Rise to Power

[DanceWithDemise]

It had all been so sudden that Druscilla was still half expecting to wake up any minute now, even though a fortnight had already gone by since her Lord father's death. He'd choked on a broken piece of bone from a chicken wing, of all things. The great Lord of Morrow with a terrifying skull on his banner, slain by a shard of bone; the irony did not amuse her.

And then her two brothers had both perished while sailing back from Anchorstone in a a storm that would be remembered as one of the most violent in recent history. And just like that, four were cut down to two, though not even the ambitious Druscilla could take pleasure from learning about the deaths of her two younger brothers. Still, it would probably be the only opportunity to claim what she believed to be her birthright that she was ever likely to get. That wasn't something that was easily passed on.

There was only her youngest brother left to contend with. Luckily for her, the little twerp had been visiting Windshear hundreds of leagues away from King's Landing and the Iron Throne when everything had happened. That had given his older sister a fortnight to entrench herself into the position of Queen Regent as well as make preparations to ensure that the power to command the Seven Kingdoms remained entirely in her slender, perfectly manicured hands.

It had been easy enough, really. For years while her fool brothers spent their days hunting and jousting and chasing after skirts, Druscilla had been the one learning how to play the court. She happened to have gotten quite good at it. She'd promised great lands and lordships to every one of the Hand's eight sons and used her femininity to seduce most of the small council. For those who were too honorable or pious to be enticed by Dru's charms, she'd befriended their wives instead, knowing that she'd be able to influence them through their women.

They would all consent to extending her period of regency until her brother came of age. That left her a couple of years to convince the High Septon to abolish the law that prevented women from inheriting, after which it would all belong to her. The land, the throne, the power. The legacy.

Druscilla wasn't done trying to make a mockery out of her little brother, either. The more foolish and feeble she made him look, the more it cemented her position. She'd made plans for a huge crowd of thousands to gather behind the gates and along the main road of the city to welcome the young king home, wanting as many eyes as possible to witness what came next.

She'd had the alchemists prepare some special sort of colorful explosives that they called 'fireworks' for the occasion...which she commanded to have placed at a very strategic point along the path that her brother would take. The explosives went off with a deafening blast right as Dru's brother rode by, causing his horse to scream and rear wildly in fear. The King was thrown out of his saddle harshly before landing face first in the mud with the eyes of the whole city drinking in his shame. His horse's hooves stomped down mere inches from his head, splashing even more mud into his face; just a little bit more to the side and his face would have been squashed like a ripe watermelon. The only thing that could have made it better was if the boy would have pissed himself.

After that, Druscilla had returned to sit on the Iron Throne while her unfortunate brother licked his wounds and cleaned the mud out of his nose, ears and mouth. Normally the Regent was not supposed to sit on the Throne itself, but nobody dared to voice a complaint. It's better to get them used to the sight now so that they accept me more easily once the time comes. It was hard to keep herself from smiling and giggling constantly, even during the tedious task of listening to petitioners and having to content with their issues. It was their lucky day, since Dru's good mood after watching her plan come together so flawlessly was making her feel more generous than usual.

She could hardly wait to see the stupid look on her brother's face when he walked into the throne room and saw her sitting in his chair...And when he reads the document naming me Queen Regent until such time as he comes of age, it will be even sweeter. I should have commissioned a painter to immortalize the scene upon a canvas.

 

[DomG]

It was strange how quickly the entire world could change around you. Just a short time ago Dominic had been third in line for the Throne, likely to never ascend to it because of the many problems that having healthy and strong elder siblings caused. His eldest brother would likely take the throne when their venerable father died, which had seemed to be a long way off, his next brother would likely take Regency of their home in Anchorstone, and Dominic would need to find a way to keep himself satisfied with what would likely be a vanity appointment to the kings Council, made Lord of the Coin or something else similar where dull men would do most of the real work and he would be expected to give reports on it whenever his brother deigned to care about the little things.

But then a single chicken bone had claimed the life of his father, so much sooner then anyone had thought possible and Dominic had hurriedly prepared himself for the journey back to Kings Landing. Tradition dictated that the funeral rights be held quickly and his father interned in the crypt right away... he would never make it in time for that but this was a time of great political change and to be far away from the eye of the storm would be unforgivable.

He had been on the road home, just over half of the long journey behind him and the retainers who had been sent with him, to include a vaunted knight of the kings guard, when a messenger escorted by the gold cloaked guards of the city had reached him. The men had ridden hard and fast, their horses near the point of exhaustion and upon reaching him they had fallen on bended knee before him, heads low. His brothers had also made much haste in the journey to see their father buried, only to be caught in an unexpected storm that had sank their ship with all hands lost. Though not yet crowned Dominic was the king in name and would be expected home soon.

Everything had changed so quickly, and for most young men of only fourteen it would have overwhelmed, but for Dominic this was fate at work. It was something he had dreamed of for years, scenarios were planned out, politics were studied... his sister also learned the ways of the court but had never paid him much mind and while his brothers and father had enjoyed hunting and chasing skirts around the city Dominic had learned. His sister had built allies on the council but Dominic had chosen a little more carefully, going for the true strength. Being the youngest son he often toured the kingdoms, guest of the many great lords and at their homes he made friends with their sons, made the best impression he could and with the news brought to him he knew he would be able to bring the major lords to his side.

