I introduced Tyrion to the children in the tower. I explained to him that they were each one of Robert's bastards. He caught on rather quickly as to their purpose. He was surprised I knew that Robert would have been so promiscuous after marrying his sister. But I knew that Robert would have been broken after the loss of Lyanna and would drown himself in booze and whores. I could have led them to the Tower of Joy. I could have showed them the truth of the situation. I probably could have convinced Rhaegar to to end the rebellion by orchestrating his father's death and compensating the Starks for the deaths of Ned's father and brother. But if I had done that, I wouldn't have had a weaker king on the throne.

Instead, I put all of my efforts into manipulating events I was familiar with. And so I found myself standing beside Tyrion as Varys opened the door to his chambers.

Varys smiled, the expression genuine, though I could see why those cautious of him would find it to be mirthless. Varys had mastered the art of pheux emotions and they could sometimes seem disingenuous. He bowed as he opened the door fully and waved an arm to invite us in.

"Lord and Lady Orodum," Varys said smoothly. "It is an honor to have you in my home."

"Lady and Lord," Tyrion corrected Varys. "My Lady Wife is the head of our House."

"Forgive me, My Lord," Varys smoothly apologized. "I thought a traditional greeting would be more appreciated."

"I am not so egotistical to need it," Tyrion assured him as we entered.

"It's fine, Tyrion," I assured him with a smile. "Lord Varys was only trying to be polite." I stepped up to Varys and allowed him to take each of my hands in his, "It's been too long since we've seen each other, My Lord. You weren't at the wedding."

Varys kissed my hands and squeezed them gently, "I will forever curse myself for missing the event, My Lady. But King Robert commanded key members of the Small Council remain in King's Landing. I trust you received my gifts, at least?"

"It is difficult not to receive a library full of books," Tyrion chuckled.

I beamed up at Varys as he turned, keeping one of my hands in his as he lead us to his pavilion where he'd once more had food and drink set out for us, "We're building a new tower onto the castle to accommodate all of them."

"Building?" Varys asked curiously, arching a brow slyly as he looked at me. "You didn't simply create it?"

Tyrion pull a chair out for me so that I could sit, "Building the tower provides work for our people and helps them be a part of the new direction we're taking them."

"Is it we already, My Lord?" Varys chuckled as he took his seat.

Tyrion looked at me and a tender smile crept onto his face, "It has been 'we' since I bungled my first impression."

Varys chuckled, "So the rumors are correct. Love at first sight."

"More like love at first explanation," I snickered and Tyrion couldn't help but shake his head in embarrassment of the memory.

"In either case, I am pleased to see the two of you so happy together," Varys said as he poured us both a glass of wine. As he took his seat and took his own glass in hand he easily transitioned to the topic we'd come to King's Landing about, "I take it from your letter that it's finally time?"

I nod after taking a sip of my wine, "Robert is taking us hunting tomorrow. I've got some of the older bastards coming along as attendents."

"Ruining the King's hunt is not the strategy that I would have taken," Varys mused. "May I ask why you decided to use that as the opportunity instead of telling him here in King's Landing?"

Tyrion chuckled and smirked, "My Lady Wife believes that Robert will wish to kill something when confronted with the truth of my sister's infidelity. I concurred."

"As do I," Varys nodded in agreement.

"And so she asked to go hunting," Tyrion finished. "No doubt the King will wish to rush home to kill my sister, but Merida believes Lord Stark will advise him to be calm, while we work to divert his initial anger."

"And the barrel of wine you asked for?" Varys asked. "Why am I providing that?"

I smirked, "Ah. As to that, I would like Robert's squire to be taken into custody."

"Lancel?" Varys hummed in consideration. "May I ask why?"

"Cersei is replacing Robert's normal wine with something much stronger," Tyrion replied grimly. "She's hoping that it will affect him to be unable to hunt properly."

Vary let out a sympathetic gasp, "You don't mean to say that she hopes an accident will occur while he is out hunting?"

"Perish the thought," I hummed into my wine glass.

"Indeed," Varys said, offering a genuine scowl. "It would seem the Queen has been doing more than simply hoping for a Lannister on the throne. I will see to it that the lad is feeling ill come tomorrow. Once he is confined to his quarters, I will have him arrested."

