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The Crimson Dragon: Chapter 20: Hierarchy
🕑 Added 2024-09-24 13:00:05 +0000 UTCLilyanna looked around the room, her eyes peering at each person sitting at the table, knowing only Kella personally, but recognizing Slyvi both from House of the Dragon, and from seeing her in passing on the streets of Flea Bottom.
Mysaria looked at Lilyanna, “What has brought you-"
Lilyanna’s gaze became colder, “Over a hundred Gold Cloaks, forty place guards, and an unknown number of smallfolk all dead. Did you not say that this would all be necessary? From where I am standing that does not seem to be the case.”
Mysaria’s expression did not change as she spoke, “The loss of life was tragic, but as I told you before; the citizens of King’s Landing are tired of being ignored, so they made the choice themselves to riot.”
There was nothing you could do about it, is what Lilyanna knew to be the hidden meaning of the woman’s words. She knew that Mysaria was right, that this was not her fault and there was nothing she could do but knowing something and feeling something were two different things.
Lilyanna stared at Mysaria for a few moments longer, adding to the stiff atmosphere in the room before looking back around at the other occupants. “I assume that you have invited everyone here to discuss your plans now that you have gotten your wish.”
“I have.” Mysaria said plainly, not bothering to lie about what they both already knew.
Kella used this moment to speak, smiling widely at the princess, “You’re just in time, darling. We’ve started to reach a peak, of sorts.”
Lilyanna stared at the men of the table, “I’m sure you all know that I am Princess Lilyanna Targaryen, but I am not aware or familiar with most of you at this table, so if you would be so kind as to introduce yourselves.”
Clarton let out a chuckle, “Aw, you’re so cute. They teach you how to be so disgustingly sugary sweet in the castle?”
Those who did not know Lilyanna personally looked at Clarton with disbelief, thinking the man foolish for speaking to a member of royalty so causally.
Instead of reacting as they thought, Lilyanna rolled her eyes, “No, but they taught me the importance of bathing and cleaning my teeth, something you clearly weren’t if the rancid smell coming off you and all the fake teeth you have are anything to go off of.”
The sharpness and swiftness of the comment caused Daven to cover his mouth with his hand to hide the snort that escaped him. Kella and Vyrero did not bother to hide their amusement, openly laughing at Clarton while others either stared at the princess stunned, rolled their eyes, or smiled to themselves.
Despite the insult levied at him, Clarton grinned wolfishly at the princess, “Oh, I like you, princess. I’m Clarton, and I own most of the fine establishments on the Street of Silver.”
“So, you’re the older of the gambling houses and the pits, correct?” Lilyanna asked.
“I am.” Clarton answered, “I suppose my reputation proceeds me?”
“It does, a man such as yourself could not be so successful without obtaining such esteem.” Lilyanna said bluntly, already knowing that she would dislike Clarton on principle alone. It also did not help that he reminded her of the slimy loan sharks she knew from her past life.
Lilyanna then looked at the blond sitting next to Clarton, inwardly wondering if he was related to Jason and Tyland Lannister, as his features were too similar for him to be anything else than.
“I am Daven Hill, Your Grace.” Daven said when he saw Lilyanna staring at him, “I am the head of an artisan guild.”
Lilyanna’s eyes lit up in recognition, “Scarlet Song, yes? I remember a few years ago when an artist of yours, Samwell, I believe was his name, came to the Keep after my mother commissioned him to make a portrait of herself and my father for their wedding anniversary. It was beautifully done; I often find myself gazing at it from time to time.”
Daven smiled, feeling pride in the work that his artisan had done, “Samwell is one of the best painters I have ever known, so course I would only send the best for royalty.”
“I am sure, it’s impressive how you managed to create such a large and reputable guild in less than a decade.”
As Daven was going to respond, Vyrero cut him off, “If you are so impressed with pretty boy here, then you will be amazed when you learn who we are, princess.”
“Vyrero, stop that.” Harlario said tiredly, visibly annoyed and embarrassed by his younger brother’s behavior, especially in front of royalty.
Vyrero only grinned, “What? I’m not being that bad.”
“Yes, you are, you bloody fool.” Aran spat before turning to Lilyanna, looking down at the princess both quizzically and disdainfully. “I am Aran Ostoris, and these two are my brothers; Harlario and Vyrero. We are the owners of the Three Kings.”
Lilyanna nodded her head, “Yes, I have heard of your guild as well; the richest and largest merchant guild in King’s Landing. Almost everything that comes in and out of the city is due to you and your ships, you three are also of the Old Blood, yes? Sons of a former Triach of Volantis?”
