" He dares to summon me!" Aemond yells, slamming his hand on the table. " 'With haste'?" He looked to Tyland, slamming his hand in front of him. " Are the Lannisters so diminished that they cannot march from the Tooth to Harrenhal without an escort?"
" There is a large dragon in the Riverlands, My Prince." Tyland spoke, staring to the table. " My brother's army is strong, but it does seem..."
" I am the King Consort, not some dog to be called to heel!" Aemond yelled. " Tell your brother that if he does not deliver his host to Harrenhal, 'with haste,' Daemon's dragon will become the least of his worries."
" Your irritations are justified, Aemond, but it does seem-"
" I have a task for you, Ser Tyland." Vhaelyra stood. " We will make an alliance with the Triarchy. I've had enough of this cursed blockade."
" Your Grace... you cannot mean to treat with the free cities. The captains of their ships are dangerous mercenaries, little more than pirates..." Tyland spoke.
" They are a stone's throw away across the Narrow Sea." Vhaelyra shook her head. " Lannister and Hightower ships will take months to arrive. The Triarchy will delight in the chance to terrorize the Sea Snake again. Let them weaken his blockade while our true allies make their long journey east."
" The Triarchy may play at accepting terms, but they are not to be trusted." Lord Jasper spoke. " Your father knew this."
" What has come of our letters to the Greyjoys?" Alicent asked.
" They have been to no avail." Orwyle spoke. " The Red Kraken waits, seeking his best advantage. Though we may draw him in with honey, if it comes to it."
" An offer of marriage, perhaps, to the dowager Queen?" Lord Jasper spoke.
" Out of the question." Alicent scoffed.
" Alas." Jasper spoke, looking to Vhaelyra.
" Lord Jasper speaks wisely, Your Grace." Lord Larys spoke. " Even if the blockade could be broken, are we to invite these alien raiders into our waters, so close to King's Landing?"
" It's time you set out for Harrenhal, I think, Ser Gwaye." Vhaelyra looked to the new member, sitting next to Larys.
" Your Grace.." Gwayne spoke, standing up. " If Daemon prevails in the Riverlands, I no longer have the numbers to challenge him. We lost much at Rook's rest, as you well know."
" The longer we wait the more chance he will prevail." Vhaelyra spoke. " Lannister will march from the west. Take what strength we have and force Daemon and his Riverlords to fight on two fronts."
" Her Grace speaks wisely." Lord Jasper smiled softly.
" We would do better to await the Hightower host and set out in good time." Aemond spoke up.
" There is no time." Vhaelyra spoke, looking to him. " It's a fortnight's march to Harrenhall. We must strike before his army is raised."
" And you yourself?" Aemond asked.
" I will stay here, protecting the city with Valyr and Balerion." Vhaelyra answered. " You will fly out when the time is ripe, and join the army."
Aemond laughed.
" Daemon should be a challenge you welcome, Aemond. If he dares face you." Vhaelyra spoke.
Silence.
" I see we are all agreed." She smiled. " You are all dismissed."
Everyone stood. " Your Grace." Was said in unison.
" Alicent." Vhaelyra spoke. The door opened as they began to exit. Alicent stopped, turning to Vhaelyra. " A word." Vhaelyra sat back down.
YOU ARE READING
The Devil's Heart
РомантикаVhaelyra Targaryen is a mistake child. She was the only child of Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Criston Cole. Neither parent wanted her, so she was taken in by Queen Alicent Hightower, and raised alongside Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond. She was older than t...
