Part Five

Snafu's Notes: The final chapter of Vendetta. Everything comes full circle. Plus there is a major twist in the ending and in the Epilogue that no one will see coming. Trust me. And part of the dialogue between Aegon and Tyrion was inspired from Tywin's conversation with Tommen following the Purple Wedding. Also, if you had noticed, I've placed Bible verses in the earlier chapters. Ezekiel 25:17 should be obvious to anyone, while Psalms 137 came from Fallout: New Vegas, as Joshua Graham quoted it.

"You take out a debt, it's only a matter of time before someone comes collecting."

– Craig Boone

With the annihilation of House Bolton and of the Night's Watch, the tide began to turn against the Lannisters. Jon Stark returned to Winterfell, the truth about Jon's lineage having been revealed. He was no bastard of Ned Stark, but rather the legitimate son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Jon was named Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North with the backing of the other Northern Houses and Aegon Targaryen.

Jon's first order of business was to deal with the Wildings and their leader, Mance Rayder. As he had past dealings with the Wilding chieftain, his main goal was to forge an alliance between the two factions. Given that he had betrayed the Wildings, he was in for a uphill battle.

When the Maegyr brothers returned to Riverrun two weeks later, a second wedding had taken place, this time between Tarik Maegyr and Daenerys Stormborn. When Aegon heard about his aunt's secret marriage to the man who was like a brother to him, his first reaction was to impale the Maegyr strongman many times with Blackfyre and Whitefyre. But Rhaenys calmed him down.

Prior to Tarik and Alrik's return, Willas Tyrell returned to Highgarden with news of the alliance between the Maegyr, the Targaryen and the Tyrells. What surprised Olenna the most was a second marriage contract brokered between Oberyn and himself – with Rhaenys Targaryen as the woman in question and himself as the bridegroom.

Olenna was surprised, to say the least. There has been plenty of bad blood between the Martells and the Tyrells, and maybe a marriage between the two would mend old wounds. From what Willas had told his grandmother of Rhaenys, her mind – as well as her skills with the sword – were sharp. A raven would arrive in Highgarden shortly after the return of the Maegyr brothers, written by Lucian himself. Alrik was open to a marriage between himself and Margaery.

The Ironborn did not live long enough to savor their victory over the Lannisters. Aegon, Rhaenys and Daenerys launched a surprise attack on the Iron Islands, exterminating House Greyjoy and their banners with their dragons in a brutal midnight raid, reducing the Iron Islands into a smoking ruin.

All that was left, were the Lannisters in and around King's Landing. The endgame has begun.

The Red Keep – nine days later.

Nine days had passed since the deaths of Tommen and Myrcella Baratheon. Cersei had spent most of that time in silent vigil inside the Great Sept of Baelor. Following the internment of their bodies, she returned to the Red Keep, cleaned herself up, but was still clad in black, as she was still mourning the deaths of her youngest children.

During that time, Mace Tyrell and his bannermen had arrived and taken up positions around King's Landing and within the Red Keep. But it did little to relive the tension inside the Red Keep, which was so thick that once could cut it with a knife.

Unknown to Tywin or the other Lannisters, Mace had received his orders from Olenna Redwyne. At the appointed time, the Tyrells will betray the Lannisters and allow the Black Tigers to march into King's Landing, while two hundred of Lucian Maegyr's Black Tigers would infiltrate the Red Keep by using the many hidden passages built underneath the Red Keep. Just as Tywin Lannister had sat back and won the War of Five Kings without anyone else realizing it, he had lost the Iron Throne, again not realizing it, as he was about to experience a betrayal he had not felt in decades.

It was the midday meal, and the room was silent. Cersei and Tywin sat on opposite sides of their father at the table, while Varys sat next to Tyrion and Joffrey sat beside his mother. Margaery Tyrell sat beside her soon-to-be former betrothed, while Loras Tyrell stood nearby. Bronn stood on the opposite of Tyrion, hand on his sword's pommel. Once he found out about the fall of Casterly Rock and the destruction of the Lannister forces there, he attempted to leave King's Landing, only for both Tywin and Cersei to stop him and gang-press him into service to the Iron Throne, on pain of death.

The dining hall was guarded by Lannister House Guards. Tywin was not taking any chances. Varys had reported that Lucian was on the march, and that Aegon now had the support of every major House Lord in the Seven Kingdoms. As a courtesy, Aegon had sent the Lannisters an ultimatum: abdicate the Iron Throne and spend the remainder of your lives in exile, or face extermination. Tywin refused to respond to the threat.

No one was speaking. Everyone - save for Margaery and Loras - was in a state of great tension. King's Landing was being prepared for a siege, as Varys reported that the Black Tigers would arrive in three days' time. In truth, they would arrive at the gates of King's Landing within the hour.

Tywin had never believed in the Seven. Maybe once, when Joanna was alive, but after she died...

He knew that the Lion's days were numbered. Maybe it was hubris for all the things he had done in order to make the Lion the dominant House in all of Westeros. And now, here he was, inside what was to him, the most expensive prison in the Seven Kingdoms. Varys had also reported that the other Houses knew of the truth behind the deaths of Ned Stark and of the Red Wedding, not to mention Joffrey's parentage.

Hubris.

'Is this what Sansa Stark felt like during her stay here?' Tywin thought as he took a sip of water. 'A bird locked in a gilded cage?'

He looked at Cersei, who was doing quite the impression of a Silent Sister. Ironic as how he had thought Tyrion would being about the downfall of the Lion. Instead, it was his two eldest children, who were more Targaryen than most people took them for. He felt relieved somewhat that both Tommen and Myrcella were both dead. It saved him the trouble of killing the both of them himself. The same for Littlefinger, as it was he who had sent Catelyn Stark to Tyrion's doorstep.

"Lady Margaery."

Margaery stopped and faced the Lannister patriarch.

"I've never apologized for anything in my entire life," began Tywin, "but now...for what it's worth, I am sorry."

Margaery was puzzled. "Sorry? For what?"

"It appears that secrets had been kept from not only from me, but from you and your House. Secrets in which many, many people died needless deaths over."

From her place at the table, Cersei shifted in her seat, while Joffrey looked curious.

"Secrets," Tywin continued, turning his glare on Cersei, "that my own children were hiding from me. The Targaryens wedded brother to sister to keep their line pure. It also made some of them mad from the inbreeding. It appears that my two eldest were a lot more like the Targaryens than most people think."

In an instant, Cersei turned to Tyrion. "You told him?!" she half-shouted.

"NO."

Cersei flinched under her father's tone. Slowly, she turned and faced the furious Lannister family head. Margaery, on the other hand, already knew of the incest between Jamie and Cersei, as Olenna had told her in their past letters, who in turn, told Loras. Both siblings, of course, had to looked shocked when the truth was finally revealed.

Olenna also wrote in her letter of the alliance between the Maegyr, the Martells and the Targaryens, and of how both her and Loras' survival was guaranteed by both Aegon and Lucian Maegyr.

"I overheard the both of you in the corridor the day after Jamie's head was delivered here," Tywin explained. "Then I went to Varys to verify it. This whole mess was started because of both you and your brother."

"Father, I –"

"SILENCE!" Tywin bellowed. The pent-up anger he had kept inside for the past several weeks was now out in full force. "I've fought a war to keep your secret, that your children are bastards born out of incest. You dishonored an innocent man in order to keep your secret."

