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Janei walked through the gardens. She had a purpose for her walking. She was looking for her distant cousin Ser Lorent Marbrand. He had grown up with Janei, Joy, and Joanna. He was quick to defend his younger female distant cousins. She was dressed in a brocade in Lannister red and gold gown. She wore a golden lion necklace and a belt around her waist. Her golden blonde curls were twisted back in half up half down look. She had a small antler-like golden crown on the top of her head. She knew she had to find him before court started. She finally found him. He was talking with a fellow Lannister soldier. She had not bothered to know his name. They spotted her as she quickly approached them. They bowed to her. Ser Lorent had his dark blonde hair cut short. His eyes were a shade of blue. He was taller than his fellow soldier.

"Your Grace," They addressed her.

"Ser Lorent a word please, alone," Janei asked.

Janei was nervous. She hoped that it did not sound in her voice. She knew what she was planning was dangerous. But in her mind, she knew it was no more harmful than living with Maegor the Cruel and the Mad King combined. That was who Joffrey was to Janei. Her father was no help. So, she knew she had to seek help from the only person she knew who could truly help her. No matter what the cost was. Ser Lorent's blue eyes met Janei's green eyes. He saw the desperation in her eyes.

"Of Course, your Grace, Kase I will talk to you later," Ser Lorent addressed his friend.

Lorent offered Janei his arm. She took it as they began to walk away. They made their way to a secluded cove of the gardens. She looked around as she let go of his arm. She looked like a scared fawn, not the proud lioness she once was. Ser Lorent looked at her with a concerned look. She did not see anyone but unknown to her Lord Varys was walking through the gardens. He had seen her with Ser Lorent together. He noticed that something was off about the once confidant young woman. In her place was a nervous, fearful, maybe even injured lioness. He moved closer but not too close. But close enough that he could read their lips and see what was happening with them. Janei was nearly shaking as her eyes darted fearfully. Ser Lorent took her hands concerned about her.

"My Queen, cousin, what is wrong?" Lorent asked concerned.

"I am not the queen," Janei stated.

"You are, you are married to King Joffrey," Lorent told her.

Her eyes went to Lorent. He could see the terror in her eyes. But there was something else about the look on her face. Janei moved closer to him. She shook her head.

"Joffrey is no true king. He is a madman and a monster," Janei confessed.

"Shh… you can't say that you will get yourself killed," Lorent told her placing his hand over her mouth.
Janei removed his hand. She had tears pouring down her face. She pulled the collar of her high-neckline gown and removed the necklace. It revealed the handprint bruised around her neck. Lorent eyes went wide at the sight of the bruises. He looked her up and down. She placed a piece of paper in his hands.

"Cousin, I'm living on borrowed time already. He married me because Tywin and my father arranged it. But now, Tywin is gone. I am his punching bag," Janei admitted. Lorent went to say something. She shook her head. "Cersei thinks I'm the perfect bride for her lion. But I am not. No woman could be. On our wedding night, he beat me and nearly killed me. I am still a walking bruise. I have gone to my father, but he is no help. I know you have no power against him. But I know someone that does. I need you to take that letter to Dragonstone. Present it only to Her Grace,Queen Joanna Baratheon the rightful queen of Westeros," Janei pleaded.

"That is treason," Lorent told her.

"Is it not treason to usurp the throne?" Janei asked.

"He did not usurp the throne he is the eldest son of King Robert and Queen Cersei," Lorent tried.

Lorent looked at her in shock. He could not believe what his young cousin was saying. Janei was not done. She took her nondescript nature to her advantage. Servant talk, her father was lazy in hiding papers and Joffrey was insane he left things around that he shouldn't. She had heard the rumors.

"We are all on borrowed time. She has dragons! Seventeen of them if rumors are true. She has a Targaryen husband. Many say he is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. Joffrey is rumored to be the son of Jaime Lannister. While it is well known that Joanna is King Robert's daughter," Janei went on. Lorent started to realize that yes Joffrey looked more like a Lannister than any Baratheon. Seven Hells even Myrcella looked a bit like Robert in certain light. And if everything that Janei was saying was true then they truly living on borrowed time. But Janei was not done yet. "And let's not forget that Joanna is Tywin's favorite. He smiles for her. You have seen it yourself just as I have. Before Joanna, it was only for his wife did he smiled. Do you think he will stand against her? Where do you think he went? When he left, he took most of the Westerland army with him. I saw pieces of Joffrey's letter from Joanna. What I could read before he burnt it was. She would have her throne, or she would have his head" Janei told him.