“We are.” Harlario responded, “You have heard much about us, I presume?”
“Lord Corlys had mentioned doing business with you three at some point. Although, I sure you already know that he did not have a very high opinion of you.” Lilyanna stated, feeling that the hostility that Aran was showing was not directed at her specially, but at the Sea Snake.
She remembered how Corlys had talked to Rhaenys about the whole affair vexed, not caring that she and her siblings her in garden with their grandsons as they talked and within listening distance.
Aran sneered, a small growl emanating from his throat, “We are the ones who should not have a high opinion of that fool. Acting as if he is superior to us, as if the Valyrian blood within him does not un through our veins as well. So, tell me, princess, do you share the same opinion? Quite ironic for Visenya with a Cock to feel to be so egotistical.”
“Brother!” Harlario hissed, staring at Aran scandalized. Even Vyrero looked at Aran shocked, not expecting his brother to be so blatant, not expecting him to release some of the anger he was holding within himself onto the princess.
A small laugh escaped Lilyanna as she stared at Aran, “Despite what people may think, I don’t find being called Visenya with a Cock, to be an insult, although, you should learn to aim your temper at the one who caused it, instead of someone you just met who happens to know them.”
Aran glared at Lilyanna and was going to respond but Lilyanna continued to speak, the smile leaving her face, “And I am the type of person who is willing to look past a lot, but don’t go thinking you can disrespect me. I don’t care if you don’t like me, or if you hate me because of misplaced anger or for some other God forsaken reason but I won’t tolerate being looked down on by you.”
A heavy silence overtook the room, everyone looking between Lilyanna and Aran tensely, waiting to see what the other would do next. But the princess chose not to spare Aran another glance as he faced the last remaining person whose name she did not know, “And you are?”
Connas flinched, clearing his throat as he introduced himself, “I am Connas, Your Grace. I am a blacksmith on the Street of Steel.”
“So, you’re the famous owner of the
“I am, Your Grace.”
I definitely need to speak with him at the end of all this. Lilyanna thought, hopeful that she would be able to solve the issue with her swords.
“Are you done with the introductions now, princess?” Mysaria asked sarcastically.
Lilyanna took a seat at the other end of the table, now sitting across from the woman, “I was taught to be respectful.”
“I think you have shown everyone here that those lessons certainly did not stick.” Mysaria said.
“Hurtful.” Lilyanna said, smiling at Mysaria before becoming serious again, “But let’s get to the root of this, why are you all here, and what is to be done after everything that has happened today?”
Mysaria explained to Lilyanna what had been discussed before she arrived, to the surprise of most, thinking that the woman would not be so honest with the princess, showing that the pair were closer than first believed.
I should have known this was the goal, Mysaria has never bothered to hide how unfair the whole political system of Westeros was. But fuck, hearing it at loud and seeing Mysaria bringing her desires to other like-minded people, is worrying.
“So, now that you have found people to support you, what do you plan to do?” Lilyanna asked, “We both know you will not be satisfied with possible concessions.”
Lilyanna doubted that the small council would agree to meet with any representative the city’s citizens could gather, especially after a riot that left some of the King’s Landings Gold Cloaks and men at arms dead. But as she was leaving the Keep, Lilyanna heard through the walls people whispering amongst each other about the King freezing up when the riot first began, remaining catatonic throughout most of it.
Most of the time, Viserys was entirely too easy to predict, he was not a complicated man nor was he good at hiding his feelings behind a political and civil mask like most of his peers. Even so, Viserys could become a whirlwind of unpredictability and impulsiveness when he allowed his emotions to lead him to make choices with unforeseen consequences.
“The King will fear that this sort of... situation may happen again, so he will want to do everything to ensure that it will not.”
Lilyanna scoffed, “Do you honestly think the people will continue to riot? Most people’s will can only take so much before they decide to begrudgingly accept how things in their world are. How long do you think they will continue this path before they realize that the Crown will only just send more men at arms to put them back in their place?”
“If I may interrupt, princess.” Daven spoke up, “But the King and his council do not need to how far the people are truly willing to go in pursuit of their desires only what they themselves believe us capable.”
Lilyanna leaned back in her chair, “And what makes you think that I won’t tell the King myself?”
Daven smiled, “Would you be here, interacting with any of us, if your beliefs and desires were so closely aligned with that of your father or your House?”
“I would not.” Lilyanna said truthfully, “And you are right in a sense; the council does not know how far things will be taken, and I suspect that with the way the King conducted himself, you may be given to opportunity to speak with him. The question is what will you do when or if this happens?”