"I had no other choice! Ned Stark was going to tell Robert the truth!" Cersei defended. "Robert would have killed my children – your grandchildren! Robert had to die for our family's sake!"

"Mother, what is Grandfather talking about?" Joffrey asked.

"Your father is not Robert Baratheon," Tyrion said, beating both his sister and father to the punch. "Your uncle Jamie is your father."

Joffrey looked liked he had taken a sword to the gut. "Lies! My father was Robert Baratheon!"

"No, it's the truth," the Imp replied. "Your mother had all but confirmed it to me, and Jamie left a letter confessing everything. All that has happened was because of them. Because Jamie pushed Bran Stark out of the tower back in Winterfell." He glared at his sister. "If you and Jamie kept your hands off each other whilst in Winterfell, a whole lot of people would still be alive."

Cersei could not reply to that, as it was true. All this began with the death of Jon Arryn, which led to Jamie's attempted murder of Bran Stark. After Ned Stark's execution, things had really gotten out of hand, which led to the Red Wedding, and now, Lucian Maegyr was bringing the Stranger to the Lannister's feet.

"And here, Father thought that I would be the one to bring shame to the Lannister name with my drinking and whoring," mused Tyrion. "Instead, your mother and my dear brother beat me to it."

Before Cersei could reply to her brother's barb, an ear-splitting roar was heard from outside. One which has not been heard for over a hundred years.

Above King's Landing...

Daenerys Stormborn was on the back of Balerion, Viserion and Rhaegal flanking her. She had been given the locations of where the Lannister forces were placed in and around King's Landing by one of Varys' little birds prior to her departure from their forward base thirty miles out from King's Landing.

The plan was devised by Aegon and Alrik Maegyr. As Aegon infiltated the Red Keep once again, this time with Sansa, Lucian and three hundred Black Tigers. This time, they were not disguised, as they were in full battle armor. As the Lannisters and Tyrells ate their midday meal, the Black Tigers had rounded up the servants and put them on lockdown, while Aegon and Sansa waited in the Throne Room.

Rather than remain behind in Riverrun, Arya Stark had also joined them. She too, would be in the Throne Room, along with the two direwolves, Lady and Nymeria.

Aegon's part of the plan was simple. Herd the Lannisters into the Throne Room, where events shall come full circle, while the Red Keep is purged of Lannister red. There, the debt shall be paid in full.

Balerion's roar signaled the attack. As the people scrambled for cover, dragonfire came out of the gullets of the three dragons, incinerating Lannister soldiers standing on the ramparts. At the same time, the Tyrell bannermen turned on their allies and began to slay them where they stood.

The gates were then opened and the Black Tigers, led by the Maegyr brothers, marched into King's Landing. Only this time, the city would not be sacked.

It was to be conquered.

The roar of Balerion also served as a signal for the Tyrell banners inside the Red Keep. Just as the Lannisters had done when Ned Stark was arrested, the Tyrell bannermen attacked the Lannister House Guards and the Goldcloaks inside the Red Keep, while Dany would use the dragons to incinerate the Goldcloaks and the Lannisters standing guard outside the Red Keep and surrounding King's Landing.

Inside the Red Keep...

The sounds of battle reached Tywin's ears. Then men swarmed into the dining hall. They wore neither Lannister red nor the armor of the Tyrells. Their armor was black.

And Tywin knew who they were.

Three of the Black Tigers were armed with crossbows, and they opened fire on three of the Lannister House Guards. The wounds were mortal, and they would die within minutes. The other Lannister guards drew their swords and attacked the Black Tigers, only to be brutally cut down. Bronn also joined in the fray, only to be knocked out with a blow to the head.

As the Lannister guards fought a losing battle to buy Tywin and the others time to escape, Joffrey grabbed Margaery and shoved her towards the advancing Black Tigers and fled the dining hall, Tywin and Cersei following him, but not before Cersei did the same thing, only it was with Tyrion.

In Joffrey's case, he could always find another wife, while Cersei would get rid of the Imp once and for all, kinslayer be damned.

Despite knowing what was coming, Margaery was a bit unsettled being surrounded by heavily-armed soldiers. The one of them removed his helmet. She recognized the man almost immediately and was instantly relieved.

Alrik Maegyr.

Alrik gave her a smile before turning to Tyrion, who was hauled to his feet. He had seen what Cersei had done and even that was cold. To two of the Black Tigers, he ordered them to see after Bronn, then follow him to the Throne Room.

Within the corridors of the Red Keep...

Tywin Lannister did not need to be told of the betrayal of the Tyrells. He could see it as their bannermen cut down their own, working in tandem with the Black Tigers.

Inwardly, he cursed that wretched old woman, who was probably in Highgarden, waiting just as he had done when Robb Stark was betrayed. He should have known that Olenna would go behind his back to secure a deal with Maegyr and the Targaryens. But he had became complacent in his superiority. He had been certain that with the defeat of Stannis Baratheon and the destruction of the Northern Bannermen at the Twins, that no one would dare oppose the Lion.

He was wrong.

Everywhere he, his daughter and grandson tried to run to, there were either Black Tigers or the Tyrell bannermen forcing them back the way they had came. Either that, or the sight of their House Guards and the Gold Cloaks being slaughtered.

"The Throne Room!" Cersei shouted. "There's a secret passage behind the throne!"

Between Cersei's suggestion and their heads on pikes, Tywin saw that it was better than nothing. The three quickly retreated back down the corridor, with their pursuers hot on their heels.

Upon entering the Throne Room, they found that it was not empty. A man in spiked armor and two women wearing cloaks stood before the Iron Throne, their backs facing them.

When Cersei, her father and son were halfway across the spacious room, the trap was sprung. From behind the pillars, Black Tiger swordsmen stepped out, swords drawn.

Then the man and the women turned around. Cersei's eyes nearly bugged out of her skull, while Tywin's own narrowed at the realization. They had been herded here by the invading Black Tigers, betrayed by the Tyrells.

"Rhaegar?" croaked out Cersei. "Impossible! You're dead!"

"I am not my father," Aegon replied as the woman removed the hood from her head, revealing herself as Sansa Stark, or rather, Sansa Targaryen, much to the horror of the older woman and her son. The girl removed her own cloak, revealing herself as Arya Stark.

Instead of the scared little girl who had been a hostage, there stood Sansa who showed no fear in the face of her enemies. She was regal, cold and intimidating.

The prophecy in which Maggy the Frog had given to Cersei was now back in force. The Queen that was to replace her was here.

Aegon turned back to the Iron Throne and calmly climbed the dais before settling himself down on the throne, while Sansa took a seat in the chair next to the throne, the one Cersei herself would sit in whenever court was being held. Lady sat on her haunches, Sansa scratching behind her ears, the massive direwolf growling. Arya stood at her sister's side, also scratching at Nymeria's ears.

Tywin recognized Arya as the servant girl he had taken a shine to at Harrenhal. He suspected that she was more than a common-born girl, and much to his dismay, he was right. He cursed himself for not seeing it sooner, as Arya had the dark hair and matching eyes of her father, the late Ned Stark.

