Chapter 88: Chapter 42: First of Her Name (Laena, Syaella) (Part 1)

7th Moon, 8061

Starry Sept, City of Oldtown

Laena Targaryen, First of her name and Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men made her way through the vast cavernous cathedral of the Starry Sept towards the plaza as noble onlookers bowed their heads in respect.

‘’Was it as you imagined your Grace?’’ The Blue Bard asked, walking beside her, his blue silks catching the light from the huge glass windows.

She gave the Dornishman only a cursory glance ‘’When I imagined my coronation it was through the mind of a young girl….I imagined the crowds calling my name and proud lords bowing to their new Queen, oaths of fealty easy on their tongues …..that was before I learned this is the world of men, built for men……I have long ceased to imagine anything…..a woman in power has little room for such.’’

The bard, normally a talkative and easy going man, had no response to that.

The Queen's coronation at Oldtown had been the smallest yet of a Targaryen ruler, with many notable lords not attending, including Aumary Tyrell, Raymont Baratheon and Samwell Tully. The lords that were in attendance were wary of her, it was clear, and a woman of Laenas intelligence was not blind to the thinly veiled disgust that ran upon their faces when the time came to bend the knee and swear their loyalty to their new Queen. While thousands of citizens had packed the streets of Oldtown, they had not shouted her name with the same fervor they had for her father, a boy of 16, or for her grandfather the Conqueror. Laenas decision to kill the afflicted refugees on Dragonstone to stop the spread of plague had spread throughout the realm and had been the source of much discussion and whispering and she had attained a rather unsavory reputation as a result.

That is not to say the Queen's coronation was uneventful however. Unlike her father and grandsire, who had rode through the streets of the city on horse, Laena had arrived on the back of Vhagar, the largest dragon in Westeros.

Thrice she flew around the Starry Sept before at last landing the great green beast on the Plaza in front of the Starry Sept with a thunderous roar, right in front of the High Septon, an old man who had on more than one occasion declared, and not subtly that the Targaryens marriage practices bordered on blasphemy. That at least had elicited some cheers, albeit somewhat nervous ones from the denizens of Oldtown.

It also had the desired effect of sending a very clear message. Laena had expected the glares and reluctant bending of knees from the lords in attendance…but bend the knee they had, everyone to a man, there had been no defiance….. and in addition to the disgust and shame evident on the proud lords from having to bow to a woman, she had seen something resembling fear on many of their faces. The show of strength was helped by the fact that she did not come to her coronation in jewels, silks and samite but rather in the black leather armor of a Valryian dragonlord.

In the plaza they were met by the palanquins that would bear them to the Hightower. It had become a tradition for the new ruler of the Kingdoms to hold an unofficial first meeting of the small council within the Hightower and Laena had recognized the significance of following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather. She would not go by horse however, the day was scorching hot and there were a great many steps to the council chambers of the Hightower, it was best to save her energy and be taken by litter.

Her escort was led by her son and law Ronnel Barratheon and one hundred of his dragon cloaks, who rode at all sides of the two litters through the cobbled and orderly streets of Oldtown. Laena sat in the first, joined by her sister Cymella and the Blue Bard, while the second litter followed close behind with Laenas husband Jaekar and their eldest daughter Lianna.

Laena had come to Oldtown with four of her six daughters, Lianna as her eldest daughter and the heir apparent was of course expected and would serve a role in Laenas council. The twins, Vaella and Syaella now 15 years of age had come as well, they were almost women grown and it was important that the realm see them, as Laena pondered possible alliances. Syaella had been ecstatic at the opportunity to visit the Citadel in Oldtown and would likely spend the next few days with her head buried in all manner of books and tomes and conversing with the ladies of the court, while Vaella had welcomed the opportunity to explore the streets of the citadel, Laena had of course given her an escort, but it was likely by now the girl had managed to slip them.

Jaehara had come as well, though thus far she seemed content to remain in the royal wheelhouse and her chambers in the Hightower, she had spent much of her childhood in the quiet and relative isolation of Vaemonds Holdfast within the Red Keep and the transition from that to the bustling loud city streets of Oldtown clearly made her uncomfortable.

