Summary:

Daenerys Targaryen finally takes the Throne she wanted to claim for so long and Cerseis sins finally catch up with her.

Authors notes:

I thank everyone for the positive feedback this story received so far. Here is chapter 2 I hope you enjoy it. It's a bit shorter than the previous one. But It felt like a good place to end it as the next scene is quite long.

Chapter 2 – The iron throne.

A bit less than an hour later Jon returned to the red keep. Outside on the courtyard the commoners that Cersei had invited, to serve as her living shields, were still gathered and eyed Daenerys forces with suspicion. However, since said forces were not attacking or mishandling them the situation was peaceful. The soldiers of the dragon queen were bustling around, keeping the order. Black flags with the three-headed red dragon of the Targaryens proudly waved from the top of the keep.

Jon spotted Tyrion Lannister standing a bit aside from everyone else, an expression of deep sorrow etched on his face. Making his way over the adopted son of Ned Stark greeted the hand of the king: "Lord Tyrion."

Raising his head, the dwarf responded: "Jon Snow."

"You don't look very happy mylord" Jon observed: "are there any bad news that I should know about."

Sighing heavily and with wet shimmering eyes Tyrion answered him: "No. It isn't anything that concerns you. It's just… my brother Jaime died while he tried to help Cersei escape."

The former king in the north gave the smaller man an empathetic look and gently squeezed his shoulder: "I am sorry to hear that Lord Tyrion."

"Thank you." Tyrion replied: "I know that he has betrayed us and that most people here, including you, have legitimate reasons to hate him. But he was still my brother. The only member of my immediate family that always treated me with decency."

Jon nodded in understanding. Their conversation was interrupted by a powerful roar from the sky. The commoners flinched back in fear when a massive winged shadow spread over the courtyard. With a mix of fear and also awe they looked up as Drogon prepared to land. The black dragon set down and quickly was flanked by a few unsullied as Daenerys Targaryen, the new queen of Westeros, gracefully climbed off her last remaining "child".

The young Targaryen once more looked regal, her black dress and silver hair immaculate and her face perfectly composed. Jon still could see dark shadows beneath her eyes, but that was the only visible indication that she had suffered a nervous breakdown just a short while ago.

Nervous whispering spread through the commoners. Dany made a slight hand gesture towards her dragon and Drogon let out a mighty roar. Immediately the courtyard became deathly quiet. During the silence Daenerys started to speak: "People of kings landing. I am Daenerys Stormborn of the old house of Targaryen. I am here to reclaim the throne of the seven kingdoms for my family. I don't know what Cersei Lannister has told you about me. But I wager it were lies. That I would come to burn you and your homes with my dragon. That's not what I intend to do. I mean you no harm. You have suffered under evil rulers for far too long. Cersei Lannister and before her king Joffrey. They did not care about you. They did not care about their subjects. I am not like them."

The dragon queen made a short pause intently looking at the faces of the gathered civilians to let her words sink in: "You gathered here seeking shelter from the battles. The battles are over. The war is over. You may return to your homes. None of my soldiers will harm you. The city will not be sacked. You have my word."

Aside to one of her unsullied commanders she ordered: "Make sure that every soldier who steps out of line is punished severely." Turning to the people again Dany finished: "I will strive to make this kingdom a better place for all of you."

The faces of the civilians still showed some wariness and distrust but there were also hopeful expressions mixed in between and some were still just staring at Drogon in awe or fear. Slowly the crowd started to bow before there new queen sinking to their knees. Satisfied for now Daenerys, flanked by her unsullied guards walked towards the entrance of the red keep, while Drogon took off into the sky again.

Jon and the rest of Daenerys advisors, close allies and a sizeable amount of her present troops walked after her as she entered the red keep. Jon stepped next to her and she asked him: "Show me the way to the iron throne." He nodded and led the way.

….

When they reached the throne room all the Lannister banners had already been taken down and instead the Targaryen sigil proudly greeted Daenerys from every corner. When She entered the throne room, she was immediately hit by a strong sense of Déjà vu. She had been here before. Not really but she had seen this hall before. Back in the house of the undying during a… vision? Illusion? When the warlock Pyat Pree had stolen her dragons.

