[109] Council of Queens

Chapter 109: Council of Queens

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The Small Council chamber gleamed in the morning light, sunbeams filtering through the high windows to cast golden patterns across the polished table.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” a unified voice greeted me as I entered the room.

My eyes fell on the assembled council with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction. For once, the table wasn't filled with scheming lords and ancient maesters.

Instead, a collection of the most powerful women in Westeros gathered before me.

Ros sat to my right, her copper hair cascading over her shoulders, contrasting beautifully with the deep emerald of her gown. The dress hugged her curves perfectly—a reminder of the aptitudes that had first brought her to prominence in Littlefinger's brothel.

Yara Greyjoy occupied the seat across from her, looking distinctly uncomfortable in the formal setting. Unlike yesterday in my chambers, she now wore a fitted leather jerkin that emphasized her athletic figure while maintaining her fierce Ironborn aesthetic.

Margaery and Sansa sat side by side, a battle of contrasts. Margaery in Tyrell green, her gown cut low to display the swell of her breasts, while Sansa's blue dress covered her more modestly, though it couldn't hide the graceful curve of her neck or the fire in her auburn hair.

Behind me stood Brienne of Tarth in her gleaming white armor, stoic and imposing.

"Well," I remarked, taking the high-backed chair at the head of the table, "it seems we have a rather feminine council today. I'm not complaining, mind you—it's certainly improved the view." I flashed a grin that made Margaery smile back reflexively.

I gestured to Brienne. "Lady Commander, please join us at the table today. This discussion will require your input."

Brienne shifted uncomfortably, her hand resting on Oathkeeper's pommel. "Your Grace, my place is—"

"Today, your place is at this table," I interrupted firmly. "Consider it a royal command."

She nodded stiffly and took the empty seat at the far end, her massive frame making the council chair look absurdly small.

"Now then," I continued, leaning forward with my elbows on the table, "We have matters that require immediate attention. Lady Brienne, let's start with you."

Her blue eyes met mine steadily.

"The Kingsguard has been a joke for too long," I said bluntly. "Other than Ser Barristan Selmy and Jamie Lannister, the rest of the members were pathetically weak. Among them, most were loyal to the Lannisters, and I trust them about as much as I'd trust a starving dog with a steak. Ros has helped replace some, but we need more. I need knights of true caliber, not political appointments."

Brienne considered this. "Finding worthy knights will not be easy, Your Grace. Many have already pledged to other houses."

"But you know good fighters," I pressed. "Men—or women—of honor who would serve the crown faithfully. I want you to find them, test them personally."

She hesitated before nodding firmly. "I understand. I shall personally test any candidate before bringing them to your attention. None shall join the Kingsguard who aren't worthy of the white cloak."

"Perfect. I knew I could count on you," I said with genuine appreciation. A competent Kingsguard would be critical for my loved ones’ survival, especially with the threats I knew were coming. If only I could recruit Ser Arthur Dayne from the dead, I thought wryly.

I turned my attention to Margaery and Yara next.

Margaery straightened, her posture perfect as always, subtly adjusting to display her figure to best advantage. No matter how many times I bed her, she never missed an opportunity to remind me of her charms.

"I think it's time we dealt with the Lannisters," I announced, watching their reactions carefully. "Casterly Rock has remained untouched for too long. The Iron Islands and Highgarden are positioned on either side of it—which gives us a perfect opportunity."

Margaery's eyes brightened with ambition, her lips curving into a predatory smile that would have surprised those who only knew her public persona of gentle grace. If her father weren’t in Braavos, I’d have handed this task to him, but she’d have to make do.

"The initial invasion will fall to you two," I continued. "I need that castle held. And if it turns out that Tywin Lannister is hiding there, I'll fly over personally to deal with him."

"The Reach will answer the call, Your Grace," Margaery said eagerly, leaning forward. The movement caused her necklace to dangle tantalizingly above her cleavage. "My brother Garlan has been itching for a proper fight. Taking Casterly Rock would cement your rule over the Westerlands."

She was right, of course.

The Rock had never fallen to invasion in its entire history—until Daenerys had taken it in the show, using the exact same strategy I was proposing now.

Yara drummed her fingers on the table. "My ships can blockade Lannisport while Tyrell forces approach from the east. We'll choke them from both directions."

I nodded approvingly. "Exactly what I was thinking."

Turning to Sansa, I noticed how she sat a bit straighter, anticipating her assignment. There was something endearing about her eagerness to please, so different from Margaery's calculated seduction or Yara's disciplined cooperation.

