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The Crimson Dragon- chapter 15:
🕑 Added 2024-05-03 13:00:11 +0000 UTCChapter 15: The Making of A Royal Bank
One Moon Later
Daeron was unable to contain himself as he and his family broke their fast; today would be the first day that his father would see him commanding his dragon, Tessarion.
Not only that but Alicent would be coming as well, finally falling to the constant pleas of her children to go with them to the Dragonpit.
Once it was known that the King would be going to the Dragonpit for the first time in years, Rhaenyra, Laenor, and her sons had chosen to come too. This is what led to the family breaking their fast together for the first time in a year, since Laenor’s parents had last visited.
While Daeron was a bit annoyed that Viserys had started speaking to Jacaerys and Lucerys about their dragons and not him, Aegon, or Helaena, he was glad that his family would be together for an outing.
Everyone except for the youngest of his older sisters.
“But why can’t you come? I was going to show you what Arrax just learned! You have to come, Lily.” Lucerys cried out, staring at his aunt with sad eyes and pouty lips.
Lilyanna had to keep herself from cooing at how adorable she found this, “I told you, Luke. I have to go oversee the construction of the bank. Make sure everything is going to plan.”
Viserys had allowed Lilyanna almost full reign over the building of House Targaryen’s royal bank, noting that it was her idea so she would know how best it should be done.
So, the King graciously made Lilyanna the head of the project, with Lord Beesbury and Lord Strong acting as her advisors/chaperones, ensuring that she did not implement any extravagant or expensive ideas.
“Why can’t we go with you?” Daeron asked, he too was upset by his sister not coming with them.
The young prince wanted his whole family to be there but knew there was no changing Lilyanna’s mind once she started to put effort into something.
“You can all come if you want, but all you will see is a group of builders at work while I, Lord Beesbury, and Lord Strong discuss different tax codes, trade, vault capacity, and building security.” Lilyanna explained.
She already knew what her family’s consensus would be before Laenor even spoke, “I believe that we would all rather go to the Dragonpit, good sister, but your offer is kind.”
“What’s a tax code?” Lucerys asked.
Lilyanna was about to explain when Aegon let out a groan, “Please don’t ask her that, nephew. You know that Lily has the most boring of hobbies, we would never get her to shut up about it if we let her.”
Lilyanna rolled her eyes while most of the room’s occupants laughed at Aegon’s jape. “I should get you new clothes for your next names day, brother. That way I won’t forget what a jester you are.”
“You would know about jesters with your best friend Mushroom. Birds of a feather do flock together.” Aegon smirked.
“I like to spend time with people a certain level of intelligence, why else do you think I spend more time with Mushroom then you?” Lilyanna shot back.
“Hey! I’m smarter than Mushroom!”
“That is not what the maester said after looking over your work the other day.” Aemond chimed in, never missing an opportunity to take his brother down a peg.
“Children.” Alicent’s voice raised, stopping what would have turned into an argument between Aegon and Aemond. “That is enough.”
“Yes, mother.” Aegon and Aemond said but sent each other glares when Alicent turned to Lilyanna.
“Lilyanna, you must stay with the guards while you are out. This will be your first time going into the city without any of us with you.” Alicent told her daughter.
Helaena let out an amused noise when she heard Alicent say that it would be Lilyanna’s first in the city without them. Lilyanna gave her sister a sharp look from the side, discreetly kicking her in the leg, Helaena winced but still found the situation to be funny.
“Leave the girl, Alicent. Lilyanna is more than old enough to know what not to do. Besides with two of my councilors and a host of knights, there is not much trouble she can get into.” Viserys spoke up.
Alicent looked at her husband, but there was still a hint of worry in her gaze. “I suppose you are right.”
Lilyanna went back to eating, ignoring the conversations going on around her. She began to think about the bank that she was creating and the effects it could and would have.
I don’t know why this is bothering me so much. I already accepted that I have to make changes in this world if I want to prevent the Dance and that these changes will have consequences. Whatever, this feeling will pass.
