The Prince of Thorns

~ Growing Strong? ~

A man hops out of his boat at night and grabs a basket of fish. As he carries it on shore, Tyrion's captor knocks him out with a punch to the face. Looking around, he drags the man out of the water, and throws two coins on him. He walks over to where he has Tyrion tied up. Tyrion is grunting, trying to cut the ropes binding him with a knife. The stranger picks up the knife and Tyrion. He throws Tyrion and his supplies into the boat, and then pushes it out to sea. Once it gains momentum, he hops in himself.

KING'S LANDING-SMALL COUNCIL CHAMBER

Cersei sits in her chair, looking angry. At the table is Maester Pycelle, Qyburn, Alester, Mace Tyrell, and an empty chair.

ALESTER: "The Iron Bank has called one tenth of the Crown's debts."

CERSEI: "How much can the Crown afford?"

ALESTER: "With winter coming, half of what they ask. Maybe even less."

CERSEI: "You're the Master of Coin. How do we pay them?"

ALESTER: "(Looking at Mace then back to Cersei) Well, House Tyrell could front the gold, and the Crown will pay us back in time."

CERSEI: "You've already given us too much. (Gets up and walks to a window). No, we must arrange better terms with the Iron Bank."

ALESTER: "That would be more sustainable, yes."

CERSEI: "I would feel most comfortable if you were to go and negotiate yourself Alester."

MACE: "It would be his honor, your grace."

ALESTER: "(looking at Mace) Consider it done."

CERSEI: "Thank you. As the King's Master of Coin, I can think of no one more qualified."

ALESTER: "I'll leave at once."

CERSEI: "The King has expressed concern about his brother-in-law's safety on this voyage. (Smiling). He's ordered Ser Meryn to personally lead your escort."

Ser Meryn walks into the room. Alester turns to look at him, and then back at Cersei.

ALESTER: "No need. I know a man who loves to travel."

Cersei looks uneasy about his words but composes herself.

CERSEI: "Safe travels, Lord Tyrell."

ALESTER: "I'll be back with good news."

Alester bows to Cersei and then nods to his father before leaving the room.

PYCELLE: "The Small Council grows smaller and smaller."

CERSEI: "(Walking out). Not small enough."

Pycelle watches her leave.

KINGS LANDING PORT

Alester stands before the ship he'll journey to Braavos on.

MYRCELLA: "Did you speak to your brother and sister."

ALESTER: "Only Marg. Loras was probably running around the city. I'll be back before he knows anyhow."

She looks conflicted.

MYRCELLA: "I don't understand why they can't send someone else. We've only just married."

ALESTER: "Love, I'm the master of Coin. I won't send someone to take care of a matter so important."

She looks down. Alester puts a finger on her chin before moving her line of sight to meet his own.

ALESTER: "No matter the distance between us, know that I'm thinking of our reunion. Know that I'm thinking of you."