I own nothing, and this story took a while to rewrite in all honesty. Apologies, but I have been quite busy.

Essentially this story is supposed to cover what would happen if Cersei acted before Lysa. If it was Robert Baratheon who dies instead of Jon Arryn. Because of this death, Stannis and Jon Arryn are unable to act regarding the truth of Joffrey's true parentage.

It also means they have not gotten very far in the investigation. Jon Arryn never even met Gendry in this scenario.

This means Joffrey's ascension to the throne is relatively peaceful, and he is initially seen favorably by the realm.

Also Age wise

Joffrey 15

Myrcella 13

Tommen 10

298 AC

Joffreys POV

It was a shame to wake from such a sweet dream only to find death and misery.

His mother's vibrant green eyes were the first thing he was ware of upon waking. Her face knitted into a somber smile as she gazed at her first born with sympathy. Joffrey noticed the mourning colours she wore, black with flavors of red and yellow, instead of her traditional crimson gowns. He was out the door before she finished speaking, half dressed and half awake.

For his father could not be dead, Robert Baratheon slayed a dragon, and how could a boar kill a legend?

Outside his father's solar he steadied his breathing. His queen mother and faithful body guard Sandor Clegane a step behind him. The hallway smelled of rot and shit, blinking away tears,

Joffrey stepped in the room.

Barristan Selmy stood his guard by the door, grief stricken face and standing tall and still like a statue. His white armor was crimson stained from the King he failed to protect. Where was he, its his job to protect father. Sandor never failed me! Why did he fail father!

His siblings were in the corner of the room with his uncle Jaime, his young brother, crying like a newborn. His fat and tiny body shaking with raspy breaths as he gripped his older sister in a tight grip. The Young Myrcella looked like her mother made small, with silent tears running down her face, she absentmindedly patted little Tommen on the Back.

She was brave, he noticed, but not brave enough.

There were no tears running down his face as he approached his father. He was a prince, soon to be King. As strong as a Baratheon, as Proud as a Lannister. Simpletons and beggars would undoubtedly call him heartless, but he needed to be strong for his people.

For his mother who had lost the love of her life, and his sweet sister Myrcella, who was looking ever so beautiful even with tears running down her face.

Pycelle spoke to him, and gave the details that his mother had not.

A hunting accident is what they said, it looked more like a murder. The sheets were heavy with blood, the scent of decay and death filled the room until he felt as if he couldn't breathe. Roberts hunting trophies looked down at the king, seemingly laughing at the fallen man who killed them.

Jon Arryn was at the King's side, tears dotted the eyes of the Old Man. He had few fond memories of Jon Arryn, and in this moment, Joffrey only saw a weak decrepit who was crying over a far better man. It should have been him. What did he have to cry about? Was he that worried about his job. He should be, grandfather would never have let this happen, he should be grateful I don't take his head for compense. Joffrey tried to suppress his anger, and instead tried to find his voice.

"Father'" He spoke, his voice sounding more like the boy he was, rather then the man he craved to be.

Jon Arryn looks over to him with kindly blue eyes, a sad smile on his thin wiry lips.

Robert's blue eyes met joffrey's own, they carried a strength and resolve that Joffrey knew he would never be able to match. Eventually the King spoke, his voice grated like screeching metal. It sounded weak, but commanding. "Leave us."

It was a simple statement, for a moment, Joffrey waited for Jon Arryn to leave the room. Then the reality of the situation hit him.

He's talking to me.

Stunned, Joffrey turned and walked away before anything else could be said. His mother followed him dutifully out of the room, she whispered soothing words into his ear as they walked way.

How brave of father, refusing to let me see him in his weakened state.

Joffrey's coronation was planned the same day by his mother, eager as ever at the chance of power. She spoke in an excited tone to his Uncle Jaime behind his back, and a soothing whisper to him when he made his presence known. His father was dead, and he supposed the realm would have to move on.

It seemed to soon still. He avoided his siblings, his parents, and with Sandor by his side he found his way to the Iron Throne. The Throne Room was empty, he dismissed the few guards that normally stayed in this area so he could be alone. He took a tentative step up to the throne his father made his own.

I've heard that the barbs on the throne would cut those unworthy to be king.

As he stared at the throne from atop the stairs, his mind wandered to the last time he saw his father. A few nights prior when he departed for his hunt, promising to bring back a boar to feast on. Now that same boar gutted him.

Joffrey quickly sat down on the throne Sandor moved behind the throne as he did, standing as his honored guard.

Tears welled in Joffrey's eye, and then they fell freely down his face. He could show weakness here, no one would see him, no one would ever know except Sandor, and he could trust Sandor with anything.