She will not remain a child forever Laena thought with a frown, her fourth daughter was nearly 12 years old and soon things would be expected of her, and Laena was beginning to think sending her to Kings Landing to spend years in quietness with an old dying man had been a mistake, the girl was too timid.

Larrisa and Daeoril had been deemed too young to make the trip, little Larrisa, who had inherited her mothers fiery temper had been outraged that she would not join her sisters on the trip and refused to speak with Laena for days, but had eventually bid her mother a tearful farewell, running after the royal wheelhouse as it left the Red Keep. Daeoril, being a quiet infant of three years, had little to say in the matter. They had been left in Kings Landing under guard of Ser Wyllis Wells of the Kingsguard, who despite his gauntness, was a formidable swordsman and would keep them safe from any harm.

In addition to the 100 dragon cloaks making up the Queens Escort, six members of the Kingsguard rode mounted directly beside the two palanquins, their white cloaks flowing proudly from their shoulders as they rode through the streets.

One of Laenas first acts once she had arrived in the capitol following her fathers death and after ordering her brother seized and confined to a tower cell was to enact significant changes in the guard that was responsible for her families protection and safety, as well as react to recent developments.

The first of these concerned Old Harold Langward, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The old knight, the last of Aegon the Conqueror's original seven, and one of the last men to have ever fought with Aegon the Conqueror had passed just a week following Vaemond at the age of 80.

In his place, Laena had appointed Ser Bryce Woyne as the new Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. While she had strongly considered Ser Colin Fossoway, who had been her and her family's sworn shield on Dragonstone for many years, it was clear the former Riverlander hedge knight had a keen mind that would serve her family's protection well, and most importantly he had a strong sense of justice. What's more, he was also beloved by the smallfolk for his exploits as a hedge knight and appointing him could improve Laenas somewhat unsavory reputation amongst the realm's peasantry.

While one might have expected Laena to appoint Kingsguard of low moral scruples who wouldn't hesitate to obey any command given, Laena was focused on the opposite, she had no intention of employing her Kingsguard as common cutthroats…she had plenty of those, instead she wanted just and honorable men protecting her family, men who would balk at any notion of betrayal.

Following the settling of the new Lord Commander, Laena had made the decision to strip Ser Byren Royce, her husband's uncle, and Ser Theonald the hedge knight of their white cloaks.

While having her husband's own blood on the Kingsguard could potentially have its uses, it also posed a danger….she knew of Ser Byren Royces ambition for his house well….if there was a plot to seat Jaekar on the throne as a puppet….

Besides that risk, Ser Byren Royces mind had deteriorated in recent years, and sudden outbursts and mumbling were common, if there was such a plot…Ser Byren just might be mad enough to participate in it.

As for Ser Theonald, the former hedge knight was too close to her brother Vaekar for her liking, the two men had grown close and fought side by side during the scouring of the Stepstones, whatever her decision was in regards to her younger brother, execution, banishment, or honoring her fathers wishes, she would not feel comfortable with him in the Red Keep as he was not exactly a paragon of justice. Furthermore, the old man's mind had also begun to wander.

The official reasoning for these changes were the mental soundness of the two knights, with Laena declaring she would ‘’not have me and mine protected by madmen’’, though all who knew the Queen knew she overlooked no possibility so far as the safety of her family was concerned.

In their places she had appointed Ser Hugh Arryn, Ser Allard Caffren and Ser Androw Hollard, one appointment for birth and political reasons, one for skill, and another for obedience.

Ser Hugh Arryn, the second son of Lord Otho Arryn was only sixteen years old and truth be told, a rather poor swordsman, though not lacking in bravery. Laena had chosen him to be the Vales representative on the Kingsguard due to his birth; however, by saving Lord Otho the trouble of providing for a second son and honoring his house, she brought the Vale further into the crown's influence, furthering the connection made between the crown and Kings Landing that her father had started by appointing Lord Othos brother Lynn Arryn as commander of the City Watch. Furthermore, the boy had an honorable and brave temperament, he would fight to the death to defend her family if necessary and betrayal was unlikely.

