Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 8 - Take him alive

               It has been two days since Joffrey managed to get me out of my room, and I am preparing to take my place at the Small Council again. My father allows me to accompany him to the meetings because Robert does not attend and because being the next Queen of the Seven Kingdoms apparently carries weight.

               As I cross the Throne Room, deep, raspy shouts echo through the entire hall. I would recognize them anywhere, as they are the sounds I have heard most since our arrival in the capital. King Robert is losing his temper at my father, who has left the meeting.

               He passes me without a single word. I decide not to ask him any questions, aware that he is in no fit state to answer. The Hand having departed, the lords of the Council should follow shortly. Varys and Baelish will then explain the reasons for our king's fury.

               A few minutes later, behind Renly, who gives me only a respectful nod, my two friends appear.

"Gentlemen," I greet them.

"Things seem to have escalated. What is happening?"

"Well, my lady, it is a most unfortunate tale..." Varys begins.

"I'm listening."

               I haven't seen Littlefinger since what happened in my room two days ago. I don't know how to label that event. It is certain, however, that it left a mark on both of us, for the Master of Coin has not yet addressed a word to me.

"And do not omit a single detail," I add as we set off toward my apartments.

               The two men begin by reminding me of facts well known to everyone... Sixteen years ago, during the rebellion against the Mad King, Rhaella Targaryen, his wife, gave birth to a child before dying in childbirth. The two youngest children of King Aerys, Viserys and Daenerys, went into exile in Essos, and they were never heard from again. Until, as you've gathered, today.

               Greedy for power, Viserys married his sister to the leader of the Dothraki, Khal Drogo. The Dothraki are savages from the great plains of Essos, renowned for being very violent. Daenerys is said to be pregnant now. And with an heir and an army, the young Targaryen princess constitutes a real threat to our kingdom.

               Knowing this, Robert decided to have her assassinated. My father refused to participate in the murder of a child and handed in his resignation.

"What does this mean for my family?"

"Your father will surely want to leave as soon as possible," Varys replies.

"If Robert considers this treason," Baelish adds, "you are no longer safe here."

"Treason?" I repeat, indignant. "My father hasn't betrayed the crown!"

"That depends on the point of view."

               As always, Ned does what he thinks is right. Today, he realized that the Robert he once knew no longer exists and decided to act according to his own code of honour. It is exactly what I would have done had I been in his place.

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               I don't believe I've told you about my father's investigation yet. He, too, had doubts about how Jon Arryn died and decided to investigate it. He discovered that Joffrey was not Robert's son, but Jaime's. As disgusting as that may be, it is, unfortunately, not surprising.

               Through information gathered from various members of the Small Council, Ned met a young blacksmith in Fleabottom whom he believes to be Robert's bastard.