Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OCs. All rights go to Game of Thrones of HBO and George R.R. Martin.
A/N: Welcome to chapter 12!
Long Live the King
"Poison, well…that could be the dwarf's work, true enough. Or Cersei's. It's said poison is a woman's weapon, begging your pardons, my lady. The Kingslayer, now…I have no great liking for the man, but he's not the sort. Too fond of the sight of blood on that golden sword of his. Was it poison, my lady?"
Robert was dead and Cersei could not have been more pleased, rushing to her son's chambers to relay the news. She would rule him and the Seven Kingdoms. She would lead the private council. And Ned Stark would be banished to the frozen wasteland he called home.
The Hound stood at attention at Joffrey's door, nodding to the queen regent. But he warned her before she entered. "His grace is not alone, my queen," and Cersei's eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean? No one else should be allowed in his chambers." Cersei brushed past him; her green eyes alight as she entered the room in anger. Joffrey was already awake, having called for his morning meal. But she was startled when she saw her daughter in his bed and clad only in a dressing robe, Joffrey's dressing robe.
"Hello mother," Cassana muttered, gracefully rising from the bed as she paraded towards Joffrey. Cersei was at a loss, her mouth slightly parted in confusion as she took in the scene before her. Cassana made no move to tighten the strings that dangled loosely at her side, nor did she protest as Joffrey pulled her into his lap. She noticed Alys in the corner, her daughter's favorite lady attending on them both as her eyes averted from the couple.
"What is this?" she interrogated, caught off guard and angered at being unaware of Cassana's arrival. Cassana could clearly see her mother tense at the indefinite affection she was displaying towards her brother and the unknown implications presented. Joffrey played with the front of her robe, his hand lowering until wrapped firmly around her middle. Cersei could see her daughter's breasts fully and she cringed. Her plans would be spoiled before they begun.
"It's what it looks like." Joffrey adoringly fed Cassana a piece of fruit, licking his fingers as the sticky coating of the melon dripped down. Cassana reached forward, drawing the digit into her mouth, and sucking his index provocatively before Joffrey stole a kiss. "Cassana came to me to free her from her shackles and I have done so. Her marriage to that northern idiot will be annulled as soon as possible on grounds of an unconsummated marriage and she will marry me the same day as my coronation."
"Joffrey, my sweet, you will marry Sansa—."
"I will not marry her!" Joffrey rose to his feet, the chair falling behind him while Cassana struggled to catch herself. She let out a squeak, Joffrey momentarily assessing her before returning his glaring gaze to their mother. Cassana faced him, her back to Cersei as she reached up and brushed the hair from his eyes. She whispered something incomprehensible into his ear, his expression turning agitated. "I will not—."
"You must, my love." Cersei's hands had balled into fists, her nails imbedded in the skin of her palms. How dare she come here! How dare she dangle herself in front of Joffrey. What right does she have to prance herself around like a queen? "What will happen when he comes for me? You need her. Especially since you will denounce Robb as a traitor. And like Aegon the conqueror, I'm sure the faith will understand if you take two wives. How could they deny you such a right? Not when you will wage wars and win them for the injustices caused against you."
"Isn't that right, mother?" Cassana questioned. Her eyes veered towards the bed which Cersei hadn't even assessed. "The faith cannot deny our marriage, not when the Targaryens married brother and sister for hundreds of years. And Sansa will secure the North once Eddard Stark and his sons are removed." Cersei neared the bed and shuddered at the sight; Bright red blood peered back at her from the sheets. Joffrey would not let go of Cassana now.
Cersei's vicious gaze fixated on her daughter, scrutinizing every inch of her youthful face and body. She was just like her now, her bond with Joffrey finally consummated as hers had been with Jaime. She was not so different from her mother; she was a replica of the Lannister woman. And she beat her at her own game. Lips pursed in a combination of frustration and realization, she finally spoke. "No." Cassana was momentarily surprised but masked it with a smirk. "No, they shall not deny you my sweet Joffrey."
"And neither shall I," Cassana added. A satisfied grin appeared on Joffrey's superior features, his hand clutching her thigh greedily as he continued to eat. Cassana's tone turned serious. "Father is dead, isn't he?" Cersei merely nodded, Joffrey barely changing tune. Cassana's blue eyes conveyed her grief, but her body language remained unchanged.
