"I understand that my father must be punished, but I only ask that you lords and Your Majesty show leniency and spare his life.
My father must now be deeply remorseful for his actions.
He was a friend of King Robert, and he loved King Robert, as you all know.
The reason he committed high treason must have been due to manipulation, perhaps by Lord Renly, Lord Stannis…"
"Enough! Whether he was manipulated or not is irrelevant; what matters is that he indeed committed treason." Joffrey interrupted Sansa's defense, gesturing to Queen Mother Cersei to remain silent, then made his decision: "Lady Sansa, your love for your father has moved me.
I can fulfill your filial piety and spare your father, but you must have your father bow and confess his guilt before everyone, he must acknowledge me as his King, and he must write a letter to your brother in Winterfell, asking him to come to King's Landing to pledge allegiance.
Only then can I spare Eddard Stark's life and let him take the black, otherwise, I cannot show mercy, do you understand, noble lady?"
"Yes, yes! I understand." Sansa nodded hurriedly, tears streaming down her face.
"You may withdraw now.
I will have someone take you to the dungeon to see your father later." Joffrey waved his hand at Sansa, then turned to Queen Mother Cersei and said, "Mother, don't you have something else to announce?"
"Yes." Queen Mother Cersei nodded and announced loudly to everyone, "Loras of House Tyrell of Highgarden conspired with Renly to usurp the throne, committing high treason.
House Tyrell of Highgarden must also have been involved, so the marriage between His Majesty Joffrey and Lady Margaery Tyrell of Highgarden, arranged by the former King Robert, is hereby canceled immediately."
As Cersei's words fell, the hall immediately fell silent.
Everyone looked at Cersei and Joffrey with astonishment, even Archmaester Pycelle, who was fiercely loyal to Lannister, looked at the mother and son on the Iron Throne with an indescribable gaze.
Anyone with a bit of sense knew how important the power of The Reach was to King's Landing.
It was known that nearly half of King's Landing's daily grain consumption came from The Reach, and The Reach was militarily strong, its power among the Seven Kingdoms being top-tier, even the Westerlands might not compare to the rich Reach.
Moreover, and more importantly, the Lord of Summerhall, Prince of the Narrow Sea and Stepstones, Lord of the Disputed Lands, Prince Linde Terra of Lorath, was nominally a vassal of House Tyrell of Highgarden, and his relationship with Highgarden was extraordinary.
Now, the Iron Throne canceling the marriage with Highgarden not only offended Highgarden but also offended Prince Linde.
The image of Linde Terra leading troops into King's Landing had already appeared in everyone's minds.
It was known that Tengshi Town was near King's Landing, with a standing force of tens of thousands, capable of attacking King's Landing at any time.
Just as everyone was shocked by Cersei and Joffrey's foolish decision, Earl Janos, who had just gone to arrest Barristan, suddenly rushed in from outside, stumbling and crawling.
He then shouted to King Joffrey, "Your—Your Majesty! Prince Linde of Summerhall has arrived in King's Landing, and is now at the Great Sept of Baelor!"
"Linde Terra has come to King's Landing?" Joffrey immediately recalled the terrifying impression Linde Terra had given him before, but he still tried to maintain his majesty and feigned displeasure, saying, "Since he has arrived in King's Landing, he should immediately pay homage to his King and pledge allegiance to him!"
Janos immediately added, "Your Majesty, he—he came on a dragon, a giant dragon, a giant dragon flying in the sky!"
The hall instantly fell silent, then various discussions broke out in the hall, growing louder and louder.
"Make them shut up, shut up!" A flustered and agitated Joffrey ordered the chamberlain.
"Silence, silence!" The chamberlain shouted loudly, using his booming voice to quell all discussions.
Everyone looked at Joffrey in unison, seemingly waiting for him to make a decision, but Joffrey had no idea how to decide; his mind was completely blank.
At this moment, Cersei spoke, asking the members of the Small Council, "Tell me your thoughts, Lord Beller, Lord Varys, Archmaester Pycelle, the King needs your counsel."
The named individuals looked at each other.
Varys, who had not spoken since entering the hall, stepped forward and said, "From Prince Linde's actions, it is not difficult to see that he greatly respected the former King Robert.
He came to King's Landing immediately to mourn the former King and keep vigil for him.
I believe His Majesty should greatly reward such a loyal person."
Littlefinger also quickly echoed, "Yes, yes! Prince Linde's loyalty is well known.
King Robert also favored him greatly and entrusted him with important responsibilities when he was alive.
His Majesty, having just ascended the throne, needs such loyal subjects to serve him.
His Majesty should indeed greatly reward such loyalty."
Grand Maester Pycelle also said in a deep voice, "I believe His Majesty should bestow upon Prince Linde the title of Protector of the Realm, to reward his achievements in protecting the kingdom and expanding its territories!"
Joffrey was extremely unwilling to bestow a title upon someone who had not come to pay homage to him or submit to him, especially someone who had left such a profound shadow on him.
He couldn't help but look at Queen Mother Cersei, seemingly hoping she would reject such a proposal.
"So be it! Issue the decree immediately, bestowing upon Prince Linde Terra the title of Protector of the Realm, to reward his loyalty to the kingdom." Saying this, her gaze swept over the people around her, settling on Varys, and she said, "You, Varys, you shall proclaim the King's decree."
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right nobut who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/TripleCrown
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"