With his brother had been lost three members of the kings guard, with the head of the kings guard also stepping down with his fathers death... that left four spots open to be filled and off the top of his head Dominic already knew the sons of four noble houses that had been knighted and had skill that would warrant such a place. Let his sister have the pompous men who thought a kingdom could be ruled with words, he would have steel at his side should she oppose him, and the noble houses to back his steel with their own. Even the Nights Watch, technically above politics, would know from his visits too them that he understood their plight and that he would increase the number of men sent to join their numbers... a silent support that could make a great deal of a difference.

The ride up to the city was of course to be his triumphant entrance, he of course had no crown but the journey had been delayed a day so that he could be properly dressed and made ready, riding on the back of a mighty stallion, dressed in clothing that was as impressive as it was somber, he was to play the part of a young man who while ready to rule was saddened at the loss of his family. Trust into a place that he had not wanted but more then ready to accept the responsibility.

Disaster had struck though, just before the first flash of light he had caught sight of his sister and the look on her face was a familiar one, the smug smirk that she often wore when she was out to ruin his fun, like when she had informed her father that he had managed to sneak way to a brothel for the night... she had worn that smirk at his dressing down for that and oh so many other times before.

Perhaps she had expected him to feel fear as he landed in the mud and had to quickly roll to avoid trampling hooves from his own stallion, oh there had been surprise but instead of fear there was rage. Druscilla had been behind this, the scheming bitch was trying to undermine him before he even took the throne... he wouldn't be of proper age for another six months and she was the one who would rule in his stead until then. That just couldn't be allowed to happen and from the moment Dominic stood and waved away a knight who rushed forward to escort him through the people he was already planning... he had friends among the Septons, men who wanted a chance to expand their own influence and power. What they really wanted was the right to organize their own army again and while he wouldn't allow that... he was sure he could find some men on the council and of the court to turn over to them for crimes against the gods, the pious always did enjoy punishing the decadent.

Taking deep breaths to calm himself Dominic hadn't rushed off to clean himself like so many might expect him too, instead he carried on towards the crypt where his father had been laid to rest, stopping only at its entrance to clean his boots and his hands, exchanging a quick word with the High Septon, begging for forgiveness for his state of dishevelment, but that paying his respects to his dearly departed father and brothers was his first priority.

An hour had been spent in prayer to the Seven on behalf of his father, candles lit, alms given, and only then when he had finished did he leaved and head towards his personal chamber. Leaving the crypt the crowds had been smaller, but rather then cheers at his return or jeers as his dirty state there was a pious silence, respect for the king who had lost so much of his family. A few members of the high council were even there to pay their respects as well and a few quiet words were exchanged with them. By keeping his calm when others would have raged, by carrying on when others had fled he had earned respect from many.

Now feeling much better, having taken time to bathe and change once more, he knew where he would find his sister and when he entered the throne room he wasn't disappointed to see that she was indeed sitting on his throne. “Druscilla.” He said, eyes narrowed and a small sneer upon his lips. “I know that you are likely as over come with sorrow and mourning as I am, but to try and take the throne from me before it has even lost the warmth from our father seems a little cold.”

 

[DanceWithDemise]

Dominic's tone was about as sharp as the spike on the arm of the Iron Throne which Druscilla was casually stroking in between two of her fingers. Her informers had whispered into her ear eveything that he'd been doing since he'd arrived, so she'd known that he was coming to the throne room after paying his respects to their late father and brothers, but she hadn't expected the boy to practically accuse her right in front of the entire court.

Is he mad? He must realize that I control every single person of note in attendance...what does he hope to accomplish?

"Your Grace," Druscilla started, the tone of her voice perfectly calculated to sound slightly surprised by Dominic's words while still remaining calm and confident. "You wound me deeply with your words. Surely that must be your grief speaking." Yes, that's good, I make myself seem strong while making him appear weak and unable to control his emotions...unfit to rule.

"Despite our tragic losses, however, life must go on and the realm cannot run itself. My only wish was to fulfil my duty, which I shall do until the day that Your Grace comes of age." Dominic would understand that that last part was more of a threat than anything else, but to everyone else it would sound perfectly genuine.

"But let us not dwell on such matters. I've no doubt that you must be exhausted after your long voyage home and that nasty spill that you took earlier...Pity that you missed the wake and funeral, they were grand as would befit a king and his heirs." Dru couldn't help herself from taking a couple more shots at her brother, reminding him about his earlier mishap as well as the fact that she'd been the one present when their fallen family members had been laid to rest in the crypts, not him. "You should get some rest, brother."

 

[DomG]

Dominic took a deep breath, though the room was far from empty when he had entered he had only seen his sister and HIS throne. The fact that there had been others around had passed him by right away and only when she mentioned that it must be his grief speaking did he realize that others were there to witness what was happening. She had planned this out very well and no doubt intended to use the court and the Small Council to keep him from the throne... but she had chosen her allies poorly and the nobles whom she had surrounded herself with were fickle, easy enough to cow with strong enough will. They were with her because he was an unknown quantity, a show of what he had up his own sleeve and her footing would be much less setting.

Taking a deep breath he reigned in his anger, smiling softly as he looked around to those around him. “You are right dear sister, the events of the day coupled with my own grief have made me rash and prone to outburst. Thank you for offering me the opportunity to be rested but in truth I have spent far too much time resting. A fortnight on the road left me with little to do but rest, think, and of course write to the other noble houses, the heads of of whom have all departed so that they might also show respect to our departed king and of course be here for my crowning.” Just as her earlier words to him might have been taken at hand when they were in truth a subtle threat he was also conveying a message to the ears of her and her fellow conspirators, she had the court but he had strength on his side. Even their household troops would be divided between who they would follow and the gold cloaked city guards wouldn't be enough to hold off the forces of even a single great house.