Cassana nodded, biting her lip in distress. But she didn't show Joffrey her face, only her mother. For a moment, Cersei commiserated for her daughter. She too would be in a marriage which she feared. She was not stupid. Joffrey was a monster, but he was her golden boy, her sweet prince. Cassana was not some silly girl, she was a princess of the blood. And they would fight for control of Joffrey.
Cassana's Baratheon blues had never frightened Cersei so deeply. "Long live the king."
"Even the truest knight cannot protect a king against himself."
The grand hall of the Red Keep was abuzz with tension and whispered conversations. Eddard stood at the center with an air of quiet dignity, his stern eyes fixed on Joffrey. He was king now; Robert having passed suddenly without a warning for Ned. He waited anxiously, Joffrey's impulsive and cruel nature evident with the haughty expression on his face. Cersei had summoned him as well as the other members of the council for an announcement that promised to send ripples through the Seven Kingdoms.
Joffrey, seated on the Iron Throne, smirked as he surveyed the room, clearly relishing the attention. "Lords and ladies of the realm," he began, his voice dripping with arrogance, "I would like to begin my reign with oaths of fealty. I wish for my coronation to occur within the fortnight. And I have a proclamation that concerns the noble houses of Stark and Baratheon."
Eddard's gaze never wavered, though his mind raced with possibilities. What could the boy king possibly have to say about his family that it needed to be made public? He certainly wouldn't let Sansa marry Joffrey now and he prayed they had already reached the Wind Witch which would return his daughters to Winterfell. Littlefinger and Varys had met him in the courtyard, the gold cloaks loyalty having been bought and pledged to their cause. Joffrey would be overthrown, and Stannis put in his place. Cersei had not yet abandoned King's Landing, much to Ned's mortification. Memories of Rhaegar's children played in his mind.
"Ah, my dear sister. Will you come and join us?" Eddard turned, catching the familiar gold strands from the corner of his eye. Cassana approached the throne, a slight smirk of arrogance on her pink lips. The Lord of Winterfell raised an eyebrow, noticing something off about the heir to iron throne. She wore blue, accentuating the hues of her wide eyes which stared back at him with some hidden message.
Run, Lord Stark. Run before they kill you and take all you hold dear. Just as they will do to me.
Eddard remained stone cold to her urging; Cassana's behavior quite unnerving to him. What caught his attention was when she halted in front of him, clasping the pendant around her neck. It was no lion that glinted back at him, though the chain was solid gold. A blue sapphire stone was added to her various collection of rings, her betrothal ring gone.
The Kingsguard parted as Cassana made her way up the stone steps, turning to face the crowd of lords and guards in the throne room. Somehow, she had situated herself among the swords, unharmed and steadfast. She slowly placed her right hand securely on Joffrey's shoulder before she whispered some unknown words in his ears. He chuckled and lazily leaned back; Cersei remained unfazed as her venomous glare remained glued to Eddard's figure. She clearly mistrusted the Lord Hand while her daughter was of little consequence.
"Ser Barristan, I believe no man here could ever question your honor." Ned handed a scroll to Ser Barristan.
Barristan assessed the letter. "King Robert's seal. Unbroken." The head of the Kingsguard broke the seal and began to read to Cersei. "Lord Eddard Stark is herein named Protector of the Realm, to rule as regent until the heir comes of age." Joffrey shot a confused glance at his mother before turning to Cassana. Instead of the shocked look Joffrey expected, Cassana remained calm, mirroring her mother's countenance.
"There is no need for a Lord protector, not while my mother is alive and well," Cassana spoke. Ned's stern greys remained unphased, though his breathing became heavy. Something is wrong. Why is Cassana siding with her brother and Cersei?
"Let me see that, Ser Barristan." Clothed in green brocade with an emerald crown to match, Cersei reached for the letter and lazily scrolled over it. "Is this supposed to be your shield, Lord Stark?" She ripped the parchment in half. "You shall not be Lord Protector. You shall not be anything at all. Bend the knee and swear loyalty to my son."