"All right... all right, I'll do it. But this could get you killed if the wrong people find out," Lorent told her.

"I know. She may not even forgive me. But she is my only hope," Janei confessed in tears.

Lorent hugged her as tears poured down her face. Lord Varys had a ghost of a smile on his face as he turned and walked away. He had a perfect ladymaid for her. This could work better than he could have hoped for. He had planned a gift for Aegon when he returned and took his proper place. He might just have to give it to him sooner.


Tywin and Joanna made their way into the Chamber of Painted table. They walked around the table as the door shut. He was paying more attention to where the markers were at. She walked over to a side table and took two goblets of wine, handing one to him. He noticed she had a great number of allies. More than enough to win the throne back. Tywin took a drink of his wine.

"How was your trip to the Wall?" Tywin asked.

"Wonderful and eye-opening. I made many allies in the North. Winterfell was when I learned the truth about Joffrey and Tommen's father. I had known for a while that they were bastards. I saw them together, Jaime and Cersei. I'll admit that lost my temper. I told Cersei that she had until I got back to King's Landing to take her children and leave. Because regardless of whether she was there or not I would tell my father the truth. And if she placed her bastard on my father's throne, I would not go quietly I would take it back. Bran Stark saw them together. That is why Jaime pushed him from the window of that tower. I cradled his head in my lap until Maester Luwin arrived. I saw Jaime looking out said window and then I saw them leaving together when everyone was focused on Bran. And they realized I could not be controlled Jaime set out to kill me. He failed thanks in part to Ser Tygett and Westerlands' army you sent," Joanna told him.

Tywin looked at her for a moment. He thought of her words. He frowned at Joanna's words. She was saying that Joffrey and Tommen were not Robert's. Tywin thought about it more it made sense what did not make sense to him was not Myrcella was not listed in the bastards of Cersei and Jaime.

"You did not call Myrcella a bastard?" Tywin stated.

"I did not. Correct me if wrong but before Cersei and Robert's marriage, it was seventy-six years give or take that Baratheon and Lannister joined in marriage. And neither of them had any surviving descendants today," Joanna said.

"That is correct" Tywin answered.

"Then it is without a single doubt that Myrcella is King Robert's true-born daughter. She bears a striking resemblance to his distant ancestor. The founder of House Baratheon; Lady Argella wife of Lord Orys Baratheon base-born brother of King Aegon Targaryen. While Myrcella does have Lannister coloring it is not so farfetched that Robert could pass on Targaryen coloring. After all, Rhaelle Targaryen was his grandmother. And maybe Lannister color supersedes Targaryen coloring." Joanna explained. Tywin nodded. He placed his hand on the table. She walked closer to where the Wall was on the painted table. "The Wall is in disrepair. And in much of truly able body men. Not just rappers and criminals that to afraid of punishment they seek the black as a way to rid themselves of crimes. Once this war is won I will send what they need to them. The Wall was where Aegon and I were married by Maester Aemon," Joanna told him.

"It is good you made allies in the North. The North has always been too wild to tame," Tywin told her.

"Wild yes, but most of them are just trying to get by. They know what loyalty truly means. There not been Stark who forgot an oath and with House Stark, the North will follow," Joanna said.

"Not all of them," Tywin said quietly.

Joanna's eyes snapped towards Tywin. That was when he saw it. This was not the lioness he thought he created. This was the dragoness that was before him. There was fire in her eyes. He could see in the firelight a faint line on her lips.

"What do you mean?" Joanna growled.

"When I was serving as Hand of the King for Joffrey. I received ravens from my spy Talisa, Lord Walder Frey, and Lord Roose Bolton. He pledged his house to Joffrey's cause in return for being Lord Paramount of the North and Warden of the North," Tywin explained.

Joanna was silent for a moment. She walked to the door. Tywin watched in shock. There was cold determination in her eyes. Ser Edric looked at her.

"Your Grace," Ser Edric said.

"Send for Lord Stark, my husband. I need a quill, paper, and ink," Joanna told him.

"At once your grace," Ser Edric answered.

