chapter 84 part 2
Since he used the Clegane surname, it meant he was a trueborn son.
Leyton felt this was a matter that required his attention.
As one of the few respected scribes from Light Whisper City currently in the capital, Leyton did not act rashly.
After all, the man's identity was a Goldcloak. Mishandling the situation could easily escalate matters, and the gain would not be worth the loss.
Moreover, and most importantly, for matters of this nature, he lacked the authority to make his own decisions without an order from his Lord.
It just so happened that members of the Scouting Party were also in King's Landing. Leyton decided to have them tail the man for now and gather relevant intelligence.
...
...
The Red Keep, Maegor's Holdfast.
The dark circles under Jaime Lannister's eyes had deepened recently due to a lack of rest.
Queen Cersei glanced sideways at Jaime, who was stifling a yawn, and said, "Jaime, have you been very interested in things lately?"
Jaime looked at Cersei in confusion and asked in return, "Interested in what?"
Jaime only heard a cold snort from Cersei.
Instantly, Jaime's drowsiness vanished. He thought for a moment, then asked tentatively, "Are you talking about me going out at night?"
Cersei took a sip of Arbor gold and said, "There are a hundred brothels in King's Landing, more than enough to occupy the rest of your time. I suggest you not be in such a hurry."
With that, she snorted coldly again before continuing, "Don't be like that precious, wretched brother of yours and make one of them your bedroom. You are a Lannister."
Jaime chuckled, then said with a helpless air, "Cersei, it's not what you think. You should know I don't like those places. I will always have only you."
As Jaime spoke, he walked behind Cersei and placed his hands on her shoulders.
Cersei tilted her chin up slightly, the corners of her lips curling. "I don't like you hiding things from me."
Jaime's large hands, resting on Cersei's shoulders, froze for an instant.
Cersei's green eyes shifted. "It seems you choose to continue hiding it."
After she spoke, Cersei shrugged her shoulders, freeing herself from Jaime's hands, and turned to face him.
Jaime immediately thought of Glyn.
...
Jaime explained, "It's about Glyn. He suspects there may be another hidden hand behind the incident in the Queen's Quarter. He and I have been investigating in secret."
Understanding Cersei, Jaime sensed her anger rising and quickly added, "I didn't deliberately hide it from you. It was just a suspicion, so I didn't tell you. It's just a precaution. You know me, I must guarantee your absolute safety and wanted to find the truth as quickly as possible."
"Jaime, I am not so fragile."
Cersei slowly approached Jaime.
She tilted her head up to look at him, placing a pale hand on his chest. Her lips parted. "Jaime, only when you enter my body do I feel complete. Since I demand you hide nothing from me, I will hide nothing from you."
Jaime grasped Cersei's hand and met her gaze, his lips slowly curling into a smile. "Cersei, me too."
Jaime was lost in Cersei's tenderness, but her next words sent a cold sweat down his back.
"Jaime, I have already begun to act."
"???"
"I have had enough of that drunkard Robert! Jaime, it has begun. It's too late for you to stop it. You can only choose to help me."
...
...
Dragonstone. The dark clouds hung heavy in the sky.
Dragonstone was an island formed by a volcanic eruption, located at the mouth of Blackwater Bay. Its fortress was carved in the shape of dragons.
During the Targaryen dynasty, Dragonstone was traditionally granted to the heir of the King.
For this reason, the King's heir was also known as the Prince of Dragonstone.
After the Usurper's War, King Robert Baratheon granted Dragonstone to Stannis Baratheon, but it no longer carried the significance of being the heir to the throne.
Inside Dragonstone's keep.
The grim-faced Lord Stannis Baratheon sat ramrod straight at a long table, meticulously handling his affairs.
Ser Davos Seaworth stood quietly to the side, waiting.
*Scratch, scratch, scratch.*
Stannis flourished his quill, signed an order, and stamped it with a thud.
Stannis looked at Davos and said, "Davos, have the arrangements been made?"
Davos nodded and said deferentially, "Lord Stannis, I have another matter to report. It concerns Baron Glyn Clegane."
Stannis put down his quill. "What has happened?"
"Our men have heard that Lord Jon intends to send Glyn across the Narrow Sea to deal with the two Young Dragons of House Targaryen."
Stannis frowned. "Hasn't Varys always been responsible for this matter..."
Suddenly, Stannis spoke with anger, "It's always the same! All they know is to indulge in dark schemes. Jon... the position of Hand of the King has made him completely lose his sense of honor."
After speaking, Stannis closed his eyes.
Davos lowered his gaze, his eyes filled with worry as he looked at the closed-eyed Stannis, but he offered no words of comfort.
Stannis did not need the comfort of others.
Before long, Stannis opened his eyes, his gaze sharp.
"My loyal Davos, do you think I should continue to support Hand Jon?"
Davos looked at Stannis with reverence. "Lord Stannis, forgive my bluntness, but you need to change your strategy."
Stannis gave a barely perceptible nod. "Yes. I cannot let him stain my honor."
Stannis looked toward Davos and asked, "Tell me your suggestion."
Davos took a step forward, placed a hand on his chest, and bowed his head, his voice respectful. "Lord Stannis, while our men were investigating Baron Glyn, they inadvertently gathered intelligence on Hand Jon. One must say, there are truly no secrets in the Red Keep."
Stannis gave a derisive snort.
Davos continued, "Lord Stannis, according to our intelligence, Hand Jon's body no longer permits him to perform his duties. The Realm needs a new Hand to restore order. I sincerely suggest that you compete for the position of Hand of the King. Only someone as great as you can stabilize The Realm under King Robert's rule."
"Robert..." Stannis shook his head slightly. "Davos, I can feel your loyalty to me. I am willing to sacrifice everything for The Realm. But... Robert will never agree."
Davos knelt on one knee before Stannis. "Lord Stannis, I understand your concerns. But King Robert has been lost to fine wine and beautiful women for years. He is no longer the hero he once was. His authority within the Red Keep is not what it used to be."
Stannis's sharp gaze fixed on Davos for a moment before he spoke, "What do you propose to do?"
Davos raised his face and said, "Please allow me to go forth as your envoy, to seek out allies who will support you. If you can become the Hand of the King, they will be of great assistance to you in the future."
(end of chapter)