Mine is the Fury(OPEN)

[Joffrey Baratheon]

Joffrey Baratheon, The First of His Name, King of the Andals, The Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, was very, very angry. He was striding down a hall in the Red Keep, his robes and fine silks bellowing behind him, beautiful in the pale afternoon light that streamed through the windows. Joffrey, however, was far from beautiful. His face was twisted up in rage, his fingers were clenched in a tight fist, and his eyes were filled with anger. His straw blond hair was disheveled and matted to his head, and there was a large red bruise under his right eye.

There had been a riot. The idiotic peasants and scum who were too lazy to work for their own food had gathered outside the Keep. They had started out begging, and when the Gold Cloaks had tried to make them leave, they had begun to riot. Within moments, the cries of Stark, Stark!! and Stannis! had become so deafening, Joffrey had come out on the parapets to look upon the treasonous rabble. He'd taken his crossbow with him, and had busied himself with shooting bolts at the traitors. Some had actually dared to pick up rocks and return the favor. They attacked him, their King. A stray rock had dealt him the blow upon his face and make him drop his crossbow. It was lost now, smashed to pieces in front of the Keep. He'd tried to order them all killed, but his mother had stopped him, the foolish old crone. Gods take them all, he was KING. Unable to control himself, Joffrey let out a wordless yell that echoed through the halls of the Red Keep.

[Cersei Lannister]

"That is not how you will get the people to love you Joffrey." Cersei's voice trailed out, loud and clear after his tantrum yell. She strode into the area of light, after him. Her long blonde hair was tied up in three baids via her bangs. The rest hung low, as it recently had. Trailing long and wavy behind her, merely one mark that she of Lannister blood. She had on a long dress of deep gold, lines with red and completed with red sleeves and a red outer outer dress, tied at the middle to show off her figure. A simple yet elegant necklace laid at her lithe collarbone. Her delicate fingers were curled into slight fists as she approached her eldest son. So like her in so many ways. Quick to anger yet so pretty upon the eyes. Easily her favorite child, Cersei also cursed his existence.

"In order to win the people's love you must, at the very base, play at listening to them. Do not shout at them. Do not shoot at them with your play weapons. Do not show your anger. Make them believe that you care about their peasantly needs. They want you dead Joffrey." She stated as she closed the distance between them. Her own anger was rising at her insolent son. "If you behead them all who will praise you? Who will show their love for you? Who will rise up for you when others attack you upon your Iron Throne?"she asked, deliberately emphasizing the last words. She stopped before her son. There was absolutely no denying Joffrey was her son. Looking upon him was merely enough to know he was the king. The second he opened his young mouth, she knew he wasn't ready. "Answer me, my sweet sweet boy." Cersei said softly, her eyes never leaving his.

[Joffrey Baratheon]

Joffrey scowled, gazing into his mother's eyes. He wanted to break into a rage, make her see that it wasn't him ,it was them. But she was right, in some things. His rage burned within him, simmering a boiling, refusing to accept what she said, even as his mind told him she was right.

"It isn't my fault. They're the ones who riot, they're the ones who scream the names of my enemies. They're traitors, mother, and if I don't make them pay, they'll all turn against me. I'm king, can't they see that?!" Joffrey began to fidget. running his hand over his sword, Hearteater. He didn't know how to wield it properly, but it's blade still struck fear into the hearts of the people...didn't it? The boy king began to speak again.

"They attack me and defy and me, no matter what I do. Isn't it my right to show them that I am their rightful king? That's the way the Targaryens would have done it, and they ruled for a hundred generations." Joffrey rubbed the red welt on his head, grunting in frustration as he tried to make his mother understand.

[Jaime Lannister]

"They also claimed to be able to see glimpses of the future in their dreams. It didn't help them, and behaving like a Targaryen tyrant will no doubt shorten your reign by a decade or two...your highness"

Jaime Lannister, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard stood a little way off from the battlements where he had watched Joffery fire his crossbow into the crowd and had bitten back a laugh when they had retaliated with a stone...to great effect he was pleased to note. The welt on the boys face would remind him for days he had been pelted by a common persona, a small folk who in the Kings mind was beneath his notice. Jaime smiled towards his sister, his beautiful twin...it had been such a long time since he had seen her, felt her touch, kept from her by the Starks. He mentally shook himself, there would be time to become reacquainted later after the brats temper had been quelled and his ego stroked.

