Shattered Rubies

Chapter 18

The day came to an end and yet another small council meeting was put up, Elinor was falling asleep of boredom, Lord Jasper Wylde spoke, "It seems, Your Grace, that the smallfolk have become restless."

"So?" Aemond shrugged uninterested.

"This is the consequences of your actions Aemond. There is not food enough in the city" Elinor spoke up, fully knowing this was going to happen, "Those with means have bought more than their share" Jasper added in.

"All the more reason Ser Tyland must break the blockade" Aemond said playing with the ball, "In the meantime, the people are hungry, and their anger is rising" Elinor shot back to Aemond. "The enemy without may be fought with swords.The enemy within is more insidious."

"Why is this anger directed at us? It is Rhaenyra the Pretender who ordered the Gullet closed and left them all to starve" Elinor sighed, "You closed the gates remember? People bringing food into the city are denied entry because of it."

"They still look to you to ensure their well-being, That is the burden of authority" Jasper told him, "But you should not go it alone. It does occur to me that Your Grace has yet to name a Hand. Ser Criston, of course, served your brother, but you need one who may advance your cause… with shrewdness and subtlety."

Aemond scoffed, "Do you take me for a fool?" Jasper widened his eyes, "On the contrary, my prince."

"I’ve little patience for the self-important, Lord Jasper, and even less for flatterers and lickspittles. But you are, as it happens, correct. Every king needs a Hand. I’ll make it your responsibility."

Jasper cleared his throat, "My prince, it is an honor I’d never considered for myself" Jasper felt so proud and Elinor held back a laugh, "No, not to serve as Hand, you toad.To fetch him. Send word to Otto Hightower."

Elinor snickered, "My grandsire may be overcautious, but his devotion to his family has never been in doubt. Mm, you’ll see it done."

Jasper nodded, "Your Grace" he whispered. The table fell quiet and Maester Owlye walked into the council, "You’re late" Aemond reprimanded.

Owlye leaned against his chair taking in deep breaths, "I am happy to report that His Grace, the king, has regained consciousness this morning" Elinor's eyes widened, she abruptly stood up and sped to the door, making for Aegon's chambers.

A minute later she arrived in his chambers, Maesters all around him, his eyes open "Aegon?" She whispered and walked up to him.

His eyes caught sight if her and forced a small smile, "Im so happy, I thought I lost you" she said coming up to the bed and sitting next to his none-brokem leg.

"Eli" he said hoarsely, reaching for her hand, she quickly took his hand in hers, tears falling, the doors opened again and two Maesters came into the room, "His grace's bandages needs to be changed."

Elinor nodded and quickly got off the bed, allowing the Maesters to tend to his wounds. As they lifted him, she painfully watched as Aegon moaned in pain.

She hated seeing him the way he was. She turned away and saw Aemond walking into the room, "Get out" Aemond ignored her words,

"I’ll see my brother. Alone" he said walking into the room, he turned to Elinor, "You should leave too" the Maester laid Aegon back down and a scowl appeared on Elinor's face as she walked out the room.

The doors remained open  as she walked out of the room, she wandered why Aemond wanted to talk to him alone, possibly to kill him.

Her eyes never left the two brothers, if Aemond were to hurt Aegon in the slightest she would hang him.

****

Ser Steffon died, tragically burnt by the dragon he thought he claimed, Seasmoke.

Rhaenyra stood looking across to the sea, Jace walked up to his mother, "It was a bold attempt. I admire you for it."

Rhaenyra gave Jace one glance before looking back to the ocean, "They say you struck Lord Bartimos today in view of the staff and guard. The household is abuzz with it" Jace walked up closer.

"He’s lucky I did not have his tongue" Rhaenyra said her gaze still on the water, "And what did he say that was so deserving?" Jace questioned.

"I have tired of being protected… Jace. I bring to mind too much their mothers or their daughters. They must see in me a ruler. And the symbols of authority are not jewels and gowns, but the shield and the sword" Rhaenyra really was tired, she wanted to fight yet they made her stay in the fussy castle.

"My ruler is my mother and I do not wish it otherwise" Jace admitted offering her a smile, "Will you lead us to war yourself?"

"Well, for a certainty I cannot remain here, pacing the floors, waiting for defeat and despair to visit me."

"Oh, don’t be ridiculous" Jace rolled his eyes, he couldn't bare the thought if his mothering going into war, "I’m doing all I can. I have directed Lord Mooton to march on Rook’s Rest, and sent another raven to the Vale to persuade-"

"We may marshal the strength of the Vale, Maidenpool, and all our allies besides. We will still never match the strength of the Green armies" Jace sighed , "We need Daemon and his dragon" he told his mother.

"May I be free for even one hour of the constant refrain of Daemon, Daemon, Daemon-" Rhaenyra didn't want to depend on her husband, yet everyone wanted her to.

Ser Lorent Marbrand interrupted their starting argument, "Your Grace" he greeted, Mysaria behind him, "The lady Mysaria."

Mysaria bowed, "My queen, our gift is sent" she informed Rhaenyra, Jace gave Mysaria a confused look, "What gift?"

"Let us hope for clouds over the Blackwater tonight" Rhaenyra said, the anger from earlier subsided, Jace squinted his eyes, looking between the two woman, what were they plotting?