Snow // Willas Tyrell // Oberyn Martell

24. I did warn you

It was strange that everyone, Every house held allegiance to house Targaryen. The mad king. Although publicly everyone supported house baratheon because it would be treasonous not to but at roberts death everyone stood up. Taking arms against the supposed bastard on the throne. Everyone wanted to be the king and no one was ready to bend the knee.

'In the light of the seven I now claim Joffrey Baratheon the first of his name the king of the andals and the first men and Lord of the seven kingdoms.' he crowned Joffrey 'long may he reign.'

'Long may he reign.' they echoed and everyone cheered happily as Joffrey stood before them looking over his subjects a wicked grin on his face.

++

'lord stark a moment,' renly requested. 'alone if you will?'  ned followed Renly off. 'he named you protector of the realm. She won't care. Give me an hour and I can give you 100 men.'

'what can I do with 100 men?' ned questioned.

'attack, in the night, we take joffrey into custody. every moment you delay gives cersei time to prepare. By the time Robert dies it will be too late for us.'

''what about stannis?'ned questioned.

'save the seven kingdoms from cersei and give them to stannis?' He asked incredulously. 'You have odd notions of protecting the realm.'

'stannis is your older brother.'

'the line of succession doesn't matter, it didn't matter when you rebelled against the mad king.' Renly reminded him. 'It shouldn't matter now. what's best for the kingdoms what's best for the people. We know what stannis is he inspires no trust or loyalty. I do.' Renly told him.

'Stannis is a commander. He's lead men into war twice, he destroyed a Greyjoy fleet.' Ned reminded him.

'yes he's a great solider so was Robert tell me do you believe good soldiers make good kings?' Renly countered.

'I will not honor Roberts last hours by shedding blood in these halls'. Ned informed him. 'And dragging frightened children form their beds.'

++

'I have to go.' Josie told them. 'If the king is dead...' Josie didn't even know what to think, but her family needed her. Joffrey would be king and sansa was to be his queen. "I have to go.' She repeated.

'No, if the king is dead, the capitol is bound to be in shambles.' Oberyn told her.

'My family is at the capitol.' Josie told him, she turned to Doran. "thank you for your hospitality, your grace. You understand, don't you? I don't want to leave, I have to.' She questioned turning back to Oberyn.

'Of course, family is important.' Oberyn agreed. He led her to the stables getting her a horse and provisions. 'We will see each other again.' Oberyn told her, his lips consuming her before she took off. She rode fast and far, rubbing her lips together still tasting Oberyn on her tongue.

++++++++

'We stand behind you lord stark.'  they walked into the throne room, a united front.

'All hail your Grace King Joffrey of house Baratheon and Lannister the first of his name the king of the andals and the first man, lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm.' Ned walked forward his cane clicking on the ground his leg still throbbing but he had a mission. Joffrey sat on the iron Throne

'I command the council to make all necessary arrangement for my coronation' Joffrey demanded 'I wish to be crowned within the Fortnight. Odds of fealty from my loyal council.'

'Ser barriston I believe no man here could have a question your honor,' ned said he handed over the scroll to which he had wrote with Robert before he died

'It is King Roberts seal unbroken.' he announced stepping forward. 'Lord Eddard stark is here named protector of the realm,' he announced 'to rule as regent until the rightful heir comes of age.' Barristion said as cersei stood up

'May I see that letter ser Barristion?' Cersei requested sweetly but there was venom in her voice.

'Of course your Grace.' he walked up the steps delivering it to her before walking down

'Protector of the realm?' She asked 'is this meant to be your shield lord stark?' she said ripping it up a piece of paper. She tore the pieces up throwing them to the ground.

'Those are the Kings words, the kings words!' ser barristion declared.

'We have a new King now' she informed him 'lord Eddard when we last spoke you offered me some counsel allow me to return the courtesy... bend the knee my Lord. Bend me and swear loyalty to my son and we shall allow you to live out the rest of your days at the great waste you call home.'

''Your son has no claim to the throne.' Ned said

'LIAR!' Joffrey screamed

'You condemn yourself with your own mouth lord stark. Ser barriston seize him. This traitor-' cersei demanded.

'Sir Barristion is a good man do not harm him.' Ned said as his men stepped forward

'Do you think he stands alone?' Cersei questioned as her guard step forward as well.

'Kill him.' Joffrey shouted 'kill him and kill them all I command it!' Sandor like a good dog drew his blade stepping forward with the rest of the knights.

'Commander.' Ned said 'take the queen and her children into custody. Take them back to their Royal Apartments and keep them there under guard.'

'Unbelievable,' cersei muttered.

'I want no bloodshed no bloodshed,' ned repeated, 'so tell your men to lay down their swords no one needs to die.' Cersei looked around but there was blood shed as a Lannister forces came forward. Petyr wrapped blade around Ned's neck.

'I did warn you not to trust me.' he whispered in his ear.