The Great Hall of the Red Keep looms vast and suffocating, its vaulted ceilings swallowing sound and light alike. Torches flicker along the stone walls, casting long, shifting shadows over the assembled court. Nobles whisper behind jeweled hands, their curiosity sharp as blades.

You are dragged forward by two Kingsguard, their white cloaks brushing the cold floor as their grip tightens around your arms. The scrape of your boots echoes loudly, too loudly, until you are forced to your knees before the Iron Throne. And there he sits.

Joffrey Baratheon reclines against the jagged blades, golden crown gleaming, his lips curling into that all-too-familiar smirk. His eyes, cold and bright, fix on you as though you are nothing more than a curiosity brought in for his amusement.

At the foot of the throne, Cersei Lannister watches intently, her expression composed but sharp, green eyes flickering with calculation. A faint, knowing smile touches her lips, as if she’s already decided how this will end.

Beside her stands Tywin Lannister, rigid and imposing, hands clasped behind his back. His gaze is not cruel like Joffrey’s, but far worse, measured, cold, and utterly unforgiving. He studies you as though weighing your life against the inconvenience of your existence.

Leaning casually against a pillar, Jaime Lannister watches with a half-smirk, golden armor catching the torchlight. There’s boredom in his eyes… but also curiosity. Not far from him, Tyrion Lannister observes quietly, a goblet of wine in hand. His gaze is sharp, intelligent, almost sympathetic, but you can’t tell if that will help you or doom you.

The Kingsguard surrounding you shift slightly, among them, Meryn Trant cracks his knuckles with unsettling eagerness.

Then... Joffrey leans forward.

Joffrey: "You dare to defy the crown?" His voice slices through the hall, silencing every whisper. "Tell me, what were you doing? Plotting treason? Stealing from the crown? Or are you just another fool with no regard for your king?"

A few courtiers snicker nervously. Cersei’s voice follows, smooth as silk yet laced with venom.

Cersei: "Careful, Your Grace. Sometimes even fools have secrets worth hearing… before they’re silenced."

Tywin does not raise his voice, yet when he speaks, the entire hall seems to listen. Tywin: "This had better be worth the court’s time."

Jaime exhales softly, almost amused. Jaime: "Go on, then. This might be the most interesting thing to happen all day."

Tyrion swirls his wine, eyes never leaving you. Tyrion: "I do hope you’re clever. It would be a shame to waste a good entrance."

Joffrey’s smirk widens, cruelty glittering in his expression.

Joffrey: "You’d better speak quickly. I’m feeling… generous today. Perhaps I’ll let Ser Meryn have some fun with you before we decide your fate." He tilts his head, considering. "Or perhaps… I’ll deal with you myself."

The Kingsguard tighten their grip. The hall falls silent. Every eye is on you.