The New Council
Daenerys had always been determined to abolish the bastard custom of Westeros, a vision she held even when she and Jon were together. Hearing about Jon's struggles as a bastard made her empathize with the plight of children like him, victims of their parents' mistakes. In her ideal vision of the future, she aimed to correct such injustices. Daenerys was now pleased that reality aligned with her aspirations. She intended to rectify every mistake she had foreseen.
Missandei announced the next agenda for the gathering, focusing on the small council. Daenerys took the opportunity to address the representatives of Westeros.
"The past two decades have seen Westeros torn by wars, and many of you have borne witness to its horrors," she began, her eyes scanning the faces before her. "Though I did not share in your struggles, I am no stranger to the devastation wrought by conflict. But now, as we stand on the brink of a new era, I am determined to see Westeros rebuilt and revitalised. I seek a council of capable, experienced, and intelligent individuals to aid me in bringing my visions to fruition," she declared. "But seven is too small a number to govern a continent. Therefore, I propose to expand the Small Council to twelve members, each appointed to oversee vital aspects of governance."
"Let me announce the positions in the new council I am forming: The Hand of the Queen, The Master of Coins, The Master of Ships, The Master of Food, The Master of Education, The Master of Entertainment, The Master of War, The Master of Whispers, The Master of Transport, The Master of Laws, The Master of Health, and the Master of Construction. Every council member will appoint a member to assist them with their work. There will be no more Grand Maester; they will be known as The Master of Health and Healing from now on and will be chosen by the Queen or King. The position of Lord Commander of the Queensguard will be removed from the council, and the Queensguard will become a separate order."
Some nodded in agreement as Daenerys continued to outline the positions in the new council. However, the announcement stirred whispers among the gathering, especially as Daenerys confronted the tradition of the Faith of the Seven.
"Any objections to the positions I have created?" she inquired, her tone firm yet measured.
The Maesters from the Citadel immediately raised objections. "Your Grace, you cannot decide that. Grand Maesters are chosen by the Citadel. We serve the realm, not the Queen."
Daenerys resisted the urge to have Drogon roar in response. She needed to handle this situation with her wits, knowing that relying solely on her dragon was not a sustainable solution.
Tyrion had foreseen this problem and had warned Daenerys, but she remained stubborn. He watched with anticipation as she addressed the Maester who had objected, her smile sending a clear warning through the room.
"You represent the Citadel?" she asked.
"Yes, Your Grace," the Maester responded.
"And you are the servants of the realm?"
"Yes, Your Grace. It is a tradition that has been followed for centuries."
Daenerys probed further, "What do you think a realm constitutes, Maester?"
"The Citadel, The Crown, The other kingdoms, and the people, Your Grace."
Daenerys continued, "How very fitting of an answer from the man who represents the Citadel!"
"Your Grace?"
"Let me make myself clear," Daenerys began, her voice calm but cutting through the tension in the pit like Valyrian steel. "Have you forgotten the likes of Grand Maester Pycelle? A man who spent his days in the Red Keep inebriated and his nights in the company of whores? Plotting against the very rulers he was sworn to advise? Is that your idea of serving the realm?"
She turned her gaze to the maesters, "And what of Qyburn, another product of the Citadel? It was his machinations that led to the destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor. Tell me, does that align with your oath to serve the realm?"
The maesters shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny, their allegiance to tradition waning in the face of her accusations.
"Have the maesters ever deigned to treat a commoner's ailment? Have they ever stepped foot outside their lofty towers to aid those in need?" Daenerys pressed. "It seems to me that our definitions of serving the realm differ greatly, Maester. I suggest you reconsider your stance, for the people of Westeros deserve advisors who prioritize their well-being above all else."
Daenerys was still calm and smiling, but her tone suggested otherwise. Tyrion did not need to look at that Maester's face to know what he was feeling. Even though his voice was shaking, he continued his protest.
"B..But, your grace, They are all gone. We purged people like them from The Citadel. There is no need to take the Citadel under the Crown. Please give us a chance this time."
"You purged them? When?" Daenerys's voice sliced through the air like a dagger, each word dripping with disbelief. She turned to Lord Tyrion, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny. "Remind me if I am wrong, but I distinctly recall Cersei Lannister murdering the last Grand Maester Pycelle. And as for Qyburn, he's been laboring to rid the city of wildfire under my orders, not because of some supposed purge."
The maester in question shifted uncomfortably, his facade of confidence crumbling under the weight of Daenerys's interrogation. His lips trembled as he struggled to form a coherent response.
"I...I meant...that is to say..." he stammered, his voice faltering.
"It seems to me that your grasp on reality is as feeble as your loyalty to the realm," Daenerys declared, her tone icy with disdain.
"Your name?"
"O..Oswin, Your grace."