~X~
Rhaenyra smiled as she watched her brothers and sons run into the Dragonpit, it always warmed her heart to see them all getting along with each other.
As a child, Rhaenyra had always wanted siblings, seeing the bonds that those her age had with their own and wanting that for herself.
But she genuinely wanted siblings, brothers specifically, so that her mother could finally rest and no longer have Viserys constantly force pregnancy upon her.
Years later and her mother was dead, yet she had the siblings she had wished for, despite this, it was hard to see them in the traditional sibling sense, what with the almost sixteen-year age difference between herself and the oldest of her half siblings.
She had been there for all their lives, and it was hard not to see them the same way she did Jacaerys and Lucerys.
Rhaenyra watched as the dragonkeepers went to bring out dragons, the boys all standing in the center of the pit waiting for them to return.
By the arena’s side, chairs were placed once word reached the keepers about the King, Queen, Crown Princess, and the princess’ consort were going to be there.
Rhaenyra saw Helaena sitting on a small blanket placed on the ground in front of the chairs, the young girl focused on the caterpillar in her hand than anything else.
“Are you not going to see Dreamfyre, sister?” Rhaenyra asked the girl.
Helaena continued to observe the caterpillar, “No, our bond remains strong.”
Rhaenyra hummed, knowing that was as much of an answer as she was going to get from her sister. She then walked past her and went to go sit down.
Viserys and Alicent had already taken their seats, Viserys sat on the far right with Alicent sitting next to him.
Everything was still tense and awkward between her and Alicent, so Rhaenyra was going to sit on the far-left chair. Just as she was about to reach the chair, Laenor sped past her and quickly sat down, staring at her cheekily.
“Are you not going to sit down, lady wife?” Laenor asked with faux innocence, his eyes gleaming with mischievous delight.
I am going to slap you with what I am going to do. Rhaenyra forced a smile, “Of course, lord husband.”
Reluctantly the princess took the last remaining chair, in between Laenor and Alicent. As she sat down, Rhaenyra turned and saw that Alicent was staring at her.
Alicent slowly turned away, facing the children, and ignoring the weight of Rhaenyra’s gaze, inwardly scolding herself for acting in such a manner.
The first of the dragons to be brought out was Vermax followed by Tessarion and Arrax. Sunfyre had grown larger than the other three dragons, Aegon’s bond with the dragon was stronger than the ones between his nephews and brother with their dragons.
“Come, Prince Jacaerys. Order Vermax to fly.” The elder dragonkeeper told the prince as the younger one next to him translated his High Valyrian into Common Tongue.
Jacaerys grinned, facing his dragon, “Sōvēs, Vermax.”
The small green dragon chirped, taking off into the air and flying a few feet above their heads. As Vermax flew in circles, Tessarion and Arrax followed suit.
Lucerys laughed as he stepped forward, “Pālegon, Arrax! Pālegon!”
Arrax followed his commanded and begun to spin his body around in tight circles, turning around the other two dragons multiple times.
“Mother, father, did you see?” Lucerys asked as she turned around to see his parents' expressions.
“Very excellent, my sweet boy.” Rhaenyra said smiling.
“You’re a natural, a true dragonrider.” Laenor added.
Viserys grinned proudly as he watched his sons and grandchildren, “Isn’t this grand? The perfect family outing.”
“We should do them more often, Your Grace. Perhaps even some with just us adults.” Laenor said, but his gaze was locked with Rhaenyra’s, smiling at her annoyed expression.
Spending even more time with my father and Alicent, without any of the children there, sounds simply great. Rhaenyra thought sarcastically, trying to think of something that she wanted to do even less.
But her father’s smile grew even wider at the idea, “That would be a fine idea. Don’t you agree, Alicent?”
“I do, Viserys.” Alicent replied, giving her husband a small smile.
