The Princess and the Queen 13: Viserys II
Viserys walked into the Small Council chamber. It was still empty.
Usually, he would be one of the final people to arrive, if not the last. As of late, he oft was late for council meetings, but that was no issue since everyone had to wait for the King. But today, Viserys made sure to arrive early since he was to debate with the council as to who to select as his new Hand.
It shall undoubtedly be a long day.
Refreshments were arranged to arrive throughout the council, but Viserys still made sure to break his fast with a heavy meal. He had fried eggs, blood sausage, and fried onions. He ate four eggs and mopped up the creamy yolk with hot brown bread fresh from the ovens. All of it was washed down with hot hippocras, spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and plenty of honey. He burped loudly and felt the taste of onion and bloody meat in his mouth. Ser Arryk Cargyll, who was on Viserys' right, coughed at the stench.
Slowly limping on his cane, Viserys hobbled over to his seat. He had a new cane made for him; it was made of oak, painted black and lined with gold. The top of the cane had an amber set on there, with gold wrought into dragon wings coiling around the stone. Ser Erryk, who was on Viserys' left, pulled out the heavy oak seat Viserys sat down.
Patiently he sat, waiting for all the other council members to arrive. The first was Jasper Wylde, the Master of Laws. Upon seeing Viserys, his black eyes widened before he curtly bowed his head and half-kneeled. He was clad in a black doublet with a black surcoat over it. On his chest was the sigil of his house, the aquamarine maelstrom on gold, and his breeches and boots were of thick black leather. His attire was formal and of fine quality but not decadent. He calmly walked to the seat to the left of the one directly to Viserys' left, where he usually sat.
The next to arrive was Grand Maester Orwlye. He wore his customary grey robes and chain of links made from various metals. His tone was sombre and respectful, and he quickly walked to the seat on Jasper Wylde's left and sat.
"Your Grace... Lord Larys Strong has informed me that he is to not attend this Small Council," Grand Maester Orwyle gently said as a rat crawled past his chair.
"Thank you for informing me," Viserys nodded.
I would rather he was present to aid in selecting his father's successor... but the poor man must be grieving.
"It is unlikely the man would have offered any suggestions, in truth," laughed Jasper Wylde.
After Orwyle was Corlys Velaryon, in all of his swaggering arrogance. He wore expensive blue silks lined with cloth-of-gold and had a heavy golden chain set with sapphires and emeralds hanging from his neck. His fingers were decorated with golden rings, and an azure and cloth-of-silver cloak flowed behind me. Slowly walking up the steps and to the table, he pulled out the chair directly across from Viserys. He dragged it along the ground, the screeching ringing against Viserys' ears. When he sat, he placed his marble ball on the table and rested his elbows on the oak, his back straight and his dark purple eyes staring at Viserys.
Lyman Beesbury was next to arrive. He was in all black, save for a striped yellow and cloak draped across his shoulders. Whatever was left of his white hair was parted in the middle and flapped in the morning wind. His hair and cloak made him look a bit like a giant bee. Lord Beesbury slowly walked to his customary seat directly across from Grand Maester Orwlye. His feeble arms pulled the heavy chair back and sat down on it with a thud, before he fumbled with his satchel and placed his yellow and black marble ball on the table.
Shortly after Lord Beesbury came Laena. She marched in as if she expected everyone to bow to her, wearing a flowing blue and cloth-of-silver dress. Her shoulders were bare, and her sleeves were ruffled and made of pale blue Myrish lace. On her neck was a silver necklace wrought into a seahorse, and two sapphires hung from her ears. She calmly sauntered to her seat on Viserys left and sat down, only remembering to greet him once she had placed her marble ball on the table.
"Lord Husband," she coldly said, her pale lilac eyes not even looking at Viserys.
They all sat in uncomfortable silence for ten minutes until Lord Beesbury poured himself a glass of iced water. He took a long drink of it before he choked on it, spilling it on his doublet. After that, they sat for another five minutes until Rhaenyra arrived.
"It took her long enough," Laena whispered to Jasper Wylde, but certainly loud enough for everyone else to hear.
