Where Power Resides | Otto Hightower

13. DISMISSAL

ERRYK had come back only about a half hour after his brother left his chambers, pale, his eyes plagued with worry. Otto ushered him into the room, closing the door softly behind him.

"I went to the house, my Lord. The City Watch were already there and investigating."

"Did you see anything that could help us find out who did this?" Otto asked.

"Not that I know of, my Lord. Just a lot of blood. Her husband was killed during the attack, maybe before. Although it seems they left behind a few wooden swords."

Otto shook his head, another wave of anger hitting him like a tidal wave. "And there was nothing else? You're sure?"

"That's all my Lord. I'm sorry."

"It's alright," Otto said, clearly disappointed. "I suppose we'll just have to wait for her to wake up to get the full story."

Erryk looked down at the ground, seemingly quite pained over the situation. Otto watched him, and, just as he was about to speak, Erryk said: "Do you know anything about what could have happened?"

"You know as much as I. Someone tried to send a message to me by attacking her."

"I heard they carved into her," Erryk said, meeting Otto's eyes sadly. "Is that true?"

Otto took a deep breath, wishing it weren't. "It is."

Erryk nodded, standing up a bit straighter and regaining his composure.

"She's a kind woman my Lord," Erryk said, holding his helmet at his side. "I apologize for speaking freely on the matter, but she didn't deserve this."

"I agree," Otto replied. "It's quite alright Erryk. You've done well throughout all this. I appreciate you being discreet."

Erryk nodded, swallowing his sadness. "Let me know if you need me for anything else, my Lord Hand."

"I will Erryk. Thank you."

Erryk left Otto alone then.

He didn't want to leave his chambers, knowing what awaited him when he did. Lords and Ladies would watch him pass in the hallways, whispering of his private endeavors,  snickering behind his back. It was quite remarkable how much the highlords preached honor but loved watching each other crash and burn. So, for the rest of the day, he stayed put and responded to messages from his chambers. Ravens would come and go and he'd send them off accordingly.

Otto expected Alicent to pay him a visit, but to his surprise, she did not. He wasn't sure if he was upset or glad for it, knowing that he'd have to look his daughter in the eye and tell her that he'd given up part of his honor. Maybe it was okay for that to wait.

Finally, dusk was upon them. He had cleaned up a bit, put on a fresh outfit and robe. If there was anyone he wanted to look professional around, it was the King.

He set off, hoping that most people had settled into their chambers or left the Keep by this hour. Unfortunately, it felt as if everyone at court was in the hallways and common areas. Just as he expected, they looked at him with looks of judgment, confusion, disdain, amusement. He didn't acknowledge any of them.

The walk to Viserys felt endless.

When Otto walked into the small council room just after dusk, it was only King Viserys in the room with him. His heart was racing. This was the first time that they had seen each other since Otto broke the uncomfortable news about Rhaenyra and Daemon to him. The King stood nearby the table, hand on his chair.