“Days like this would be even better with more children around. Tell me, when shall I be expecting more grandchildren?” Viserys asked, looking at his eldest daughter and good son.
Rhaenyra and Laenor looked at the King and then each other, trying to figure out what to say in response.
When they were first married, they agreed to have two children so that one would be the heir to the Iron Throne after Rhaenyra and the other would be the heir to the Driftwood throne after Laenor.
They had done what they agreed to, having two sons, they still spent some nights with Harwin Strong in their bed, but they were not actively planning to have more children. They agreed that if Rhaenyra became pregnant than she would be pregnant.
Viserys took the silence as a no, “I thought you would both want to have more children. Besides, you two still have not given me a granddaughter to spoil.”
“It's not as if we are holding off, we just both agreed to not have too many children, father.” Rhaenyra said.
She could not deny that she wanted to have a daughter, a little girl to love and cherish just as Aemma had done for her, but that did not make the idea of talking to her father about such things uncomfortable.
“Oh, there is no such thing as having to many children.” Viserys playfully scoffed, “Just look at my own grandparents.”
Rhaenyra paled at the thought of giving birth to thirteen children as her great grandmother, Alysanne. In this moment, she swore that she would never have that many children.
“I suppose Alicent, and I will have to fill up the Keep.” Viserys claimed, ignorant of the looks the other three were giving him.
What? Rhaenyra thought.
“You are with child, Your Grace?” Laenor asked Alicent.
Before Alicent could think of responding, Viserys spoke again, “No, she is not. After everything... time was needed, but I know we are ready to try again.”
Alicent felt as if a pit was growing in her stomach, ready to swallow her whole. The thought of being pregnant again, of being in her bed surrounded by midwives and a maester that did not care about her only to ensure the child survived for their King.
Since the day Viserys had announced that he would take her as his wife, the memory of Aemma Arryn had haunted her, and it was during Elaera’s birth that Alicent utterly understood what Aemma had to have felt every time she went into childbirth.
Rhaenyra clenched her jaw in response, anger filling her being at the thought of her father once again getting Alicent pregnant.
What right did Viserys have to declare for them both that they were ready to try again, as if he were a man with no children instead of a father of six.
It reminded her so much of what he did with her mother, constantly getting her pregnant and giving her no time to mourn the children that were lost and died far too soon before impregnating her over and over.
I suppose the act of making children keeps him coming back repeatedly. Rhaenyra thought bitterly.
It was then that Rhaenyra had noticed that Alicent had begun to tear at her fingers, ripping the skin as she faced forward. It surprised Rhaenyra as she had not seen the Queen partake in this nervous habit in years.
The princess had felt her own hand move, wanting to reach out and pull Alicent’s hands apart, keeping her from continuing, but she stopped herself, pressing her hand against her lap, and digging her nails into her thighs.
Viserys continued to smile, watching over his family and oblivious to the fear and anger he had inspired in his wife and daughter, respectively.
~X~
Lilyanna smiled once she climbed off her horse and took in the future royal bank of Westeros.
Right now, only the bank’s foundation and frame had been built, and work was currently focused on digging the underground vaults and tunnels that would be used to store money and valuables.
The princess waited for Lyonel and Lyman to also dismount, and the three walked into the construction site.
The three then turned when they heard someone calling out to them, “It is good to see you all again, Your Grace, my lords.”
There stood the head of the workers, Croll, a man of average height with sun kissed brown skin and black hair and eyes.
Lilyanna had first met Croll a year ago when he and his wife, Nalia, had gone to Mysaria to seek out her expertise to heal his infant son, Alix, who had gotten a terrible cold.
Lilyanna had gone to the family’s small home in Flea Bottom as the illness had progressed too far and it was too dangerous to move the child. She had only seen him as a concerned father when she first arrived but noticed how the tiny space was filled with all sorts of contraptions and sketches of imaginative buildings.
Croll had shown her his various ideas after seeing that they had caught her eye, explaining the inspiration of each one and what they were made for.