“You ask that question as if that big brain of yours has not already thought of at least several ideas to help us all get what we want.” Mysaria stated, looking directly at Lilyanna.
“Mysaria,” Lilyanna sighed, “You want to be respected, to be given power on par with that of titled lords, it doesn’t matter what ideas I bring forth, what I say to you or the King, that just won’t happen. They will always look down on you, in their minds you will always be beneath them. Even if you continue to rise higher and higher, they will still look down on you, whispering terrible things about you in their minds and when your back is turned, and that is simply because of who you were born to, what side of the sheets you were born on, and how you have lived your life and managed to make a name for yourself.”
The table was still, everyone surprised by the words that left the princess’s mouth. Until Clarton spoke, a joke escaped him, but those who listened closely could hear the apprehension he was trying to hide. “This is all quite dark for a young princess such as yourself to be aware of. Do you spend all your time with all these twisted thoughts?”
Lilyanna shrugged, her relaxed posture contradicting with her words, “Many of you assume because I am princess that I don’t struggle, that I can’t understand the lives you have lived, and you’re right; I will never be able to truly understand the depths of your experiences, but I do know about nobility. I have been treating my father’s illness for years, have spearheaded the creation of the royal bank, have surpassed my brothers and nephews in terms of martial prowess, I have done more than many lords and ladies will do in their lifetimes and yet they call me ‘Visenya with a Cock’, they whisper that my father and mother should have done me the mercy of leaving me in the wilderness to die after I was born. So, I know better than most how fickle and monstrous people can be.”
Lilyanna did not give anyone the chance to respond to her small rant as she spoke again, “Now, here is how we can spin this to the King...”
~X~
The Next Day
Lilyanna did not have time to do much of anything as she was woken up early in the morning, a maid had been sent to her room telling her that the King had summoned her to the small council chamber.
She had known this was coming; after returning to the Keep, Lilyanna had used the tunnels to make her way to the library. The princess had told Ser Rickard that she needed to do research there after she quickly left Rhaenyra’s bedchamber.
The Knight allowed this, standing outside the library, unknowingly guarding an empty room as Lilyanna had snuck out. Lilyanna had lucky returned to the library only a few minutes before her mother had entered the room looking for her.
Now, walking with Alicent, and Aegon silently towards the small council chamber, Criston and Rickard following behind the three royals, Lilyanna was the only one who was not ill at ease.
Her calm and openly bored demeanor surprised the others, but this did not stop her brother from commenting on it. “Why aren’t you nervous?”
“Why would I be?” Lilyanna asked as she stared forward.
Aegon looked at his sister like she was an idiot, “Because father is angry, angry at you. You didn’t see him yesterday when he said he wanted to speak with you before the council.”
“And? Becoming a nervous wreck will not change the fact that father is angry.” Lilyanna sighed, “Besides, father just wants to be sure that something like this will not happen again, and I have the solution to ensure it.”
Alicent looked at her daughter questioningly and concerned, “Lilyanna, your father is not in the best of moods. I believe it would be best to not draw anymore of his ire by presenting additional ideas and proposals.”
Alicent had never seen Viserys in such a state as the one he was in throughout the previous day. It was unnerving to see him so hopeless, and it reminded her of how Viserys was during the first few days after Aemma’s death.
And it was during that state that Viserys had disinherited Daemon after having his brother as his heir for over a decade and decided to fill the position of heir with Rhaenyra. Decisions that Viserys has maintained ever since, which did not give Alicent much confidence that Viserys would not make a similarly hasty decision involving their daughter.
“Mother,” Lilyanna began, reaching out and holding Alicent’s hand, “Everything will be fine there is no need to worry.”
Alicent continued to stare at Lilyanna, tightening her grasp on Lilyanna’s hand, her expression still anxious and full of worry.
Lilyanna was surprised that her mother had not taken to ripping the skin of her fingertips as she sometimes fell back into when stressed.
Arryk stood seriously in front of the chamber doors when they arrived, swiftly announcing their presence, and opening the doors for them. Lilyanna could feel his eyes on her as she walked, telling her everything she needed to know about to know about the atmosphere inside as she entered.
Each member of the council was present when they arrived, their gazes falling on the three royals as they walked. Alicent made her way towards her chair on her husband’s left side, giving him a kiss on the cheek before sitting down.
Aegon made his way to the corner of the room, standing beside Jacaerys by the small table holding cups and pitchers of wine.
Lilyanna saw that Harwin Strong was in the room, standing on the right side of the table, in the space between Rhaenyra and Viserys’ seats. So, Lilyanna decided to walk towards and stand in the space between her mother and Viserys, her gaze staying on the King as she walked, ignoring the eyes that followed her as she moved.
