Mastermind // Aemond Targaryen (1)

35. He bit me

'' The purpose of all this is to build great grounds, my dear lords, trick is... to put more of their men in the ground than your own."

''Easy words for a lord who commands from the safety of his castle."

" The Lord of the Tides, Lord Corlys Velaryon," Erryk declared stopping their chatter. ''And his wife, the Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.''

''My lords." Corlys walked on unsteady feet, his cane tapping against the ground as he moved to her.

''Lord Corlys. Brings much relief to see you hale and healthy again.' Rhaenyra said honestly.

''I'm very sorry about your father, Princess. He was a good man." Corlys told her as he looked around the room. ''Where is Daemon?'

''There were other concerns which demanded the Prince's attention..." Rhaenyra offered vaguely.

''you're declared allies?''

''Yes.'' Rhaenyra assured.

''too few to win a war for the throne." Corlys countered walking around the map looking at the pieces placed elegantly around.

''well we would also hope to have the support of houses Aaryn Baratheon and Stark-" Rhaenyra went on.

" Hope is the fool's ally." Corlys informed her stiffly.

''Both Arryn and Baratheon share blood with my house, all of them swore oaths to me." Rhaenyra retorted trying to keep her composure.

''As did House Hightower, if I remember''. Corlys reminded her and Hightower was now their biggest rival.

''As did you, Lord Corlys.'' Rhaenyra reminded. Slowly he turned to his grandchildren before looking back to Rhaenrya.

''Your father's realm was one of justice and honor. Our houses are bound by common blood and common cause." Corlys reminded her. ''This Hightower treason cannot stand. You have the full support of our fleet and house. Your grace." Corlys said with a bow of his head.

''You honor me, Lord Corlys...'' Rhaenyra told him before looking back to Rhaenys. ''Princess Rhaenys,' she acknowledged. ''but, as I said to my Bannermen I made a promise to my father to hold the realm strong and united. If war's first stroke is to fall, it will not be by my hand.''

''You do not mean to act." Corlys realized.

''Taking Caution... does not mean standing fast... I wish to know who my allies are... before I send them to war.' Rhaenyra corrected.

''Consequence of my near demise in the stepstones Is that we now control them." Corlys informed her. "I took care to fully garrison the territory this time... a total blockade of the shipping lanes will be in place in days if not already. The triarchy have been routed, the narrow sea is ours," Corlys told her his hand grazing over the map. Rhaenyra couldn't believe her ears. "if we further seal the gullet... we can cut off all seaborne travel and trade to King's Landing."'

"I should take Maylis and patrol the gullet myself." Rhaenys told her.

''When we drain the Narrow Sea, we can surround King's Landing, lay siege to the Red Keep, and force the Green's surrender.'

" If we're to have enough swords to surround King's Landing, we must first secure the support of Winterfell the Arryn and the Storm's End." Rhaenyra reminded them

'' I'll prepare the ravens, Your Grace.'

'We should bear those messages." Jace spoke up and Rhaneyra stared back at him with concern. "Dragons can fly faster than ravens and they're more convincing. Send us." Jace begged