•°The Blackening Crown°• Hotd

▪︎▪︎▪︎Chapter 4▪︎▪︎▪︎

Six months had passed since Dhaenyria was named heir, ever since, she had been attending small council meetings not as cupbearer, but now as her father's heir she had a seat to his left, beside her sat her uncle Rolrai, the Shadow prince. Rhaenyra alone was now the cupbearer. Occasionally the two sister's eyes would meet and  the two smiling like giddy little girls.

"Ser Ryam was a strong Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.  But he was ill for some time. He passed in peace I hope" The King mused discussing the passing of the Lord Commander. Ever since Dhaenyria original sworn sword Ser Harrold became the new Commander, Dhaenyria was more than happy for him. But it also left her without a sworn sword and her Father with only six instead of seven Kingsguard.

"Yes your Grace, he was found to have passed gently in his sleep." Mellos answered "His remains are being prepared by the Silent Sisters. The succeeding Lord Commander, Ser Harrold, eould like to make haste, in finding Ser Ryam's replacement on the Kingsguard. Mellos introduced.

"Your Grace, my Lords. 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."

The doors to the council room were burst opened and in the through them stormed Lord Corlys Velaryon interrupting Ser Harrold.  "Four ships have now been lost. The last one was flying my banner. The Stepstones have now grown into a configuration, yet you sit here and dither about court business." The Sea Snake's voice boomed across the chamber his anger at the inaction obvious for all to see.

Otto was quick to answer with his usual calmness. "If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys-"

"- I want to knoe what is to be done about my ships and my men." Corlys interrupted again. Dhaenyria's eyes followed him. She agreed something should be done, good mrn losing their lives due to the Triarchy seizing power should not be allowed.

"The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families" Otto suggested, Dhaenyria nose crinkled.  "I don't want compensation. I want to seize the Stepstones by force, and burn out this Crabfeeder." The Princess turned her head to her father to gage his reaction. "I'm not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities." He spoke calmly, Lord Corlys anger did not bother him a bit. "These pirates are not the Free Cities." The Sea Snake seethed.

Tilting his head the King answered. "Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?" Lord Beesbury, master of Coin spoke up this time. "In all of its history, my Lord, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered open war with the Free Cities. Were that to happen the losses would be incalculable." Lord Corlys face turned cold as he approached Lord Beesbury his voice like sweet venom. "What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us?" To that Lord Beesbury could not answer. The Lord of Tides turned looking into the eyes of everyman in the council chamber. "The King's own brother had been allowed to seize Dragonstone, and fortify it with an army of his gold cloaks. Daemon has squatted there for over a half a year, without even a protest from the Crown."

He was right she thought, although she would not admit it. Daemon had left the day of her ceremony to become heir and stayed in Dragonstone, which was now her seat ever since she was then. And yet, nothing had been done about it.

"I'll caution you, Lord Corlys. A seat at the King's table does noy make you his equal." Otto warned, looking slightly smug as he said it. No doubt he enjoyed putting the Sea Snake down a peg or two. Lord Velaryon did not like that and before he was about to answer her father spoke. "I have acted, Corlys. I've sent envoys to Pentos and Volantis to see if we might find common cause." He leaned forward. "Ships and men are at the ready. The Stepstones will be settled... in time." Dhaenyria thought better of it. "You have Dragonriders, Father." The council became eerily quiet. The courage she had originally mustered began to dissipate. "Send us"