Chapter 34: A Terrified Lancel
Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast.
After listening to Lancel's stammering account, Cersei, standing before the window, glanced at him, a hint of mockery flashing in her beautiful eyes. "Poor Lancel, are you terrified?"
Lancel's voice still held a tremble. "I apologize, Cousin Cersei. I sought out Lord Glynn myself. After all, it was I who first suggested dealing with those rumor-mongers at the Small Council meeting..."
"But... but it's not as if I haven't seen an execution before, just never so many at once!"
"Hundreds of them! Lord Glynn just waved his hand, and heads truly rolled. The ground was soaked red!"
"I... I don't even know how I made it back to the Red Keep."
Cersei listened silently, the flush on her cheeks deepening. Her chest heaved, a strange warmth coiling in her belly.
Suppressing a flush of heat, Cersei lowered her voice and said, "I truly didn't misjudge him."
Glynn's decisive actions made Cersei experience a different kind of pleasure, as if it surpassed any carnal delight the body could enjoy.
Cersei's slender body, hidden beneath her long dress, stirred slightly. "Where is Robert now?"
"I heard he went hunting again."
"Where is Jaime?"
"At this hour, Jaime should be teaching Prince Joffrey swordsmanship."
[Joffrey, full name Joffrey Baratheon, Cersei's eldest son.]
"You may leave. Go and take Jaime's place with Joffrey. Send Jaime to me at once."
"Yes, of course."
After speaking, Lancel seemed to sense Cersei's unusual state. He looked at her worriedly, but hesitated to speak again.
Seeing Lancel still standing there motionless, Cersei first took a deep breath to compose herself, then snapped, "Are you not going?!"
Lancel was startled by Cersei's voice, his body trembling. He hastily bowed and left.
After Lancel left, Cersei moved with a slightly unnatural gait to sit on a chair.
Cersei untied the ribbon binding her hair, and her dazzling golden locks immediately cascaded down her shoulders and collarbone.
Her fingertips toyed with a strand of hair as Cersei lowered her eyelids slightly, her long eyelashes concealing the burning gaze beneath.
Cersei's lips curved into a smile, savoring the strange and fleeting pleasure she had never experienced before.
...
Red Keep, gardens.
Lancel Lannister felt today was his unluckiest day.
He had originally gone with great interest to watch Glynn execute the culprits, only to end up so terrified his legs turned to jelly. He had barely managed to return to the Red Keep.
Enduring his discomfort, he had very responsibly reported to Queen Cersei at the first opportunity, only to be unceremoniously dismissed.
Now... Lancel had a large apple balanced on his head, facing Joffrey, who held a bow and was taking aim.
When Jaime taught swordsmanship, Joffrey Baratheon was humble and eager to learn, befitting his princely station.
When Jaime was sent for, Lancel, feeling relieved, took his place to continue Joffrey's swordsmanship lesson.
Joffrey Baratheon was the heir to the Iron Throne, and Lancel felt it was very necessary to establish a personal relationship with him beforehand. It would surely be beneficial for his future career.
...
Lancel didn't want to leave an impression of cowardice, especially not in front of the heir to the Iron Throne... but his legs wouldn't obey, trembling uncontrollably.
The twelve-year-old Joffrey Baratheon had bright golden hair and fair skin, appearing quite handsome.
Holding the bow and aiming, Joffrey curled his lips and said, "Lancel, if you keep moving, I can't guarantee a clean shot."
Lancel trembled even more violently.
Joffrey suddenly grew angry. "Hound! My hound! Do something, stop this coward from moving about!"
A hulking man stood motionless, leaning on his sword. Hearing Joffrey's command, he began to move, striding toward Lancel.
This man had sharp cheekbones and thick brows over gray eyes. The right side of his face was covered in large, twisted scars. He was extremely muscular, clad in smoke-gray armor and an olive-green cloak.
His name was Sandor Clegane, and he was the bodyguard House Lannister had arranged for Prince Joffrey.
Lancel watched in terror as Sandor Clegane approached him step by step.
"What are you doing?!"
Hearing the newcomer's voice, Lancel's legs buckled, and he finally collapsed onto the ground. He had truly almost pissed himself.
Tyrion strode over, his face filled with indignation.
Joffrey lowered his bow, a look of disgust on his face. "What are you doing here?"
At that moment, Joffrey's expression was identical to Cersei's.
Tyrion approached Joffrey. "My princely nephew, shouldn't you greet your uncle first?"
Joffrey angrily retorted, "You interrupted my game! Why should I greet you?!"
Tyrion softened his tone. "Joffrey, Lancel is also a Lannister, your kinsman and your ally. You shouldn't treat him this way."
Joffrey pouted.
Tyrion narrowed his eyes, staring at the disdainful Joffrey as he continued, "What you hold isn't a toy; it's a lethal weapon. You could have killed Lancel by accident. Have you thought about the consequences? This isn't something that can be resolved with a simple apology."
Joffrey didn't want to listen. "Enough! I didn't kill Lancel, he's fine, isn't he? I don't want your lectures. I am the heir to the Iron Throne; I can do whatever I want. Get out!"
*Smack!* Tyrion leaped up and slapped Joffrey across the face.
Joffrey covered his cheek. "You dare to hit me?! I'll tell Mother!"
*Smack!* Again, Tyrion slapped Joffrey's other cheek.
Joffrey cried out in pain, tears streaming down his face.
"Good, go on then! Go quickly and tell my ever-so-kind sister what her darling son just did!"
Tyrion's eyes were wide as he said slowly and gravely, "Now, I demand that you immediately apologize to Lancel and promise never again to treat a man's life as a game."
Joffrey shouted, "Hound! Get over here and hit him for me!"
Sandor Clegane strode with his long legs and silently walked behind Joffrey, but made no other move.
"You! You!"
Joffrey first kicked at the tall Sandor Clegane, then pointed at Tyrion and said, "You, you just wait! I won't let you off!"
Tyrion made a gesture as if to raise his hand, and Joffrey screamed and flinched back.
Tyrion watched Joffrey flee in disgrace, wiping away tears, and sighed helplessly.
Tyrion extended a hand to help Lancel to his feet.
"Thank you, thank you, Cousin Tyrion. I was truly terrified. Today has been a terrible day."
Tyrion grinned. "You did well. At least you didn't piss yourself. If it were me, I would have long ago."
Lancel grimaced. "I still have you to thank for saving me... But, Joffrey is a prince. Will you be alright after hitting him?"
Tyrion shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Cersei already dislikes me. Whether I hit Joffrey or not, her profound love for me won't change. I just regret that Joffrey is so unteachable."
Lancel was still worried. "What I mean is, Joffrey is the heir to the Iron Throne. Will he make trouble for you in the future?"
"Haha, King Robert will only thank me for helping to educate his child. As for the future... when our dear nephew inherits the Iron Throne, the worst that can happen is I'll hide in Casterly Rock and never come out. He won't be able to do a thing to me."
"That's true," Lancel nodded in agreement, finally letting go of the worry that had plagued him.
(end of chapter)