It wasn't identical of course. In her vision the hall had been partially destroyed and thick snow had covered everything. Not snow, a voice in the back of her head whispered, Ashes. The ashes of the city and all the innocent people you almost burned today. Suddenly she felt sick again. Had it perhaps really been a vision of the future. If so, had she managed to avert that future? Or was it still destined to happen? Would she snap again and be unable to stop herself next time? Fighting down the rising panic she calmed herself mentally.

No. It wouldn't happen. She would not allow it. Jon would not allow it if it came to that. She was standing in front of the iron throne now. It looked just like in her vision. She had always imagined it to be much bigger during her childhood and more impressive. To be honest it was kind of ugly. But then again there was something about it that seemed to call out to something deep within her. Was it the right decision to take this throne for herself? Could she be trusted to sit on it? She had been so certain that this was her destiny. Until today. Her left hand reluctantly moved forward to touch the armrest of the throne.

Nervously she looked around through the hall. Her gaze met the one of Grey Worm who gave a slight encouraging nod. Then the one of Jon who offered her a genuine smile. Steeling herself Dany turned around and lowered herself onto the iron throne. For a dreadful moment she was convinced that something horrible would happen as soon as she would sit down. But nothing happened. She was just sitting on a chair. It was a rather uncomfortable chair at that. But then again she also had the unmistakable feeling that it was right for her to sit here. That she belonged on this throne.

Letting out a small sigh of relief she relaxed her posture a bit and put on her usual regal expression while looking down at the assembled soldiers in the hall.

As her official hand Tyrion stepped besides the throne and loudly proclaimed: "I present you, Queen Daenerys Stormborn of house Targaryen, the Unburnt, First of her name, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the first men, Queen of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm, Khaleesi of the great grass sea, Queen of Meereen, Breaker of chains and Mother of dragons. Long may she reign."

The present Dothraki broke out in loud victory cheers, the unsullied stomped the shafts of their spears against the ground and much to Danys surprise even some of the present northmen loudly cheered: "Long live the dragon queen."

As the cheering calmed down eventually Daenerys the new queen of the seven kingdoms smiled at her soldiers and spoke: "Thank you. All of you have served me loyally and dutifully. I will not forget your bravery in the battles against the dead and the false Queen Cersei Lannister." Turning to her generals and advisors she asked: "How is the current situation in the city? Has Cersei Lannister been captured?"

Tyrion cleared his throat and summarized: "The city is firmly under your control your Grace. Civilian casualties have been thankfully low. Our own troops have only suffered minimal losses. The outer defenses of the city are in complete shambles though after your attack with your dragon my queen. I don't think we have to fear any attack on us soon, but it might be a good idea to fortify the city again. My sister has been captured and is awaiting judgment by you."

Nodding coldly at that Daenerys said: "Good. You are right about the fortifications. Send out a few men to find the most capable stonemasons and builders in the city. I want to rebuild the part of the city that were destroyed as soon as possible. Also gather all people who have any experience with aiding the wounded and make sure that as many of those who were injured during the fight are tended to. Soldiers and civilians alike. How is the status regarding food in the city?"

"We are still taking stock of the supplies my queen." Retorted Tyrion.

At that the young Targaryen commanded: "Keep me updated on that situation. If possible, I want to keep the general populace well fed so nobody has to starve. What about the iron fleet?"

Davos Seaworth stepped in and reported: "The few remaining ships of the iron fleet are hastily retreating back to the iron islands as we speak. They seem to be unaware that we have already recaptured the iron islands. We have sent ravens to Yara Greyjoy who will welcome them accordingly."

Grey Worm shared some more related information: "We have also discovered the dead body of Euron Greyjoy on a beach near Kings Landing. We do not know who exactly killed him, but our guess is that it was Jaime Lannister."

It filled Daenerys heart with no small amount of satisfaction that the self-proclaimed king of the iron islands, who had murdered one of her "children" was dead but at the mention of Jaime Lannister she raised and questioning eyebrow: "Jaime Lannister? Last I heard he had escaped our captivity again after he had betrayed us and wanted to defect back to Cersei."

"He did my queen." Retorted Grey Worm: "I killed him in battle when we stopped his attempt to flee with Cersei Lannister. Still since it wasn't one of my men and he was the only other combatant around we assume that he was the one to kill Euron Greyjoy."