"Thank you, Varys," I smiled. "I trust you will ensure no whisper find their way to the Queen whilst all of this is happening?"

"Not a one, My Lady, I assure you," Varys bowed his head. "As for the other matter you asked me to look into…"

"You've found proof?" I asked excitedly.

Varys grinned a gave a slow nod, "In the Vale."

Tyrion chuckled, "Wait until her sister hears of this…"

"Oh," Varys seemed surprised by Tyrion's response, "I didn't think you'd made your husband aware."

I grabbed Tyrion's hand and smiled at him, "Tyrion is aware of all my plans and all of my capabilities. I hide nothing from him."

"It does my heart good to see a marriage couple who are so open and honest with each other. Truly it does," Varys hummed happily. "When will you be presenting that information to the King? I should think that it would be a terrible blow for him to learn about his wife's infidelity and about the man who orchestrated his mentor's murder in the same day."

"As I've said," Tyrion said, "The King will want to kill someone when he hears the news."

"And Little Finger is the diversion you will be offering him?" Varys asked, his expression appreciative of the maneuver.

"I've already sent an invitation for him to join us in the hunt tomorrow," I replied as I finished a piece of ham.

"He's been clamoring to try and connect some of his businesses with your for some time," Varys chuckled. "He won't be able to refuse the invitation."

"And Robert will break more than a Finger in his anger," Tyrion smirked.

Varys raised a glass in appreciation of Tyrion's joke. We spent the rest of the evening talking strategy, philosophy, telling stories, and catching up in general. By noon the next day we were deep in the Kingswood.

"There's a good lad," Robert said Gendry who brought him a new win skin. I'd finagled to have Gendry serve Robert as his squire for the day. Robert pulled his spear from the boar that would have killed him had I not manipulated events.

"Nearly missed him, with that last one," Robert laughed, his face full of vigor and amusement. "Every spear something so fierce, Lord Orodum?"

"Every night if I can help it, Your Grace," Tyrion replied with a smirk.

It took Robert a moment to catch on to the jest but he simply threw his head back and let out a laugh that echoed through the forest, "Careful! That one's more dangerous than she lets on!"

"A match for my brother and no mistake," Tyrion nodded in agreement.

Jaime crossed his arms and let out a haughty huff as he looked down at me, "Ever since your debut, My Lady, that's all I've ever heard. One of these days we should cross swords and find out who the better fighter is."

I looked up at Jaime and smiled, "I prefer a hammer, My Lord. But I wouldn't shy away from some friendly competition."

"A woman after my own heart!" Robert grinned. He was famed for his use with a warhammer that was so heavy most men couldn't lift it with both hands, and he wielded it with one.

"Lady Orodum has proven herself most formidable in many arenas," Little Finger said from the side. "I shudder to think how she might be as an opponent on the field."

"Bah!" Robert waved a dismissive hand in Little Finger's direction, "A disgruntled patron gives you reason to quake in your boots, Lord Dalish. You should quake in your boots if Lady Orodum set her ire to you."

Little Finger simply smiled and bowed his head, "As you say, Your Grace."

Robert chuckle at Peter's reaction, savoring it for a few moments, "Well, I've killed enough things to work up my appetite. Come, let us eat." He led us back to the camp where several tents were set up.

"Your Grace, could we speak privately?" I asked as the others began to file into the main tent where lunch was being served.

"Now?" Robert asked as he motioned to the food. "I did just say that I was hungry, did I not?"

"We'd be more than happy to bring you food, Your Grace," Tyrion said as he reached up to clap Little Finger on the back. "Wouldn't we, Lord Dalish?"

Peter looked at Tyrion and smiled his slimy smile, "Of course, Lord Orodum. It would be a pleasure."

"There you have it!" Tyrion smiled wide at the King. "We'll be two shakes behind you ."

Robert seemed satisfied with that. He grumbled but waved for me to follow him to his tent.

"Tyrion," I called back. "Would you be so kind as to bring me my book as well? I'd like to do some reading after I speak with the King."

Tyrion nodded, "Of course, my dear! I'm happy to oblige." He looked up at Jaime and smiled, "Brother! Why not walk with me? It's been some time since we were able to chat."

