Winterfell.
Multiple gasps echoed throughout the hall. Everyone turned their attention to the Stark heir. He simply watched his future with wide eyes.
"I, I will be king?" He struggled to get the words out.
Ned Stark was no less shocked. And not even that his son would one day rebel against the crown and declare himself king, but that Stannis, Renly, and that damned Greyjoy would all declare themselves kings. He couldn't believe it. Stannis—a man known for his iron loyalty—would rebel against his nephew, just like Renly, and Balon, too.
But why?! What had to happen?! Why did they all rebel against the crown?! And where the hell is he? Why did they single out his son? Was something really going to happen to him? And to the Roberts too, since they singled out his son. And why the Lannister name, and not Baratheon?
So many questions and no answers.
<
The Iron Islands.
Balon clenched his fists. Everyone was surprised, including him.
So he would betray the crown and wage war against the remaining claimants. This was incredible news. And now that all of Westeros knew about it, he had to be ready. He had to use this to his advantage. And he would.
Casterly Rock.
Tywin jumped out of his chair, overcome with emotion.
<
"Kevan, come here! Now!" the terrified soldier ran out of the office.
<
Highgarden.
Olenna was shocked by the news, though she didn't show it, unlike the others. The contenders were unexpected. What can I say, she hadn't even considered them! Who in their right mind would say that honor-obsessed Stannis would rebel against the rightful heir? And Stark? Why was his son put forward as one of the important figures? Every one of them was loyal to Robert. And where is he? Could something have happened to him, like Ned Stark?
But what's worse is their joint rebellion on Renly's side! How did he even get there? Of all the brothers, he's the last to claim the throne. What happened to cause such an event? And now she has to decide what to do next.
Riverlands.
"By the Seven," Edmure clutched his head at the news.
Brynden understood his nephew perfectly. Who would have thought that Cat's son would become King in the North! And the Riverlands would support him, too. And what if Stannis and Renly betrayed their nephew? And that the Greyjoy bastard declared himself king again and began plundering? No one!
"I sense there'll be a real commotion everywhere," his nephew looked at him.
"And what do you propose? Whose side should we take? The family or the crown?"
"There will be many questions for the North, as well as for the rest. But right now, the most noise will be in King's Landing because of the Baratheon brothers' rebellion. While we still have time, we need to call the banners and discuss what's happening. Worst-case scenario, prepare for war.
King's Landing.
Stannis rose from his seat, drawing attention to himself.
He knew it was time to end everything. Now he was confident in his actions. Since he had rebelled against Joffrey, his worst fears had been confirmed. His brother had certainly been killed by the Lannisters, and apparently Jon Arryn, too. But now he had to nip the entire conspiracy in the bud. No one would stand against Robert. Cersei didn't stand a chance. And then he'd have to deal with the Northern problem, considering they had rebelled and refused to support him, just like Renly.
But that could wait.
He met Jon Arryn's gaze and nodded. It was time.
"I think there's no point in delaying this any longer." Some of the guardsmen grabbed their swords.
"What does this mean, Stannis?!" Robert was shocked by his brother's actions. He would never have thought his younger brother would rise up against his nephew. He didn't believe it.
"Calm down, Robert. I'll explain everything. You can have no doubt of my loyalty to you and your power. And what this mirror showed only confirmed my thoughts." He turned his menacing gaze to Renly, who had paled slightly. "Although much of it was news to me."
He collected his thoughts and prepared for the worst.
"I want to charge Cersei Lannister, as well as her blood brother, Jaime Lannister, with high treason." The Kingslayer gripped his sword as tightly as he could. Cersei turned pale, but tried to compose herself. Joffrey was completely confused, as was Tyrion.
"What?! Have you lost your mind?!" Robert was completely confused.
"No, Robert, let me explain. They committed high treason against you. I discovered it and, along with Jon Arryn, I sought evidence against them. And as you see, I will now provide it. And the crime is that the children of Tywin Lannister committed the grave sin of incest."
"A lie!" Cersei screamed, startling almost everyone. "A filthy lie from a traitor!" Having seen your future, you decided to declare us traitors to save your own skin!
"Lies? You're the one talking about lies, you filthy creature. Don't you know my loyalty to the royal family? Though what else would you expect from a family like the Lannisters?" He looked at the embittered Jaime, then at his men. "Seize the queen and her brother, as well as Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcela Waters, and take them into custody." Everyone looked at Stannis, stunned, as his men headed toward the Lannisters.
"Stop!" the king's menace halted Stannis's men. "In the name of the Seven, Stannis! What does this mean?! You dare take my wife and my children into custody?! In my presence?!"
Stannis only looked at Arryn, then at his brother.
"They are not your children, Robert," Jon carefully chose his words. "Stannis is right." He and I conducted an investigation, which led us to discover that your heirs are the children of Jaime and Cersei.
Robert seemed to have lost it. He was trying to comprehend what was happening. Everyone present was no better. Except for a few.
Stannis's men again headed toward the deathly pale Cersei and the terrified Joffrey. The situation seemed as if it couldn't get any worse, but Jaime took a step forward.
And then the carnage began.
It was this war that had the greatest impact on the world. Its actions had profound consequences for Westeros. And now, as I write this diary, I bitterly recall what I lost in it, even though I played no part in it. And I think about it constantly. If I hadn't left then, maybe things would have turned out differently? Or worse? Who knows. But one thing is certain. I shouldn't have left him alone. He needed me, but he left, abandoning me, not considering how hard it was for him. It's my fault, and I have blamed myself and will continue to blame myself. And not only for that.
What would you do in my place, father? Hm. A stupid question. I often ask myself this, even though I know you probably wouldn't answer.
Sometimes I miss you so much. And the others, too. How I wish I could be home again, waking up from this nightmare. To relive those happy times. To see you and the others. But that's impossible. I'm left alone. And none of you are around anymore. And I really hope that you're all in a better world now. Watching and waiting for me.
A single tear is shown dripping onto the page, and then a hand wipes a face.
Many found this sad. There was so much pain and despair in those words. People who understood this most clearly were those who had lost loved ones before their time and still missed them.
Yeah, right. I found time to cry. I thought I'd forgotten how to do that, but apparently not. Anyway, there's no time to relax now. These diaries are just being written anyway. It always makes me feel better. In any case, I risk not returning from this battle, which will begin very soon, so I'll hurry and outline what I believe will be the last war before this one.
This was another shock for the people of Westeros. They were facing not one, but THREE future wars.