Joanna turned back as dragons roared outside the windows. She watched out the window as dragons danced outside. She rested her hand on the end of the painted table. She looked out on the table. Tywin eyes met her own as finally looked up.

"Lord Frey I could guess. That is why Robb Stark will wed my head lady-in-waiting Marleina Frey when we reach Riverrun. He is loyal to you. He is afraid of you. He will learn in time that I'm the one he should be afraid of. I will not act on this betrayal but if he becomes treasonous again. Fire and Blood will come for him shared family or not." Joanna paused. She walked over towards the window. The echoes of Dragons roars were heard. They could feel her rage. Tywin watched her slightly fearfully. Something in her voice and the calm coldness of it mixed with fire in her eyes. Sent shocked waves down his spine. This was what it would be like to be in the presence of Queen Visenya Targaryen. She seems to wear power like a second skin. "As for that whore Talisa Maegyr. I'll allow her to live for now. No matter my dislike for her. She longs for power beyond her means. She reminds me of Margaery. I know she was told to please you by her father. For you are a backer of there. But if she betrays you and your orders. Volantis will become part of Westeros," Joanna said matter-of-factly.

"Joanna you…" Tywin started to warn her.

"It is interfering with Westeros affairs. House Maegyr is from the Tiger party the old blood of Volantis. Essos has been interfering in Westeros affairs for years unchecked. I will make Essos respect Westeros, or they will burn minus Yi Ti. Yi Ti is our ally," Joanna told him.

"You have not mentioned Roose," Tywin pointed out as servants brought in paper ink and quill.

They laid them on the side table. They bowed to Joanna. She made her way over to the table. She started to write a death warrant. She paused writing as the sound of Tywin's boots approached her.

"What do you do with traitors?" Joanna asked coldly.


Aegon walked out the dungeons. He had made sure the Mountain was locked up and could not escape. The man would pay for the deaths of his mother and sister. He closed his eyes leaning against the wall. He prayed he made the right call pardoning Lord Tywin. That was where Oberyn found him.

"Have you lost your ever-loving mind," Oberyn growled.

"No, Uncle I have not," Aegon started. He stood up straight. He had fire in his eyes. Oberyn looked at him in shock. He was all for Joanna and Aegon being together. But forgiving the man that led to his sister and niece's death. How could Aegon forgive such a man? For the first time in a long time, Oberyn saw more of a dragon. Many called Rhaegar the last dragon. Doran and Oberyn tried to raise him to be more Martell-like. But it was clear to him now, that there was more dragon in him than just his looks. "And you have forgotten yourself. I am not just your nephew. Who are you to scold me?" Aegon growled.

"You let Tywin live. The man that wanted to murder you," Oberyn raged.

"You think I don't know that. But uncle he is my wife's, your queen's, grandsire. The man who helped raise her. She is currently carrying my child. The stress of me sentencing him to death could cause her to miscarry. And that could kill her, and if by some miracle she lives after that you believe that she will allow me anywhere near her. It would be like Uncle Doran and Mellario after Quentyn's death," Aegon reasoned.

Oberyn thought about Aegon's words. Joanna was pregnant. That explained her sudden love of apples. But in Oberyn's mind arresting Tywin would cause Joanna to miscarry.

"Besides, he is worth more alive or dead. He was the power behind Robert's throne. Men fear him. Until we have that power. We need him. And much as I hate to admit it. His logic makes sense. He does not regret it because without his actions Joanna would not be here. And at the end of the day, I cannot fault him for loving her. I love her just the same. I would do anything for her. And he would too. The man that killed Rhaenys and mother will die tomorrow at dawn. He will pay for their deaths, Uncle. And Tywin will help us win this war and any war to come. He is our Master of War," Aegon told him.

Oberyn looked at Aegon for a moment. He pulled his nephew into a side hug. As much as he hated it Aegon was right. Maybe he could present Doran with the Mountain head at the end of this all. When soldiers came running into the hallway. They quickly bowed to Aegon. Oberyn looked at them. Something bad happened.

"Your Grace, Queen Joanna needs you in the chamber of Painted Table," the Soldiers announced.


Joanna looked up at Tywin. In many ways, it was like looking and hearing his own words coming out of Joanna's mouth. She was truly more his daughter than Cersei ever was. That was when he realized that Joanna did not call Cersei, mother, but rather by her given name.

"You've called not Cersei mother?" Tywin questioned.

