The Young Lion

Act 1 Ch 9 A Failed Coup Part 1

The following morning came and as the sun rose so did Joffrey. He decided to skip the morning exercise because he knew the stressful evening he had ahead of him. He took his morning bath and got prepared. He dressed in a black velvet doublet with gold lining and matching breeches. 

He gazed at himself in his mirror. Aside from his still skinny body which was starting to show signs of muscle growth, he looked very majestic

His golden-blonde hair which shimmered in the sunlight, his deep emerald eyes, which appeared like they had been chiseled out of gemstone, and the fair white skin that every girl dreamed of having combined perfectly into his young royal look.

After he finished styling his appearance, he looked at himself in the mirror one last time. He sighed heavily aware of the chaos and slaughter that today would bring. He then left his chambers and made his way to the dinning hall to meet his family. 

Upon entering the dining room his family looked at him with stunned expressions. His sister Myrcella blushed at her brother’s striking appearance and looked away. Even his mother’s mouth hung agape, which she quickly covered with her hand. His little brother Tommen looked at his older brother with stars in his eyes, he wondered how Joffrey managed to style his hair that way. Seeing his family's shocked expressions Joffrey stopped and touched his face.

“What? Is there something on my face?” He asked.

In unison his family shook their heads in silence, with various emotions in their awkward gazes. After confirming his look was tidy, Joffrey joined them at the table. As the family of golden lions ate Tommen was the first to ask what was on everyone’s mind.

“Big brother, how did you do your hair like that?” He asked innocently.

“It's a secret little brother.” He responded with a kind smile.

“Ah, can you teach me?” He asked with a pout.

“Sure, when I have some time I’ll teach you.” He said.

“You promise?”

“Yes I promise.” 

“Yay!” The boy cheered.

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Joffrey just smiled at the small child's antics. He was so innocent and completely oblivious to the political chaos surrounding them. None of them were particularly upset about Robert’s death since he spent almost no time with any of them. The old stag truly was useless in more ways than one.

“Mother is everything set for this evening's business.” He asked, turning toward Cersei giving her a knowing look.

“Yes my dear everything has been prepared.” She gave him a warm smile and gave him an understanding nod.

His younger sibling knew nothing of the evil and chaos that was about to befall the castle and Joffrey wanted to keep it that way. They were ten and six and were innocent and he intended to keep it that way.

“Good” He nodded his head back.

After the family finished their breakfast they set out to tackle the day. Cersei handed Myrcella and Tommen over to some family guards with keen instructions to take them away from the castle for the evening. While Joffrey and Cersei made their way to the throne room.

When he arrived he was awestruck by the sight. A long carpet stretched from the throne all the way to the giant oak-and-bronze doors. The hall was oriented from north to south, with high, narrow windows on the eastern and western walls. He recalled that the skulls of the dead dragons from the Targaryen dynasty used to decorate the hall leading up to the throne. Then once Robert took the throne he had them removed and replaced with hunting tapestries. It was just how he pictured a throne room would be in a fantasy world.

While he walked down the carpet he found armed men with pikes standing on both sides. They wore thick wool gold dyed cloaks, Their armor boots and gloves were black and each wore gray mail armor. They were the gold cloaks the city’s watch paid to uphold the laws, and keep the king's peace.

As he made his way to the stone steps he finally gazed upon his new throne. It was raised on a stone platform, it was very asymmetrical and ugly in Joffrey's eyes. Though it did have a certain appeal to it like the chair beckoned one to sit on it. As he and his mother made their way up the stone steps eight Lannister soldiers came into the room standing behind the throne. Joffrey made his way to his new throne standing right before it.

“What an ugly old thing” He said before turning and sitting on the stone cold seat.

The royal steward then approached the sitting king and presented him with his crown. It was golden with the ends extending like antlers. It was pretty loose which made sense considering it belonged to his father. He would have to have a proper crown made immediately after this business was done. As he adjusted the crown on his head that's when his king's guard entered and stood at attention in front of his throne.

All five bowed  to him before turning facing away from him. His mother then took a seat beside him on his right side. He then turned toward his royal steward.

“Tell the small council I demand their presence immediately.” He said.

“Yes, your grace.” He said bowing to Joffrey before quickly leaving the great hall.

