Lion's Cage (End)

"The Seven-Pointed Star says... the people must pay homage to their lords, lords to their kings, and kings and queens must pay homage to the Seven Who Are One."

"The Seven-Pointed Star says... men and women swear their marriage vows before The Father and The Mother, pledging faithfulness to one another until they are taken by The Stranger."

"The Seven-Pointed Star says... all sins shall ultimately be forgiven, but punishment must come first..."

Cersei cut him off angrily. "Enough! Are you betraying me? Do not forget—it was I who repealed the laws of Maegor I and allowed the Faith to bear swords."

"In exchange, we forgave the one million six hundred and seventy-seven Gold Dragons the Crown owed the Faith."

Cersei: "..."

The High Sparrow gave a slight shake of his head and continued, "Besides, I have no need to betray Your Grace. I am a servant of the Seven."

Then, without waiting for Cersei's reply, the High Sparrow asked Osney in a firm, clear voice, "Tell me again. What happened after you climbed into the Queen Regent's bed?"

The High Sparrow's kindly gaze made Osney tremble all over. "The Queen Regent before you sent me to murder the previous High Septon... He had no guards... so I slipped into his room while he slept... and smothered him with a pillow..."

"Shut up!"

"And then?"

Between the Lioness's furious roar and the High Sparrow's gentle questioning, Osney's lips quivered as he said, "She rewarded me by sleeping with me all night."

Her plan had failed...

Because of Osney's betrayal, the careful trap she had prepared for Little Rose would now turn back upon herself.

Cersei recalled the sight of Margaery being locked in a dark cell like a beggar...

She made her decision at once... she had to leave this