Cersei tried to maintain her composure, but her heart was already roiling with panic.
Her eyes flickered as her mind raced for a countermeasure. She had planned to wait until her father, Tywin, arrived in King's Landing before making any bold moves. But now, it was too late.
She realized she could no longer afford to be passive. Ned Stark's kindness wouldn't last forever, and she refused to let her fate be determined by anyone else.
Clenching her jaw, her resolve hardened.
She would act first—and eliminate the threat—before Ned could move.
Cersei lifted her chin and said coldly,"Lord Stark, I appreciate your... concern. But I will not leave King's Landing. I will protect my children and everything that is mine."Without waiting for a response, she turned and strode away, leaving Ned standing alone in the courtyard.
Ned watched her go, a heavy sense of disappointment settling in his chest. He had truly believed that, for the sake of her children, Cersei would choose peace and flee.
But she was more proud—and dangerous—than he had anticipated.
His voice rang out behind her, deep and resolute:"Your Grace, I will give you one last chance. Before nightfall, leave with your children. If you do not, I will tell Robert the truth."
The words echoed through the stone courtyard, but Cersei didn't look back.
Ned's expression darkened as he turned away and began walking briskly toward the Tower of the Hand.
Cersei, meanwhile, did not go to the dining hall. She strode deeper into the Red Keep, every step driven by urgency.
Robert must die tonight. There was no other way.
She found Lancel Lannister polishing the king's armor.
Without preamble, she drew close and hissed,"The situation has changed. You must poison Robert before tonight."
Lancel's eyes widened, his hands trembling.
"I... I haven't decided. This—this is treason. It's too dangerous—"
Cersei grabbed his collar, her eyes like daggers."You have no choice. If Robert lives, we all die. Do you think Ned Stark will show mercy?"She leaned in closer, her voice a venomous whisper."If you hesitate, I'll claim Joffrey is your bastard."
Lancel went pale. Sweat beaded on his brow as he nodded slowly, hopelessly trapped.
Cersei released him with a grim smile.
"Make sure it's done. Robert must not see the sunrise."She turned and walked away, leaving Lancel in stunned silence.
Cersei quickly sought out Jaime. Her expression was wild, her pace urgent. When she found him, she didn't hesitate.
"We can't wait any longer. We must act now."
Jaime blinked in confusion."Cersei? What happened?"
"Ned Stark knows everything. About Joffrey. About Jon Arryn. He's given me until tonight to leave King's Landing, or he'll tell Robert. I've already ordered Lancel to poison him."
Jaime's face tightened."Cersei, this is too sudden. We're not prepared. Stannis is still here, and Father's army hasn't arrived—"
Cersei exploded,"There is no time, Jaime! Do you understand? No retreat, no delay! Gods, sometimes I wonder why the Seven even made you a man. You're only useful when you're in my bed!"
The outburst shocked Jaime into silence. But strangely, Cersei seemed calmer afterward—like a storm that had finally broken.
When she spoke again, her voice was low and cold."This is our fate, Jaime. And for the sake of our children, we must see it through."
Jaime inhaled slowly, clearly in pain. Then, nodding, he replied,"I won't let anything happen to you or the children. Watch Lancel closely. I'll find Littlefinger and set the plan in motion. We act the moment Robert is dead."
His armor clinked as he turned and left. Cersei stood alone a moment longer, then slipped into the shadows.
Meanwhile, Ned returned to the Tower of the Hand. A shadow loomed over his heart.
He found Sansa and Arya waiting. Their eyes went to him instantly—Sansa with worry, Arya with suspicion.
"Sansa. Arya. You must leave King's Landing immediately."
Sansa's eyes widened."Father, why? What's happening?"
Arya frowned."I'm not going. My sword lessons aren't finished."
Ned knelt before them and took a steadying breath."I can't explain yet. Just know that this city is no longer safe. You must return to Winterfell."
"But Father—" Sansa began.
He cut her off, his voice heavy with sorrow."No buts. I've made arrangements. You leave before nightfall."
They fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.
Ned looked at them both, his daughters—so different, yet equally dear—and made a silent vow:
He would do whatever it took to get them home.
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