Rhaenys Targaryen and Oberyn Martell emerged from behind one of the pillars, Oberyn with Viper's Venom and Rhaenys with Dark Sister. To the Lannisters, Rhaenys was the spitting image of Elia, only with violet eyes. The Red Viper and his niece stood on either side of the Iron Throne, weapons drawn.

The doors to the Iron Throne were opened and the Black Tigers and Tyrell forces entered, swords drawn. Among them were Bronn, Tyrion Lannister, Margaery Tyrell, and Loras Tyrell, the Tyrell siblings not very happy with being thrown to the wolves...or rather, tigers. Tywin saw that Barristan Selmy was with them, as was Jorah Mormont, swords stained with blood.

"Lord Targaryen," one of the Black Tigers reported, "the Red Keep is yours."

"And the city itself?" asked Aegon.

"Only a matter of time before the City Watch and what remains of the Lannister guards are exterminated."

"Excellent." He looked at Tywin, Cersei and Joffrey. "Now...do you know who I am? If not, then prepare to be enlightened." He glanced at Margaery. "Lady Margaery?"

"Aegon, of the Houses Nymeros Martell and Targaryen," Margaery replied. "The Sixth of That Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

"As is with my namesake ancestor," Aegon continued, "The Dragon have returned to take back what is rightfully his with fire and blood." Violet eyes stared down the soon-to-be deposed King. "And you, whelp, shall kneel before your true King."

"You dare make demands of me?! ME?!" Joffrey retorted. "The Iron Throne is mine! You inbred bastards have lost the right to rule –"

Aegon frowned. "I said KNEEL."

Joffrey's rant turned to a scream of pain as he fell to his knees, Cersei screaming out her son's name as he clutched at the crossbow bolt that was stuck in his leg, fired from a crossbow held by a Black Tiger.

"See? Was that so hard?" Aegon asked the whimpering boy. "You do as you're told, and no harm shall come to you. Otherwise, I'll give you another lesson in humility."

To back up his threat, the first row of men brandished crossbows in their hands.

All of them were aimed at Joffrey, Cersei and Tywin.

"As for me being inbred, that's the pot calling the kettle black," Aegon continued. "My mother was Elia Martell. You and your siblings were the products of incest. A secret which had gotten Ned Stark and his predecessor killed."

"You killed my son," Tywin grated, glaring at the Lord of Dragons. "You killed my son and desecrated his body."

"Call it a debt repaid. Your mad dog raped and cleaved our mother in two," Rhaenys replied. "Your words led to House Frey murdering Robb Stark and desecrating his body by stitching his direwolf's head onto the stump. And your son stabbed our grandfather in the back."

"Granted that Aerys was a madman who wanted to burn King's Landing to the ground, but still our grandfather," Aegon continued. "Take comfort in the fact that I gave him a clean death. And as much as I want to kill you for your betrayal, that honor is for another."

Footsteps echoed from outside the throne room. The Black Tigers parted, just as Lucian Maegyr entered the room, clad in his black armor, stained with the blood of the Lannisters House Guard and the City Watch assigned to the Red Keep. His sons, Tarik and Alrik, followed close behind.

The confrontation between Lucian Maegyr and Tywin Lannister was inevitable following Tywin orchestrating the Red Wedding, resulting in the deaths of Lucian's daughter and unborn grandson, as well as Robb and Catelyn Stark.

For Tywin, Lucian was just as how Bronn had described him. He was around his height, clean-shaven, shoulder-length dark hair going gray, brown eyes cold as he stared him down. For Lucian, it was the same for Tywin himself; a man standing at his height, only leaner with blond hair thinning and going gray, as was his beard, golden-flecked green eyes staring down at him with nothing but contempt.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime event. The Tiger of Volantis – the most powerful man in Essos – against the Lion of Casterly Rock – the most powerful man in Westeros.

When Lucian reached a double-arms' length, he stopped.

"This meeting has been a long time coming," Lucian said. "So...you're Tywin Lannister of House Lannister. The man once said to be so rich that he could shit gold."

That earned a laugh from his men.

"So...what happens now?" Tywin asked. "You went through a lot of trouble to get here."

"Easy. My daughter is dead because of you, as is my grandchild. Not only did your words led to their deaths, but also those of her husband and mother-in-law."

"As I've told my sons," Tywin replied coldly, "there is no difference in killing twelve thousand in battle and twelve at the dinner table. You yourself should know, as you butchered House Frey under the guest right."

"Which they themselves violated," replied Lucian, "at your behest. What will happen is that you will die this very day. The Stranger has declared your life to be forefit this very day. I could have marched onto King's Landing the day I arrived and killed you then. But killing you right off would be too merciful. You had to suffer. You had to watch as I took everything you held dear – your allies, your wealth, your family, even Casterly Rock. Balon Greyjoy served his purpose in keeping your brother occupied."

Realization crept across Tywin's face as he connected the dots. Then his eyes narrowed. "It was you who had Balon's brothers and daughter killed. You set my House up to take the blame for their murders."

"Which led to the Ironborn invading the West," admitted Lucian. "As I've said, Balon served his purpose. And now, only you, your whore of a daughter and your bastard grandson remain."

As Aegon watched from his throne, Sansa seated in the chair next to him, a Black Tiger approached Lucian. In his hands, was a longsword, resting inside its sheath. Lucian accepted it and unsheathed the weapon, giving Tywin a good look at it. Valyrian Steel, Tywin realized, the pommel was that of a lion's head.

"The lost Valyrian sword of House Lannister - Brightroar," Lucian explained. Tywin's eyes widened, then narrowed. "Aegon found it while on an expedition to the ruins of Old Valyria, along with the remains of the King of the Rock." He turned to Loras. "Ser Loras...put steel in Tywin's hand."

Loras unsheathed his sword placed it on the floor. He kicked it across the throne room to Tywin, who stopped it with his foot and picked it up. Tyrell steel was just as strong as Lannister steel, but still compared to nothing against Valyrian Steel.

"This is not a trial by combat, as you are guilty of your crimes, of which there are many," Lucian said. "This is your execution, and the Stranger awaits."

"I will not be the one who dies today," Tywin replied, bringing his sword at the ready. "Your vendetta ends here."

Tywin lunged at Lucian, who deflected the blow.

"You're dead either way," Lucian replied as he counterattacked, forcing Tywin to block the blow.

Joffrey and Cersei were dragged out of the way as the swordfight commenced. Tywin Lannister was known to be skilled with the sword, his skills being on par with Barristan Selmy and his own son. But Lucian Maegyr lived and breathed warfare, as Tywin was soon to find out. Tywin raised his sword to block a vicious overhead strike from the Tiger of Volantis, and found himself being driven towards one of the giant pillars of the Throne Room, complete with flaming brazziers - a decoration which Joffrey had implemented following his ascension to the Iron Throne.

Tywin rallied, fighting back, putting Lucian on the defensive, but Lucian calmly relied on his Volantene fencing against Tywin's Westerosi-style attacks, blocking and deflecting Tywin's strikes.

From his place on the Iron Throne, Aegon watched. He saw that Tywin was skilled with the sword, but even he knew that Lucian was much better. Sansa watched the battle, cold and emotionless. Arya on the other hand, was enjoying the battle to the death, as was Rhaenys and Oberyn.

