The Prince of Thorns

🏹True Loss🛡

In the King's Landing catacombs, Alester goes to see Ned Stark.

Alester: "Ned."

Ned Stark: "I'm surprised the Queen lets you come down here."

Alester: "I know how to avoid her spies. Sansa came to court this morning to plead for your life."

Ned Stark: "On her knees begging for me. Hm! The Queens doing most likely."

Alester: "It'd be bad enough if she could control are new king, but that boy is deranged beyond repair. He's the exact opposite of what a king should be."

Ned Stark: "And he'll still marry my daughter?"

Alester: "Most likely not. Many on the council think she would be treacherous." 

Ned Stark: "I don't reckon they'll let her leave."

Alester: "Not with Robb marching south with an army of Northman."

Ned Stark: "Robb? He's just a boy."

Alester: "A boy who loves his father. But the man giving Cersei sleepless nights is the late king's brother. Lord Stannis has the best claim to the throne. He is a proven battle commander, and he is utterly without mercy."

Ned Stark: "Stannis Baratheon is Robert's true heir. The throne is his by rights."

Alester: "I know but that doesn't change the fact that the people believe it to be slander."

Ned Stark: "So i should confess then?"

Alester: "It is an option."

Ned Stark: "Do you honestly believe I'll be sparred."

Alester: "Like I said Joffrey is unpredictable. Are only hope being somehow his mother can influence the decision."

Ned Stark: "You should get back before your noticed."

Alester: "I'll try to sneak back down when I can."

Ned Stark: "Thank you Alester."

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Walking through the streets of Kings Landing Alester is following the kings Guard with Sansa by his side as they walk Ned to the Sept of Baelor for his confession. Ned is taken to a raised platform where Alester, Sansa, Cersei, Joffrey, Littlefinger are standing. Sansa smiles warmly at her father as he addresses the crowd.

Ned Stark: "I am Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Hand of the King. I come before you to confess my treason in the sight of Gods and men. I betrayed the faith of my King and the trust of my friend Robert. I swore to protect and defend his children, but before his blood was cold, I plotted to murder his son and seize the Throne for myself. Let the High Septon and Baelor the Blessed bear witness to what I say: Joffrey Baratheon is the one true heir to the Iron Throne, by the grace of all the Gods, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

The words tore at his heart, but Alester knew this was the best way to keep Ned alive.

Grand Maester Pycelle: "As we sin, so do we suffer. This man has confessed his crimes in sight of Gods and men. The Gods are just but beloved Baelor taught us they can also be merciful. What is to be done with this traitor, Your Grace?"

Joffrey Baratheon: "My mother wishes me to let Lord Eddard join The Night's Watch. Stripped of all titles and powers, he would serve the realm in permanent exile. And My Lady Sansa has begged mercy for her father. But they have the soft hearts of women. So long as I am your King, treason shall never go unpunished. Ser Ilyn, bring me his head!"

The townsfolk roar with approval. Sansa gets visibly distraught and starts yelling as Alester holds her back.

Sansa Stark: "No, stop! Please, someone stop him!"

Cersei: "My son, this is madness."

Alester: "My grace! Think about the consequences of this."

Sansa Stark: "Stop him, stop!"

Shielding her eyes Alester looked on as a man who he considered a second father, a brother, and a friend was killed in an instant. Lord Stark was dead. His head held up by Ser Ilyn to the cheering of the peasants watching.