Backstab (End)

"Lord Tywin."

Ser Addam's voice made Duke Tywin, who had just climbed two steps, halt.

"Please allow me to fulfill my duties first."

At that, Duke Tywin cast Ser Addam a cold glance. His hawk-sharp gaze narrowed almost imperceptibly, and after what seemed like a brief consideration... he gave a slight nod in assent.

"Thank you for your trust." Ser Addam dipped his head slightly, then hurried up the steps with two Red Cloaks.

Seeing Ser Addam suddenly "rush" up, Joffrey's expression changed drastically. He aimed the crossbow in his hand at him and shouted angrily, "I didn't permit you to come up here. Get out! I'm the king!"

Amid Joffrey's shouting, Ser Addam stepped forward expressionlessly and snatched the crossbow from Joffrey's hand.

"Give it back!"

Ser Addam ignored Joffrey and ordered the Red Cloaks, "Search the area. Take away all weapons."

At the foot of the stairs beneath the Iron Throne, Duke Tywin stared at the roaring lion banner, now little more than rags, his brow tightly furrowed. When Joffrey's childish, irritable shouting came from above, his frown deepened further.

After a pause, he lifted his foot and ascended with steady steps.

Upon the Iron Throne, Joffrey sprang to his feet. He said in disbelief, "You dare... take the king's sword?"

Ser Addam glanced at the three crossbows the two Red Cloaks had found behind the Iron Throne and said, "Your Grace, we are merely keeping it for you temporarily."

"You dare humiliate me?! I'm the king!"

With a sharp hiss, Joffrey drew Lion's Tooth, his sword. "You deserve to die! I'll kill you!"

Ser Addam's right hand slowly closed around the hilt of the sword at his waist as he said coldly, "Your Grace, please do not make things difficult for me."

Seeing them poised to