Only the Lannisters and Ser Robert Strong remained in the Great Hall.
"What's going on with Loras Tyrell?" Jaime asked.
"Redwyne has ordered miners to tunnel beneath the castle, but the Knight of Flowers finds the progress too slow. No doubt, he's deeply concerned for the people of the Shield Islands, eager to rescue them from their dire situation. According to Lord Redwyne, within half a day of taking command, after Stannis's acting castellan rejected a challenge to single combat, your sworn brother launched a full assault. The battering ram broke the gates, and Loras charged in first—clad in white armor, wielding a Morningstar in each hand. They say he was unstoppable."
Uncle Kevan responded without needing to read any letters—he had his own spies in the army.
Both were besieging castles, but while the Kingslayer emerged unscathed, the Knight of Flowers was left dying. Is sodomy a greater sin than incest?
Margaery would soon weep the same bitter tears she shed for Joffrey, and Mace Tyrell would grieve deeply. Yet the Queen had given him no cause for complaint. After all, had she not entrusted her honor to Loras? Half the court had seen the Knight of Flowers kneel before her, earnestly begging to take up arms.
Tyrion sighed, mulling this over.
"Where is the Queen now?" He hadn't found Margaery in her chambers, and those in the Red Keep were tight-lipped about it—fearful of Cersei more than of themselves.
"You think I've detained the Queen?" Cersei sneered. "Foolish. Would I do such a thing?"
Her attempt to hide the truth only made Tyrion stare at her coldly.
His sister's face remained as unflinching as ever.
"The High Septon has detained her. The Faith won't release her until the young Queen and her ladies-in-waiting are proven innocent."
"There's no evidence."
"Evidence? Oh, one need only look at her sweet, pretty face to see how innocent she is." Cersei smiled. "Pretty faces often hide the hearts of sinners."
Uncle Kevan spoke up.
"What exactly are these charges, and who brought them?"
"Megga Tyrell and Elinor Tyrell are accused of lewdness, adultery, and aiding treason. Alla Tyrell is charged with complicity and concealment. Queen Margaery faces all of these accusations, plus misconduct and treason." Cersei placed a hand to her chest. "Who is spreading these vile rumors, slandering my daughter-in-law? Their hearts deserve to be torn out! My dear son loves Margaery with all his heart—how could she toy with him so cruelly?"
Uncle clearly wasn't aware of the full truth, Tyrion thought. This would ruin the royal name and tarnish Joffrey's bloodline.
"Sister, this isn't what you said before."
"If she confesses, we can show mercy," Cersei said, smiling. "House Tyrell only has that one unborn child, whereas we have Tommen."
She then took a piece of paper and placed it on the table.
"The plaintiff is none other than... our dear cousin, Lancel. He confessed the adultery to the High Septon himself."
Uncle Kevan sprang to his feet, snatching the paper. His hands trembled uncontrollably, like the Grand Maester's.
A buzzing filled Tyrion's ears, as though a thousand bees were swarming the Great Hall. He feared his uncle might collapse from a stroke.
"This... this is Lancel's note." Uncle raged, wanting to tear the paper to shreds, but he didn't. Instead, he placed it on the table. "Cersei, you are my niece, Lancel is your cousin. How could you..."
"Uncle, maybe Lancel really committed such a heinous crime?"
"You're mad!" Kevan slammed his hand on the table, trembling.
"Uncle, I'm glad you discovered this," Tyrion said as he stood. "Where is Lancel now?"
"In the Great Sept of Baelor, in the High Septon's custody, just like our dear Queen," Cersei replied. "Don't count on me. I can only send them in, but I have no power to bring them out."
"Cersei!" Kevan's face flushed crimson. "Judging by Joffrey's example, you're as unfit a mother as you are a ruler."
"How dare you speak to me like that? You're just a knight kept by my father! You hold no fief!"
"True, I have no lands, but my income is substantial. Coins pile up in my house. My father didn't shortchange any of his children when he died, and Tywin knows how to reward service. I command two hundred knights, and if need be, I could double that. Don't forget, freeriders will follow my banner, and I have plenty of funds to hire Sellswords. Don't underestimate me, Your Grace... If you're wise, don't make me your enemy."
"You dare threaten me?"
"I'm advising you. Listen," Uncle Kevan continued, "You need to return to Casterly Rock and care for Tywin, your father. Let the matters of King's Landing be handled by the Hand of the King... and me." He glanced at Tyrion. "From now on, Your Grace, you're likely going to have to lay down your burdens."
Tyrion rose, and immediately twenty Gold Cloaks burst through the door, led by Addam Marbrand.
"Not if we stop you!" Cersei rose, and the mountain of bronze behind her stirred. The giant's hand gripped the hilt of a two-handed sword, larger than The Mountain's, like a small door.
"Jaime," she murmured to her brother, "Is this for you too?"
"Cersei, show some dignity." Jaime also placed his hand on his sword hilt. "There are more men outside. Please, don't resist."
"Even if you imprison me, nothing will change," Cersei said. "You'll thank me for what I've done for the house. House Tyrell is finished." She rose. "I'll stay in the King's bedchamber and watch your performance."
Ser Robert Strong withdrew his hand from his sword hilt and turned to follow the Queen out, his footsteps causing the floor to tremble.
"She surrendered without a fight?" Jaime waved the Gold Cloaks out of the room and asked, "That's not like her."
"Because she's done everything she set out to do," Tyrion replied. "She orchestrated Lancel's false accusation against Margaery. Now she's in the church's hands. There's no point negotiating with her."
"She's mad... she's mad," Uncle Kevan muttered, like a withered old tree. "I should return to Casterly Rock, to your father's side. My son... Lancel... he's brought shame upon me."
"Don't worry, Uncle. I'll find a way to get him out," Tyrion said. "And I'll find a way to rescue Margaery too. If I'm not mistaken, House Tyrell must already know about this. I'm going to see the High Septon now."
...
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