His white armour sat a little loosely over his shoulders, having lost weight during his imprisonment over the long months, something that would soon be rectified by good food and once more having a blade in his hand. He was still Lord Commander however and he refused to be seen as unable to perform his duties. He refused to have the armour adjusted and had quietly promised himself he would fill it once more. A hand rested idly on the hilt of his sword as he walked towards the pair, white cloak drifting in the light breeze that rustled his hair as it passed,

[Cersei Lannister]

A sudden smile took over Cersei's face. "Poor boy." she said softly, one hand reaching deftly up to stroke his soft hair. "Poor little king. No one loves you, do they? Your people won't accept you. No matter how many heads you lop off they just don't seem to accept you. Not how I do." she said, almost petting her eldest son. Cooing, her voice got softer, only he could hear it now. "They don't love you Joffrey. And you show them so much care and grace. You listen to their every word. You rule with an iron first upon your throne of points and razors. They don't see your pain. The anger you harbor. The resentment you hold." Looking over at Jaime it took far too much to not jump into his arms right there. She gave a soft and comforting smile over to her twin before turning back to Joffrey before her.

Suddenly her fingers pinched slightly at the base of his hairline. Her voice got even softer, deadlier. Barely a whisper above the room she said softly and slowly, "Do not let them see your anger. The Targaryens may have ruled for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands, but who un-seated them from their proud reign? Who kicked them from their high seat and forced them to flee in their own blood? Baratheon. Your father." she said softly, not caring that she was lying to him. Perhaps this would quell the further rumors of truth floating about the Keep. She kept her eyes on Joffrey while she said this, refusing to look at Jaime. Afraid that she would spoil their secret.

Letting go of the little hairs at the base of his neck she petted him once more. "My beautiful son. So strong and arrogant, prideful yet quick to love." she said, her voice returning to its normal tone. "Joffrey, you have to make them love you. You need the people's love. The kingsguard is merely the base of your protection."she stated as she smoothed out his sleeves, her eyes catching the slight welt. 'Tsk'ing softly she placed a cool hand on it, shaking her head at the heat t gave."Be sure to see the Maester. He can make that awful mark disappear." she added, a small and loving smile gracing her pretty features before she turned to her brother, a welcoming smile on her face as she left Joffreys side. " Dearest brother, I have missed you so." she said as she approached him, arms stretched out, inviting him to a sibling hug.

[Joffrey Baratheon]

Joffrey clenched his fists for a fraction of a second as his mother went to embrace his uncle. He was no fool, whatever else he might be. He'd heard the rumors. Incest, and regicide to boot. He flinched, telling himself he was being foolish. But the boy Stark's fall from the tower, so long ago now, echoed in his mind like a drum. Joffrey tried to think instead of his mother's word. Make them love him. He would try that. Joffrey approached one of the nearby windows, gazing out upon the city.

My city. Mine, and not even that mongrel Stark or his bastard and cripple brothers can take that from me. thought Joffrey. And if the rumors were true, it was all a lie. Without thinking, he spoke, loud and clear.

"Hello, uncle Jaime. What do you have to say about this?" Joffrey asked. Venom tinged every syllable, his rage manifesting it self no longer in scowls and screams, but words, tempered with anger."I wonder where my crossbow is? Oh yes, that's right. Smashed to pieces in front of the Red Keep. And now I have a...mark upon my face, wounded by rabble." Joffrey faltered for a moment, glancing at his mother, then continued. "It is the Kingsguard's job to protect me. But it seems you were far too busy oogling my mother to do so. Do your job, or else I will find someone else to do it for you....uncle." The last word curved into the empty silence after it, asking a question that was plainly obvious to all. Joffrey's face darkened, and a single word echoed through his mind.

Mine.

[Deleted]

"Calm yourself boy..."

The powerful voice of Tywin Lannister echoed down the hall as he made his presence known. He was clad in all black, the broche of the Hand of the King was shining brightly on his chest as the sunlight bounced off of it. To look so good, Tywin still appeared to be rather displeased. This was nothing new and it didn't seem as though it would go away any time soon. He'd gotten one son back just to have another taken away by another enemy. The Lannisters were beginning to look weak and Tywin couldn't afford that. None of them could.

"There isn't a single knight in the Seven Kingdoms more capable of keeping your head on your shoulders more than your uncle. A wise King would realize this.", Tywin said, staring the young king in the eyes before turning to his children, more specifically Jaime. He'd not said much to Cersei since he'd arrived in King's Landing. Joffrey was a damned fool, but Cersei was too weak to control him. He'd thought better of her.

"You've been freed.", Tywin said to Jaime as he crossed his arms. "Has the pup gone soft or is there something else I should know?"

[Jaime Lannister]

"It is the Kingsguard's job to protect me. But it seems you were far too busy oogling my mother to do so. Do your job, or else I will find someone else to do it for you....uncle."

Jaime's face didn't react, but the hand on the hilt of his sword tightened and slid it cleanly from the well oiled scabbard, holding out upright in front of his face, one hand running along the edge as if casually check the sharpness of his blade. Without his features changing he looked down at the brat king with cold hard eyes,

"So would you have me protect you from yourself or the rabble you incite with your actions? The first would be much easier..."

