Chapter two (LBHP) Revision Two

296 AC, Kings Landing.
Lyonel's return was celebrated... mostly. Joffrey outright stated his wish that his brother would die. Lyonel told him to try making it happen if he was man enough. Joffrey had proven to be a craven so far, but Lyonel was amused by it.
With Lyonel back home, he began working on the next phase of his 'life plan'. He was going to make himself the Master of Coin and usurp his uncle Renly's powers as Master of Laws to gain greater power and begin shaping Westeros for his eventual rule. If necessary then Lyonel would threaten to expose his stupid uncles relationship with Loras Tyrell, but it would be an empty threat. Lyonel desired Margaery Tyrell as a wife to bind the Reach to the Iron Throne and gain their army and navy and deny Renly the backing he needed to claim the Iron Throne. It was essential to his plans for a peaceful transition of power when his father died.
That and the dragons that he secretly hatched would put Lyonel into power and help keep him there.
It took some manipulation, but Lyonel had convinced his father to remain sober and attend a meeting of the Small Council.
"Alright, Lyonel, get started," Robert said.
"Thank you, father. Recently I took a look into the Iron Throne's finances... and the crowns income has increased by ten times what it was under the Mad King and yet the crown is still strangely under immense debt... I have acquired proof that Petyr Baelish has stolen from the Iron Throne and the Vale." Lyonel handed Baelish's files to Grand Maester Pycelle who looked them over.
"Well?" Jon questioned angrily.
"He's stolen hundreds of thousands of dragons!"
"Selmy, take his traitor to Payne and make sure that he dies," Robert ordered. Ser Barristan nodded and took the now bound Petyr Baelish to his execution. "Well done, Lyonel."
"Thank you father."
"Now we must replace Baelish and clean up his messes," Jon commented with a frown.
"I humbly request the position as Master of Coin, father, Lord Jon," Lyonel said. "I discovered the theft and I have a clear idea of how to not only clean up the mess, but perhaps even turn a small profit. I also have ideas for reducing the Iron Thrones debt in record time."
"Done," Robert replied, to Jon's anger and concern.
"He's still a boy, Robert," Jon said, to Lyonel's annoyance. Jon Arryn was a child compared to Lyonel's life experience.
"He's gonna be king someday and he's already proven himself mature and smart enough. Besides, Lyonel is always creative with his solutions and it's fun to see the looks on peoples faces when they see them." Robert replied, to Jon and Stannis' irritation, and Renly, Varys, and Pycelle's amusement.
"You'll like my solutions..." Lyonel said in reassurance.
"Then it's done," Robert said, raising from the Iron Throne.
"I won't disappoint you, father," Lyonel said as his father left the room.
Lyonel quickly proved himself as a great Master of Coin by purging Baelish's influence from his new domain and by having them all charged for any crimes committed. Baelish's brothels and assets were seized and several were auctioned off and most would be in the near future. Tyrion Lannister was appointed as King's Counter, managing taxation in Westeros, and the other positions were filled with those who had the skills to perform them. Tyrion was being prepared to succeed Lyonel as Master of Coin when he became the king.
But the debt, that was where Lyonel truly shined.
The Faith was compensated with land grants and minor tax reduction and the debt owed to it was cleared in a record three months. They were denied grants in the North due to the strongly held belief in the Old Gods there.
The debt to House Tyrell was paid off in a half a year with compensation with legitimization for bastards, tax reduction, and some charter approvals for more tax earning towns, ports, and cities.
It took some hard work and a couple targeted actions, but the debt to the Iron Bank was slated to be paid off by 302 AC. If Lyonel had his way then it would be paid off two years early. Lyonel had also become the defacto Master of Laws and then got some laws passed and had the City Watch de-corrupted. Janos Slynt was executed and replaced with someone far better; a hero of Greyjoy's Rebellion, Ser Jacelyn Bywater, taking his place and several others were dismissed and then forced to take the black.
