Ned exhaled as he took a seat. It was hot and sticky, and Ned wanted nothing more than to rest and sleep. But he couldn't. Robert had given him a duty and he needed to see it through. His friend had made it clear that he wouldn't be attending the council meeting today, but that he wanted it done. He wanted things discussed and Ned would see it through.
Once this was done, he would need to speak with his children. He had noticed that the children were talking amongst themselves and were giving the Crown Prince looks that spoke of some dark motive. What had prompted this he did not know, but he would need to figure it out. He could not have his children, particularly Sansa, giving evil looks to the Crown Prince.
He pushed that thought to one side and focused on the job in front of him. He looked around the Council Chamber and took in his fellow ministers. There was Renly, Lord of Storm's End, Robert's brother and Master of Laws. The man looked as Robert had done as a young man, indeed such was the similarity that sometimes it was as if he were looking at a ghost. To Renly's left was Varys, the Master of Whispers. Varys had served the Mad King and Ned had never known why Robert had kept the man alive. Especially given the rumours Ned had heard of the role the man had played in the war.
Next to Varys was Petyr Baelish, Master of Coin, Catelyn's friend and the man Brandon had nearly slain. Baelish was short, with brownish hair and eyes that smiled but did not gleam. Ned did not trust him.
Finally, there was Grand Maester Pycelle. Pycelle had served every King since, King Jaehaerys II. He was old and doddering, but Ned was not sure if he believed that.
Ser Barristan Selmy, as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was with Robert, whilst Stannis, Robert's other brother was absent.
"Gentlemen, the first bit of business I wanted to discuss with you is the absence of Lord Stannis. The man has gone back to Dragonstone, without leave of the King. I would know why."
Renly spoke first. "It's obviously because he is jealous of you, my Lord Hand."
Ned frowned. "Jealous?" He did not think that Stannis Baratheon was someone who felt jealousy.
"He evidently thought that Robert would name him Hand once Jon died, but since he didn't he decided to retire to Dragonstone to sulk. It's a typical thing he'd do." Renly replied.
Ned looked around the table, none of the other men spoke up, which meant they clearly felt the same. Ned exhaled. "I want a letter sent to him ordering him to return at once." Ned commanded, looking right at Pycelle.
"Of course, my lord." Pycelle said.
Ned then asked the table at large. "Before he died, did my predecessor suggest anything was amiss?"
It was perhaps not the best way to ask, but it was the only way that came to mind there and then.
"Amiss, my lord?" Baelish asked.
"Did he think there was some wrongdoing going on?" Ned asked.
"Not that he told us, my lord." Pycelle said.
"Why do you ask my lord?" Varys asked.
Ned exhaled. "Never mind." He took a moment to see how everyone adjusted to that, Renly simply nodded, Baelish blinked, Varys remained expressionless but Pycelle, Pycelle looked relieved. That was interesting. Ned would need to push that lead further.
He decided for the moment to change focus onto something else. "When we were riding south from Winterfell," Ned began, remembering the conversation he'd had with Robert and the words he'd uttered to reassure his friend. "word came that Daenerys Targaryen had married a Dothraki Khal."
"Yes, my lord." Varys said. "A Khal Drogo, he is said to be the most prominent of the Khals."
"Will that encourage him to come across the sea?" Ned asked, though he doubted it. The Dothraki did not cross water.
"I do not think so, Sire. However, it may encourage some to flock to Viserys Targaryen banner. I have had word that some of the masters in Volantis are seeking him out." Varys replied.
"And where exactly is Viserys?" Ned asked. It would not do for the man to get more support. Robert would be furious.
"Currently on the way to Vaes Dothrak, if my sources are correct. They will make sure that no Volanteene gets to him." Varys said.
"Good." Ned replied. "We must ensure that they remain as isolated as possible." He did not want to harm the girl, but Viserys was an adult grown now, he was fair game.
Varys nodded.
Ned then looked at Baelish and said. "I have had the chance to look through the books and I am shocked at the level of debt. How has it been allowed to grow?"
"What the King wants the King gets." Was all Baelish said.
Ned exhaled. "Well the time has come for severe retrenchment. Efforts will need to be made to lower the debt. It is not right that the throne is in debt to this extent."
"Of course, if you can convince His Grace of that, then I will get to work right away." Baelish replied.
"I will handle the King." Ned said. He knew Robert would grumble, but he would be brought round. "Just make sure everything is in order."
"Yes, my lord." Baelish said.