[King's Landing - Red Keep]

Ned Stark was walking in the halls with two of his guards.

"Where is Ser Kormed?"

"I believe he went to the Steelkeep, Lord Stark, to see his nephew." One of the guards replied.

"That's strange. He was supposed to report to me earlier."

"Lord Stark, a moment? Alone, if you will." Renly said, entering.

There was a pause between the two as Ned regarded Renly. He then nodded to his guards, who walked off.

"He named you Protector of the Realm."

"He did."

"She won't care. Give me an hour and I can put a hundred swords at your command." Renly spoke of his good sister with obvious contempt.

"And what should I do with a hundred swords?"

"Strike! Tonight while the castle sleeps. We must get Joffrey away from his mother and into our custody. Protector of the Realm or no, he who holds the King holds the Kingdom. Every moment you delay gives Cersei another moment to prepare. By the time Robert dies, it will be too late for the both of us."

"What about Stannis?"

"Saving the Seven Kingdoms from Cersei and delivering them to Stannis? You have odd notions about protecting the realm."

"Stannis is your older brother." Ned told him, looking frustrated.

"This isn't about the bloody line of succession! That didn't matter when you rebelled against the Mad King; it shouldn't matter now."

Ned slowly began realizing what Renly was getting at.

"What's best for the Kingdoms? What's best for the people we rule? We all know what Stannis is. He inspires no love or loyalty. He's not a King. I am."

Ned looked surprised while Renly stared at him expectantly.

"Stannis is a commander." Ned was now losing his patience.

Renly looked frustrated that Ned wasn't listening to what he believed was reason.

"He's led men into war twice. He destroyed the Greyjoy fleet."

"Yes, he's a good soldier; everyone knows that. So was Robert. Tell me something: Do you still believe good soldiers make good kings?"

Ned was at a loss for words. Renly regarded him shrewdly as he thought for a moment.

"I will not dishonor Robert's last hours by shedding blood in his halls and dragging frightened children from their beds."

With that, Ned walked off, leaving behind an agitated Renly.

[Hand of The King's Chambers]

Ned was now in his office, writing a letter to Stannis Baratheon. Tomard stood in front of him awaiting his orders.

"You will sail to Dragonstone tonight. You will place this in the hand of Stannis Baratheon. Not his steward, not his Captain of the Guard, and not his wife. Only Stannis himself." He handed the finished letter to Tomard.

"Yes, My Lord."

Littlefinger entered the room.

"Now leave us."

Tomard bowed and left, closing the door behind him.

"My Lord protector." Littlefinger bowed.

"The King has no true born sons. Joffrey and Tommen are Jaime Lannister's bastards."

"So when the King dies..."

"The throne passes to his brother, Lord Stannis."

Littlefinger began pacing around the office. "So it would seem. Unless..."

"There is no "unless". He is the rightful heir. Nothing can change that." Ned interrupted.

"And he cannot take the throne without your help; you would be wise to deny it to him and to make sure Joffrey succeeds."

"Do you have a shred of honor?" Ned asked, looking at the man in disgust.

"You are now Hand of the King and Protector of the Realm. All of the power is yours; you need only reach out and take it. Make peace with the Lannisters. Release the Imp. Wed your daughter to Joffrey. We have plenty of time to get rid of Stannis, and if Joffrey seems likely to cause problems when he comes into his throne, we simply reveal his little secret and seat Lord Renly there instead."

"We?"

"You'll need someone to share these burdens. I assure you, my price would be modest."

"What you suggest is treason."

"Only if we lose."

There was a short pause as Ned pondered the possibility.

"Make peace with the Lannisters, you say." Ned took out the dagger used in the attempt to kill Bran and looked at it reflectively. "With the people who tried to murder my boy." He set the dagger down.

"We only make peace with our enemies, my lord. That's why it's called "making peace"."

"No. I won't do it."

"So it will be Stannis and war?"

"There is no other choice. He is the heir. We both know placing a woman on the throne would be no easy feat. Look at what happened to Rhaenyra Targaryen. Killed by her brother's dragon."

Littlefinger's face was one of clear disappointment. "So why did you call me here? Not for my wisdom, clearly."

