chapter 169 part 2
Jaime turned to Glynn, a surprised expression on his face.
"No wonder Tyrion told me you two are the smartest minds in King's Landing."
"Ser, we know each other well. It's not hard to guess."
Glynn shrugged again. "I hope the excuse you find isn't something like 'finding your lost self'."
Jaime: "..."
Glynn guessed right again. Jaime was speechless.
Jaime planned to leave Cersei's side precisely to find his lost heart as a knight.
Last time in the Throne Room, his men had essentially laid down their arms before Jaime, who was then a captive. Yet Cersei had ordered them all executed.
Jaime watched helplessly as the brave warriors who had ceased resisting fell one by one into pools of blood. Had he become an accomplice in their deception?
Jaime admitted that he hated Robert Baratheon, but he wanted to prevent Cersei from killing Robert's bastards because they were just innocent children. Why was Cersei so insistent? Jaime, of course, knew the real reason.
Last night, Cersei suddenly told him that she would appoint him Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, and Ser Barristan would be driven out of the Red Keep.
Why was Cersei in such a hurry to expel the oath-sworn Ser Barristan? Jaime, of course, knew the real reason.
He was a Kingslayer, an Oathbreaker. What qualifications did he have to become the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard?
The Kingsguard, which bore a sacred duty and represented the highest honor of knighthood... was gradually being stained black because of him.
He suddenly felt like a ridiculous parody of a knight. For his love of Cersei... to what circle of hell must he descend?
The beautiful dream Jaime had woven for himself was shattering piece by piece.
...
...
Leaving was for the best, and so was escaping. He needed a new, unfamiliar place. He needed to think.
Jaime gripped Glynn's shoulders firmly. He stared at Glynn and said solemnly, "Lord Glynn, I entrust Cersei's safety to you. This is my request."
...
...
The Throne Room.
The Master of Ceremonies' voice boomed, "The King hears the petitions of his subjects!"
"State your business, or be silent!"
The hall gradually quieted, making Sansa Stark, who stood in the crowd, even more nervous.
*Gods grant me courage...* Sansa told herself. She had to do it now. She had to save her father.
*Now...* Sansa took a deep breath and walked out with measured steps.
Sansa stopped below the Iron Throne. The Master of Ceremonies announced loudly, "Lady Sansa of House Stark!"
"Your Grace." Sansa curtsied to Joffrey.
Sansa secretly raised her eyes. She saw Joffrey looking at her with a faint smile. His smile gave her the greatest courage.
"State your business, or be silent!"
Sansa knelt. She looked up at Joffrey, high above, and said, "Your Grace, I wish to petition for my father, the former Hand of the King, Lord Eddard Stark. I ask Your Grace, with a merciful heart, to forgive his crimes."
Maester Pycelle's voice was the first to be heard. "My lady, your father has committed a monstrous crime."
Varys sighed, "Alas, what a poor child... My lords, she is but a child. She doesn't even know what she is asking for."
Sansa trembled with fear. She didn't know what to do. She could only cast her pleading gaze upon the Iron Throne, where her beloved sat.
Joffrey did not disappoint her. His voice came promptly from the Iron Throne.
"Let her speak. I want to hear what she has to say."
Sansa bowed her head, moved and grateful. "As you command, Your Grace."
Pycelle shook his head, his tone like a sentence being passed. "The crime of treason is like a poisonous weed. It must be uprooted entirely, lest the traitors sprout up everywhere."
Varys spoke gently, "Lady Sansa, do you admit to your father's crimes?"
Over the past few days, Sansa had thought of a way to save her father, or rather, an "excuse" to absolve him.
She spoke cautiously, "Your Grace the King, Your Grace the Queen Regent, my lords, I do not deny them."
*Buzz!*
A chorus of whispers immediately erupted in the great hall.
"Silence! Silence! Silence!"
Once quiet was restored, Joffrey's voice rang out, "My lady, please continue."
"Your Grace, I am well aware that my father must be punished. All I ask is that you show mercy and spare his life. My father must be filled with remorse for his actions. He was King Robert's dearest friend, and he truly loved him. I'm sure everyone here is well aware that he never had any desire to be Hand of the King before King Robert asked. He must have been misled by Lord Renly or Lord Stannis, otherwise, he would not have..."
King Joffrey leaned forward, looking down at Sansa. "He said I was not the king. Why did he say that?"
Sansa had already prepared an answer for such a question.
Upon hearing Joffrey's query, the words practically tumbled from her lips.
"My father was deceived by those he trusted. He loved King Robert dearly, and so he also trusted the king's brothers."
Varys clasped his hands together and said softly, "This is a child's faith in her father... so simple and innocent... But then, do they not say that wisdom often comes from the mouths of babes?"
Maester Pycelle shook his head stubbornly. "Lord Varys, no matter the reason, treason is treason."
Joffrey furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. "Mother, what are your thoughts?"
"If Lord Stark is willing to confess his crimes..."
Queen Cersei sized Sansa up for a moment, then sighed. "Then we can be certain his heart is repentant. I hope he does not betray Sansa's good intentions."
Joffrey stood up from the Iron Throne and casually swept his gaze over the crowd below.
Sansa looked at Joffrey, not daring to speak again. In her heart, she pleaded silently: *Please... please... You are the king of my heart... the merciful, noble, and kind king... Please!*
Perhaps Joffrey heard Sansa's inner plea, for he nodded slightly in her direction.
Joffrey's voice was very gentle. "My lady, do you have anything else to say?"
Joffrey's gentleness gave Sansa more than enough courage, allowing her to see a flicker of hope for saving her father.
"Please... for the love you bear me, grant me this wish, my prince."
Joffrey looked down at Sansa, paused, and then nodded slightly, as if telling her that everything would be alright.
"Lady Sansa, your heartfelt words have moved me. I can grant this love you have for your father, but he must first confess his crimes and acknowledge me as his king. Otherwise, I cannot show him mercy."
(end of chapter)