“You see sister this tragedy has opened my eyes somewhat.” He said, the slightest smirk crossing his face for a moment before it was replaced again by an almost saint like smile, his eyes shinning with enthusiasm rather then the rage that had shown just moments before. “Our father was a man in his prime, strong and noble with many years left to his life... under any normal circumstance his death would have been tragic. My dear older brothers were much the same, both of them young and more then capable of leading... they had invited my to go with them to our ancestral home for a sojourn away from Kings Landing and had I accepted I would have joined them on the boat leaving the throne to one of our cousins and likely causing quite a lot of squabbling.”

Some of the nobles were nodding their agreement to what he said, sycophants who weren't even waiting for him to make his point yet. “On the road back my eyes were opened, my father's death was a tragic accident, a quirk of fate... but for my brothers to have both been struck down so suddenly while I was spared by such a small choice that I made. Clearly my survival was the will of the Seven, and if they wanted me to be the only son of my father to return then they must have wanted me to take the throne. I have spoken with the High Septon, only a few quick words but I got the impression that he is in agreement, the situation we are in has arisen because of extraordinary circumstances and if it is the will of the gods that I am to take the throne... waiting six months to enact their will would be a crime of unimaginable portions that could bring disaster down upon us all.”

More nods now from the crowd, some of the people there were truly pious while others only acted that way to keep up a public face... but both benefited him. Now, with his public peace said Dominic quickly clapped his hands twice and the the remaining members of the kings guard along with several other nights and a selection of his own house hold troops entered the throne room. “Now everyone, I thank you for your presence but I must ask that you all leave my sister and I for a little while so that we might have a private discussion between family members.”

 

[DanceWithDemise]

With the way that Dominic had started by admitting that she'd been right about his grief causing him to act strangely, Druscilla had been certain that the day and the throne had been all but won. He's weak and stupid and naive, just as I've always known. Trampling people who got in her way had always come naturally to her, especially when it came to her youngest brother.

She'd always been a bit more careful around the other two. As much as Dru despised the thought, she had to consider that the eldest of her brothers would one day rule in their father's stead, so it was to her advantage to be on his good side. As for the middle brother, well, it wasn't outside of the realm of possibility for him to ascend to the throne either in the case of some unexpected tragedy, so Druscilla avoided stepping on his toes as well.

But for fate to conspire in a way that made Dominic the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms had always seemed like an absurd thought. Until it became reality, of course.

Anger flared up within the Queen Regen when she heard mention of the other houses being invited to his coronation. It wasn't hard for her to read between the lines, but it was harder to hold her emotions back and keep her cheeks from flushing red. It makes no matter, she told herself, I have many and more friends amongst nearly every house in the realm, all he does with this scheme is sink himself further.

That was one thing, but when Dominic began with his religious nonsense, it took all of Druscilla's self control not to jump out of her spiky chair and slap that insolent smile off of her little brother's face. It made her so mad that she didn't even register that Dom was proving that he could play the game better than she thought, elsewise she might have been more careful.

Dru's eye's darted around the room as she took note of every single person who nodded in agreement with the unworthy boy king. Useless sheep. I'll have each and every one of you on your knees and pledging yourselves to me, and if you dare refuse there's plenty of room down in the dungeons. She was so upset that she accidentally pricked her thumb on one of the sharp edges of the throne. Dru snapped her hand back and sucked on the pad of her thumb while everyone began clearing the room, imagining that it was her brother's scrawny little neck that she was sucking the blood from.

She rose brusquely as soon as they were alone, descending the steps in front of the throne to stand before her dear brother. Her gown was made of cloth of silver with sky blue trim that matched her eyes, and it was slashed down the left to show some leg and almost down to her navel in the front, revealing a deep vee of her pale, creamy flesh. Around her neck was a string of stunning blue opals, but in her hair she wore three black bows in honor of her father and brothers. Standing at fice feet and nine inches, Dru was already a rather tall and willowy woman to begin with, and the high heels with straps that climbed her legs all the way up to her knees only made her even taller and hopefully more intimidating.

"You dare put an end to my audience? Need I remind my forgetful baby brother that I am in charge here? You may have all the chats that you wish with that old bag of wind that calls himself High Septon, but do not presume to think that it means a thing. My word is law here and all through the Seven Kingdoms, not his." By then, Dru and Dom were face to face with only a foot at most separating them, and the fire burning in her eyes would be unmistakable. "Do not trifle with me, you accursed little worm. Consider this your first and only warning."

 

[DomG]

Things were turning Dominic's way and all he needed to see to know that he had an advantage in this situation was the subtle signs on anger on his sisters face. Most wouldn't catch it but he had known her his entire life, he had long been forced to put up with her insults and assaults to his dignity while she made nice with those who were more likely to have some power one day. No one might have seen all this coming but now the time for him to take the throne had arrived. If she was allowed to delay it to the traditional time that he came of age then she might be able to find a way to hold onto the throne all for herself... and he didn't fancy what his life expectancy might be should she take the Iron Throne permanently, removing him with a convenient accident would cement her status and keep a challenge from existing.