Joffrey grinned with glee, tugging on his sister's hand as he continued his speech. Cassana stared back blankly, almost forcefully as she showed no emotion. "My sister's marriage to your son has been declared null and void. Cassana shall be my queen and regarding her words, out of mercy you shall be banished to the North." Biting her lip, Cassana scanned the hall, her eyes lingering on Ned. She admired his unwavering strength and the fierce loyalty he commanded. If she were to break free from Joffrey's grasp, she would need the support of members of his council, her uncles Renly and Stannis, and she would need the North to come to her aid. But all seemed lost.
A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Her marriage to Robb Stark was meant to solidify alliances in the tumultuous realm. Eddard's heart sank as the gravity of the situation unfolded. Joffrey's announcement not only invalidated Cassana's marriage to Robb but also threatened the fragile peace between the North and the Crown. Not that it mattered. Stannis would wage war as soon as he received Ned's letter. And not to mention the incestuous relationship Joffrey would have with his sister. The implications were manifold and severe.
Eddard stepped forward; his voice steady but edged with steel. "Your son has no claim to the throne," he addressed Joffrey, "and—."
"Liar!" Joffrey screamed. Cassana leaned down, calming Joffrey as she settled a hand on his chest and spoke softly in his ear. Joffrey was fuming.
"You condemn yourself with your mouth, Lord Stark," Cersei spoke haughtily.
"This union you speak of is a grave matter. Princess Cassana is wed to my son, Robb. Such a bond cannot be broken lightly. And Princess Cassana—she is your sister," Ned emphasized.
Joffrey chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. "The marriage was never consummated, Lord Stark. Therefore, by law, it is null and void. The realm must accept the will of its king."
Eddard knew he must tread carefully. Joffrey was unpredictable, and any hasty action could lead to dire consequences. "I urge you to consider the ramifications of this decision. The loyalty of the North is not a prize to be taken lightly. Nor would you have the North as a subject when you have no right."
Joffrey leaned back in the Iron Throne, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. "The North will learn its place, Lord Stark," he declared. "And as for Cassana, she will fulfill her duty to the Crown, to me."
"Seize the traitor, Ser Barristan." Ned was appalled when Cassana uttered the words, stunned as she descended the steps to watch. Joffrey was pleased, his eyes raking up and down his sister with desire. It disgusted Ned. Everything about the action was impure, but he would not hurt Ser Barristan as the knight stepped forward.
The Stark retainers became defensive, baring their steel against the Captain of the Kingsguard. "Ser Barristan is a good man, a loyal man. Do him no harm."
Cassana watched with trepidation, searching the crowds for her dear friend. Alys watched from behind a pillar in the gallery, waiting for the princess. Joffrey softened his gaze when she turned back to him, nodding with permission as she left the hall before she could see chaos ensue. "I cannot stand to watch a man I thought so loyal and honorable to degrade himself any further," she declared as she hurried from the throne room, unscathed and free from the eyes of the court, free to do as she would.
Cassana stood quietly in the shadows, her heart racing as the announcement reverberated through her mind. The weight of Joffrey's proclamation pressed heavily on her shoulders, but beneath the surface, her thoughts whirled with a different intention. Joffrey was still oblivious. With Robb laid her hope of freedom. She knew Ned was resolved to protect his family and uphold their honor, no matter the cost.
"Kill him! Kill all of them, I command it!"
Voices became muffled as she traveled further and further from the hall. "There's no need for bloodshed."
But the price to pay was too heavy to watch as she heard the knowing sound of steel upon steel and the cries of men dying as they were struck down in greed. The gold cloaks had chosen Lannister gold over justice, and she was trapped in her gilded cage.
Turning the corner, she saw the Stark men she had brought with her from Winterfell. All removed of their northern armor, they now bore the sigil of House Baratheon. White silk was replaced with gold and a golden stag was embroidered on their clothing with a crown above. Though their allegiance was now hers, she could see the men struggling with their loyalty towards Ned Stark. "If you choose to run to your master, you will be heavily outnumbered," Cassana muttered. The men tensed in reaction, but all understood the threat behind her words. "We need to find Sansa and Arya," she added. "Torren, have the necessary arrangements been made?" An older man with salt-and-pepper hair straightened his posture and nodded at her words.
"Yes, my lady," he replied. He would be the head of their small rebel force.
"Then we must run in haste. If the Lannister guards have not made their way to the Stark sisters yet they will surely be on their way soon." Cassana reached for one of the many torches lining their path before pushing against one of the various statues that lined the wall. A hidden tunnel emerged.