"I have disowned her. If I hope to win, I cannot think of her as family. She has always loved Joffrey more than Myrcella, Tommen, myself, Seven Hells, and even my twin. Our hand has questioned me on that fact as has Jaime," Joanna said.

"Jaime is still alive," Tywin asked shocked.

"He is. I knew he would never make it to the Wall. So, I allow him to live by removing his knighthood, his sword hand, and his right to hold any title or land. Giving a punishment that shows I am better than him. I broke him and took away his identity with that single act," Joanna explained.

Tywin smiled at her. She was right if she sent Jaime to Wall. He would never end up there. Now, that he knew his crimes he would not hesitate to have him killed or sent to the Wall. "Your Hand?" Tywin started to ask.

"Tyrion has been on my side since the beginning. He learned of Aegon's true identity at the Wall. He helped me make plans and seek out allies. At times he tries to stop my dark impulses," Joanna confessed.

"Not Lord Stark," Tywin finished asking.

"The Game of Thrones is not an honorable game. He is our Master of Laws. An honorable position for an honorable man. I know he will lead us right. And Tyrion as the Hand. He is an intelligent man. He was the one who suggested coming to Stannis. Even knowing that Stannis did betray me. It was the best move I could have made. And I would have you part of our council as well," Joanna told him.

"Aegon has named me Master of War. The Mountain will be executed at dawn along with other traitors," Tywin told her.

"Good," Joanna said looking back at the paper.

Aegon, Ned came into the room. Aegon made his way over to Joanna concern written all over his face. He kissed her softly. She returned the kiss. She finished signing the death warrant. She handed the letter to Aegon. He read what it was. His eyes went wide as she looked at her.

"Ziry ivestretan issa hen bisa traitor naejot se pāletilla, (He told me of this traitor to the crown)" Joanna told him.

Aegon realized how serious Joanna was. He nodded his head. He would not this treason go on unchecked. Aegon picked up the quill and started to sign his name to the death warrant. Joanna moved over to Ned.

"Lord Stark, my grandsire has confessed to me that one of your bannerman has betrayed you and your son. He has pledged himself to Joffrey's cause all for him be named Warden of the North and Lord Paramount of the North. And thus, he is a traitor not only to you and your son but also to the crown," Joanna explained.

"Who?" Ned asked.

"Lord Bolton," Tywin answered.

Ned closed his eyes for a moment. He stocked over to the side table. Where Aegon finished signing the death warrant. Ned took a second piece of paper. He quickly wrote a death warrant for Lord Bolton. It also stripped all Bolton-held lands, and any that shared his blood were denied the right to their ancestral home. He had heard the stories of Ramsey Snow. He in said letter sentence Ramsey to life at the Wall. He signed it, sealing it with his crest. The Dreadfort was now part of Stark-held properties. He handed the letter to Joanna. She nodded her head. She picked up the scroll that held Aegon and her signatures. She pressed her father's ring to the wax. She was wearing it on one of her fingers. Tywin walked over pressing the Lannister ring on the wax. Giving it both of Joanna's crest. Aegon pressed the ring, that Martell gave him years ago, leaving the paper with a three-headed dragon crest on it.

Aegon walked over to the door. He opened the doors. Ser Barristan and Ser Edric quickly bowed at the sight of their King.

"Your Grace," they said.

"Send for our quickest rider and Maester Cressan" Aegon ordered.


The throne room of the Red Keep was filled with nobles and some common people. Joffrey sat on the Iron Throne. Janei sat in a chair on his right. While Cersei sat on his left. Lord Baelish stood in front of the nobles with Ser Loras and Lady Margaery. Lady Margaery was dressed in a very low-cut blue gown with a simple brown belt. She had a golden rose pendant that hung in the valley of her breast. Her soft light brown hair was pulled back simply. She eyed Joffrey with a coy smile on her face. Janei had a stoic look on her face. She looked every bit like the Lannister queen. She was aware of Margaery's intention. She could see them from a mile away. Joffrey caught Margaery's stare for a moment. Cersei frowned slightly catching her son staring at the beauty that was likely Margaery Tyrell. Janei could not find herself to care she welcomed it. Maybe if he had a new target of his "affection" he would leave her be. Joffrey looked out of the sea of Nobles. Lord Varys stood near a woman dressed in a simple yellow dress. Her dark hair was braided down her back. Her bright amber eyes shined like gems on her face. Her skin was tanner the most nobles around Kings Landing well minus the Velaryons. Many claimed she looked more like Martell than anything else.

