Chapter 36

Cersei, fearing for her children's safety, reluctantly agreed, "Yes, he is their father." Her concern for her children still held a place in her heart, preventing her from outright denying the truth.

Bahamut then turned his attention to Joffrey, the young king who had an unbelieving expression on his face as he stared at his mother. Bahamut pondered, "I don't know what to call you since you were not born in the Western lands. I can't address you as Joffrey Hill." Then he declared, "Joffrey the Unworthy and Bastard, I hereby sentence you to death."

Joffrey, in a last-ditch attempt, wanted to plea, "Don't kill me" but his mouth was held stuffed. As Bahamut gathered flames in his mouth, the onlookers, including the council members, recoiled in terror. Cersei fallback and crawled backward with her children by her side, watching in horror as Joffrey screamed and burned. In the end, Joffrey fell to the ground, his struggle extinguished.

As the horrifying reality unfolded, the prisoners braced themselves for the fiery fate that awaited them, expecting to be burned to death by the fearsome beast. Diaval, the dragon who had a sense of the burnt flesh, cautiously approached Joffrey's lifeless body and turned his gaze towards Bahamut, as the air filled with tension. The prisoners shuddered, anticipating the worst.

Bahamut, letting out a low growl, made it clear that Diaval should step back, which the dragon promptly obeyed. The prisoners, frightened and anxious, could only guess at what would happen next. Bahamut then shifted his attention to Cersei, who was clutching her head with both hands, her tear-filled eyes fixed on Joffrey's charred remains. In a solemn tone, Bahamut announced, "Her judgment will be passed along with her father's," and the soldiers promptly escorted her, along with her children, to the prison, where they awaited their fate.

As they departed, Bahamut turned his attention to Maester Pycelle and expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your cooperation, Maester Pycelle." Fearing for his life, Maester Pycelle stammered, "It's my duty to answer rightfully... my... my Lord."

Bahamut then asked, "As a traitor, what should I do with you, Maester Pycelle?" The maester was struck with terror and drenched in sweat as he gazed at Bahamut, his future uncertain. Bahamut continued, "I don't care about what you did during the Rebel's reign, but one of the main reasons behind the fall of the Targaryen's and the cause of the war is you, High Septon and your Citadel."

Aegon, Rhaenys, and Elia leaned in, eager to hear what Bahamut had to say, as it was apparent he had something significant to reveal. Bahamut continued, "You and the Citadel conspired to hide the truth about Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen." Eddard Stark's interest was piqued.

Bahamut went on, "The realm believed that Prince Rhaegar had allegedly abducted Lyanna Stark, but in truth, Lyanna had not been kidnapped; she had eloped with Rhaegar, who had the High Septon issue an annulment to his marriage with Elia. The Citadel and the High Septon were aware of this truth, yet they intentionally withheld this information, including you, Maester Pycelle."

Maester Pycelle, fearful of his impending fate, attempted to deny the accusations, saying, "No, my Lord, no, my Lord..." But Bahamut's judgment was clear. He declared, "You betrayed your Lord and your realm, causing war and the death of many. So mere flames are not punishment enough for traitors like you. Take him and geld him, but staunch the wound. I want his manhood fried up and fed to him. Do not let him die until he has eaten every bite. When he wishes for death, then burn him."

Soldiers approached and forcibly removed Maester Pycelle, who pleaded for mercy. Elia struggled to hold back her tears as she learned more of her husband's betrayal and the annulment of their marriage. Rhaenys did her best to comfort Elia during this distressing revelation.