This stuck in her mind but after a few more house visits, Lilyanna had moved on, not thinking about the man again with the craziness of her everyday life.
But once the task of overseeing the bank was given to her, Lilyanna had brought Croll’s name forward, wanting to see how capable the man truly was, giving him a chance to give him greater notoriety than he would have gotten on his own.
Lyonel and Lyman were both skeptical when she told them that Croll was from Flea Bottom and had suggested that she find a supervisor of a better station.
But at the end of the day, Lilyanna was the one in charge and the Hand and Master of Coin were there as advisors, so she ignored the suggestions and followed her gut.
“How goes everything, Croll?” Lyonel asked the other man.
“Yes, milord. We are actually ahead of schedule, but most of our work from the beginning would be focused on the vaults and tunnels.” Croll responded.
“The digging has not been too taxing? And there has been no loss of materials or men, has there?” Lyman asked, looking around them, trying to see a hint of anything amiss.
“Not a thing, milord. Everything has been running smoothly.”
The four moved through the site, Croll explaining to the other three what they were seeing and what things still needed to be done.
Lilyanna could see her vision coming to life, although the bank would be given a more Valyrian twist to it than the western European style that Gringotts had in Harry Potter, having a more angular and sharper design.
When the bank proves to be a success, then Viserys will definitely be more open to my more radical ideas. Well, radical for Westeros... Lilyanna thought.
Westeros was a feudal patriarchal society with almost no social mobility between each class, for rulers, great lords, and lesser lords their power and wealth came from having power over those beneath them, so trying to give more opportunities to commoners threatened that.
“Princess,” Croll said, gaining the young girl’s attention, “I had the idea of creating a mechanical gate for the front doors.”
The man then showed Lilyanna a sketch of what he had in mind; the gate reminded her of a spiked gate that Lilyanna had seen around important building in her first life, but it was shown to be emerging from the ground.
“There would be a lever inside that would allow the gate to pop out of the ground once pulled.”
“To lock up the bank. Whether it's to keep people out or keep them in.” Lilyanna said aloud.
Croll grinned, “Exactly, it will be another form of security.”
“How much would it cost to build the gate and install it?” Lyman asked, knowing that such an endeavor would cost some coin.
Lilyanna let out a snort, amused by where the man’s head was going. “I don’t like it will be as expensive as the building already is, Lord Lyman.”
“Aye, but it will still be an expense, Your Grace.” Lyman added, “We should try not to use all the Crown’s funds; a good portion of it will be coming to stay here.”
Croll cleared his throat, “By my estimate to make the steel gate and the machine to pull it in and out of the ground would cost about... ten gold dragons.”
“Ten?!” Lyman exclaimed.
“I’m sure the rice can be brought down.” Lyonel said, placing a hand on Lyman’s shoulder, not wanting the man to be too distraught.
Lilyanna rolled her eyes as Lyman began to haggle with Croll over the cost of the gate while Croll was adamant that the cost was necessary. Lyonel was trying to end the argument and find a compromise that would make both men happy.
As this was going on, Lilyanna eyes began to wonder. As she watched the workers, she noticed that some of the city’s populace had taken to watching the construction as well.
Word had spread about the creation of the bank, especially that said bank would be allowing everyone, regardless of status, to take out loans.
Lilyanna had not gone out into the streets since Viserys approved of her idea since she had been busy trying to bring it to life. The only idea she had of how the people thought about it was from her mother’s lady in waiting and the White Worm’s spy, Talya.
The woman telling her that the consensus in King’s Landing was mostly positive, and that the smallfolk were the excited about the benefits. She said that most of the nobles were of a similar mindset, but that there was a silent minority that were opposed, wanting to see the bank taken down before it could be finished.
They’re probably being led by Tyland Lannister. Lilyanna thought, having dealt with the man’s backhanded comments and jeering looks for the past moon.
