have your perspective on them. Maybe you could help me make sense of them? But you are where you belong, safe in the Eyrie. Worry not. My Blackfish keeps my head on straight. Thank the Father for him! Please tell me more of the garden as much detail as you may spare. I wish to imagine the progress in my head. And your poem was beautiful. It warmed my darkened heart. Darkened by duty. Nightmares afflict me, but no lord should be frightened of such things. I'm not afraid of them. Though I'm confident I shall dream tonight of a woman more beautiful than the Maiden herself!

Thank you Myrcella, your letters always cheer my day. You would have been proud of your brother. He acted like a gracious prince in the courtroom. The boy is quite likable, unlike myself(Save to you of course) I charmed you. Mayhaps something is wrong with you? Don't roll your eyes princess, I can tell a few japes in passing. I'm sure it pains you to hear the news of your mother's crimes. It's a just sentence. Lord Stark is right, if too lenient in my mind. Hopefully, time with the Faith may help atone her sins. The Seven are just.

I spoke a lie the other day. Telling lies tears at me. It's dishonest and not proper form, but I had little choice. It was for the best and my cause is just isn't? Or is that something all men say to soothe their minds? Don't worry, Myrcella, it's a small matter. You know I find great difficulty in even doing small wrongs.

It warms my heart that you have tried to get to know my brother. I apologize for him if he says anything untold. He's a spoiled boy. Mayhaps as I was once? I'm ashamed to think I may have been a little monster. But I likely was. You are kind, Myrcella; I love that about yourself. Please never change. I can't wait to see you again. And yes, I'll extend your love to your brother (But no kisses or hugs) I'm not that sort of man. A firm handshake should suffice and mayhaps a single pat on the back.

With Love Jasper

The ink had just finished drying when Lord Varys was escorted into his office. He had made the man wait outside while he finished penning his letter. The effeminate Master of Whispers deserved it for trying to turn him against Lord Stark. "I wonder why I'm not in chains." He snickered. "You went to Lord Stark and yet you didn't mention my involvement." Why would I tell Lord Stark? If he told him, the man would have been killed and his network would become inaccessible. It would be wasteful to take him off the board, and with Lord Baelish dead, he needed a capable set of eyes and ears. Lord Nestor had caught no wind of Lord Starks investigation. A competent steward he was stiff in court and securing information. A favor with the Master of Secrets could prove useful. His Grand Uncle always told him that a man needed eyes and ears to win a campaign. Ser Brynden advised him to be forthwright with Lord Stark about everything and see Lord Varys dead. Jasper disagreed. It was for the best to support the Stark-Arryn alliance that upheld the realm. It protected them all, and was in his interest to safeguard it. But Lord Varys could prove useful depending on his motivations. He desperately needed better eyes and ears in the capital. If he can answer the question of why he tried to split us apart, I shall use him for House Arryn. Otherwise, this shall be the end for our spider.

"I've yet to tell Lord Stark."

Lord Varys chuckled. "Are you blackmailing a little old spider? Oh, I see your little game. If you told Lord Stark, I would lose my head. No doubt you would lose some influence, but you're his nephew. Flesh and blood." His eyes glistened with amusement. "Yes, and it wouldn't matter for me. Poor Varys would be dead in the ground." The man clapped. "How unlike the late Lord Jon you are."

"Tell me the truth, Lord Varys. Why did you seek to pit myself against Lord Stark?" His eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms.

"Well, Lord Arryn, I've always been honest." He giggled. "For the Realm, of course!"

Jasper snorted. "I don't think that's it. No, that isn't it at all."

The giggling stopped and the man's eyes grew serious. "I grew worried over the influence and power your little bloc holds over the realm. For the good of Prince Tommen, I sought to weaken it. I didn't wish him beholden solely to the Lord of the Eyrie and the Lord of Winterfell. So I pitted you against one another for the good of the realm." The explanation seemed truthful. A couple of awkward pauses and he detected no lie in his eyes. It made sense for him to see a resurgent Vale, North, and Riverlands alliance as a threat.

"I'll be in touch. You have a debt to pay to me, and I shall have it and then some."