"I'm afraid I must remain with the King," Jaime sighed. "I must protect-"

"Oh, please," Robert spat. "There are two people in this world I trust not to stab me in the back, Kingslayer. Lord Stark is already eating, and I'm going into my tent with the other. Go with your brother."

"You see, brother?" Tyrion asked. "My Lady Wife won't be killing the King any time soon. Come! Allow me to regale you with tales of our island."

"Tamed yourself a lion, you have," Robert chuckled as we entered his tent. He took a seat in a large chair with thick padding which groaned beneath his weight.

"Any animal can be tamed with the right treatment and the correct diet," I smiled as I sat down in one of the chairs he'd had brought for Tyrion and I. Robert was such a good friend that he made sure we didn't need to climb to use furniture.

"It seems you've been feeding him a great deal of fish," Robert smirked as he relaxed.

"As my husband said," I giggled, "he spears his fish every night he can."

Robert laughed and nodded in approval, "So! What does the Lady of the Iron Isle want with her King?"

I took deep breath and sighed, "I have known something for a long time now, You Grace. It was brought to my attention my Lord Varys. He'd not been able to obtain proof for some time, but he did ask me for my help, which I was happy to give because you are my dear friend."

Robert seemed both intrigued and irritated, "And what, might I ask, have you and the spider learned?"

I pursed my lips together, thinking of how best to break the news to him , "It seems your wife has not been loyal to you."

"What?" Robert asked, a tinge of a growl creeping in to the edge of his voice.

"The Queen has been committing infidelity," I said, committing to the charge this time. "And, I'm afraid, her crimes against you have only worsened."

"Worsened?" Robert barked. "How could they have worsened beyond that?"

I sighed and pushed through his anger, "Through duplicitous and repulsive acts, I'm afraid. She has been drugging the person she has been unfaithful with."

Robert stared at me as he tried to process the information, "She's been raping a man?"

"Not just any man, Your Grace… Her brother," I replied. "The tall one."

Robert's eyes grew wide with disgust and disbelief, "Jaime? She's been drugging and sleeping with the Kingslayer? You expect me to believe that?"

I sighed and reached into one of the pockets sewn into the side of my dress and produced a bottle. I slipped out of my chair and walked over to offer the bottle to Robert, "Do you recognize this, Your Grace?"

Robert took the bottle and inspected it, "It's one of Cersei's monthly bottles to help her sleep during her time of the moon."

"Master Pycelle makes them specifically for her in those bottles so that she can save face," I nodded. "However, this one was found in the Ser Jaime's quarters last month."

"This proves nothing," Robert growled, his tone warning me that even I was on thin ice at the moment.

"I thought you might say that," I nodded.

As if on cue, Tyrion's voice called from outside the camp, "Your Grace! We're here with your food."

Robert and I both looked as the entrance to the tent, then I pardoned myself to go the entrance. I walked out and smiled at Tyrion who handed me the book, "Thank you, dear. Would you all kindly give us a few more minutes. His Grace is deciding on what to do about something."

Tyrion smirked, "Of course. I'm sure we can find something to dig into while you finish your discussion."

"I appreciate it, My Lords," I smile up at Jaime and Peter. I looked at Tyrion, "Could you send Gendry with His Grace's wineskin?"

Tyrion took my hand and kissed the top of it, "Certainly."

I bowed my head to the men and went back into the tent. Robert was still fuming. I offered the book to him, opened to the marked pages, "Would you read this, Your Grace?"

"What does this have this have to do with anything?" Robert barked.

"Please, Your Grace," I replied, "I implore you. Read it. Read it until you come to you arrive at your children."

Robert grumbled and began to read, slowly at first, then faster, mumbling the phrase 'black of hair' until he finally whisper, "Joffery Baratheon… golden head…" He shut the book so hard it made a clap that hurt my ears.

Just then, a startled Gendry entered the tent, "Your Grace, I have your–"

"Fetch The Hand right now!" Robert roared.

Gendry bowed and ran, not even bothering to acknowledge the command. A minute later and Ned entered the tent.

"Your Grace? You sent for me?" Ned asked.

"Tell him exactly what you told me," Robert snarled.

I caught Ned up with everything I'd told Robert. Ned insisted on reading the book as well. When he was finished, he looked at Robert, "Your Grace…"

"She's going to die, Ned," Robert growled.