As Lilyanna continued to look around, she caught a flash of white in the corner of her eye. When she turned fully to see what it was, the princess saw Mysaria standing a couple of yards away wearing a white cloak. The woman was staring directly at her and lifted her hand to wave, wordlessly asking her to come over.
Lilyanna looked back at Croll, Lyman, and Lyonel, seeing that they were still arguing over the gate and when she looked behind her, she saw that the Cargyll twins were in a discussion of their own, paying no attention to her.
With this, Lilyanna quickly made her way over to the White Worm.
~X~
“Mysaria, don’t you think you’re being a little on the nose with how your dressing?” Lilyanna said in lieu of a greeting.
Mysaria smirked, “You are overestimating what things people pick up on. And even if they did know who I am; they know better than to say or do anything about it.”
“I suppose. Did you come all the way here because you miss me? It’s only been a single moon, did not know you cared about me so much.” Lilyanna said teasingly.
“I missed you the same way one misses a rash.” Mysaria deadpanned.
Lilyanna placed a hand on her chest and let out a dramatic gasp, “That is so hurtful, my lady.”
“I am sure that it is, but this not why I have sought you out today.”
“Is something wrong?” Lilyanna asked, wondering just what could have caused the woman to seek her out personally in such a public place.
“My informants have alerted me to some... discontent that has been brewing in the North, the Reach, and especially the Westerland.
“Discontent?”
“Yes, it seems not everyone is excited about the royal bank and having to report their income and large spendings to the Crown.”
Lilyanna knew that there would be those who did not like the idea of the Crown having more awareness over the comings and goings of gold but did not think it would be larger enough to reach Mysaria’s ear.
“Should the council be worried about these discontented lords?” Lilyanna asked.
“For the most part, no. There have been some complaints in the North about the South trying to govern how they use their coin, to take more of it from them, but it is just that; complaints. They will still follow through on the mandate.” Mysaria explained.
Lilyanna held her chin in her hand, “That makes sense; the North always complains when the small council makes new laws and decrees and view them as unfair since they are usually so removed from southern politics. But even if they did want to revolt against the bank, the regent in Winterfell won’t let them, he won’t risk losing his position over this.”
At the beginning of the year, the news of Rickon Stark’s passing had reached King’s Landing. His only son and heir, Cregan Stark, is eleven so while he was named Lord of Winterfell, he needed a regent as he was still in his minority.
Because of this his uncle, his father’s younger brother, Bennard Stark, was named his regent and now rules over the North until Cregan comes of age at sixteen.
Lilyanna was confused when she learned this as she was sure that in the books that Cregan was thirteen when his father died and he became Lord of Winterfell, but she assumed that this was just another effect that her existence was having on the world.
None the less, Lilyanna knew that Bennard had always coveted what his older brother had as the heir and then Lord of their house, which is why he was so reluctant in the books to surrender his power even when his nephew did eventually come of age, holding on to his position of regent for an additional two years.
So, she knew that he would not risk being replaced as regent of the North or even forfeiting his life, by trying to rebel against the King’s decree.
“The older Stark is cautious; he will not do anything that draws attention to himself.” Mysaria agreed, “There is similar discontent coming from the Reach, specifically the Hightowers.”
Lilyanna raised an eyebrow, “The Hightowers? I figured they would be happy that one of their own was at the head of such a project.”
Despite the Hightower blood that ran through their veins, Lilyanna and her siblings were disconnected from the family, only receiving the yearly name’s day letter from Otto, having no other form of contact with any Hightowers.
But she did know from Mysaria that the Hightowers would often boast about their royal family members, talking about all accomplishments they heard that would leak out from King’s Landing.
Most of this boasting would be about Aegon, not hiding their clear desire for him to become King with Hightower blood sitting on the Iron Throne.
Mysaria hummed, “They are divided on the matter. Obviously having someone they consider on of their own having come up with and heading such a project is seen as a boon, but the fact that this idea comes from you is a negative.”
