Seventh Month of 279 A.L. King's Landing

Prince Rhaegar Targaryen

His father was growing steadily madder and it was driving Rhaegar to despair, just last night he'd had to pry his father away from little Viserys for something his little brother had said that had had their father screaming and just about ready to throttle the poor boy. What it was Viserys had said no one knew and really Rhaegar did not want to ask his little brother, and once their father had been sedated with milk of the poppy Rhaegar had spoken to Ser Willam Darry as well as Tywin and they had all agreed that for the time being it was necessary that both Rhaegar's mother and younger brother head to Dragonstone and stay there permanently until Aerys was dealt with. They had left for the island fortress early this morning, and Rhaegar had been both relieved and saddened to see them go. The incident had made him fear all the more for the safety of his own family, Elia and their daughter Rhaenys. That Rhaenys looked more like Elia than like him, was not something he cared about, but it was something that deeply angered the King, who had ranted and raged upon being told about the sex of his first grandchild. Truly Rhaegar was worried about what would happen if he did not act soon.

Of course that was not possible at present what with the escalating conflict that was occurring between the Reach and the Stormlords. One of the reasons Rhaegar had called this council meeting, in attendance were hand of the king Tywin Lannister, master of laws Lord Edmond Rykker, Master of Ships Lord Monford Velaryon, Master of Coin Lord Gyles Rosby, Master of Whispers Lord Varys and Grand Maester Pycelle, the Lord Commander Ser Gerold was away guarding the king on Rhaegar's express orders. Taking a sip of water, Rhaegar spoke. "Thank you for coming my lords. We are here to discuss one main important issue. The conflict between the Reach and the Stormlands has escalated, and as such is threatening to disrupt the peace that has been in operation since the time of my grandfather. Lord Tywin what reports have you been getting?"

Lord Tywin was silent a moment and then he responded. "The reports that have been reaching my ears and my desk have not been promising Your Grace. Since Lord Andrew Dondarrion was killed during the battle of Condor Bridge, Randyll Tarly has taken his reachmen and has begun pillaging and burning throughout the Stormlands as he pleases. The Lords of the Stormlands who mustered under Jon Connington have either fled back to their castles to protect their lands or have been killed and or captured during the fights that have ensued."

Rhaegar took another sip of water pretending to be calm and collected whilst inside he was raging, his alliance with the Tyrells was putting the kingdom in jeopardy. Aloud he asked. "And what news has there been of Lord Connington? Has he written to you since the battle of Condor Bridge?"

Lord Tywin looked Rhaegar straight in the eye and said simply. "There has been no word from Lord Connington since Condor Bridge, no one has heard from him or seen him since that day. And as such Storm's End it seems is finally stirring and preparing to declare its position during this conflict."

Rhaegar took another sip of water and asked. "Has Lord Randyll said why he is burning and pillaging through the Stormlands, when the man who caused the Reach such grievous insult is dead as is the man who dealt the first nail? Has Lord Mace said what his stance on this matter is?"

Lord Tywin looks at him as if to say You know full well what his stance on the matter is, but his voice is calm when he says. "Lord Randyll says that he is acting on his liege lord's orders and Lord Mace is saying that he wishes for the Stormlands to remember who it was they were messing with and who it was who supported them during their trouble with pirates and such a few years ago during the reign of King Aegon."

Rhaegar sighs and says simply. "Very well then. Send word to Storm's End, Highgarden and to Lord Tarly wherever he might be that they are to end this conflict right now. Otherwise the throne shall get involved and serious action shall be taken to reprimand them all." Lord Tywin nods and then Rhaegar looks towards Lord Varys and asks. "Now my lord of whispers, what news do you have for the council?"

Rhaegar deeply despises and distrusts Lord Varys but uses him simply because he is good at his job. "Well Your Grace, there has been word from the south. It would appear that there is a new pirate King emerging in the Stepstones, who has begun causing Prince Aemon some trouble as well as disrupting the ships coming from Myr and Lys. As such there are rumours that the man might be backed by Lord Balon Greyjoy."

Rhaegar nods and then says. "Very well send word to my uncle and tell him that aid shall be coming from Dorne. Send word to Prince Doran and tell him to send aid to the Stepstones it is time that this pirate was dealt with and then we may turn our attention towards the Iron Islands and to what Balon Greyjoy is doing."

Lord Varys nods and then says. "There has also been word from across the narrow sea. Daemon Bittersteel the descendant of Bittersteel has mobilised the Golden Company and is looking to forge his own city state in the ruins of Ny Sar. Volantis and the Slaver cities have begun sending out invitations towards various other emissaries to begin preparing for such a thing."

Rhaegar nods and then says. "So long as the man does not think to look west then I have no problem with him forging anything in Essos. Now Lord Gyles how are things going with regards to our trading partners?"

Lord Gyles an old man and sickly, coughs and splutters and then speaks. "They go well, the trade with Pentos is bringing in a significant portion of royal revenue and is swelling royal coffers. As for the Myrish contract, the issue in the Stormlands is slowing that down considerably and there is talk that they might look elsewhere. Of course the royal coffers are growing quite a lot, and as such the realm should be financially stable for many years to come."

Rhaegar nods and then says. "Very well, I believe that is all we have to discuss today." He dismisses the members of the council apart from Lord Tywin. Once the others have gone he speaks softly. "This conflict between the Reach and the Stormlands must end soon enough. What more information have you been able to gather about Lord Ashford's offer?"

Lord Tywin answers just as softly. "He was told to make that offer by an informant who reports to someone within the Red Keep Your Grace. And it has become clear that should war emerge when you make your move, then the Stormlands will side with Aerys. There is some deep rooted hatred for you and yours in the Stormlands for the death of Lord and Lady Baratheon."

Rhaegar sighs and says. "I suppose that was to be expected. Very well, make sure that the ravens are sent out. I want this conflict done and dusted before it becomes safe for mother and Viserys to return. And once that is done we must speak of whom to wed your daughter to."