Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 35: Political Maneuvering

Driftmark

"Felix," Jacaerys greets his seneschal.

The lord of Driftmark was in his office again as he rummaged through his papers. Each day the island became more calmer and thriving. Unfortunately, his fleet was still pushing away ships from the island. Although, at a less frequent rate than it started. He truly wished to give these people a place on his island, but Driftmark simply couldn't feed them all.

There were already reports that if winter lasts more than three years, people will start starving. It was to ensure the safety of his people, so he made the choice to keep the people out who wished to seek shelter on his island. Speaking of the refugees already on the island, Tysha has been good at her job.

Fewer complaints about the presence of refugees coming from the population. There are even talks about they are welcome since many types of work needed to be filled. He was glad they were now behaving and contributing to the island. Tysha reminds him of a noble. Curious thing since she said she was a crafter's daughter, a peasant. Well, he offered her and her daughter a stay at the keep which she accepted. After all, Jacaerys needs his advisors close and not on the other side of the island.

"My lord, have you thought of the problems we have discussed in the council meeting?"

"Ah, the trade deal with Bravoos? I do not think we can refuse, but inform them it will only last the winter. After that, they'll have to negotiate anew."

"Very well, I'll make the preparations," Felix says before he glanced to the door, his expression a bit complicated about bringing some news. "My lord, there is another matter."

"I am sure it can't be that bad. Tell me about this problem."

"Well, Lady Stark is here."

"Felix, they were killed at the Twins. It is a shame Catelyn Stark died in such a horrible way but she is not alive. As much as I wish for some justice in this world," Jacaerys says with a sigh, picking up a letter and making him sigh as if it was yet another betrothal.

"Not Catelyn Stark, my lord..."

"Oh, don't tell me another child of an enemy of the Lannisters. This is becoming too much, Felix. Why not invite every enemy of the Lannisters to my home? I can start of collection," Jacaerys groans as he dropped the letter again on his desk, his hand running over his face.

"It's not exactly a child of Catelyn, my Lord. It's Jeyne Westerling, wife to the late King Robb Stark."

"Well, that makes things better, doesn't it? What does she want from me? Safety? Protection from the Lannisters?"

"Both, my Lord. I should also say that she is pregnant."

"Gods, she just hits all my weaknesses..." Jacaerys mumbles. "Fine. Give her a room and food. Make sure the Maester examines her to see if she is healthy and the pregnancy is going well. I'll speak with her in a few hours. Wonder who else is going to show up. They seem to flock to me, for Gods sake," Jacaerys says with a certain level of irritation in his voice.

If they continue harbouring every single enemy, the Lannister will come for them one way or another. What will Tywin think when he knees the many enemies Jacaerys is hosting on his island? The save and grace he has, for now, is his unrivalled fleet. Only the Reach has that many, and with the Iron Born riled up, they will not come this way.

He picks up the letter he was holding and looks at the seal. Another deeper and more frustrated sigh left him. Of course, it is from Tywin. It seems Tywin has taken the place of Stannis. Instead of Stannis haunting him, it is the Lannister Patriarch. Without wasting his mind on what it will be about, he broke the seal and read the letter.