What if Ned Stark Became King Instead of Robert

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What if Ned Stark Became King Instead of Robert Discord: https://discord.gg/JrnveaZV7w YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqgxDiDY7acinQsecPKYlHw/join Voice Acting & Narration: Steven Waters @bobablackfly602 What if Ned Stark Became King Instead of Robert? Let’s explore the depths of it in the scenario. Robert finds Ned sitting amongst the trees in the Red Keep’s Godswood. He ignores the condemning looks the weirwood tree gives him and looks to his friend, who sits alone with his eyes closed. The king rubs the back of his neck and looks at his friend, who does nothing to acknowledge his presence. If it were anyone else, it would have been a grave insult worthy of punishment. But for Ned, he would let it slide, especially given the circumstances. Lyanna was dead. Ned had said as much upon his return to King’s Landing. Those were the first things he’s said to him in the last month. They had left on poor terms, as Ned couldn’t fathom Robert pardoning Tywin for the murder of Elia Martell and her children. He had called in murder, but Robert had called it a relief. It was an unspoken question in the back of his mind. If he were to be king, they would need to be removed. While politics was not his strong suit, he understood why Tywin Lannister did it. To remove an obstacle for him and to get in his good graces. At the time, Robert was happy to accept this gift without a second thought. But now, the only thing on his mind was Lyanna. The throne meant little more than a clipped copper to him; it was Lyanna he wanted, but she was gone, and the world feels much greyer as a result. Robert: You are right, you know. About those children. Ned: Am I, your grace? Robert: When I saw Rhaegar, all I could see was red. Every time I looked into his eyes, I could feel nothing but hatred, nothing but anger. Those children have his eyes, Ned. Ned: And yet they are children, Robert. Robert: Aye, they are. And I was too blind to see it. But now that Lyanna is gone, my whole world seems grey. Ned: The world does not stop spinning because of Lyanna. She would have wanted you to move on, to see the beauty in the realm as she did. You are king now, and the realm bows to you. Robert: Aye, and a pity to us all…in my first test, I failed miserably. This crown is heavy; Ned and I never cared for it. With her, it might have been bearable…but what is an iron chair and a title compared to what was lost. I will be tested again, but I am not sure how well I will do. Ned: You should not sell yourself short, Robert. You will learn, and you heed my words now. That is a sign of something. Robert: Aye, it's a sign that I’m not worthy of this. You saw the wisdom that I lacked. You should be the one to rule, not me. Ned: Robert, I have no right to rule. I have no claim. Robert: Claim? Laughs. What claim did I have? Oh yes, we spoke of my grandmother and my ancestors, but let's be honest. That wasn’t what got me my throne, my hammer did, and it will always be ready to defend it, but not because I am sitting on it. You deserve it more. Ned: I have no right. There are many men more capable, more willing to sit on the throne. Robert: Like Tywin Lannister? Look, Ned. I know I am going to be a shit king, but I did learn one thing. Someone who wants this throne so badly damn well doesn’t know what it entails, or isn’t the sort of man we should be following. You, though, can set this realm right. I trust you, and I think it is what Lyanna would have wanted. Ned sighs and closes his eyes. Robert was more right than he could have believed. The young Lord Stark still recalls his sister's dying words to him. It was not through anger or hatred, but faith in Rhaegar and in his dream. Clenching his fist, he nods. Ned: Then I will do it. Robert: And I will be here every step of the way. The court gathers early that morning to hear their king’s surprise announcement. Many think it will be officially announcing his marriage to Cersei Lannister, just as Lord Tywin wanted. Among the court are large spots of gold and crimson as the Lannister bannermen gather. Robert sits upon his throne, looking down at them and taking some small, petty pleasure at what is to come next. He waits for the hubbub to die down before leaning back and clearing his throat, and there he drops his hammer. He will abdicate the throne, effective immediately. In his place, he shall name Ned Stark as his successor. #gameofthrones #gameofthroneswhatif #whatif