With the others dismissed Dominic decided to drop the regal bearing that he had assumed before the crowd of assembled minor nobility and members of the court. In his opinion the majority of them were nothing but parasites who existed by hanging onto the coat tails of his family, while the seven major houses did all the work, ruling the Seven Kingdoms and providing the tax revenue that maintained the rule that he would soon assume, and of course their armies provided for the defense to ensure that they weren't invaded or conquered by any powers from across the narrow sea while also putting down would be rebellions from places like the Iron Islands. His sister might understand this court, she might have a better understanding of how it all fit together and who the power players were... but Dominic had the influence with the Seven major Nobel families. As much as he hated to admit it he would need to keep her around for a little while so that he might learn how to control the Court and bend them to his will. The show of piousness that removed them from the playing field would not always work, could not always be relied on... but it had served its purpose this time.

As she approached he was forced to look up at her, she had about three inches on him but he was still growing and if he was anything like his brothers or father then he would end up being quite tall when compared to most. Still he hardly mattered, she might be taller then him but it would take more then just a few inches and a dress that bordered on the obscene to intimidate him. He smirked a little as he eyes her exposed flesh, there was no doubt at all that she was beautiful and that she would be able to use her appeal to control people with less self control. Another good reason to keep her around he told himself with a small smirk as he brushed past her, moving towards his throne but rather then taking his place upon it just yet he stood before it, taking his time admiring it and running his hands over the edged of the many blades that had been forged together to make it.

“Cut yourself on the throne?” He asked after he judged he had been silent long enough, he could see the small trace of red from her blood. “Father always told me that so long as you are ruling with confidence and keeping your mind upon your duties then the Throne will not cut you. Of course women have never had the strength to hold the Seven Kingdoms together...” Her threat meant nothing to him at all, her thoughts that she might be able to crush him were little more then a delusion.

Turning from the throne he looked back to her as he took his rightful seat carefully, so as not to cut himself or scratch himself at all, the simple black cotton and silk garment that he wore to symbolize his mourning would offer little protection and to cut himself open after admonishing her for a similar mistake would just bolster her confidence. “Now allow me to issue my own warning dear Dru, you are already on very thin ice with me... its tempting to make my first official decree as king an order of exile for you, maybe make you the first woman ever to be sent to the Wall. However you could be useful to me, if you beg me on bended knee right now I won't take any further action against you.” Her pride of course wouldn't allow for it but that was the entire point, she had to be broken of that stubborn pride.

 

[DanceWithDemise]

Dru was absolutely livid at the way that her younger brother had brushed by her while completely dismissing her threats. The sight of him gently caressing the throne as if it were a lover's warm body was even worse. The same jealousy which Druscilla had felt ever since she was old enough to understand that her brothers would be the ones inheriting everything of note while she was instead to be practically sold off to whichever Lord benefited her father's plans the most began bubbling deep down in the pit of her stomach once again. Her face remained an emotionless mask, but the gleam in her eyes would betray her inner rage if Dominic studied her closely enough.

"I had to find some way of distracting myself from your hideousness," Dru snapped back at him more defensively than she would have liked, trying to justify cutting herself on the Iron Throne. "Such an ugly little creature, you've become, both inside and out. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear that you were a bastard." She let the words linger for a bit while she considered the possibility of convincing everyone that Dominic truly was bastard-born in order to get him away from the crown. Unlikely, but it was still a possibility to keep in mind.

He dares to lecture me about our Lord father's words when I knew the man much better than Dom or his fool brothers. It was always me by his side, night and day while his lackwit sons played with blunted steel in the yards. I'm the one who deserves the throne, it should be mine by rights.

"F-Further action?" Dru repeated, stuttering while looking positively shocked and vulnerable. Her eyes were open wide like big round pools of clear spring water, making her seem younger and as innocent as the Maid herself, the complete opposite of what she'd seemed like just moments earlier. Those eyes that could make even a eunuch melt.

And then they narrowed again and all of Druscilla's innocence vanished as she laughed. It was a chilly, bitter laugh. "I'm the one who will be making the decrees for the time being. Do you think anyone cares about your little conversation with the High Septon? He tells everyone what they want to hear, especially little boys. I hear his High Holiness likes to fuck them up the ass." Dru's lips curled up into a wicked smile.

"Is that the way of it, then, dear brother? Did you barter your maidenhood in exchange for his endorsement? I'm afraid that you got cheated if you did, since his title is as empty as your own and his power just as non-existent. But as long as you both enjoyed yourselves, who am I to object?" Druscilla wasn't about to lose a verbal battle to a mere child of four-and-ten.

"You may keep my chair warm until I reclaim it on the morrow, though, if you're so inclined. Use the time to look around you, Dominic." The Queen Regent outstretched her arms to either side to draw attention to the large throne room. "These are your friends, shadows and ghosts. Abandon this foolish quest, Your Grace, lest you become one of them yourself."

Druscilla's resplendent silvery gown swished through the air as she turned to leave.

 

[DomG]

He had her... the gleam in her eyes betrayed everything that Dominic needed to know. It was easy to read someone you had spent your entire life with and his sister was just as much a slave to her emotions as he was. Emotions ran strong in their family, they were not the cold thin blooded sort like the Bolton family, not as high strung as Starks could often be with their obsession of honor. Her insults thrown at him caused rage to flare within him again but he held himself under control with only the slightest tightening of his lips to show his displeasure at the words. Still he was quite certain that he had her where he wanted her and if he was any sort of judge that innocent flash in her eyes was not the result of guile but instead the honest truth, the innocence of the Maid shining through her hardened exterior she worked so hard to put out there.