He looked down at his hand's uncut from the throne despite his biggest fears. He was worthy, he could do this, he would be a king for the ages, and the song's they would sing of his reign would bring maiden's across the realm to tears.

I will make you proud father.

There was to be a feast, the largest seen in a generation by all accounts, and of course a Tourney fit for a King. It would mark the Dawning of a new age, one that was marked by his coronation. The Great Lords of the Seven Kingdoms would come. From the Wall to the Sands of Dorne, within a Moon's turn everyone worth mentioning in the Seven kingdoms would be in King's landing.

Mummers and singers from free cities, a few dancing fools, and of course a great joust to commemorate the new King. His mother and Regent made did all the planning, carefully working out the details with her own father. Within a moon's turn, the events were ready to begin.

The Tourney ended as it should, with his Uncle Jaime crowning his mother the Queen of Love and Beauty. When Jaime placed the crown of Roses atop her head, she smiled as brightly as the sun. All in attendance began clapping, except Mace Tyrell who loudly complained about the coin he lost betting on his son.

Like a pillowbiter could beat Uncle Jaime.

There was some surprise in the Grand melee. Robb Stark, the future lord of the Northern savages that came to pay him respect, won after besting those left standing. It was no real surprise in a way, all of the good fighters had already participated in the Joust. Joffrey hesitated before giving Robb Stark the victors purse of 10,000 Gold Dragons.

The archery contest was won by a squid named Theon Greyjoy, who preceded to dedicate his win to his homeland, and Margaery Tyrell, who looked more annoyed than amused. Joffrey was even less amused than her, the idea of giving a Greyjoy any kind of award made him physically ill. However, Joffrey gave him the 5,000 Gold Dragon's through gritted teeth.

Joffrey's new crown was a heavy golden band, decorated with 7 large diamonds to represent the seven kingdoms. In the center of the crown, there was a large red stone, that was to symbolize his heritage. He was crowned in throne room in front of all the important lords of the realm's. Except the Greyjoys and Martells, hmm, so I suppose anyone important is here then.

Jon Arryn came first, and swore his undying loyalty to any son of Robert Baratheon. He said so sincerely, but he didn't understand the emphasis Jon Arryn placed on his father's name. It was strange and unnecessary, when Joffrey question his wording, Lord Arryn simply smiled and glanced at his mother who paled considerably.

Edmure Tully gave his oath for his father, and explained that due to his father's failing health, that he was currently the active Lord of the Trident. He gave his oath awkwardly, and rushed from the room quickly, obviously uncomfortable.

Renly came right after, and gave his oath with his customary smile. He promised to serve the realm to the best of his ability. Similar to Jon Arryn, he placed a special emphasis on the realm, but walked out before Joffrey could question him.

Tywin lannister gave no oath, but his mother and Uncle assured him that he was loyal to the crown.

Theon Greyjoy, and Oberyn Martell came next, giving the oaths for their family members who could not or would not attend. Both of them gave their oaths with some form of visible resignation. Oberyn Martell brought his bastard daughter's with him, and his mistress. A slight if there ever was one, and Joffrey entertained the idea of taking all of their heads.

I can be merciful once, especially on the day of my coronation.

Mace Tyrell, the fool, thought this would be an excellent time to introduce him to his daughter. The Girl was pretty enough. She was a woman that most men would dream of, but he wasn't most men. He already had a girl in mine that was perfect for him. Besides, the Tyrell girl was beneath his station, he needed to find a girl that would suit his tastes and his rank. She also seemed a bit uncomfortable in his presence, not that he cared.

She looks like a deer anyway, Joffrey sneered when the girl looked anywhere but him.

It was unfortunate to learn the girl he saw at the beginning of the coronation, a great beauty with hair of spun copper, was also a Stark. He would be the laughing stock of the realm by marrying a savage, his father would assuredly be ashamed of him if he did. A Baratheon marrying a Stark, that would be like a whore marrying a Lannister.

Though the girl's father was decent enough, and also seemed to be one of the few people legitimately distraught by his own father's death. Perhaps the man would do well on the small council?

"Your Grace, if you ever need help, do not hesitate to ask. Your father was a brother to me, and I would do whatever in my power for his son." The Stark lord said, his grey eyes shone in the low torchlight. The Valyrian steel sword he leaned on to renew his oaths also glimmered in a fascinating way. Of all the lords to so far present themselves, Eddard Stark was the only one to openly bend the knee.

He looked over to his left to see his uncle Jaime amused, and his mother smiling. He knew Jaime hated Eddard Stark, and that Cersei could not care for the man either. However, his uncle Tywin had a small amount of respect for the man, despite the fact the realm considered the two of them rivals. Joffrey's own father loved Ned Stark as a brother. It was said that Eddard Stark defeated Ser Arthur Dayne in Combat, that he was the deadliest general from Robert's Rebellion, and that he was a true demon on the battlefield. Joffrey was sure the talks were exaggerated, but if even half the rumors were true, Joffrey could find a use for him.

