What if Ned Stark Became King, NOT Robert Baratheon

What if Ned Stark Became King, NOT Robert Baratheon? Let’s explore its depths in the video. Robert stares at the bloodied corpses at his feet and feels a sick feeling in his gut. He has always seen gore and blood and practically lived for it, but this is different. These are children. Yet Tywin Lannister’s expression betrays nothing. He simply nods his head and orders for them to be covered up. Tywin: Clears throat. I apologize for the…mess. It seems like some of my men got carried away. But I assure you these are the bodies of Rhaegar’s children. With that, your path to the throne is clear, your grace. He gestures dramatically to the Iron Throne where Jamie Lannister stands nearby. Ned remains on one side, his face even sickened. He does not bother to hide his disgust. Robert is half-surprised he can. Looking up at the Iron Throne, the damned chair suddenly looks much less appealing. As he glances at the corpses again, the weight of this decision feels much heavier. Battles were easy. They weren’t clean or particularly pleasant, but they were simple. This… seems far beyond what he knows and what he cares to know. He turns to Tywin, his face darkening. Robert: What makes you think I want that damned chair? Tywin: Confused. Who else would take the Iron Throne? Your grandmother was a Targaryen by blood. It is you who has the greatest claim. Robert: My claim? Laughs harshly. He lifts his hammer. Robert: This is my claim! I started this rebellion to end the Mad King’s savagery, and I’ve accomplished my goal. I have no taste for a rule. If you want to hand the throne to someone, give it to Stark. Tywin: Stark? Robert: I started this war thinking that no one lost more from the Mad King than me, although I realize I was mistaken. What say you, Stark? Will you take the throne? Ned glances at the chair wearily. The throne looks so imposing and brutal, but he looks over at Tywin and cannot picture any good from a man like that sitting there and nods. Ned: This is your rebellion, Robert. If you deem me worthy of the crown I will strive to honor your wishes. Robert grunts and Ned begins to make his way over toward it, feeling everyone's eyes upon him as he takes his seat on the throne. The metal spikes are cool to the touch and dig into his skin. But as he glances down, he looks down on everyone. He gestures towards the bloodied corpses of Aerys, Rhaenys, and Aegon. Ned: Very well, as my first decree as king. Have these corpses taken away and prepared for burial and have those responsible arrested immediately. He takes a small pleasure in the surprise on Tywin’s face as Ned’s guards seize him. Jamie, Ser Amory, and the others soon follow. The Mountain is the only one who resists, killing several men before Robert wrestles him to the ground. As they are led away, Ned feels his shoulders slump at all the work that must be done. Tywin, Gregor, and Amory are all put to death, executed by Ned’s hand as punishment for treason against the crown. Jaime is just barely spared this death thanks to Jon Arryn and Robert who convince Ned to let him take the black instead. Reluctantly, Ned agrees and sends Jaime to the Wall along with some of the other prisoners taken during the Sack of King’s Landing. Ned begins to accept homage from the defeated lords including Houses Tyrell and Martell who are largely spared any retribution as Ned is focused on repairing the division this war brought. This allows almost all the royalist houses to yield without a fight. The only exception is Dragonstone which remains defiant. Robert advises Ned to storm the castle and put the children to death, but Ned refuses and instead personally sails there to talk with the garrison. Outside its walls, Ser Willem Darry marches out to meet with Ned. The gruff knight sizes up the new king and grunts. Ned: You’ve held this castle admirably, ser. Although I take it you’ve received my terms? Willem: I have. And let me guess, you're here to demand their heads? Ned: I admit, I have some advisors who believe that is what I should do. Lord Robert and Jon Arryn both believe it is the best way to ensure peace. Willem: Snorts. Of course, the boar wishes them dead. Nothing less will satisfy his bloodlust, but his opinion doesn’t matter to me. I wish to know what you think. Ned: I believe that a peace built on such terms is not a peace worth having. So I offer these terms instead. A royal pardon to the Targaryen children. They shall be allowed here in the Seven Kingdoms as lords with the Houses of the Narrow Sea pledged to them as long as they keep the King’s peace and bend the knee. Willem: Surprised. Oh…how generous. If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion. Ned: You may. Willem: Dragonstone is not going anywhere. Let it remain here but let them be raised in the mainland. They will be less likely to rebel if they do not feel like prisoners. #gameofthrones #robertbaratheon #housestark #gameofthroneswhatif #nedstark #ironthrone