Chương 12: Chapter 12: Long May He Reign!
< Robert Baratheon POV >
"Damn it, Ned," I muttered under my breath, As I watch him leave the throne room. His words still lingered in my mind.
'I care for her too, you bloody fool.' The same worry, the same pain. Lyanna's face was all I could remember... "I love her," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I still said it though, even if it felt like I had said it thousands of times. Maybe even now I only love the memory of her, but never actually her.
My chest felt painful at that thought, and my heart would crumble under the weight of those thoughts.
All of this started because of her... I was impulsive I admit, but once that wheel started to turn, it couldn't stop. Whenever I think about all these deaths that were caused by my actions.
'No' I tell myself, 'I was simply the catalyst that started the war, but those hidden in the dark had been planning for years' At the thought of that I shifted my sight to Tywin and then looked back, hoping to not be noticed.
I only ever truly wanted Rhaegar's head, I wanted to smash his chest in with my hammer until he was nothing but a pile of gore.
But hearing whispers in my ears that this was just a small weed of the bigger garden, that we must solve it at the root, which led me to come here, overlooking the corpse of King Aeyrs, the man I also wanted to kill.
'There he was! Aeyrs Targaryen, Second of his name and... and well no more' his body sprawled beneath the Iron Throne in a pool of his blood. His mouth was locked in that mad grin, his silver hair now being dyed red. My eyes flickered to the Kingslayer... no, Jaime Lannister, who will now forever be branded by his betrayal, his reputation forever tainted.
He was just sitting on the throne with a solemn expression, I guess what Ned said to him wiped that smug grin off his face.
'However, Ned was right. He was indeed now a Kingslayer.'
Still, this war was now over thanks to him, and I know that man Rossart on the floor, the pyromancer... If Jaimie never slayed these men today, maybe a bigger disastrous consequence awaited me or Tywin.
Surveying the room and everyone looking at me, I puff my chest out with a voice of authority "Clean this place up. Are we just gonna abandon King's Landing? Get a move on let's go!."
My voice carried through the spacious throne room, grabbing the attention of all the soldiers present. "Move the bodies. Clear the blood. And send ravens to every lord and bannerman with a name I will never remember, but make sure they get here by the next full moon! We start the coronation on that day."
The men hearing my order move into action, however, my eyes never left Jaime. He hadn't moved at all, just sitting there waiting for something.
"You." I pointed at him, my voice turning to a hint of mockery. "The Kingslayer."
I felt amused with this wording by Ned so it subconsciously stuck, but Jaimie did not like it, I could see anger, shame, maybe both on his face, but I didn't care.
"Lock him up," I ordered. "Put him in a cell where he'll sit until the coronation, afterwards we'll deal with his betrayal."
Two guards stepped forward, gripping Jaime by the arms. He didn't resist as they dragged him from the room, his golden armour shining brilliantly from the torchlight.
I turned to Tywin. He just stood there impassive, his green eyes watching everything I just did. He hadn't said a word since Ned stormed out. I wondered what he was thinking at that moment, he just watched his son taken, without stopping me... I felt something was off.
"Your son's actions have caused quite a stir, Lord Tywin," I said, my tone questioning hoping for a response, receiving nothing I continued. "He'll face justice like any other man." I kept my stare once again, and this time I was rewarded.
Tywin raised his head, his expression betraying nothing. "As is his duty, Your Grace."
'Your Grace.' The words felt foreign to me, though I knew they would become my title soon enough. 'Robert Baratheon, King of the Seven Kingdoms.' It had a nice ring to it.
"See to it that the throne room is presentable," I said, waving Tywin off. "We're done here."
Tywin bowed, his movements were smooth. He turned and left without another word, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I walked to the Iron Throne, the great monstrosity of swords and spikes that had loomed over this realm for nearly three centuries. It was an ugly thing and didn't feel very practical.
As I stood before it, I felt nothing but emptiness. The war was over, but Lyanna was still gone. I would sit on this throne, wear the crown, and rule this damned kingdom, but the one thing I had fought for would never be mine.
Rhaegar was dead, and Lyanna was not by my side.
"Damn you, Targaryens," I muttered, gripping the hilt of my hammer so tightly my knuckles whitened. "Damn all of you."
