Chapter 517: Cersei's Determination

When Viserys heard Cersei's complaints, he simply shook his head slightly.

"Trust me, Cersei. Keeping you all from wandering is for your protection."

The identities of the former queen and her children are sensitive. While Viserys isn't afraid of challenges, he wouldn't seek trouble without reason.

Their positions are delicate. If they were to be captured by those with ulterior motives, it might spell great trouble for him, and their fate at the hands of those people could be dire.

"I understand."

Yet, Cersei cut Viserys off, causing him a moment's surprise.

"Hmm?"

Cersei rose from her chair and walked to the window, gazing at the distant lights of the Red Keep from the Maiden's Holdfast.

This used to be her home, where she'd drink wine and view the beauty of King's Landing from the tower of Maegor.

But now, she could only stand by the Maiden's Holdfast window, looking at the nearby sept.

Should she feel honored to have the Seven Gods accompany her?

However, Cersei only bit her lip, a cold smirk showing her mix of emotions.

Cersei had never been a devout believer, knowing what she had done - killing her handmaidens, betraying her husband, engaging in incest with her brother and bearing two children, orchestrating the assassination of Jon Arryn...

If gods truly existed, she'd surely be among the most unforgivable.

"You understand?"

Viserys, sitting, watched the blonde beauty by the window, raising an eyebrow.

"I understand that Joffrey, Myrcella, and I have unique identities and can't easily leave King's Landing."

"Even if the wars of the future end and you unite the Seven Kingdoms."

Cersei spoke, leaning against the window frame, looking back at Viserys at the round table.

"So?"

"Therefore, I'm prepared to reveal a secret to you."

...

Leaning against the window frame, Cersei elegantly tilted her chin, took a deep breath, and began.

"A secret no one else knows."

"It would secure your rule, Viserys."

It seemed revealing this secret was a great emotional burden for her. In the dim light, Viserys could see her tearful, slightly reddened eyes.

"Oh?"

"Is it about the true heritage of Joffrey and Myrcella?"

Viserys' voice was calm as he looked with interest at Cersei, realizing he might have underestimated her.

Cersei's face changed dramatically upon hearing this.

This secret about her and Jaime was their biggest one. Jon Arryn had suspicions but was silenced before gathering concrete evidence.

How could Viserys know so early? Was it Varys?

"I... I don't understand what you're implying."

Cersei seemed panicked.

Her previously feigned sorrow and maternal love vanished, replaced by bewilderment.

Viserys' unexpected words disrupted Cersei's plans, even if the 'secret' she intended to share was this exact matter.

"Joffrey and Myrcella are the offspring of you and the 'Kingslayer' Jaime Lannister, Cersei."

"They should bear the Lannister name, not Baratheon."

Viserys calmly said, reaching for a wine pitcher only to find it empty.

"Let me pour for you."

Hearing Viserys, Cersei's last defenses shattered, appearing somewhat lost, trying to maintain composure.

She poured him wine and, catching his gaze, shook her head.

"Don't worry; I haven't poisoned it."

"Your poison wouldn't work on me."

The silver-haired youth shook his head, finishing his wine.

"Do you wish to exchange this secret for Joffrey and Myrcella's safety?"

With the power of the Three-Eyed Raven and the Old Gods, he'd reached unprecedented levels. Earthly toxins were of no concern.

Cersei nodded hastily. Her plan was to seduce him tonight. After all, beauty isn't a woman's only weapon.

But Viserys knew the secret already.

"You should know, Cersei, once this secret is out, your reputation is forever tarnished."

Viserys looked seriously at Cersei after sipping his wine.

A mother's strength.

Cersei's willingness to protect her children was commendable.

There had always been rumors about the Lannister siblings, but without concrete evidence, no one dared take them seriously.

Now, Cersei's admission solidified it. There was no turning back for her.

"May I join you for a drink?"

Cersei simply nodded, sitting close to Viserys, her scent filling the air.

Raising her glass, her cheeks flushed slightly.

"You can reveal my crimes during a public trial."

"Prove Joffrey and Myrcella's true identities, eliminating threats to the Iron Throne."

"It's a win-win, isn't it?"

Cersei sniffled, sat beside Viserys, and placed his hand between her legs.

"Yes."

Viserys nodded.

"Indeed, it's a win-win."

"And I trust you'll pardon me during the trial."

"For you and the Princess."