“Really sister, baseless insults to both me and the faith of so many of our subjects?” He asked with a small smirk, this reaction from her was showing him that he was getting to her and keeping her off balance. The more he maintained control of himself the less she would be able to keep her own control. “Unlike you the people want to support my claim to the throne, I have not had to sleep with half the members of the Small Council in order to have even the most fleeting hope of taking control.” He had heard the rumors of the High Septon's tastes, which was of course why he had made the offer of a minor inquisition into the members of the Small Council and the court, plenty of people who had young sons and heirs... the inquisition would give him favor with the High Septon and also anyone who might want to protect their family from the attentions of men with particularly unspeakable skills.

“Drucsilla, I will be taking this throne again tomorrow.” He called to her as she turned to leave. “If I find you upon it when I arrive then I guarantee that you will regret it. Now why don't you retire to your chambers for the night... and if you have taken up residence in the chambers of the king then I would find a different place to sleep. I will be staying there from now on of course.” To return to the chambers he had occupied for so long would be a sign of weakness, like admitting that he wasn't comfortable sleeping in the room that his father had occupied.

He remained in the Throne room for a little while, enjoying occupying the Iron Throne that symbolized his rule over the Seven Kingdoms. He might now have been crowned yet but very soon he would be, it could be set up and done in less the a week if he pressed the High Septon while keeping pressure on the Small Council to support him until the proper time came. Only after he had felt that he had taken enough time in the room to show that he was comfortable in the seat did he move from it, exiting the throne room only to be greeted by two members of the kings guard who fell into step behind him without a word, escorting him to the chambers of the king where he intended to retire for the night.

 

[DanceWithDemise]

Druscilla's steps quickened as she stormed out of the room before she was tempted to try and bash her brother's skull in against that throne that he loved so much. It was a dark and impulsive though, even for her, so she forced herself to brush it off, but that still didn't make her any less livid.

It was the accusation that she'd traded sex for favor with the members of the court that upset her the most. In truth, she'd only teased and made vague implications to some of them, but she'd never gone as far as to actually fuck them. Maybe I should have, the thought crossed her mind briefly as she wondered what Dominic could possibly be planning to offer that she hadn't already. He couldn't match what I have between my legs...but no, it's not necessary. He's just a boy trying to play at being a king, he's full of wind and idle threats. All I have to do is stand firm and he'll back down once he sees that I won't be intimidated by the likes of him. I embody the demon, not him!

Dru had not, in fact, taken up residence in the king's chambers out of respect for her Lord father, and because it would have seemed in poor taste in the eyes of the court. Yes, she'd won most of them over, or so she thought at the very least, but she was still a woman. It wouldn't have sat well with them to see her moving so brazenly. Druscilla knew that if she wanted to take the throne, she'd have to do it slowly, gradually, subtly.

But her little brother's sudden rebelliousness had inflamed her more than she could have ever expected, and she figured that enough time had passed now since the passing of her father and brothers. I won't be taking orders from that arrogant little runt.

By the time that Dominic arrived at the king's chambers with his pair of white cloaks, he would find eight of his sister's personal guards in front of the door. The young king would be allowed to enter if he wished to, as would his two knights of the kingsguard, but four of Dru's men would follow them inside if they did.

As for the Queen Regent, she was enjoying a nice hot bath while sipping on some sweet arbor gold and reading from a book that one of her handmaidens was holding for her while kneeling beside the luxurious golden tub.

 

[DomG]

Dominic had no idea that Dru had not moved into the room until he warned her against it but in truth he wouldn't care about it at all if he had found out that she had. That room was his by right, several of the families treasures were kept in there including the Valaryian steel long sword known by the simple name Bane. It was the sword that was passed through the family with the crown, usually given by a father to his heir apparent but because of his unexpected death his father had not passed it on. Dru might think that she could claim the crown but there was no way that she thought she would be worthy of taking the sword and employing it on a battlefield. Though not quite as skilled as his elder brothers Dominic had been raised to wield a sword, trained when he was young with short dulled blades but also taught the use of a longsword.

The guards at the door though were an amusing touch, the House guard of their family might be skilled but they weren't on the same level as his kings guard. Eight against two might be a hard fought fight but even if he lost a single white cloak it would just give him another spot to fill with a worthy member of a house that could offer him support. It was even more fortuitous that one of the kings guard at his side was Ser Jamie Lanister, considered by most to be the most skilled knight in all the Seven Kingdoms and a good choice for the next Lord Commander when Dominic got around to it, especially considering the support his family could bring him.

For a moment he considered having Jamie strike them down just so he could get in but instead the men stood aside, four staying at the door and another four entering with him, making no move to keep his knights from his side. They didn't even demand the weapons be handed over. “Ser Jamie...” Dominic said after a few moments of thought as they entered the room, not even bothering to whisper. “Though the men who watch us are currently in the employ of my House, and only obeying the words of my sister as if their duty... if any of them even look as though they intend to lay a hand on my or bar my path then you have my blessing to cut them down. Ser Trant, the same instructions of course apply to you.” If only Ser Barristan had not retired for the night, Trant might be good enough to be a white cloak but he was not in the league of either his remaining brothers. Hell the Bold might be able to cut down all eight by himself without breaking stride despite his advancing age.

Pushing such thoughts on what he might need away for the moment, noticing that the guards stood further back from him after the order he gave Dominic approached the fireplace, over which Bane was hung with care. Delicate reverence was used as Dominic took down the sword, admiring the black blade with the red tint to it where it caught the light, a pity they couldn't make more swords of this nature... practically unbreakable, razor sharp, and balanced like none other... this was the sword meant to be held by a king and with a smile Dominic sheathed it and hung it from his belt.

