Chapter 28: The Edge of Order

The Queen's Hall remained tense as the meeting continued.

Green waited for the room to settle before speaking again."Returning to the suggestion raised by Lord Lancel… the 'heads rolling' plan?"

Lancel's bright-eyed enthusiasm made Green inwardly grimace. This Lannister brat was getting on his nerves.

Ignoring Jaime's darkening stare, Green pressed on:"Some heads must roll — and not just a few. Her Grace's authority is not to be taken lightly."

Before Jaime could cut in, Green met his gaze directly."If we don't handle this properly, there will be more treacherous rats in the shadows, ready to slander the Queen again."

Cersei threw Jaime a side-eye and cut him off."Let him finish."

Green nodded at her with composed courtesy."With a heart of justice, we act in plain sight. Let us wield the sword under the banner of righteousness — to reach our end through legitimate means."

"Lord Jaime, the Queen's District is one of the poorest and most chaotic areas in King's Landing. How many in that place are long overdue for the axe?"

Jaime's hand clenched involuntarily. His tone was tight:"I admit there are many criminals there. But how do we know who is truly spreading lies? And how do we prevent bloodshed from igniting a riot?"

He had seen the carnage of riots — hell on earth. Innocent commoners always suffered the worst.

He had the soul of a knight. He did not fear killing, but feared what unrest might cost — especially if it touched Cersei.

Green answered steadily:"Lord Jaime, let us first settle whether these executions are just. Riots are a secondary matter."

He scanned the faces of the council."Not all rumor-mongers are heinous criminals. But the most heinous in the Queen's District are certainly among them."

"If the blade falls sharp and swift, the shadows will tremble before Her Grace's iron rule. Only when they fear her will they learn to respect her — and that is the outcome we seek."

A hush followed. Some wore looks of realization. Others sighed. A few remained pensive.Then, one by one, they nodded.

Cersei's striking eyes lingered on Green's youthful face. She gave a subtle, approving nod.

Jaime, mostly swayed, still eyed Green suspiciously."And if there is a riot?"

Green silently scoffed — how petty.As a man used to ruling the wilds of Crackclaw Point, he nearly slammed the table from habit — but refrained.

"There's already a disease outbreak in the Queen's District. Under the pretext of Her Grace initiating treatment, we can seal the area off entirely. Isolate it from the rest of the city."

"As for the operation's details — Your Grace, with your leave, I request a private audience."

Green pressed a palm to his chest, sweeping a serious gaze around the chamber."My lords, this is war. And I beg your pardon — but secrecy before battle is sacred."

Some plans could not be spoken aloud — not in the Red Keep, where no secret truly remained one.

If Green wanted to stand out among the realm's bureaucrats, he could not afford to please everyone.

His final words at least acknowledged the others. Not perfect — but enough.

Cersei rose from her seat. Everyone followed suit immediately.

Her eyes swept her council. Chin raised, she gave a short nod and turned, her heels echoing on stone."Baron Green — follow me upstairs. Alone."

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