Chapter 26: Endless Meetings and Daemon's Sudden Intrusion
The Red Keep.
King looked wearily at the ministers who had returned to their seats. Queen was not present this time; she was tending to the royal children.
"Have you reached a conclusion?" the King asked.
He scanned the bowed heads and pressed a hand to his forehead. He and Grand Maester had examined the records of the Crown's lands at length and found nothing suitable. There were holdings along the Dornish Marches, scattered parcels within the Crownlands, tracts in the stony inlets of Crackclaw Point, and small properties in the Riverlands. None were sufficient to settle a force that included two dragons and tens of thousands of followers.
Dragonstone itself could not be granted, nor would it serve as an acceptable bargaining prize.
"Your Grace, bringing House Varezes into the Realm remains the only viable course," said the Hand of the King, Ser . "Yet the terms must be carefully framed. The Dragonzel brothers possess royal blood. Though Princess Saera Targaryen was exiled by King Jaehaerys, her royal birth was never annulled. I therefore propose restoring the royal status of the Dragonzel brothers and granting them the style of 'Prince.'"
Viserys nodded. "A style costs us little."
"If they are styled Prince," said Lord , Master of Laws, "questions of succession—"
"The succession rights of Princess Saera's line were set aside," interrupted Lord , Master of Coin, with a pointed cough. "There is no cause to reopen that matter."
"What of further concessions?" asked Ser , Master of Ships, turning the pearl that marked his office. "Reports claim the treasure they bear rivals that brought back by Lord from his Nine Voyages. Gold will not sway them. A title alone is insufficient."
"We may secure alliance through marriage," Otto continued. "There are no present daughters to offer, but the next generation provides opportunity. The children of Prince and Princess , Prince , and Prince may serve."
"And the descendants of Princess ," Lord Beesbury added. "Should Her Grace or the Princess bear daughters, they too could wed the youngest of the Varezes brothers."
Otto pressed on. "House Varezes carries pure Valyrian dragonlord blood. Through careful marriage alliances, that blood might one day be fully joined to the royal line."
"That lies years ahead," Viserys replied. "We must offer something tangible now."
"Land," said Lord calmly. "Grant them a position at court—grand in sound, limited in power—and promise that landless younger sons might in time be considered for the Kingsguard."
Ser , Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, struck the table lightly with his gauntlet. "The White Cloaks are not bargaining tokens. Their honor must not be bartered."
Lord Larys said nothing further.
"The pressing issue remains land," Lord Beesbury said.
"The Crown's holdings are small and scattered," Grand Maester Mellos observed. "None are fit to support a royal prince arriving with such strength."
"The Reach is broad and fertile," Otto said, spreading a map. "Between the Honeywine and lands once held by lesser vassals of House Hightower lie territories now reclaimed. House Hightower is prepared to place them at the Crown's disposal."
Viserys gave Otto a long, unreadable look.
"The North is vast and thinly peopled," suggested Lord Jasper. "Perhaps Lord Stark might yield lands."
"Exile in all but name," Lord Beesbury countered. "And Lord Stark is yet a boy."
A silence followed.
"The Crown possesses lands near the Boneway in the Dornish Marches," Grand Maester Mellos continued. "Though not fertile, the Red Mountains contain mineral wealth, and the climate would suit dragons. These lands have suffered raids from Dorne and are poorly tended. They may be consolidated and granted."
"And titles," Lord Beesbury reminded them. "The Warden of the South is of House , and the marcher lordships answer to House . Any grant must respect those hierarchies."
"I shall create a new title," Viserys declared. "'Frontier Governor.' It will not infringe upon existing lordships."
"And Lord Borros Baratheon?" asked Lord Jasper cautiously.
"I have corresponded with Lord ," Viserys said. "He raises no objection."
One by one, the councillors voiced agreement.
"Then the matter of negotiation—" Viserys began, turning toward Otto.
The council chamber doors swung open.
"Only a dragonrider may treat with a dragonrider, my brother," said Prince , clad in dust and armor. At his side stood Princess , likewise travel-worn.
They approached the table as the councillors rose.
"I trust the Small Council has prepared worthy terms," Daemon said, resting a hand upon Dark Sister.
"Indeed," King Viserys replied, rising to meet him.
"May the Seven grant you success," he added gravely.
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