Chapter 6; Many meetings;
Characters of the Chapter
Bazyl Joubert, Orlesian ambassador to the South Kingdom of the Twin Kingdoms
Daenerys Targaryen, The Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains, Queen of the of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men of the South, Queen of the South Kingdom of the Twin kingdoms and Protector of the Realm
Derek Cobbler, Kirkwall ambassador to the South Kingdom of the Twin Kingdoms
Gendry Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, Master of Laws on the Small Council of Queen Daenerys
Manfrey Martell, Prince of Dorne,Master of Coin on the Small Council of Queen Daenerys
Tyrion Lannister, Hand of the Queen to Queen Daenerys
"What I'm trying to understand is how the Orlesians managed to do this without us or anyone getting wind of it? How does one hide a giant invasion army?" Daenerys asked, pinching the bridge of her nose.
Her small council had been in session for hours now, reviewing the events that had occurred and working out everything the needed to do now. By now they had received the second raven from Eastwatch by the Sea, and knew they were dealing with a full scale invasion. Gendry was there as Daenerys's Master of Law, as was the Master of Coin, Manfrey Martell. Grey Worm had already gone to see to it that the Royal Army was mobilizing and as soon as their meeting was concluded messages would be sent to summon every noble house in the South to war. After much consideration she had decided to call on the Upstart houses as well. Although she didn't fully trust most of those self-appointed lords and ladies, her need for soldiers was pressing, and they had them. Westeros was their home as well, so by all reason they had a vested interest in protecting it.
No doubt Jon had sent messages invoking their mutual defense treaties in response to this invasion, but that was a formality. From the moment the Orlesians had attacked the necessary response had been clear to her. There was no need for Jon to ask for help she gave willingly, much less wait for his request to reach her before beginning her preparations.
"Through a gradual process it would seem." Tyrion answered her question. "The Orlesians have been slowly increasing the size of their garrisons in the Corridor. Large portions of those garrisons were in fact assets of the army we now face. We did not pay attention because the Corridor is already recognized worldwide as a location of significant strategic worth, so the Orlesians concentrating troops there to protect it did not seem unusual. Additionally our own focus was at home and in Essos."
"And probably this all was helped along by the fact that the Orlesians had already blinded our information gathering well beforehand." Daenerys commented.
"Exactly so." Tyrion confirmed. "As to why no other nation chose to alert us to the danger, I think it entirely likely that they made the same assumption we did. And even if they had realized the Orlesians were building an offensive force they would have assumed that they were building it to use against Tevinter. Based on political relations they would seem the more logical target. Furthermore, what is there to gain for any of the foreign powers? If they had warned us they would have risked this army turning around and attacking them instead."
"If these forces came from the Corridor forts, do you think there is a chance for us to use that to estimate the enemy numbers?" She said
"I believe so. It will take some time longer, but I will get an answer for us. So long as nothing unexpected happens I expect I can get information on troop composition as well." Tyrion said.
"Very good. Double time this if you could. The sooner we know what we are up against them the sooner we know what we must do."
"Aye." Tyrion said. "In the meantime we will have plenty to do mobilizing the army and gathering our allies. Grey Worm tells me that the Royal Army is progressing well in its preparations, and I expect to hear from the North and our Lords Paramount very soon. Grey Worm and I have both agreed that for the time being we should assemble two smaller armies rather than a single large one."
"Why?" The Queen asked.
"The snag lies with our fleet, your grace." Tyrion explained. "Currently much of our navy is scattered all over the place on anti-piracy assignments, including our Master of ships. Now, we have sent word to every port along our coast. As our ships return from their missions we will bring them up to speed, but it will take some time. There exists a larger garrison at the Iron Islands, but they too have to sail all the way around Westeros to engage the Orlesians. So until our fleet arrives the Orlesians can strike anywhere along the eastern coast largely unimpeded, and we have no way of knowing where they might make landfall."
"So we need to wait and see where the Orlesians intend to begin their invasion." Daenerys guessed.
"Precisely. Two smaller armies are more mobile than a single large one, which means they can better respond to the movements of the enemy fleet. Once we know where the hammer will fall we will combine our forces and move against the Empire." Tyrion said.