“Your Grace.” Lilyanna greeted her father.
Viserys stared at her for a few seconds before addressing the table, “Now that we are all here, let us begin this meeting.” He then turned to Harwin, “Your report, Ser Strong.”
Harwin stood straighter, “Yes, Your Grace. As I reported yesterday, there were losses suffered amongst my men. This morning, we discovered that more men had been killed than we first thought, one hundred and forty-three to be exact.”
“A hundred and forty-three? How can that many Gold Cloaks and Red Keep knights be felled so easily?” Jasper asked aloud.
“They abilities did not matter, my lord, when facing a mob of countless men, even the most skilled of warriors will be slain fighting so arduously.” Harwin answered.
“And no criminals have been arrested in relation to murder and rioting?” Orwyle asked.
“We have taken twenty-seven men into our custody and placed them in the Black Cells.”
Corlys scoffed, “Only twenty-seven men?”
Harwin turned to Corlys, “They were the only ones who could be apprehended, they were the ones who were caught breaking the law. Not unless my men and I were supposed to arrest everyone in the city.”
“Harwin.” Lyonel called out to his son pointedly, hearing the sarcastic tinge in the last sentence he spoke.
Harwin met his father’s eye, “No rioting broke out in the night after the curfew was enforced and I still have my men patrolling the streets more heavily, but I fear that things are still tense, the people still restless and angry.”
“We must do something; we cannot assume that the people will be pacified after yesterday. If the losses our men have suffered are any indication, any inaction will be seen as weakness and give the smallfolk the believe that the Crown will tolerate their continued treason.” Rhaenyra voiced strongly, her eyes landing on every person at the table, staying on her father the longest.
“We must,” Alicent said, “But we cannot respond too brutally, at the core of this all of this is anger and dismissal. So, there is a possibility that if the weight of the Crown comes down with excessive force, this will become a reoccurring issue.”
Everyone looked towards the King, waiting for him to respond to the words of his heir and his Queen, but Viserys turned towards his youngest daughter instead.
“Lilyanna.” Viserys said, his voice steady but with an edge to it, “Do you have anything to say?”
Seriously? Fucking cunt. Lilyanna thought scornfully but did not allow her true feelings to show on her face. “Both my sister and mother are right; something must be done otherwise the Crown’s authority will be seen as weak and this could happen again.”
“Again?” Viserys scoffed, “This only happened because of your ideas! Because of your incessant need to please the smallfolk!”
Lilyanna had to fight the urge to roll her eyes, maintaining her blank expression. “Your Grace, excuse my words but there have been countless proposals made with the smallfolk in mind, many that have been rejected over the decades and have never led to unrest. The people are angry because they feel as if they are not being listened to, like their problems are beneath the care of nobility.”
“Are you saying that I do not care about my subjects, Lilyanna?” Viserys asked, openly scowling at his daughter.
Lilyanna opened her mouth to respond, to say yes, but stopped when she felt her one of her mother’s hands grab her own under the table and out of sight, squeezing it tight.
Do not talk back to your father, to your King! Lilyanna did not need to look at her mother to hear these words, feeling it in Alicent’s touch and the weight of her gaze.
“That is not what I am saying, Your Grace. I am only stating what the smallfolk are feeling and that I have a solution to solve it.” Lilyanna said.
“A solution? Let me guess, build a bathhouse, and replace the sewer system?” Viserys asked sarcastically.
“You could.” Lilyanna said drily, “But what I meant is giving the people what they truly seek; a voice. I would propose that the people be given the opportunity to elect representatives who would be given the opportunity to enforce policies for them as a part of this council.”
Everyone stared at Lilyanna dumbfounded, none having expected that to be what she would offer as a solution.
“You want the peasants to be members of this council?” Jasper asked aloud, staring at the princess horrified and saying the word peasant as if it were a slur.
“It would not be the first time that the smallfolk rise above their humble station, my lord.” Lilyanna said, “The Citadel and the Faith for example take in people from all social classes and King Jaehaerys had a foreigner as his Master of Coin during his reign.”
Jasper did not back down in his assessment, “The Faith and the Citadel are hardly fair examples to be used, especially as both organizations train its members for years, and none of them do anything outside their field of expertise.”
Orwyle gave the Lord of Rain House a look from the corner of his eye, aware of the insult towards his profession.
I would like to see Ironrod having to help the sick and dying instead of using his shriveled cock to kill his wives. The maester thought.
“And the foreigners? They are even worse! And was the so-called foreigner you mentioned not killed by a mob thanks to his fantastic abilities as Master of Coin?”
