[King's Landing - The Red Keep]
Ned was walking down a hallway with Kormed and Tomard.
"Your Captain of the Guards now, Kormed. I need you to ensure that -"
"Ned!" He heard someone call.
Renly suddenly appeared from the staircase behind them. He appeared to be out of breath as he approached them.
"It's Robert. We were hunting - a boar -"
Renly ran off, Ned looking shocked, followed after him, Tomard and Kormed following suit.
[King Robert's Chambers]
Robert was lying in bed, Joffrey sitting beside him, appearing devastated while gripping his hand. Cersei, Grand Maestar Pycelle, and Barristan Selmy were also in the room. Barristan's armor had blood smeared on it.
"I should have spent more time with you, shown you how to be a man. I was nevr meant to be a father." Robert told Joffrey.
Renly led Ned into the room.
"Go on. You don't want to see this."
Joffrey left, albeit reluctantly. very reluctantly leaves. Ned approached Robert.
"My fault..." He laughed weakly. "Too much wine. Missed my thrust."
Ned lifted up Robert's blanket and saw a massive bloody gash across his torso.
"It stinks. It stinks like death. Don't think I can't smell it."
Cersei looked on as Ned covered Robert back up.
Robert laughed again. "I paid the bastard back, Ned. I drove my knife right through his brain. You ask them if I didn't. Ask them!" Robert coughed a few times. "I want the funeral feast to be the biggest the Kingdoms ever saw. And I want everyone to taste the boar that got me." He told Ned before turning to the others. "Now leave us, the lot of you. I need to talk to Ned."
"Robert, my sweet -" Cersei began.
"Out, all of you!" Robert coughed again.
Everyone else left, Cersei and Pycelle doing so somewhat more reluctantly than the others, but doing so nonetheless, leaving Ned alone with Robert.
Ned sits down at Robert's bedside. "You damned fool..."
"Paper and ink on the table, write down what I say."
Ned grabbed the paper and quill and began writing.
"In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon, first of..." you know how it goes. Fill in the damn titles."
Ned did as he was told.
"I hereby command Eddard of House Stark" - titles, titles - "to serve as Lord Regent and Protector of the Realm upon my death to rule in my stead, until my son Joffrey comes of age"."
Ned hesitated, before writing "my rightful heir" instead.
"Give it over."
Ned passed it to him, Robert putting his signature down on the letter before handing it back.
"Give it to the council after I'm dead. At least they'll say I did this right, this one thing. You'll rule now. You'll hate it worse than I did, but you'll do it well." A solemn paused passed as Ned regarded his friend sadly. "The girl - Daenerys. You were right. Varys, Littlefinger, my brother - worthless. No one to tell me "no" but you. Only you. Let her live. Stop it, if it's not too late." Robert told him.
"I will."
"And my son....help him, Ned. Make him better than me."
"I'll....I'll do everything I can to honor your memory."
"My memory?" He laughed feebly. "King Robert Baratheon, murdered by a pig..." He laughed feebly again, Ned watching him sadly. "And Ned, when you see my daughter, tell her I'm sorry. I wasted her entire life ignoring her because she looked like that bastard. The Gods know she's heard about my condition and decided not to show up. I deserve it. I was a horrible father. Not just to her, but to all my children." He sighed. "Give me something for the pain and let me die."
Ned left the chamber, which was being guarded by two other Kingsguards. Barristan, Varys, Pycelle, and Renly were all waiting expectantly for him.
"Give him milk of the poppy." Ned told Pycelle.
Pycelle re-entered Robert's chambers, carrying a small bottle of milk of the poppy, Renly going in after him
"He was reeling from the wine. He commanded us to step aside, but....I failed him..." Barristan said, looking crestfallen.
Ned shook his head. "No man could have protected him from himself.
"I wonder, Ser Barristan, who gave the king this wine?" Varys asked.
"His squire, from the king's own skin."
"His squire....the Lannister boy?" Ned asked, suspicious. He had seen firsthand the man's poor treatment by the King.
Barristan nodded, looking confused.
"Such a dutiful boy to make sure his Grace did not lack refreshment. I do hope the poor lad does not blame himself." Varys commented.
"His Grace has had a change of heart concerning Daenerys Targaryen. Whatever arrangements you made, unmake them. At once." Ned told Varys.
"I'm afraid those birds have flown. The girl is likely dead already." Varys replied.
Ned looked disappointed, and walked off.