Curious but in the end not overly important the dragon queen decided and spoke: "Very well. As usual you have served me well Torgo Nudho my dear friend. Is there anything else I should be informed of?"

Grey Worm nodded and elaborated: "My Queen we have searched the dungeons of the keep. We found a whole lot of… dead prisoners who it appears someone… experimented on with various poisons and other… things. It was not a pretty sight."

"That must have been the work of Qyburn." Surmised Tyrion: "My brother did say that Cersei gave him permission to conduct his experiments on the prisoners."

Danys expression became pained. What other horrors was Cersei Lannister still going to throw at her? With quiet and controlled voice, she ordered: "See that they are buried properly."

"Yes, my queen." Obeyed Grey Worm. Tyrion used this opportunity to make a request: "Your grace, I would like to ask a favor of you."

Eyeing him suspiciously the dragon queen asked: "You are not going to ask me to show mercy to Cersei again are you Lord Tyrion?"

Sadly, the dwarf shook his head: "I know you would never agree to that at this point your majesty. So I am not even going to bother. My humble request concerns my brother Jaime. I would like to ask you to grant him a proper burial as well."

Dany mulled that over in her head for a bit before giving her answer: "I'll grant your request Lord Tyrion. No matter what crimes he committed, Ser Jaime also stood valiantly with us against the undead horde. He shall have his proper burial."

Tyrion bowed deeply and genuinely thanked his queen.

At that Grey worm coughed slightly to focus Daenerys attention back at him: "My queen aside from the dead prisoners we also freed two live prisoners. One was a clearly insane holy woman of the seven gods of Westeros. She just kept muttering about some: "Red eyed monster". Since she was in very bad bodily condition, we sent her to the nearest house of healing. The other prisoner was Ellaria Sand of Dorne."

At that the young Targaryen ruler was genuinely surprised: "Ellaria Sand? She is still alive?"

"Yes, my queen. She isn't in the best condition but alive and relatively unharmed. Shall I bring her before you?"

"Please do." Dany agreed. At a sign from their commander two unsullied escorted Ellaria Sand before the iron throne. Someone had given her some fresh clothes and an opportunity to wash herself, but Ellaria still looked emaciated and mangy. Deep shadow lay beneath her eyes and her gaze was broken and devoid of any fighting spirit it had held before.

Weakly the woman kneeled down before the iron throne and with weak voice stated: "Your Grace. It is good to see that you took the iron throne in the end."

Dany motioned for her to stand up again and told the former lover of prince Oberyn: "I am glad to see you alive again Lady Sand. We thought you had been killed when Euron Greyjoy ambushed our fleet."

A nervous shudder shook Ellarias slight frame as she explained: "No. Me and my daughter Tyene were captured by Euron. They dragged us through the city in chains and locked us away in the dungeons." Her voice broke and a sob escaped her as she continued: "Cersei murdered Tyene in front of me kept me chained next to her corpse until now so that I could see her rot. They made sure I couldn't die. Even forced food down my throat so I couldn't starve myself."

Daenerys remained unreadable. She wasn't overly fond of the sand snakes from Dorne, since Tyrion had told her how they had murdered his teenaged niece just to spite the Lannisters and then went on to murder Lord Martell to take over Dorne. Still they had sided with her against Cersei and had kept their word to fight for her. So, she diplomatically reassured Ellaria: "Do not worry Lady Sand. Cersei Lannister will answer for her many crimes. Please consider yourself my guest. You should rest and regain your strength." She ordered one of her unsullied: "Please see to it that a comfortable room is allocated to Lady sand. And have someone versed in the art of healing check her as soon as someone is available."

Meekly the older woman replied: "Thank you your Grace." Suddenly a small spark of the womans former fire returned to her eyes and she requested: "If it pleases your Grace, I would want to be present when Cersei has to answer for her crimes."

Dany saw no reason to deny her that: "As you wish." With that she dismissed Ellaria and asked her generals and advisors: "Any other matters that require my immediate attention?"

All of them shook their head. Good. Daenerys was tired. Jon had been more than right she hadn't slept in days. She should really rest. However, there were still some matters that she herself wanted to take care of before she rested.