Outside of his solar, Grand Uncle Brynden awaited with his wards. All of them dressed in their house finest cloaks and doublets. Funerals, or executions, we must look our best. Passed the door of cedar wood, his guard had assembled, prepared to take them to the Sept of Baelor and see justice done. "Come on." Jasper said. "It's time for us to go."

Prince Tommen was close to tears. "I don't think I can go." He whispered.

"Come on Tommen, it won't be that bad." Bran swore.

It did little to soothe him as tears streamed down his cheeks. "I'll handle this." He dismissed curtly. "Ser, see them a horse."

His grand uncle nodded.

"You will do your duty, Prince Tommen. You shall not cry. Am I understood? You are the Crown Prince."

Prince Tommen cried.

His tears made him uncomfortable. It made him feel awkward dealing with such emotion. Jasper rarely showed anyone his tears. It was a foreign thought, sharing them with others. How would his ser have handled this? If a cuff to the head wouldn't fix it. He would have listened. And he didn't think a cuff to the head would help in this case."Tell me what's wrong, my prince."

"What if they hurt mother? What if she's scared?"

"No harm will come to her. Hundreds of noble knights and men of the watch shall protect her." He went down on one knee. "And no one would risk the wrath of the Gods by spilling blood at the Sept of Baelor."

Prince Tommen nodded timidly.

"Lord Stark has sworn on the honor of his house that no harm will come to her. Do you think him a liar?" When Prince Tommen shook his head, Jasper pressed on. "Then you have nothing to worry about."

"I'm still frightened."

Jasper looked from side to side before leaning, "I'm frightened too, my prince. Of different things, but I understand fear." He squeezed his shoulder. "But we must try to be brave."

"Your afraid?" Prince Tommen asked.

"Yes, my prince." A thousand things that he wouldn't burden him with. "If you pretend to be brave, you can be." Jasper recalled those lonely nights he pretended to be Ser Artys the Soaring Falcon or Aemon the Dragonknight. It helped with the feeling of loneliness.

"I can try to be brave."

Jasper offered a small smile he hoped reassured him. "You will." He said with confidence. "You're a good lad."

He bit underneath his lips. "But what if I cry?"

"Then you cry. Men may mock you for it, but the sun will rise tomorrow all the same."

Prince Tommen wiped away his tears and nodded his head. "I think I'm ready, my lord."

The ride to the Sept of Baelor was a short one. Banners of the Faith blew in the wind, along with the Direwolf of House Stark and the Crowned Stag of House Baratheon. Lord Stark and the rest of the Small Council stood surrounded by Stark guardsman. Jasper tightened, gazing at the sea of humanity gathered before the raised platform. The line of gold cloaks held them back with heavy spears. He took a small breath to calm himself. When they brought out Queen Cersei, the crowd erupted into jeers. The vulgarity of the commons reared its ugly head.

"Murderer!"

"Temptress!"

"Lion bitch!"

It made Jasper's blood boil. She was the Queen! A Queen of the Seven Kingdoms! How dare they jeer at her like she was some common criminal? She came from a noble bloodline going back to the Age of Heroes. It was fitting. In a city filled with sycophant lords, its smallfolk were just as debased. Jasper cared little for the queen. She hurt Myrcella. But her birth meant she deserved better treatment than this. It was appalling having a public trial. What damage was it doing to the institution itself? Shall my cousin have to work twice as hard to be seen differently? He understood the reasoning behind it. It would make her guilt clear to everyone speaking at the Sept of Baelor and would strengthen their position. Jasper still didn't like it, but he didn't offer any protests to Lord Stark. I'm in no position to protest, save defending my core interests.

Gold cloaks dragged Queen Cersei onto the stage and she fell to her knees. Tears streaming down her cheeks. "I Cersei Lannister Queen to King Robert, confess my sin in the sights of the High Septon and Baelor the Blessed. I murdered my uncle Ser Kevan in cold blood and plotted to return my son Joffrey to the line of succession-" A rock struck her in the temple.