Lilyanna could not help herself from correcting Jasper, “Well, Rego Draz was actually killed because the shivers epidemic of fifty-nine AC and the people wanted someone to blame for it all, so they picked the rich brown man, but that’s not important to what I am saying. Doing this would give the smallfolk the voice they feel they are lacking.”
“By picking several of them off the street? I agree that something must be done, but what you are suggesting is excessive for what was just a city riot.” Viserys said, not seeing the point.
A riot should not be referred to as ‘just a city riot.’ Lilyanna thought.
“But, Your Grace, what is to stop this from happening again or worse, spreading to other cities?” Lilyanna asked.
Viserys shook his head, “There is no chance-”
“Your Grace, if I may interrupt, the princess is not wrong in her assessment.” Lyonel spoke up.
Viserys turned to his Hand, “What?”
Lyonel further elaborated, “I have spoken to my younger son, Larys before we convened, who as you know keeps his ear close to the ground on the goings of the realm. He has heard whispers of smallfolk in Westeros’ smaller cities and towns talking about riots, of their lords being unjust and unfair in their rulings. They compare their lords to you, Your Grace.”
Lyonel did not know how Larys obtained the information he did, and how said information usually turned out to be accurate, but he was often grateful for it when it came to moments like this.
“But it is just that; rumors, Lord Strong?” Corlys asked the man.
“Yes, I do not know for certain and neither does Larys. But it is something that we must consider here going forward.”
“It is unlikely that this type of behavior will spread across the continent, many lords are quite kind to their subjects. But lords who lack control over their people and those who are more... unpopular, may find themselves caught unaware.” Orwyle stated.
“Which is why me must do something, now.” Jasper voiced strongly.
“Lilyanna,” Rhaenyra called out, tired of hearing the men at the table not allowing her sister to finish presenting her idea. “How many positions are you thinking must be made for the smallfolk?”
“And how far do you desire their power to be? Just King’s Landing or like the other positions on this council; across Westeros?” Alicent added.
Lilyanna cleared her throat, “I envisioned four new positions be made; a Master of Trade, a Master of Works, a Master of Foreign Affairs, and a Master of Orders. And when it comes to influence, it should be across the continent.”
“What roles would these positions fill?” Alicent quickly asked before anyone could interject with their opinions.
“The Master of Trade would oversee all trade in Westeros, both foreign and domestic. The Master of Works would coordinate and manage public works like roads and wells, for example. The Master of foreign Affairs would be a diplomat, a voice of Westeros when dealing with other nations. And the Master of Orders would of course look after and manage minor orders, guilds, and organizations, ensuring resources are equally distributed.”
Again, the chamber fell into silence as everyone inside stared at Lilyanna, all equally taken aback and waiting for the King to respond first before giving their own opinions.
Viserys sighed, staring at Lilyanna tiredly, “Lilyanna the positions you mentioned do the jobs of most of the people at this table. What use would there be for them, especially when I don’t see why any should be given to the smallfolk?”
“In all honesty, I have always believed that the small council in its current state is too small to affectively run the realm. Can you say that none of your councilors have not been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work that they themselves must do?”
“I cannot.” Viserys admitted, regardless of any claims otherwise that the people around him may try to give, he was aware of just how much there was to do to keep the realm from collapsing in on itself.
Lilyanna smiled, “That is exactly why more positions should be added, it would make operations easier to manage. And I believe after speaking with-after speaking with Croll, that there are certain smallfolk who are the best candidates for the job.”
“And who are these candidates?”
“Daven Hill, the head of the Scarlet Song Guild, for the Master of Orders, Aran Ostoris, one of the leaders of the Three Kings, for the Master of Trade, Harlario Ostoris, for the Master of Foreign Affairs, and Kella for the Mistress of Works.” Lilyanna answered, hoping that no one would ask her about the last candidate she gave and why she gave no introduction for her like she did the others.
But this was not meant to be when Aegon’s eyes grew at the sound of the familiar name, “Kella?!”
Everyone looked at Aegon, but it was Alicent who asked the question, staring at her son suspiciously, “Who is Kella and why has her name invoked such a reaction in you?”
“Uh...” Aegon muttered, looking in between his distrustful mother and the younger sister who was glaring at him, silently mouthing to him to be quiet.
“Aegon.” Alicent called out, “Answer me.”
Aegon looked down at the floor, whispering the truth, “I was surprised because Kella is a brothel Madam. She owns the Blue Pearl and Mother’s.”
“What?!” Alicent exclaimed.