Tywin saw an opening in Lucian's defenses and tried to take advantage, slashing at Lucian's face. Lucian raised Brightroar and blocked the blow, before backhanding the Lannister head, causing him to stumble and fall, his sword clattering to the ground. Lucian attempted to bisect Tywin in two, but he moved out of the way and quickly retrieved his sword and was back on his feet.

Lucian rapidly closed in the distance between the men. Tywin had hoped to tire the Maegyr warlord out, as he was wearing armor. But that was not the case.

Lucian was like a man possessed. One way or another, Tywin Lannister would pay his debt with his blood. Tywin found himself to be tiring out. And Lucian's attacks increased in intensity.

So much so that the barrage of blows forced Tywin down to one knee.

In a vicious overhead strike, Lucian cleaved Tywin's sword in two when Tywin attempted to block the blow. Tywin knew he was finished. "Stop! STOP! I yield! Mercy!" he shouted, raising his sword hand in surrender, after throwing the destroyed sword to the side.

Lucian was not hearing any of it. His second overhead swing lopped off Tywin's sword hand at the wrist. His screams mingled with those of Cersei's.

"For Talisa and my grandchild," snarled Lucian.

[Shot of Talisa being stabbed to death.]

The slash across the torso nearly disembowled Tywin.

"For Robb Stark," continued Lucian.

[Shot of a crossbow bolt-ridden Robb Stark being stabbed by Roose Bolton.]

Lucian slashed upward, slicing across Tywin's chest.

"For Catelyn Stark," finished Lucian.

[Shot of Catelyn Stark getting her throat slit.]

Lucian took a moment to admire his handiwork. Then he leaned down and whispered into Tywin's ear. To the witnesses watching, whatever he said had all but petrified Tywin, green eyes showing nothing but fear as he managed to sputter out was, "You...you...?!"

"Hold him down," ordered Lucian.

Two of the Black Tigers stepped forward and forced Tywin in a bowing position. Cersei was screaming for Lucian to spare her father, to show mercy. However, there was none to give when vendetta was declared.

Tywin did not have to wait long. Tyrion closed his eyes as Lucian brought Brightroar down.

As Tywin's head rolled to a stop, Oberyn noticed something. "Huh. Would you look at that," he noted.

"What?" asked Loras.

"The japes were false. In the end, Tywin Lannister can't shit gold at all," he said.

Lucian turned to the shell-shocked Joffrey and his sobbing mother, he pointed Brightroar, stained in the blood of Tywin Lannister at the both of them. "The Kingslayer is dead. Tywin Lannister is dead. The Lion's hold on power has been destroyed. Now, the choice is yours. Bend the knee and live. Refuse and you will not live to see the end of this day."

To drive his point across, the Black Tigers and the Tyrell bannermen drew their swords.

Cersei and Joffrey looked at the headless corpse of Tywin Lannister. Then at Lucian Maegyr and the soldiers gathered, live steel drawn, itching to impale and destroy what remained of the Lion.

Almost hesitantly, Cersei went down on her knees. Joffrey – still in pain from the crossbow bolt – followed suit. Lucian retrieved the head of Tywin Lannister and raised it above for all to see. The Tyrells and the Black Tigers erupted into cheers.

The War of the Five Kings was finally over.

The War of the Five Kings had ended in a way that no one saw coming.

House Targaryen – thought to have been destroyed in the Rebellion – had came out as the victor, taking it in the same manner that the Conqueror had done – with fire and blood. Backed by Lucian Maegyr, the North (through marriage and by blood), along with the Martells, the Tyrells, and the Tullys, Aegon Targaryen took the throne as Aegon VI, with Sansa as his queen.

Tywin Lannister was killed in single combat at the hands of Lucian Maegyr, his head placed on a pike and left to rot. Cersei and Joffrey Baratheon was stripped of their position and thrown in the Black Cells.

The remaining Lords of the Main Houses were then summoned to King's Landing to formally recognize Aegon as their King, with Sansa as his Queen. It was there, that the truth surrounding Cersei's children was revealed. Ned Stark was vindicated, his name clear. House Stark was finally redeemed.

More good news came from the North. Bran and Rickon Stark were both found beyond the Wall, but Bran decided to remain with the Reeds in order to finish his training. Rickon returned home. Jon then held a meeting with Mance Ryder and offered him terms: settle along the wall – save for Castle Black – and the North will help defend the Wall against the White Walkers when the time came.

Mace agreed to the terms, but demanded that Jon takes Ygritte as his wife. Jon agreed, knowing that if any harm came to him by Ygritte's hand, then Aegon would show the Wilding chieftain the true meaning of fire and blood.

Aegon's first decree pertained to the ancient tradition of the guest right. With the truth of the Red Wedding now revealed, Aegon decree was that no matter the circumstances, the guest right was to be honored. Should the guest right be violated under any circumstances, then depending on the severity of the crime, the offending party will either be sent to The Wall to take the black, or their line will be extinguised.

"Just ask House Frey as to how that turned out," Aegon had mused.

Second, was the three surviving Baratheon bastards of the Usurper - Mya Stone of the Vale, Edric Storm of House Florent, and Gendry Waters. All three were summoned to King's Landing, where the truth about their parentage was now revealed. Unlike Cersei and Joffrey, Aegon had no plans to execute the three. He instead had them swear fealty to House Targaryen, which they did. But there was one caveat in Gendry's case. Aegon had him betrothed to Arya Stark.

But his pardon was tempered with this decree. Gendry would be legitimatized, but he would not take the surname Baratheon. He would instead take on the surname Stark, and work inside the Red Keep's armory. Gendry grumbled at Aegon's decree, but accepted it, as he found himself with two new siblings out of the deal. He, Mya and Edric promised to keep in touch as they both returned home.

Then there was Stannis Baratheon. Aegon would deal with him following rewarding House Maegyr for their efforts in putting him back on the Iron Throne.

It was the second day of Aegon VI's rule in King's Landing. Any and all remnants of Joffrey's rule and the taint of the Lannisters were effectively erased. The banners of the joint stag-and-lion were gone, replaced by Targaryen black-and-red. Aegon sat on the Iron Throne, clad in all black, the crown on his head. Sansa sat beside her husband, clad in a red dress, red hair done in a traditional Southtron style, a tiara of diamonds and rubies on her head.

With the Lannisters removed from power and Tyrion still under house arrest and Cersei and Joffrey locked in the Black Cells, there was a need for a new Warden of the West and Lord of Casterly Rock.

Aegon knew who to call. Following Tywin's demise, he had taken back Brightroar from Lucian and had it remade. The Black Tigers had skilled smiths, one of which knew how to craft Valyrian Steel.

"Alrik Maegyr, step forward."

Alrik complied. Whispers and mutterings were heard along the nobility as Alrik made his way to the Iron Throne. The day after Joffrey was deposed, Alrik had married Margaery inside the Great Sept. The pair had hit it off when she and the Tyrells visited Volantis, and despite her marriage to Renly and her betrothal to Joffrey, Margaery still carried a torch for the younger of the Maegyr brothers.

They had spent the better part of the previous night in bed, fucking each other to the point of exhaustion. Now, Alrik stood before a man who was like a brother to him, now the most powerful man in all of Westeros. Lucian Maegyr stood in the audience, as did Tarik and his wife, Daenerys.

