During the events of the series. (298 A.C.)

As you know full well, Robert Baratheon was the king of the Seven Kingdoms for fifteen years, between 283 A.C. and 298 A.C.

Growing up, you had heard some very mixed and varied views of Robert. He may have been an excellent and formidable commander of armies, but the popular opinion was that his capacity as a king left much to be desired.

In spite of that, neither you nor anyone else in the realm had any idea just how chaotic Westeros would become once Robert Baratheon died.

On that subject, does this take place before, during, or after the War of the Five Kings? In other words, who sits the Iron Throne?