He would be an excellent servant

"Your Loyalty is the only boon I request from you, My Lord. Now please, stand up, I know of your loyalty already, there was no need to show it," Joffrey Said. He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes as the words left his mouth. The Stark Lord ate it up however.

I wonder if all Northerners are this gullible? Perhaps I could convince that Stark girl to warm my bed on cold winter nights? If father has shown me anything, it's that you need not marry a women to fuck her.

The Small Council of his father had to go. Jon Arryn was obviously too old to fulfill his duties any longer. Tywin Lannister would make a fine replacement. Besides, Jon Arryn was the one who put the crown in debt in the first place. According to Petyr Baelish, it was Jon who pressured Robert to spend so much money on feast and tourneys to appeal to the smallfolk.

That fool nearly ruined us, I could never allow him to continue in his position. Renly and Stannis are even worse, Renly is a pillowbiter. He's a laughing stock in court, I can't allow him to taint my image. Stannis is just annoying. He's actually exceptionally good at his job, he just so happens to be the most boring man I have ever met in my life.

They were of course, angered by his dismissal. Stannis was especially furious when he informed him that Dragonstone would be going to Joffrey's firstborn son when the time came. Not that he showed it, all Stannis did was grind his teeth a little harder, and march from the room. It was hardly Joffrey's fault anyway, it was Roberts for not having a proper place for Stannis.

Joffrey needed to assemble a new small council, a better small council. In the normal chambers for the said council, he had assembled three lord paramounts. These three individuals made up the majority of the realms power, and together they could make or break any King.

"Mace tyrell," Joffrey began intentionally forgetting the mans title, the bubbling oaf puffed himself up as Joffrey called his name, and the King had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. Mace's daughter stood besides him along with his two youngest sons. "I am in need of a Master of ships, and it has come to my attention that an able man such as yourself would do well on the small council."

"It would be my honor to serve the realm your grace," Mace bolstered proudly. "Any Tyrell will happily serve the crown, isn't that right Margery" Mace patted his daughter on the back who looked genuinely annoyed.

However, the girl put on a smile and curtseyed, " a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your grace."

A man willing to sell his daughter like a whore for a bit of power? How pathetic, but he'll be easy to manipulate.

"The pleasure is all mine Margaery, "Joffrey said, already growing bored of Mace Tyrell. The girl had her eyes elsewhere anyway, he could do better. It was time to move down the line.

"Lord Eddard Stark, my father has always said you were the most honorable man he knew. He considered you a brother and a friend." The dower Eddard Stark looked at him with impassive grey eyes. Behind him, his son and heir stood just as confidently. Though the boy continually looked back at Margaery Tyrell when he thought no one was looking. "Do me the honor of serving on my small council as Master of Laws."

"It would be an honor to serve my grace", Ned Stark Bowed his head, his son quickly doing the same. "Though I'm afraid that with winter approaching, I should be in the North to watch over my people."

Mace tyrell looked amazed at Eddard Stark's statement, and immediately seized on the opportunity. "If Lord Stark is unable to serve, my oldest son Willias would make an excellent Master of laws. He's always going about the laws and books and other such nonsense, isn't that right Margery?"

That time Joffrey did roll his eyes, not that Mace noticed.

Before the girl could speak, Joffrey decided to intervene. "I insist Lord Stark, your help would be invaluable to the realm, and I would be happy to accommodate you and your family's needs here in King's landing."

Ned Stark was silent for a moment, "If you insist your grace, I will serve here as your Master of Laws."

"Good," Joffrey stated with a smirk. He turned to his Grandfather, a man who was already wearing the badge of his new office. "Grandfather, I would like you to be my new hand." Joffrey stated, just as his mother had instructed him too.

Tywin almost smiled, and that alone filled Joffrey with a hint of fear. "Of course, your grace. I will take the position you have so graciously offered."

Wine was called, and every occupant in the room took a cup. The Tyrell girl moved closer to the Stark heir and smiled, turning the boy Lannister Red. They raised their cups in unison, toasting for the future to come.

Finally he could begin turning the realm around. A new age of prosperity was beginning.

...

I have the first several chapters done. Every 2 days I'll post a new one until chapter 5, at which point I'll update every week. Sorry it took so long to rewrite this story.

If anyone reading this also reads Twin Dynasties, I'm deep into rewriting that story as well. However, the plot of that story has almost completely changed from the original, while this one is is actually a bit similar.