Alrik wasn't the only one who had gotten 'acquainted' with his wife, as Tarik had done the same with the Mother of Dragons.

"With the downfall of the Lannisters, a new breed of cat is needed to protect the Westernlands," Aegon said.

Aegon snapped his fingers and one of the Kingsguard produced a sword. Valyrian Steel, forged from Brightroar. A new longsword for a new House. Lucian Maegyr watched with pride swelling in his chest, as did Tarik. Aegon commanded Alrik to kneel, and Alrik did as he was told.

"As my namesake had done in the past," continued Aegon, "he presented the Kings of Westeros with a weapon made of Valyrian Steel once they bent the knee and accepted his rule. I am glad to continue that tradition today." He unsheathed the sword. "This sword's name is Tigerclaw, forged from the blade of Brightroar. A new blade for a new line of noblemen."

Aegon stood up from the Iron Throne and stepped down from the dais. He then touched Alrik's shoulders with the flat of the blade. "By the Old Gods and the New, I, Aegon, of Houses Martell and Targaryen, the Sixth of that Name, do name you, Alrik, son of Lucian, of the House of Maegyr, Lord Paramount of the West, Warden of the West and Lord of Casterly Rock."

The other nobles applauded. It was indeed a moment in the history of Westeros. Alrik Maegyr was the first Volantene-born lord in Westeros. Aegon sheathed the sword and handed it to Alrik, who graciously accepted it before returning to his wife's side.

"And now, one final matter," Aegon said as he returned to the throne. "Bring him in."

The doors to the Throne Room were opened and Stannis Baratheon was dragged in, wrists and ankles in chains, followed by Davos Seaworth, also chained.

When it became clear to Stannis that he would never become King of the Seven Kingdoms, he had slain Melissandre, the Red Priestess of R'hillor, in a blind rage, followed by his wife and daughter. The Brotherhood who had arrived on Dragonstone had arrived in the aftermath of the carnage, which had left twelve people dead.

Stannis was immediately detained and was on the next ship on to King's Landing.

That was one day ago.

"Ah, Stannis Baratheon. So nice of you to join us here," Aegon drawled.

Stannis glared back with defiance in his eyes. "Targaryen scum," he spat out.

"No need to be rude," Aegon said. "After all, we are family, as you also have Targaryen blood in your veins. Now, the reason as to why you are here is to answer for the crimes of murder and kinslaying."

Stannis spat on the floor. "I call it claiming my right to rule."

"And that's the problem with you Baratheons. You see this throne of melted swords as your right. The late Tywin Lannister saw it as a prize. I see it as a burden. To the charge of kinslaying, do you not deny having your red woman slay your brother, Renly Baratheon?"

"I don't deny it," Stannis replied.

"And do you not deny murdering said red woman, along with your wife and daughter?"

"I don't deny it," repeated Stannis.

"At least you are honest about it," Aegon said. "Kinslaying is a serious offense, but to murder your own child..." He shook his head. "Disgraceful. Your line will end this day with your death by beheading. As for Storm's End, I will hand it over to House Florent, as I believe they will do a much better job maintaining it than you."

Stannis was silent. He knew that he was damned in the eyes of the people and in the Seven.

"As for you..." Aegon continued, looking at Davos, "despite serving this pretender, I see no fault in you, Ser Davos. You are hereby pardoned. However, my mercy comes with a price. You will serve as Master of Ships for the remainder of your life. Do you agree? If not, then you will die alongside this false King."

Davos looked at Stannis, who glared back. Then he looked at Aegon. "I...accept your mercy, Your Grace," he said.

Aegon nodded. He then turned to Bronn, now recovered and in the service of the Targaryens as the King's Justice. "Ser Bronn. Take Stannis Baratheon out and place his head on a pike."

Bronn nodded. Stannis was hauled out of the Throne Room, the last thing he saw was the throne that he would never sit upon. Davos was released and given quarters within the Red Keep.

Tyrion Lannister had been under house arrest since his nephew had been deposed. The only bright thing about that was that Shae was with him.

They were allowed to move within the Red Keep, but did so with an armed escort. But since then, they had remained inside his chambers.

Until Aegon had summoned him to the Small Council chambers.

Aegon was alone, save for the Kingsguard who stood present. He was seated in a chair, looking over the notes from the past meeting. For the Tyrells' reward in helping secure the city, Aegon had appointed Mace Tyrell Master of Coin. Margaery could not be any more happier, as she was married to Alrik Maegyr.

Tyrion entered the chamber and waddled over to the chair. When he was settled in, Aegon began to speak.

"Do you know what makes a good king, Tyrion?" Aeogn asked. When the Imp shook his head, the Lord of Dragons continued. "Should he be pious, like my ancestor Baelor the Blessed? He built the Great Sept, yet he appointed a six-year old boy to the position of High Septon because he thought the lad could work miracles. Tragically, he fasted himself to death, as he thought food was of this word, ergo sinful was the world. Or should the king be a lover of justice, like Orys I? He was a just King, loved for by his reforms by the smallfolk and the nobility. Yet, he was murdered by his own brother in his sleep a year into his reign. Is that justice, Tyrion? Abandoning his people to an evil not even he could recognize until it was too late?"

"No, Your Grace," the Imp replied.

"Or maybe it is the strength of a King, like the Usurper," continued Aegon. "He won the Rebellion and drove my family from power for a generation. Yet, he attended the meetings of the Small Council three times for the duration of his reign, rather spending the time fucking more whores than my Uncle Oberyn and drinking himself to death."

"So by your word," surmised Tyrion, "we have a pious King, a a King who was killed by his own brother, and a King who thinks that winning and ruling are one in the same."

"How perceptive of you, Tyrion. All three Kings lacked one critical element about them. Do you know what it is?"

Tyrion shook his head.

"The answer is wisdom, Tyrion. That is what makes a good King. That is what makes a good King great. His advisers. My wife is fond of you, Tyrion, which is why you are not sharing the dungeons with your sister and nephew. Your showed her kindness and gave her comfort when her family was shattered. I am not a man who quarrels with Fortune and it's clear she has taken you for a pet. At my wife's request, and with the Gods as my witness, you are spared the Dragon's wrath."

Tyrion breathed a sigh of relief.

"However...the pardon comes with a price. You will not become Lord of Casterly Rock or Warden of the West, as I have given that honor to another." Aegon reached into his pocket and pulled out an item which Tyrion recognized immediately.

The Hand's Pin.

"You will, however, remain in King's Landing to serve as Hand for the remainder of your life. Rebuild House Lannister here in King's Landing, and teach your descendants that those who walk in pride can be humbled," said Aegon. "Your friend Bronn has accepted my pardon and my offer to become the King's Justice. All that is left is you."

He slid the pin across the table, and Tyrion caught it with one hand. Tyrion regarded it for a moment before fastening it onto his chest. It wasn't Lord of Casterly Rock, but for Tyrion, it was enough.

"What about my sister and nephew?" Tyrion asked.

"Oh, I have something special in store for them," Aegon replied. "Something which Sansa has personally requested. And all Lords and the Council must be present for this event."

"Where at?"

"In front of the Great Sept, two hours from now."

The Great Sept of Baelor.

