Better Than Revenge// Otto Hightower (1)

13. That's important

They stayed up, late nights talking and drinking and dancing arm in arm side by side. They were trying their best to pretend like when the evening was done, they would go their separate ways But they knew, Gaena and Otto knew. Pretty soon, it would be only them two and Then after what they did, They would never be the same.

He was not making the same mistakes. Gaena was a princess far out of his league she had been married and was looking for fun. Nothing real but otto had long since caught feelings. But he wouldnt be putting his heart on display. He would just water his feelings down he was not going out looking dumb for falling in love with Princess Gaena. But he was in love. He was head over heels in love and he wanted her forever. But he knew this was temporary so Alicent kept up her talks with Viserys.

+

'Ser Ryam was a strong Lord Commander of the Kings guard. But he was ill for some time. He passed in peace, I hope.' Viserys remarked

'Yes, Your Grace.' Mellos agreed. 'He was found to have passed gently in his sleep. His remains are being prepared by the Silent Sisters.' He informed Viserys. 'The succeeding Lord Commander, Ser Harrold, would like to make haste in finding Ser Ryam's replacement on the Kings guard.'

'Your Grace. My lords.' Ser Harrold remarked. 'The Kings guard must soon be restored to its full complement of seven. With the help of the Hand, I've invited a number of fine candidates to court. All have passed fair trials.' Ser Harrold informed them as the door swung open.

'Four ships have now been lost. The last one was flying my banner.' Corlys remarked coming to the table. 'The Step stones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business.'

'If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys...' Otto remarked. He used to enjoy council meetings but now Gaena consumed his mind. He wanted to leave this meeting and get back to her. She consumed his mind and body.

'I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men.'

'The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families.'

'I don't want compensation. I want to seize the Stepstones by force and burn out this Crab feeder.' Coryl told them slamming his fist down on the table.

'I am not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities.' Viserys told him.

'These pirates are not the Free Cities. Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?'

'In all of its history, my lord, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered open war with the Free Cities. Were that to happen, the losses would be incalculable.'

'What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us? The King's own brother has been allowed to seize Dragonstone and fortify it with an army of his gold cloaks.' Coryls remarked a challenging stare at Viserys. 'Daemon has squatted there for over half a year without even a protest from The Crown.'

'I'll caution you, Lord Corlys, a seat at the King's table does not make you his equal.' Otto warned

'I have acted, Corlys.' Viserys told him. 'I've sent envoys to Pentos and Volantis to see if we might find common cause. Ships and men are at the ready. The Stepstones will be settled... in time.' Viserys added

'You have dragon riders, father. Send us.' Rhaenyra suggested, being the cup bearer she was present at most meeting when she wasn't out riding Syrax. There was a soft chuckle among the group and Rhaenyra's face pinched, she was right in speaking up.

'It isn't that simple, Rhaenyra.' Viserys told her.

'It would be a show of force.' Rhaenyra told them.

'At least the Princess has a plan.' Corlys remarked

'I only meant that we should at least...' Rhaenyra began.

'Perhaps, uh... there's some better use for the Princess's talents, Your Grace.' Otto suggested.

'Why don't you take the Princess to see about the new Kingsguard posting, Lord Commander?' Viserys suggested

'A fine idea, Your Grace.'

Rhaenyra followed her guards out begrudgingly. As she looked over the knights she was severely disappointed though.

"Aunt Gaena!' Rhaenyra called out.

"Hello Rhaenyra." Gaena said softly. "What are you doing this fine morning?"

"Getting kicked out of council meetings for having a new idea." Rhaenyra told her.

"Well being out here is certainly better than inside." Gaena remarked.

"We are to pick new men for the kings guard." Harrold told her.

"Ah handsome young knights to keep my brother safe..." Gaena put her book down on the wall she was sitting on and looked to Rhaenyra. "Let's go then."

'This knight will protect you as well.'

'You should choose.' They told Rhaenyra. 'Ser Desmond Caron, a fine knight, Princess.' Ser Harrold remarked. "Step forward, Ser Desmond. Son of Ser Royce Caron, Ser Desmond has proved strong and steady in both the tourney lists and without. While traveling through the Kingswood on his way to King's Landing, Ser Desmond recently brought a would-be poacher to justice. You might thank him for his service, Princess." Harrold remarked. Gaena yawned.

"My book was more exciting than this." Gaena remarked. "The characters more charming and the knights more skilled."

"We thank you for your loyal service to The Crown, ser." Rhaenyra told him stiffly, just as unimpressed as Gaena.

"Ser Rymun Mallister. Son of Lord Lymond Mallister of Seagard. Winner of the melee at Cider Hall. He was the last mounted of three-and-twenty knights. Ser Rymun was knighted at eight-and-ten." Harrold went on.

"Do any of these knights have combat experience?" Rhaenyra questioned. "Beyond capturing poachers." She added and Gaena chuckled.

'Ser Criston Cole.' Harrold went on "Son of the steward of the Lord of Blackhaven."

"Be welcome, Ser Criston. You saw combat in the Stormlands." Rhaenyra remarked.

"Dornish marches, Princess. I fought for a year as a foot solider against the Dornish incursions. Ser Arlan Dondarrion knighted me after we razed two of the watchtowers along the Boneway." Criston informed her.

"I choose Ser Criston Cole." Rhaenyra said immediately.

"Let's not be too hasty, Princess." Harrold said quietly.

"Criston Cole... sounds familiar and yet mysterious at the same time." Gaena remarked.

"He beat Daemon." Rhaenyra whispered.

"HA!' Gaena declared. "That's right. Lets keep this one."

"Thank you princesses." Criston said with a chuckle.

"He's cute too. That's important." Gaena assured Harrold as she winked at Criston he blushed looking to his feet.

"There's no doubt Ser Criston is a fine warrior, but houses such as Crakehall and Mallister are important allies of The Crown. Seagard, for instance, is the realm's prime defense against reavers from the Iron Islands." Harrold reminded her.

"Those men are tourney knights. My father should be defended by a man who's known real combat. Should he not?" Rhaenyra countered.

"Of course, Princess." Harrold agreed.

"Well, let us plan Ser Criston's investiture then." Rhaenyra decided. "Why did you leave the tourney?" Rhaenyra asked turning to Gaena. 

"What?" Gaena questioned distracted.

"You left you missed Ser Cristons match." Rhaenyra clarified. 

"Oh... yes..." Gaena offered a coy smile, I was about to fuck the Hand of the king in the halls before your mother gave a death scream, no she couldn't say that. "I was checking on your mother." Gaena said kindly.