As if remembering what I had heard from Tywin before and his orders to his men Gregor Clegane, I take a vicious oath "If any of them managed to escape, I will send assassins all over Planetos if I need to."
...30 Days Later...
I leaned back in my chair looking at the night sky, tomorrow was the day of the coronation. What would be said there will determine the future of Westeros.
A quiet knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. My brows knit together in annoyance.
'Who in the seven hells disturbed me at this hour?' Rising with a grunt, I crossed the room and pulled the door open.
There stood Tywin Lannister, "Let's talk inside," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Without waiting for my leave, he brushed past me, his casual clothes, looking like he was about to sleep after this conversation he apparently couldn't wait till the morning.
I glared at his back as he seated himself in the chair I'd just vacated. With a snort, I followed, sitting across from him. The moment my butt touched the seat I heard.
"My family will support your claim to the Iron Throne," Tywin said "But you must marry my daughter, Cersei. There will be no other bargain."
I opened my mouth to object, but Tywin pressed on, unbothered by defiance in my eyes.
"You need a strong ally to solidify your rule, Robert. The Lannisters will fill that role. I've proven my loyalty already." His gaze was hard as he spoke the next words. "I talked to you before about my orders to Gregor Clegane, then later that day I showed you the bodies of Rhaegar's children and Elia Martell. All those who had a claim are dead. Following them was also that bastard son Daeryn and his wife Olyssia. Daeryn's head was exploded by Gregor Clegan and Olyssia committed suicide."
He paused, his next words shocked me. "Though I hear Daeryn's child was hauled away before my men could find him."
"That boy must be dealt with in time." I stammered
After a moment to catch my breath, I realized. 'Rhaegar's legacy was destroyed, those proud people who claimed to be dragons have finally met their end, but Daeryns' child needs to be dealt with...'
"I can agree to your terms," I said finally, leaning back in my chair. "But you must know, I'll never love your daughter. Lyanna was the only woman I will ever truly love." I left no sense of illusion to Tywin, even if this meant he would take back the earlier stated words, but I don't believe he would.
Sure enough, Tywin didn't blink, with a face of indifference he said. "I don't require your love, Your Grace. I require your children."
However, his words left me a little baffled, in that moment of brief loss he continued. "Cersei will do her duty, and you can do whatever you like with your affections. But do not bring shame to my house in the eyes of the realm. Discretion, Robert. That is all I ask."
I met his gaze, The weight of his demands bore down on me, but I knew the truth of it. Tywin wanted his bloodline tied to the crown, grandchildren all with black hair was an amusing thought, unless Cersei's golden hair genes could beat mine. My children would be both a Baratheon and Lannister. Once he had them, he would care little what I did after.
Finally, I gave in and craved the power that was fleeting in front of me. "You'll have your grandchildren."
Tywin nodded his head in acknowledgement, with satisfaction flickering across his face. He rose efficiently from his chair and turned to leave, but just as he reached the door, he turned back to me.
"And what of my son, Jaime?" he asked, his tone careful, almost too casual.
I raised my eyebrow and thought carefully before saying "I will pardon his crimes of Kingslaying," I said. "However, although we understand the truth, the realm won't. I will send him to the Night's Watch" I was trying to say something not too bad to let Tywin lower his guard from me. But I had already thought of something else differently.
Tywin was left thinking, I waited for his reply as I got more comfortable in my chair. "A wise decision, Your Grace. Jaime will understand."
Without another word, he left, leaving me to curl my lips in pleasure, I don't know if he saw my unnatural look I was never good at lying.
'Why would I not allow such a strong fighter as my Kingsguard, although his title is KIngslayer, it was because he was a Tyrant, that much I am not. So he has no reason to harm me.
I needed Tywins support for me tomorrow, once I am King I will be able to do a lot more. Even if I take Jaimie as my Kingsguard he can only suffer this loss, at least he still gets a bargain with Cersei.'
...Day of Coronation...
Inside the throne room, I was standing next to several people from different places all around Westeros, some notable figures were, the Tullys, Tyrell, and Arryn, while the two most surprising emissaries were from the Martells and Greyjoys.