Sansa could not help but to feel a sense of irony as she stood on the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor. The last time she stood here, she was witness to her father's murder. She stood alongside her husband, Aegon, while Arya was on her opposite side, clad in a dress. Normally, Arya hated dressing up, but made an exception in this case.

The Maegyrs were also present, as this was Lucian's final day in Westeros – as was Dany's and Tarik;s – before sailing back to Volantis. The Small Council stood behind the King and his family; Lord Commander Barristan Selmly, Mace Tyrell, the Master of Laws; Davos Seaworth, the Master of Ships; Varys, the Master of Whisperers; Tyrion Lannister, the Hand to the King, with Nymeria Sand as Master of Laws.

Aegon had all the highborn present to bear witness to this event. He wanted to make sure that there was no misunderstanding as to what was to take place. What better way to make an impression aside from the three dragons than to make an example out of the boy king.

Originally, Aegon was going to have both Cersei and Joffrey executed, but after learning of the prophecy in regards to her children from Varys, Sansa suggested a change in the plan, complete with the change in location. Joffrey would die, but Cersei would not, as Sansa had something else planned for her.

Two of the Kingsguard hauled the deposed King and Queen Regent out of their cells. Their clothing was soiled, tattered. But what made Sansa smile inside was that both Cersei and Joffrey had expressions of fear on their faces. The newly-crowned Queen remembered what Lucian had told her, Arya and Jon whilst back in Dorne,

"Joffrey thinks that he is protected because of his mother and grandfather, because he is King. Strip him of his power and prestige, and he will cower, he will beg. Despite being King of Westeros, Joffrey Baratheon is above all else, a coward. And when his time comes for him to answer for his crimes, he will ask for mercy when he himself has granted none to those he tormented."

The gathered smallfolk threw insults at Cersei and her son.

"Kingslayer!"

"Whore!"

"Inbred bastard!"

Once the deposed King and Queen Regent reached the steps of the Great Sept, one raised hand from Aegon brought the crowd to silence. With a glare from Aegon, Cersei began to speak.

"My name is Cersei Lannister, of House Lannister, former Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms." Cersei paused. "I come before all of you, young and old, rich and poor, to confess my crimes."

And they both confessed. Cersei was the first.

"I confess that my three children were bastards born out of incest, with my twin brother, Jamie Lannister, as the father. I betrayed my lord husband when I orchestrated his death in order to keep Lord Stark from revealing my secret. I confess in having Lord Stark dishonored..."

The boos and cries from the crowd intensified, until Aegon called for silence.

Cersei resumed speaking. "I confess in having Lord Stark dishonored in my attempts to keep the truth from coming out. Eddard Stark did not seek the Iron Throne, as we have led all of you to believe. He was a just and honorable man. Hear me when I say that it is not my son, Joffrey, but rather Aegon Targaryen, the Sixth of That Name, is the one true heir to the Iron Throne. By the Old Gods and the New, he is the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

Cersei stepped back. A shove from Jorah forced Joffrey forward. As he had done with his mother, a glare from Aegon forced Joffrey to speak.

"My name is Joffrey Baratheon, Former King of the Seven Kingdoms. Like my mother, I have come to confess my crimes before all of you."

A look from Aegon prodded him forward. "I confess in hiring an assassin to kill Lord Stark's son, Brandon, whilst visiting House Stark in Winterfell. I confess in breaking my promise to Her Grace, the Lady Sansa, Queen of Westeros, in regards to her father, and ordered his execution. I confess to having tormented and abused her mentally and physically during her stay in King's Landing. I even confess in having all of Robert's bastards killed, from the oldest to the youngest in Littlefinger's whorehouses..."

The boos and cries were even louder for Joffrey than it has been for Cersei. Once again, Aegon called for silence.

"I have abused my power as King," concluded Joffrey, "And I have tormented those for my own benefit. My ordering the death of Lord Eddard Stark had initiated a catastrophic war. As my mother have proclaimed, I am not the true King. The true King of Westeros is Aegon Targaryen, Sixth of That Name, the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm."

Aegon nodded, satisfied with the confessions of both Cersei and her bastard son. "It was my intention that once you confessed to your crimes, you would be placed under house arrest at a location of my choosing and your son would take the black and spend the rest of his life on The Wall."

"However..." That one word chilled Cersei and Joffrey to the bone. "Your crimes and those of your bastard son are great, Lannister. Far too great for me to pardon. By your own words, you orchestrated the death of the Usurper and had Ned Stark dishonored and murdered in order to keep your secret. Your son murdered an innocent man and attempted to murder his son. And he ordered the deaths of nearly all of the Usurper's bastard children. But the one thing the Lion had done worst of all was to betray the Dragon."

"No...NO!" Joffrey shouted, panic starting to seep into his soul. "We had a deal! Mother and I confessed our crimes and you would let us go!"

"You had a deal, alright. That deal was made with Lord-General Maegyr in exchange for your lives," replied the King. "Not with me, nor my Queen. You should had taken my offer to abdicate when there was still time. Let this be a lesson to all: treason shall not go unpunished. I take no pleasure in passing sentence, but justice must be done for those who you have wronged. Not only for my House, but for those who had been victimized by your lies and deceit. Joffrey Waters...the sentence is death by beheading."

"NO!" Cersei screamed, horrified.

Aegon turned to Sansa. "As promised. Consider this my wedding gift to you, and in exchange for the North's fealty, I will grant you and your family justice."

Joffrey turned to Sansa. The last time Joffrey showed fear was back on the Kingsroad. He went to his knees, hands clasped as if he was praying. "My lady...Your Grace...please! Convince the King to spare me! For the love of the gods, show mercy! PLEASE!"

Sansa was unmoved.

Now Cersei was on her knees. "Your Grace...please spare my child!" she pleaded. "Like you, I have lost so much! I lost my brother! My father! My entire family is gone!"

"And yet, you gloated over how my father was executed," Sansa replied coldly. "You and your son gloated over how my mother was butchered alongside my brother and sister-in-law. And you have the gall to ask for mercy? I will show your son the same courtesy that you showed to me when I asked for mercy for my father."

In desperation, Cersei turned to Tyrion. "Tyrion...my dear little brother...sweet little brother...please...help me! Help your nephew," she said, trying to make her voice sound sweet. "Convince His Grace for mercy!"

Joffrey followed suit. "Uncle...please! Don't let them kill me! I beg of you, please! Plead for mercy on our behalf!"

Tyrion said nothing. He instead had a look of abject sadness on his face. There was nothing he could do for his nephew. Joffrey had made his own path. This was his fate. He was only thankful that he had showed kindness to the Starks, otherwise he would have been experiencing the same fate.

Sansa turned to the King's Justice. "Ser Bronn," she began, pointing at Joffrey, echoing the same words Joffrey had told to the late Ser Ilyn Payne, "take him to the Lion Gate, and bring me his head." She then glared at Cersei, who began to scream. "Make sure she watches as the last of her line dies."

The Kingsguard grabbed the deposed Queen Regent and her son and hauled them towards the Lion Gate as the gathered crowd erupted into bloodthirsty cheers. Sansa had considered having Joffrey executed on the steps of the Great Sept, just as he had done to her father, but decided against it, as she did not want any problems with the High Septon.

The Lion Gate.

Joffrey was struggling to free himself, as was Cersei, who was still screaming, pleading for the Kingsguard to release her son. But it was no use. Her son's fate was sealed.