Between that, building a merchant fleet, mining company, logging company, and overseeing the repairs and upgrades to King's Landing, Lyonel was kept incredibly busy. King's Landing was being expanded, having its waste management improved, and would eventually be a much better and more secure capital.
----
297 AC.
Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen had been invited by Magister Illyrio Mopatis of Pentos to stay with him. The Magister would be funding a war against Westeros and House Baratheon and Lannister... unless Lyonel had them dealt with.
"They are no threat Robert and the realm needs stability. Informing people of the Targaryen's intentions would only give them more support." Jon said.
"Do nothing?! That's your wise advice, Jon?!" Jon's response was cut off by Robert continuing. "What about the rest of you?!"
"Jon's assessment is accurate, but only for the current situation. Soldiers can be recruited, the ships can be built, and alliances can be made, but this collaboration between the Targaryen's and this Magister is quite recent and is weak. We have the advantage of being the defenders, and we have more soldiers, ships, and resources, but that can change with more time. Starting a war with Pentos would cost us more lives, but perhaps we can explore the possibility of backing a rival of Mopatis and I can just weaken Mopatis from the shadows." Lyonel replied, showing that he inherited his fathers, uncles, and grandfathers strategic ability. Well, that was what the council thought.
"Why strengthen a rival of Mopatis?" Renly asked stupidly.
"So they can do the work for us and give us Viserys and Daenerys. In return they get support and power."
"How can Mopatis be weakened?" Varys asked, privately intending to warn his ally of Baratheon's intentions.
"Many ways, Lord Varys. Trust me, you'll like it. I'm feeling creative... its going to be very bad for him." Lyonel replied, not trusting Varys. Lyonel's creativity was always interesting... the Iron Thrones debt was greatly reduced because of it and King's Landing was better for it. "I would like to remind you all that Westerosi laws do not apply in Essos... for no reason at all. That's obvious actually."
"Okay..." Renly stated in confusion.
"Back a rival while weakening our new enemy?" Robert questioned in disdain.
"Jon was right about possibly driving Targaryen supporters over to the Targaryen's. This way would save us thousands of lives and a lot of money. A war could keep us in debt longer. I know that you dislike it father, but it's time for House Targaryen to finally end and then we can continue House Baratheon's stable and prosperous reign. Who cares about House Targaryen? Half of them were mad and most were a curse upon Westeros. They're only a novelty now and eventually their loyalists will realize that they're better off without that Degenerate House."
"Degenerate House?" Robert asked. "I like it! The Degenerate House of Targaryen!" Robert said, to the amusement of the council. "Lyonel, you can enact your plan, but I want results."
"You will have them, father," Lyonel replied. "I also wish to speak with you and Lord Jon after this... Uncle Stannis might want to stick around too. I'd rather that he hear it from me face-to-face."
"Very well," Robert replied. "You're all dismissed."
Once they were alone, Lyonel spoke. "There are few houses that I believe would support the Targaryens, but the biggest threats would require incentive. I wish to marry Margaery Tyrell, a protege of Olenna Tyrell; who's the real power behind House Tyrell and the reason Mace hasn't been killed on his own seat. It would bring House Tyrell's might under our control and gain us the Redwyne fleet."
"A Tyrell?" Stannis asked in disdain.
"Yes, that's why I wanted you to hear it from me. Plus they've targeted Renly and have begun to build a relationship with him through Loras... It's obvious what they intend to do."
"Indeed," Stannis said with a frown.
"The marriage would be a good match," Jon mused. "It would secure House Baratheon's rule for centuries and deprive the Targaryens of an ally and would just leave the Dornish as a major threat. It's a great idea, Robert. I advise you to agree to it."
Robert sighed. "You want this girl and need her to secure House Baratheon's rule?"
"Yes."
"Fine, but don't fill the court with a bunch of damn Tyrell's."
"I wasn't going too," Lyonel replied with a smile.