Whether or not she did hear it, Rhaenyra did not react and instead confidently walked to the table. She was in a red dress with long skirts and flames stitched onto it. Her sleeves were made of sheer red cloth, and she wore a Valyrian Steel necklace wrought into three rings with a glimmering ruby in the centre. Before she sat, she walked over to Viserys and embraced him, kissing his cheek. Then, she pulled out the chair on the right of Viserys and opposite Laena, which was usually Lyonel Strong's, before he passed. Laena scoffed at that, but Rhaenyra paid no notion to it again.
"All stand for the King!" Ser Arryk commanded as everyone stood for a moment before sitting down again.
Then, Viserys placed his marble ball in the holder on the table, and the council meeting was in progress.
"The reason I have summoned you all is for the matter of the Handship. Of course, the position is now vacant, and before selecting the new Hand, I must consult all of you, my leal council," he said, smiling. My council of either self-serving plotters or foolish lickspittles. "For what is a council's purpose other than to counsel?"
The council let out a small chuckle at that.
"First, I would suggest we would look to the Great Lords of the realm," Grand Maester Orwyle said.
"Are any of the Great Lords even viable candidates for the position?" Rhaenyra sighed.
"Maybe, or not. But it is still worth considering," Jasper Wylde replied.
So first, they did look to the Great Lords. None of them were considered.
It was consensus that they did not want a Northerner or an Ironborn on the Small Council. Lady Jeyne Arryn was quickly dismissed, even though Rhaenyra defended her half-heartedly. Lord Joffrey Lannister was just a boy, but his regent, Ser Tyland, was also suggested by Rhaenyra and duly noted by Grand Maester Orwyle, whilst Lord Elmo Tully was thought to be unremarkable by Corlys Velaryon.
"So unremarkable that his son is betrothed to your granddaughter," laughed Jasper Wylde.
After that, Lord Matthos Tyrell was even older than Lord Beesbury, and Lord Borros Baratheon was widely known to be illiterate.
"As the Great Lords have been decided to not be suitable, should we move to the Great Lords' bannermen?" Viserys asked.
"What if each council member nominated their own suggestion for the position, instead?" Laena asked.
"I see no issue with that," shrugged Viserys.
"Then I would nominate myself," the Sea Snake bluntly said. "I have served your council as Master of Ships, and the Old King's council before you. I am the head of the wealthiest house in the realm, and of the blood of Old Valyria. Naming me your Hand would link House Velaryon and House Targaryen together even further."
Even further than your daughter marrying me?
"I would second my father's suggestion," Laena quickly replied. "He is one of the most accomplished men in history, and the wealth of House Velaryon has multiplied tenfold under his rule. Appointing him as your Hand can and would result in the same happening."
"Then why should I just not have you appointed as Master of Coin?" laughed Viserys.
"And replace me? I am more than capable of serving!" spat Lord Beesbury, crossing his arms like he was sixty years younger than he was.
"Because I can offer more than just advice on counting coppers," Corlys Velaryon snarled angrily. "I capable of more than counting coppers, with all due respect. I am, of course, an accomplished sailor but not only that. I am a proven commander of armies as well as navies, and I am knowledgeable in the Valyrian tongue, but also the trade tongue and the Summer Tongue. My voyages were not only to accumulate wealth, but to also build connections and allies. The realm shall thrive even further than it shall under my, Your Grace-"
"Thank you, Lord Corlys," interrupted Viserys, growing tired of the Sea Snake's boastings. "Are there any other members of this council that would nominate themselves, or if not, nominate another?"
"I would nominate myself," Rhaenyra said softly.
"And why do you feel that you are suited to Handship?" Laena asked.
"I am your heir, Father... Your Grace... and making me your Hand would serve in teaching me how to rule when it eventually comes to that. I have served as cupbearer for many a years, and actually on the council for even more."
"Yes..." Viserys said, considering his daughter's suggestion. "It has been custom for Targaryens to name their heirs as Hand... that is what the Old King did with mine own father."
"Your Grace... a woman has never served as Hand before," Jasper Wylde said cautiously. "Would the people of Westeros accept a woman as Hand?"
"They have accepted me as heir, have they not, Lord Jasper?" Rhaenyra defiantly asked.
