All the notable and significant members of Robert's court had gathered in the throne room. The King of the Seven Kingdoms was about to announce his decision regarding the conditions put forward by Lucas Lannister in lieu for the improvements he had promised to make in the city.
Robert sat on the famous Iron Throne, his massive frame occupying the entirety of the space of the throne. Two members of the Kingsguard- Jaime Lannister and Barristan Selmy stood behind him.
The rest of the court, Cersei and her three children, Varys, Jon Arryn, Petyr Baelish, the two Baratheon brothers, the three Tyrells, Lucas himself, and several other officials stood below, facing the throne.
"Lucas Lannister," Robert's voice boomed through the hall, "the Crown has decided to agree to all of the conditions you placed before me."
Lucas nodded with a small smile, though inwardly, he was nearly smirking.
"But before that," Robert continued, "I want to know how long it will take before we see the completion of the project."
"Do not make false promises," he added in a tone of warning. "Do not try to make a fool for me."
Lucas stepped forward and replied with a humble smile.
"The entirety of the project will be completed in five to six years," he said, then quickly added before Robert could interrupt, "but we will begin seeing results within six to eight months and that should be sufficient to dispel any doubts the Crown or the court might have about the work I intend to do."
Robert nodded gruffly and looked toward Jon Arryn.
The Hand of the King approached Lucas and pulled a sheet of parchment from within his robes. Almost reluctantly, he handed it over to Lucas, who accepted it with a smile.
Though he already knew the contents, Lucas unrolled it without delay.
Everything was as expected. It outlined all the promises of development he had made and the conditions he had set before Robert. The royal insignia was stamped at the bottom.
Lucas was certain that Robert did not have the patience to draft such a detailed document. Most likely, it was Jon Arryn who had written it. Even so, the wording was airtight. No loopholes, no ambiguities. Robert had surely made sure of that.
Satisfied, Lucas gave a polite bow toward the king, who nodded in return and rose to leave the throne room.
"Congratulations, cousin," Cersei said with a smile as she approached Lucas.
"Thank you," Lucas replied, his eyes fixed on her body.
Cersei cast one last glance filled with longing toward Lucas and left the throne room.
Jon Arryn, Stannis, Varys, and Olenna Tyrell were the only important people who congratulated him before they too departed.
Joffrey did not even a cast a glance at him and had been bearing a twisted expression filled with hatred as he crossed Lucas. And he was really interested to see, what would that imbecile Joffrey do.
Renly and Petyr Baelish too left the hall without saying a word to him. Baelish clearing was keeping a grudge against him.
Apart from them most of the officials congratulated him for his achievement.
"Congratulations, Ser Lucas," Margaery said as she approached him, once almost everyone had left.
"Thank you, Lady Tyrell," Lucas replied with a smile.
"You are an important figure now in King's Landing," Margaery added.
Lucas smiled again but said nothing.
"Ser Lucas," Margaery continued, "I was thinking of visiting the slum areas of the city for a small charitable distribution."
"Would you be willing to accompany me?" she asked.
"It would be my pleasure, Lady Tyrell," he replied with a smile. "And now that I am the Lord Commander of the City Watch, it is also my responsibility to ensure your safety."
Margaery giggled graciously. The Rose of Highgarden, as she was known.
"If you keep your promises," she said, "I am sure there won't be any slums left in King's Landing in a few years."
"Yes," Lucas nodded. "That is certain."
"When are you planning to organize your charity work?" he asked.
"Perhaps in a day or two," Margaery replied.
"Perfect," he said. "In a day or two, I will also begin my detailed inspection of the city to chart the development plan."
"That would be wonderful," she replied.
"Ser Lucas," she said, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation, "I was wondering if you would allow me to be involved in the work you will be doing."
"You know, I find it all very fascinating, everything you said. It would be amazing to see history being written from the ground up."
"Of course, I am not asking you to reveal any secrets," she added quickly. "I would be very grateful."
"Then it is I who should be thankful," Lucas replied. "What more could a man desire than the company of a beautiful lady during his dull working hours? It would be a pleasure to have you."
Margaery giggled like a young maiden which, of course, she still was.
"You're quite smooth with your words, Ser Lucas," she said. "See you then."
Lucas gave a nod as Margaery gracefully exited the throne room.
.
.
.
While all this was happening, many people in the hall were going through a myriad of emotions. Some were happy, some were sad, some were angry, while others were merely irritated.
One among them, however, was seething almost trembling with rage. And despite all that fury, he was powerless to do anything.
Let alone if his words mattered or not, he had no place to even voice his opinion.
He was the current Lord Commander of the City Watch, the Gold Cloaks. Janos Slynt.
He had been informed yesterday that he had been relieved of his position of the Lord Commander of the Gold Cloaks. He was a simple soldier as of now. Nothing more.
Having seen off Margaery, Lucas approached Janos Slynt.
"Ser Slynt," he said.
"Ser Lucas," the former commander of the City Watch replied. Though hatred simmered within him, he did not dare show it.
"Care to take a walk with me?" Lucas asked and he did not wait for a response. He had already taken a few steps toward the exit. Not that Janos could have refused him anyway.
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