"You promised Catelyn you would help me. The Queen has a dozen knights and a hundred men-at-arms - enough to overwhelm what remains of my household guard. I need the Gold Cloaks. The City Watch is two thousand strong and sworn to defend the King's peace."

A grin slowly formed on Littlefinger's face. "Look at you - you know what you want me to do." He sat down. "You know it has to be done, but it's not honorable so the words stick in your throat. When the Queen proclaims one King and the Hand proclaims another, whose peace do the Gold Cloaks protect? Who do they follow?" He slowly turned the dagger on Ned's desk towards him. "The man who pays them."

[Red Keep - Throne Room]

In the grand throne room of King's Landing, Princess Morgana Baratheon stood beside her mother and brother, their faces stern and grim as they "mourned" the loss of her father, King Robert Baratheon. The room was filled with lords and ladies, all of whom looked upon her with pity as she fought back tears.

Morgana's heart ached with grief, but she knew that she had to put on a brave face for the sake of her family and the realm. Her mother, Queen Cersei, had already begun to assert her control over the kingdom, and it was clear that she would stop at nothing to maintain her grip on power.

She knew that many of the lords and ladies in attendance were whispering among themselves, speculating about the wisdom of Cersei's decision to crown her son so soon after her husband's death.

She couldn't help but feel a sense of dread as she watched her mother place a crown on Joffrey, dubbing her brother and heir to the Iron Throne, as the new king. She knew that this was a moment that would change everything, and she felt powerless to stop it.

Morgana's heart sank further, forced to stand by her brother's side as he accepted the weighty burden of the Iron Throne.

As the ceremony continued, Morgana's thoughts wandered to her father and all the happy memories they had shared together. She remembered the way he used to tease her about her love of the sword, and how he would do his best to make time to listen to her stories and adventures.

But those memories were now tainted by the whispers that her own mother had played a part in her father's death. The thought of it made her blood boil with anger and hurt. How could her mother do this to her father? Yes, they hadn't loved one another, but to kill him?

Despite her misgivings, Morgana forced herself to stand tall and smile as her mother placed the crown on Joffrey's head. She could feel the weight of the crown, both physically and metaphorically, as the eyes of the entire court were upon her.

She curtsied low before him, her voice trembling only slightly as she spoke. "Congratulations, my lord," she said, her words dripping with sarcasm. "May your reign be long and fruitful."

Joffrey's eyes narrowed at her tone, but he chose to ignore it, too caught up in his own grandeur to notice the undercurrent of disdain beneath her words. "Thank you, sister," he replied, his voice dripping with condescension. "I will prove myself a great king, one who will bring honor and glory back to our family name."

Morgana's grip on her composure tightened, her fingers digging into the fabric of her skirts as she struggled to keep her true feelings hidden. How could her brother, once a playful child, have grown into such a cold and ruthless man? The thought filled her with despair, and she feared for the future of their kingdom under his rule.

As the ceremony continued, Morgana played the role of loyal sister and member of the royal court, all the while seething inside at the fate that had placed her foolish and self-absorbed brother on the Iron Throne. She knew that she must find a way to stop him before it was too late, to prevent him from bringing destruction upon their people and their land. But how could she hope to stand against the power of the crown?

But, as the ceremony came to an end, Morgana knew that she would nevr be able to escape the shadow of her father's death, or the machinations of her mother and brother. And so, she did what any self-respecting princess would do in such a situation - she buried her emotions deep within her heart, and prepared to play the game of thrones.

[King's Landing - Red Keep]

Ned was walking with several of his guards. He had been looking for the Princess when the Royal Steward rushed up behind them.

"Lord Stark!" The Royal Steward said.

Ned's guards all drew their swords.

"Stop!" Varly commanded.

"No, alright. It's alright. Let him through."

The guards did as they were told.

"Lord Stark, King Joffrey and the Queen Regent request your presence in the Throne Room."

"King Joffrey?"

"King Robert is gone. The Gods give him rest."

Ned appeared petrified by the news. It was then that the bells were heard tolling to signify Robert's death.

[King's Landing - Red Keep Courtyard]

Ned entered the courtyard just outside the throne room, where all his guards were assembled and waiting for him. Also waiting for him were Littlefinger and Varys, who both approached him.

