Chapter 258
Sorry, I thought it was a common cold, but it has become more and more serious these two days, and I can't write many words. Please bear with me, and I will make it up as soon as possible in the next few days.Thanks.

In the throne room, King Robert's favorite tapestries and brocades had been ripped out and piled up in a corner, and the walls were empty now.

Ser Mandon Moore had gone to stand guard at the base of the throne, with his other two brothers in the Kingsguard, so Sansa was left unattended for the time being, lingering by the door.As a reward for her good behaviour, the queen mother granted her the right to come and go freely in the castle.But even so, no matter where she went, someone still followed her closely. "These are honor guards for my daughter-in-law," the Queen Mother called them, but Sansa did not feel respected at all.

The so-called "freedom to come and go in the castle" means that she can move freely in the Red Castle, as long as she promises not to go outside the city walls.Sansa is very willing to cooperate with this request. Firstly, the city gate is guarded day and night by Janos Slynt’s gold-cloaked guards or Lannister’s warriors, so it is impossible for her to go out; secondly, even if she does leave Castle, where else can I go?She was content to go for a walk in the square, to pick some flowers in Myrcella's garden, or to visit the church and pray for her father.Sometimes she also prays in the godswood, because the Stark family believes in the old gods.

Today was Joffrey's first visit to the throne, and Sansa looked around nervously.A line of Lannister guards stood under the west window, and under the east window stood the City Watch in golden cloaks.She didn't see any common people, and only a small group of nobles walked back and forth restlessly in the gallery.They numbered no more than twenty, and there had been more than a hundred in King Robert's day.

Sansa walked into the gallery, murmuring hello to the people as she shuttled to the front row.She recognized Jalabhar Thor in the dark skin, Ser Alan Santagar in the morose look, and the Redwyne twins Ser Horror and Drooling...but none of them seemed to recognize her.Or they recognized her, but avoided her like a plague.The haggard Lord Gyles, seeing her approach, covered his face and feigned a violent cough; and Ser Dontos, drunk and comical, was about to greet her when Ser Balon Swann After whispering a few words in his ear, he turned his head away.

Many, many others were missing.Where are the others?Sansa wondered.She searched in vain for friendly faces, but no one would look her in the eye.She seemed to have become a ghost, and she was declared dead before she died.

Grand Maester Pycelle sat alone at the council table, with his hands propped under his beard, as if he had fallen asleep.Then she saw Lord Varys hurrying into the hall, walking silently.After a while, Earl Baelish also came in through the door with a smile on his face, chatting amiably with Sir Baron and Ser Dontos, while moving towards the front of the hall.Sansa's belly twisted into a ball like a swarm of butterflies.I shouldn't be afraid, she told herself, I have nothing to be afraid of, it will all work out, because Little Joe loves me, and the queen loves me, she said herself.

The voice of the master of ceremonies sounded: "Congratulations to the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, His Majesty Joffrey I of House Baratheon and House Lannister. Welcome Your Majesty's Mother, the Westland The Light, Guardian of the Realm, Queen Regent, Her Majesty Cersei of House Lannister."

Ser Barristan Selmy in brilliant white armor led them in, Ser Arys Oakheart escorted the queen, and Ser Boros Braun walked beside Joffrey.All six of the Kingsguard were in the Great Hall now, and all the White Knights were assembled, except Jaime Lannister.Her prince charming—no, her king! —Climbing up the steps to the Iron Throne in three steps at a time, his queen mother sat with the important ministers.Little Jo wore a black velvet tunic embroidered with red thread, a high-necked gold cape gleaming on her shoulders, and a gold crown set with rubies and black diamonds.

Joffrey turned his head and looked around the hall, meeting Sansa's eyes. He smiled, sat down slowly, and said, "Punishing traitors and rewarding loyal ministers is the king's duty. Grand Maester Pycelle, I order You read my sentence."

Pycelle stood up, richly dressed in a heavy red velvet robe with an ermine collar, bright gold lace, and dropped sleeves covered with gilt scrolls.He pulled out a roll of parchment from his sleeve, unfolded it, and began to read out a long list, and in the name of the king and important ministers, he ordered them to go up to the court and swear allegiance immediately. The titles were taken back by the royal family.

The names he uttered took Sansa's breath away: Lord and Lady Stannis Baratheon and their daughter, Lord Renly, brother Lord Royce and their son, Ser Loras Tyrell , Lord Mace Tyrell and his brother, uncle and son, Thoros the Red Priest of Myr, Lord Beric Dondarrion, Lady Lysa Arryn and her son Robert Young, Horst Lord Tully and his brother Ser Bryndon, his son Ser Edmure, Lord Jason Mallister, Lord Bryce Cullen of the Marches, Lord Tytos Blackwood, Walder Lord Frey and his heir Ser Stevron, Lord Karel Vance, Lord Juno Bracken, Lady Sheila Hean, Doran Martell, Prince of Dorne, and all their heirs.A lot of people, she thought as she listened to Pycelle's rant, and it would take a whole flock of ravens just to get those orders out.

Finally, towards the end, the names Sansa had been dreading for so long appeared: Lady Catelyn Stark, Robb Stark, Brandon Stark, Rickon Stark, Arya Stark.Sansa almost cried out.Arya?They want Arya to go up to court and swear allegiance... So my sister must have escaped by boat and returned to Winterfell safely...

Grand Maester Pycelle rolled up the list, stuffed it into his left sleeve, and then pulled out another parchment from his right sleeve.He cleared his throat and continued to read: "In order to replace the traitor Ed Stark, in accordance with the wishes of His Majesty the King, Tywin Lannister, Duke of Casterly Rock City and Guardian of the Western Territory, will take over the position of Hand of the King, in the name of the King Manage political affairs, lead the army to suppress the rebellious party, and convey its intention. His Majesty has an order, and the important ministers agree."

"In the place of the traitor Stannis Baratheon, and in accordance with His Majesty's wishes, Cersei Lannister, Queen Regent, shall be placed at the head of her court, to assist him in governing with wisdom, with constant and reliable support, and to judge Justice. His Majesty has an order, and the ministers agree."

(End of this chapter)

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