Ser Allard Caffren was chosen as the Stormlands representative in the Kingsguard, only the second Stormlander to serve as Harold Langward had been a sworn brother for over six decades. The man was quite old to be appointed to the Kingsguard, being forty five years of age however Laena thought it wise to balance young Hugh Arryns appointment with a more experienced man. Ser Allard had a sharp mind, a strong sword arm and was authoritative, making him a natural choice to lead men into battle if required. Furthermore the man was just and honest to a fault, making it unlikely Laenas enemies could turn him against her.

The final appointment had been Ser Androw Hollard, the King's Guards first representative from the Crownlands. While of no great birth, Laena had appointed him to the Kingsguard in large part due to him lacking the moral scruples of his sworn brothers. While Laena had no intentions of being so foolish as to send her own well known and very recognizable sworn guard to do any potential dirty work, they day could come when she would need to give an order most men would balk at, and it would do good to have at least one man she could rely on their absolute obedience in such an event. Furthermore, Ser Androws grandfather’s uncle was none other than Ser Harold Langward, as Ser Androws mother had been a Langward, that family had provided a loyal knight that had served for nearly six decades, and Laena hoped that Ser Androw would follow in his distant kinsmans footsteps.

The palanquin made its way through the cobbled streets as ragged cries and shouts occasionally were heard from outside, though most like they were in awe of Vhagar and the smaller orange dragon Oathwing, her husband's dragon, who were flying above the procession.

‘’I chanced to hear an interesting rumor this morning your Grace.’’ The Blue Bard said, with his signature easy going smile set on his attractive face.

‘’Do tell.’’ Cymella said, giving the bard a lasting look, straightening her hair.

‘’ The owner and proprietor of the Quill and Tankard was heard to remark an interesting theory about the succession…..muttered amongst friends it must be said, but the man would have done well to have held his tongue all the same….you never know who is listening after all.’’ The bard said with his usual ponderous pacing.

‘’It must have been a positively scandalous statement to catch the attention of the realms spymaster.’’ Cymella prattled on, giving an evil grin.

‘’Enough of the banter….tell me what treason this man said.’’ Laena said with annoyance, while the man had his uses she had never much enjoyed his word play or beating around the bush.

‘’The good proprietor was overheard to propose that our noble Queen secured her fathers favor by seducing him with her feminine charms and wiles, he continued on by stating that he would not be surprised if the King was murdered by his daughter once she had secured his assent.’’ The Blue Bard said, running a hand through his black beard.

‘’What nonsense!’’ Cymella said, feigning surprise.

‘’I'm afraid your name was mentioned as well Princess….he stated that while the good Queen blinded her father with her wiles and charms, her sister…ahem….pleasured the members of the council to overlook the Kings lapse in judgment.’’ The Blue Bard continued apologetically.

This time Cymella truly was angered ‘’That miserable bastard!’’ she shouted, loudly.

Laena held up a hand, in truth she was beginning to feel the boiling anger rising up inside her, but she hid it better than her sister ‘’Nonsense the man's tale may be…but I will not have it spreading….you know how the peasantry is…earlier you stated the man should have held his tongue….now it shall be held by someone else…see it done…..that and his hands.’’ Laena said sternly, adding the last bit as an afterthought, while most tavern keepers would have little to no writing ability they were in Oldtown however and in close proximity to the Citadel, she would not leave the man the ability to write out his tale.

‘’That is not enough…..I want him made a eunuch……pleasuring my fathers council….he will regret his filth.’’ Cymella said, angry as a hornet in a displaced nest.

‘’Of course it will be done as you say noble ladies…however perhaps a simpler solution might be considered…there are many stabbings in certain districts of the city, none would bat an eye if he were to be discovered with a  dagger in the back leaving a brothel…an unfortunate accident, a robbery gone wrong.’’ The bard posed.

‘’Such a fate is too kind…too quick…..no, it will be done as I commanded, that as well as my sisters ‘’request’’...and I do not need to remind you this is to be done with subtlety Gareth, I will not have a riot in the streets of Oldtown.’’ Laena said, leaving no room for argument.

The Dornishman bowed his head ‘’It shall be as you say.’’

The Blue Bard had been one of her better finds. While Laena had served as the realm's spymaster under her father for many years, she had left the mundane and tedious act of gathering information to her underlings, merely sorting this and passing on what she deemed appropriate to the capitol. That is not to say she did nothing however. Realizing the importance of having eyes and ears across the kingdom already in place when she ascended the throne, she had established a network of dozens of spies and sneaks in each of the seven kingdoms, and had the rather clever idea of putting hired bards in these positions.