"All is accomplished; the City Watch is yours." Littlefinger told him.

"Good. Is Lord Renly joining us?"

Littlefinger glanced at Varys.

"I fear Lord Renly has left the city. He rode through the old gate an hour before dawn with Ser Loras Tyrell and some 50 retainers, last seen galloping South in some haste." Varys told him.

Ned met Littlefinger's eyes, and they both sighed. All of them started towards the throne room.

As they entered the hallway just outside the throne room, a battalion of Gold Cloaks were standing and waiting, all behind Janos Slynt.

"We stand behind you, Lord Stark." Janos told him.

Ned then went over over to inspect the squad of Gold Cloaks.

"Is Carmine Grayburn with you?"

"Carmine? Haven't seen him since the tournament, Lord Stark." One of the Gold Cloaks replied.

"All right, let's get this over with." Ned sighed.

The entire group enters the throne room which was filled with Lannister guards.

Joffrey was sitting on the Iron Throne. With him, his mother, Cersei, sister, Morgana, and sworn protector, The Hound. Five members of the Kingsguard, led by Barristan Selmy, were standing in front of the throne.

"All hail His Grace, Joffrey of Houses Baratheon and Lannister, the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." The Royal Steward announced.

The procession finally reached the throne.

"I command the council to make all necessary arrangements for my official coronation. I wish to be crowned within the fortnight. Today I shall accept oaths of fealty from my loyal councilors." Joffrey commanded.

Ned and Cersei met each other's eyes for a brief moment.

"Ser Barristan, I believe no man here could evrr question your honour." Ned said, handing a scroll to Ser Barristan.

"King Robert's seal. Unbroken." Barristan told Cersei before opening the scroll. "Lord Eddard Stark is herein named Protector of the Realm, to rule as Regent until the heir come of age".

Joffrey, confused, looked to his mother for an explanation.

"May I see that letter, Ser Barristan?" Cersei asked.

Barristan walked over and handed it to her.

She glanced at it. "Protector of the Realm. Is this meant to be your shield, Lord Stark? A piece of paper?" She tore the letter to pieces.

"Those were the King's words." Barristan said, startled.

"We have a new king now." Cersei told him, turning to Ned. "Lord Eddard, when we last spoke you offered me some counsel. Allow me to return the courtesy: bend the knee, My Lord. Bend the knee and swear loyalty to my son and we shall allow you to live out your days in the gray waste you call home."

"Your son has no claim to the throne." Ned told her.

Cersei scoffed.

"Liar!" Joffrey shouted.

Ned briefly met the eyes of Princess Morgana who looked solemn. Perhaps it was due to her father's death. Or maybe it was due to the rise of her brother who she knew would only cause damage to the realm, rather than unity.

"You condemn yourself with your own mouth, Lord Stark." Cersei told Ned before turning to Ser Barristan. "Ser Barristan, seize this traitor.

Barristan looked confused, but nonetheless advanced on Ned causing several of Ned's guards to move in.

"Ser Barristan is a good man, a loyal man. Do him no harm." Ned told his men.

Barristan seemingly backed off.

"You think he stands alone?" Cersei asked.

The Hound drew his sword.

"Kill him! Kill all of them, I command it!" Joffrey bellowed, causing the other Lannister guards draw their swords.

"Commander! Take the Queen and her children into custody. Escort them back to the royal apartments and keep them there, under guard." Ned told Janos Slynt, Commander of the City Watch.

"Men of the Watch!" Slynt shouted.

The Gold Cloaks all drew their swords and pointed their spears up at Cersei and Joffrey. Barristan looked forlorn, but The Hound still looked ready to fight.

"I want no bloodshed." Ned told his men before turning to Cersei. "Tell your men to lay down their swords. No one needs to die."

Cersei briefly made eye contact with Janos.

"Now!" Slynt commanded.

The Gold Cloaks suddenly started attacking and killing Ned's guards. Ned was in disbelief as he realized he'd been betrayed. Ned started to draw his own sword, but Littlefinger suddenly swept up behind him and put a knife to his throat.

"I did warn you not to trust me."

And he had, but sadly Lord Stark had failed to see it for what it was; a veiled threat.