"Maester Oswin," Daenerys spoke, her voice measured but firm. Despite her diminutive stature, her presence loomed large, commanding the attention of all in the pit. "In my kingdom, every voice is entitled to be heard, every opinion respected. But it is I who discerns the true intent behind those words, the sincerity of purpose. For it is upon me to determine whether such sentiments serve the realm and its people."
Her gaze bore down upon Maester Oswin. "The Citadel's unchecked authority, its refusal to be held to account, has hindered the progress of our realm. The common folk suffers, their ailments ignored while maesters indulge in their supposed scholarly pursuits. Is this truly your idea of serving the realm?"
Daenerys's tone held no room for compromise. "Maester Oswin, reassess your allegiances. Embrace a new perspective, one that places the welfare of the people above all else. I suggest you choose your words more carefully next time, lest you find yourself on the wrong side of history."
The pit grew quiet when she was talking. Daenerys made sure everyone knew who she was without her dragons. She made the people present there realize that she should not be messed with if they want to live a peaceful life.
"Y..Yes, Y..Your grace." was all the Maester could answer.
"Very good, Maester. I am glad to see the Citadel taking a step towards what is right for once. You are excused."
Maester Oswin bowed his head and retreated with his tail between his legs.
"Now, Any objections to the positions I have created?"
"No, your grace", The answer from the crowd was unanimous.
"I am glad."
"I advise all the lords of the Kingdoms to follow this approach of this new council in your rule as well. Appoint competent and loyal people in your council who will serve the people of the realm and not themselves. Conduct councils every moon and work on bettering the lives of your people. Westeros will flourish before long," advised Daenerys to the lords of Westeros.
"Let me introduce my council, the future of Westeros now. I appoint Lady Yara as The Master of Ships, Lord Tyrion as The Master of Coins and Construction, Lady Olenna Tyrell as the Master of Food Security and Law, and Maester Oswin as the Master of Health and Healing. Maester Oswin will take Samwell Tarly from the House of Tarly as his assistant. I shall appoint Grey Worm as the Master of War, Lady Ellaria Sand as the Master of Culture, and Willas Tyrell as the Master of Trade. The other positions are to be filled in after discussions with the people I have in mind," as Daenerys completed her announcement. Missandei called the appointed lords and ladies to come forward and pledge their fealty to the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Once they all pledged their fealty, Daenerys dismissed the council gathered there and invited them to rest at the castle for that night as they would continue the reconstruction of the council the next day. Once the council left the pit one by one, she approached Sansa and Bran together to talk to them.
Sansa looked like she knew what was coming, which made Daenerys come straight to the point.
"I commend your intelligence, Lady Sansa," Daenerys began, her voice carrying a note of respect. "I believe your insight will prove invaluable to the realm. Therefore, I extend to you the role of Master of Education. With your guidance, I trust in the betterment of Westeros. You will have the power to establish schools across the land, enlighten both young and old, and shape the destiny of our Kingdom. Through education, you will empower women to make their own choices, instill appreciation in men for their blessings, and grant our children a broader understanding of the world."
Daenerys paused, allowing her words to settle upon Sansa. "What say you, Lady Sansa? Will you accept this vital role?"
Sansa appeared taken aback by the unexpected offer. "May I speak freely, Your Grace?"
"Of course, my lady," replied Daenerys, her tone patient and attentive.
"I had anticipated you might offer me the role of Master of Culture," Sansa admitted, her brow furrowing with confusion. "This...this is quite unexpected. Why entrust me with such a significant responsibility?"
"I had initially considered appointing you as the Master of Trade," Daenerys explained. "But given our earlier discussions regarding your brother's circumstances and upon reflection, I believe you are better suited for this role."
"I understand," Sansa nodded, processing the information.
"Do you accept the position?" Daenerys inquired, her gaze unwavering.
"Yes, Your Grace. I will serve as the Master of Education," Sansa replied, her voice steady with resolve.
"I commend your bravery in accepting this responsibility and coming to King's Landing where horrible things were imposed on you, Lady Sansa," Daenerys remarked, a hint of admiration in her tone.
With Sansa's acceptance secured, Daenerys turned her attention to Bran. "And what of you, Lord Bran? Will you take up a position on my council?"
Bran hesitated, his expression unreadable. "My abilities are limited to places where the old gods hold sway, where weirwood trees thrive," he explained.
"I intend to plant weirwood trees within the Dragon Keep," Daenerys revealed.
Bran considered her words carefully. "Let me ponder on it, Your Grace. I have been grappling with my detached state for some time now. If I am to serve you and the realm effectively, I must find balance. I will provide you with a definitive answer by tomorrow."
"Your deliberation is appreciated, Lord Bran," Daenerys acknowledged. "Take the time you need. Your decision will shape the future of the Seven Kingdoms."
Daenerys ended her pleasantries with the Starks and turned back to the Castle. She knew who her Hand would be and since it is such a prestigious position she would announce it at last. Her Coronation needs to be discussed at the gathering tomorrow. Daenerys will officially become the Queen of Seven Kingdoms very soon and she is looking forward to that day very much.