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#354 - Chapter 88: The Desire for Power

Jaime arrived at the Queen Mother's palace like a whirlwind, throwing open the doors and urgently searching for Cersei's figure. When he saw that Cersei was safe and sound, the heart that had been hanging in his chest finally settled down a little.

"Cersei, come with me, I'll take you away from this place." Jaime reached out and tightly embraced Cersei.

However, Cersei resolutely broke free from Jaime's embrace, saying in a firm tone, "No, I will not leave. I am the Queen Mother, this is my palace, and my children are here."

"Yet, they dare treat you like this..." A sharp glint flashed across Jaime's eyes.

Cersei gave a miserable smile, a smile that revealed endless regret and self-blame. "This is all my own fault, and I will no longer run away. Jaime, I need you." Her voice trembled slightly, but more than that, it was firm.

Jaime hesitated for a moment, a struggle flashing in his eyes. However, he finally nodded and said softly, "Alright, I will always be by your side." His voice was low and powerful, as if making an eternal promise to Cersei.

Cersei turned and walked to the bed, slowly sitting down. Her eyes became deep and heavy, as if she were thinking about something important. After a moment of silence, she took a deep breath and continued, "Tomorrow morning, I will convene a Small Council meeting..." Her tone was firm and resolute, as if she had made some difficult decision.

"I will make those traitors pay the price. They dare betray me, betray the Iron Throne!" Cersei's voice was full of anger and hatred. She clenched her fists tightly, her fingernails digging deeply into her palms, but she didn't feel the pain.

"Also, we must get Tommen to issue an order as soon as possible to start restricting the church. What Maegor could do, so can we." A glimmer of unwillingness and determination flashed in Cersei's eyes. She thought of the former King Maegor, the one who ruled the country with an iron fist. Cersei firmly believed that she also had the ability to do so.

However, Jaime's brow furrowed tightly. He said worriedly, "I heard from the maids that since you were detained, Tommen has locked himself in his room and refuses to see anyone. He must be very sad and scared right now."

Cersei nodded slightly, indicating her agreement. She knew Tommen's personality well and knew that he was under tremendous pressure at this moment.

"I'll handle Tommen. After all, he's my son, and I understand him." Cersei's voice revealed a motherly strength, and her eyes flashed with a decisive light.

"But before that, I have one more thing to do." Cersei paused suddenly, prompting Jaime to ask curiously, "What is it?" He didn't know what plans Cersei was hiding in her heart, but he believed that she must have her reasons for doing so.

The corners of Cersei's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a chillingly cold smile. "Army! Only a powerful army can be a solid backing for consolidating power! Whether it's the armies of the Westerlands or King's Landing, they only nominally belong to us; in reality, they are not completely under our control."

Jaime frowned, asking with a face full of doubt, "You mean..."

Cersei replied in a firm and decisive tone, "That's right, Jaime. I want you to return to Casterly Rock and inherit all of your father's estate. Including the title, the army, and the title of Warden of the West and command of the army."

"But I have already sworn an oath to become a Kingsguard, and besides, if I leave, who will be here to protect you and the children?" Jaime shook his head repeatedly, his face full of worry.

Cersei grabbed Jaime's arm tightly, pressed her face close to his forehead, and gently rubbed it while softly comforting him, "Listen to me, Jaime. In your current state, you can't effectively protect me and the children at all. We must have a private army that is completely loyal to us, and you are the only one I trust."

Inside the Small Council chamber, the spacious room appeared particularly solemn and dignified, with several ministers sitting in their respective seats with serious expressions. Kevan Lannister, Lord Mace, the Grand Maester, Varys, and the Queen of Thorns, Olenna, were all present. Pycelle kept babbling, his tone full of dissatisfaction and complaint. It turned out that Qyburn had taken over his laboratory, and all of this was ordered by Cersei, which filled Pycelle's heart with resentment.

Just then, Cersei and Jaime and others walked into the meeting hall. Their arrival instantly broke the original silence, and everyone's eyes focused on them. The Mountain's tall and mighty figure was like an indestructible barrier, steadily blocking the door. After Qyburn bowed to everyone, he silently sat in his place, directly opposite Pycelle.

Kevan spoke first, "We are holding a Small Council meeting. What business do you have here?" His voice was low and powerful, revealing a sense of majesty.

Cersei responded, "Uncle Kevan, what are you doing here? Lady Olenna, why are you also here?" Her eyes showed a hint of doubt and surprise.

Kevan explained, "A few days ago, I received an order from the King to temporarily take over the duties of Hand of the King so that Tygett can focus on handling matters at the front. As for Lady Olenna, I specifically invited her to come and discuss how to solve a thorny problem." His words were concise and clear, making everything clear at a glance.

Olenna: "For example, the Queen's imprisonment, we should seriously consider what method should be taken to rescue her."

Cersei: "So, Uncle Kevan, you actually arrived in King's Landing a long time ago. Then, when you watched your own blood relatives suffer such humiliation, did you ever think about how to save me?"

Kevan: "Please note that this is the place of the Small Council, and you are not a member of the Small Council. Therefore, we have no obligation to give you any explanation."

Jaime: "I am the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. According to the law, I am fully qualified to participate in this meeting." After saying that, he quickly dragged over two chairs and sat down with Cersei.

Cersei said, "Uncle, it seems that you can't drive us away. Now that time is of the essence, let's start discussing together!"

Kevan stared at her coldly, responding in a firm tone, "Indeed, we can't drive you away. However, you also can't keep us here. You have already caused the family and the royal family to lose face. I will never recognize the power you possess." As soon as he finished speaking, he stood up resolutely and walked towards the door. Lady Olenna also stood up immediately, and Lord Mace hurriedly stepped forward to support her. Pycelle hurriedly followed them, leaving together.

But the Mountain blocked the door, motionless like a giant mountain, preventing several people from leaving the room.