"I don't like the idea of being tied to the Tyrell's or rewarding them for their attempts, but it is necessary. It seems that Renly might fancy himself a king... doing this would destroy a lot of his support base." Stannis said.
"Fuckin Tyrell's, turning my brother against us," Robert spat angrily. If it weren't for Lyonel then Robert would have already declared war on the Tyrell's and would already have Renly locked in the black cells... if he ever found out about them on his own.
"They're doing exactly what I would do in their place; just far less skillfully. I can't really judge them, but I do need to divert their efforts to me and further secure my eventual rule and prevent or lessen any infighting." Lyonel replied.
"I'd hoped to betroth you to one of Ned's, but I trust you enough to let you make this decision," Robert said.
"There is Tommen and Myrcella that you can still marry off. Funding the restoration of Moat Cailin as a seat if they're married to a second or third child is also possible. There is Summerhall or we could even build them a new seat. You still have plenty of options available to unite Houses Stark and Baratheon." Robert, Jon, and Stannis liked those ideas. "Anyway, I have a Magister to ruin and a power base to purge. You should see results within as few as three months, father."
----
298 AC.
Lyonel absolutely abused his magical advantage for months. The vaults of Illyrio Mopatis were completely emptied and Lyonel took dragonbone, rare objects, a black and red dragon egg, House Targaryen and House Blackfyre's ancestral sword Blackfyre, dragonbone bows, Valyrian steel daggers, gemstones, gold, silver, and poisons.
The ships of Illyrio Mopatis were seized, product and all, and Lyonel sold everything but the slaves for more money for the Iron Throne. All of the Iron Throne's remaining debt was paid off with Illyrio Mopatis' former wealth and now had a surplus. Lyonel was pleased that he wasn't forced to use his own wealth to fix his fathers mistakes.
Lyonel's various interests had made him a great deal of money and had gained him further influence and he had rapidly built up personal wealth comparable to House Tyrell's.
While attacking and weakening Illyrio Mopatis, Lyonel had discovered something concerning... Mopatis was associated with House Blackfyre, his son was Aegon Blackfyre and the son of Serra Blackfyre and Mopatis. Furthermore, Varys was supportive of House Targaryen and was secretly and unwittingly aiding House Blackfyre... alas Varys was too valuable.
Lyonel was forced to act. Lyonel attempted to take Illyrio Mopatis, Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen, Aegon Blackfyre, and Jon Connington all prisoner... Lyonel, to his shame, only managed to take Aegon Blackfyre and Jon Connington. Someone had informed Mopatis of Lyonel's secretive plots and it was most likely Lord Varys who was continuing his unwitting betrayal of House Targaryen and willing betrayal of House Blackfyre. Once his father had sobered up, he asked him to remain sober and attend a meeting of the Small Council.
"Alright. Why was this meeting called?" Robert asked impatiently.
"Your Grace. While investigating and working against Illyrio Mopatis I discovered that he was a Blackfyre supporter and had fathered a son with a female Blackfyre, Serra Blackfyre, and he deceived Jon Connington into believing that the Blackfyre was actually Rhaegar Targaryen's surviving son. Seeing an opportunity, I moved to deal with both House Blackfyre and Targaryen in one act... Mopatis seemed to have learned of my plans and fled with the Targaryen's and attempted to have his son do the same. I'm sorry to report that only the Blackfyre and Connington were captured... I failed to capture or kill the surviving Targaryen's, but I feel that I can manage it with more time." Lyonel reported nervously.
If he were anyone else then Lyonel would be severely punished, but Robert was placated by all of his sons other beneficial actions for House Baratheon. Clearing up the Iron Thrones debt was one very impressive accomplishment.
"Continue, Lyonel," Robert said seriously.
"Originally they intended to defeat House Targaryen, but when House Baratheon took over they decided to claim that a Blackfyre was a Targaryen and exploit House Targaryen's support base to their own advantage. Daenerys Targaryen was intended to breed with Aegon Blackfyre and reinforce their dubious claim."