Then, with what he had truly come for Dominic made his way towards the bathing chamber where he knew he would find his sister, not bothered in the least by her state of undress as he looked down at her with a small sneer. “Well dear sister, I did instruct you to remove yourself from these chambers did I not?” He asked, knowing full well the answer. “There must be consequences to these actions... Ser Jamie and Ser Meryn, I would like the two of your to remove everyone but my sister from this room, by force if needed and then guard the door. We are not to be disturbed.” He would need to teach her a lesson, one that would be sure to stick.

 

[DanceWithDemise]

Always the most inconvenient timing, Dru told herself as she heard the door opening and her brother waltzing in with his lapdogs. At least the orders that he gave his pair of kingsguards pleased her. Despite what it may have seemed like, the queen regent had no intention of allowing blood to be spilled on this day. Preying on Dominic's predictability, she let him show their house guards just how little he valued their lives when he threatened to loose his white cloaks upon them. Dru realized that the men of House Morrow would be divided if it ever came to all out conflict between her and her little brother, so convincing them that she valued and respected them more could prove to be crucial. In this case, Dom was making it easy.

Druscilla was able to see him through the open door of her bath chamber when he snatched Bane off the wall mount and began to study it, but she couldn't have been less concerned. Let him have his trinkets, she thought, it won't be of any use to him in the game that we're playing. There was also the possibility that the young king's demeanour might soften if he was allowed to win certain victories even if they were hollow and meaningless in the big picture, although Druscilla wasn't holding her breath. Dominic had already proven to be more of a stubborn pain in the ass than ever since their father's demise, as if the whole ordeal had somehow emboldened him.

"Leave us," she shouted to her guards before Ser Meryn and Ser Jaime could remove them. Being a woman, everyone would already suspect that Dru was weak to begin with, so it was imperative that she always appear strong. Making it seem like it was her idea to send her guards away was just another part of that. Besides, it allowed them to return to their barracks and inform their comrades about how little king Dominic had threatened to have them killed just for doing their duty of defending Dru.

The queen regent waved her her handmaidens away as well, leaving her completely alone with her brother and nemesis standing over her while she laid completely nude in the massive white marble tub. The only thing partially shielding Dru was the surface of the water and the wildflower petals floating on the surface. The situation was undeniably awkward, but then again she was used to flaunting her sexuality when it suited her needs, so Dru tried to tell herself that it was no different in this case even though it was her own brother that she was dealing with.

"Consequences?" She snorted derisively. "Don't make me laugh. I don't take orders from you. I don't take orders from anyone." Dru leaned back casually until all but her head was submerged, her long coppery hair floating prettily over the water. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and raised one of her slim long legs over the side of the tub in front of Dom, attempting to make him feel even more uncomfortable than she was. Water dripped down from Dru's foot to pool on the tiled floor as she opened her eyes back up and stared up at her sibling with nothing but contempt.

"I might allow you to scrub my back if you ask nicely enough...it's about the only thing you'd be good for. Elsewise, get the fuck out of my chambers and see to it that you don't make the mistake of disturbing me again. You've ruined my bath and wasted more than enough of my time already."

 

[DomG]

Threatening the men in the employ of his family was not the best thing that he could do but Dominic was not all that worried about word getting around the barracks about how he had behaved. These men were loyal to the family though it was more important to them that they got paid and Dominic could easily enough buy their loyalty by offering them a greater sum of money. It wouldn't even take a very large raise in order to ensure that he had their graces. A few more gold coins tossed their way that they would be able to spend on drink and women, money that would be spent in Kings Landing and keep the economy moving forward, something that would be embraced by people of all levels.

The end result was the same, they were out of the room and so were the handmaidens with the White cloaks guarding the doors. They wouldn't open the door no matter what they heard, he already had their loyalty when it came to his claim for the throne, so he need not worry about them interceding on anything that followed on behalf of his sister which was a good thing because what he had in mind would likely cause a great deal of noise. There was only a half formed idea in his mind, nothing quite solid yet but it would be more then enough to show her what her place really was in the grand scheme of things.

Dominic didn't feel the least bit uncomfortable with the way that she was trying to use her body against him. Despite her attempts to spoil his having fun in the past he had still managed to make more then a few trips to different brothels around the Seven Kingdoms, his sister might be more beautiful then the women he tended to encounter but after spending time in the company of whores who knew how to show off their many charms her attempts to make him uncomfortable seemed almost stumbling by comparison.

He met her look of contempt with a sneer of his own, more then a little bit amused by it all, if he wanted her out of her he could have easily dragged her out and thrown her naked into the halls but he had given her ample opportunity to leave of her own free will and now she had to face the consequences. “Your chambers?” He asked slowly, as though wanting to hear the words from his own mouth. “There seems to be a small misunderstanding here dearest sister.” Moving quickly, a body honed from years of exercise being put to use ad he quickly knelt down and pressed a hand into her hair to force her head beneath the water, holding it there as though contemplating letting her drown for several long moments before pulling her back up.

“This chamber is mine.” He hissed as he leaned in to look into her eyes. “The throne is mine, and since you have decided to oppose me I suppose that I am going to have to remind you of these things in a way that you won't like. Your actions have consequences sister... now you must face them.”

 

[DanceWithDemise]

The chill and distance between Dru and her brother while she waited impatiently for him to leave her alone was so great that the Wall itself may as well have stood between them. After a long day of holding court and attempting to appease all of the members of the small council as well as a plethora of other influential lords and ladies who could prove pivotal in the battle over the throne that was quickly developing, the last thing that she wanted to deal with was Dominic and his childish whining.

