Bound by Blood and Oaths

Chapter 58

Dragonstone

Jaehaerys sat at the table, looking over the famous painted table. He couldn't recall it; it had been two decades since his last visit. Much had happened since then — married to two beautiful women, with a daughter who would soon be joined by another sibling within the month. He and Daenerys had brought the slave trade to an early grave, and now he had returned to Westeros with three dragons.

He was waiting with his advisors for Lord Jacaerys. The man did not expect them to arrive, so he was gathering those of his council. Not many were here at Dragonstone, he said. Only his advisor about a liaison of sorts and his Castellan. Jaehaerys couldn't care less.

"My King," Tyrion said as he shifted a bit in his chair, reaching for a cup to pour himself a cup of wine. He drinks too much, the king thinks. "You should think about whom to name Hand of the King. It is a vital position to be filled now that you've returned to Westeros. Just in case, I had the brooch made for the station."

"I see. Very well," Jaehaerys said, taking the brooch from the small man. A position he should be careful in filling. He looked at it for a moment, the hand that points downward. "Jeyne, congratulations. You're the Hand of the King."

"Your Grace, is that wise?" Tyrion asked. "It may be better to give it to Jacaerys or one of the houses that will pledge themselves to you."

"You want it?"

"Ah, an honor. But it would be ill-advised. Not many people love me, I am afraid," he said. "But this is a position that can make allies. It will show who you are as the person represents your rule."

"Good. Jeyne is my choice."

Jeyne accepted the brooch with a smile. It made Daenerys smile as well, giving a supportive nod to her partner. The king pinned it on him personally which made any opposition stop from being said aloud. Daenerys was the queen with power. Now, Jeyne held it as well. He could not find a more trustworthy person. The knights didn't even question the decision, knowing how futile it will be.

"Good council, Lord Tyrion. I had forgotten about the position; thank you."

Tyrion raised his cup, a bow with the head. He didn't really care it seems. His wishes seem clear, at least now. The sister. Cersei. From all he had been told, that is who he wants. The knight has said the two never got along. It wouldn't be hard to guess they reached a point of no return. Hate is easily made yet cooling off that hate... That was something different. But to give him that, it does not sit right with Jaehaerys.

The door to the chamber opened, and Jaehaerys was the first to enter. He gave the Targaryens a brief smile before stepping aside. A man with blond hair entered. The man looked tired and overworked. Almost as much as Jacaerys in a way. The times must have been stressful.

"This is my most trusted advisor and friend; Lord Felix, the castellan of Driftmark," Jacaerys said.

The man gave a bow and took a seat at the table when the king gestured to an empty seat. Jacaerys then presented another person. A woman with dark hair and blue eyes, a gentle smile danced on her lips. A kind woman, Jaehaerys thought. His thoughts were broken when a cup fell on the floor, thousands of clay pieces spraying over the black fused stone.

"Tysha..." Tyrion said with disbelief.

The woman looked toward Tyrion, eyes widening from shock. "Tyrion...?"

"How do you know each other?" Daenerys asked, her eyes flickering between them. A fair question. A reunion is not often resulting with shock and broken clay cups. Jaehaerys kept quiet yet watched them carefully. He was interested to see what will happen.