"How did you learn all of this?" Jon asked.
"The lackwit kept a journal to keep up with all of his lies, plots, investments, and business ideas," Lyonel replied. "Shall I have Connington and Blackfyre escorted in?"
"Yes," Robert said.
Lyonel gave the order and his Blackcloaks escorted Aegon Blackfyre and Jon Connington inside the throne room.
"Your enemies, Your Grace," Lyonel said with a smile.
"You have done well, Lyonel," Robert said, as Aegon looked around fearfully and Connington glared hatefully at Robert. "How does it feel to be a pawn of House Blackfyre?" Robert asked smugly, to Jon Connington's confusion. "Yes, you dumb cunt. Mopatis was using you to validate his son as Rhaegar's son and get the Targaryen girl to breed with his Blackfyre son and usurp the Targaryen dynasty. You betrayed your fuckin beloved Silver Prince and his thrice damned house more than anyone else!" Robert spat the name Rhaegar with clear hatred and disgust.
Connington looked shocked; still not believing him until he saw the look on Aegon's face and then Jon tried murdering the brat himself, but was stopped by Lyonel's Blackcloaks.
"Oh no. You won't have that satisfaction." Lyonel said in amusement.
"Have they been interrogated?" Robert asked.
"Yes, Your Grace. Nothing of value, however. Aegon is a stupid boy who would have been a weak puppet king and Connington was kept largely ignorant. There was a plot to use the Golden Company and Westerosi support to put Aegon on the Iron Throne, but that will die along with House Blackfyre and Jon Connington." Lyonel said and Robert nodded.
"I'll personally execute Connington. Lyonel, you will execute Blackfyre." Robert decreed.
"With pleasure, Your Grace," was Lyonel's reply. "I would suggest sending House Martell evidence that this Aegon is in fact a Blackfyre to keep the tentative peace."
"I agree," Jon said, with Stannis, Renly, Varys, Pycelle also quickly agreeing.
"Fine," Robert said, not caring about the Dornish.
Jon sighed and dismissed the meeting.
Lyonel had his Blackcloaks and his sworn swords Ser Guyard Morrigen and Ser Robar Royce escort the prisoners and himself and his father away.
After beheading Aegon Blackfyre, Lyonel had his sworn swords and servants help him move the bodies... Aegon Blackfyre and Jon Connington's heads would both soon be on spikes. A letter was sent to Sunspear to inform them that it actually was a Blackfyre who was intended to pretend to be Elia Martell's son and the Martells nephew with Connington intended to add credence to the story and with the marriage to Daenerys Targaryen legitimizing him further and legally securing House Blackfyre's dominance over the Iron Throne. It would thankfully and very surprisingly be believed. The evidence, pages from Mopatis' journal that Lyonel had provided, and him deigning to explain all of that to them along with his known desire for peace between Dorne and the rest of Westeros had likely convinced them.
Hours later...
After sending off his letter and the evidence Lyonel went to visit Varys to bend him to his will.
"Your Grace," Varys said respectfully, but he was inwardly concerned.
"How's your friend Illyrio settling in wherever he's hiding?" Lyonel asked, shocking Varys. "Must have been a surprise that you were a Blackfyre pawn when you've secretly supported a Targaryen restoration... Which is really hurtful by the way. Viserys is already showing signs of madness and he was as a child as well. His sister is at the same risk... the entire damn family is unstable and you just want to keep taking risks with the lives of the people of the Seven Kingdoms. Again, really hurtful. I've proven myself to be stable, capable, intelligent, and wise... but you're just obsessed with a useless novelty act that will only continue dragging the Seven Kingdoms and its people down."
"Are you going to kill me, Your Grace?" Varys asked calmly.
"No. You're far too valuable as a spymaster..." Lyonel said with a smile that scared Varys more than a verbal or physical threat. Lyonel silenced the room and then pinned Varys to a wall.