“So not just bastards and foreigners, but you want whores to be members of this council?” Corlys asked Lilyanna, looking at the girl as if she had lost her mind.
This caused everyone else besides the King to start voicing their feelings on Lilyanna’s choices, all talking over each other.
Alicent sat back in her chair horrified by what she had just heard. Not only because Aegon would have had to no doubt go to the brothels to be know who Kella was, even after the scolding she had given him when Aemond had revealed that Aegon had gone to his first brothel, telling him that he was not allowed to go to such establishments again, but the thought of Lilyanna, her little girl meeting a brothel Madam and somehow going to a brothel.
“How, how do you know this... Madam?” Alicent asked, looking at her daughter, afraid to hear what she might say.
“I have not met the woman myself, Croll has, and he told me that she is smarter than most women in her profession. He mentioned that they have had talks about the things in the city that could use improvements when we were coming up for our idea for the printing press.” Lilyanna said, easily lying through her teeth.
Should I be worried about how much easier it has gotten for me to lie? I don’t like lying to my mother, but she would not understand, and she will only hinder my efforts if I tell her the truth. Lilyanna thought.
Alicent visibly relaxed, the fear that her daughter was doing something sinful and improper leaving her before becoming serious, “Good, that sort of behavior would be unbecoming on a lady, let alone a princess. And I will need to talk to Croll the next time you have him brought to the castle not to speak about those kinds of topics again.”
Lilyanna crossed her arms, “I am old enough and mature enough to hear things of that nature mother.”
Alicent did not pay attention to this, comforted by the knowledge that her little flower had not begun to follow her older brother’s example. And this reminded her that not only would she have to talk with Aegon once again about where is and is not supposed to go, but with the guard who had been made his protector, to question him on how he was losing track of Aegon and why she was not being informed on her son’s whereabouts.
“Princess Lilyanna,” Lyonel said, drawing the conversation back to its original topic, “This whole idea is far too radical and will undoubtedly prove to be too convoluted to implement.”
“It will be quite unpopular with the lords, Your Grace.” Jasper said to the King, “None will be pleased to have peasants in high positions, especially as they would be in four new positions, which would almost outnumber us on this council.”
“Outnumber? They are not the enemy.” Lilyanna said strongly.
Jasper held firm in his belief, “Of course they are, just look at what the people you are championing for did to our city yesterday.”
Lilyanna clenched her jaw before turning to her sister, “Rhaenyra?”
Rhaenyra schooled her features, giving her sister her honest opinion. “Lilyanna, we do not know these people, how can we trust them to have the realm’s best interest at heart? In the highborn Houses there is an ancient fealty, there is honor, I do not believe that the lowborn you suggest would carry these traits.”
Lilyanna scoffed, “Fealty and honor? Where was fealty and honor when lords like Jason Lannister were stealing from the Crown and trying to hide their crimes? Where was fealty and honor when one of the lords sent an assassin in the night to murder me in my bed? Those who you claim to be pure and of proper birth can be just as cruel and untrustworthy as the commoners you think so lowly of.”
“Lilyanna.” Alicent called out, staring at her sternly, “That is your belief, it still does not change the fact that we cannot place the governance of the realm of those whose abilities and character cannot be verified outside of a simple blacksmith.”
Viserys cleared his throat as he addressed the room, “The Queen and Rhaenyra are right; this idea is not feasible nor practical. We cannot risk the order of this council for such an unproven and maddening thought.”
“Then let them prove themselves.” Lilyanna exclaimed.
Viserys looked at her questioningly, “Prove themselves?”
Think, Lilyanna, think! “Make a council that all of its members are smallfolk and instead of giving them the same power as the small council, give them control over matters in King’s Landing.”
“Full control over King's Landing?” Viserys asked and Lilyanna could see that she was losing him.
“Uh, not full control, they would still be under the small council, any large scale designs would have to pass through the small council for approval, but this coun-this civilian council would be made and work for the smallfolk of the city, allowing the members of this to lighten their loads and pass some of the burdens onto them. You would be able to focus on matters beyond King's Landing.”
“This would still not solve the issue of not being able to trust them.”
“This can be on a trial basis, give six moons, a year even, to prove that this idea can succeed.” Lilyanna acquiesced, “If at any moment this becomes more trouble than it is worth than the civilian council will be immediately dissolved.”
Viserys thought this over, he could see what Lilyanna was trying to say, that this idea could lead to the council being able to run smother than possible, it would make everything easier to have less important task given to others and have his most important councilors be able to focus on the important things.
But the thought of having commoners on his council went against tradition, it would undoubtedly be unpopular amongst the nobility both in and out of King’s Landing.
