18 Chapter 17 - The Stag Falls

~ A week later ~

So, the fateful day had finally arrived. Orys had been preparing for this ever since he was an infant suckling at the Queen's full breasts. He had already been informed by his spies about the conversation regarding the birth of the Royal children and how he suspected that they were Jaime's and Cersei had agreed.

Eddard Stark was a good man, but he was a Northerner who had never set foot in the world of politics. He gave her the choice to flee with her children, without even realizing that the entire city was run by Lannister men and that he did not even have a handful of supporters.

Stannis would not help him as he was grateful to Orys for giving him his birthright. Varys did not have any forces that could aid him. Baelish was not trustworthy but Ned still foolishly believed him to be. Even Lord Royce and Lord Tarly would not help him since Orys clearly had Baratheon coloring.

Also, Orys had been informed by his spies in Renly's camp that the Reach Lords and a few Lords of the Stormlands had sent men to aid Renly in his futile efforts. He could now boast an army of nearly 80 to 90 thousand men and could feed them as well. Lord Tarly had also been ordered by Mace Tyrell to bring his men to the Fat Flower's aid, but Lord Tarly had not even replied to it.

Orys had also given the Royal Guard as well as the men under his uncle Stannis the order to mobilize and be ready for a war anytime. That would get him an army of nearly 40 thousand men. He also had a way to even the field but he had kept it hidden for now.

He knew Renly would soon declare himself king, especially since Robert was going to die today. He could see Lancel Lannister trying to get him drunk as they were on the hunt. The man was already tipsy and, in this state, even a green boy could seriously injure him. Orys and his men were also close by as the King went forward. He had a spear in his hand and was trying to stay focused.

Suddenly, a huge boar came forward and tried to skewer him. If Robert hadn't been drunk then he could have easily dodged it, but he wasn't and so the sharp tusks of the boar went straight through his stomach. But Robert was a stubborn bastard and succeeded in pushing the spear through the head of the mammal.

The King's Guard and Orys rushed forward as they helped the king and quickly brought him in to the chariot. He needed to be treated immediately.

~ A few hours later ~

"I know I don't have much time left. The smell of death is evident around me. But I don't care. I lived a good life and I know that the Kingdom would be much safer and better in your hands, my son. I just wish I could see you be a great king, but I have seen you be one these past few years anyway, so I don't regret it that much," Robert groaned as he lay bandaged on his bed, with Orys by his side as he spoke to his son.

The maester, Stannis, Ned Stark, Ser Barristan, his siblings and the Queen were some more of the people who were present as well.

"Take care of the realm and your family," Robert said as he scrunched up his face in pain again. Tommen and Myrcella were crying and Cersei was holding them. Even Stannis was getting emotional but he was doing a great job of holding it in.

"Everyone out. I need to speak to Ned, Stannis and Selmy alone," Robert barked out, as the people except the ones mentioned moved out, but not before Tommen and Myrcella gave him a hug.

As the three people stayed behind the room, the air turned thick as the silence reigned over them. Everyone was quite for a few moments before Robert started speaking, "My son will be a great king. Better than any before him. But he needs you all to guide him. He has been bearing the responsibility of the realm for a few years now and never got to enjoy himself. I just want you three to keep him safe and guide him. Ned, go get a parchment. This shall be my last order as king," Robert spoke up as Ned got up to do exactly as he was ordered to.

"Write this down Ned. I, Robert Baratheon, first of his name, King of the Andals, The Rhoyner, and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, hereby give my position to my son and heir, Orys Baratheon, the First of his name, and hope that he leads the realm better than I ever did," Robert spoke up, before he began closing his eyes.

Stannis and Barristan heard what the King said exactly the way he said it, but Ned Stark heard it differently. Orys had used a disillusionment charm on himself and played a bit with Ned Stark's mind, leading him to add 'when he comes of age, till then Eddard Stark shall serve as his regent' to the decree as well.

This would get the man in trouble and get Orys the results he desired.

~ An hour later ~

Eddard Stark, Stannis Baratheon and Barristan Selmy walked into the Throne Room of the Red Keep where many Lords of from the Crownlands as well as the ones who were present in King's Landing had gathered. The Queen was sitting in here usual seat with her children by her side, while the Crown Prince stood in the middle of the Throne Room.

"What is going on nephew?" Stannis said as he walked forward towards his nephew. He had never seen his nephew this distressed before, and he did not want to know what could get him to feel that disturbed.

"Varys has betrayed us, uncle. He killed Pycelle and stole some journals from his chambers that contained a lot of valuable information. He has fled to Essos and has meant to declare for the Targaryens," Orys stated, his voice full of anger as many Lords gasped.

Even Stannis was shocked. After all, Varys always said that he served the realm. Orys is exactly what the realm needed. Not the dragons.

"We will have to speed up my coronation. If the realm is to descend into war once again, then they will need a king. I shall be coronated tomorrow and I would like you to place the crown on my head," Orys stated with a smile to Stannis, who could only feel pride and firmly nodded.

They were interrupted though by a cough and turned to see, Eddard Stark clutching the decree Robert had organized. "My prince, these are the last orders of your father. I believe you should read them," the Quiet Wolf said as he handed the decree to Orys.

Orys took the decree I his hands before breaking the seal and reading it out loud, "I, Robert Baratheon, first of his name, King of the Andals, The Rhoyner, and the First Men, Protector of the Realm, hereby give my position to my son and heir, Orys Baratheon, the First of his name, and hope that he leads the realm better than I ever did. He shall take up the position when he turns of age and until then, I appoint Eddard Stark as his regent. May he serve the realm well," Orys read out loud, before he quickly turned around when he heard swords being drawn as he saw Ser Barristan and Stannis holding their swords against Ned Stark's throat.

"What treachery is this, Stark? I was there in that room. When did my brother name you Orys' regent?!" Stannis asked as he grit his teeth, not noticing the surprised look on the Northern Lord's face.

Ah, poor Ned. When you play the game of thrones, you either win or you die, there is no middle ground.