"But are there no other fleets for us to make use of besides the Ironborn?" Gendry asked.
"Some. But there are complications with them also." Tyrion agreed. "House Redwyne will provide additional ships, but they have the same problem as the Ironborn. And in the North no doubt the Manderlys will set sail with their fleet, but I don't think we can rely on them to take on the entire Orlesian navy all on their own."
"I would suggest hiring pirate crews to fight for us, but I don't think the crown's finances could handle the cost of paying them. And even the promise of plunder and rewards might not be enough to convince them to take on purpose built warships." Said Manfrey Martell, who until that moment had been silent.
"I will have what ships there are in the Stormlands readied. But we can't defeat the Orlesian fleet by ourselves either. We will have to wait for these other fleets to gather so we can join forces." Gendry said.
"We have more than just ships to use against the Orlesians, though." The Queen said.
Tyrion's face darkened somewhat. "I know what your instincts are telling you to do, but in this instance it is my duty to advice you against following them."
"Once again, I note." Daenerys said dryly.
"Yes, but this time I have even more reasons to do so than before." Tyrion returned.
The Queen raised an eyebrow, waiting for Tyrion to explain his reasoning.
"The Thedosians represent an enemy unlike any we have faced before, perhaps different than any enemy in the history of dragons. Their use of magic is what I mean, of course. The only comparable instance I can think of is the Valyrian campaign against the Rhoynish peoples, and even that is stretching the definition if you ask me." Tyrion said.
"There was also the case of the Night King…" Daenerys added, shuddering slightly as her mind was drawn to days of the past.
Tyrion nodded before continuing. "Yes. In either of those instances there have been results of dragons being killed or seriously injured. I am concerned that these Thedosians might manage the same feat. If they do then we will have no more dragons, and we will be in serious trouble. And if you were to die with him it would be a disaster too terrible to contemplate."
"Surely their mages are not stronger than a dragon?" Daenerys said, sounding dubious.
"One mage, perhaps not. But I would bet good money that the Orlesians will be bringing many with them, and if allowed to concentrate their efforts there is no telling what they might be able to do. Now, I'm not saying not to use of Drogon at all, but rather that we use him together with our other forces so they can support one another, and help to ensure that the enemy mages cannot focus their attention against one or the other." Tyrion replied.
"I would agree." Manfrey said. "That tactic has served us well in the past, and it is the safest course."
"I as well you Grace. Until we get our bearings with the Orlesians it's too great a risk for you to face them alone." Gendry said.
Daenerys did not reply at once, instead considered what had been said.
"Your Grace… the Orlesians would not have come here if they did not think they could win." Tyrion said. "Until we are confident they were wrong, we should practice a degree of caution. Otherwise we may put the dragon in danger, to say nothing of you."
Daenerys sighed. "There are days when I hate you being so reasonable. Particularly when you are all doing it at the same time. But the point you make is a good one, so I will put it into consideration."
"So, assuming that Grey Worm and I lead the first army, who did you intend to give the command of the second?" She asked next.
"I took the liberty of sending word to my brother." Tyrion replied.
"Acceptable." Daenerys said. Nodding and turning to Manfrey she said: "There is no question that this war comes at a bad time, threatening to swallow up money we don't have to spare. But what I need to know now is can we take it? Can our coffers survive this?"
"Perhaps, but only barely. We might need additional loans from the Iron bank to get breathing room to fight this war effectively and avoid serious issues later on." Manfrey replied.
"More debt? As if we did not have enough of that already. And we were just starting to get our heads above water too." Daenerys sighed bitterly.
"Will the Iron Bank provide these loans? They have already expressed concerns about our capacity for repayment." She asked.
"Well, if the Orlesians conquer Westeros no doubt they will renounce all responsibilities towards the crowns debts, in which case the Iron Bank will lose all the investments they have poured into Westeros over the years. So I am confident that they will support us more or less unconditionally." Manfrey replied.
"If wish I had your optimism on the subject." The Queen said. "Very well. Do what you have to do, but take care not to overcommit us. My kingdom must have a future even after we have defeated the Empire. If there is any way you could do this without resorting to debt money I would prefer it, but if it can't be helped, do it." She commanded.