He held the sword out for but a moment and made a slight cutting motion before deftly slipping the blade back into its scabbard with practiced ease, his features softening a little as his sister greeted him with open arms. He returned he embrace lightly and kissed her cheek, all the way keeping any thoughts from his face lest they betray either of them. Looking into her eyes for the briefest of moments before letting her go and stepping back once more, his attention on the young boy king,

"And I you dear Cersei. Tell me, do the Maesters no longer teach manners to children when addressing their betters?"

He smiled openly but let it fade as his fathers voice called out across the battlements, his stride bringing him quickly to their little gathering, his armour flawless, pristine and battle shy these days.

"Ah Father, so good to see you aswell. As for the pup...well i didn't stick around to see his reaction when he found out another had a hand in my escape...but a tale for another time"

[Cersei Lannister]

Cersei let a warm smile grace over her lips as Jaime's arms went around her. It was a truly pleasant and missed feeling. How she had yearned for Jaime to be beside her as all the madness began. He had however been formerly taken. To have him here now, it meant all the world to her. "I do believe that the Maester is quite terrified of our little King here." Cersei answered, her glance narrowing over to her eldest son before landing on her father.

A grim line replaced her soft smile as her eyes came to her father. There was no denying that Tywin was regal and demanded respect the second he walked into a room. Cersei hwever, held some contempt for her father. He treated her like a young girl, despite the fact that she was a Lannister as well as his oldest child. "Father. A more welcoming sight has never been seen upon my eyes." she said in a somewhat flat tone as she moved to go greet him personally.

Turning to Joffrey she addressed him, "Joffrey, I do think you should hold counsel. Perhaps we can discuss how to send you in a good light for the people." she said before turning away from him towards her brother and father. She loathed not only her father but her son had quickly risen to that standard as well. He was growing wild and un-controllable.

[Deleted]

"A tale for another time indeed.", Tywin said to Jaime, his eyes lingering on him for a time. If someone within Robb Stark's camp released his son, then that meant there were weaknesses to be exploited. Perhaps the Stark forces weren't as invincible as everyone had made them seem. If there were flaws to be exploited, then Tywin would use them to break the Northern King's alliances to shreds. That would be one war ended. Then he could focus on the Baratheon pretender at Dragonstone.

"Yes, I am sure.", Tywin replied simply to his daughter, his voice cutting across the air, sharply. Though he hadn't said much to her upon his arrival into King's Landing, he would have many words for her later on. He would be damned if Cersei or Joffrey put his bloodline to shame. Crowns be damned, they would act like they had sense.

"He should indeed hold counsel. We're at war on two fronts and the last thing we need is a war with the peasantry... The boy will control himself and I will focus on making the masses understand their place. Then he'll have their respect as well as their fear."

Before the Lord of Casterly Rock could continue on, a servant approached him with a letter. The old man snatched the parchement away from him and as he read it, his already dissatisfied face turned even more sour...

"Stannis Baratheon has set a ransom for Torin. 500,000 Dragons.", Tywin said as he balled up the parchment in his hands. The way it was written... Torin hadn't referred to his father as "beloved" in many years. The boy was being held prisoner. There was no need to send a boat of gold... A lesser man would have missed this.

"Jaime. Your sword arm... Ready, is it?"

[Joffrey Baratheon]

Joffrey scowled as his elders largely ignored him, chiding him for his action but doing little else. His mother and grandfather began to push him to hold counsel, and he turned to gaze out upon the parapets. He could still see the rotting head of Eddard Stark, now little more than a horrible, disfigured skill with clumps of flesh and rotting cartilage stuck on. He smirked at it, the sign of his first true act as King. No matter what his family said, he had killed at traitor and cemented his rule. And if such an act had caused public favor to turn against him, so what? It made it easier to root out the traitors. Joffrey turned to face his family members glancing at his grandfather as he did so. Lord Tywin Lannister, the Lord of Casterly Rock. He greeted his grandfather with a scowl, and clenched his fist at the message. His uncle, Torin, was in the clutches of the traitor, Stannis.

"Kill him! Kill Stannis." Joffrey hesitated for a moment, then spoke again. "Stannis is weak. We beat him at Blackwater Bay, the dwarf saw to that. Muster the army and make for Dragonstone! I want Stannis' head!" Joffrey said through clenched teeth. He ran his hand over Hearteater and turned to his mother.

"You want me to hold counsel? Fine then. Counsel it is. But all of you..." Joffrey waved a hand at his family. "...need to remember who is King here. I sit upon the Iron Throne, not you, mother, or you, Grandfather, or even you, Jaime-and especially not that bloated dwarf, Tyrion!" Rage burned in Joffrey's eyes, and he turned away from the three once more. It felt good to let out his rage. Maybe they would all listen to him. He was the King, gods be damned.

