Chapter 54: The Disdained Glyn 2
Lancel's spirits lifted again, his face breaking into an innocent, youthful smile. "Rest assured, I will remember your counsel. Tyrion told me something similar—that growing up is ultimately a blessing!"
Glyn clapped Lancel's shoulder again and sat back in his chair. "I've assigned you to the guard detachment protecting the Queen's carriage. I imagine that's exactly where you want to be."
Lancel blinked. "I can still serve as a guard? But what about what you just said?"
Glyn shrugged. "Just now, I was consoling you as a friend, and I believe you've taken my words to heart. Now, as a friend, I am helping you fulfill this small wish of yours."
Lancel's eyes sparkled. "Lord Glyn, you are too good to me. I owe you for this one. I promise I won't cause any trouble!"
Hearing Lancel's solemn promise, Glyn gave a slight smile.
...
The gentle rays of the rising sun bathed King's Landing.
Today was the day the royal hunting party was to depart for the Kingswood. Queen Cersei would leave from the Red Keep in her carriage, travel through the inner city of King's Landing, and exit through the Lion Gate.
Outside King's Landing's Lion Gate, Queen Cersei would first personally receive the noblewomen and young ladies—primarily from King's Landing and the northern regions of the Crownlands—who were participating in the Kingswood hunt. Only after these greetings were complete would the hunting party officially set off south toward the Kingswood.
The noblewomen and young ladies from the southern Crownlands participating in the Kingswood hunt would join the Queen's procession along the way, according to the location of their territories.
Some of the noblewomen and ladies from the more remote regions of the Crownlands would not join the Queen's procession at all, but would instead travel directly to the destination in the Kingswood.
...
Clad in silver armor with a blue cape, Glyn stood neatly beside the luxurious carriage, leading a group of officers from the Lannister Redcloaks and the Gold Cloaks, awaiting the arrival of Queen Cersei.
This time, the guard contingent under Glyn's command for the Kingswood hunt numbered 764 men. This included 63 Blue Cloaks from House Cleyber, 201 Lannister Redcloaks (which included the addition of Lancel), and 500 Gold Cloaks.
The noble ladies participating in the hunt would also bring their own household guards.
...
With a clear cry of "The Queen arrives!", Queen Cersei appeared in everyone's sight, holding the small hand of Princess Myrcella and wearing the Queen's crown.
The jewel-encrusted crown of the Queen glittered in the sunlight.
The Kingswood hunt was something of a women's affair; aside from the escorting guards and attendants, no other male nobles would participate. Therefore, Queen Cersei had left both Joffrey and Tommen behind at the Red Keep.
...
Glyn and the others placed a hand over their chests in a salute as Queen Cersei approached.
With his head slightly bowed, Glyn saw the hem of Queen Cersei's magnificent gown and, ever perceptive, he noticed her gaze linger on him.
Queen Cersei's gaze lingered for only a moment. "Lord Glyn, you have done very well."
When Glyn heard the Queen's praise and lifted his eyes, he could only see her regal back as she walked away.
Glyn wondered about the reason for Cersei's sudden praise.
Just then, Princess Myrcella looked back at Glyn, their eyes meeting.
Princess Myrcella's clear eyes held a smile, and she gave a slight nod.
Glyn seemed to understand the meaning in the princess's gaze. He nodded slightly in return and then looked away.
So, the Queen's praise was because of the matter with Princess Myrcella.
Glyn thought for a moment. Cersei did indeed appreciate such things. To draw a sword at the slightest disagreement—that was very Cersei.
...
Glyn straightened up and the first person he saw was Jaime Lannister, following behind Queen Cersei.
Today, Jaime was not wearing the armor that seemed to be a permanent part of him. Instead, he wore a wine-red, open-fronted tunic embroidered with a roaring lion, and soft black leather boots.
A light breeze stirred, making his brilliant golden hair flutter.
Without his armor, Jaime looked less the warrior, but all the more handsome.
As Jaime walked past, he shot Glyn a sideways glance.
Glyn ignored Jaime's warning gaze, inwardly scorning him. *Dressed so flamboyantly, does he think this is an outing?*
An outing? Glyn felt as if he had grasped something.
Glyn felt that his decision yesterday when assigning guard duties had been an excellent one. He had assigned all of the Queen's nighttime guard duties to the Lannister Redcloaks.
...
After Queen Cersei led Princess Myrcella by the hand into the carriage, Glyn waved for the men behind him to return to their posts.
Lancel, dressed in golden armor, cheerfully led Glyn's mount over. Beside him was his squire, Marciel, who wore a helpless expression.
After mounting his horse, Glyn took the reins from Lancel's hand and waved him away with a somewhat dismissive gesture. "Once we're outside the city, you don't need to follow Her Highness's carriage. Help me keep an eye on things from the rear. If you spot any trouble, come find me immediately."
Hearing Glyn's clear confirmation, Lancel nodded vigorously and departed with a happy expression.
...
The main procession was ready to depart. Glyn first ordered a detachment of Gold Cloaks to set out ahead and clear the way for the column.
After giving the order, Glyn flicked his reins and rode up beside the Queen's carriage. He announced, "Your Majesty, all is in readiness."
Queen Cersei's cool voice drifted over. "Set out."
...
With the Gold Cloaks clearing the way at the front, the entire procession advanced smoothly.
When the sun was high in the sky, the Kingswood hunting party proceeded along the main road and entered the Queen's District.
When the carriage carrying Queen Cersei appeared, a tide of cheers erupted from the crowd.
Inside the carriage, Princess Myrcella looked out the window, her small face alight with joy. "Mother, they like you so much!"
Facing her adorable daughter's worshipful gaze, Queen Cersei lifted her chin slightly, the corners of her lips curling. "One day, you can be just like me."
Princess Myrcella shook her little head. "Mother, look outside. You're so amazing! Even Father isn't as beloved as you are. I could never be."
Although the cheers from the people of the Queen's District pleased her, Cersei refused to grant them so much as a glance.
What use was the love of these commoners?
Queen Cersei had not forgotten how the people of the Queen's District had spread slanderous rumors to hurt her.
If she hadn't decisively chosen Lord Glyn to handle the matter back then, who knows what the outcome would have been today!
Things were merely back to normal now. She was the Lioness of Lannister; she was born to be adored by the masses.
...
Queen Cersei looked down at Myrcella.
Queen Cersei's slender hand gently stroked Myrcella's curly golden hair. "Myrcella, your beauty is the most powerful weapon you will have in the future."
Myrcella looked up into Queen Cersei's clear eyes, her own filled with confusion.
Queen Cersei bent down and kissed Myrcella's forehead. "Mother will teach you in time."
(end of chapter)
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