"Sorcerer!" Varys spat in disgust, having heard whispers of his magical abilities.
"Aren't you the one trying to restore a defective magical bloodline?" Lyonel asked mockingly. "They need to use blood magic to negate the madness caused by inbreeding... it was common in the Freehold but it was lost due to sabotage by the Faith and the Order of Maesters. All you would do is continue a pointless cycle with your plans. I've seen the future that you would joyfully bring about... millions lying dead. I had hoped that you would see your folly and embrace the future that I could bring about, but I suppose that I'm forced to take desperate measures to keep you working for me."
"I'll never serve you!" Varys said.
"Because of my magic? I use my powers for good and to better and safeguard the realm. Think of it, Varys. Abundant crops in the winter, less disease, less crime and harsher and fairer punishments for them, longer lives for people high born and low born alike, better armies, weapons, and ships, the ability to track fugitives anywhere, and even limitless gold... I can do all of this and I only need to kill two people to stabilize my rule." Varys was unmoved and just dismissed Lyonel's words as lies.
Lyonel sighed. "Fine... don't believe me. You'll get to witness it, but you won't remember our little talk today." Lyonel began erasing Varys' memories of his suspicions of Lyonel's magic, their conversation today, and then compelled Varys to consider Lyonel the best option but to keep the Targaryen's as just another back-up. Lyonel linked Varys' thoughts to a book and then bound all these spells to Varys soul and life-force. That was the best that Lyonel could do without sacrificing Varys and his considerable talents.
Lyonel erased all signs that he was ever there and left with Varys none the wiser.
----
The Tourney on Prince Lyonel's nameday came and his existence and his many accomplishments were all celebrated... Lyonel cultivated the love of the commoners with generosity, chivalry, and acts of kindness.
Lyonel was also completely unstoppable. Ser Loras Tyrell, Ser Jaime Lannister, Ser Barristan Selmy, and Ser Arys Oakheart were all beaten in the lists.
Lord Yohn Royce, Thoros of Myr, Sandor Clegane, a bunch of Frey bastards, and several other knights were defeated by Lyonel in the melee and Lyonel was the last one standing.
Lyonel used a dragonbone bow and with that and his impressive archery skills he won the archery contest.
Lyonel had finally achieved a longterm goal of his and had won all three primary tournament events without using his actual magic and by only using his physical abilities. Lyonel was the first in history to do this and he was damn proud and so was his family.
This tournament also served another purpose, as an announcement. To prepare for that announcement Lyonel had crowned Margaery Tyrell as his Queen of Love and Beauty.
"We are pleased to announce a betrothal between Lady Margaery Tyrell and Prince Lyonel Baratheon," Lord Hand Jon Arryn said to the assembled nobles and commoners. "They will be wed in six moons time."
The reactions were largely positive... House Lannister approved, with Cersei being the exception. Cersei wanted to pick her sons bride or too prevent him from marrying at all to prevent her power from ever being reduced by a younger queen. The more intelligent of House Lannister considered it an excellent match that would strengthen House Baratheon and House Lannister. Tywin himself considered it an ideal match to add the might of the Reach to House Baratheon's.
Of House Baratheon, only Renly was angered by it. Renly had plotted for years to make himself the king and then his damn nephew undid all those plans with ease. Were it not for Loras' own surprise then Renly would have accused him of betraying him. No... the older Tyrell's had been using him until they received a better offer. This isn't the end though, Renly vowed. I will be king and Lyonel will regret ever getting in my way... Loras can rule the Reach in my name after his family is punished.
Loras Tyrell was shocked and he looked questioningly at his father who just looked pleased that his blood would one day sit upon the Iron Throne. Loras thought that Renly was going to be king, but his father and therefore his grandmother and entire house had removed their support for him. Loras was heartbroken but he couldn't go against his family and risk hurting or killing them.
Mace and Olenna Tyrell had what they both wanted; Margaery would be Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and House Tyrell's power and influence would grow greatly due to this marriage. House Baratheon had given them what House Targaryen never did... and they had House Tyrell's support so long as the two houses fates were entwined.