"They know the way?" Alys nodded.
"I showed them. We went over out path several times last night," Alys replied, but she hesitated. "You cannot make me leave you, Cassana." The Baratheon princess groaned in frustration.
"What if they forget the way? What if they get lost?" she whispered, Alys shaking her head in opposition.
"They won't. I made them take the path without me and they returned to me all the same." Alys would not abandon her mistress.
"They cannot be alone, Alys. You must go with them to Robb's host. If something were to happen to them…" Cassana could not fathom anything happening to her new sisters or the men that had pledged their loyalty to her. They all waited for her command silently, wondering what the two were discussing.
"And what will your mother think when I am gone with them? She will know and you will be more in danger than you are now," Alys replied. She took her mistress' hands in hers. "I beg you to not send me from your side," she pleaded.
"Now is not the time. We must find Arya. She will be at her lessons."
One by one, the hidden retinue traveled through the secret tunnels. Time was their enemy as they rushed to their destination and filled their lungs with the darkness that surrounded them. The only sounds were the pattering of their feet and the beating of their hearts as they turned corner after corner and climbed stairs after stairs. Cassana had memorized the tunnels from the time she was a child, Alys always in tow. They always found an exit after hours of disappearing. The paths were carved into the mind like the back of her hand as they ushered the men deeper and deeper into the caves.
An echo was heard, and she held up her hand as she halted the men. The sound was quiet, almost unnoticeable unless you were listening. Cassana pressed against a hidden panel, stepping out quietly before she crept along the wall. She pressed herself against the cold stone when she saw in her blurry vision the shape of lit torch come into view at the base of the turret steps. But behind the light of the flame was not a man or a soldier, but the dirt covered face of Arya Stark. The distinctive sounds of swords clanging and men screaming reached her ears as she lunged out to grasp Arya firmly.
Arya gasped; her wooden sword held up in defense as she came to face her predator. Her eyes widened in disbelief before she buried her face into Cassana's chest. "What are you doing here? Where is Robb?" she questioned.
"We have no time for tears, little wolf. It's time to run now." Cassana ushered her back into the hidden passageway, Arya recognizing the Stark men within the tunnel. "Torren is going to take you back to your brother. I need to find Sansa." She was halted when Arya jerked her back by her skirts.
"What about needle?" Cassana's brow raised in confusion.
"Needle?"
"My sword! I need my sword," Arya exclaimed.
"We have no time for trinkets, Arya!"
"But it's packed in my trunks! I need it. Jon gave it to me." The Stark greys pleaded with Cassana's Baratheon blues. She knew there was no time for some silly sword, but it meant the world to Arya. She turned to Torren.
"You know the passage to the stables?" He nodded. "You get her there, unseen and hidden, and then proceed as we planned. And if anyone is waiting, do not even attempt to approach the courtyard. They will kill you on sight and take Arya to my mother."
Cassana knelt before her sister. "If anyone and I mean anyone tries to lay their hands on you, you drive your sword through their heart and kill them. Do you understand me?" Her hands grasped the space between Arya's elbow and forearm, shaking her roughly. "Do you?" she emphasized. Arya remained quiet but shook her head in agreeance. She reached into her cloak, drawing a letter from her pocket. "Give this to Robb when you see him. I only trust you, little wolf." Arya tucked the letter away within the confines of her shirts. "Alys, go with them. And create a diversion if anything should happen." Alys sent Cassana one final look as she drug a reluctant Arya behind her, beckoning the men to follow. Cassana would continue alone, praying Sansa was still alone with her septa in her chambers.
She unearthed another hidden door, some hidden bricks all adhered together to create a door that she barely fit through. It had been much easier as a child and she doubted any full grown man could fit. She pushed the contraption back in place so it would remain unfound, pulling herself to her feet as she tiptoed towards Sansa's rooms. She had been too late, hearing voices as she approached.
"Stay away from me. I'll tell my father. I'll—I'll tell the queen." Cassana heard Sansa's trembling voice as the Hound appeared, a smug expression on his burnt features.
"Who do you think sent me?" Clegane chuckled back at her. His eyes widened at the sight of Cassana behind her, wondering where she had come from. She had left the throne room abruptly and now materialized out of thin air.
