Chapter 31.4- The Seadragon's Roar

“Aegon is not Viserys’ heir. To suggest otherwise is treason” She replied instantly, and Runciter could see the way the Hand’s face shifted. He realised now that this woman would never be his ally.

“Indeed. Perhaps you misunderstood me. I meant the crown of a Princess, of course”

“Of course” She said, nodding and saying nothing else.

“So will there be no concessions from House Velaryon?”

“House Velaryon of Driftmark is sworn to House Targaryen. So will House Velaryon of the Stepstones. That shall be concession enough. If you seek any further balancing considerations, then you should be pleased with the knowledge that House Baratheon will be receiving two of the Islands for their contributions. If only House Redwyne had been able to fulfill their obligations, then they would have been similarly compensated”

“The summer storms—“ Redwyne began indignantly but was swiftly shut down by the Hand’s raised hand.

“Is that the choice you want to make, Rhaenys? What happens next will be on your head”

“Do your worst, Otto. House Velaryon has weathered many a storm, and we have done nothing wrong but succeed where the Crown gave us writ to succeed. Is it now a crime to prosper? And you speak like we did not suffer a massive loss of our own” She said, tone cold as the expression on her face.

“Very well. You are excused” He said, and then looked down at the parchment on the table, beginning to read them. It was a clear dismissal— if a disrespectful one.

Rhaenys bore it with dignity however, rising and leaving the Chamber with her children toddling after her.

“So what do we do then?” Rickard Redwyne turned to the Hand.

“We show her that the crown will not be mocked or threatened.” He replied.

“I find myself disbelieving that she intended to do either. I agreed to maintain my peace in this meeting so as to present a united front before a possible rival power, but you took it too far. You were too heavy handed.” Lyonel Strong cut in, voice plain and gruff.

“Too heavy handed? What do you call it for her to come here with two dragons. One of them Vhagar, the largest of the beasts. And the other, Igneel, battle tested and clearly filled with more than enough rage. Our response, Caraxes, now sits riderless, and even worse, remains with the Velaryon dragons. They intend to steal him from the Crown, with or without a rider. I say we do not sit quietly while a house pretends upon and then infringes on royal power and authority.” The Hand replied, tone stern and eyes burning with a fire. If Runciter did not know better, he might have taken him for a true believer.