Bards were a common sight in the castles across the realm, they often shared the lord or ladies table, were privy for private dinners, played for the Lord's wives and daughters, always lending an ear to any that wished to confide in them. What's more bards were free to come and go as they pleased and were generally seen as trustworthy, what harm could a singer cause. Thus far this network had made great strides, and it had been a bard in Lady Tully's service that had ascertained Samwell Tully's plot to interfere with Laenas ascension. At the forefront of these informers however was Gareth the Blue Bard, a Dornishman who had managed to provide Laena with much information obtained with his easy going and likable demeanor, getting along especially well with the noble ladies of the castles he guested at, who often were all too eager to repay his many services offered, least among them his singing, with useful gossip.

Slowly the palanquin began to come to a halt, with Laena surmising they must have arrived at the Hightower by now.

Stepping out of the Palanquin she saw the Hightower, that massive tower of white stone rising into the air just across a short body of water, seemingly growing out of the Honeywine River. A few boats had been prepared to ferry Laena and her council across, where the chambers of the Hightower had been prepared for the first small council meeting of the realm.

As her party began to head to the boats however, Laena had other ideas as she looked upwards at the nearly 800 feet tall massive tower.

‘’I think not.’’ The Queen muttered simply, her legs cramping just thinking of the march up those stairs.

Looking up into the sky she sighted Vhagar, as always the Dragon seemed to have an innate sense of when it was needed and ponderously flew downwards, the massive cracks of its leathern wings creating a gust of wind that could be felt from below.

Vhagar landed with a resounding thud on the coast, the gust of wind so strong it knocked the Blue Bards hat off, the guards looked on in awe, and a few with abject terror, the horses went into a frenzy.

Laena ignored them all, walking slowly towards the great green beast, climbing up a set of netted rope that was attached to the dragon's saddle, necessary to clamber up onto the 70 foot dragon's back.

With hardly a glance back she made her way to the saddle, untied the whip and cracked it across the dragon's neck, taking to the skies.

Up and up she went as the dragon slowly made its way up towards the top of the Hightower before commanding Vhagar to hold steady. Laena no longer had the boldness bordering on foolishness she had during her youth, the years had wisened her, however seeing no other alternative, she ordered Vhagar as close to the balcony on the highest level as its wings would allow before clambering off the dragon onto the balcony, the black cliff base of the tower hundreds of feet below.

On the balcony were a host of surprised and shocked servants, who must have surely thought the dragon would crash into the Hightower and send them to their doom.

Laena ignored their gaping expressions and made her way to the seat at the forefront of the table, a fine chair of white marble with the back carved into the likeness of the Hightower, sitting down with a tired sigh.

One servant finally managed to recover some semblance of control and duty sheepishly approached the Queen with a platter of choice wines but Laena waved him away, while a man might still be able to command respect with his senses inhibited, as a woman she had no such luxury. Furthermore, Laena did not normally partake, though she did accept a small cheese platter, she had not eaten since the morning and the day's proceedings had left her a bit peckish.

It took her council and family nearly an hour to join her on the outdoor balcony. Her sister Cymella was red in the face and puffing for air due to the exertion of climbing the Hightower, and even her husband Jaekar looked winded.

‘’You certainly took your time.’’ Laena observed  with a small tinge of annoyance, the sun had already begun to set over the honeywine river, the air a light pink, gods knew this meeting would already take long enough, and Laena did not wish to be here all night.

‘’Lord Hightower honored us with a tour of the Hightower mother….your presence was sorely missed.’’ Her daughter Lianna chided.

‘’A very thorough tour I see..’’ Laena responded dryly, gesturing for the participants to be seated, the sooner they finished this business the better.

The Queen had not seen fit to make large changes to her fathers council or other positions, dreading the hours of appointments and posturing by Lords begging for a seat at the table. Lord Merryweather read off a list of names of various harbor overseers, gold cloak officers, gaolers and undergaolers, the four keepers of the keys in the Red Keep, as well as the Kings Scales, men responsible for measurement standards in the kingdoms, Laena confirmed them in masse, she would set her sneaks to perform a more thorough investigation and weed out the ones that could not be trusted upon her return to the city.