"I would listen to him, little dove. If my mother calls for you, it's best to appease her whims without question," Cassana spoke sweetly. Sansa jolted around so quickly Cassana thought her pretty little head would spin off.
"Why are you here and without Robb?" Sansa asked, bewildered by her new sister's sudden appearance. Cassana smirked and Sansa's face turned downcast, unused to the foreign countenance.
"My marriage to your brother has been declared invalid and out of love for you, I came to seek you out and escort you to the council and the queen. Now I suggest you do as he says, or I'll have Ser Clegane drag you by your hair. Or better yet, he'll hoist you over his shoulder kicking and screaming. Would you like that, little dove?" Sansa took a step back, her blues untrusting as she stared at the woman, she thought her sister. She had been betrayed she realized, Cassana edging forward to grip her harshly by her wrist.
"I don't have to do anything I don't want to. My father is the hand of the King!" The words did little to defend her and she cringed when Cassana's nails dug deep into the fragile skin.
"You must listen to me, my love or we will both perish before Robb saves us," she whispered. Sansa shook rather violently, tears sprouting from her eyes. Whether from fright or fear, Cassana could not tell, but Sansa nodded her head in obedience. "Now move before I lose my patience," Cassana spat, pushing her towards the Hound vigorously and watching helplessly as Sansa tripped before gathering herself. Clegane stepped aside, watching as Cassana trailed after the eldest Stark daughter. There was no escape for them now. She only prayed Arya had fled the city before they were discovered.
Clegane escorted them to her mother. Cersei had plastered the sweetest smile on her face when Sansa arrived. But the Stark girl faltered, her eyes glued to her shuffling feet when Cassana entered behind her with the grace she could only hope to embody one day. She dared to look up and whimpered as Cassana glared sharply back. There was no love in her eyes, only intimidation and power.
Sansa seated herself in front of the queen, wary of Cassana as she placed herself next to Varys. Littlefinger and Pycelle stood vigilantly on the queen's right side, Varys on the left. "You must know that Joffrey and I love you very much, little dove." Sansa winced at the endearment. "And I'm sure you love Joffrey. And it is because of that love that I have brought you here, but I must convey some shocking news with a heavy heart." Sansa was breathless as she waited." Your father is a traitor, my dear.
"Lord Eddard promised to protect the young princes and before the King's body was even cold, he called the small council together to steal Joffrey's rightful throne," Pycelle explained.
"He wouldn't do that. He knows how much I love Joffrey. He wouldn't," Sansa muttered faintly. They could barely hear her voice above her stifled crying.
Cassana feigned disinterest and rolled her eyes dramatically, drawing Cersei's attention. "Do stop crying, Sansa. Your tears won't save your traitorous father for his crimes against the crown."
"Sansa sweetling, you are innocent of any wrong. We know that. And yet you are the daughter of a traitor. How can I allow you to marry my son?" Cersei questioned.
"You have to let me marry Joffrey; I'll be ever so good a wife to him. You'll see. I'll be a queen like you. I promise." Cassana knew the girl was lying, but her mother was clueless. Sansa had come to her about her griefs at marrying Joffrey after the incident at the Trident. Sansa remained the same shy and red-faced girl around her son, but for different reasons. Joffrey terrified her.
"She doesn't have to do anything, Sansa. Besides, Joffrey will marry me now. Me first, anyways. Perhaps you'll be second if the council approves." Sansa gasped, her eyes darting from the queen back to Cassana. Cersei offered her no warmth, only cold abysses of green stared back.
"A child born of a traitor's seed will find that betrayal comes naturally to her. She is no fit consort for our king. She is a sweet thing now, but what in ten years? Who knows what treasons she will hatch then?" Pycelle inserted.
"She is innocent, your grace. Perhaps she should be given a chance to prove her loyalty." Cersei appeared to be considering Littlefinger's words, but Cassana knew she was only playing with Sansa. It was her favorite game of cat and mouse.