"Robert, please," I said in a soothing manner. "You must at least give her a trial."

"What?" Robert asked in disbelief, as if one of his friends had just betrayed him.

"She's right, Robert," Ned said with a resigned sigh. "The Crown is in substantial debt to her father. Simply executing her could start another rebellion."

"He wouldn't dare," Robert countered. "Not when I have both his sons and his-"

"You do not have both his sons," I quickly interrupted Robert, crossing my arms and glaring up at him. "My husband has nothing to do with this and Tywin doesn't care one wit about him. You know that!"

Robert seemed flustered for a moment, looking like he wanted to argue the point, "Well, I have the Kingslayer and his bastard grandchildren."

"You have his son and his daughter," Ned refuted. "If the children truly are the product of such a joining, Tywin Lannister will have nothing to do with them. And if Cersei has done what Lady Orodum claims, he'll have not to do with her either."

"Then what options do I have?" Robert slammed his fist on the arm of his chair, "She cannot get away with this!"

"A trial is the only way through this," I say to hammer the idea home. "But you should be prepare for her to ask for a trial by combat. With the evidence we have against her, she'll be found guilty easily enough."

"If she asks for trial by combat, she'll want her brother to fight in her name," Ned shook his head.

"She won't be able to," I replied. "Ser Jaime is among the victims of her crimes, and is also sworn to defend the King. He cannot actively fight in a trial by combat which would put into question the King's word."

"The Mountain, then," Ned said quickly.

Robert thumped his first on the chair again, "If only I weren't so-"

"Fat?" I smirked.

Robert glared at me like he wanted to kill me for just a moment before nodding and letting out the smallest huff of amusement, "Out of shape."

"That's what I said," I smirked up at him. "I know a number of fighters who could stand up to Gregor. I will put a list together for you, Your Grace."

"Send word that we're breaking camp," Robert commanded. "We return to the city tonight."

"Actually, Your Grace…" I sighed. "There's one thing more you both need to know."

"What?" Robert sighed. "Have I not swallowed enough shit today?"

"It… concerns Lord Arryn's death," I said quickly, knowing that mentioning their mentor and longtime friend would grab both men's attention.

Ned stared at me, "What about Jon?"

Robert's anger quickly dissolved as he leaned in, "What about his death?"

"Lord Arryn's death is what helped bring the Queen's infidelity to life," I replied and fished out a scroll from the bodice of my dress and offered it to Robert. I looked up at Ned, "You'll want to sit down, Lord Hand."

Ned looked at me nervously, "Why?" He took a seat as Robert read the scroll.

"Seven hells…" Robert whispered in horror. He looked at me, tears welling in his eyes. "This is true?"

I nodded empathetically, "I'm afraid so. One of Lord Vary's little birds found it. When he was able to confirm certain details, he sent word to me because he has been trusting me with living proof for nearly twenty years now."

Ned dropped the scroll and covered his mouth, "This cannot be…"

"It is," I assured them. "It was found in her bedchamber… among other correspondence. This one is simply proof of the dead. There are others that show that it was planned."

"That woman helped Little Finger… murder Jon Arryn… so that he could take Jon's place?!" Robert snarled so hard I could feel the vibrations of his voice through the ground.

Just then, Peter poked his head into the tent, his fake, placating smile plastered over his face, "Your Grace, Lord Tyrion said you wished to speak to me."

Robert was out of his chair and across the tent before I could blink. He roared with fury, outrage, and sorrow. He grabbed Little Finger by the neck and slammed him to the ground. Peter was too shocked by the sudden violence to put up any sort of fight as Robert straddled him and began to pound his massive fists into Peter's face. Ned cried out for Robert to wait but there was nothing to be done. Robert beat Peter well past his death, beat him until his skull cracked and his brains were a spattered pudding soaking into the earth.

All of camp had rushed to see what the commotion was. The gathered lords, knights, retainers, and servants simply watched as the Demon of the Trident, Lord Robert Baratheon's rage, was unleashed for the first time in nearly twenty years. It shook them to their core, and I was in awe of the sheer power the man could bring to bear even in his current physical state.

Once Robert's rage was sated for the moment, he stood, his fists swollen, body covered in Peter's blood. He looked around and shouted, "Pull stakes! We return to the city. NOW!"