The small council had experienced some changes however. Foremost was Samwell Tully no longer being hand of the king due to his planned treachery, currently in self imposed exile in Riverrun, as of now the position was currently unfilled.

Lord Tully will have his due Laena thought grimly, when she returned to Kings Landing she would make preparations to drag that old fool out of his hall and make him answer for his plotting.

She had retained her fathers Master of Coin Reynard Merryweather, though she could sense he disliked her, the man was humble and honorable to a fault, except when it came for sniffing out gold, she would have no trouble with him. She also retained her fathers Marshal Lord Damion Crakehall, a one handed white bearded bearded bear of a man and the veteran of a dozen battles. While he had fought with the Lannisters during the Lion's Rebellion, he was humble and had served her father well, and furthermore was honest, in addition to having the necessary cruelty and ruthlessness that a battle commander needed.

She appointed her daughter Lianna as the new master of laws, though young, being only 18, the girl had a blunt, yet polite way with words that would serve her well traveling throughout the realm as a dignitary of the crown, furthermore, as her eldest daughter, Lianna could use the experience. Her husband Jaekar, the King Consort was named as a small council advisor as well.

The Blue Bard was appointed as the realms master of whisperers, a position he would need little adjusting to as he already controlled a large network of bards traveling the realm.

With these appointments and confirmations out of the way, the meeting could now well and truly start.

‘’Your Grace….I feel our first order of business should be to address the conflict between Highgarden and Storms End, both Tyrell and Baratheon have raised their banners, war is imminent…..it is the crown's duty to stop this bloodshed before it is too late.’’ Lord Merryweather began.

Barely two weeks after her fathers death Lord Amaury Tyrell, Lord of Highgarden and husband to Laenas sister Alyssane had declared that the Dornish Marches, which included the castles of Blackhaven, Nightsong and Harvest Hall were the rightful territory of the Reach, along with the fealty of the marcher lords Dondarrion, Selmy and Caron. As one might expect Raymont Baratheon had dismissed these claims as nonsense, and both sides had begun to call their banners and hire sellswords.

‘’The crowns position shall be that this is a matter between Tyrell and Baratheon..and thus will be settled as such.’’ Laena said simply, scanning the table

‘’Y..Your Grace…..there will be war…the crown is the only hope of this being resolved peacefully.’’ Lord Merryweather stated.

‘’Laena….do not allow this….thousands will die.’’ her husband Jaekar, who had been silent for much of the meeting, spoke up.

‘’This conflict is not my decision or of my making…..I have seen the claims put forth by Lord Tyrell, they are reasonable, he does have some truth to his right to expect the marcher lords to do him homage…if he believes war is his only choice….the crown will not interfere.’’ Laena said calmly.

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‘’You speak of the claims and righteousness of Lord Tyrell cause….but that is not why you will allow this slaughter….your reasons are not so noble as that mother….you don't care about Lord Tyrells claims…only the result.’’ Liana said bluntly, meeting her mothers gaze.

‘’Correct….but that shall be the crowns position nonetheless.’’ Laena responded to her daughter coldly, leaving the truth unspoken, it was best if the Reach and Stormlands were at each other's throat then plotting against the crown, all the better if both kingdoms were bloodied and weakened.

‘’Laena…’’ Jaekar began, but the Queen rose from her chair, glaring at him.

‘’Do you remember what I told you on Dragonstone all those years ago….when you had similar….reservations.’’ Laena asked.

Jaekar seemed to sink in his seat, defeated ‘’Yes……’’ No step taken in defense of our daughters is too far.

‘’Your Grace….should Lord Tyrell ask me to raise my own banners.’’ Lord Merryweather began.

‘’You shall remind him that as the realms master of coin….you serve the crown first and foremost.’’ Laena interjected in a tone that brooked no argument.

Turning, she saw her sister Cymella was glaring at her.

After Laena thought, she was intelligent enough to know what was going through her sister's mind, all would be explained in good time.

