Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 17 - Shh...

               Tyrion, Bronn, Shae and I spent the evening drinking wine and telling all sorts of stories. I was treated to an account of Tyrion's adventures, from the Wall right up to the Battle of the Fork. Bronn described the trial by combat in which he saved Tyrion, as well as the look on my mother's face when he won it.

               For my part, I told them about the troubles we encountered on the Kingsroad and Littlefinger's betrayal, amongst other things. Shae, as it turns out, is quite pleasant company. She's quick-witted, and I don't mind that at all.

               When I returned to my room, at around two in the morning, I found Joffrey dozing, fighting off sleep.

"I was waiting for you" he said when I joined him in bed.

"You should have been sleeping... I could have come back later..."

               My breath heavy with wine, I slipped under the sheets. My movements, though slow, were abrupt. I was no longer quite in control of my actions. Perhaps that is why, when Joffrey pulled me close, I rested my head against his chest.

               Yet another hope that will evaporate in the coming days, or even hours.

♐︎

               Joffrey has organised a major renovation of the throne room. He wants to remove the climbing plants carved onto the columns, to install braziers that will burn constantly. He claims that, as king, he cannot sit in a throne room that resembles a field of flowers, as this would make him appear weak in the eyes of his enemies.

               At the entrance to the throne room, I watch Cersei and Joffrey. Because of the noise from the work, I cannot hear what they are saying, but judging by their posture, I assume it is nothing friendly. However, I am still surprised when Cersei strikes her son. The slap echoes throughout the room, stopping the workers in their tracks and making me jump.

               I take this as a signal and approach them. At the sound of my heels on the floor, Cersei flees. She must have already realised that being the king's mother would not protect her from his wrath.

               This morning, I woke up in my husband's arms, feeling strangely serene. It put him in a very good mood, which is a blessing for everyone around him. But his mother has just shattered our hopes for a good day.

"Did you see that?" he asks as I catch up with him.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"What do you think of it?"

"Well... Some have died for less. "

"You're right... Are all women this... stupid?"

               You tell me.

"May I ask what on earth could have put her in such a state?"

"It's a complicated story," he replies brusquely. "Nothing that concerns you. Nothing that is any of your business."

"Your mother has just slapped you right in front of me. So, it seems she hasn't been able to help you. I'm sure I can offer you some advice."

"Surely..."

               Joffrey then tells me of his concerns regarding Robert's many bastards scattered throughout the realm, indeed the whole country. I cannot help but think that this issue troubles him so much because he knows his place on the throne is in jeopardy. It is surely the question of these bastards' existence that drove Cersei to strike him. Knowing him, he must have presented all this to her with far less tact.