Lilyanna scoffed, “I suppose that they would have preferred if their Conqueror Babe Aegon had thought of the idea instead of Viserys’ Shame?”
“They would.” Mysaria said, not bothering to lie about what they both knew to be true, “But the person with the most issue with the bank is Hobert Hightower, your grandfather’s brother.”
Lilyanna knew that this meant that there were expenses that the House had that Hobert did not want the Crown to be aware of.
“Do you think it's possible to learn what my granduncle is suing his gold for? Knowing him he will try to get rid of any evidence before the bank is operational.”
“I have already ordered my people to do so, but it may be too late to get much. House Hightower were one of the first houses to learn about the bank and its mandates due to your mother and grandfather’s correspondence.
Alicent wrote to her father about the goings on of King’s Landing, including what goes on in the small council, so Lilyanna was not surprised that Alicent would have told Otto about the bank the first chance she got.
It would also not surprise her if Alicent had written to Otto about it days before it was brought to Viserys and the rest of the council.
But Lilyanna could not blame her mother for this; Alicent loved and respected her father, viewing him as one of the only people in this world that had her best interest at heart, or what he believed was in her best interest.
Lilyanna also knew that Otto would have learned about this and told the rest of the Hightower clan regardless of Alicent telling him as every member of the small council besides Lyonel Strong and Harrold Westerling, were a part of the Green faction.
“And the Westerlands? I’m assuming that Jason Lannister is also complaining about the oversight.” Lilyanna asked, knowing from the man’s twin that the Lannisters would be against the royal bank.
“He is and he is far more obvious and louder about it than the others. He has been speaking with his bannerman about how the King should not have allowed a child, especially a little girl, to have say over matter of coin, saying how you have no experience or any clue about what you are doing.”
The princess rolled her eyes at this, not surprised by Jason’s insults towards her character. It was well known that Tyland was the more likable twin so if his treatment of her was anything to go by, then of course Jason’s would be worse.
“Who cares if he thinks I am a stupid and worthless little freak of nature; I know that the Lannisters won’t rise in rebellion over this, it would be suicide.”
“That may be true, but Jason has never been known for his intelligence and rationality, that Tyland got both in their mother’s womb. I fear he may take some form of retaliation against you.” Mysaria said.
Wait, does she think that Jason will try to kill me? Lilyanna thought.
Mysaria knew what Lilyanna was thinking, “Like I said, Lord Lannister is not known for being rational. He may believe that not much attention would be drawn by the realm at large for the loss of ‘Visenya with a Cock’.”
Lilyanna let out a small laugh, “Visenya with a cock? Are people calling me that because I wield a sword?”
I mean, I did want to be like Visenya. Although, I doubt the woman find it as funny as I do if she were to hear this nickname. Oh! I should totally tell her about if or when I see her again.
“You should keep your eyes open, princess, for anything strange or out of the ordinary for the next few moons.” Mysaria said, ignoring the girl's jests.
Lilyanna became serious again, “I will. I won’t let myself get caught unaware.”
“Good, it would be shame for you to die when you are just now starting to fulfill your end of our bargain.” Mysaria smirked.
Lilyanna scoffed and crossed her arms, “I told you when we started this that I do not have much if any influence over the King.”
“And yet you were able to convince him of this endeavor.” Mysaria replied.
Lilyanna rolled her eyes, “Because most of the council thought it was a promising idea. And most importantly in the eyes of Viserys, my mother and sister both agreed that it's a good idea instead of fighting about with each other.”
The princess fully believed that it was Rhaenyra and Alicent both agreeing to the proposal instead of being on opposing sides just to spite the other, that led to Viserys allowing the bank to move forward.
Viserys was a man who hated strife and wanted to see his family get along with each other despite not doing much to actual bring this to fruition. If he believed that something would cause his family to stop fighting, then he would full-heartedly see that it comes true.
“Then I believe that you know what you need to do to see that your ideas being implemented.” Mysaria argued.
