Chapter 3

Robert was riding through the streets of King's Landing, towards the Red Keep. The streets had been cleared for him, there were soldiers everywhere. The people of King's Landing had also gathered to see their new king. Some of them cheered, but not all of them. They didn't know was he the conqueror or the savior of the city.

Not to mention many of them had suffered in the hands of the Lannister soldiers. There was a lot of rebuilding needed in the city. All of this belonged to him now. He was going to be the king. This should have been the most glorious day of his life, but it wasn't. He would have given all of this away in a heartbeat, if only he could have his darling Lyanna back. She should have been here with him, riding by his side.

She should share all of this with him as his queen. Instead she was in a cold grave. All because of Rhaegar Targaryen. The miserable cowardly prince who had savagely taken sweet innocent Lyanna. Just the thought of that beast touching her made Robert beyond apoplectic. Death had been too kind punishment for the coward; he would have deserved endless torture.

"She would have been happy here," Robert murmured.

"Aye," Ned replied quietly. He didn't need to ask who Robert meant.

"I would have given her everything."

"I know."

Robert looked at his oldest and the most loyal friend who was riding next to him.

"I'm glad you're here, Ned. Even if our houses won't be united the way they were meant to be, you're still my brother, nothing will ever change that."

"Thank you, Robert." Ned paused and smiled. "Or should I call you Your Grace already?"

"No," Robert huffed. "You can always call me Robert."

They arrived at the Red Keep and were greeted by Jon Arryn and few other men. The first one who approached Robert and Ned was an old man who had a long beard.

"Your Grace," he greeted Robert and bowed. "Welcome. I am the Grand Maester Pycelle, at your service."

Robert dismounted and glanced at the old man.

"Grand Maester," he stated and gave the man a brief nod. He certainly wasn't the first person Robert wanted to talk to, he was eager to hear what Jon Arryn had to say.

"Lord Arryn."

His mentor walked over to him and bowed.

"Your Grace."

Robert smiled.

"Come, let us talk." He paused and glanced at his friend who had also dismounted. "Ned, join us."

"Tell me everything," Robert said as soon as they had entered the castle. He was too distracted to even pay attention to his sumptuous surroundings or few guards who followed them.

"Tywin Lannister's army conquered the city very quickly, but they also caused a lot of damage," Lord Arryn replied. "There were few fires and many houses were destroyed. The soldiers also looted a lot, many people lost all their possession and livelihood. I suggest you start rebuilding as soon as possible and arrange food for the people who need it. I believe we can avoid possible riots, if you act quickly."

"Yes…" Robert murmured. "I trust you can take care of that?"

"Certainly, if you want me to."

"I do. As I told you before, I want you to be Hand of the King, if you agree. There is no one I trust more."

Lord Arryn smiled.

"That would be my honor."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Robert marched determinedly towards the Great Hall while Lord Arryn told him about other matters that required his attention. First things first. He stopped in front of the large doors and gestured two of his guards to open them. They did and bowed as Robert entered the Great Hall. The first thing he saw was the Iron Throne. The throne that had been forged from the 1000 swords that had been surrendered to Aegon the Conqueror.

It truly was magnificent. Slowly Robert made his way towards it, admiring every little detail. As he sat on it, he felt bitterness. This truly should have been the most glorious day of his life. It wasn't. None of this really meant anything without Lyanna.

"Your Grace," Lord Arryn said and bowed as he entered the Great Hall with Ned who also bowed.

"There is something else that also requires your attention."

"What is that?" Robert asked.

Lord Arryn hesitated for a brief moment before replying.

"Princess Elia and her children."

Robert froze; he had forgotten the coward prince's wife and brats.

"They are here?" he stated, keeping his voice free from emotion.

"Yes," Lord Arryn replied.

Robert's first thought was very clear; he wanted the woman and the brats dead. He wanted to wipe out everything about the coward prince. He wanted to make sure that no one would remember Rhaegar Targaryen's name. His bloodline would die with him.

"Robert," Lord Arryn said. "Dorne could be a great ally. Or a great enemy."

"I want them dead," Robert hissed. "All of them."

"Robert," Ned said firmly. "We are talking about a woman and two small children."

"I don't care."

Ned approached the throne and crossed his arms.

"I don't believe that. The Robert I know…"

"I'm not that man anymore!" Robert snapped. "That man died with Lyanna."

Ned's eyes softened, but he didn't give up.

"I loved my sister dearly and I know you did too. I'm asking you now to think about her. Would she want you to kill innocent children?"

Robert pressed his lips together and clenched his fists.

"Those 'innocent children' are Targaryens. I can't let them live."

"There are other ways to make sure that they won't be a threat," Lord Arryn stated.

"No…"

"Would you at least meet the Princess?"

Robert frowned.

"You have spoken with her?"

Lord Arryn nodded.

"Yes, I have."

Robert considered the situation for a moment. He didn't want to admit it, but some part of him was curious to meet this woman. Not that meeting her would change anything; he simply wanted to see what kind of woman had willingly let the coward prince fuck her. A malevolent thought crossed his mind. Her husband hadn't suffered nearly enough, but she and the brats were right here at his mercy.

"Alright," Robert finally stated. "I'll meet her. But first I need a bath and a decent meal. I have a feeling that this will be a very long day."