"Once the time comes, I will leave with the army to war. Gendry, I want you to return to the Stormlands and prepare your people for war. Prince Manfrey, I will need you in King's Landing to manage the Crown's finances, but send messages calling your people to arms as well. Assemble your hosts quickly and rally with my army as soon as you're able. Tyrion, you will remain here, and manage the kingdom's affairs in my absence." She told them.
"I won't be coming with you? Are you certain?" Tyrion asked, clearly surprised.
"Yes. This is where you can do the most good. Continue to train reinforcements for us and ensure that the wheels of our industry continue to turn." She said.
Tyrion nodded his understanding.
"I will also need you to maintain diplomatic contact with the Orlesians. You are my Hand and know the Orlesian ambassador personally. You're the best I have to maintain talks with him." Daenerys added.
"I will be meeting the Orlesian ambassador later today, in front of the court, where I will have him justify the actions of his nation. I want you all there, making your observations. We will compare notes once we are done." She told them.
Daenerys took a pause before continuing, giving the members of the small council attending a firm look. "I did not fight all those years to secure this throne to lose it to foreign conquerors now. This invasion will be defeated. No other outcome is acceptable. You are dismissed."
The people gathered around the table stood up and left. Tyrion, sensing that the Queen still had something to say to him, stayed put. Daenerys closed her eyes and took a deep breath, suddenly looking exhausted. "Dammit Tyrion, I really had hoped to be done with this. Done with war. Perhaps that was naïve of me, but after so many people had died… so many that I lost… how could I not hope?" She said tiredly.
"Well, eight years is not such a bad record in the histories of Westeros actually. I believe we both knew this would not last forever. The invader is not the one we expected, but we knew to expect something like this one day." Tyrion tried to console her.
"I suppose that is true. Still, I wish we could have had more time. I'm not fully convinced we are ready for this. I prefer to pick my fights myself, and this is definitely not a war I wanted to have." She said. "Meanwhile the enemies I actually want to fight sit on the wrong continent like gargoyles, waiting for who knows what and everything goes mad around them. This to me is an extremely vexing combination." She added bitterly.
"Tevinter and their ambitions are beyond us for the time being, particularly now." He replied.
"I know that. I also know that sooner or later that must change, before they get a chance to attack us on their terms. This war will leave us that much weaker, pushing that much further away the point where we can consider ourselves ready." She said. "Damn the Emperor and his people for forcing this on me! Damn them all!" She erupted.
Daenerys took several deep breaths to collect herself. "Your brother, do you think he will answer the summons? We have great need for a general of his ability, but he has not exactly been active in the affairs of the realm lately." She asked, changing the subject.
"Of that at least I'm confident." Tyrion said. "My brother may be known as the hermit lion of Casterly Rock, but besides Ser Brienne his honor is one of the few things he has left to live for. Preserving that honor will compel him to do his duty."
Daenerys chuckled. "A man once said to be devoid of honor now cannot go on without it. Ironic." She said which caused Tyrion to chuckle as well.
"Come. The Kirkwall ambassador will be waiting for us." She said then, standing up. Tyrion stood up as well and followed her out of the Small Council chamber.
"I thank you for meeting with us on such short notice, particularly since the topic at hand is not the one you asked for." Daenerys said to Derek Cobbler, ambassador of Kirkwall, as she and him and Tyrion walked through the gardens in the Red Keep.
"Given what is going on I understand perfectly well. Trade negotiations can hardly be expected to be foremost on your mind right now." He answered, giving a slight nod of his head.
"I gather that to mean that you already know why I wanted to see you?" She asked.
"Only rumors currently. Something about an Orlesian invasion? You asking me here seems to confirm those rumors." He said. "So, what is it that I can do for you, your Grace?" He asked.
"Insight for a start. I was hoping you could help me understand the Orlesian motivations for launching this attack." She said.
"Persistent rumors suggest that the Orlesians are trying to call this an exalted march as their official reason. I do not know if the Divine has authorized such a thing, but it certainly does not seem like her. I rather suspect that it is no more than a convenient excuse, a way to make this war more popular amongst Orlesians and the rest of Thedas." he said.
