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In the small council room, Viserys sat with the other council members. Rhaenyra walked around, filling their cups with wine. "Ser Ryam was a strong Lord Commander of the Kingsguard," Viserys spoke in a calm tone, "But he was ill for sometime. He passed in peace, I hope."
"Yes, Your Grace," The Grand Maester answered and nodded in agreement, "He was found to have passed gently in his sleep. His remains are being prepared by the Silent Sisters. The succeeding Lord Commander, Ser Harrold, would like to make haste in finding Ser Ryams's replacement on the Kingsguard."
"Your Grace. My lords," Ser Harrold called out In a loud tone, "The Kingsguard 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."
Just then, the door opened and the group of men turned to see Corlys walk in, looking unhappy. "Four ships have now been lost. The last one was flying my banner," He informed in a stern tone, "The Stepsones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business."
"If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys--" Otto started to say before he was cut off.
"I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men," Corlys snapped at him angrily.
"The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families," Otto explained, which earned a look of disbelief from Corlys.
"I don't want compensation," He snapped at him angrily. He inhaled sharply before turning to glance at Viserys, "I want to seize the Stepsones by force and burn out this Crabfeeder."
"I am not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities," Viserys replied calmly, staring up at the man from his seat.
"These pirates are not the Free Cities," Corlys argued, knowing the men were finding every excuse to say no.
"Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?" Viserys raised a brow at the man.
"In all of its history, my lord, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered open war with the Free Cities," Lord Beesbury spoke up, turning to glance at the man, "Were that to happen, the losses would be incalculable."
Slowly, Lord Corlys walked toward the man, staring down at him hatefully. "What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us?" He questioned curiously, "The King's own brother has been allowed to seize Dragonstone with Princess Shaera's eldest son and fortify it with an army of their gold cloaks. Daemon has squatted there for over half a year without even a protest from the Crown."
