♔ ♔ ♔

I let out a quiet sigh as Rhaenyra and I begin our duties, I watch at the red liquid streams into one of the bronzed cups as the King discusses the matter's at hand.

This will be your life Henley, I remind myself, might as well grow accustomed to sooner rather than later.

"Ser Ryam was a strong Lord Commander of the Kingsguard." The King commends. "But he was ill for some time. He passed in peace, I hope." I bow my head for a moment in respect before moving to the next cup as does Nyra.

Death is such an uncomfortable subject that is becoming more and more familiar as the days carry.

"Yes, Your Grace." Maester Mellos chimes in. "He was found to have passed gently in his sleep."

I admire Nyra's dress out of the corner of my eye as I pour carefully. It was a stunning cream with wide flowy sleeves, the entire Kingdom will soon adorn similar attire. Though I quietly believe more people should shine their originality, it was fun to see the trends arise.

"His remains are being prepared by the Silent Sisters." Maester Mellos continues. Thankfully Rhaenyra poured for my father so I don't have to withstand that today. "The succeeding Lord Commander, Ser Harrold, would like to make haste in finding Ser Ryam's replacement on the Kingsguard."

Mmm, I wonder who shall be assigned such a task.

"You Grace. My lords." Ser Harrold Westerling speaks. "The Kingsguard must soon be restored to its full complement of seven." He pauses for a mere second. "With the help of the Hand, I've invited a number of fine candidates to court." He looks over in my father's direction to which he nods to the King. "All have passed fair trials."

The door opens turning my attention to it as Lord Corlys strolls in, with purpose. Rhaenyra steps behind me, nudging my back to remind me what we are here for. I nod subtly to her as she glances down to hide her grin. I fear I get lost in conversation most of the time... unable to turn a cheek at business that is always handled, always finding it far more interesting than the enriching wine we pour.

"Four ships have now been lost." Lord Corlys rushes out, his voice matching his pace. "The last one was flying my banner." He informs. "The Stepstones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business." I swallow a gasp from escaping my lips at the Lord's tone and accusation, though with every right behind his words of urgency of course.

"If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys-" My father tries to interject but Lord Corlys is quick to not back down...

"I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men." He proceeds.

"The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families." My father settles.

"I don't want compensation." Lord Corlys bites back. "I want to seize the Stepstones by force and burn out this Crabfeeder." He says strongly.

"I am not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities." King Viserys simply states.

"These pirates are not the Free Cities." Lord Corlys argues as I move to the next seat.

"Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?" The King asks him. Hmm, unfortunately fair point.

"In all of its history, my lord, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered open war with the Free Cities." Lord Beesbury snips. "Were that to happen, the losses would be incalculable."

I step over to the table to refill my pitcher where Rhaenyra is doing the same as Lord Corlys steps over to Beesbury. She raises her brows at me in response of the men's argument.

"What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us?" He asks and I glance over my shoulder to a stunned and silent Lord Bees. "The King's own brother has allowed to seize Dragonstone and fortify it with an army of his gold cloaks."

That's because the rules do no well to the Prince, I bite my tongue from speaking. Nor should they. Rules only make Daemon more dangerous.

"Daemon has squatted there for over half a year without even a protest from The Crown." Lord Corlys points out.

"I'll caution you, Lord Corlys, a seat at the King's table does not make you his equal." My father warns. Same goes for you, I sneer inside my head.

Lord Corlys, yet to let me down, looks amused as he takes a few steps closer to my father's side of the table from where he stands at the end.

"I have acted, Corlys." The King speaks up. "I've sent envoys to Pentos and Volantis to see if we might find common cause. Ships and men are at the ready. The Stepstones will be settled... in time."

Rhaenyra makes no point to move from the table, finding herself listening to the conversation as I.

I have no doubt that is not the conclusion Lord Corlys stormed in here for, but it is not a bad one all the same. Though, I find I have to agree with Lord Corlys, they have the means to burn this Crabfeeder out. Why they would choose not to is beyond me. It seems King Viserys never uses the dragons to his full capability. Of course they should be used wisely, otherwise they would not seize to still exist to this day, but to not utilize them at all sums to a waste... in my mind.

And I can't help but allow my mind to think that others... the Prince, would agree.

"You have dragonriders, father." Rhaenyra spins around, voicing her thoughts to which we seem to share. I smile proudful as the men slowly turn their heads to her. "Send us." She says.

The King glances around his court as they all glance at each other before looking back at him, all but my father whom is staring at Rhaenyra before he shifts his gaze to me, causing my smile to fade as I look down.

King Viserys chuckles. "It isn't that simple Rhaenyra." He says gently.

But my father does not have to win.

My eyes connect with Rhaenyra as she looks over her shoulder to me. I nod.

She turns back. "It would be a show of force."

"At least the Princess, and so it seems her Hand, have a plan." Lord Corlys motions his hand at us with a grin.

King Viserys glances up at Ser Harrold, Rhaenyra noticing. Don't back down.

"I only meant that we should at least-" Rhaenyra tries before my father intervenes.

"Perhaps, uh, there's some better use for the Princess's talents, Your Grace." He says, staring harshly at me. "My daughter's as well."

"Why don't you take the Princess and Lady Hightower to see about the new Kingsguard posting, Lord Commander?" King Viserys suggests, looking upon Ser Harrold.

He opens his mouth before closing it and nodding. "A find idea, Your Grace." He turns to us.

I sigh, stepping forward to hook my arm through Rhaenyra's as defeat drowns her face.

"This knight will protect you as well." The King nods as Otto turns to him with a bright face. "You should choose."

Rhaenyra lets out a scoffing sound before taking my linked hand and we head towards the door. Ser Harrold follows behind us as she takes one last look inside the room as the doors close.

Nothing's changed. New 'claim' or not, nothings changed, and it seems it never will...

♔♔♔

𝟶ʙᴜᴛᴛᴇʀʙɪsᴄᴜɪᴛ𝟽 sᴘᴇᴀᴋs!

Howdy, howdyyyy!! Welcome back once again Scarletted Persuasion readers <3

So glad to have you guys back once again for another HOTD Sundayyy!! I got my a$$ in gear and wrote a new chapter for the occasion, I am so happy!!

Very excited for the new episode, and I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! It did have to deal with another council meeting sadly lmao, but I love getting to add Henley's thoughts to them, as she is HIGHLY opinionated... in her mind of course....

If y'all are interested in future plans for this book... aka sneak peaks & fun hints for S2 my TikTok is 0butterbiscuit7!! And although I am not that far along in this book series writing wise, the plans are of course there, hehe ;)

Don't forget to comment your thoughts, questions, and reactions!! Until next time, mauh!