Lancel Was Terrified

The Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast.

After listening to Lancel's trembling account, Cersei, standing by the window, glanced at him with her beautiful eyes. A look of contempt flashed in them. "Poor Lancel, were you frightened out of your wits?"

Lancel's voice still trembled slightly. "I'm sorry, Cousin Cersei. I went to Lord Gryn on my own. After all, I was the one who first proposed executing those spreading rumors at the stewards' meeting..."

"B-but it's not as if I'd never seen an execution before. I'd just never seen so many at once!"

"Hundreds of people! Lord Gryn gave the order, and heads really did roll. The ground was soaked red!"

"I... I don't even know how I made it back to the Red Keep."

Cersei listened in silence. The flush on her cheeks deepened, and her chest and belly couldn't help but rise and fall again and again.

Suppressing the warmth within her, Cersei lowered her voice. "I knew I hadn't misjudged him."

Gryn's decisive execution had given Cersei a different kind of pleasure, one that seemed to surpass even the physical delights she could enjoy.

Cersei shifted her delicate body beneath her gown. "Where is Robert now?"

"I heard he went hunting again."

"Where is Jaime?"

"At this hour, Jaime should be teaching Prince Joffrey swordsmanship."

[Joffrey's full name was Joffrey Baratheon, Cersei's eldest son.]

"You may go. Take Jaime's place and keep Joffrey company. Tell Jaime to come to me at once."

"Yes, of course."

After speaking, Lancel seemed to notice that something was different about Cersei. He looked at her with concern, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't bring himself to.

When Cersei saw that Lancel was still standing there, she took a deep breath to compose herself, then snapped, "Why haven't you gone yet?!"

Cersei's voice startled Lancel so badly that his body jolted. He hurriedly bowed and left.

After Lancel had gone, Cersei moved somewhat awkwardly and sat down in a chair.

Cersei untied the ribbon holding her hair. Her golden locks slid down over her shoulders and collarbones.

Toying with the ends of her hair, Cersei lowered her eyes, her long lashes concealing the light glimmering beneath them.

Cersei curled her lips, savoring the unfamiliar, fleeting pleasure she had never experienced before.

The Red Keep, the gardens.

Lancel Lannister thought this was the worst day of his life.

He'd gone to watch Gryn execute the criminals in high spirits, only to be so frightened that his legs went weak. It had taken all he had just to make it back to the Red Keep.

Despite feeling unwell, he'd dutifully reported to Princess Cersei at the first opportunity, only to be sent away by her for no reason at all.

And now... Lancel had an apple balanced on his head, facing Joffrey, who was aiming a crossbow at him.

When Jaime taught him swordsmanship, Joffrey Baratheon was humble and eager to learn, worthy of his status as a prince.

After Jaime was called away, Lancel had gladly taken his place and continued teaching Joffrey swordsmanship.

Joffrey Baratheon was the heir to the Iron Throne. Lancel thought it was important to build a personal rapport with him in advance, as it would help his career in the future.

Lancel didn't want to seem cowardly in front of anyone, especially the heir to the Iron Throne. But his legs wouldn't obey him, trembling uncontrollably.

Thirteen-year-old Joffrey Baratheon had bright golden hair, fair skin, and a handsome face.

Joffrey aimed the crossbow at him, lips curled in a smile. "Lancel, if you keep fidgeting, I can't promise I'll hit the mark."

Lancel began trembling even harder.

Joffrey suddenly snapped, "Dog, my dog! Think of a way to make this coward stop moving!"

The giant, who had been standing motionless with one hand resting on his sword, stirred at Joffrey's command and strode toward Lancel.

The man had sharp cheekbones, thick brows, and gray eyes. The entire right side of his face was covered in large, twisted burn scars. He was powerfully built, clad in smoke-gray armor and an olive-green cloak.

His name was Sandor Clegane. House Lannister had assigned him as Prince Joffrey's protector.

Lancel stared in terror as Sandor Clegane approached him step by step.

"What are you doing?!"

At the sound of the newcomer, Lancel's legs gave way. He finally collapsed onto the ground, coming perilously close to wetting himself.

Tyrion strode over, his face contorted with anger.

Joffrey lowered his crossbow, disgust written across his face. "What are you doing here?"

At that moment, Joffrey's expression was exactly like Cersei's.

Tyrion approached Joffrey. "My prince of a nephew, shouldn't you greet your uncle first?"

Joffrey shouted, "You interrupted my game! Why should I greet you?"

Tyrion softened his tone. "Joffrey, Lancel is a Lannister too. He's your family and an ally. You shouldn't treat him this way."

Joffrey pursed his lips.

Tyrion glared at Joffrey's disdainful face and continued, "That isn't a toy in your hand. It's a weapon that can kill. You could accidentally kill Lancel. Have you thought about the consequences? This isn't something you can just apologize for and forget."

Joffrey didn't want to hear any more. "Enough! I didn't kill Lancel, and he's perfectly fine, isn't he? I don't want to hear your lecture. I'm the heir to the Iron Throne. I can do whatever I want. Get lost!"

With a smack, Tyrion jumped up and slapped Joffrey across the face.

Joffrey clutched his cheek. "You dare hit me? I'm telling Mother!"

With another smack, Tyrion slapped Joffrey across the face again.

Joffrey cried out in pain, tears spilling from his eyes.

"Fine, go ahead! Hurry up and tell my kind-hearted sister what her darling son just did!"

Tyrion's eyes widened. He spoke slowly and gravely, "Now, I want you to apologize to Lancel at once and promise never to treat people's lives like a game again."

Joffrey shouted, "Dog, get over here and beat him up!"

Sandor Clegane took a few long strides and silently moved behind Joffrey, but did nothing else.

"You! You...!"

Joffrey first kicked the towering Sandor Clegane, then pointed at Tyrion. "You—just you wait! I won't let you get away with this!"

Tyrion raised his hand as if to strike again, and Joffrey cried out and dodged backward.

Tyrion watched Joffrey flee in disarray, wiping away his tears, and sighed helplessly.

Tyrion reached out and helped Lancel to his feet.

"Th-thank you, Cousin Tyrion. I was really scared. This whole day has been awful."

Tyrion grinned. "You did well. At least you didn't wet yourself. I would've, in your place."

Lancel wore a bitter expression. "I still have to thank you for stepping in... But Joffrey is a prince, after all. Will you be all right after hitting him?"

Tyrion shrugged. "It's fine. Cersei never liked me anyway. Whether I hit Joffrey or not, her deep love for me won't change. I only regret that Joffrey seems impossible to teach."

Lancel was still worried. "I mean, Joffrey is the heir to the Iron Throne. Will he make things difficult for you in the future?"

"Ah, King Robert will only thank me for helping teach his child. As for the future... Once our dear nephew inherits the Iron Throne, I can always hide away at Casterly Rock. He won't be able to do anything to me there."

That was true. Lancel nodded in agreement, finally letting go of the worry that had been weighing on him.