Chapter 600: Chapter 600: The Day of the Trial
On the day of the trial, the square beneath the Red Keep in King's Landing saw its largest gathering in history. Tens of thousands flocked there, causing traffic jams and overcrowding.
"Move back!"
"Move back!"
The gold cloaks, under the command of Ser Brynden Tully, the Blackfish and Commander-in-Chief, tirelessly dispersed the crowd exceeding the square's capacity. Yet, no matter their efforts, they couldn't quench the human nature of wanting to witness the spectacle. After all, humans are social creatures.
How many times in history had a king been put on trial? And this was not a trial for some lesser king of the Vale or the Riverlands, but a true ruler who once united the Seven Kingdoms.
The Baratheon dynasty had successfully overthrown a tyrant. Although, a decade later, many still derogatorily referred to Robert Baratheon as the 'Usurper', from a historical standpoint, he did seize the throne, establishing a short-lived reign.
Viserys divided the Targaryen reign into two epochs. Each epoch witnessed radical shifts in politics, economy, systems, and military. Besides the individual on the Iron Throne, there were no similarities.
The later kingdom not only united the Seven Kingdoms but also established two vast territories overseas. Each was comparable to a region in Westeros. The kingdom spanned both coasts of the Narrow Sea, and its scale was expanding towards an empire. It wouldn't be long before that day arrived.
For Robert's trial, the public hearing had been halted for three days. The capital's defense forces were fully prepared, but the spectators exceeded their expectations.
"Move back!"
"Everyone, halt!"
The capital defense troops formed a human barrier with their spears and shields, preventing more people from flooding the square below the Red Keep. They shouted until their voices grew hoarse.
Spectators, unable to get through the main route, found alternatives. They climbed trees or rooftops to get a distant view of the trial.
Noble men, ladies, and young misses with seats at the trial arrived early.
"Rubbish!"
"These people are insane."
Some were grateful they came early, as the morning traffic in King's Landing wasn't as congested, and their lodgings weren't far from the Red Keep.
After all, real estate in the city center was as valuable as in Pentos. Not every noble could afford the high rent. So, under the guise of 'experiencing the common life', they resided on the outskirts of the core city area.
They set off early in the morning and, with the help of the capital defense forces, barely squeezed in. Arriving late would have consequences.
By royal decree, none could miss the trial without valid reason. Being 'stuck in traffic' wasn't an acceptable excuse, especially in front of the nation's elite.
This would shame their entire family. The young lords feared this humiliation would tarnish their appeal to young ladies. Noble daughters, naturally, didn't want to mingle with the lowly masses.
However, this wasn't the experience for the highest echelons of nobility.
Their wealth had long since secured properties near the palace. Petyr Baelish, for instance, ran a brothel in King's Landing.
Its location was prime, not far from the Red Keep. Many visiting nobles and officials frequented Petyr's establishment.
The Tyrells of Highgarden also had businesses in King's Landing. While Viserys had seized their warehouses, he hadn't touched their foreign assets.
Their properties in King's Landing were open to other nobles, earning them considerable praise. Even Viserys heard of this, chuckling at the Tyrells' inability to stay out of politics.
But it was expected. Their expertise was in palace politics. The true nature of the prestigious Rose family.
"King Robert!"
"Whoring King!"
As Robert was brought forward, someone from the crowd jeered, and many joined in, erupting in laughter.
"Client King!"
A man close by mockingly said, "Heard you couldn't satisfy Queen Cersei, so you sought comfort in brothels."
"'Brave Robert!'"
Laughter echoed again.
Such crude jokes made the noble ladies in front roll their eyes. Ordinary women, there for the spectacle, distanced themselves, ashamed to stand with such folk.
Robert's face turned beet red, a mix of rage and embarrassment. He had never been humiliated like this, not even before he was king.
Robert Baratheon was then escorted to the stage, facing the current powerhouses of the Seven Kingdoms. Among them was a familiar face.
"Ned?"
Though Eddard Stark was in black, he was still in King's Landing, not yet departed for the North. With his father present, Robb Stark, the nominal Warden of the North, was serving wine beside Viserys.
Eddard Stark sat among the elite nobles, his expression uneasy. Beside him was the new Lord of Storm's End and Hand of the King, Jon Connington.
The grey-haired man wore the Hand's badge on his left and the golden badge of Storm's End on his right, signifying his dual roles.
These badges, introduced in the new era, represented their statuses.
Beside him was Lord Tywin, representing the Westerlands, and Balon Greyjoy for the Iron Islands. Petyr Baelish, for the Vale, and the new lord of Riverrun, Geoffrey Bracken, donned the badge of Black Dragon Banner, differentiating them from the traditional Brackens.
The Black Dragon Banner symbolized the former flagship of Dragonstone, the Black Death. However, that ship had retired after a naval battle years ago.
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