The Green Queen

Chapter 2: Welcome to King's Landing

~****~

Talia Al Ghul

"Otto Hightower, the new Hand of the King, and his daughter, Lady Alicent Hightower!"

After the herald announced their arrival, father and daughter entered the Great Hall. Seated in the Iron Throne was the frail King Jaehaerys Targaryen. His health was deteriorating after the deaths of his sons and his wife, Queen Alysanne. The Iron Throne itself struck Talia as an asymmetric monstrosity, its spikes and jagged edges seemingly uncomfortable to sit on.

'Such a weird thing for a throne.'

'Clearly Aegon the Conqueror haven't considered the danger of tetanus.' Talia smiled. Amused of her own jest.

"You have my thanks, Lord Otto, for being here to serve the realm," Jaehaerys began.

Otto kneeled. "Tis my greatest honor, your grace."

"I am already old, my body is failing me. What I will give you is a burden for the benefit of the whole realm." Jaehaerys' voice was raspy, his eyes wandering. Talia's curiosity piqued; she wanted to know his thoughts.

Talia discreetly scanned the hall, noting every court members she needed to win over should she have her plans. On the left, beneath the Iron Throne, a girl almost her age-Princess Rhaenyra-captured her attention, along with her mother-to-be-queen, Aemma Arryn. Talia also spotted two Valyrians, Prince Viserys and Prince Daemon. Her intrigue deepened.

Talia thrived on unraveling mysteries, manipulating minds. She aimed to be steps ahead of everyone, holding information as bait above their heads.

Since Prince Viserys was the heir, she needed his favor. No need to stoop so low; her eyes rested on the young princess fidgeting with her red dress.

Talia smirked.

'All girls need playmates, do they not?'

~****~

Gwayne Hightower

"A coin for your thoughts?"

Under the weirwood tree, He saw his older sister whose seems to be deep in her thinking.

When she heard her brother's voice she smiled though she didn't fully turn to look at him. Her sweet, bright smile tickled Gwayne's heart.

( She's always know when I'm here.)

He shakes the thought. His older sister isn't like any other girls who gets jittery when startled. She was always calm and placid. Like a still beautiful green lake.

What baffles the young Hightower is that his older sister had a keen awareness of her surroundings. He even tried to surprise her by creeping behind her once. Yet he failed greatly.

One time when he was about startle her from behind, before he could even touch her he immediately received a smack from his sister's fan. He tried once, twice and thrice each different times and all attempts ended in same resul.He would either receive a bump on the forehead or reddened cheeks as a payment for the failed pranks. And of course everytime his sister would show the same innocent beam that would always lead him to reflect on himself and doubt if it's because of his lack of skills.If he is asked by anyone why the seven hells Otto's youngest son had a bump on his forehead or why one of his cheeks are red, his lips would be tightly sealed shut and look for an excuse or change the topic from his embarrassment.