"Well if that is not their true reason, then what is?"" Tyrion asked.
"For the Emperor I believe this is all about prestige." The Kirkwall ambassador replied. "He already gained popularity with the Corridor along with a strong economy, and with his openhanded patronage of the Orlesian army and navy he certainly has the support of the military. If he can now go on to claim Westeros, it will be the crown jewel of his reign. He will go down in history as one of the greatest Emperors Orlais has ever had, as one who more than tripled the size of the Orlesian territories and returned the Empire to its expansion years."
"So the Emperor decided that we were a prime candidate for his expansionism?" The Queen asked.
"Quite." The ambassador said. "Ferelden will not do for him, since the last invasion resulted in a protracted rebellion and eventual embarrassing expulsion of the occupiers, complete with a loss of territories to the Nevarrans who took advantage of the Orlesian distraction. Nevarrans on the other hand might be able to outfight him, or at least the cost of victory would be higher than he wants to pay. But it seems that he calculates that the Twin Kingdoms will not be able to resist him."
"While I personally applaud your ability maintain peace in the face adversity, to others your lack of response to the Inquisition and the upstart houses may have come across as an indicator of weakness. It is far too easy to confuse will not with cannot after all." He explained when Tyrion and Daenerys gave him questioning looks.
"Then we have to prove that to be a false assumption." Daenerys said.
"That is indeed what you must do." Derek said. "Sadly the Emperor is not the only one whose ambitions you have to contend with. Marquis Briala is as much a factor in this as he is. Some of the Emperor's more pro-elven rulings have caused tensions among the Orlesian nobility, so she hopes this war will serve as a distraction from domestic issues. Furthermore she likely believes that this war will cause vacancies among the nobility in Westeros, which she can then proceed to fill with elves and elven sympathizers. I have heard there might be a few scouting companies comprised of elves in the Orlesian invasion army, and I think it likely she intends to use their military service as the justification to elevate them."
"And why does she want to establish an elven nobility here, when there are so few elves in my country?" Daenerys asked.
"Ensuring continuity. She is the first elven noble of Orlais, but she does not wish to be the last. Attempts to install an elven nobility in Orlais would cause too much of an uproar. But if she does so here? Most old noble houses would probably be relieved they weren't kicked to a backwater position far from the halls of Imperial power." He said.
"I'm sorry… backwater?" The Queen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, only from the perspective of the Orlesian nobility. Your country is quite far away from Orlais, after all." he said in apology.
"And I suppose from their perspective our lifestyle is not all that glamorous." Tyrion quipped. "But tell me, how is it that a mere advisor can have as much say in politics as you claim the Marquis has?" He asked then.
Derek chuckled "An odd question for the Hand of the Queen to ask. But the truth of the matter is that the relationship between the Emperor and his chief advisor is touch more complicated than officially stated. I don't have all the details, but I have heard it said that she has knowledge of some dirty secrets regarding to his ascent to the throne. Suffice it to say she could have stopped this invasion had she cared to. She did not, and that makes her as much your enemy as the Emperor."
"And the trend of overcomplicated Orlesian politics continues." Tyrion commented dryly.
"Well, I have heard it said that complicating matters is the Orlesian national pastime, so I guess it is only natural that they have a government that reflects this." The Kirkwall ambassador said.
"So now these two conspirators from the land of frustrating politics push this outrageous invasion plan on us, even as the Tevinter Imperium waits its turn to pounce? Does the Emperor not care that by attacking us he strengthens his greatest rival?" Daenerys asked, barely contained anger in her voice.
"On the contrary, I am certain that the Emperor is aware of the Tevinter threat and has included that in his considerations." Derek replied. "Once Westeros is taken, he can flood these lands with as many troops as he wishes, build whatever fortifications he judges necessary and levy taxes on the people of Westeros to pay for all of it. He could have formed an alliance with you, but that would have given him all the risks with no benefits. Furthermore I believe he calculates that the threat of Tevinter means you and King Jon will not fight to the bitter end and risk leaving yourselves vulnerable to a worse invader. He thinks that when pressed you would rather lose to Orlais than Tevinter."