Lilyanna let out a laugh, doubting the woman’s belief, “I doubt that. My next idea would be to make a school for the smallfolk here in the city.”
“A school?” Mysaria asked, her eyes lighting up.
Lilyanna nodded her head, “Yes, a school. I want to give the commoners a place where they can learn to read and write. I was also thinking that it could teach trade skills; blacksmithing, carpentry, roofing, tailoring, things like that. If the first one is successful than more could be built.”
Mysaria paused for a moment, before her expression hardened, “The smallfolk would never be able to afford something like this. If they took out loans from your bank, then they would be in a perpetual cycle of paying back the interest.”
“There would be no need for the loan. That is why I doubt my father, the council and my mother and sister would never agree to it; the school would be free, the teachers, the materials, the lessons would all be paid for by the Crown.” Lilyanna explained, a smile of accepted resentment rested on her face.
Mysaria’s eyes widened at this, she had known that Lilyanna was not like any other noble she had met before or since, their partnership was proof of this, but even then, she was sometimes astonished by how selfless she was, how she truly cared for others and did not care about their status or where they were from.
“I know, it's a crazy idea, one that would never see the light of day.” Lilyanna said as she looked down at the ground, taking Mysaria’s silence as her true feelings on the manner.
Mysaria moved closer to Lilyanna, standing directly in front of her as she used her hand to lift the princess’ head, forcing the girl to look her in the eyes.
“It is an auspicious idea, Lilyanna. One that would greatly benefit the ordinary people of the city.” Mysaria said strongly.
Lilyanna smiled, “I try.”
Mysaria cleared her throat, taking a step back and releasing her hold on Lilyanna chin. “You better, princess.”
Lilyanna laughed slightly, amused by the change in the woman’s demeanor. “And you say that you don’t care about me.”
“This is all I wished to discuss with you.” Mysaria stared at her blankly, once again ignoring the princess’ taunting.
“And I thank you for warning me. I will be venturing back into the city soon now that most of the preliminary work for the bank is done.” Lilyanna said, turning to walk back to the construction site.
As Lilyanna started to walk away, she stopped when she heard Mysaria call out to her.
“You should go to the council with your schooling project. After the bank is completed and is successful.” The woman said.
Lilyanna turned her head to look back at Mysaria, “But they would never-”
“Agree?” Mysaria asked as a sharp smile appeared on her face, “They may start to think differently when the voices grow louder.”
“Voices? You mean the smallfolk? The nobles of Westeros don’t give a shit about how the smallfolk feel or think, so long as they do what they believe is their only purpose; serving them.” Lilyanna stated.
After living a life in a world that was far more advanced than the one, she was currently in, Lilyanna knew that countries where most of their population had received an education and were literate, were often richer and more developed than those that did not.
Westeros’ economy and quality of life would improve vastly if education were not just reserved for those with noble blood and status.
But the hierarchy that ruled Westeros was created to only benefit a person if they were of noble blood, trueborn, and male.
“Nobles like to pretend that the thoughts of the smallfolk do not matter, it allows them to sleep peacefully at night that we can never achieve anything more than changing their sheets and serving them wine. But they should not think that the common people are not a powerful force especially when we come together for a shared goal.” Mysaria said, her smile growing larger and sharper as she swiftly walked away, leaving Lilyanna behind.
The princess could only stare as she watched Mysaria eventually disappear from her sight, blending in with the bustling crowd.
Lilyanna worried by just what Mysaria meant by not discounting the smallfolk, that the nobility of Westeros were fools for doing so. While Lilyanna agreed with this, she feared just what Mysaria would do to make this truth known.
I mean, I don’t know if Mysaria may actually do something. And even if she does, it would be her choice, it won’t be my fault. Right? Lilyanna thought to herself as she walked back to bank.
Despite trying to let go of this feeling, this fear continued to sit in the back of her mind, not being able to truly forget the weight of Mysaria words and the smile she gave her.
