A Beautiful Tragedy

Chapter Thirty Three

The next day everyone stood in the meeting room
waiting for Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys.

Erryk spoke announcing the arrival of Corlys and Rhaenys,

"The Lord of the Tides! Lord Corlys Velaryon...
and his wife, the Princess Rhaenys Targaryen."

Lord Corlys walked in using a kane.
He commanded respect.
He nodded his head at the lords,

"My lords."

Rhaenyra smiled before gently replying,

"Lord Corlys.
It brings much relief to see you hale and healthy again."

Verena stood observing her son to the right of her while also listening to the conversation.
Maelor stood tall although Verena could feel his nerves.
Lord Corlys nodded in appreciation for Rhaenyra's words and spoke,

"I'm very sorry about your father, Princess.
He was a good man.
Where is Daemon?"

Verena spoke with respect,
knowing full well where Daemon was and his pursuit for more dragon power.

"The prince sends his apology.
There were other concerns which demanded the Prince's attention."

Lord Corlys seemed unimpressed.
Knowing the princes records and impulsive behaviour.
He inquired,

"Mm."

Lord Corlys walked to the table map and continued,

"Your declared allies?"

Rhaenyra spoke carefully,

"Yes."

Corlys spoke boldly saying the things everyone was thinking.
Rallying the houses to Rhaenyra's cause was one of the sure ways to make sure her queen ship was not questioned.

"Too few to win a war for the throne."

Rhaenyra continued trying to show that they were working on gaining more support.

"Well, we would also hope to have the support of Houses Arryn, Baratheon, and Stark."

Corlys insightfully pondered,

"Hope... is the fool's ally."

Rhaenyra scoffed replying,

"Both Arryn and Baratheon share blood with my house. But all of them swore oaths to me."

Verena stood watching this exchange going to defend Rhaenyra when Corlys interrupted,

"As did House High tower... if I remember."

Verena spoke addressing the elephant in the room.
Whether Lord Corlys would fight for Rhaenyra.
Whether he would stand him them or against them.
This would affect the war.