Chương 10: New Paths
King's Landing]
Able to move without pain the third born son of Tywin walked the halls of the Red Keep with a new look. His facial hair grew a bit more, he shaved his hair to be shorter and had a special eyepatch made for his lost eye, deep red with a gold lion stitched onto it. His brother suggested a Targaryen style with a green gem put into the place of the dead eye, he laughed for the first time at Tyrion's japes, a first that nobody expected.
He will admit that his big brother became a constant companion during the weeks he was laid up, other than the nightly visit from his 'Gold Rose'. The history between him and Tyrion has been rough as with the others but the fact that his sister, a woman he looked up to and admired as a child sent a Kingsguard to kill him, all bets and friendships were destroyed by that very action. He is going to get even and when he does, she will be sorry that she allowed him to live.
Margaery has been a good help in his healing. These past few weeks have been filled with 'catching up' per say. The first time had been two years since he had been knighted and was relaying a raven between his father and Lord Mace. It the first night and she visited him, carrying with her a bottle of wine and the two drank half before clothes were torn away and he was inside of her. It was a refreshing feeling since then he had never lain with a woman before and experienced it four more times before leaving.
To everyone, she is still a virgin, still marriageable. And though its a shame his nephew will get her, he is fine with it as what he and her have is just some 'southern mingling' between highborn. His ambitions lie within the Westerlands and shortly after Stannis's trial, he will push to be given it despite his brother being the heir apparent to the Rock.
He reached the throne room and saw the populace gathering inside. Its all a farce and everyone knows what is going to happen, Stannis will die, the rest of the rebel fleet escaped with almost 5000 men led by the mans second in command, Ser Davos Seaworth. His newer appearance made many fearful, even his personality changed since the Blackwater and he now sees more into people.
"They are almost ready, Lord Loren."
Wilhelm said to him and beside him is a quiet Shireen, she is still his ward and thankfully his father respects that. The seizing of Dragonstone and defense of King's Landing are his accomplishments and taking the prisoners were his accomplishments, he sighed and nodded for both to follow him. Shireen looked like a husk of what she was, distraught over having to see the sentence of both her parents demise. His father wanted her to see and show the heir to Storm's End and Dragonstone that she will remember what happens when family fights one another.
"Make sure you hear everything, and when you and your future husbands children know the penalty of treason." He said to her and she wouldn't meet his gaze. He sighed and took a seat, he would be sitting as one judge, Joffrey will sit as another and Tywin, Hand of the King will sit the last.
He tensed upon seeing his sister walk in with her son. His single eye glared and fists clenched slightly as she smirked at him, Kinslayer! He thought as she sat on his right and Joff on his left on the Iron Throne. The last to enter with the prisoner was his father, Stannis spent most of his time in the Black Cells and must be a little blind from the pure darkness. His father sat to Joffrey's left and nodded for the trial to begin.
"Stannis of the House Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone, and a traitor to the Realm. You conspired to usurp the crown from your nephew, Joffrey Baratheon. What say you in your defense." His father spoke and took full control of the farce. Stannis proved his reputation and stood tall once he got his bearings.
"Nephew?, spits the ground That abomination is not my nephew, a bastard born between your twin traitors!" The crowd roused in shock and even he was set back with widened eyes. He had heard the propaganda but hearing it with firm tones is different from reading traitorous letters. He looked to his nephew and saw his face contort in red, embarrassed and humiliated. "If I am to die, then let it be done! I demand a trial by combat!" The man called out and pointed to Joffrey, "My death is the beginning, bastard! You won't be sitting that throne long!"
"Enough! Enough!" His father called for order in the room. "Very well. It shall be done at midday." He decided to at least say something, though he won't mind seeing him pay for his eye.
"Its truly a shame, one would think that a father would want to live for his child." He said before leaving but allowed his ward to say goodbye, "Go to him. Wilhelm will return you to your chambers." He gave mercy and daughter was reunited with father for a moment. He was walking away when a voice called out to him and he turned his eye onto Lady Sansa, "Stark." He greeted.
"I said that was kind, of you. Letting Shireen see her father one more time." The girl said to him and approached him until she was a foot and half away from him, she was wearing her hair in a southern style, he preferred the straighter style. He showed no emotion and nodded, looking back at the father and daughter speaking to each other one last time before being separated. "Much better than I had, the Queen never allowed me to say goodbye." She added to the conversation. It was true, Eddard was hurried to the executioner's block before a trial was prepared.
"How are you?, Might I ask." He asked and the girl looked to the floor, "No doubt you are happy that you aren't Joffrey's anymore, it must feel better." He changed the conversation and turned to her own troubles. Sansa looked back at the Boy King and the Cunt of the West speak to one another, his father and Kevan left for the Tower of the Hand.
"I am happy and sad. It is a shame I cannot- " He stopped by staring with no patience.
"Quit pretending to act, your heart isn't in the game!" He hissed quietly, not wanting to cause a scene for the people to gossip about. "If you want to play politics, actually try. Be genuine and they will believe your words." He advised her and bowed his head, "Have a nice day, Lady Sansa." He left her a little shocked and went to stroll the halls by himself, he doesn't care for Stannis now, if anything he will go and see the man perish for revenge.
