Chapter 39.3- The Seadragon's Roar

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I sat on the throne, and it clearly did not take long for word to spread in this place. Even before the prisoners were brought from the cell, people had already begun to troop into the throne room— most of them Captains who had quarters in the castle proper while other lodgings were still being built in the port town.

I did not say any words to them. They would hear my will when the man, Allan, arrived. And when the boy who had struck him appeared as well. In the end, it took what felt like ten minutes for Ser Ben to appear with both men being led behind him. Both of them chained. Uncle Vaemond walked in right after them, looking far more disheveled than was proper.

Someone with his position ought to have been more careful about his appearance. He practically ran towards my position on the throne, and made to speak. I shook my head once, telling him without saying it out loud that he was not to approach. His expression was far from pleased, but he at least had the good sense to know not to question me in front of so many of our people.

“Captain Allan of the Black Rose, you stand accused with the rape of one Misteria of the Isle of Bloodstone, subject to House Velaryon and due all protections, rights, and duties incidental thereto. How do you plead?” I began, not bothering top waste any time beating around the bush.

The man looked around, clearly lost for words— probably too dim to even understand the situation. Vaemond walked back towards him, whispering some words in his ears, and only then did the man understand just what he was being faced with.

“Not guilty, my lord” he said.

“The plea is noted.” I said before turning to the other man.

“Kysaro of the Isle of Bloodstone. You stand accused with grevious assault with the intention to kill one Captain Allan of the Black Rose. How do you plead?” I said next.

The Lyseni man, to his credit, did not need nearly as much prompting as Allan had.

“He raped my sister, my lord” he spoke, voice sounding like silk to my ears. I gave him another look. A longer look. I could see it. The effeminate build, the control over his body movements and voice. I could believe the report that said he and his sister had been whores back on Lys before they had been taken from their bankrupt owner and added to the thousands. Of others I had received as part of my peace treaty.

“I asked how you plead, Kysaro. Either guilty, not guilty, or not guilty with cause shall suffice” I said, studiously meeting his gaze and not turning to see the frown Laena was sending my way.

“Gu- guilty, my Lord” He said, still sounding unsure. Laena, clearly having had enough marched to him and began to whisper.