Otto stopped mid-stride when he took notice of the setting arrangement before making his own way to his seat. One that sat opposite his daughter. A most noticeable power play if others paid attention. Viserys had no doubt they did when each member entering the room added to the tension in the air.

Viserys had stopped himself from grabbing Blackfire and taking his Hands tongue though he wasn't sure if he could settle for anything less than his head. But instead, he tried to reign his anger in. It would not be wise nor would he be taken seriously. And right now he needed to show restraint, and mercy as King. But he also needed to be determined and concise. He could not allow himself to be dismissed or corrected. He needed to be strong.

"I have much to announce to the council this evening." Otto seemed to sit up straighter as the admission

"As you can no doubt tell, Rhaenyra has taken her seat at the council. It is high time that my heir joins these council meetings." Though he didn't allow his eyes to linger on Otto more than they did with anyone else. He did put emphasis on the word heir. Though it was not directed toward everyone.

"Princess. Welcome." Commander Westling said.

She tilted her head in gratitude and looked around the table. "Thank you. I look forward to discussing many propositions in the future."

Once the attention of the council was back on him. Viserys began his much-prepared speech. "I have decided that the war in Stepstones has become much more of a reason for concern. Therefore I will be sending reinforcement immediately to aid in the war effort.

"Surely Lord Corlys and Prince Daemon have the situation under control. Is there really such a need for such action?" Otto said with his voice dripping with honey as he expressed his opinion. His lack of propriety when addressing his king demonstrated his comfort in his role and the power he believed he had.

Viserys did not say it for fear of his anger reigning out of control but he would be very much relieved when Otto was no longer his hand. For no matter what he planned to do with the man. He could no longer remain in such a position. Not when he schemed and plotted behind his back. By suggesting not to send aid. It was possible the crown could lose the war on the stepstones or worse Daemon could be killed. Perhaps that was even what Otto was wishing for with such inaction. The fact that no one sought to correct the Hand also indicated how used the council was to him agreeing with him. Even Rhaenyra seemed nervous by Otto's words as if he was King and his words were law. But no more.

"If the war on the Stepstones was handled then the war would not be continuing on after two years with no end in sight."

He could see out of the corner of his eyes the way surprise took over several of the member's faces. Except for Rhaenyra, instead, she had a pleased expression. As if she was proud of him standing up against his hand. It brought a great feeling of pride within him. He wished for it to remain. "This is not a matter of discussion," he continued to speak with authority. "Nor is what I am to say next."

"I have also decided to create several new positions to add to this council." He held his hand up to silence everyone before the dismissals were even spoken. He could see the vein protruding on his Hand's forehead. Clearly whatever he had planned this was not it. "There is much to work on in the Seven Kingdoms and only seven men is not nearly enough to cover everything. Everyone is surely extremely busy." He gave a joyful laugh hoping to please everyone and any wounded feelings of pride. "Perhaps this will not only aid in everyone's workload but also add more insight."

He looked around the room. Otto seemed to be struggling to find something to say. A first for him, when usually everything he said and all of his plans were excellently planned out. Lord Beesbury seemed enticed, while Lord Lannister was unsure. Larys Strong seemed impressed and had an excited smirk on his face. While Lord Strong was pleased and could find no faults with the King's logic. And finally landing on his daughter's face. Whose smile gave him all the encouragement he needed.

"Firstly I would issue a Master of Strategy which I would like to appoint to Corlys once he returns from the war at the Stepstones. Lord Borris Baratheon shall take up the role of Master of War. Master of Crops to Lord Tyrell and Master of Education to House Tarth."

"Your Grace!" A voice exclaimed. To his surprise, it wasn't Otto who had spoken. But rather Grand Maester Mellos. "The citadel has always been in charge of the education and instruction of the realm."

"Yes, it has," Viserys conceded. And though he did not voice it, that may be a part of the problem. "But the Maesters follow the seven and not everyone in Westeros is a follower of these gods." He knew it was dangerous to mention different faiths in the council room. However, though Aegon the Conqueror allowed the people of Westeros to practice their own faith and he did sign a treaty with the Citadel, that did not stop the Targareons from favouring the 14 flames. His brother and daughter had been much more active practitioners than he has of late. Though he has a feeling that will change. "As well the citadel only teaches those who are wealthy and can afford the education."

"I believe you aim to educate the poor?" Lord Strong asked confirming his intention.:

"A wise intention my king, but the cost alone may be too hefty," Otto said. Before the King could even answer.

"I have not yet issued any programs therefore a cost should not be of any concern right now." Was he always this blind Viserys thought to himself. How often did Otto interrupt the council with his own opinion and overruled the other Master's roles? "Instead I am informing you of who will be appointed to the role. Any programs or endeavours they seek will undoubtedly be discussed at a later date." He directed his head to the Master of coin. Indicating that this will be something he may need to prepare for in the future.

"I believe a Master of Crops would be an excellent addition. Ravens from the citadel speak of winter on its way," Larys said. "As such food storage and preparedness should be discussed."

"An excellent idea to have a lord from the Reach," His father continued.

