𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 19

Three Months later

"Ser Ryam was a strong Lord Commander of the Kingsguard." Viserys informed the council." But he was ill for some time. He passed in peace, I hope."

Aegon's face contorted with sorrow upon hearing that. However, his indifference towards Ryam was evident. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to show his respects.

Mellos spoke softly." Yes, Your Grace. He was found to have passed gently in his sleep. His remains are being prepared by the Silent Sisters."

Mellos glanced at Harrold and then turned his gaze towards Viserys, stating," The succeeding Lord Commander, Ser Harrold, would like to make haste in finding Ser Ryam's replacement on the Kingsguard."

"Your Grace. My lords." Harrold address the council." The Kingsguard must soon be restored to its full complement of seven." He then turned his gaze towards Otto.

"With the help of the Hand, I've invited a number of fine candidates to court." Otto acknowledged this with a nod." ll have passed fair trials."

Everyone nodded in agreement to what he had said. All of a sudden the doors opened and everyone looked to see Corlys coming in with an angry expression on his face.

"Four ships have now been lost. The last one was flying my banner." e paused by the table." The Stepstones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business." He spat out in frustration.

"If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys–" Otto began, but was swiftly cut off by Corlys." I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men." Corlys stated, fixing his gaze on Otto.

"The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families." Otto told him.

"I don't want compensation." he snapped, his gaze then shifting towards Viserys." 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 simply.

"These pirates are not the Free Cities." Corlys corrected him.

"Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?" Viserys said to him.

In all of its history, my lord, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered open war with the Free Cities." Corlys shifted his gaze to Lyman." Were that to happen." Rhaenyra turned around, istening to the conversation," the losses would be incalculable."

Corlys approached Lyman with deliberate steps." What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us?" he asked. Lyman's eyes widened before he shifted his gaze away from Corlys. Aegon smirked in response.

"The King's own brother has been allowed to seize Dragonstone and fortify it with an army of his gold cloaks." Aegon shut his eyes tightly upon hearing about his brother's actions." Daemon has squatted there for over half a year without even a protest from The Crown." Corlys pointed out.

"I'll caution you, Lord Corlys, a seat at the King's table does not make you his equal." Otto warned him." Another does you, Otto." Aegon's interjection drew the attention of everyone in the room. "Neither you are his evil so it is the King's decision on whether or not how this is handled." Aegon remained all of them. Viserys's smile and Rhaenyra's smirk hinted at their differing reactions to the situation.

"I have acted, Corlys." Viserys said stopping Corlys in his tracks." 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's words echoed through the room, capturing everyone's attention as she declared." Send us." Aegon's face lit up with a smile, proud to see Rhaenyra stepping forward and taking charge.