The suns rays were welcoming to him as he spent a majority of his time within his chambers. You almost forget it after spending so much indoors. Along the stroll, he thought about everything that had happened, a heated reunion with Margaery, Stannis's trial, and future death, his victory and betrayal on the Blackwater, it's so many things he's been through in such a short time. He can see this growing bigger by the day, a royal wedding is coming up between Houses Baratheon and Tyrell, but the way Stannis had denounced Joffrey is circling around in his mind.
Stannis was always loyal, always ready to do what Robert asked despite how much the man had obviously hated his elder sibling. And yet when Robert dies, he rises in rebellion against his family? He began to think about what he had said and finally widened his eye in realization, it must be true. For someone so loyal as Stannis to betray his brother, it has to be true.
This is a deadly secret and most likely was found out by Eddard and then there was the death of Jon Arryn, he might have discovered the same thing. He then remembered how his sister had wanted to take hold of Lady Shireen, she was insistent and no doubt wanted to keep a threat to her children close and away from those who would also discover that same secret.
His sudden disgust became apparent as he stared down the hall heading to his sister's chamber. With Jaime? her own twin? Its a disgusting thought and realization for him, she was his hero as a child and she would tell him how much she loves him and it is a terrible thing to think that his older sibling would perform such an action on her own kin, they aren't Targaryen's. He began thinking about who else knew about this, Tyrion? his sister's handmaids? Pycelle? The thought of making him shake his head in denial. He needs to confront her, but first comes the trial by combat.
The Iron Throne chose the Mountain who returned from narrowly escaping capture by Robb Starks men in the Riverlands. He was chosen for the honor and it was sad to see. Stannis fought well but the man couldn't withstand Gregor's attacks and soon the man lost all will and a bloody spectacle took place. Stannis first lost his sword and then his shield, he evaded two swings before being cut down. Gregor's monstrous sword carved the Rebel King of Dragonstone in half, the two parts falling limply into the floor. Shireen screamed in terror for having to witness such a thing. A necessary action brought on by a man whose ambitions fell short, he needs to ensure he doesn't either.
That night his nephew put a feast in action but he decided against this and went after his sister. He didn't bother knocking and went past the guard, his sister jumped up from her seat and glared at him. "What are you doing?" She demanded and he simply shut the door hard and turned back to the sinful woman.
"You know why. You had Mandon attempt to kill me, you tried to have me killed! Don't deny it!" She simply held her head high at him and he lost patience and approached, pushing her into a wall, hand upon her neck and tightening, "Why?, I am your younger brother!, Your Little Loren!... And you tried to kill me. Why." He seethed with his emotions going everywhere, his eye blazing with rage as she began to struggle to breathe and pushing him off, or attempting to, he lessened his grip and remained where he was standing.
"Joffrey... You tried to kill him... I had no choice- " He stopped her right there by speaking.
"What would I gain!? Nothing!" He shouted the guard entered and he turned the man, "Leave us!" He commanded and the man obeyed and closed the door before walking away. "I figured who his parents are, father will be in denial of it. Jaime and You would light our families legacy afire over false blood, a bastard on the Iron Throne and the last real heir Stannis's daughter. No wonder why you wanted custody of her." He explained to her and she remained silent for the most part, "The debt will be paid for the attempt on my life, not now but soon, Cersei." he uttered and left with Cersei throwing threats back at him.
The next morning he went to his father to inquire about his future, the future he desires. The Lion of Casterly was sitting at his desk when he was allowed entrance. His father rose up from his chair and waved for him to sit down.
"What did you need to speak to me about? from what your messenger said it was urgent." His father began as he was just sitting down and he cleared his throat.
"I won't mince words. I want Casterly Rock, Jaime is a Kingsguard and gave up his right to the title, Tyrion is a whoremonger and a drunk who would destroy our House like grandfather had done. I earned the right to be your worthy heir, I lost an eye defending this city, I captured Stannis Baratheon and seized his castle and daughter. Father, I know I am the younger brother, the younger son, but I have fought and bled and earned this right." He stated in a speech he can honestly say had prepared for since he woke up. His father stared at him hard for a moment.
"... No."
His eye widened and he clenched his fists until his nails dug into flesh. He spoke honestly and was told no, he is furious.
"Why?" He asked through gritted teeth.
"Because I intend for Jaime to be removed from the Kingsguard once he is returned. Tyrion will be given House Reyne's seat of Castamere and you- " He couldn't hold in his rage and jumped to his feet.
"What has Jaime done to earn it, he cost us 30,000 men in the Riverlands! He was captured and started this war in the first place! Father, he will ruin this Hou- " He tried to argue and his father spoke up and stood to his feet and slammed his hand on the desk.
"Your behavior has proven you cannot be given Casterly Rock, Jaime is the heir and if not him then your other brother as foul as that is. I have a better position in mind for you." He was confused as to what he was saying, what is he going on about.
"What do you mean?, I am only interested in Casterly Rock- " He attempted to ask the man who made him who held out a scroll. "What's that?" He asked and his father scoffed.
"With Stannis dead, the Stormlands needs a new leader. This was signed by the King giving you control of the Stormlands."
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