Joffrey was forced to kneel in front of the crowd as Cersei was held in place by the Kingsguard, screaming for them to stop. A Stark bannerman approached Bronn, the Valyrian greatsword Ice in his hands. Tarik had kept it in his possession and had returned it to Sansa upon seizing control of King's Landing. Bronn unsheathed it with both hands and turned to face the crying Joffrey. He took notice of the urine stain on his pants and shook his head.

The boy was indeed a coward, hiding behind his mother and grandfather. From what he had heard about Ned Stark, he went to his death with dignity, and beheaded by his own ancestral weapon. The same one he was holding in his hands. Not so with Joffrey, as he was still trying to plead for his life.

The King's Justice took careful aim. He then raised Ice above Joffrey's head and brought it down, Joffrey's screams ending abruptly as he was executed. And as Sansa had done when her father was executed, Cersei fainted.

So ended the life of Joffrey Baratheon, the deposed King of Westeros.

So ended the line of Cersei and Jamie Lannister.

Three days had passed since the execution of Joffrey Waters, formerly Baratheon.

Since then, Cersei had remained inside the highborn dungeon since then, Aegon and Sansa making sure that Cersei was given the room where she could see the heads of Stannis Baratheon, her son and father sitting on pikes, rotting in the open sky. Every time she saw the heads of her son and father, Cersei broke down and wept.

Following the execution, Cersei was carried back to her cell and left there. Three days had passed since she was given food. She suspected that Sansa had a hand in that, sentencing her to a slow, painful death from lack of food.

She would be proven wrong on the third day.

The door to the prison cell opened and Sansa entered the chamber, accompanied by a septa, Sansa looking regal, yet dignified as Queen, while the septa herself was attractive, with blonde hair, blue eyes, pale-skinned, and carried herself with an air of innocence around her. She carried a tray of food with her: bread, cooked meat, some fruit and two cups, one gold - Cersei recognized it as her favorite drinking cup - and the other made of silver.

The septa placed the tray of food on the small table. Then she produced a leather flask from within her robes and filled both cups. She then stepped back just as Sansa took a seat opposite the deposed queen. She retrieved the silver cup and began to drink.

The fact that Cersei had not eaten overrode her abject hatred for the redheaded Queen, Cersei began to eat, attacking the food with a ravenous hunger before drinking half the wine in her cup.

"How the mighty Queen Regent has fallen," Sansa noted. "Just a month ago, you were Regent, and I was the prisoner. You mocked my family, mocked how my father died. You mocked how my brother and mother were betrayed and slain by the Freys. Now look at you. The roles are now reversed. You are the prisoner...and I am Queen."

Sansa paused to finish off her cup of wine, at that which the septa produced her flask and refilled the cup. Cersei, in the meantime continued to glare at her successor while continuing to eat.

"The Gods are just. They have seen my distress and delivered me from the jaws of the Lion. They have brought back my family and judged you for the crimes you have wrought."

"And into the arms of the Dragon," sniped Cersei. "So tell me, how do you enjoy being the Dragon's whore?"

Sansa's reaction surprised even the septa present. Cersei's head rocked to the side, an angry red handprint on her cheek from where Sansa had slapped her.

"Don't take my kindness for weakness, Cersei," replied Sansa. "The fact that you are alive this very moment is because of my grace. Please don't make me reconsider my previous line of thought."

As Cersei continued to consume the food, Sansa continued to sip at her cup of wine, calming down as she done so. "As of this moment, Alrik Maegyr has taken over as Warden of the West and Lord of Casterly Rock – a reward for his efforts in overthrowing you and placing the Targaryens back on the throne, while your brother is now Hand to the King."

Cersei just glared at the younger woman and downed half of the wine.

"I've heard something very interesting about you, which explains why you have treated me with such contempt. 'Queen you shall be, until comes another, younger, more beautiful, to cast you down and take all that you hold dear.'"

Cersei stopped eating and downed what remained of her wine. The septa filled the cup back to full.

"'The King whom you shall marry will have sixteen children, while you have three,'" continued the Queen. "'Gold shall be both their crowns and their shrouds. And when your tears have drowned you, the valonqar shall wrap his hands about your pale white throat ahd choke the life out of you.'" She smiled a cold smile. "When I asked Aegon what 'valonquar' meant, he said that it's Valyrian for 'younger brother.' You were the eldest of three children. It also explains why you treated Tyrion with such ill will."

"You think that you can get the Imp to kill me?" Cersei sneered as she took another swig of her wine. Then she let out a cough. "You are sadly mistaken."

"On the contrary," Sansa replied, her tone casual as if she was discussing the weather, "Tyrion killed you five minutes ago."

Cersei coughed again. She took another pull of the wine in an attempt to clear her throat. And failed as her coughs intensified. One hand went to her throat in an attempt to clear it, but failed.

Cersei looked at Sansa, who calmly took another drink of her own wine after the septa refilled her cup. "You...you...?!" Cersei managed to gasp out.

"Like the wine?" Sansa asked, as she finished off her cup. "Vintage Arbor Red. Your brother chose it. The wine is not poisoned. Your cup is, as he was the one who poisoned it." She turned to the septa. "So what kind of poison is this, Tyene?"

"It's known as Strangler, Your Grace," the septa, now identified as Tyene Sand, replied in a cool tone as Cersei's coughing got more violent. "The poison of choice for the Faceless Men. Very rare, but effective. I prefer the Tears of Lys myself."

Cersei knocked the small table to the ground – but not before Sansa snatched an apple from the tray – as she staggered to her feet, gasping for breath. She managed several steps before falling to the ground, spitting up vomit mixed with blood. All the while, the bastard daughter of Oberyn Martell explained the origins and the effects of the poison to Sansa as Cersei gasped for breath, her body racked with violent convulsions as she fought for breath.

"From what Father told me, the poison is made from plants only found on islands in the Jade Sea," Tyene continued, her forte on poisons coming to the forefront. "The leaves are picked, aged, then soaked in a mixture of limes, sugar water and spices from the Summer Islands. The leaves are discarded, but the liquid is kept and stored, and thickened with ash, resulting in its signature purple color."

Tyene walked over to the choking Cersei and turned her over. Had it been the Sansa Stark of old, she would have turned away. But her time in King's Landing had somewhat desensitized her to violence, thanks to the Lannisters. Cersei's hands were at her throat, clawing, trying to draw breath. Her skin was staring to grow even more pale as her mouth and jaw was covered in vomit, her body twitching and shaking violently as she continued to choke, the skin turning purple, her attempts to draw breath becoming more futile. Blood was beginning to pool in her eyes, her vision turning red, while a thin stream of the crimson liquid seeping from her nose, mingling with the vomit.

"As you have seen, Your Grace," Tyene continued while Sansa at her apple, "the victim begins to cough, then as the poison takes effect, it cuts off the breath of the victim, while causing them to choke on their vomit. The blood seeping from whatever orifices as well as the pores is a nice touch. All in all, a very painful way to die."

"That's the thing with prophecies. It can mean one thing or another," Sansa said. "Either way, you cannot escape your fate. Poisoned by your younger brother's hand. A fitting end for you," Sansa replied. "The Lannisters are not the only ones who pays their debts. Remember that as you try and breathe your last."