With a sigh she commanded: "Good. In that case bring Cersei Lannister to the dragon pit in about half an hour where I will hold judgment over her."

With that Daenerys Stormborn gracefully rose from her throne regally strode out of the hall. Four unsullied hurrying after her as her bodyguards.

…..

Tyrion was leaning against a wall in a corridor of the red keep waiting. Eventually the person he was waiting for was led down the hallway flanked by six unsullied guards who kept a watchful eye on her so she couldn't start an escape attempt. Cersei in turn angrily glared at her jailers with all the hatred she could muster, which was a lot.

The short man stepped in front of Cersei and her guards and said: "Just a few moments. I would like to talk to my sister." The unsullied looked at him suspiciously, but seeing the hand of the Queen pin, relented and halted. However, they made no move to leave. Clearly, they were instructed to not leave Cersei out of eyesight. Tyrion didn't really mind either way.

His sister just stared at him with disgust and anger before sneering at him: "I bet it fills your pathetic little heart with glee to see me like this you disgusting imp. Are you here to gloat? Are you finally happy now that you brought our whole family to ruin?"

Tyrion sadly shook his head: "I know you won't believe me but no I am not happy. And yes, I never particularly liked you. You were a horrible sister and you are a horrible person in general, but you are still my sister and I never wished for you to end up like this. I tried my best to get you and Jaime out of this whole mess as well as possible. I was genuinely trying to help you out of this alive."

"Oh, don't give that you little monster." Spat Cersei acidly: "You conspired with the dragon bitch to dethrone me all along. It's only thanks to you that things ended the way they did."

Now Tyrion was getting angry himself and retorted: "Thanks to me?" he asked incredulously: "If I remember correctly, I was the one who proposed that you and Daenerys join forces to fight the dead. And you agreed to that and then stabbed her in the back. After that Daenerys still gave you a chance to surrender peacefully and just walk away unharmed, a chance she offered you at my urging I might add. You refused her and had her best friend executed out of pure spite and pettiness. Well congratulations you managed to seriously piss off the Mother of dragons. Great plan. No, it isn't because of me that you ended up here. That is entirely your own responsibility."

Furiously Cersei started to yell: "You dare…"

Tyrion interrupted her: "Yes I dare. You had plenty of opportunities to save yourself. But instead kept antagonizing everyone just to satisfy your own lust for power and your sadistic urges. Did you honestly think that all your stupidity and malice would never catch up to you?"

"if you just came to insult you can get lost again Gnome." Hissed Cersei at her younger brother.

With a heavy sigh Tyrion replied: "I did not come to insult you sister. I came to say goodbye. I did what I could to protect you despite everything. But I can't help you anymore. Farwell sister." With that he motioned for the guards to take her away. Cersei just shot him a last hateful glare. Sadly, Tyrion walked into the other direction. He would not attend Cerseis trial and if no miracle happened following execution. As much grief she had caused him he still did not want to see her die.

….

Daenerys was waiting in the dragon pit. Behind her Drogon was towering over all the people present. Those were a few unsullied guards, Grey Worm, Ser Davos and Ellaria Sand. Tyrion had opted to stay away. Daenerys had allowed him that. She still wished to speak to him late. She had to talk to him about the escape of his brother from captivity. She was no idiot. For Jaime to escape right after Tyrion had requested the guards to let him talk to his brother was anything but unsuspicious. But for now, she had another Lannister to deal with.

She was momentarily distracted when she saw Jon Snow as well as Arya Stark enter the Dragon pit and position themselves not far from her. Raising a questioning eyebrow, she addressed the youngest Stark daughter: "Lady Arya Stark. I wasn't aware that you had joined out army when we marched south."

The young brown-haired women shortly bowed before the dragon queen and told a calculated half-truth: "Your Grace, I didn't join the army. I came to the city in advance and then joined the fight in the red keep when Jon and your troops stormed it."

At that Dany couldn't help but chuckle: "One would think that after saving all of Westeros you would take a break. You truly are the bravest and most remarkable young woman I've ever met Lady Stark."

At that Arya couldn't help but feel flattered a bit. She blushed lightly and retorted: "Thank you your majesty. But please call me just Arya. Sansa is Lady Stark."

Dany frowned at that in confusion but humored the younger woman: "As you wish Arya."

