Trials and Tribulations of the Oathkeeper

Chapter 17: The First of His Name

Red Keep ― Small Council chamber...

Daveth felt out of place. He'd been presiding over Small Council meetings in his late father's place for years, and now... Now the Oathkeeper finds himself sitting at the head of the table. Looking at the chair with the Baratheon sigil embroidered onto the leather, Daveth inhales sharply and examines his right hand. His knuckles had been wrapped in bandages and were still sore from losing control of himself, punching the wall after reading Robert's letter. He still didn't understand. Why couldn't Robert have told his son in person? Why hide behind a letter? Why wait until he died to tell Daveth the truth? So many questions, and sadly they'll go unanswered.

"Your Grace," the royal steward spoke up, breaking Daveth's concentration. "Lord Stark and the other councilors are here to see you. The Queen Mother will be attending as well, along with your brother Prince Joffrey."

Daveth remained still. "I see," he said. "Anything else?"

He didn't feel like talking much lately; Daveth attended his father's funeral in the Great Sept of Baelor with his family to say their last goodbyes before sending Robert's body back to Storm's End to be buried as per his final request. The coronation would take place once the Small Council meeting was over; ravens had sent across the Seven Kingdoms bearing the news, and all the noble lords and ladies will assemble at the capital to swear fealty to the new King.

"Preparations have been made for your coronation. We'll begin once you're ready."

"Very well," Daveth nodded. "You are dismissed."

The steward bowed and opened the doors, allowing Eddard Stark, Cersei Lannister, Varys, Petyr Baelish, Joffrey Baratheon, Grand Maester Pycelle and Ser Barristan Selmy inside. The decision to include Barristan in the Small Council meetings surprised many, including Cersei and Barristan himself. When Cersei asked Daveth why, he simply remarked that as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Barristan did have a seat on the council. When it was Barristan's turn to ask, Daveth replied that he promised to bring many changes to court but needed people he could trust to help him. Barristan didn't enjoy politics, but promised to do whatever he could for his former squire.

Cersei walked forward and sat next to Daveth's right, while Eddard was seated to his left.

"My son," Cersei said.

"Mother," Daveth greeted.

"Your Grace," Eddard greeted.

"Lord Stark."

As soon as the others took their seat, Daveth noticed something was out of place... or rather someone, was missing.

"The Master of Laws is not present. Where is uncle Renly?" he asked.

Varys placed his powdered hands inside his cloak and gave him a sorrowful look. "I fear Lord Renly has left the city. He rode through the old gate an hour before dawn with Ser Loras Tyrell and some 50 retainers. Last seen galloping south bound for Storm's End or Highgarden in some haste."

What are you up to, uncle Renly...?

Cersei waved Varys off and spoke firmly. "Does it matter where Renly went? Or his reasons? We are here now, so it's best we get on with it."

"This meeting of the Small Council is now called to order. What do we have for the day?"

"The city mourns the loss of the late King Robert. Preparations have been made for your coronation, Your Grace," Petyr begun. "I've already had several Watchmen stationed at key posts to ensure the king's peace is kept."