Chapter 79 - The Death of Jon Arryn (I)
"Lies never stay hidden forever, and they usually come out at the most unwanted moment." Varys the Spider.
----------
The bells of the Great Sept of Baelor echoed with a deep, distant sound, alerting the entire city of King's Landing. Only four occasions justified the ringing of the Sept's bells.
The death of a king, the death of the High Septon or the death of someone of great importance.
In addition, only the royal wedding merited such a ceremony. However, as there was no news of a royal wedding, that left three options.
Inside the Great Sept of Baelor, Robert Baratheon, First of His Name, looked at the body of his adoptive father, cold and lifeless before him, with a surprisingly calm expression. The King of the Seven Kingdoms had slimmed down enough for anyone to notice the difference, a sign of the silent changes that had been taking place.
"Old eagle... you dare to leave me at this moment." muttered Robert, his voice laden with sadness, despite his impassive countenance. Even so, the weight of grief was evident in the most powerful man in Westeros.
How could he not be in mourning? Like Eddard Stark, Robert had grown up under the tutelage of Jon Arryn, Lord of the Vale. His feelings for his adoptive father were strong, and the loss of the figure who had shaped his youth affected him deeply. Jon Arryn had been more than the Hand of the King; he had been a mentor, a moral compass in turbulent times.
Upstairs, watching Robert beside Jon Arryn's body, Cersei wore an expression of grief. However, those who knew the queen knew that she reserved her true sorrow only for her children and, perhaps momentarily, for Jaime, her twin brother. Her green eyes, however, betrayed her façade. The almost visible joy in her gaze was testimony to her true feelings.
"Are you sure no one will notice? Pycelle has been ordered to conduct the investigation into the death of the Hand of the King," Jaime murmured, his voice low as he avoided looking directly at Jon Arryn's body. Once again, the Kingslayer had tarnished the name of the Kingsguard, a burden that, over time, he had come to carry with indifference.
Even so, he regretted giving in to his sister's requests. Jon Arryn was an important ally of the Crown, and his death would weaken the throne and throw the Vale into an uncertain situation. Lysa Arryn, according to the rumors at court, was not in her best mental state.