Backstab 11

Qyburn glanced impassively at Ser Mandon, who stood as motionless as a stone statue, then bowed respectfully. His voice was as gentle as water. "Your Grace, perhaps Lady Margaery is merely playing with your brother."

Joffrey let out a burst of giggling laughter. "Yes, my foolish little brother only knows how to play..."

As he spoke, he abruptly rose from the Iron Throne and said in a fury, "Do the others know nothing but how to amuse themselves as well? My mother was right after all—House Tyrell cannot be trusted!"

Joffrey strode back and forth several times in a rage, then roared down at them, "You fools, fools! Think of something at once! I will not allow them to continue humiliating me so wantonly!"

When Ser Mandon and Qyburn remained silent, he flew into a rage. "Quick, think of something, or I'll have your heads cut off!"

At the king's threat, Ser Mandon finally spoke slowly. "Your Grace, as long as you still wear the king's crown, House Tyrell will remain loyal."

Joffrey halted. He fixed Ser Mandon with a deep gaze for a moment, then nodded. "Go on."

Seeing that Ser Mandon had no intention of continuing, Qyburn smiled gently. "Your Grace, House Tyrell has provided the Iron Throne with tens of thousands of soldiers, as well as countless provisions... I do not believe they have given so much merely to become traitors. So what is it that they seek? Naturally, the honored crown of the Queen—and only you, the king, can grant it."

Joffrey lifted his chin, and much of the anger on his face subsided. "Indeed. That is the king's supreme authority..."

Before he could finish, his expression suddenly turned stiff. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Is Margaery approaching Tommen now because they think I will soon