‘’Perhaps we might move on to what is to be done with my Uncle…..you appointed me as the master of law's mother…..I understand your order to confine him was a precautionary measure…but he has been in a tower cell for nearly two months….the lords of the realm begin to whisper….he has committed no treason or crime….you cannot keep him in a cell forever…..the lords are well aware of my grandfather's wish to see him appointed as Lord of Dragonstone.’’ Lianna said, it being clear from her tone she still had not accepted her mothers decision to let Baratheon and Tyrell bloody each other.

‘’It was your fathers wish that your brother be proclaimed the Prince of Dragonstone upon his passing.’’ Reynard Merryweather mused, his tone also rather tight and guarded due to the previous issue, causing Jaekar to give a silent nod of agreement.

‘’I bear the boy no ill will….but as long as he lives he will be a threat…..cut his throat….thats my advice.’’ Damion Crakehall grunted, as usual making no effort to soften his words.

‘’What you speak of his murder…..claimnant or not my uncle has commited no crime.’’ Lianna responded.

When no one responded to that Lianna looked to her mother in disbelief ‘’You cannot do this….if you should murder your own kin who has commited, without trial…..it would set an example to the lords….you would make yourself a tyrant with your brothers blood.’’

‘’Calm yourself daughter….I have not decided on anything yet….but as Queen I am sure you will agree it is the wisest course of action to consider each and every available option….which I intend to.’’ Laena responded.

Reynard Merryweather coughed lightly for attention, taking a small scroll from his tunic and sliding it to the Queen. ‘’Your Grace…..a raven from your sister Alyssane in Highgarden.’’

‘’Why was this not sent to me directly, or to my spymaster.’’ Laena demanded, temper flaring.

‘’The Princess Alyssane thought it best to entrust it to me….rather than your….bard.’’ The man said, his facade of politeness strained as he glanced at the bard.

Laena took the scroll and unfurled it.

‘’What does it say?’’ Lianna asked.

Sister,

Our brother has committed no crime and his imprisonment is unjust in the sight of gods and men. I pray you realize the mothers mercy and release him at once, any other course of action is an affront to our fathers memory, wishes and to the natural bonds of blood and kin that the gods have made holy.

Laena felt annoyance rising inside of her, her sister presumed to lecture her on their fathers memory. It had been Laena that had been with their father in his final days….while Alyssane had been far away in Highgarden.

‘’My sister presumes to appeal to the mothers mercy to see my brother released.’’ Laena said, composing herself.

‘’You say that as if it is an unnatural wish and gesture.’’ Lianna replied.

‘’She will get her wish….but it will not be due to the mothers mercy but rather mine own….Lord Merryweather….draw up the documents confirming my brother's granting of Dragonstone as his seat, he will be released upon my return to the city.’’ Laena commanded.

The Blue Bard gave her a look of subtle surprise, while Cymella had a look that resembled relief on her face. While Cymella had put on a rather callous attitude during conversations about her twin,and the two had never been close…Laena knew her sister well enough to know that she did not want Vaekar dead, no matter how cold or uncaring her tone appeared.

Laena glanced back at them, there would be an explanation of her decision following the meeting's conclusion.

Her daughter and husband in turn exchanged a relieved look as well.

‘’It shall be done as you say your Grace…..perhaps we might move on to the appointment of your Hand of the Queen.’’ Reynard Merryweather said with a nod.

There were many names suggested by various councilors, Lianna had offered up her father Jaekar as the most logical choice as the King Consort, Laena had been spared having to respond to this when Jaekar himself had stated simply that he did not have the skill in administration or negotiation for the role, Laena had nothing against him and had even grown somewhat fond of her husband over the years, but the man was just too quiet to be a capable hand, and what's more would provide little strategic value in the appointment.

Lord Reynard Hightower of Oldtown was another option that Laena had strongly considered, the Lord of the Hightower could raise almost 12,000 men, was intelligent and one of the richest lords of the realm. Laena had reservations about appointing him however, he had a rather unsavory reputation and Laena, while appreciative of his cruelty and ruthlessness, knew she needed a hand that could inspire loyalty in her vassals, while at the same time being subservient to her, and Reynard was a little too intelligent to trust completely.

In the end however, Laena herself had stated her intentions to name Rhodry Martell, Prince of Dorne her hand of the Queen, a hardworking and easy going man that had been trained in administration.