"Women have been heir to the throne before you have, Princess," he responded. "Princess Aerea for both Maegor and the Old King, and Princess Daenerys after her. I feel as though it may be a step too far for many."
"I fear that I am inclined to agree with Lord Jasper," Grand Maester Orwyle said. "Here in the southron regions, we may think it is ridiculous to think that some Westerosi won't accept the Princess as Hand... but in other areas... the North and Iron Islands are not like to agree with it."
"If the realm are to have a ruling Queen, would it not be better for them to have a female Hand before?" asked Rhaenyra.
"There are two women already serving on this very council. Good Queen Alysanne did many years ago too. I do not think it would be so outrageous to suggest a female Hand," added Viserys.
"Then if a female Hand is to be considered, why not the other woman on the council?" Laena said as all eyes looked at her. "I am more than suited for the position, if not more than Princess Rhaenyra. I brokered the betrothal between Princess Baela and Kermit Tully, and I... we were the saviours of the Stepstones. I have martial experience as well as diplomatic."
"I thought you were suggesting your father as to be the next Hand?" Rhaenyra asked. "Who is your preferred choice, Your Grace?"
"I still stand by the nomination of my father, stepdaughter," scoffed Laena. "Though if we were to have a female Hand, I simply point out that I would be an apt choice."
"I am not choosing a female Hand for the sake of choosing a female Hand," Viserys explained. "It is to place my heir in a position of responsibility, to prepare her for the future... not just to break tradition."
"Not to break tradition," Laena repeated to nobody in particular, which Viserys ignored.
"Should the Handship not be for the person most suited?" Laena asked. "If you so wish to have Princess Rhaenyra learn from your example, she may still sit the Small Council, whilst another takes the role of Hand."
"I do agree with Her Grace, the Queen," the Sea Snake promptly said.
Of course you would.
"I do, too. For the risk of angering those in the realm, I do think that the Princess is not a viable candidate, no matter how able she may prove," added Jasper Wylde.
"Regretfully, I also do," said Grand Maester Orwyle, his face and tone apologetic. "I feel there are others more suitable."
Rhaenyra would have been my preferred choice, too... Seven hells... but most of my council do not agree with the match.
"Are you all certain of this opinion?" Viserys asked, hoping to sway his council once more.
They all slowly nodded, Lord Beesbury included. Rhaenyra's face dropped at that, as did Viserys' at the sight of her. By then, it was time for refreshments to be served and the discussions to pause. Servants brought platters of honey cakes and large chalices of wine for each person. Viserys devoured all of the cakes and wine and let out a loud belch when he finished.
The intermission lasted half an hour, and they all waited for Lord Beesbury's return, who had taken the time to visit the chamber pots. Viserys looked around the table at everyone else. Rhaenyra was sullen, having not touched the cakes but finished all of his wine. Corlys Velaryon and Jasper Wylde had both chosen not to drink, but the Sea Snake only had some of the cakes, whilst Jasper Wylde finished all of his. Grand Maester Orwyle had drunk half of his chalice and nibbled at some of the cakes, whilst Laena nor Lord Beesbury had not touched either.
In the corner of the room, a rat seemed to be staring at Viserys but quickly scurried into the walls when Viserys squinted at it. Eventually, Lord Beesbury returned, letting out wind as he sat in his seat. Rhaenyra pinched her nose at the stench, and they resumed with the council.
"If there any other people suggested by the council, feel free to," Viserys said.
"If I am to not be considered, I would like to nominate another," Rhaenyra said. "My goodbrother, Ser Tyland Lannister."
If not Rhaenyra herself, I would choose her preferred option over the Sea Snake.
"What accolades has Ser Tyland earned over the years?" Laena asked sweetly.
"He has managed Casterly Rock as castellan and the Westerlands by extension across the past four years, and by all accounts, done an admirable job," she replied.
"Managing one segment of the Seven Kingdoms is hardly comparable to receiving the second most powerful position in the realm, though, is it?" Laena quickly retorted.
"It is a considerably larger domain than that of Lord Corlys has managed..."
"My domain includes the Narrow Sea as Lord of the Tides, Princess," snapped the Sea Snake.
"And yet Ser Tyland is also an experienced sailor, not to mention his other abilities," Rhaenyra responded.
