Chapter 59 Chapter 58: Sansa

In the throne room, King Robert's favorite tapestries and brocades had been ripped out and piled up in a corner, and the walls were empty now. Ser Mandon Moore had gone to stand guard at the base of the throne, with his other two brothers in the Kingsguard, so Sansa was left unattended for the time being, lingering by the door.As a reward for her good behaviour, the queen mother granted her the right to come and go freely in the castle.But even so, no matter where she went, someone still followed her closely. "These are honor guards for my daughter-in-law," the Queen Mother called them, but Sansa did not feel respected at all.

The so-called "freedom to come and go in the castle" means that she can move freely in the Red Castle, as long as she promises not to go outside the city walls.Sansa is very willing to cooperate with this request. Firstly, the city gate is guarded day and night by Janos Slynt’s gold-cloaked guards or Lannister’s warriors, so it is impossible for her to go out; secondly, even if she does leave Castle, where else can I go?She was content to go for a walk in the square, to pick some flowers in Myrcella's garden, or to visit the church and pray for her father.Sometimes she also prays in the godswood, because the Stark family believes in the old gods.

Today was Joffrey's first visit to the throne, and Sansa looked around nervously.A line of Lannister guards stood under the west window, and under the east window stood the City Watch in golden cloaks.She didn't see any common people, and only a small group of nobles walked back and forth restlessly in the gallery.They numbered no more than twenty, and there had been more than a hundred in King Robert's day. Sansa walked into the gallery, murmuring hello to the people as she shuttled to the front row.She recognized Jalabhar Thor in the dark skin, Ser Alan Santagar in the morose look, and the Redwyne twins Ser Horror and Drooling...but none of them seemed to recognize her.Or they recognized her, but avoided her like a plague.The haggard Lord Gyles, seeing her approach, covered his face and feigned a violent cough; and Ser Dontos, drunk and comical, was about to greet her when Ser Balon Swann After whispering a few words in his ear, he turned his head away.

Many, many others were missing.Where are the others?Sansa wondered.She searched in vain for friendly faces, but no one would look her in the eye.She seemed to have become a ghost, and she was declared dead before she died. Grand Maester Pycelle sat alone at the council table, with his hands propped under his beard, as if he had fallen asleep.Then she saw Lord Varys hurrying into the hall, walking silently.After a while, Earl Baelish also came in through the door with a smile on his face, chatting amiably with Sir Baron and Ser Dontos, while moving towards the front of the hall.Sansa's belly twisted into a ball like a swarm of butterflies.I shouldn't be afraid, she told herself, I have nothing to be afraid of, it will all work out, because Little Joe loves me, and the queen loves me, she said herself.

The voice of the master of ceremonies sounded: "Congratulations to the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, His Majesty Joffrey I of House Baratheon and House Lannister. Welcome Your Majesty's Mother, the Westland The Light, Guardian of the Realm, Queen Regent, Her Majesty Cersei of House Lannister." Ser Barristan Selmy in brilliant white armor led them in, Ser Arys Oakheart escorted the queen, and Ser Boros Braun walked beside Joffrey.All six of the Kingsguard were in the Great Hall now, and all the White Knights were assembled, except Jaime Lannister.Her prince charming—no, her king! —Climbing up the steps to the Iron Throne in three steps at a time, his queen mother sat with the important ministers.Little Jo wore a black velvet tunic embroidered with red thread, a high-necked gold cape gleaming on her shoulders, and a gold crown set with rubies and black diamonds.

Joffrey turned his head and looked around the hall, meeting Sansa's eyes. He smiled, sat down slowly, and said, "Punishing traitors and rewarding loyal ministers is the king's duty. Grand Maester Pycelle, I order You read my sentence." Pycelle stood up, richly dressed in a heavy red velvet robe with an ermine collar, bright gold lace, and dropped sleeves covered with gilt scrolls.He pulled out a roll of parchment from his sleeve, unfolded it, and began to read out a long list, and in the name of the king and important ministers, he ordered them to go up to the court and swear allegiance immediately. The titles were taken back by the royal family.