And they would obey

[Cersei Lannister]

A gasp held in Cersei's throat. "Torin...is being held captive?" Cersei said in sadness. And she had only just gotten Jaime back. "500,000...we cannot" she said, her eyes seemingly searching for something. She took a step towards Jaime, slightly forgetting herself. She looked up at him, her eyes sad now. She quickly recovered however and told him "You must lead his rescue." she said, determined, her old bite coming back. "Joffrey, call the counsel immediately. We have grave matters to discuss. Please hold your tantrums for another day." she said, her voice laced with steel.

Turning to her father she crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes never blinking or leaving his. "How long have you known of this father?" she asked. Her anger was getting the better of her, she knew it but she did not fight it. And sooner, rather than later, she knew that she would receive flack back that was ten times worse than her own.

[Jaime Lannister]

Jaime chuckled quietly as his sister spoke of the boy terrifying the Maesters. It was an amusing thought that such wise and learned men would be scared of the young king...but then he wasn't really known for his pleasent nature or respect of station. It was when his father spoke once more that he turned his attention away from the mother and child to look at the old Lannister Patriarch. This was unexpected news to him, he had heard Torin lost at sea, his funeral arrangements were already being discussed between Tyrion and himself and now to learn this. 500,000 Dragons? The false king must have known there was no way they would pay such a fee and still he had the gall to send the letter to them?

"Stannis must have lost his mind if he expects to ransom one of our own and not have us come marching to his gates?"

Joffery's outburst cut short Jaime's reply to his father, but the boy had a point. They could not let the self proclaimed king get away with such an act, and he was right, Stannis's forces were broken and scattered, what he had left to him in Dragonstone was nothing that the Lannisters could not match, with or without the support of the Ironthrone. And just as quickly as the King in him came forth, it vanished again to be replaced by the jealous boy that sat on the uncomfortable throne of broken swords.

When Cersei asked her father about the news he was sure the old man wasn't being honest with them, but then that was his way, he always held his cards close to his chest when playing, family or not, he would not give up all his secrets and sources so easily. He turned to the boy-king, eyes resting on the back of his head for the briefest of moments before he bowed slightly and turned to leave,

"I will inform the guard to prepare the council chamber at once... your majesty"

He nodded towards his father catch his eye and holding it, waiting for whatever cutting barbs would escape from his lips to chastise them all. One way or another nothing was ever good enough for the old Lion.

[Deleted]

"Don't be foolish, girl", Tywin said to Cersei as he cut into her with his eyes. Did she really think Tywin would sit back as his son rotted in Stannis Baratheon's cells? Did she really think he would do nothing? This was news to him, just as it was to them and he would react the exact same way he always would if a Lannister was in danger. He held no secrets when it came to the safety of his house.

"This is news to me, just as it is to you. Stannis Baratheon will pay double the price for his treason as well as his foolishness for believing we wouldn't have his head for taking one of our own... Do you really think I would only be telling you now if I had already known?"

Cersei couldn't have been that forgetful, no matter how foolish she had become. Tywin gritted his teeth together as Joffrey spoke again. King or no king, he was still a damned imbecile. Tywin would have to dedicate time to teaching him the finer points of ruling and the boy would listen whether he wanted to or not. Tywin would damn sure make sure of it.

"Very well then.", he said to Jaime as he held eye contact with his son for a moment. Oh yes, he was very displeased. He'd known that his family had been rather dysfunctional without him being around, but they would get their acts together and hastily. He wouldn't stand for this foolishness.

"I would have words with the Queen and King before this little meeting, however... There is much to discuss that the Spider and the whore monger Baelish don't need to hear."

[Joffrey Baratheon]

Joffrey clenched his teeth and massaged his welt. He knew his family thought of him as an impudent brat. Every muscle in his body screamed for him to explode into a rage, to yell at his uncle and grandfather, to wipe that smirk off his uncles face with a flogging. Instead, he restrained his venom and spoke.

"Indeed. Varys knows too much as it is, and I don't trust the Imp. His filthy barbarians were everywhere before the battle of the Bay. He's after my crown."

Joffrey curled his fists around the edge of his red silk cape. He tapped his fingers to the tune of "The Rains of Castamere ", glowering at the midevening sun. Joffrey knew there was no great love for him in the Realm, but what was he to do? Below, the last of the rabble began to disperse. What?

As Joffrey watched a middle-aged woman hurl a curse at the doors of the Keep and turn away, his mother's words echoed in his mind. Make them love you, my son.

Fine. He would make them love him. He would rule upon the Iron Throne as the greatest king since Aegon the Conqueror. He was the blood of the lion. He was the blood of the dragon, and the stag. He would make them love him.