"I have no intention of losing to either nation. And let no one forget that." She countered sharply.
"Then it seems a great task lies before you. Not only must you win this war, but you must win cleanly enough that no one else will be emboldened to strike at you." He said.
"Such a task will be much easier with allies on our side." Daenerys said. "You and your city have been a friend to this kingdom, so I would ask this now: Will Kirkwall join us in our efforts?"
"Ah. I would gladly offer our aid to you but Viscount Tethras has… forbidden me." The ambassador said reluctantly.
"Forbidden you?" She repeated, surprised.
"I'm certain he too would wish to help you. He hates bullies after all, even ones that come in the form of nations. But as he is in charge of Kirkwall he must consider the city's interests first. As such he has given me strict instructions not to commit Kirkwall to any military alliance without his permission. I can relay your request to him, but I already know his response. If he aids you now he risks drawing the ire of Orlais. And then we would be one city against an entire Empire." Derek explained.
"It… it is an understandable decision, but also an unfortunate one." The Queen said, clearly disappointed.
"Honestly speaking, unless we could create a coalition of marcher cities to fight with you, our support would mean little. There are only three events I can think of that can bring such a gathering: A Blight, a foreign invasion or one of the marcher cities making an attempt at forming a hegemony. Your request for support is none of the three, but seems likely to invite one of them." He said.
"Very well, if the Free Marches will not do for us, can you provide insight as to which Thedosian nations might be more amenable?" She asked.
"I'm afraid your odds with other nations are not much better either." Derek said. "Queen Anora has spent almost two decades working to ensure that the Orlesians will never again invade Ferelden. She is not going to throw all that away just for you. Nevarrans are likely your best bet. If you phrase yourself correctly King Markus might permit volunteers to journey to your aid, and indirectly they force Orlesians to leave some of their troops home to defend their own territories. Even so I doubt the King will take any action that is not deniable. The Anderfels do not have a navy, so they cannot aid you even if they could be convinced. Antiva and Rivain are far away and smaller powers, with the Antivans not even possessing an army, and they have naught to gain from supporting you. Orzammar never takes sides in surface conflicts outside of the Blights, particularly with the current king in charge." He told them, the face of the Queen and her Hand becoming increasingly grim as he tallied on.
"I assume Tevinter is out of the question in your considerations?" The Ambassador asked then.
"Is that even a serious question?" Daenerys asked dryly.
"I'm certain that the lords of the Magisterium would give a similar response." Derek said.
"I note that you did not include the Qunari in your list." Tyrion said.
"Or the Inquisition." The Queen added. "Because of their role as peacekeepers logically they would want to stop this war, and according to the information I have they too were attacked."
"The Qunari don't do alliances. Ever." Derek countered. "The last time they tried anything of the sort the business ended up with a wrecked dreadnaught and one of their best agents defecting to the Inquisition. That soured any desires they might have had in working with others. Not that they had much to begin with. To them the Twin Kingdoms is just another Bas nation they must overcome in their project to build a perfect world."
"Bas?" Tyrion asked.
"Qunari word for non-Qunari." Derek explained.
"And the Inquisition is too tied up with Orlais to attack them directly." He continued. They were allies during the Breach War. The Empire and the Inquisition have had a close co-operation ever since, with the Empire providing people, supplies and funds, as well as allowing the Inquisition to operate in various camps and fortresses inside their territory without interference. On the upside, if what you said about the attack is true, it is unlikely they will side with the Orlesians either. I would be stunned if they did nothing is response to the Orlesian behavior, but war won't be their first option, and whatever they do they won't be taking exclusively your side."
"So that is it then?" Daenerys asked.
"Unfortunately, yes. All your potential allies are either too far away, too afraid of Orlais, or they plain do not like you." The ambassador confirmed.
"In the face of blatant aggression that, for all they know, might be turned against them next; these great nations and organizations we have heard so much about will do… nothing?" She said, her tone accusing.
"Allow me to put it this way: If, say, Ferelden was under attack right now and Queen Anora asked for your aid, would you give it, even though there exists no treaty to compel you? Would you send your people to kill and die for a people you do not know, fighting in a faraway land that will never belong to you? Would you do that, knowing that after the war you would be asked to leave, with little besides gratitude to show for all your work?" Derek answered.