One is from being the Queen side family of the past Targaryen legacy, especially what happened to Elia and her children... the other one is the Grayjoys, they are something else.
All the great houses had sent their voices to decide the fate of the realm.
The murmurs quieted as Jon Arryn stepped forward. His voice, though calm, carried the weight of a commander addressing his troops.
"The war is won," Jon began. "The Mad King is dead, and his line extinguished save for the children spirited away across the sea. The question before us now is one of the future. Who shall sit upon the Iron Throne and guide Westeros into peace?"
A silence followed his words. The lords glanced at one another, their faces showing doubt and ambition. I was nervous somewhat, but quickly disappeared when I saw Tywin step forward and speak,
"The answer is clear," Tywin said, his voice carrying some weight. "Robert Baratheon has proven himself not only in battle but in leadership. He has the blood of kings in his veins, his grandmother was a Targaryen, only difference is that he is not Mad. House Lannister shall stand behind his claim."
I nodded my head slightly, acknowledging his words. Tywin choosing me was not freely given, and everyone here knew it. But his power and his gold support are stronger than ever.
Hoster Tully rose next, his voice deep. "House Tully also supports Lord Robert. He is my son-in-law's brother, and his courage is beyond question. He will make a fine king."
From the back of the room, Stannis snorted. I knew his thoughts without hearing them. 'Courage doesn't make a king; law and duty do.' I mocked with sarcasm, but Stannis held his tongue.
Mace Tyrell spoke up, his voice full of pomp and self-importance. "House Tyrell of Highgarden will also support Lord Robert's claim. The Reach has long awaited a stable and prosperous realm, and Lord Robert has shown he has the strength to bring it." I could even tell he had a faint flattery for me.
Soon the room was filled with murmurs, but slowly more lords one by one expressed their agreement of me taking the throne. Only the Martell envoy was silent, not even looking or acknowledging anything.
I did not expect Dorne's loyalty; the blood of Elia Martell and her children was still fresh, and no words or gestures would wash it away.
But it didn't matter. The tide was clear.
Jon Arryn turned to me, his expression solemn. "Robert, the lords of Westeros have spoken. Do you accept their will and claim the Iron Throne?"
I rose, my gaze sweeping the room, meeting the eyes of each lord who had spoken for me. My heart thundered in my chest, not from fear but from the sheer enormity of what lay before me.
"I did not fight this war for a crown," I said, my voice steady but firm. "I fought for Lyanna, for justice, for the realm to be free of the tyranny of the Mad King. But if the lords of Westeros will it, I will take the throne. I will rule not as Aerys did, but as a king who puts the realm before himself. I swear it, by the old gods and the new."
Silence, to be honest at this moment I felt a little awkward, but it was soon forgotten once I heard the first lord stand up and say
"Long May He Reign!"
This was then followed by many more, with eventually the hall erupting with these words being said.
"Long May He Reign!"
The hall erupted in cheers, a wave of sound that seemed to crash against the walls of the Red Keep.
Even the more reluctant lords clapped their hands, their faces betraying a mix of relief and ambition.
But as the cheers echoed, I glanced at Tywin Lannister. His face remained impassive, but there was something in his eyes, a flicker of satisfaction, of triumph.
I knew then that my rule, though crowned by steel and blood, would not be without its chains, but I decided that I must show my fangs later today or I would forever be controlled.
"As the new King of the Seven Kingdoms, I ask for the lords to dismiss, the trial of Jaimie Lannister shall take place later this afternoon. Everyone is dismissed"
The meeting was concluded with my final voice, as the lords began to disperse, Jon Arryn laid a hand on my shoulder.
"This is only the beginning, Robert," he said quietly. "I believe you can do it. If you need help, you can always ask. King or not, you are my Son"
I nodded, but my mind was already turning to other things.
Lyanna's face, the battles fought, and the price I paid.
I would son it the Iron Throne, but I gained a queen I will never love, and a rule that will be accompanied by those damn lions.
...Later in the Afternoon, Jaimie Lannister Trial...
It was finally time for the trial, the lords gathered again in the throne room. Jaime Lannister stood before us.
Tywin Lannister was present, standing at the edge of the room. He didn't speak, but his mere presence loomed like a shadow over the trial.