The names he uttered took Sansa's breath away: Lord and Lady Stannis Baratheon and their daughter, Lord Renly, brother Lord Royce and their son, Ser Loras Tyrell , Lord Mace Tyrell and his brother, uncle and son, Thoros the Red Priest of Myr, Lord Beric Dondarrion, Lady Lysa Arryn and her son Robert Young, Horst Lord Tully and his brother Ser Bryndon, his son Ser Edmure, Lord Jason Mallister, Lord Bryce Cullen of the Marches, Lord Tytos Blackwood, Walder Lord Frey and his heir Ser Stevron, Lord Karel Vance, Lord Juno Bracken, Lady Sheila Hean, Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne, and all their heirs.A lot of people, she thought as she listened to Pycelle's rant, and it would take a whole flock of ravens just to get those orders out.

Finally, towards the end, the names Sansa had been dreading for so long appeared: Lady Catelyn Stark, Robb Stark, Brandon Stark, Rickon Stark, Arya Stark.Sansa almost cried out.Arya?They want Arya to go up to court and swear allegiance... So my sister must have escaped by boat and returned to Winterfell safely... Grand Maester Pycelle rolled up the list, stuffed it into his left sleeve, and then pulled out another parchment from his right sleeve.He cleared his throat and continued to read: "In order to replace the traitor Ed Stark, in accordance with the wishes of His Majesty the King, Tywin Lannister, Duke of Casterly Rock City and Guardian of the Western Territory, will take over the position of Hand of the King, in the name of the King Manage political affairs, lead the army to suppress the rebellious party, and convey its intention. His Majesty has an order, and the important ministers agree."

"In the place of the traitor Stannis Baratheon, and in accordance with His Majesty's wishes, Cersei Lannister, Queen Regent, shall be placed at the head of her court, to assist him in governing with wisdom, with constant and reliable support, and to judge Justice. His Majesty has an order, and the ministers agree." Sansa heard the nobles whispering around her, but the whispering died down quickly.Pycelle continued to chant: "For the loyal captain of the King's Landing City Guard, Janos Slynt, His Majesty the King also wishes to elevate him to the rank of nobles immediately, and grant the historic Harrenhal and all its fief taxes His descendants will inherit this honor from generation to generation, forever. Therefore, Earl Slynt will immediately become an important minister of the court to help him govern the state affairs. His Majesty has an order, and the important ministers agree."

Out of the corner of Sansa's eye, she caught a glimpse of Janos Slynt walking in.This time the discussion was louder and mixed with angry voices.Many proud lords with thousands of years of family history were reluctant to step aside, so that this commoner with a balding head and a frog-like face could pass by.His black velvet gown was trimmed with pure gold scales that jingled softly at every step, and around his shoulders was a checked cape of black and gold brocade.Two ugly boys walked in front of him, staggeringly holding up heavy metal shields that were as tall as them, they must be his sons.The sigil he had chosen for himself was a golden bloodstained lance with an underside as black as night.Sansa got goosebumps on her hands when she saw it.