[Across The Narrow Sea]
Daenerys alongside a few handmaidens and Dothraki were milling about one of the local fares.
They were walking when they happened upon a man selling wine.
"Sweet reds! I have sweet reds from Lys, Volantis and the Arbor! Tyrosh pear brandy! Andalish sours! I have them! I have them!" The man chorused, in Dothraki, in hopes of enticing customers.
Daenerys walked up to the wine seller, Irri, Doreah and Rahkaro still behind her.
"A taste for the Khaleesi? I have a sweet red from Dorne, my lady. One taste and you'll name your first child after me."
He took a glass of the Dornish wine and offers it to Daenerys.
Jorah was shown watching nearby.
"My son already has his name, but I'll try your summerwine. Just a taste." The wine seller looked at Daenerys with a look of recognition. "My Lady, you are from Westeros."
"You have the honour of addressing Daenerys of the House Targaryen, Khaleesi of the riding men and princess of the Seven Kingdoms.
"Princess." He bowed.
"Rise. I'd still like to taste that wine."
"That? Dornish swill. Not worthy of a princess." He poured the wine on the ground, causing Jorah to stand straighter, a look of realization on his face. "I have a dry red from the Arbor. Nectar of the Gods."
Daenerys grinned in appreciation.
"Let me give you a cask. Uh... a gift."
"You honour me, Ser."
The wine seller went to his store and grabbed a cask of wine.
"The honor...the honor is all mine." He hands the cask to Rakharo. "You know there are many in your homeland that pray for your return, princess." He bowed again.
"I hope to repay your kindness someday."
Jorah entered from nearby. "Rakharo."
"Huh?"
"Put down that cask." Jorah told him in Dothraki.
"Is something wrong?" Daenerys asked.
"I have a thirst. Open it."
Rakharo handed the cask back to the wine seller.
"The wine is for the Khaleesi. It's not for the likes of you."
"Open it." Jorah repeated.
The wine seller looked from Jorah to Daenerys, who observes. He finally obeyed and opened the cask.
"Pour." He commanded, handing it back to the merchant.
"It would be a crime to drink a wine this rich without at least giving it time to breathe."
It was then she remembered the anonymous note she had been sent. "Do as he says."
"As the princess commands."
The wine seller took a glass and poured some wine into it. Daenerys exchanged a look with Jorah, who looked as though he was trying to prove something. The wine seller finished pouring and handed the glass to Jorah, who sniffed the wine.
"Sweet, isn't it? Can you smell the fruit, Ser? Taste it, My Lord. Tell me that that is not the finest wine that has ever touched your tongue."
The wine seller looked expectant as Jorah raised the glass to his lips and appeared as though he was about to drink before suddenly stopping and offering the glass back to the wine seller.
"You first."
The wine seller looked at him nervously. "Me? I'm afraid I am not worthy of the vintage. Besides, it is a poor wine merchant who would drink up his own wares.
It seemed Daenerys had finally caught on to the fact that this was an attempt on both her and her child's life. "You will drink."
The wine seller looked from Daenerys to Jorah and took the glass, a nervous smile on his face. He made a toasting gesture to Daenerys and Jorah, who watched expectantly as he lifted the glass to his lips. Suddenly he threw it on the ground and ran away from his stall.
"Khaleesi!" Doreah shouted. "Stop him!"
The wine seller was running as fast as he could away from them. However, Rakharo managed to catch up to him and caught him with his whip, bringing him down. While still down, the wine seller was restrained by Rakharo and three other bloodriders.
"Come."
Jorah led Daenerys away from the marketplace, being followed by Irri and Doreah. Behind them, the other bloodriders forcibly carried the wine seller, who struggled against them, to no avail, Rakharo bringing up the rear.
[King's Landing - Red Keep]
Ned Stark was walking in the halls with two of his guards.
"Where is Ser Kormed?"
"I believe he went to the Steelkeep, Lord Stark, to see his nephew." One of the guards replied.
"That's strange. He was supposed to report to me earlier."
"Lord Stark, a moment? Alone, if you will." Renly said, entering.
There was a pause between the two as Ned regarded Renly. He then nodded to his guards, who walked off.
"He named you Protector of the Realm."
"He did."
"She won't care. Give me an hour and I can put a hundred swords at your command." Renly spoke of his good sister with obvious contempt.
"And what should I do with a hundred swords?"