Daenerys opened her mouth to respond. She wanted to say that she would, but almost at once she knew that it was not true. Under the conditions Derek had named, she would have no cause to commit troops to a war between foreigners, at least nothing she could give to her people as a justification. And with nothing to gain, such a notion would have sounded unappealing to her personally. So after some consideration she shook her head.
"And there you have it. There is no treaty to tell them that they must, and no historic friendship that might convince them to do so anyway." Derek said.
"Then I guess we must stand alone." The Queen said in contemplation. "In any event I thank you for your advice. And you honesty. It is unfortunate that your orders forbid you from giving more aid, but I understand your point of view. Were I in the Viscount's position, I might well have given the same command."
"That is very generous of you to say." Derek said with a nod. "I also regret that I'm unable to offer more. My position as ambassador denies much, but I have many means that do not fall within the purview of that role. If any of those means can assist you, they are at your disposal, I give you my word on that."
"Thank you. It's good to see that our kingdom is not completely devoid of friends, no matter how informally they are forced to act." She said.
Derek nodded again. "In my opinion the Orlesian invasion is a blatant injustice. Knowing that, a person of principle would side with you. I'd like to consider myself one. More than you know may be wishing to follow suite, even though they can do no more than condemnation."
"You will be meeting with the Orlesian ambassador later today?" He asked.
"Yes, I have asked him to appear before the court and explain the actions of his nation." She said. "I expect that a formal declaration of war will follow."
"I expect the same. Well, if there is nothing more, then I guess I shall see you in the throne room later on. Interesting times I suppose…" The ambassador said.
"Perhaps a little too interesting." Tyrion commented.
"Your Grace, Lord Tyrion." Derek said in farewell before bowing and taking his leave.
It was sometime later that Daenerys was sitting on the Iron Throne, waiting for the ambassador to arrive. Knowing that it was the tactic of some people to make others wait to impress their importance, she had allowed the Orlesian ambassador no such chance, only emerging from her rooms when she had been informed that the ambassador was on his way and had entered the grounds of the Red Keep. Her guards would ensure that the ambassador did not tarry, politely of course.
The throne room was full of nobles, lining the edges of the hall. Most were from Westeros, but a few ambassadors from other countries and their staff were also present among the crowd. In the center there was a cleared space, lined with her unsullied, and Her Queensguard were arranged in front of the steps leading up to the throne. It was there that the ambassador would soon stand to answer for the actions of his people. Tyrion and the rest of the present members of her small council were present, standing near the throne, ready to offer advice.
Daenerys found herself feeling restless, her eyes scanning the room constantly, her finger tapping her arm. She tried not to fidget, knowing how easy it was to cut oneself on the Iron Throne. The throne was not one of the best ideas of her ancestors, even if it did make some kind of symbolic sense.
Her mind was constantly swimming with thoughts of plans yet to be discussed, of the thousand and one things that still needed to be made ready. She rather suspected that many stressful days and sleepless nights were on the horizon before everything was said and done. In some ways she still felt like everything that had happened was some nightmare she would soon awaken from.
She saw the doors of the throne room open and the Orlesian Ambassador walk in. He was dressed in flamboyant clothes typical of Orlesian nobility, primarily yellow in color. On his head there was a tricorn decorated with red feathers. His face was covered with a mask resembling a face, of the same color as his clothes. The cane he had made a rhythmic tapping sound as the ambassador calmly walked forward. On his other hand Daenerys spied a scroll. He was accompanied by an entourage of his personal guards in dark green greatcoats, helms and masks of silvery steel, longswords at their hips.
"Twelve… well he's certainly nervous…" Daenerys thought, having just counted the number of the ambassador's guards. Usually the Ambassador was content to move about with just one or two guards protecting his person.
The ambassador stopped a respectful distance from her Queensguard. "You sent for me, Your Grace?" He greeted her, his tone polite despite everything.