"I am inclined to agree with the Princess," Grand Maester Orwyle said as the Sea Snake scowled at him. "There were whispers that Ser Tyland should have been the Master of Ships, and not his elder brother. By all reports, he is the more adept sailor."
"Ser Tyland's work in the Westerlands has also been stellar," said Lord Beesbury, bobbing his head. "House Lannister's wealth has also increased massively under his tenure as castellan. I would think that his management of gold is what contributed to such... Some years ago, he ordered the slowing down of the mining of gold, increasing its rarity and driving up its value... it is quite a cunning scheme... one that only the smartest would have thought of. See, the way in that happens is that once the gold-"
"Yes, Lord Beesbury," sighed Jasper Wylde. "We are here to decide on the next Hand, not to attend a lesson on accounts and sums."
"As per His Grace's own words... should Ser Tyland not just then be more suited as Master of Coin? Lord Beesbury seems to think of him as intelligent," Corlys Velaryon suggested.
"Ser Tyland's talents extend further than coin, Lord Corlys, as we have discussed," Rhaenyra replied. "He is able on the deck of a ship, also as a politician. It would also return Lannister faces to the Small Council."
And that is precisely why the Sea Snake does not want him.
"Introducing Ser Tyland to the Small Council would also benefit my children," added Rhaenyra. "He would bring Lady Tyshara and Lady Cerelle to the capital where they would grow accustomed to Baelon and Joff."
"You raise a very valid point in that, Rhaenyra," Viserys said, nodding in thought.
"Of the two options, Your Grace... I am more inclined towards Lord Corlys due to his experience and age," Jasper Wylde said.
"I lean the other direction, Lord Jasper," Lord Beesbury replied.
Laena and the Sea Snake were obviously both in favour of the latter, while Grand Maester Orwyle stated that both options were excellent. They debated between Corlys Velaryon and Tyland Lannister for another hour or two, weighing whether a younger face who was still fresh and open-minded would be preferable to a man with decades of experience and knowledge. The Sea Snake argued that it would be unwise to grant so much influence to a non-Valyrian, but Grand Maester Orwyle listed the many non-Valyrian Hands in retort. Viserys would rather have chosen Ser Tyland, but his Queen, his Master of Ships, and his Master of Laws all disagreed. Once the debates had become heated and tense, and lips and throats became parched, Viserys called for another break. Servants then brought in soups and fruits and cheese and bread, all of which were finished within minutes, and the council resumed as the afternoon grew late.
"If we cannot decide on whether Ser Tyland or Lord Corlys should become the next Hand, why not a compromise?" Grand Maester Orwyle said, pouring himself a cup of iced milk with honey.
"A compromise?" Laena asked.
"If both factions wish for Ser Tyland and Lord Corlys to have places upon the council, what if Lord Corlys is appointed Hand, and Ser Tyland is made to be his replacement as Master of Ships..." he nervously said.
The suggestion was not terrible. Viserys did not want the Sea Snake as his next Hand, but if Rhaenyra's choice was to be on the Small Council, Viserys would be somewhat satisfied, and maybe both sides would then agree to such a proposal.
Then this damned council meeting can come to an end.
"No," Rhaenyra and Laena said together.
Seven hells.
"What is the issue of the proposal?" asked Viserys wearily, though he knew it was because Laena did not wish to have an ally of Rhaenyra on the Small Council.
"The option is not a bad one, truly... but if both were to sit on the council, Ser Tyland is a preferable Hand to Lord Corlys, whilst Lord Corlys is a preferable Master of Ships to Ser Tyland. It would be nonsensical to ignore this in favour of a compromise," Rhaenyra stated.
"I do agree with the Princess on the second half of her statement, at least," the Sea Snake laughed.
"And why do the two of you not agree on this?" he said to Laena and Corlys Velaryon. "I thought you would be content with this suggestion, as Lord Corlys would be the Hand."
"If I were to become Hand, I would suggest that my replacement as Master of Ships be my nephew Ser Daeron, not Ser Tyland," he plainly replied.
Viserys rolled his eyes and sighed as both parties did not accept the compromise.