"Strike! Tonight while the castle sleeps. We must get Joffrey away from his mother and into our custody. Protector of the Realm or no, he who holds the King holds the Kingdom. Every moment you delay gives Cersei another moment to prepare. By the time Robert dies, it will be too late for the both of us."
"What about Stannis?"
"Saving the Seven Kingdoms from Cersei and delivering them to Stannis? You have odd notions about protecting the realm."
"Stannis is your older brother." Ned told him, looking frustrated.
"This isn't about the bloody line of succession! That didn't matter when you rebelled against the Mad King; it shouldn't matter now."
Ned slowly began realizing what Renly was getting at.
"What's best for the Kingdoms? What's best for the people we rule? We all know what Stannis is. He inspires no love or loyalty. He's not a King. I am."
Ned looked surprised while Renly stared at him expectantly.
"Stannis is a commander." Ned was now losing his patience.
Renly looked frustrated that Ned wasn't listening to what he believed was reason.
"He's led men into war twice. He destroyed the Greyjoy fleet."
"Yes, he's a good soldier; everyone knows that. So was Robert. Tell me something: Do you still believe good soldiers make good kings?"
NED was at a loss for words. Renly regarded him shrewdly as he thought for a moment.
"I will not dishonor Robert's last hours by shedding blood in his halls and dragging frightened children from their beds."
With that, Ned walked off, leaving behind an agitated Renly.
[Hand of The King's Chambers]
Ned was now in his office, writing a letter to Stannis Baratheon. Tomard stood in front of him awaiting his orders.
"You will sail to Dragonstone tonight. You will place this in the hand of Stannis Baratheon. Not his steward, not his Captain of the Guard, and not his wife. Only Stannis himself." He handed the finished letter to Tomard.
"Yes, My Lord."
Littlefinger entered the room.
"Now leave us."
Tomard bowed and left, closing the door behind him.
"My Lord protector." Littlefinger bowed.
"The King has no true born sons. Joffrey and Tommen are Jaime Lannister's bastards."
"So when the King dies..."
"The throne passes to his brother, Lord Stannis."
Littlefinger began pacing around the office. "So it would seem. Unless..."
"There is no "unless". He is the rightful heir. Nothing can change that." Ned interrupted.
"And he cannot take the throne without your help; you would be wise to deny it to him and to make sure Joffrey succeeds."
"Do you have a shred of honor?" Ned asked, looking at the man in disgust.
"You are now Hand of the King and Protector of the Realm. All of the power is yours; you need only reach out and take it. Make peace with the Lannisters. Release the Imp. Wed your daughter to Joffrey. We have plenty of time to get rid of Stannis, and if Joffrey seems likely to cause problems when he comes into his throne, we simply reveal his little secret and seat Lord Renly there instead."
"We?"
"You'll need someone to share these burdens. I assure you, my price would be modest."
"What you suggest is treason."
"Only if we lose."
There was a short pause as Ned pondered the possibility.
"Make peace with the Lannisters, you say." Ned took out the dagger used in the attempt to kill Bran and looked at it reflectively. "With the people who tried to murder my boy." He set the dagger down.
"We only make peace with our enemies, my lord. That's why it's called "making peace"."
"No. I won't do it."
"So it will be Stannis and war?"
"There is no other choice. He is the heir. We both know placing a woman on the throne would be no easy feat. Look at what happened to Rhaenyra Targaryen. Killed by her brother's dragon."
Littlefinger's face was one of clear disappointment. "So why did you call me here? Not for my wisdom, clearly."
"You promised Catelyn you would help me. The Queen has a dozen knights and a hundred men-at-arms - enough to overwhelm what remains of my household guard. I need the Gold Cloaks. The City Watch is 2,000 strong and sworn to defend the King's peace."
A grin slowly formed on Littlefinger's face. "Look at you - you know what you want me to do." He sat down. "You know it has to be done, but it's not honorable so the words stick in your throat. When the Queen proclaims one King and the Hand proclaims another, whose peace do the Gold Cloaks protect? Who do they follow?" He slowly turned the dagger on NED's desk towards him. "The man who pays them."
[King's Landing - Red Keep]
Ned was walking with several of his guards. He had been looking for the Princess when the Royal Steward rushed up behind them.
"Lord Stark!" The Royal Steward said.
Ned's guards all drew their swords.
"Stop!" Varly commanded.
"No, alright. It's alright. Let him through."
The guards did as they were told.