Her council had mixed reactions to her decision. Lianna had approved of the decision, citing his reputation as a just man who was respected by his vassals and the realm as a whole, while Reynard Merryweather had simply sat there with pursed lips….the enmity between the Reach and Dorne still ran deep.

The Blue Bard, a dornishman himself, had offered the best counsel.

‘’Your Grace…..forgive my boldness, but if your course of action is to spare your brother…then it must be noted that Prince Rhodry has formed a friendship of sorts with the Prince Vaekar…I trust the insinuation I make is clear enough…..Prince Vaekar often called upon Sunspear during his campaigns in the Stepstones, and the Prince Rhodry appreciates your brothers efforts against the pirates that often plague Dornish waters….a friend of your brothers as the second most powerful lord in the realm….’’ The spymaster said lightly.

Laena nodded ‘’This is known to me…but I do not intend to simply accept that Dorne is under my brothers influence…but rather turn Dorne back into the crowns influence….Prince Rhodry is bound to my brother by appreciation of his efforts on a few miserable rocks…I mean to bind him to me by more substantial means.’’

‘’Mother?’’ Lianna asked.

‘’He has a young son I am told….and I have many daughters….the boy is too young to make any official preparations…but a whispered word to Prince Rhodry, a quiet promise of a royal marriage and his appointment as my Hand will be enough to secure him…Larrissa and Daeoril are about the boys age…..….with these steps taken Dorne will be ours, and my brother will lose his only substantial ally….the man has a just reputation as well, with the promised betrothal and his oath of fealty to me….we need fear no treachery from Dorne.’’ Laena said.

‘’You have planned this for some time.’’ Lianna stated, clearly impressed.

Laena nodded lightly.

Following this, the council moved onto other substantial matters.

The next matter of business was to determine what was to be done with the Queen's two daughters, the twins Syaella and Vaella, who had almost reached their majority, matches would need to be found for them.

Lord Reynard Merryweather had proposed Gormon Tyrell, the younger brother of Aumary Tyrell to further cement the bond between the Reach and the crown through another generation, but Laena had refused stating she would not ‘’overwater the rose with the blood of the Dragon.’’

In the end Laena had settled on Oswin Arryn, son of Otho Arryn and heir to the Vale as well as Renly Arryn, the eldest son of Lynn Arryn, commander of the gold cloaks and Kings Landings city watch, these two potential matches, in addition to the appointment of Hugh Arryn to, Oswins brother, to the Kingsguard, would be more than enough to not only finalize cementing the Vales loyalty, but also bind the City Watch to Laena, who would secure the loyalty of the large force in her own city, preventing its use by any enemies. It was agreed that in the match with Renly Arryn would be made as a matrilineal marriage however, to save costs on potential dowries and to ensure any children born of the match would be Targaryens, Commander Lynn Arryn would likely still agree however, it was still a better match for his son than he could ever have dreamt.

Laena refused to go into specifics as to which daughter would marry who without at least consulting her daughters however. It was said a mother should never have favorites, but the plain truth was that Laena favored the twins the most of all her daughters as they had been raised on Dragonstone while Lianna and Jaehara had grown up in the capitol away from their mother.

Lord Merryweather had brought up the next matter to be discussed.

‘’Your Grace….your ascension has taken a heavy toll on the treasury, your fathers funeral, the coronation…preparations for the dowry to the Vale…..I fear the realm has gone into significant debt.’’ Lord Merryweather said apologetically.

‘’The Iron Bank should be accommodating….see it done.’’ Laena said nonchalantly, she had no wish to spend any further time speaking of counting coppers.

‘’Your Grace….the situation has grown so dire that even the Iron Bank has refused to cover our debt…..’’ Lord Merryweather began.

‘’You are the master of coin Lord Merryweather…..you will resolve this situation or I WILL find someone who can…..raise further taxes….collections….or find others to loan you the gold….but you will see it done….and soon.’’ Laena said sharply in a tone that brooked no argument.

‘’I….shall do as your Grace commands.’’ The Lord of Longtable said finally, bowing his head, face red with embarrassment. Lianna looked as if she were about to chastise her mother but Laena spoke first, cutting her off.

‘’A final matter….it is my wish that Gareth, Spymaster of the realm be raised to the rank of Lord…..he shall be given the tower house of Drywell and all its incomes and surrounding lands.’’ Laena declared.