"My grandmother also used to aid the council as an advisor and many more people filled that role over the years. I would like to enact an advisory role. The advisors I have in mind consist of Lords from House Mormont, House Branfield, House Frey, House Blackwood, and House Mallister."

He gave the council a moment to think about his suggestions. He decided in advance who he would believe would be most valuable, make the most connections and would prove to be useful to the realm.

"I suggest Lord Frey, my King," Otto said immediately. "He is a noble house of the Riverlands. Their main seat is the Twins, a pair of castles on each bank of the northern Green Fork of the Trident that serves as a vital bridge across the river. It would be a wise and strategic ally." From what Viserys knew of House Frey Forrest Frey was mocked as Fool Frey. And though he was to be the Lord of the House one day. Many of his siblings and Cousins are against him. Viserys wasn't quite sure why Otto was set for Lord Frey, but Viserys didn't see it. No one seemed to say anything. Not in support nor in contradiction. It was clear that they were used to anything he said being the decisions he as King went with.

"Rhaenyra?" He had noticed that until now she had been mostly silent. But he could see by the contemplative look on her face that she had something to say. But was merely nervous to speak. This would be her first time speaking out loud her opinion in front of the council. Her fears were validated.

She noticed the other lord's eyes on her. And sat up straighter. "I suggest perhaps a lord from the North. There are no such men on your council as of yet, even with the addition of new roles." She posed a good idea. And with a small smile, he encouraged her to continue. "Lord Mormont would be a good fit."

Viserys noticed that she had the undivided attention of the room. "Though the North is a ways away from King's Landing they are still one of the Seven Kingdoms. And yet due to the cold, they have largely been isolated and independent in regards to what they contribute and trade with the rest of the Kingdoms. Their independence however proves their efficiency in managing their own household. Perhaps we could gain insight into how they fare so well.

"I agree with the princess. A man from the North would no doubt serve well when discussing coin as well as trade. Specifically grain storages." Lord Beesbury agreed

Lord Strong was rubbing his chin before a grin broke out on his face. "It would also serve well to establish further connections with the North. Their bannerman are fierce and their skins thick. Establishing more trade connections would be beneficial for all parties involved."

"Perhaps your grace the role of an advisor could not be a permanent one. I mean the person who takes up the role is not permanent. Various lords of the realm could rotate every few years. Allow more men across the realm to give their opinion and gain favour with the king," Lord Lannister suggested.

"That is an excellent idea."

"Would the person in the advisory role choose the next advisor or would that fall to the king," Otto asked. Though noticeably silent for much of the discussion. It was clear he was outvoted on his idea. And didn't seem to be impressed by such.

"I believe the King should with consideration from his council to avoid all biases," Viserys said. Once again reminding and reaffirming how the council should be operating from now on. He was well aware that he had been too lax when it came to such matters. But not anymore.

Lord Lannister seemed to be pondering deeply before speaking. "Then perhaps the advisor after should come from a different house"

"Perhaps House Frey?" Mellos asked. It was just now he noticed how often in support of one another Mellos and Otto were. It would be something he would need to consider in the future.

"Or Perhaps Blackwood," Lord Strong suggested.

"He is not from a major house though," Otto rebuffed. He turned towards him, clearly expecting him to agree with him. And though normally he would do so without question. He found himself hesitant. Hopping someone would come forth with a clear rebuttal.

And to his saving grace, it seemed his daughter was what person. "Perhaps that is a good thing. A Lord from a lesser house may provide insight that we from major houses do not have."

"That is an interesting idea," Larys said, seeming to agree with the Princess. He seemed intrigued rather than impressed with her. But right now any positive reaction was a win in Visery's book. He knew it would take time for the Lords of the realm to accept a woman as a Queen. But hopefully with the support of the council and will some time. They will all come to love her.

Viserys pondered the ideas for a second before coming to a decision. "Very well if we are all in favour of a two-year term as an advisor on the small council I appoint Lord Mormont from Bear Island," he decreed. "And the next in line is House Blackwood."

"Very well. I shall send the additional letters," Otto said with a bow of his head. Though Viserys could tell that it seemed much more reluctant. He was clearly not pleased by how this council meeting has progressed. He had accepted it with the grace that was expected of him.

The meeting had come to an end now. It was the most productive meeting Viserys has had in years. Everyone seemed to be leaving the room much lighter. Except for perhaps his hand. But right now that was little to no consequence to him. Everyone bowed when leaving the chambers. And it felt more out of respect rather than out of duty. He never felt more like a proper King in his life.

The strength he found within him was the strength of a king. He hadn't felt such a feeling since Aemma was alive. She always gave provided him not only with happiness but also with strength and confidence. She was his one true companion that had never strayed from his side. And though she could no longer provide him with such a service. It seems that Rhaenyra has inherited such an ability.

expand

He gave Rhaenyra a smile and a nod of his head as she too made her way from the chambers. He was so proud of her. She listened to what had to be said but also provided thoughtful ideas when necessary. He saw a glimpse in his mind of a kingdom that prospered under her rule.

And when he was finally left alone, a roar of dragons was heard from the distance.