Game of Dragonborn.

Chapter 79 - The game of chaos is beginning.

[Chapter Size: 2800 Words.]

Third Person POV.
Kingsland.

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Lord Stark walked through the corridors of the Red Keep, followed by his guards. His steps were heavier than usual, even with the cane aiding his movement. It was understandable, given the numerous problems he was facing at the moment. It wasn't enough that he was trying to gather evidence to show Robert that his royal children were not biologically his, but rather bastards born of incest.

That alone was giving him countless headaches. Dealing with this situation made him look at everyone around him with suspicion, worried even about his own shadow, considering the vipers he was stirring up by investigating this and the likelihood of an assassination attempt against him.

As if that weren't enough, there was the problem with Catelyn, who, without consulting him, had captured Tyrion Lannister and taken him for a trial in the Vale. A decision he disapproved of and which had only caused him more trouble in the capital.

He walked as fast as he could, despite his condition, knowing this meeting was of the utmost urgency. Even the king, who normally avoided council meetings, was present. The queen, who also rarely attended, made a point of being there, stating that she would not miss such an event given what was happening.

And, indeed, what was happening was something unexpected for all those lords and pompous noblemen seated around the council table. Always acting as if they were in control, trying to gain advantages over each other, now they all seemed bewildered. Something none of them had foreseen had happened, leaving them in despair. This was not the first meeting about the issue, and Ned could see that they were panicking.

Only two people had yet to be mentioned in the rumors—aside from Stannis, who was out of the city—himself and Renly Baratheon. However, knowing both their reputations, neither deeply involved in courtly schemes, it was unlikely they had a hand in the accusations and scandals. Even so, the wary glances exchanged among those present indicated they were trying to identify who was spreading these claims. Ned knew they were investing time and resources to find the source of the rumors, but they seemed increasingly desperate, as the whispers continued to spread throughout the city.

"We're arriving, Lord Stark," murmured Jory Cassel.

Ned pushed his thoughts aside and stepped toward the council chamber doors. The royal guards made way for him, allowing his entry, while his own guards remained outside.

Upon entering, he noticed that every seat was occupied.

"Ned, you finally arrived! Are you walking with a turtle?" exclaimed Robert, visibly impatient.

"I come as fast as I can, Your Majesty. I am not in perfect condition, as you can see," murmured Stark, pointing to his injured leg.

"Whatever! I have no patience for this!" the king roared. "I want to know who the bastard is that's spreading the lie that my children are bastards!"

His fury was evident. None of these accusations were being well received, and those who had already harbored suspicions before avoided looking at him directly, fearing his wrath.

Ned felt the queen's gaze pierce through him, more hostile than ever. She firmly believed he was the one spreading the rumors, perhaps as revenge for what Jaime had done to him. Desperate to contain the situation, she had already sent letters to her father, demanding that he intervene and resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

She knew that if Robert began to believe the rumors, her fate and that of her children would be sealed.

"We must seize all suspects and not let a single one escape! Let them all pay at once, until we discover the culprit or until they finally talk!" Cersei trembled with rage, her eyes fixed on Lord Stark.