"If none of the council can agree on whether to choose between Ser Tyland Lannister or Lord Corlys Velaryon, we should look elsewhere, to a neutral option. One who is not so staunchly a Blue or a Red," Grand Maester Orwyle said.
"What neutral option is there?" groaned Rhaenyra. "We have exhausted the Great Lords already."
"We have not exhausted their bannermen, yet," Jasper Wylde replied.
"So we shall simply go through all of the most powerful bannermen then," said Viserys, sighing.
"I think we can exclude the Northmen and Ironborn, once again, from the list," Laena said.
"I think not," Grand Maester Orwyle said. "What of Torrhen Manderly, Lord of White Harbour? He worships the Seven, and is a powerful Lord that would put the Starks in check if we empower one of their bannermen."
"The Manderlys have always yearned for a council seat, or a royal marriage, too... back from my day," Lyman Beesbury stated. "Lord Theomore was to marry Princess Viserra, but once that did not happen, they feel that they are owed something from that."
"It is not a bad choice, whatsoever," nodded Grand Maester Orwyle.
"If we are dismissing a woman from being Hand..." Jasper Wylde said, nodding to Rhaenyra. "Then a Northerner would also be quite a leap."
"I doubt that, Lord Jasper. Besides, the Manderlys do not worship the Old Gods, compared to all of the others in the North," the Grand Maester countered.
"Even still, we are barely even aware if we would be able to serve well in such a position. At some other seat, I may agree, but as Hand, I am not sure. Reports do not speak of Lord Torrhen being particularly remarkable, either," said the Master of Laws.
"Then we look south, to the Riverlands..." Laena grumbled.
"House Tully is certainly not neutral; neither are Houses Mooton, Mallister, Vance, or Darry. Of their most powerful bannermen, that leaves Frey, Strong, Blackwood, or Bracken," Jasper Wylde stated.
"Lord Forrest is also quite unremarkable, and the Clubfoot is best suited as Master of Whispers, and we can hardly choose a Blackwood or Bracken without infuriating the other party," said the Sea Snake.
"Nor Lord Samwell or Willem are particularly charming, regardless," Rhaenyra said. "I distinctly remember the latter choking on his words whilst courting me, and the former pissed himself in a duel for my Hand."
They then moved to the Vale and then the Crownlands. Before long, half of the council was yawning and ready to leave.
"I have another suggestion, Your Grace," Laena said. "Why not a man who has served as Hand in the past?"
"Otto Hightower?" Viserys asked.
"I would not object to such a suggestion, at all," Grand Maester quickly replied.
Of course you wouldn't.
"From what I read, his term as Hand could not have been more successful. Ser Otto practically ruled the realm in the last days of King Jaehaerys," Jasper Wylde said. "There would hardly be a better choice.
"If not myself as the next Hand, I also would not disagree with Ser Otto. I can attest to the fact that he did run the realm for the Old King's Last days," the Sea Snake added.
And he may be able to do the same again, and I would be able to rest some more.
"Yet you dismissed him all those years ago," Rhaenyra countered. "I still stick with my conviction that Ser Tyland would be the best choice."
For overreaching his position, if I recall.
At this point, four of the council members preferred Ser Otto, whilst only Rhaenyra favoured Ser Tyland. Lord Beesbury remained neutral, whilst Viserys did too, but with a leaning towards Ser Tyland.
I would rather Rhaenyra's suggestion.
"If Ser Otto was dismissed for whatever reason, it seems unwise to restore him to the same position," Rhaenyra said. "Not to mention, he is hardly a neutral choice, with Lady Alicent being married to Ser Laenor."
"I did not argue that he is a neutral choice," replied the Sea Snake. "I am arguing he is the best choice."
"Restoring him would also serve as rebuilding relations with Oldtown," said Laena.
"You restored me to my position just recently, Your Grace," Corlys Velaryon said. "And as you refuse to agree to a match between his granddaughter and your son, it would serve as to soften the blow to the Hightowers."
If I were to reappoint Otto, there is no doubt he would be in my ear about betrothing Daeron to Lady Jocelyn.
"This is not a discussion regarding my son's betrothal," Viserys snapped.
"Regardless, Ser Otto is quite possibly the most able man for the role. He is the only living man that has experience as Hand, and his time serving could not have gone smoother," Jasper Wylde said.