"Indeed. Ambassador, I have received clear reports that I find most disturbing. Reports that state that the Orlesian Empire, without warning or provocation, launched an attack against Eastwatch by the Sea, bombarding the castle and destroying the Night's Watch ships that lay in anchor there, killing many loyal defenders of the realm in the process. Reports that even now a fleet of hundreds of warships strong has entered through the Corridor to the waters adjacent to the Twin Kingdoms. What your nation has done is not in question, only your motives. As the representative of Orlais, you have been called upon to answer for these acts." She said, directing her words to the entire court.
"I have heard your summons, and I have arrived with an answer in hand." The Ambassador said, lifting the scroll he had brought. He opened the said scroll and began to read:
"From Emperor Gaspard of Orlais to the rulers of the Twin Kingdoms. It has been brought to the attention of the Empire that there have been repeated assaults on the faithful of the Maker and members of his institution. Despite repeated and justified calls for aid, The Twin Kingdoms have failed to act decisively to protect the faithful from rampant aggression. With the lives of the faithful in imminent danger, the sacred authority of the Chantry challenged by opposing faiths, and the resident monarchies unwilling to take the appropriate steps, the Empire feels that there is no choice but to declare an Exalted March against the Twin Kingdoms. A state of war is therefore declared to exist between our nations. This state of war shall persist until the Orlesian Empire, at its own discretion and consideration, is satisfied that the Maker's faithful are safe and that the Twin Kingdoms are governed by those whom the Empire feels are willing and able to maintain the aforementioned state of security, as well as excellent post-war relations with the Empire."
Shocked gasps echoed in the hall before the nobles gathered erupted into angry shouts, more than one calling for the ambassador's head. The surge of angry voices made the Unsullied and Queensguard tense, while the hands of the Orlesian guards went to the hilts of their swords. But fortunately no blade was drawn and eventually the Unsullied managed to restore some semblance of order.
"In light of these circumstances I wish to make it known that shall remain within the city to facilitate future negotiations and maintain diplomatic relations between us." The ambassador said after the shouting had quieted down enough that he did not need to shout.
"Of course." The Queen said. "And since you are staying in the city, the Unsullied will be given orders to install a garrison at your residence for… purposes of security. Alongside your own guards, of cource."
"Your soldiers are neither needed nor welcome." The ambassador said at once.
"Be that as it may, I will assign them regardless." Daenerys countered.
The ambassador bristled at that: "I am an ambassador of Orlais…"
"And so I am certain that you appreciate the need to have these troops installed." Tyrion interrupted him. "After all, the other option is to be expelled from the city, which, I remind you, would render you unable to perform your sworn duty to Orlais."
For several tense moments the ambassador considered his options. "Fine. You may post your guards." He finally allowed bitterly. "But I will issue a formal protest over this. It is an insult against a sovereign nation. My nation." He added.
"An insult worse than invading a sovereign nation under fraudulent excuses?" The Queen pointed out, her comment causing a chorus of laughter amongst the gathered nobles.
Fuming, the Ambassador turned sharply on his heels and strode out of the room, his guards following suite.
With the nobles concluding that the main event they had been called to attend was finished, a general buzz of conversation began in the room.
"Well, that was tense." Tyrion said to her. "Interesting bit of agency there by the way. Can't say I was expecting that."
"Yes. Sorry to spring it on you like that, but I only thought of it in the moment. You handled yourself quite well, despite the surprise." She said.
"Thank you. I'm a little curious as to why you want the Unsullied to guard him." He asked.
"Mostly I want him watched. His force of personal guards is over two hundred strong and he has other staff besides, some of which might be more dangerous than they seem. And almost certainly he will act as a spy for his nation. But now that we have his residence guarded we can keep him from doing anything stupid or dangerous to us." She explained.
"I can see why you would want to do that. I hope that is worth alienating the ambassador. He looked positively ready to erupt." Tyrion said.
Daenerys chuckled. "Indeed. Well, I guess we should go mingle. There are still plans to discuss, support to secure, all that."
"Very true. And on that front I have some good news. I talked with ambassador Derek just before this. He has offered to come along when the army leaves for war, ostensibly as an observer on behalf of Kirkwall. He believes he can advise us without violating his orders." Tyrion said.
"That's a start. Tell him that I accept his offer." The Queen said before standing up and joining the crowd.