Game Of Thrones - Twin Lions

Chapter 8 - Days of Trepidation

Westeros | Crownlands | Kings Landing | Red Keep

《Hear Me Roar》

The attack on the Princes had not gone quiet under the blanket of the night. The servants of the Red Keep had been quick and efficient enough to gather what had happened in the heir's compartments, and the news had quickly spread throughout all of Westeros, like a deadly infection.

Failure had been the result of trying and failing to contain the business of the Red Keep in the Red Keep.

Over the span of a month, however, though most had gotten the real story, it was quickly spun by smallfolk and wandering merchants.

The monarchy could not seek to quell the rumors, so they too spun lies as well. It was unknown whether it was to save face or to quell the bubbling rage of the King and Queen alike.

When Robert had found out about the near successful assassination of his Heirs after their name day feast, it was said that his rage was heard throughout all of Flea Bottom. He demanded no stone unturned, no rest until the perpetrators behind the assassination were apprehended.

It was unfortunate, however, because the Kingsguard Jaime Lannister had already dealt with the perpetrator. It did not soothe King Robert's anger, though. Suspecting Dorne behind the assassination attempt, Robert, quick to anger, in a fit of rage, threatened to wage war on Dorne.

If they turned out to be the true perpetrators, in the minds of some it would be understandable. None could truly fault them. The grievous and dishonorable deaths of Elia Martell and her children in the Red Keep at the hands of the Lannisters remained ever fresh in the minds of nobility and commoners alike. Especially Dorne...

It was Jon Arryn, however, who counseled Robert with the knowledge that whomever was truly responsible for the treasonous act would not entertain their treasonous acts further. That and the fact that the Crown did not have the manpower or full support of the Lords of the Realm, not to mention evidence on who the true perpetrators of the attempt were, worse, to wage war.

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After the death of her mother, where she prayed to the Gods to save her mother. To see her mother's loving smile once more. Where they had chosen not to answer instead opting to fail her and her grotesque, deformed, little brother came into this world. Cersei had never once prayed again. She had lost all her faith in the Seven that day.

Now, she found herself beside her boy, her precious little boy... praying. She had not prayed even when her sweet Steffon suffered, only to die in the cradle.

This time, she did, though. For days, she had watched Robert's anger spiral out of control. For days, she watched him get drunk, seek solace elsewhere and beat the walls with his fists mercilessly. Or in some fit of rage spar with the Kingsguard wielding his huge war hammer. All in an attempt to take his mind off his second born's looming fate.

Jaime, the ever dutiful and loving brother, comforted her, in her hour of desperation. His warmth encompassed her like a warm blanket needed in a cold night. His green eyes found hers in the room and it gave her a fleeting feeling of escape. To escape from the reality she had been dealt with.

Looking at Lyonel, her sweet golden boy, as motionlessly on the bed, his once vibrant golden blond hair matted and lifeless. Like a dried leaf. The only proof of life was the shallow and weak rising of his chest.