The debate between Otto and Ser Tyland lasted for another half hour until Viserys was sick of all the politicking and discussions, and his head began to ache.
"I shall sleep on the issue, and by the morrow, I shall come to a decision, which I shall let you all know about," Viserys declared as the Small Council was dismissed.
After everyone left, Viserys remained seated, his head resting in his hand, with only the Carygll twins standing behind him. For a brief moment, he felt as though he was being watched, but when he looked up, nobody was there besides a rat who rushed into a tiny hole in the wall.
Viserys thought long and hard about the two choices. Otto Hightower had experience as well as a proven track record, but Viserys could not forget his transgressions all those years earlier. However, he was not the Sea Snake, and Viserys would have rather had anyone but the Sea Snake. Viserys also thought that Rhaenyra would not be too displeased with Otto since she was still good friends with Lady Alicent.
On the other hand, Ser Tyland was Rhaenyra's choice. By all accounts, he was wise, cunning, and able. Despite Otto being the choices of Grand Maester Orwyle and Jasper Wylde, they both could not ignore the Lannister man's talents. But Viserys still was wary of Ser Tyland. He remembered the proud, haughty nature of Lord Jason, and if Ser Tyland had even half of the arrogance of his late brother, Viserys would not enjoy that situation. That being said, Viserys still was leaning more towards Ser Tyland.
After the Small Council meeting, the sun was beginning to set, and Viserys returned to his quarters. There, he had a hearty supper of suckling pig, roasted turnips and onions, followed by berry tarts. All of it was washed down with some iced milk sweetened with honey. Once he had eaten, he decided to visit his model Valyrian city, something he had not done for a while.
Maybe this shall clear my mind.
He also summoned Larys Strong, who was always eager to aid Viserys with the city. Viserys thought it was a good idea for Larys to come and work on the city since it was one of the few things the Clubfoot showed an interest in.
And it may help clear his mind of his father and brother's deaths... he must have been so bereaved to not attend the council meeting... I can also seek his advice, if he has any to give.
Larys eventually did respond to the summons, much to Viserys' surprise. Not less than ten minutes later, Lord Strong arrived, clad in all green. His face was a pale white, but his cheeks were a pinkish red, whilst his hair was a dark brown. He did not seem to be dismayed, but there were bags underneath his eyes.
As they worked on the Valyrian city, Viserys recounted the Small Council meeting to Larys, telling him of the different candidates and the various arguments presented. Larys did not respond to any of it; he just stayed staring with his wide brown eyes. His stare made Viserys almost uncomfortable, and it felt like a thousand eyes were on him as he rambled on about the council meeting. Once he reached the end of it, Viserys stated that he was more than likely going to name Ser Tyland Lannister as his Hand.
"No," Larys bluntly said, the first words he had spoken in an hour. "Not a Lannister."
Viserys looked at him, his mouth open in shock.
The man hardly offers his opinion on anything.
"You would prefer Ser Otto, is that it?" Viserys asked, confused.
Larys nodded silently, and they resumed on working on the city. The remainder of the evening was spent in silence; most of Viserys' concentration was on pondering the Clubfoot's statement.
Why would he not want Ser Tyland as my Hand?
It baffled Viserys and troubled him later in the night whilst he tried to sleep.
Mayhaps he did not enjoy the presence of Lord Jason all those other years?
Whatever the reason may have been, Viserys did not have an inkling of an idea. But Larys' opinion sent Viserys' head spinning. Before their conversation, Viserys was still undecided but heavily leaning towards picking Ser Tyland. Following that, he was much more unsure.
The man has just lost his father and brother, and if I were to choose the man he explicitly does not want to replace his father, it would be cruel... He never offers his advice on topics that are outside his area of concern, yet he did so now... I can't just trample all over that...
The next morning, Viserys had finally come to a decision. It was not a confident decision, but it was still a decision. He summoned the Small Council members once again, and every single member arrived, even Larys Strong. The Clubfoot was still as silent as ever, but a faint smile could be seen on his lips.
I'm sorry, Rhaenyra...
Viserys looked around the room and took a deep breath before speaking.
"I intend to name Ser Otto Hightower as my next Hand."