She yelped

Blood flowed in a gentle stream. Jasper gripped Prince Tommen in an iron grip as his ward struggled to run to his mother. The boy struggled like a stag. "It'll be fine, I promise." He whispered. "It's going to be okay." He hoped Lord Stark wouldn't make a liar of him.

"In defiance of my husband's law and will. I killed my uncle for his attempts to stop me." She said, crying. "It was wrong. I know that, but I wished my eldest boy to be restored to his birthright. Despite his crimes to his siblings and the command of my husband."

The High Septon nodded along. "The Gods are just and merciful as we sin. They can forgive us for our transgressions." He bowed his ancient head. "Lord Regent." His voice crackled.

Lord Stark collected himself. "I Eddard Stark Lord of Winterfell and Regent of the Iron Throne by will of King Robert, accept this plea of mercy." He paused. "She shall serve out her days amongst the Sisters of the Faith, atoning for her crimes. So I sentence her in Roberts name."

"Justice!"

"Justice!"

"JUSTICE!"

"But she was not the only guilty party." Lord Stark declared. "Cersei Lannister may have committed the murder, but it was House Tyrell and Lord Baelish, our Master of Coin, who plotted it. They plotted this in dark rooms and whispered their foul treasons by raven. I have in my custody the letters they exchanged, naming them for what they are. Criminals and murderers. They murdered Ser Kevan seeking to remove Roberts queen by using her as a catspaw. Revenge for the death of Ser Loras and a desire to name Lady Margaery Queen. Naked ambition shattered our kings peace. Tens of thousands have died for this ambition. Septs have been burned. Holdfasts sacked."His voice hardened as cold as the North. "Lord Baelish has escaped the kings justice, but the Tyrells have not. As long as I'm regent of the Iron Throne, we shall have justice. I swear it. Justice for the slain."

The crowd chanted in a thousand throats the name of their regent until Jasper could scarcely hear his own thoughts.

"STARK!"

"STARK!"

"STARK!"

---

Authors Note: Well, it seems the Lannisters have suffered the traditional fate of the Cannon Starks. Though Ned isn't a psychopath like Joffrey and so Cersei keeps her head and is sent to the Sisters of the Faith! This is it for KL. I almost added the Brienne POV in this chapter, but I thought it fit better in the next chapter. Next up, we have Daven Lannister ambusing Lord Tarlys forces at the Crackhall Forrest. Brienne is on her adventure for Renly. We finally get to see Stanniss the Mannis and see his thoughts on everything! And Tywin Lannister reveals his war aims as we enter into the endgame. Walls are closing in on the Lannisters. As always I enjoy reading reviews/comments! Helps with the writing process!

Jaegerbomb1527: Yeah, I always meant for Jasper to be unlikable, but for him to grow over the course of the series. I think his biggest character growth will come during the war when he gets hit with the good old war PTSD for power, yes on paper Jasper does have a lot of power, but those are cards for the future. Ned is still the Regent named by Robert himself. He's an older and more expierenced lord that has greater renown/respect. His seniority also demands a certain degree of respect in a hierarchical society like Westeros that Jasper very much beleives in. Even amongst the Vale lords. Ned is very much in the top position in the relationship its just he doesn't play the game really. Hence, why Jasper does defer to him. Hope you enjoy this chapter too!

ATP: Maybe

Guest: Yeah, it's one of those things I doubt either of them will discover.

Leo Reading: I think its easier for Jasper to plot and make moves, but when called out by the technical head of the Stark-Tully-Arryn alliance he will defer to him. I don't think Jasper is cowering from Ned, but Robert placed him in charge. Jasper swore an oath to him along with other lords. Sort of like how Viserys I made his lords swear an oath for Rhaenyra. Ned also represents sort of the Arryn lord he imagines his father was. Even if there is some resentment and bitterness there.

Now in this chapter, Jasper informs Ned for political reasons really. He views the Stark-Arryn alliance as important for protecting the Vale and seeing House Arryn is safeguarded. Though I do think a part of him is regretful for lying. He doesn't like lying viewing it as very dishonest. So he was willing to set aside his bitterness for his duty to House Arryn.