"Now, Sansa dearest," I said, softening my tone slightly. "While they wage war, we must maintain peace at home. The city's orphanages are overflowing with children left behind by the recent conflicts. I want you to oversee their care and organization. Reach out to Kinvara, she’ll help."

Her face fell slightly, though she tried to hide it. This wasn't the grand military command her companions had received.

"It may seem a small thing," I added, "but these children will remember who showed them kindness when they grow up. Build their loyalty now, and it will serve us for decades to come."

Sansa composed herself, nodding with renewed determination. "I understand, Your Grace. I shall see it done."

She doesn’t have any real talents yet, I acknowledged silently, but this keeps her safely in King's Landing while giving her something meaningful to focus on. She wasn't ready for the kind of political machinations that would be required elsewhere.

"Ros," I said, turning to my Mistress of Whispers. "What news of the Second Sons? Have they received my summons?"

Ros unrolled a small scroll. "They've already departed Dorne, Your Grace. They should arrive within a fortnight, according to their latest message."

She paused, her expression growing more serious. "However, my little birds bring troubling news from Dorne itself. Prince Doran has intensified weapon production throughout his lands. Training has tripled, and they're stockpiling provisions at key fortresses."

"Fucking hells," I growled, slamming my fist on the table. "They're preparing for war even though I’ve been giving them continuous chances to back off."

I had to stop them before they’d force me to make an example out of them all. I didn’t want to kill my own people mindlessly, there was no point in it, especially since we’d need every hand we could find against the White Walker.

But at this rate, what else could I do to stop Dorne other than raining flames?

Oh, wait. There was something… A piece clicked together in my mind suddenly—a realization that made perfect sense. I turned to Yara.

"You raided Pentos, you said?” I asked. “Did you happen to see any Golden Company ships in the harbor?"

Yara frowned, thinking back. "Not personally, no. But now that you mention it, one of my captains was delayed there. And later, he reported that he had to flee when several large ships flying the Golden Company standard arrived."

I stood abruptly, excitement coursing through me. "That's it! The false Aegon must be in Pentos as I’d theorized." I grinned. I’d anticipated so, but without proper information, I didn’t want to risk a few days flying there in these trying times.

Now?

Now things just shifted a little.

My thoughts raced ahead. Aegon must be thinking that—if he landed in Dorne with the Golden Company, combining their forces with Dorne's spears, and perhaps the Lannisters on the other side of the map, they could potentially marshal enough strength to challenge me, especially with a dragon at their command.

Unfortunately for them, now I'm aware of their plan.

"Change of plans, Yara," I announced, circling the table slowly. "Leave Margaery to deal with Casterly Rock for now. I want you to bring your entire fleet to the Dornish coast. I’ll grant you dozens of ships from my shipyard as well."

"To attack Dorne?" she asked, a little worried, but her eyes didn’t look fearful.

"No, actually. I merely want you to be seen," I explained. "A show of force. Prince Doran needs to understand that any aggressive move will be met with overwhelming response. I want your ships visible from every Dornish port and watchtower."

I leaned against the back of Margaery's chair, my fingers lightly brushing her shoulder. "This will split their attention. If Aegon and the Golden Company are in Penton and perhaps soon planning to come to Dorne, this act will take Dorne out of the equation momentarily. It will buy me time to play the real game in Pentos."

Yara nodded slowly, understanding dawning. "Clever."

"By the time your ships appear on Dorne’s horizon," I continued, a small smile playing on my lips, "I believe I'll be able to resolve this entire situation.” With fire and blood, I added silently. “There won’t be any need to battle the Dornish, for their trump card will be no more by then."

“Will you be alright? I feel like you’re planning this hastily…” Ros said, her face etched with worry.

"I’ll be fine,” I told her, turning to Yara, “How soon can your fleet depart?"

She stood up slowly, already mentally preparing. "Three days to gather all my scattered captains. We'll sail on the fourth morning."

"Perfect," I said, straightening up. "And with that, I believe our business is concluded for today."

As everyone rose to leave, I caught Yara's arm. "Wait a moment. There's something else I need to discuss with you. Privately."

The Iron Queen raised an eyebrow but remained behind as the others filed out. "Now then," I said, turning to Yara with a predatory smile, "let's talk about the details of your mission..."

She’d made this entire situation much easier by confirming the Golden Company’s presence in Pentos. So, I was going to experiment on her a little with my System, and also reward her further for her fine performance.

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