The Dispute of the Great Sept

"I believe Margaery is innocent. Oh, Ser Osney must be mad. She is so beautiful, so kind—how could I possibly want to harm her?"

Cersei's voice trembled slightly, and the glistening tears welling at the corners of her eyes seemed to bear all her grievance and unwillingness.

There was a hint of pleading in Cersei's voice. "The Gods are merciful. Please question him thoroughly..."

"I will, Your Grace."

The High Sparrow's gaze was profound. "There is another accusation against you: that you plotted and murdered your own husband—King Robert."

At those words, Cersei's eyes trembled. Lancel had indeed betrayed her!

Cersei lowered her gaze, forcing herself to stare at the High Sparrow's ugly feet through her nausea as disgust welled up within her.

But she knew this was not the time to vent her emotions. She had to find a way to rid herself of this charge.

"No, this is slander as well!"

Cersei first denied it firmly, then raised her eyes to look at the High Sparrow again, her gaze filled with fury.

"My husband was killed by a boar. It gored him to death. It is a tragic tale known throughout the Seven Kingdoms."

Then her expression became utterly heartbroken. Tears spilled from her eyes once more, and her voice was full of pain. "Will someone accuse me of murdering Joffrey next? How could a mother harm her own child? Kind High Septon, I am only a helpless woman who has lost her husband. I love my children. I love them very, very much."

"...No one has accused you of murdering King Joffrey." The High Sparrow's voice remained steady, but Cersei could see a trace of doubt in his eyes.

After a pause, the High Sparrow asked, "Then do you deny the charge of murdering your husband?"

Cersei