It was sometime before the steward returned and he brought quite the crowd with him. In walked Ned Stark limping, needing his cane to move forward. To his left was Petyr Baelish better known as littlefinger. To his right was Varys the master of whispers, a plump white bald man in purple robes. And surrounding them were thirty of Ned Stark’s house guards, they wore chainmail with boiled leather armor over top. 

As they drew closer Joffrey noticed how hurt the old wolf really was. He was wheezing and wincing with every step he took. He could see his brow covered in sweat but he still walked with the aura of a battle hardened war commander. If he was completely healthy Joffrey wasn't sure how this would play out. Joffrey then pinched his nose and internally sighed.

“Let's get this over with.” he thought, not taking an ounce of pleasure from what was about to occur.

As they stepped forward that's when the royal steward began to announce Joffrey as the new rightful monarch.

“All hail his grace, Joffrey of houses Baratheon and Lannister first of his name. King of the andals and the first men, lord of the seven kingdoms, and protector of the realm.”

Ned Stark and his men stopped in the middle of the hall.

“My lords welcome.” Joffrey said, leaning back into his throne. “I command the council to make all the necessary arrangements for my coronation. I wished to be crowned within the fortnight. Today I shall accept oaths of fealty from my loyal subjects.” He said sternly.

Ned looked into Joffrey’s eyes and they were filled with both discontent and sympathy.

“Ser Barristan, I believe no man here could question your honor.” He said ignoring Joffrey commands. He then proceeded to pull out a rolled up parchment.

Ser Barristain walked forward taking the paper from Ned’s hand. 

“King Robert's seal, unbroken.” He then walked back in front of the throne before opening it and reading its contents aloud for the court.

“Lord Eddard Stark is hereby named protector of the realm, to rule as regent, until his rightful heir comes of age.” He said looking at him and his mother.

“May I see that letter ser Barristain.” He said, holding out his hand. The old knight climbed the steps and handed the letter over to the young king. Joffrey looked over the letter with mild amusement. His “father's” last attempt to do something right with his pathetic life.

“Is this supposed to be your shield, lord Stark?” He said calmly. “ A piece of paper really?” He asked with a smile across his face as he tore the paper to pieces. His mother smiled with approval. 

“Those were the king's words, your grace.” Ser Barristan said with a solemn tone.

“I am your king now. He responded looking at his kingsguard, before leaning back into his throne. Now lord Stark I am gonna offer you a choice, bend the knee. If you bend the knee you can return to Winterfell and live out your days in the gray waste you call home. Or you can die here, your choice.” He said, leaning his head into his hand.

“You have no claim to the throne.” He responded by slamming his cane into the floor.

Joffrey's patience was starting to wear thin at the old wolf’s defiance but he wanted to give him a chance to walk away.

“Your words not only condemn you but that of your entire house.” Joffrey stood up from his seat. “Do you really want it to go this way?” He asked, trying to give the man a chance to avoid any bloodshed. 

“As I said, you have no right to the throne. You are not the king.” And of course dumb Ned wouldn’t take it. 

“Ser Barristan seize the traitor.” Joffrey ordered, finally out of patience.

Ser Barristan moved to take the northern lord into custody but the Starks' men moved to protect their lord. 

“Ser Barristan is a good man, a loyal man, do him no harm!” Ned ordered.

“Do you think he is alone, Lord Stark?” 

Then the Lannister men and the hound all drew their swords ready to protect the king. At the same the northern men all drew their weapons as well.

“Commander take the young prince and the queen into custody, escort them back to their royal apartments, under guard.” 

“Men of the watch!” The old commander shouted and all the gold cloaks aimed their spears towards Joffrey and his soldiers.

“I want no bloodshed. Order your man to lay down their weapons, no one has to die.” He said confidently.

Cersei then looked at the gold cloak's commander and nodded her head.

“Now!” he shouted suddenly as the gold cloaks turned on the northern men and impaled them on their pikes. Chaos quickly erupted in the courtroom, the northern soldiers were run through with spears. Ser Barristain backed up drawing his sword to defend his liege. Ned Stark looked around confused at the chaos unfolding, and that he had been betrayed. The hound leapt down from the stage and cut two northern soldiers down. As Ned Stark drew his sword, Littlefinger grabbed him from behind holding a knife to his neck.