Tyene and Sansa looked at Cersei in her final moments. One hand was clawing at her neck, while the other was outstretched, in an attempt to reach out for the Queen and the bastard daughter of Oberyn Martell. Teeth clenched, eyes bugging out of her skull, Cersei's attempts ceased, her hand falling to the floor, the death rattle escaping from her lips.

Cersei Lannister was dead.

When Sansa heard about the prophecy from Varys, she decided on a course of action which would lead to the death of her predecessor. Cersei would go to her death thinking that the prophecy was fulfilled. It was true that Tyrion did choose the wine for what would be Cersei's last meal, but it was Sansa who had enlisted Tyene, due to her expertise in poisons, for the task. Sansa had Tyene poison Cersei's drinking cup while leaving hers unmolested.

Sansa had taken to heart her 'lessons' in psychological warfare, having been 'taught' by both Cersei and Joffrey. She knew that Cersei would be expecting her death, hence the two drinking cups. As Sansa sipped at her wine, it had put Cersei at ease somewhat, thus sealing her fate.

Several members of the Kingsguard entered the chamber, followed by Aegon himself. He took one look at the deposed queen and knew that she was dead. The poison had done its work. The last threat had been eliminated. Tyrion was now the Last Lannister.

Sansa looked at her husband and simply nodded her head. It was done. She walked past him without saying a word, Tyene following her.

Cersei's death would be written off as a suicide, the deposed Queen being overcome with grief over the loss of her family. Her body would be taken out to sea, weighed down, and thrown in. A final indignity.

Lucian Maegyr would stay in Westeros for three more days before setting sail back to Volantis. His mission was over, the vendetta complete. House Targaryen was back on the Iron Throne and House Lannister was destroyed, with Tyrion Lannister the sole survivor.

When the Maegyr declared Vendetta, no one from the offending family was left alive. But Tyrion was alive only because Sansa had wished it so, thus showing that justice (and vengeance) can be tempered with mercy. Daenerys and Tarik had already left for home on the backs of Rhaegal and Viserion, more than likely to break in their new bed in their chambers.

Alrik Maegyr would remain behind to rebuild the war-torn Westernlands, and to take up residence in Casterly Rock, with Margaery Maegyr – formerly Tyrell – by his side. The Lannisters were now cursed in the West, and the people welcomed the rule of the Maegyr, once their crimes became known.

House Frey and House Bolton was exterminated, and Aegon's half-brother was in control of the North. Tywin Lannister and his two elder children and nearly all of his relatives were dead. For all intents and purposes, Lucian Maegyr's vendetta was over.

Now, he looked forward to returning home.

Epilogue

Maegyr Manse, Volantis - several months later.

Lucian Maegyr nocked an arrow into his bow. Taking aim at the target, he loosed the arrow. As always, his aim was true, and he had hit dead center.

Following his return to Volantis with his Black Tigers, he had announced his retirement as Lord-General, thus ending his illustrious career as Commander of the Black Tigers, but will remain Lord of House Maegyr until Dany gave birth to her and Tarik's child. Then he would step down as Lord of the House of Maegyr, as per the tradition set by his ancestors.

The arrow had struck the target's center. A good shot.

For the first time in many years, Lucian had found peace. Peace he had not felt in a long time. There was a reason for that, and it involved the Lannisters, long before the Red Wedding had ever taken place.

Unknown to anyone in Westeros, his two interrogators, Tarbeck and Reyne, were not the only refugees following Tywin's purge of Castamere. There was a third, a woman, from the House of Reyne.

He had named Talisa in honor of her. His mother, Talia Reyne, the Lioness of Castamere, and younger sister of Tyran Reyne, the Red Lion of Castamere, Lord of House Reyne.

She was seventeen when she decided to leave Westeros, following a falling out with her father, when Tywin had chosen to marry Joanna instead of her. She found herself in Volantis, where she caught the eye of Malaquo Maegyr, his father. They married and the Lioness of Castamere became the Tigress of Volantis.

Aside from two girls, Lucian himself was the third child from the union.

It was in the aftermath of him destroying Yunkai, did Talia found out about the destruction of Houses Tarbeck and Reyne, and of her brother's death at the hands of Tywin Lannister himself. The Black Tigers were not strong enough to take on Tywin himself, much less all of Westeros, as Tywin had been friends with Aerys Targaryen at the time. So after explaining everything to Lucian, she made him swear a blood oath, promising that he would put House Lannister to the sword.

It was also Talia who coined the phrase, 'A Lannister always pays their debts, but the House of Maegyr invented vendetta.'

For over four decades, as he built up the strength of the Black Tigers as well as his reputation, Lucian had all but forgotten the promise. Then his daughter had ran off to Westeros and following a series of events, came the Red Wedding, with Tywin Lannister as the culprit.

Tywin was not the only one who could plan for the long term. The fact that Aegon sat on the Iron Throne and Alrik was now Warden of the West and Lord of Casterly Rock was a nice bonus. No one knew of Lucian Maegyr's connection to Tarbeck and Reyne. Not even his chief interrogators, of which were distant relatives. It would be a secret that would not be revealed to Tarik or Dany until he was to be called to his forefathers.

Until then, he would enjoy his much-deserved retirement. The Black Tigers would thrive under Tarik, while Volantis would thrive with Dany as one of its triarchs. And Alrik Maegyr would thrive as Lord of Casterly Rock.

As Lucian continued his target practice, his mind went back to that day inside the Red Keep's Throne Room, where he revealed his lineage to Tywin himself.

[Flashback]

The Red Keep, King's Landing

In a vicious overhead strike, Lucian cleaved Tywin's sword in two. Tywin knew he was finished. "Stop! STOP! I yield! Mercy!" he shouted, raising his sword hand in surrender.

Lucian was not hearing any of it. His second overhead swing lopped off Tywin's sword hand at the wrist. His screams mingled with those of Cersei's.

"For Talisa and my grandchild," snarled Lucian.

The slash across the torso nearly disemboweled Tywin.

"For Robb Stark," continued Lucian.

Lucian slashed upward, slicing across Tywin's chest.

"For Catelyn Stark," finished Lucian.

Lucian took a moment to admire his handiwork. Then he leaned down and whispered into Tywin's ear.

"For my Uncle, Tyran Reyne, and for House Reyne of Castamere."

Tywin looked at Lucian, shock and dread creeping over his face. he had thought that he had exterminated Tarbeck and Reyne's bloodlines. But alas, he had forgotten that the Red Lion's sister was absent during the uprising. And now, after nearly five decades, he was going to meet his end at a lion-turned-tiger.

"You...you?!" was all that Tywin managed to get out.

[End Flashback]

Smiling to himself that he had kept his promise to avenge his mother's house, Lucian picked up another arrow and took aim. All the while whistling to himself 'The Rains of Castamere,' only singing the final verses at the end.

But now the rains weep o'er his Hall, with not a soul to hear

Yes, now the rains weep o'er his Hall, with not a soul to hear

Lucian loosed the arrow. Dead center yet again.

End.

Snafu's Notes: And thus, ends Vendetta. So many rewrites and revisions of this chapter. I think I went through five before settling on this one. With this done, I'm going to finish up The Direwolf's Fury and go back to Hokuto Kombat and A Change In Pace.

This is Snafu the Great, signing off.