Lord Stark, a moment... Alone, if you will? [Eddard dismisses his guards] He [Robert] named you Protector of the Realm?
He did.
She won't care. Give me an hour, and I can put a hundred swords at your command.
And what should I do with a hundred swords?
Strike! Tonight, while the castle sleeps! We must get Joffrey away from his mother and into our custody; Protector of the Realm or no, he who holds the king holds the kingdom. Every moment you delay gives Cersei another moment to prepare; by the time Robert dies, it will be too late for the both of us!
And what about Stannis?
[incredulous] Saving the Seven Kingdoms from Cersei and delivering them to Stannis?! You have odd notions about protecting the realm!
Stannis is your older brother-
This isn't about the bloody line of succession! That didn't matter when you rebelled against the Mad King, it shouldn't matter now! What's best for the Kingdoms? What's best for the people we rule? We all know what Stannis is; he inspires no love or loyalty. He's not a king... I am.
Stannis is a commander. He's led men into war twice, he destroyed the Greyjoy fleet.
Yes, he's a good soldier, everyone knows that; so was Robert! Tell me something, do you still believe good soldiers make good kings?
I will not dishonour Robert's last hours by shedding blood in his halls and dragging frightened children from their beds.
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