After Lord Slynt took his place, Grand Master Pycelle continued: "Finally, in this crisis of intrigue and turmoil, our much-loved King Robert has recently died, and our lords think that Joffrey The life and safety of the king here is the most urgent thing..." He looked at the queen mother. Cersei stood up. "Ser Barristan Selmy obeys." Ser Barristan stood at the bottom of the Iron Throne, motionless like a statue, but now he knelt down on one knee, bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, I am at your service." "Arise, Ser Barristan," said Cersei Lannister. "You may remove your helm." "Your Majesty?" The old knight got up and took off his high white helmet, but he was at a loss. "Sir, you have served your country so long and faithfully, and every good man and woman in the Seven Kingdoms is indebted to you. However, I am afraid that your service must now come to an end, and the king and our lords wish you to release you heavy burden." "My...burden? I'm afraid I...I don't..." At this time, the new aristocrat Janos Slynt spoke with a heavy tone and said straightforwardly: "Your Majesty the Queen Mother means that you have been relieved of your position as the captain of the Imperial Guard." The tall white-haired knight stood on the spot, his whole body seemed to shrink suddenly, he was out of breath, "Your Majesty," he finally said, "The Kingsguard is a brother sworn to serve you, and the oath is for life, only Only death can relieve the captain of the Iron Guard from his sacred mission." "Ser Barristan, whose death may I ask?" Although the Queen Mother's voice was soft as silk, the words in her words shocked the audience. "Is it you, or your king?" "You cannot protect my father," said Joffrey on the Iron Throne accusingly, "you are too old for anyone." Sansa watched the knight look up at his new king. He had never seemed old to her, and now he was showing his age. "Your Majesty," he said, "I was chosen as a White Knight when I was twenty-three years old. And that is all I have asked for since I first wielded a sword. I renounced my claim to the family castle and was to marry me I have no fiefs, no children, and all my life I will serve my country. Ser Gerald Hightower was the witness when I swore... I swore to protect the king to the best of my ability... Blood and blood for him... I fought alongside the White Bull and Prince Lewyn of Dorne... and Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Dawn. Before I served your father, I guarded King Aerys, and his father Jaehaerys... I served three kings..." "They all died in the end," Littlefinger pointed out. "Your duty ends here," Cersei Lannister announced. "Joffrey needs young and strong men. It has been decided by the Queen's Council that Ser Jaime Lannister will succeed you as White Knight." Captain of the brethren." "Kingslayer?" Ser Barristan said harshly, with contempt. "The false knight who stained his sword with the blood of the king he swore to defend?" "Please watch your words, my lord," the queen warned him. "This man is my beloved brother, the uncle of the present king." At this time, Earl Varys spoke, his tone was softer than others. "Sir, we are not ungrateful for your past contributions. Lord Tywin Lannister has generously agreed to set aside a large piece of land north of Lannisport as your domain, which is not only close to the sea, but also rich in minerals, Sufficient manpower to build a strong fortress and provide servants for all your needs." Ser Barristan looked up sharply. "Give me a place to spend my old age, and someone who will die for me, right? My lords, I appreciate your kindness...but I spurn your sympathy." He reached out to unbutton his shoulders, and the snow-white cloak was gone It fell and formed a heap on the ground.Immediately afterwards, there was a sound of "Keng!", and his helmet fell to the ground. "I was born a knight," he told them, unfastening his breastplate so that it fell to the ground. "And die like a knight." "Like a naked knight, don't you think?" Littlefinger put in. Everyone burst into laughter, regardless of Joffrey on the throne, the nobles at court, Janos Slynt, Queen Cersei, Sandor Clegane, and even the Kingsguard—the five minutes Brothers who lived and died with him before—they all laughed.Their laughter must be the most hurtful, Sansa thought.She saw the heroic old man standing there with a red face, his face was full of shame, and he was too angry to speak.Finally, he drew his sword. Sansa heard the startled sound, and Ser Boros and Marlin hurried forward to confront it, but only a very contemptuous look from Sir Barristan made them freeze to the ground. "Fear not, my lords, your king is safe...but not because of your meritorious service. Even now, I can cut you five down like cheese. If you intend to serve Your lords, then none of you are worthy of this white robe." He hurled his sword at the base of the Iron Throne. "Take it, kid. Melt down this sword, and let another one sit on the throne, as you please. In that case, it will do you more good than the sword in the hands of these five men. And wait for Stannis After your lord takes your throne, you may be able to sit on this one too." He took a long detour away, his footsteps on the floor loud and clear, echoing across the bare stone walls.Noble men and women stood aside to let him pass, and it was not until the attendants closed the two huge oak and bronze doors that Sansa heard voices again: there were whispers, restless footsteps, and the movement of papers on the conference table. "He called me 'kid,'" Joffrey said bitterly, sounding more childish than his age. "And he told about my uncle Stannis." "Just talking casually," said Eunuch Varys, "not serious..." "Maybe he conspired with my two uncles for rebellion. I want to arrest him and interrogate him." No one moved.Joffrey raised his voice. "I said, I'm going to catch him!" Janos Slynt rose from the