I deserve to rule, brother, no you. You won't take it away from me, not after how long I've had to wait and suffer just because I wasn't born with a cock dangling between my legs. Why couldn't he just understand that? And he wasn't content just with being selfish, oh no, he had to be arrogant besides that. That cocky and bemused look face on the young king's face as he smirked and stared down at her as if he knew some funny or clever secret that she wasn't privy to made Dru wish that she'd been trained in the martial arts. If I knew how to fight, I could smash his face into the side of the tub and see how amused he'd be then. For half a heartbeat Druscilla was tempted to give it a try regardless.

She thought better of it and settled for rolling her eyes rudely as her brother continued to insist that the room was his by rights. Apparently Dominic was determined to harass her about the issue like a dog gnawing on a bone, and her patience had already worn thin. "Enough! I've grown tired of your - wha!?"

Before Dru even fully realized what was happening, her body was being folded forwards and water was rushing up through her nostrils, into her mouth and down her throat. The water robbed her of her voice and made it impossible to breathe. Every ounce of courage and gracefulness melted away from her, being replaced by fear and panic as she tried to scream - which of course only made her take in more water and choke even worse. Water splashed all over as Dru flailed her limbs about in complete desperation but she had no strength in the awkward position that her brother had caught her in, not to mention the fact that he was deceptively strong. Never in a thousand years would she have expected that scrawny little boy to overpower her like that.

Dru's hands finally managed to find one of Dom's arms, so she sunk her perfectly manicured nails through his sleeve and into his flesh as hard as she could manage until he finally let her come out for air. Matted red hair clung to her face as she coughed and spat out water and gasped for breath loudly, stripped of all of that royal dignity which she'd been draped in only moments earlier.

"HOW DARE YOU?!" Druscilla roared as water dripped down from her face and hair and kept her from fully opening her eyes. She suddenly found herself terrified and overwhelmed by the instinct of fighting for her life. She pulled her right arm back and then swung as hard as she could manage at Dom's face, a clumsy strike somewhere between a slap and a punch. At the same time, the queen regent attempted to rise to her feet so that she might climb out of the tub and escape, too frightened to even care that she'd be exposing herself in front of him.

 

[DomG]

The nails that dug into his arm as he held his sister beneath the bath water were annoying, irritating, and might have even been painful but Dominic was made practically immune to such a thing at the moment. Right then and there he had power, true power over someone who had tormented him for oh so many years. It was even arousing to him, the way that she had thrashed beneath his hands when he pushed her down made him harder then he had ever been before and a smirk spread across his lips when he let her up and she rose from the bath, like a vision of beauty rising from the water and dripping with rage in her eyes.

Amused he released her head and was more then a little bit surprised at her attempt to strike him. Of course the element of surprise alone would not be enough to assure he success against him, instinct took over and combined with years of martial training he was able to step back quickly, her blow missing him by scant inches but still missing him and leaving him angered. How dare she raise a hand against him, he was the rightful king, in his own chambers none the less. Men had been put to death for daring to do such a thing but that would hardly make a difference because the more he thought about it the more ideas came to him, ways that he could make her suffer, ways to humiliate her for daring to think that she could keep him from what was rightfully his, the Throne, the crown... it was all his and nothing would be keeping it from him.

“How dare I? You dare raise a hand against me and question what it is that I have done?” He asked, eyes narrowed as he drew back his own right hand before letting it fly again, the back of his own open hand flying towards her face, she was beneath him, she was a complete and utter fool, a speck of dirt to be removed from his boots. Of course his boots were a little bit dirty after the long days of travel with little more then the absolute basics in order to keep everything tidy for him, perhaps he would force her to clean them with her tongue and then dry it with his hair. That would be done in public of course, soon enough he would have her punished before the entirety of the Small Council, maybe even have someone on hand to commemorate the event with a simple portrait or something of the sort.

Oh yes, now he could see it all so clearly, his sister had been coddled for far to long, this disobedience and rebellion she was currently displaying came from a lack of humility. His father had been a decent and fair leader but he had let his daughter take far to many liberties and would need to be shown just what her proper place really was. A lesson or two in humility, reminding her that her brother was the proper heir to the throne would of course be the first step.

“I think you need to be reminded of your place dearest Dru.” He warned her, looking to her with narrowed eyes. “And it is a task that I could trust to no one else... I will have to teach you proper humility though I suspect it will not be as enjoyable for you as it will be for me.”

 

[DanceWithDemise]

The backhand caught Dru completely by surprise, snapping her head to the side and causing her to stumble back down into the tub where she landed on her butt with a bis splash. Nobody had ever struck her before in her life, not even her father who'd always disciplined her without the use of violence. She could hardly even fathom that it had just happened. Druscilla was shocked by the ease with which her brother - whom she'd always managed to torment without receiving much in the way of retaliation - had lashed out at her.

A dark fear crept into her thoughts when she saw his eyes. Fear is my weapon...I can't be afraid. I won't. But she saw the look on Dominic's face; that vindictive, determined look which clearly stated that a person would stop at nothing to decimate their chosen target. Dru had seen it innumerable times on the faces of the lords and ladies which she dealt with on a day to day basis, not to mention in the mirror on several occasions as well. Dom's gray eyes were as cold and hard as steel, but there was also a certain glint to them, like that of a sword when the sunlight hits it from just the right angle. Anticipation, she recognized; he was looking forward to hurting her.