Her attention then was captured by the six unsullied that entered the dragon pit escorting the captive Cersei Lannister. Dutifully they lead the former Queen before Daenerys before taking position next to the entrances of the pit. Cersei just stared at Daenerys unflinchingly, keeping up a haughty expression. Looking at the woman Daenerys could feel familiar rage rise inside her. The urge to just murder the golden-haired woman before her, with her bare hands if it had to be, was getting stringer by the second. This time she fought back her anger before it consumed her, took a calming breath and started talking with calm but firm voice: "Lady Cersei of house Lannister, we have gathered here today so you may face justice. Your crimes are as numerous as they are atrocious. Among other things you were behind the murder of King Robert of house Baratheon. You murdered Queen Margery Tyrell as well as dozens of high lords and thousands of innocent civilians in the Sept of Baelor. When the night king and his horde of the dead attacked Winterfell, you agreed to help in its defense and reneged on that promise. You had prisoner experimented on in brutal fashion inside your dungeon. On your order the iron fleet shot down and killed one of my dragons and you callously murdered my adviser Missandei of Naath when she was your captive. What do you have to say in your defense?"

Cersei just snorted and shot back: "I only did what was necessary to protect myself and this realm from those who would destabilize, be it backstabbing schemers like the Tyrells, insubordinate rebels like the Starks or foreign invaders like you."

At that Dany just scoffed in disgust: "It is quite a weird way to protect the realm by murdering it's citizen and ignoring an existential threat to said realm."

"Oh please, don't give me that noble drivel. I did what I had to do. Those citizens don't really matter. You would sacrifice them as well if it gave you an advantage. In the game of thrones, you win, or you die. There is no middle ground."

Dany stared at the other women with an expressionless face for a few long moments before she answered in a perfectly calm voice, that was as icy as the night kings' spears: "Well it doesn't look to me like you won. Cersei of house Lannister for your countless crimes as well as your complete disregard for human lives and suffering I, Daenerys Stormborn of house Targaryen Queen of the seven kingdoms sentence you to death."

Behind her Drogon roared threatening and his head snaked forward. Cersei visibly paled at the sight and her haughty expression was starting to slip.

Again, in a calm, collected voice that was seething with tranquil fury Daenerys added: "If you have any last words now is the time." Her black dragon unfolded his wings and stretched to his full height beneath her in anticipation.

At that Cerseis smug façade completely crumbled. The woman fell to her knees, terror clearly etched on her face. In the end apparently Cersei Lannister was not too proud to beg after all. "Wait! No, not like this! Your majesty have mercy. Please. I don't want to die." She whimpered her body shaking at the sight of Drogon.

Dany just stared at her in contempt and then icily retorted: "Neither did Missandei. Dracarys!"

On that command a bright jet of fire shot forth from Drogons maw and engulfed the former Lannister queen. For a few seconds Cersei screeched in agony as the dragon flames burned her alive. Daenerys, Ellaria, Grey Worm and Arya watched in satisfaction while Jon and Davos, having mostly avoided the pleasure of getting to know Cersei more personally, opted to avert their gazes. Then the unrecognizable, charred corpse of the former tyrant fell to the ground. Dany gently petted one of Drogons wings and then exclaimed: "That concludes todays official business. Please get rid of… this." During the last part she motioned to Cerseis remains and then turned to Jon: "Lord Snow I'd like to speak to you in private a bit later if you it's possible."

Jon quickly nodded and agreed: "Of course your Grace."

"Very well. But first I'd like to talk to Lord Tyrion in private. Please escort him to the small council chambers. I'll be waiting for him." The young Targaryen ordered some of her guards. They nodded and left to find Tyrion. With one last look at Cerseis corpse Dany also started to walk back into the red keep.

…

It wasn't much later that Tyrion entered the small council chamber where a very sad looking Daenerys was already waiting for him alone.

"Your Grace you wanted to speak to me." He announced his presence. The young queen looked up and smiled sadly at him: "Yes Lord Tyrion. I presume you have already heard the sad news of your sisters' demise?"

"Well, yes I did. It's hardly sad news for anyone but me though. Even I am not overly upset. I would not have wished for her death, but it is an undeniable fact that she probably deserved it."

