The Princess & The Queen

Chapter Three

The next day, inside the Small Council chamber, King Viserys ate his meal heartily.

"So, I said to him, well I believe you migt be looking at the wrong end."

The whole small council laughed at the king's jest. Save for the Lord of the Tides and Master of Ships, Lord Corlys Velaryon.

Lord Corlys cleared his throat. "My lords, the growing alliance among the Free Cities has taken to styling itself 'The Triarchy.'"

The Master of Ships stood up and unrolled a map of the Stepstones onto the table.

"They have massed on Bloodstone and are presently ridding the Stepstones of its pirate infestation."

Hearing this, Viserys answered.

"Well that's suspiciously like good news, Lord Corlys. "

"A man called Craghas Drahar has styled himself as the prince-admiral of this Triarchy. They called him 'The Crabfeeder' due to his inventive methods of punishing his enemies. "

The doors of the chamber opened and entered his only beloved daughter, Rhaenyra. No doubt here to do her duty as cupbearer.

Rhaenyra became a cupbearer for her father, serving him at the table, at tourneys, and at court. From that point onward, King Viserys was seldom seen without Rhaenyra.

"And are we meant to weep for dead pirates?" Viserys asked. He does not have the slightest idea what's the point Lord Corlys wish to make.

"No Your Grace."

Viserys waved his hand. "Rhaenyra, you're late. The King's cupbearer must not be late. Leaves people wanting for cups."

With the king changing topics, Lord Corlys sits down, looking frustrated.

"I was visiting mother with Alicent and Ser Criston."

"On dragonback?"

Rhaenyra did not answer,instead prepares some wine and begins serving the members of the small council.

"Your Grace, with The Hand's persuasion,the crown has invested significant capital in retraining and re-equipping of the Citywatch. Which makes me ask if you could have instead Ser Gerald Hightower instead of your brother to fill his seat on the council and provide an assessment of his progress as the Commander of The Watch." said Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Master of Coin grimly.

Viserys eyes narrows. "You wish to have my brother replaced of his seat at my council, is that it Lord Beesbury?"

"If I may so bold, Your Grace. "

Viserys thought anger would rise up inside him, yet he felt nothing but disappointment and resignation. Its not that he doesn't see what Lyman is implying. Lyman was right. Daemon is far too busy travelling with his dragon Caraxes. Doing god knows what and leaving an empty seat behind.

"I shall think about it. What are your thoughts on Ser Gerald Hightower then?"

"I must say, I don't have any negative opinion of him.The lad is austere and strict if you ask me. The criminal activities here in King's Landing have lessened and the security strengthened. Serving proper justice right and left. My praises also goes to his father, the Hand is indeed helpful at relieving the costs." Lyman nodded at Otto.

"Well, consider our coins well invested." Viserys said happily.

Corlys interjected. "I would urge you not to allow this Triarchy much latitude in the Stepstones , your grace. If those shipping lanes should fall, it will beggar our ports."

"The crown has heard your report, Lord Corlys and takes it under advisement." Otto dismissed.

A tension suddenly rised inside the chamber. For a moment no one speaks until the Lord of Tides appear to concede.