"You must write to your lady mother and to Robb. The word of your father's treason and the annulment of Robb's marriage to Cassana will no doubt reach them soon. Better the news comes from you. And you must urge your brother to keep the king's peace and not call his father's bannermen. It is not his fault either that he could consummate the marriage. Being forced to wed a stranger can be quite daunting and besides, Cassana belongs here as Joffrey's queen. Robb must pledge his fealty regardless of his pride. They must do these things and then we shall decide what to do with your father." Her daunting words made Sansa shudder at the thought her mother and brother could also fall victim to the queen. She risked a glance in Cassana's direction, the Baratheon urging Sansa to press on.
"Your grace, I should like to see my father. If I could speak—."
Cassana tsked at Sansa, shaking her head vehemently. "You disappoint me, Sansa. How can we trust you if you wish to see a traitor?"
"I only meant to ask if he was unharmed." Sansa looked ashamed, beaming bright red. Her scarlet cheeks matched the red locks she possessed.
"Your father's fate depends on you, sweet child. I would do as the princess says," Varys commented. Sansa consented, reaching for the parchment and ink that the queen provided. Cersei then turned her attention to her daughter, scrutinizing her completely.
"Cassana, I think your presence is no longer required. I can guide Sansa from here." Cassana refused to budge, smiling smugly at her mother.
"Are you sure mother? You might be missing something." Cassana played with the gold chain around her neck, making Cersei uncomfortable.
"And what would that be?"
"The bannermen." Pycelle and Varys all shared a bewildered look. Baelish was impressed, his lips curling into a grin.
"What of the bannermen?" Littlefinger questioned.
"They have already been called and I'm afraid Robb will not send them back. Not unless I can convince him otherwise," Cassana relayed.
"And you think Sansa's letter will not convince him to adhere to your brother's command?"
"Perhaps, but I think my letter may be of more use to you when Robb sends his movements back to me." The queen's eyes glittered with interest. "When he crosses the Neck, do we think he shall head to Riverrun, or will he attempt to overrun the Twins?"
Cersei grew wary, her instincts alerting her that her daughter's loyalties were not true. "When did you send a raven to him, Cassana?" She was testing her. Cassana was not stupid.
"This morning. Joffrey helped me write it. He was so thoughtful. You're more than welcome to ask him, mother," Cassana spoke confidently. "And do not worry. I said nothing of our annulment. When he hears such news from Sansa, it will already be too late. And he shall rush into the jaws of the lion."
"The boy would be so ignorant as to provide such information?" Littlefinger pondered. He indulged her, taking the lead as he inquired about her hidden knowledge.
Cassana's words were the final dagger to Sansa's resistance. "He'll do whatever I ask of him."
Cersei scoffed, Sansa wincing in her chair. She looked to Cassana like a frightened doe, portraying the betrayed sister-in-law as she stared at her in devastation. She would crumble if pushed further. Cassana cared less, looking pointedly at the parchment placed in front of Sansa. She tapped her fingers on the desk in irritation, her brother's councilors all stiffening. Her displeasure was rising to the surface, more Baratheon than Lannister.
"Write before I lose my temper, little dove."
The king's funeral was planned abruptly, within a week of Ned's arrest, but it was magnificent, nevertheless. Cersei wore a gown of black silk, high-collared and the bodice covered in hundreds of rubies. They looked like red tears falling from the queen's own eyes. But she would not weep for Robert. Some observed that her wardrobe mimicked that of Rhaegar Targaryen's armor at the Battle of the Trident. She would insult her husband in death as she did in life, proving her hatred towards him.
But perhaps what was more remarkable was the future queen's attire as well as that of her ladies. Cassana also wore a dress of black silk, but she dared to show more cleavage than deemed appropriate. Her hair was wound in a net of gold with black pearls sewn for decoration. And attending her were seven maidens, a clear comparison and tribute to the seven gods of Westeros. Embroidered on each maiden's sleeves and train of their gowns were the red leaves of the weirwood, a shocking gesture which raised eyebrows, even more so when Sansa was at the head of her ladies. Cassana clearly favored her former sister, a sight which confirmed her warmth and kindness as the future queen. When Cersei confronted her daughter on the matter, Cassana merely smiled before turning to her brother and king.
"Should we not show clemency to those who have betrayed our trust? If you show that you can be compassionate and merciful towards those who have done you wrong, they have no reason to oppose your rule and will strike those down who speak against you." Joffrey could only accept her response. He made no move to correct her, grabbing her hand and kissing it gently before escorting her into the Sept of Baelor.
A/N: Comments? Reviews?