"She definitely did." Growled Dany then suddenly to Tyrions surprise the young queen started to cry: "I thought it would help to punish her. And it did. But only for a few moments. But Missandei is still gone and it still hurts." Hesitantly Tyrion stepped closer to his queen and laid a comforting am on her shoulder. She didn't reject it.

Empathetically he asked: "You really cared for her, didn't you your grace?"

Sadly, Dany nodded and answered: "Yes. She was my best friend. I loved her dearly and your sister just took her from me for no logical reason. So many of my friends died. Missandei, Jorah, Rhegal and Viserion. So much death. Without them sometimes I feel so isolated and alone."

Comfortingly the dwarf said: "I know it is hard. But be assured that you are not alone my queen."

Dany wiped her tears away as she told him thankfully: "That's nice of you to say Lord Tyrion. I'm sorry for my unqueenly behavior. I'm just really tired. The last days have been harsh."

The only remaining Lannister agreed: "Yes they have been. I took the liberty to have a room befitting your position as Queen prepared. If you want to retire for today that would be more than acceptable your majesty."

"Very well. Please escort me to my chambers Lord Tyrion." Agreed Daenerys.

The dwarf politely helped her up from her chair and led her out of the room. As they were quietly walking through the red keep Dany suddenly asked: "You were the one to free your brother Jaime weren't you Lord Tyrion? You told the guards to leave you alone with him and next morning he has fled again."

Gulping Tyrion decided that lying was probably pointless. So, he told the truth: "Yes. I freed him."

Sighing heavily the young Targaryen queen wanted to know: "So you betrayed me as well. Why?" She sounded actually hurt.

A pang of guilt spread through Tyrion as he tried to justify himself: "Please you Grace believe me that I didn't do it to betray you. That was an unpleasant side effect. I freed my brother to save his life. I urged him to take Cersei and flee with her as far away from Westeros as possible while having the city surrender without a fight. With that I hoped to save my brother my sister and hopefully avoid a lot of bloodshed. Of course, it seems like it didn't work out the way I wanted. In any case I am sorry for betraying you. I shouldn't have done it. But despite everything they were my family. I will accept any punishment you deem fitting my queen."

"You do realize that the usual punishment for treason is death?" asked the queen of the seven kingdoms calmly.

Tyrion gulped but lowered his head in deference. He had known the risk when he had freed Jaime. "If that is what you deem fitting my queen."

They had reached the door to Daenerys room and stopped. After a long moment of silence Dany finally decided: "I don't think your death will be necessary Lord Tyrion."

He let out a sigh of relief and took a deep breath, only now becoming aware that he had held his breath. Daenerys continued: "I never had any family besides Viserys and he was abusive and saw me only a bargaining tool to be sold for his convenience. But I know what it's like to love someone like my own family. I would have done anything for a chance to save Missandei. So, I know how you feel. You are a very compassionate person Lord Tyrion. I need people like you around me. Today in all my sadness and anger I almost did something horrible but snapped out of it just in time. I need good compassionate people like you and Jon Snow around me as positive influences. So, I won't execute you."

Tyrion bowed thankfully: "You are too kind your Grace."

"However," Dany interjected: "You did undermine my efforts to capture Cersei and end the war. As a result, I can no longer trust you the be my hand of the queen. You are dismissed from my service in that capacity." Imperiously she held out her open hand.

Readily Tyrion unpinned the brooch of the hand from his jacked and gave it to his queen: "Very understandable my queen. It was an honor serving you while it lasted."

Dany corrected him: "You will still serve me. Just not as my hand but I think I will assign a different position in my small council to you. As the last surviving Lannister, I also proclaim you as the Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the west. However, be warned Lord Tyrion I won't tolerate another betrayal from you."

The newly appointed warden of the west bowed deeply and thanked the young Targaryen: "You are to gracious my queen. I will do my best to serve you and never betray you again."

"I hope so Tyrion." She said: "You are dismissed. But please find Jon Snow for me and send him to my chambers. I need to speak to him privately."

Tyrion assented and walked away as Dany entered her new chambers. He shot a questioning look after her. Speak to Jon Snow in private? Were the queen and Jon Snow still…. Despite the fact that they were aunt and nephew? He shrugged it off. Even if, it was not really his business and he had condoned worse for his brother Jaime as well.