"Lord Petyr Baelish step forward," Joffrey ordered. Lord Baelish came forward dropping to his knees in front of the throne. All eyes were on him. "For your good service and ingenuity in uniting houses of Lannister and Tyrell, I declare that you shall be granted the Castle of Harrenhal with all its attendant lands and incomes. To be held by your son and grandsons from his day until the end of time." Joffrey declared.

"You honor me beyond words, Your Grace," Lord Baelish replies as he rises to his feet. Joffrey looked at Cersei for reassurance. Then he looked to Janei for a second. Lord Baelish looked at Janei. This would throw a wrench into his and Margaery's plans. "I shall have to acquire some sons and grandsons," Lord Baelish said as he walked back to Margaery. Many of the Nobles laughed.

"Ser Loras Tyrell," Joffrey called. Ser Loras came forward. He too dropped to his knees before the throne. "Your house has come to our air. The whole realm is in your debt, none more so than I. If your family would ask anything of me ask it and it shall be yours," Joffrey told him.

Loras looked briefly at his sister. She slightly nodded her head. Before, he looked back at Joffrey with his head bowed.

"Your Grace, my sister Margaery, her husband was taken from us before." Loras started nearly in tears over the death of his lover. Even if he did have a part in planning said death. Mind you not in the way it happened but still. Joffrey moved forward on the throne as Loras talked. "She remains innocent. I would ask you to find it in your heart to do us the great honor of joining our houses," Loras finished.

"Is this what you want Lady Margaery?" Joffrey asked.

Margaery stepped forward slightly bowing her head to the king. Their eyes locked. She had a coy loving smile on her face. She was flirting with him before she even spoke. Cersei's frown deepened as did Kevan who stood near his daughter. It was like Joffrey forgot he even had a wife.

"With all my heart, Your Grace. I have come to love you from afar. Tales of your courage and wisdom have never been far from my ears. And those tales have taken root deep inside me," Margaery replied dreamily as her hand went to the pendant around her neck.

That move drew more attention to large full breasts. Joffrey shifted in his seat. He looked at her with lust in his eyes. She was truly more beautiful than Janei by a long shot. She seemed to be more graceful too.

"I too, have heard tales of your beauty and grace." Joffrey flirted back but paused as Cersei coughed. That drew his attention he looked at his mother. She gave him a hard stare. Her eyes then went to his wife. Joffrey then looked over to Janei. Janei looked lovingly at her husband. Playing the part of the dutiful meek wife of the king. Joffrey looked back to Margaery with pity in his eyes "But I already have a wife. So, I will grant you the next best thing. A place in my lady wife, Your Queen, household. Serving her and me as duty bonds you too. We will find you a suitable husband in due time," Joffrey said when he said my lady wife he took Janei's hand.

They appeared to have a united front. But it was clear to Margaery, Janei, and those who knew the Game of Thrones that Joffrey's words had dual meanings. The woman in a yellow simple gown quickly left the throne room. Margaery bowed deeply. Her eyes locked on Janei's.

"You honor me, your grace. There is no greater honor than to serve our Queen," Margaery replied.


Lord Varys quickly followed the woman in yellow as more matters of court were presented. He found her on her way to one of the gardens. The gardens were empty since the court was in secession. Her bright amber eyes met his eyes.

"Lord Varys," She greeted him.

"My lady I have found a place for you," Lord Varys told her with a slight bow.

"My place is here," she replied as she looked up at part of the Red Keep.

She started to walk away from him. She was heading back toward a passageway that would take her into flea bottom. She worked most days in an orphanage.

"Evan if this job could bring you back to your family" Lord Varys called.

The woman stopped mid-step. Her family. She closed her eyes she longed for her family more than anything in this world. She looked over her shoulder at him in disbelief.

"And what is this job?" She asked.

"You will help Janei," Lord Varys told her.

"Are you trying to have me killed Lord Varys? Cause that is what it sounds like?" she asked.

"I would never. I only wish to serve the realm and what's best for the realm" Lord Varys replied


Author Note: What do you think Lord Vary's gift for Aegon is? Or rather who? What do you think? I hope you enjoyed it.