‘’Those lands were promised to the Yronwoods…..I was in attendance when those lands were pledged to them.’’ Lianna protested.

‘’Promised by my father, not me….Gareth has far more use to me than these beggaring Yronwoods.’’ Laena said sharply. She was not blind to the looks that the lords of the realm bestowed upon her spymaster. The spymaster of the realm must command some level of respect, and she knew she could not expect that to happen with a lowborn, this would serve to both silence the whispers of the lords and reward the Blue Bard for his loyalty.

The Blue Bard bowed his head ‘’You honor me your Grace…’’

Laena nodded and looked around the council table.

Lord Reynard looked as if he were about to say something else but Laena rose to her feet.

‘’We are done for the day….I have heard enough for tonight, Lianna, you shall inform Prince Rhodry of his appointment of my hand personally, and remember….a quiet word of a royal marriage…..the rest of you may leave….Gareth, Cymella….stay.’’ Laena commanded and slowly the council chambers cleared, leaving Laena alone with her sister and the Blue Bard.

When the room was cleared, Cymella rose to her feet angrily ‘’You mean to allow the Reach to steal nearly a fourth of my sons inheritance….the dornish marches are his by right!’’

‘’Calm yourself Cymella….sister or not you speak to a Queen.’’ Laena said sharply before her tone gentled.

‘’I had hoped you would understand sister…..this war is the perfect oppurtunity for us, with luck your oafish husband Raymont will save us the trouble of having him killed and meet his end in battle….and all the while we weaken the Reach, the strongest region in the realm…I say let them fight and bloody each other….if at any point Lord Tyrell looks as if he is threatening to win the war, I will issue a royal command for him to stand down….your son is my own blood….he will inherit all the lands his birthright entails.’’

Cymella calmed and nodded ‘’I see it now….it is a fine plan….forgive my outburst dear sister.’’

‘’It is forgotten.’’ Laena said simply before turning to the Blue Bard.

‘’Your Grace….now that the room is clear you are free to state your intentions….is it your true wish that your brother inherit Dragonstone or shall I make preparations for an accident….you need only speak a word.’’ The Bard said, raising an eyebrow.

Cymella looked at her sister expectantly.

Laena was silent for a long moment before shaking her head ‘’For all my brothers faults he is of my own blood…..my father and mothers son…misguided as he is….I will allow him his life and his inheritance…..but I will not have him in the capitol….his career as Master of Ships and on the small council is over….and I speak true….I will give him his life….but if he should cause any trouble….not even blood will save him…..as for my reasons for allowing him Dragonstone….my brother has connections in Essos…I would rather have him close at hand than for him to disappear into Essos and reappear with an army of sellswords at his back.’’

The Bard nodded his assent.

Laena yawned, the meeting had lasted hours.

Sensing her tiredness, the Blue Bard bowed his head, wished the Queen and Princess a good night before withdrawing, but not before giving Princess Cymella a rather long look as he left the room.

Cymella prepared to do the same, walking towards the door.

‘’Cymella.’’ Laena said simply, walking to the balcony and looking out at the starry night sky.

‘’Sister?’’ Cymella asked, turning around.

‘’Join me.’’ The Queen commanded and her younger sister joined her on the balcony.

‘’I am not a fool….I see the glances between you and that bard….as do others.’’ Laena said simply, looking at the night sky.

Cymella gave an angry scoff ‘’What I do in mine own bed is my business.’’

‘’Not when it concerns my sister and my spymaster.’’ Laena answered in a similarly steely tone.

Cymella did not respond to that.

‘’The man has his uses….but he did not get to his position without a certain level of ambition…..he will use you for his own purposes do not doubt that…he is not to be trusted.’’ Laena explained, her tone softening.

‘’Do I have your leave to go?’’ Cymella said in a dull tone and Laena nodded.

‘’Cymella.’’ Laena said once again, causing her sister to turn.

‘’You will not compromise your family any further with this….your…friendship…with the bard is at an end….is that clear?’’ Laena asked.

Her sister said nothing and withdrew from the room.

Laena sighed and looked at the night sky of Oldtown, allowing herself a small cup of wine….rulership was ever so tedious.

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