People began congratulating Lyonel, Margaery, and their houses, but Renly wasn't sincere. Eventually, after a great feast, the royal family and the Lannister's were alone...
"When was I going to be told that my son was getting married?!" Cersei asked angrily.
"Well, the original idea was to secretly marry her and then pass off Margaery as a very close friend that I just impregnated..." Lyonel replied sarcastically, amusing his uncles, father, and the Kingsguard. "Kidding. You were kept ignorant because you didn't need to know. I selected Margaery Tyrell myself for the benefits that marrying her offered and to bring House Tyrell's power under our control. You were also the most likely to sabotage it out of stupidity and a desire to protect your non-existent power or try coddling me like you do Joffrey." Cersei glared at her eldest son while Tyrion, Robert, and Renly laughed.
"I chose Margaery and the marriage will strengthen House Baratheon's rule for centuries and will leave only Dorne and the Iron Islands to watch closely or expect treason from. Father and Lord Arryn merely agreed with my own idea." Lyonel finished.
"It is an ideal match," Tywin admitted, pleased that his eldest grandson wasn't an idiot like Robert or Joffrey were and had focused on what was best for Westeros. "The Tyrell's have considerable wealth, a large army and navy, and they control much of Westeros' food supply. There is no better match."
"My son is too young to get married!"
"No he isn't," Lyonel replied, speaking for himself. "It's not up for discussion either. The wedding will happen and has already been agreed upon. This wins us the Reach's loyalty which we need in case the damned Targaryen's return to spread their weakness, incompetence, instability, evil, and chaos once more. Its done. Just drop the matter."
Fortunately, Robert and Tywin quickly halted any of Cersei's attempts to annoy them and Lyonel any further, but Cersei was still plotting to stop the wedding... which Lyonel was aware off and had begun to counter her lackwit plots.
----
Tywin soon left, taking Cersei, Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen with him... Lyonel wished that his grandfather had only taken Cersei and Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella were actually useful and both had a purpose in his plans to stabilize and strengthen the Seven Kingdoms. At least Tommen and Myrcella would keep up their training and studies.
Lyonel was heartbroken when Jon Arryn, a man who was like a second grandfather to Lyonel despite their disagreements, was murdered by Lysa Tully. She was caught fleeing with her son and Lyonel had her interrogated and tortured with his father as a witness... she admitted to murdering Jon Arryn with the Tears of Lys, Sweetrobin's bastardy, her own previous pregnancy with Robin's true father Petyr Baelish and that childs murder within her belly via moon tea because of her own father, and Jon's intention to foster 'her' son was unacceptable.
Robert was enraged and Lyonel had to use his magic to forcibly calm him down... after that Hoster Tully was summoned to answer for his and his daughters crimes. The problem was that Robert now needed a new Hand of the King and he only wanted one man not suited for the job... Eddard 'Ned' Stark. Lyonel was named Acting Hand of the King until another was appointed and he would resolve this issue while his father rode north to convince his old friend to take the job.
Lyonel was merciful to Hoster Tully. Hoster didn't have long left anyway so Lyonel attainted the Kinslayer and appointed Edmure Tully Lord Paramount of the Trident and Lord of Riverrun, with Hoster being allowed to live out his remaining days in Riverrun provided that they compensated House Arryn for their deception and allowed Lysa to be punished for her murder and cuckholding of a Lord Paramount. Edmure's stupidity and loud mouth nearly undid the negotiation and started a war, but Brynden and Hoster Tully salvaged the talks and then forced Edmure to agree. Lyonel making it clear that House Tully would die out in the male line helped Edmure decide. Lysa, stupid woman that she was, had tried getting her uncle Brynden to champion her in Trial by Combat... after she had already confessed and exposed her own fathers sins.
