Balerions Shrine
Rhaenyra was standing at the shrine built for Balerion, the black dread.
"Rhaenyra?" The realms delight turned to see Heron. She then ran to him and kissed passionately kissed him.
"I missed you." Rhaenyra said when she broke the kiss.
"You saw me last night." Heron chuckled.
"That was a family feast." Rhaenyra pointed out.
"You still saw me." Heron said. "I wish we didn't have to hide this."
"I'll talk to my father, but for now, we need to hide it all from Maekar." Rhaenyra said. "The two of you in a room cause a collision."
"I think he's starting to like me." Heron chuckled.
For the last six months, Heron and Rhaenyra were sneaking around. Although they did nothing more than kiss, their feelings for each other only grew stronger.
"My father has called for a small council meeting, but I wanted to see you first." Rhaenyra said.
"I'm glad that I'm so important to you." Heron teased.
"No more talking." Rhaenyra stood on her toes and kissed Heron. The two passionately made out until Rhaenyra had to go to the small council chambers.
Small council chambers
Six months have passed since Queen Aemmas' death, and things at Kings Landing were not the same as they once were. Viserys had not been able to have a good conversation with his children. The only time they talk is during the small council meetings, and even then, it's not a long conversation.
"He was a strong Lord Commander of the Kingsguard." Viserys said as Rhaenyra was pouring wine. Lord commander Ryam Redwyne had passed, and it was time to name a new lord commander.
"Yes, but he was ill for some time, father." Maekar pointed out.
"He passed in peace, I hope?" Viserys asked.
"Yes, your grace." Mellos said. "He was found to have passed gently in his sleep. His remains are being prepared by the silent sisters. The succeeding lord commander Harrold would like to make haste in finding ser Ryams replacement on the Kingsguard. "
"Your grace. My prince. My Lords." Lord commander Harrold spoke up. "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. "
Just then, Lord Corlys furiously entered the council chambers. "Four ships have been lost. The last one was flying my banner. The Stepstones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business."
"If you have something to discuss, Lord Corlys-" Otto tried.
"I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men?" Lord Corlys asked.
"The crown will compensate you for your ship and crew and make an offering to the men's families." Otto said.
"I don't want compensation." Corlys argued, "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.
"These pirates are not the free cities, father." Maekar pointed out.
"Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender, Maekar?" Viserys asked.
"In all of its history, my lord." Lyman spoke up. "The Seven Kingdoms have never entered open war with the Free Cities. We're that to happen. The losses would be incalculable. "
