It had been 6 months since Queen Aemma's and Prince Baelon's unfortunate demise. Rhaenyra was then named heir to the Iron Throne. Though some of the people in Kingslanding supported Viserys's decision to make Rhaenyra the Heir, others were against it because she was a girl and believed she would not make a good leader. One of the was the King's Hand Otto Hightower.
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Viserys and his council were in session. Although Rhaenyra was the Heir, she still had her duty as Cup bearer for her father and Lords. Viserys wanted Michael to continue attending the council meetings not as member but as an observer to gain experience if he was going to be Rhaenyra's hand.
The Coucil was in session with Rhaenyra refilling the Lords cups while Michael stood next to Otto and observed.
"Ser Ryam wad a strong Lord Commander of the Kingsguard" Viserys said "But he was ill for some time. He passed in peace, I hope"
"Yes your Grace" Grand Maester Mellos replied. "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 Ryam's replacement on the Kingsguard"
"Your Grace. My Lords" Ser Harrold said "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 Lord Corlys came marching into to the council chambers with and angry look upon his face.
"Four ships have now been lost" He said "The last one was flying my banner. The Stepstones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business"
"If you have something to discuss Lord Corlys-" Otto said.
"I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men" Corlys demanded.
"The crown will compensate you for your ship and crew and make an offering to the men's family" Otto said.
"I don't want compensation" Corlys said "I want to seize the Stepstones by force and burn out this Crabfeeder"
"I am not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities" Viserys said.
"These pirates are not the Free Cities" Corlys said.
"Who do you think provides the with their ships and tender?" Viserys asked.
"In all of its history my lord, the Seven Kingdoms never entered open war with the Free Cities" Lord Beesbury said. "We're that to happen, the losses would be incalculable"
"What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us?" Corlys asked. "The King's own brother has been allowed to seize Dragonstone and fortify an army of his gold cloaks. Daemon has squatted there for over half a year without even a protest from the Crown"
"I caution you, Lord Corlys a seat at the King's table doesn't make you his equal" Otto said making Michael role his eyes.
'Yet your delusional mind thinks of yourself as his equal' The young Hightower thought.
"I have acted, Corlys" Viserys said "I've sent envoys to Pentos and Volantis to see if we might find common cause. Ships and men are at the ready. The Stepstones will be settled in time"
"You have Dragonriders Father" Rhaenyra daid finally speaking up as the council looked to her. "Send us"
"It isn't that simple Rhaenyra" Viserys said.
"It would be a show of force" Rhaenyra said.
"With all due respect your Grace, I believe the Princess is right" Michael said. "With Dragonriders it will be a swift victory and-"
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The Dragon Knight
FanfictionMichael Hightower, was always seen by his Father Otto as a disappointment. However in Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's eyes he is a beloved friend. She also has feelings for him but doesn't tell him fear of ruining their friendship. Disclaimer: House...
