Editing A Clash of Kings-Chapter 60 (section)

==Synopsis==
Within the [[Queen's Ballroom]], [[Osney Kettleblack]] informs Queen Regent [[Cersei Lannister]] about the ongoing [[Battle of the Blackwater]]. [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]] had gone to the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] to receive a blessing from the [[High Septon (Tyrion's)|High Septon]], and then boy king then walked the walls with [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] to rally their men. 

The queen's guests try to enjoy their dinner and the antics of entertainers, but they are all worried about the battle. Drunk on wine, Cersei admits to [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] she dislikes feeling helpless like this but explains it is her duty to inspire the noble ladies. Cersei warns Sansa that the women would be in danger of being raped if [[King's Landing|the city]] were to fall to [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis's]] men.

Osney returns to inform Cersei that a hundred ships are now burning from [[wildfire]] on the [[Blackwater Rush]]. [[Osfryd Kettleblack]] informs the queen of servants who were caught trying to steal horses and escape, so Cersei gives orders for them to be beheaded by Ser [[Ilyn Payne]].

As the meal progresses, Osfryd reports that [[smallfolk]] have gathered at the square before the [[Red Keep]], asking for refuge within the castle. Cersei refuses and gives permission for crossbowmen to fire upon them if they refuse to go home. Cersei reveals to Sansa that she and her twin, Ser [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]], sometimes dressed as each other when they were young, and the queen complains that she was not taught how to fight like Jaime was.

Osney reports that Stannis has men on the [[tourney grounds (King's Landing)|tourney grounds]] and that the [[Mud Gate]] and the [[King's Gate]] are under attack. The queen commands that Joffrey be brought back to the Red Kep as the battle seems to be going in Stannis's favor.

Some of the guests are granted permission to leave for the [[royal sept]], and a singer performs sad songs for those who remain in the Queen's Ballroom. Cersei reveals that she is aware of Sansa's frequent visits to the [[godswood of the Red Keep]], and she does not believe Sansa's claim that she has been praying for Joffrey. Cersei then reveals that Ser Ilyn is there for them, for she will not permit Stannis to take them alive.