It had been three weeks since I killed the High Sparrow and King's Landing was in turmoil. Everyone seemed to have split into different factions: there were those who condemned the Sparrow for threatening Westeros' favorite child, those who condemned House Baratheon for murdering a prophet of the Seven, and those who genuinely did not care.
There were continuous reports of rallies and riots in the streets. I was beginning to worry about my safety. Anyone in the Red Keep could be plotting my death.
Then there was another matter. My plan for revenge on Jojen was backfiring. Seeing Jojen so upset was breaking my heart, even though I was so angry at him for what he did. Worse, I could feel myself falling for Theon. I wasn't sure if it was a placebo effect of pretending to love him or my actual feelings.
Being Princess was so difficult. I know many would kill to be in my position, but having to put your personal feelings aside for the sake of the Kingdom was one of the most difficult things I had ever done. Today King Joffrey, Queen Isabel, Prince Theon, and I were holding a court of sorts for the representatives of every faction to present their case to us. We had tripled the amount of guards in the throne room.
Theon and I sat to the left of Mother's small, wooden throne. Joffrey had commissioned it made for her one and twentieth name day. It was made of dark brown wood with golden filigree roses, like the ones that adorned her wedding dress. It was so beautiful. Theon's throne had not yet been finished, so I chose to sit next to him on a bench.
The first representative was from the Loyal faction. A short woman with a kind smile was escorted in. She bowed, "Your Graces, it is an honor to be called to pledge my support for your daughter, Princess Lehna, in defending herself against the abuse of a corrupt, so-called 'holy man.' He committed treason by threatening her family, and the penalty for treason is death; whether you are a peasant, a lord, or a holy man, the penalty is death."
Queen Isabel spoke up. "Why are you fighting each other in the streets? Do you mean to cause a civil war?"
"Why no, Your Grace, we just want to eliminate the threats to your family!"
I decided to speak up to relieve the tension. "And we thank you, but please leave the defending to the Kingsguard."
"Of course, Your Grace." The woman bowed and was escorted out.
"You handled that well, my love." Theon kissed me gently. He was always so gentle, for an Iron Born. "The people love you almost as much as I do."
The next representative was from the People's faction. A plain man walked in, strangely confident for someone appearing in front of Joffrey Baratheon. "You are the leader of the People's faction," my mother announced. "What made you choose that name?" She mused.
The man bowed slightly. "To be frank, Your Graces, the gods don't give a shit about the people of Flea Bottom so why should we give a shit about some bird man being killed? The people of Flea Bottom need food, not faith."
King Joffrey let out a hearty laugh that filled the large hall. "Thank you for your honesty! What do you say, Lady Wife, shall we give this man some food?"
Queen Isabel smiled. "I believe we should, Your Majesty. But only the People's faction. The Loyal are killing our people and the others would see us dead. Let's return the favor. Five wagons of food for the People!"
The man bowed and left. The next representative was from the Order. The people that believed I am a murderer. I reached for Theon instinctively and he pulled me closer. The man that entered seemed more of a boy than a man. His hair was closely shaved and an insignia was carved into his forehead.
"Lancel!" My father called jovially. His outburst was met with a glare. My mother's eyes went wide and she shifted in her seat. Lancel's eyes moved to me and they were so full of hate.
"There are many murderers in this room," he stated calmly. "But only one of you has killed a holy man in cold blood." Lancel's eyes were locked on me. Then I felt it. Pain wracked through my body and I cried out as I fell from the bench. My dress was stained with blood.