What would have been a war between the Iron Throne and the Riverlands was resolved peacefully with the Riverlands and House Tully paying reparations to House Arryn and with Lysa Arryn being executed by Lord Harrold Arryn after a public confession from Lysa Tully. Baelish's bastard was given to his mothers family. Lyonel suggested Lord Yohn Royce as Harrold's advisor though, which he agreed with.
That was thankfully only the largest problem, but Lyonel had many other smaller ones to deal with. Hugh, the newly knighted former squire of Lord Jon Arryn, was woefully unprepared for true combat and Lyonel had him given additional training in the guise of sparring.
Unfortunately, Jon Arryn had discovered Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella's true parentage... and so had Lyonel's uncle Stannis.
"I've been aware of my mother's and my uncle's treason, but the idea of becoming a Kinslayer indirectly has prevented me from exposing them. That and Myrcella and Tommen's inherent goodness. None of them will ever sit upon the Iron Throne or possess Storm's End... Joffrey will gain nothing from me but exile." Lyonel said, after Stannis just revealed this big secret.
"You knew all this time?" Stannis asked in shock.
"Yes and Jaime and Cersei will be quietly punished, and Tommen and Myrcella will secretly be legitimized as Lannister's, abdicate any of their false claim on the Iron Throne and have evidence as back up to prevent any attempts by them, and will be given holdings built by my personal wealth. It was the only way that I could think of too punish the guilty while protecting the innocent. You know what my father would do... he would start another war over the slight and weaken Westeros further and make my future job much harder in the process." Lyonel explained, softening Stannis with his plan and the promised punishment of Jaime and Cersei.
"I understand wanting to prevent war and wanting to protect your bastard siblings, but they could usurp the dynasty."
Lyonel's response was to cut off his finger and regrow it. "I'm magical, immortal, and I can't die. I'm asking you to trust me, uncle. Their incest won't go unpunished and the Baratheon dynasty won't be usurped. I've planned for years to punish my mother and I'll take great joy in it... all I want to do is spare my half-siblings."
Stannis sighed, but he decided to trust his nephew. "Fine, but what are your plans?"
"Cersei will be married to a Martell and die by accident or in child birth; this should better our relations with Dorne. Jaime will be given a difficult task and die painfully while failing it... it will leave his reputation forever in tatters with no redemption for him. Or we can give him to the Martell's and have him be publically killed because of a lie told by Cersei to trick him into attacking a Martell. Either way would punish them both while bettering relations with Dorne." Lyonel paused after saying this. "Uncle, I swear on my honor that they won't go unpunished."
That satisfied Stannis. "I'm disgusted by their actions but I understand why you are keeping them secret... and so will I. I've always respected your surprising wisdom Lyonel, but this shook my faith in you." Stannis previously had a red priestess of R'hllor executed on his nephews advice. She could have divided his men between two religions and her religion burned people alive, which would have drawn parallels between himself and the Mad King Aerys.
"I know, uncle. I hate having to keep this secret but Tommen and Myrcella are innocent in this. Renly is still plotting too, but alone this time, and we can't fight a two or three front war if the Targaryen's attack. This is the best way to keep the peace and keep the Seven Kingdom's strong and united." Lyonel replied.
"Joffrey might have to be killed, Lyonel," Stannis explained gently.
"I know. I'll have the Faceless Men of Braavos do it for free. That only sounds impossible, but I'm clever."
"How!? How could you manage that!?"
"A wager that I made during my travels. If I can trick someone into walking into the House of Black and White and get them to say a pre-agreed phrase then they will kill that person for free... but they have to ask for a gift in that phrase. I just have to find someone stupid enough to do that and Joffrey is delusional and self-important enough to do it if I send him as an envoy." Lyonel said, shocking Stannis with his explanation. Lyonel could also use his magic or kill Joffrey himself... Lyonel didn't subscribe to the hatred of Kinslaying. Some people just needed to die.
That ended the discussion and Stannis left Lyonel's solar with his confidence in his nephew restored.