Despite the fact that she wanted to be strong, Dru's big round eyes began to well up with tears as she raised a hand to touch her cheek. The spot where her brother had hit her was warm and it stung quite badly, but it was her pride which had suffered the greatest amount of harm. "I..." she failed to find any words. Druscilla was an expert when it came to planning and scheming and seducing, but none of that could help her now. She'd never expected that Dom would get violent with her, which was obviously a grave error, and now she was all alone with him. Defenseless.

Nothing that she could say would appease him now, she knew. He wouldn't believe a word of it unless he was a complete fool, which he unfortunately wasn't. Running wasn't an option, either; not with the two kingsguards watching the door.

"I know my place," Dru finally managed to put a few words together while covering her breasts with one arm."I've always known it. You're not fit for the throne, little brother. Hell, you're not even fit to be called a man, beating on a defenseless woman. Your own sister, no less." She'd managed to recompose herself somewhat, hardening her expression, but the subtle shakiness of her voice still betrayed the nervousness that she hadn't been able to fully suppress.

"I wonder what respect the lords and ladies of the court will have left for you when they find out about this...if they even had any respect for you to begin with. Quite while you're ahead, Dom, I'm warning you..." It was a desperate attempt to scare him off with a bluff, but it was all that she had left.

 

[DomG]

The fear in her eyes, a hint of it that she was trying to hide with just some tears highlighting it, it was a side of his sister that Dominic had never seen before and it was empowering. For the first time in his life he had true power over someone, it wasn't that he was being listened too because of whom his family was or how much money that he was able to promise someone more money... no he had power right now because someone feared him and that fear was empowering to him. He would need to work upon breaking her down to keep her in this state of fear as much as possible. It wasn't the sort of thing that was taught by the tutors that he had learned from when he was younger but in the library there had been a few books that he had stumbled across, books that he probably shouldn't have seen that covered the sort of information that would make taking control much easier. In these books, among the essays on how to inspire fear and manipulate others with it, were instructions on how to best break someone down physically, humiliating them at the most base level.

This knowledge would soon be put to work, the books would be found and reviewed, and his sister would soon have a practical understanding of the principles.

“A defenseless woman?” He asked with a small sneer as he looked down at her, amused by the fact that she was suddenly feeling modest and attempting to cover herself when moments before she had bodly been displaying her flesh in an attempt to put him off. “Just moments ago you rose your hand against me, your brother and rightful king... and if that were not enough you were displaying your flesh to me as if you were little more then one of the cheaper whores who stand outside of taverns in Flea Bottom.” A part of the city that he avoided and never intended to visit himself but had heard enough about, conversations between guards overheard giving him more then enough insight into that disgusting gathering place for human refuse.

“Now as for the members of the court, that hardly matters to me at all because I know something that you don't dearest sister... I am going to turn you into an example.” This was of course the easiest way for him to run things, people might not respect him right off the bat but if they saw what he was willing to do to his own sister for opposing him then they would endeavor to remain in his good graces, thus it is better to keep their own family out of trouble, too keep their own daughter from suffering in the same manner.

Turning his back on her Dominic strolled from the bathing chamber back into the main sleeping chamber, starting to pull off his shirt as he went and letting it drop to the floor, he had people to pick that sort of thing up for him. “Now Dru, rather then continuing to waste time by wallowing in the water like a petulant child I would like you to join me in my chamber, its time you learned your place.”

 

[DanceWithDemise]

"Raised a hand against you!?" Druscilla shouted back indignantly, her nostrils flaring with rage as an even darker shade of red crept over her neck and face. "You barged in here while I was bathing and tried to drown me, your own flesh and blood, and then you complain that I tried to slap you! Unbelievable! How dare you, you arrogant little shit?" The queen regent was completely besides herself, rising out of the water brusquely the moment that Dominic had turned his back on her.

She found the loose white and gold nightgown that she'd planned on changing into after her bath on a nearby table and put it on so quickly that she nearly ripped the silk. Not having had the time to dry herself (or better yet, allow her handmaidens to dry her), Dru was still soaked and dripping with water so the gown clung to her skin and became partially transparent.

She was about to chase after her brother to give him another piece of her mind when his words suddenly froze her in place. Making an example out of me...what the hell does he mean by that? Dru's lithe body tensed up as she began to imagine the worst; a cold shiver ran down her spine as the terrifying thought of her own head impaled upon a spike atop the keep's walls crossed her mind. No...no, he wouldn't. Would he? She wasn't feeling so secure anymore all of a sudden.

"Call of your dogs and let me out, I want to leave. You can have the goddamn room, I don't care. If anything, this should prove to you that you're unfit to sit the throne," Dru carried on, trying to sound as unruffled and authoritative as she could manage when in reality her knees were going soft and she almost felt scared enough to piss herself. "There's an entire kingdom to rule and you're too busy squabbling over bed chambers. But then again, who really expects anything more from a little boy of four-and-ten?"

Dru frowned at the sight of Dom's naked upper body, briefly wondering what the hell he was up to, but she chalked it up to him simply trying to prove that he was getting comfortable in his new room. She cast him a long, disdainful look from head to toe before finally walking barefoot towards the door, leaving little wet footprints behind her.

She banged on the door several times with obvious urgency. "Let me out this instant! I am the queen regent and I command you to do as I say," Druscilla shouted loud enough for the kingsguards to hear her even through the thick wooden door. "Or else the first thing that I do after getting out of here will be to send both of you to the Wall...and every man and boy in your families too."