But have I not broken tradition when I made Rhaenyra my heir? And this could be the thing to ensure peace returns to the city proper.
When this proves to be too much of a bother than I can end it all easily enough, and the people nor Lilyanna will be able to complain too much as I would have given them a chance. It won't be seen as my fault that they failed after that.
“I give permission to this… civilian council to be created. This will be a probationary, a year will be given to see if this experiment has merit.” Viserys declared.
Jasper gaped, “Y-your Grace, you cannot genuinely think this idea is worthy of consideration? It will fail.”
“He is not wrong; you are asking us to trust these people and give them some of our own power to do.” Corlys stated, his expression becoming annoyed as he thought of two of the people Lilyanna mentioned, “I have worked with the Ostoris brothers before, and they left much to be desired, they will ruin this city.”
Viserys shook his head, “If the council fails, then it fails. They will be removed from their positions and this whole idea will be ended and forgotten. And what power are you so afraid of losing? This civilian council will only have influence in the city.”
Viserys' expression became colder as he stared at his councilors, and especially Corlys. “Besides, any power you all think you possess over Westeros, comes from I and I alone. So, if I choose to give some of your duties to these people, then I am well within my right to do so.”
Viserys looked at Lilyanna, “I am giving you this opportunity, and I will allow you to choose whoever and however many people you desire for your council. But the second that this becomes a problem, I will shut it all down, am I understood, Lilyanna?”
Lilyanna bowed to her father, hiding the smile that wanted to emerge, “Yes, Your Grace. Thank you, Your Grace.”
Viserys nodded his head, “Pick your councilors within the coming days and have them brought before us. You are dismissed, daughter.”
Lilyanna bowed again, turning, and leaving the small council chamber.
“Princess?” Criston said questioningly, seeing that grin on Lilyanna’s face.
He assumed that everything had gone well, but you could never be too sure when it came to Lilyanna Targaryen.
“Today is a good day, Ser Criston.” Lilyanna said, continuing to smile.
“The King was not too upset?” Criston asked.
“No, he was not. He was even willing to hear me out and take my idea to heart, and he is now given me the chance to prove it successful.”
Criston smiled, “That is good, congratulations, Princess.”
“Thank you, now of you would excuse me, I have to figure out what I am going to do when the meeting is over, and mother comes to harass me over my behavior in there.” Lilyanna said as she started to walk.
Lilyanna heard Criston’s laughter as she left the hallway. Now that she had gotten the King's approval, Lilyanna had to go and ensure her allies did not screw it up and cause her efforts to be in vain.
~X~
Larys Strong walked through the streets of King’s Landing, a hooded cloak covering him, and two of his trusted personal guards followed behind him, ensuring that nothing and no one happened upon him.
The light from the torches lining the streets glinted off the golden firefly on his cane as he walked, the only thing to denote his status to others of his wealth.
Princess Lilyanna, how impressive you continue to prove yourself to be. Larys thought as he heard the discussions of those he past.
The people discussed how Lilyanna had gotten several of their city’s richest peasants' positions on the small council in a trial basis. Larys held no doubts that the news had spread this fast because of the White Worm's efforts.
He had been aware of Lilyanna’s comings and goings from the Red Keep, of her giving her services away to the people of the city free of charge for years. It was an open secret; none of the smallfolk tell the nobility and Lilyanna will be able to continue helping them.
And he knew that Lilyanna and Mysaria had some type of partnership, the truth of which was unknown to all but the two.
It was strange, Larys knew some of Lilyanna’s secrets and Lilyanna had always been suspicious of him, she was good at hiding her dislike, but he could tell, she no doubt knew of the spies and servants who were indebted to him, but neither did much of anything with the knowledge they held.
Both were too focused on their own problems and goals, often keeping the other in the back of their minds, but not reacting to what the other did all that much.
But now, Lilyanna had pushed things too far, this along with Alicent’s recent dismissal of him, left Larys needing to do something to slide the scales back in his favor.
Strange, mother and daughter are so different and yet both so good at drawing my attention, at piquing my interest.
He was losing control over the Queen, now leaving him in his once unfavorable position of having to give information, for free, to his father, and Lilyanna’s citizen council was bringing the White Worm, his rival, far too close to power for his liking.
Soon, Larys and his men were walking along the winding streets of Flea Bottom, looking for a specific shack of a home.
A small smile appeared on his face when he saw the ugly hovel next to the Three Kings, the smile growing when he saw a familiar man standing outside of the hovel, waiting for him.
