Chapter 31.3- The Seadragon's Roar

“We may. Last I checked, I asked you to clarify your statement, Lord Hand”

“Well enough. If you must have us speak such things plainly. The Royal House of Westeros is House Targaryen. And House Targaryen has one dragon rider at present to your small army of three. Her other rider died in circumstances that I would call suspicious at best under your care and now you stand to expand your holdings with the Stepstones. You see why some would be cautious about the position of things.”

“I might. And what would you have me do about it?”

“Daemon Targaryen is dead now. And I say for his death, the crown might find itself appeased with two islands on the Stepstones. Perhaps Bloodstone and Grey Gallows as personal additions to the Crown’s fief.” He said, and there was an intake of air from the Velaryon’s end of the table. Runciter was impressed at the naked greed on display. But then again it was only greed if he couldn’t get away with it, and what were the chances that he wouldn’t.

“Is the King aware that you are trying to use his brother’s death to strong-arm us so?”

“It is the duty of the Council to do what the King may not. For the good of the realm”

“Well, I can tell you that we will not be agreeing to such terms. Regardless of whose good it is for” She said.

“Can you afford to though? Do it for the good of the realm. Appease the Crown, restore the balance and the realm will thank you for it.”

“And two islands are enough to restore this balance of yours?”

“Of course not. They just begin. Your son, Laenor Targaryen did not finish his Squireship under House Baratheon last I checked. The King would be most pleased to continue his education. And your daughter. The Crown shall take over arrangements for seeking a suitable husband for her” Now, Runciter knew the Hand had pushed too far.

“Have you forgotten who I am, Otto?” The Queen who never was did not scream. She did not shiver with rage or anything so hysterical. Instead, she went still. So still that she looked not to even be breathing as she hissed her words into the air.

“Never, Rhaenys” He said.

“No. You must have. To dare insult me so. No terms shall I offer you here. Any other terms you have, you should address to Meleys”

“I urge you, Rhaenys, be wise here. Do not force the crown to take other measures to restore the balance. Because the balance must be restored one way or another.” They stared at each other, neither backing down.

“I thought on coming here, you would seek the wise thing. House Targaryen and House Velaryon have been apart for too long. A marriage between my Laenor and Viserys’ Rhaenyra would put all that to a neat end.”

“An interesting proposition. I have another for you. Aegon for your daughter. We can put a crown on her beautiful head.” He offered. So that was his game then. Push and push only for this to be the conclusion.