council table. "Your Majesty, I will leave this matter to my gold-cloaked guards." "Very well," said King Joffrey.Lord Janos walked out of the hall, and his two ugly sons hurried to follow, dragging the huge metal shield engraved with the Slynt family crest. "Your Majesty," Littlefinger reminded the king. "We can continue the agenda. There are now only six of the original Seven Guardsmen, and we need to add a new force to the Kingsguard." Joffrey smiled. "Mother, tell them." "His Majesty and the Council believe that, looking at the Seven Kingdoms, no one is more suitable for this position than Sandor Clegane, who is sworn to protect His Majesty's personal bodyguard." "What do you think, good dog?" asked King Joffrey. There was no expression on the Hound's scarred face, and he thought for a long time. "Why not? I don't need to abandon my fief or my wife, because I don't have any. If I had, who would care?" His burned lip twitched. "But I warn you, I'm not going to take the knight's oath." "The brothers of the Kingsguard have always been knights," Ser Boros said firmly. "From today onwards, not anymore," said the Hound in his usual hoarse voice, and Ser Boros fell silent. As the master of ceremonies stepped forward, Sansa knew her time was near.She adjusted her skirt nervously.Although she was dressed in mourning, in honor of the dead king, she was dressed in a special way.Her gown was the ivory silk her queen had given her, the same one that Arya had stained, but she had dyed it so black that the stain could no longer be seen.As for what kind of jewelry to wear, she thought for a long time in fear, and finally decided on a simple but elegant silver necklace. The emcee's voice was loud and clear: "Your Majesty listens to the petitions of everyone present, reports if there is something to do, and retreats if there is nothing to do." Sansa trembled with fear.This is now, she told herself, I must do it now, may the gods give me courage.She took a step, and another step.The nobles and knights quietly made way for her, and she felt the weight of everyone's eyes on her.I must be as strong as my mother. "Your Majesty the King," she called in a thin, trembling voice. Since the Iron Throne was so high above the ground, Joffrey had a better view than anyone else present, and he saw her first. "Miss, please come forward." He called with a smile on his face. His smile gave her courage, made her feel beautiful and strong.He really loves me, really.Sansa lifted her head and walked towards him at a leisurely pace. She must not let them see how nervous she was. "Miss Sansa of House Stark," the master of ceremonies sang. She stopped just below the throne, where Ser Barristan's white cloak, helm, and breastplate were stacked. "Sansa, do you have something to report to His Majesty the King and the Imperial Council?" asked the Queen Mother at the table. "Yes." She knelt on the cloak so as not to stain the dress.Then she looked up at Prince Charming on the terrifying Black Throne. "Your Majesty, I want to petition on behalf of my father, former Prime Minister Ed Stark, please be merciful and extrajudicial." She has practiced this sentence hundreds of times. The Queen sighed, "Sansa, you disappoint me so much. How did I tell you about traitor blood?" "Miss, your father has committed a heinous crime." Grand Maester Pycelle pondered. "Oh, poor little thing." Varys also sighed, "My lords, she is just a child, and she doesn't know what she is asking for." But Sansa only had her eyes on Joffrey.He must hear me out, must, she thought.The king moved on his throne. "Let her speak," he ordered, "I will listen to her." "Thank you, Your Majesty." Sansa smiled.It was a timid, private smile, only for him.He really wanted to listen, and she knew he would. "Treason is like a poisonous weed," Pycelle declared solemnly. "It must be uprooted and killed, or the traitor will spread everywhere." "Can you deny your father's crimes?" asked Lord Baelish. "My lords, I don't deny it." Sansa had a better way. "I know he must be punished. All I ask is to let him go. My father must be very sorry for what he has done. He was King Robert's close friend. He really respected and loved the King. I believe everyone here It is clear to all of you. It never occurred to him to be Handman until the king did. He must have been bewitched by Lord Renly, Lord Stannis or... or someone, or else he wouldn't have..." King Joffrey leaned forward, gripping the arms of the throne with both hands, and broken swords pierced through his fingers like a fan. "He said I'm not a king, why would he say that?" "He has a broken leg," Sansa replied eagerly, "and it hurts so badly, Grand Maester Pycelle gave him milk of the poppy, and milk of the poppy can make you insane, otherwise he would never have Said so." Varys said: "This is due to the child's confidence in his father... how simple and innocent... But, don't people often say that wisdom often comes from children's mouths?" "But treason is treason," Pycelle responded immediately. Joffrey moved restlessly on the throne. "Mother, what do you mean?" Cersei Lannister examines Sansa thoughtfully. "If Lord Ed is willing to confess his crimes," she finally said after a long time, "we will know for sure that he has repented." Joffrey stood up.Please, Sansa thought, please, please, you are the king of my heart, the kind and noble and kind king, please. "Is there anything else you want to say?" he asked her. "Please...for the sake of your love for me, please grant me this wish, my prince." Sansa said. King Joffrey looked her up and down. "I was touched by your heartfelt words," he said with a heroic nod, as if to say that everything would be all right. "I will fulfill you...but your father must first bow his head and confess his sins, and admit that I am his king, otherwise I will not be able to show mercy." "He will," Sansa said, her heart racing. "Well, I know he will."