The man was of average height, with large beady eyes, a scraggly brown beard, a thin and slim build, and a shaved head. He was wearing the black armor and dyed cloak uniform of the City Watch, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly, his eyes keeping track of his surroundings as he watched everyone sharply.
“My lord.” The man said when Larys grew closer, bowing to the disabled man.
“Perkin.” Larys greeted, “I assume your patrol was uneventful?”
“In a way, the people were agitated for most of the day, but they have relaxed, are downright joyful now.” Perkin answered.
Larys hummed, looking past the man and to his home, “How has young Trystane been? How has his training been progressing?”
“He is fine, my lord, and his training is going smoothly, he is picking up my teachings rather quickly. But he said something the other day that left me troubled. I have been waiting to speak with you about it.”
“What did he say?”
“He spoke about making a new friend, that he met Princess Lilyanna, and she was very friendly with him, asking about his life and after myself.”
Larys was inwardly surprised that Lilyanna had met Trystane, questioning if she knew the truth of the boy’s origins. “That is no matter; the princess will not seek to bring this to light even if she is suspicious or knows the truth. She knows how something like this could lead to a large scandal for the royal family, she will not risk the humiliation that will fall just to rescue a bastard.”
Larys was confident in this, Lilyanna cared too greatly for her family to have them suffer such a fate just to save Trystane.
“But if she does?” Perkin asked, wanting reassurance that he will not this whole endeavor be made worthless due to the princess's intervention.
“I will deal with her if such a situation arises.” Larys said and Perkin had to suppress a shudder at the coldness he could see in Larys' eyes as he spoke.
Larys cleared his throat, “Now, I have come to you because I have a job for you to do.”
“What do I have to do, my lord?”
“My brother and father, I need them removed from the board.”
Perkin's eyes grew slightly, hearing that Larys was telling him.
He wants me to kill his own brother and father? I knew that the Clubfoot was one twisted bastard, but I did not think he would stoop into the filth of kinslaying. Perkin thought to himself.
Larys continued, not waiting for Perkin’s response, “I have been delaying this far too long, I need to empty the position of Hand of the King.” And remove any part of my heart that could stand in the way of my ambition.
“How do you want their deaths to be?” Perkin asked.
“Painless if possible. If not, then do it regardless. Just make sure that neither can be trace back to you.”
“And when do you want it?”
Larys to a second to think, “Within the coming weeks. With this new council many eyes will be on the peasants the princess will be bringing. You should find the right opportunity then.”
“It will be done.” Perkin said resolutely.
“You are a good man, Perkin.” Larys said, turning on his heel to leave. “Continue as you have been with young Trystane.”
When Larys was gone from sight, Perkin took a sigh of relief, happy to no longer be in the Clubfoot's presence.
Larys had proven to be a man with connections and power, allowing Perkin to reap the rewards by being close to him. But this did not change how creepy and unnerving Perkin found Larys to be.
Unbeknownst to Perkin, Trystan was not sleeping but had been watching him and Larys secretly through the window.
Trystane had met Larys before, having first met him shortly after Perkin took him in.
Larys would ask Trystane how he was and always looked happy to see him, even though Trystane often found his presence to be uncomfortable.
Trystane did not hear what the two men had been discussing but he remembered how Perkin looked when returned home after his patrol.
Perkin did not remove his armor as he usually did, keeping it on as he stared out the window, lost in thought.
What’s going on with them? Perkin can't be scared or Larys. He's a cripple and Perkin is the strongest knight I know! Trystane thought, still wondering what the truth of Perkin and Larys' relationship was.
Comments
Kas the Weeb
Lilyanna doesn't care much about religion. Like she knows that Gods exist, but she is not religious, and doesn't care about what other people want to practice. To her it's not the Faith of the 7 itself that's corrupt, but the humans at the very top who run it (The Septons)
Lithuriel
I really like the story so far, if only chapters were posted more frequently...
Lithuriel
Will lilyanna attempt to restore the faith of the 14 among her family, or just try to remove the corrupt faith of the 7 and their far reaching influence
Kas the Weeb
Lilyanna is definitely a workaholic, she has no work-life balance. I imagine that she has never been the type of person to relax, both in this life and in her first, she's always been pushing herself to succeed because she feels she needs to. And now with the civilian council, she's going to be even busier. So Pray for her, Lilyanna will be needing it soon. 🙏
KaeKat
Nicely done chapter! Very diplomatic, but fun! Hopefully Lilyanna gets a break, from delivering babies to having council meetings back to back. I get the feeling she has the trait of a workaholic lol. But I know she does so to try prevent bad things from happening and ensure her family's safety. Cheers to the civilian council! Lilyanna sure has alot on her plate now.