"Lord Stark, King Joffrey and the Queen Regent request your presence in the Throne Room."
"King Joffrey?"
"King Robert is gone. The Gods give him rest."
Ned appeared petrified by the news. It was then that the bells were heard tolling to signify Robert's death.
[King's Landing - Red Keep Courtyard]
Ned entered the courtyard just outside the throne room, where all his guards were assembled and waiting for him. Also waiting for him were Littlefinger and Varys, who both approached him.
"All is accomplished; the City Watch is yours." Littlefinger told him.
"Good. Is Lord Renly joining us?"
Littlefinger glanced at Varys.
"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 in some haste." Varys told him.
Ned met Littlefinger's eyes, and they both sighed. All of them started towards the throne room.
As they entered the hallway just outside the throne room, a battalion of Gold Cloaks were standing and waiting, all behind Janos Slynt.
"We stand behind you, Lord Stark." Janos told him.
Ned then went over over to inspect the squad of Gold Cloaks.
"Is Carmine Grayburn with you?"
"Carmine? Haven't seen him since the tournament, Lord Stark." One of the Gold Cloaks replied.
"All right, let's get this over with." Ned sighed.
The entire group enters the throne room which was filled with Lannister guards.
Joffrey was sitting on the Iron Throne. With him, his mother, Cersei, sister, Aelinor, and sworn protector, The Hound. Five members of the Kingsguard, led by Barristan Selmy, were standing in front of the throne.
"All hail His Grace, Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister, the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." The Royal Steward announced.
The procession finally reached the throne.
"I command the council to make all necessary arrangements for my coronation. I wish to be crowned within the fortnight. Today I shall accept oaths of fealty from my loyal councilors." Joffrey commanded.
Ned and Cersei met each other's eyes for a brief moment.
"Ser Barristan, I believe no man here could ever question your honour." Ned said, handing a scroll to Ser Barristan.
"King Robert's seal. Unbroken." Barristan told Cersei before opening the scroll. "Lord Eddard Stark is herein named Protector of the Realm, to rule as Regent until the heir come of age".
Joffrey, confused, looked to his mother for an explanation.
"May I see that letter, Ser Barristan?" Cersei asked.
Barristan walked over and handed it to her.
She glanced at it. "Protector of the Realm. Is this meant to be your shield, Lord Stark? A piece of paper?" She tore the letter to pieces.
"Those were the King's words." Barristan said, startled.
"We have a new king now." Cersei told him, turning to Ned. "Lord Eddard, when we last spoke you offered me some counsel. Allow me to return the courtesy: bend the knee, My Lord. Bend the knee and swear loyalty to my son and we shall allow you to live out your days in the gray waste you call home."
"Your son has no claim to the throne." Ned told her.
Cersei scoffed.
"Liar!" Joffrey shouted.
Ned briefly met the eyes of Princess Aelinor who looked solemn. Perhaps it was due to her father's death. Or maybe it was due to the rise of her bastard brother who had no true claim to the throne, unlike her.
"You condemn yourself with your own mouth, Lord Stark." Cersei told Ned before turning to Ser Barristan. "Ser Barristan, seize this traitor."
Barristan looked confused, but nonetheless advanced on Ned causing several of Ned's guards to move in.
"Ser Barristan is a good man, a loyal man. Do him no harm." Ned told his men.
Barristan seemingly backed off.
"You think he stands alone?" Cersei asked.
The Hound drew his sword.
"Kill him! Kill all of them, I command it!" Joffrey bellowed, causing the other Lannister guards draw their swords.
"Commander! Take the Queen and her children into custody. Escort them back to the royal apartments and keep them there, under guard." Ned told Janos Slynt, Commander of the City Watch.
"Men of the Watch!" Slynt shouted.
The Gold Cloaks all drew their swords and pointed their spears up at Cersei and Joffrey. Barristan looked forlorn, but The Hound still looked ready to fight.
"I want no bloodshed." Ned told his men before turning to Cersei. "Tell your men to lay down their swords. No one needs to die."
Cersei briefly made eye contact with Janos.
"Now!" Slynt commanded.
The Gold Cloaks suddenly started attacking and killing Ned's guards. Ned was in disbelief as he realized he'd been betrayed. Ned started to draw his own sword, but Littlefinger suddenly swept up behind him and put a knife to his throat.
"I did warn you not to trust me."
And he had, but sadly Lord Stark had failed to listen to what he now realized had been a veiled threat.