The blade pressed down.
A shallow line of blood appeared on Pycelle's wrinkled neck.
He could feel the chill of the sword and the faint sting seeping into his skin.
Joffrey did not press any harder.
He simply held the sword there, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Pycelle, the man who had destroyed everything he had.
The Council Chamber was terrifyingly quiet.
Everyone was waiting.
Waiting for an answer that would decide life or death.
"Speak."
Joffrey's voice suddenly became frighteningly calm.
"Was Cersei involved or not?"
"Rest assured, as long as you tell me, I won't sentence you to death."
Pycelle trembled violently.
His gaze instinctively drifted toward Cersei, standing nearby.
Cersei's face was as white as paper.
She stared at Pycelle, her eyes filled with warning and pleading.
She shook her head frantically, silently mouthing the words.
"No... no..."
Pycelle understood.
But he also understood the murderous intent in Joffrey's eyes.
It was pure murderous intent, with no room for negotiation.
If he dared to lie, his head would be severed from his body the very next moment.
If he told the truth...
Would there still be a chance to live?
His instinct to survive overwhelmed his last lingering fear of House Lannister.
"She... she knew..."
Pycelle mustered every ounce of strength to force those few words from his throat.
Those words struck Cersei like a bolt of lightning.
She swayed, barely able to remain standing.
Joffrey's expression did not change.
He simply continued questioning him.
"Knew what?"
"She... she knew... the Duke... was going to move against King Robert..."
Pycelle spoke faster and faster, desperate to spill everything in exchange for a chance to live.
"She wasn't involved in the planning... but she knew!"
"She did nothing! She just watched!"
"She wanted King Robert dead as soon