I sat on the Iron Throne, the sword tips pressing into my back, these damn jagged swords were poking into me, and the only thought I could think of was to reconstruct this chair to not make it hurt so damn much. A king should feel comfortable.
The lords awaited my judgment, their eyes flicking between Jaime and me, curious and cautious. But I was tired, and more than that, I was bored.
Before Jaime could even open his mouth to speak in defence, I waved a hand to silence him and spoke first.
"I've heard enough of this already," I began, my voice booming through the hall. "Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer. Since I am to marry your sister, Cersei Lannister, who will become my queen. I will pardon your crimes of Kingslaying and oath-breaking. You killed a madman, a tyrant who wanted to burn his people alive. That's no crime to me, but a service to the realm."
Jaime blinked, his surprise clear even as he tried to mask it. His lips parted, perhaps to thank me, but I wasn't finished.
"However," I continued, leaning forward on the throne, "you're a talented warrior, one of the best in Westeros. And I need such men in my new Kingsguard. So I ask you now to repledge yourself. Swear your loyalty to me, not as the mad king's lackey, but as my sworn sword. Do this, and your sins will be forgotten."
Jaime hesitated. First looking at me, then towards his father, but finally, I smile as I see him kneel before me and start replaying his oath.
"I swear," he said, his voice steady. "I pledge my sword to you, Robert Baratheon, and vow to protect you and your reign with my life."
"Good," I said, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "Rise, then, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard. Serve me faithfully, Kingslayer."
The last word hung in the air, deliberate and sharp. I let it linger, watching as Jaime's jaw tightened ever so slightly. My laughter boomed through the hall, echoing off the walls.
Others joined in, some genuinely amused, others because they had no choice. Tywin Lannister, however, did not laugh. His eyes stared daggers at me, his face a mask of cold fury. I met his gaze with calm indifference, the grin still on my lips. I only had one thought in my mind.
Tywin Lannister, this is my kingdom now.
'I had agreed to marry his daughter to secure his support, but I wasn't about to let him forget that it was I who held the throne.'
My laughter was not just amusement, but more so a reminder, to Tywin, to Jaime, to all of them, one that I can look past mistakes for those who may break an oath with good intentions.
The Kingslayer rose, his face unreadable, and stepped back to join the other lords. Tywin's gaze never wavered, but I didn't care. His games and schemes meant little now. I was the king, and this was my court. No, my kingdom.
As the laughter faded, I stood. "The trial is over. Ser Jaime Lannister is pardoned and sworn anew. Now, let us drink and feast. I've had enough of all this talking."
The lords murmured their assent, and the gathering began to break apart. Tywin lingered for a moment longer, his expression unchanged, before finally turning and leaving the hall.
I watched him go, as I was still grinning.
'You can play your games, old lion, but this is my reign now.'
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
scullhaven
scullhaven It is finally over with the sacking of King's Landing. We set the stage for Robert to take over the seven Kingdoms and now all is right in the world... Right?
_____________________________________
It may have felt a little unnecessary for this extra chapter, I know some of you wanted Madara sooner, but I wanted things to flow, and I also wanted to write about these characters from my understanding of King's Landing Sacking. BUT NOW IT'S TIME FOR MADARA, WOOOO. After one more chapter, he will be in it, just from a different point of view.
_____________________________________
Sigh, I'm just trying to justify my reasoning, even though I feel bad I'm making you feel bored. I will try better in the future to cut fewer things that may not be needed, but these were final written drafts that already flowed with what I wrote.
_____________________________________
Side Note:
A lot of these POVs are my understanding while trying to follow a lot of the book lore or information I could find.
To be honest, these searches are very long and hard, so once again, I'm here to complain that when we reach the point of the show, I will most likely only be following the show's script and not the books.
_____________________________________
I also wanted to know your thoughts on whether I should keep doing a lot of POV shifts, or 70% Madara and the remaining for more reactions, or just follow Madara now with little to no other POVS. Please leave some comments to let me know your thoughts.
_____________________________________
Thank you for all reading this fanfiction of mine, I am enjoying writing it, but I also hope you are too.
_____________________________________
Have a great day!
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực