Prince Viserys Targaryen
King's Landing was alive with activity; people had come from far and wide for the tournament to be held for Queen Daena's eighteenth nameday. From the north had come the Manderlys and the Starks determined to prove to the rest of Westeros that they could joust just as well as the southern knights, from the south had come the Tyrells and their bannermen to prove their strength, as well as the Yronwoods and the Daynes, to show the kingdom was united for good. The West saw Lord Stevron Lannister and his wife the King's own sister come with their children, as well as the Reynes and the Tarbecks. From the east came Prince Daeron and the Royces, and from the Stormlands came the King's own brother and his family. Viserys had watched them all come into the city, streaming proud as can be, feasts had been held to welcome them all when they had all come, and he had made note of which of the men had looked at the Queen as if she was some object to be consumed, and which of the men had looked at the King in fear.
His years in King's Landing had made him somewhat doubtful of the sincerity of the platitudes that some of the lords and their knights offered the King and the royal family, he was after all the Sea Snake's prodigy, he knew when to tell if a man was bluffing or not. As far as he could tell, the north was firmly behind the king, their platitudes were sincerely meant and would be honoured should the king ever decide to call upon them do so, the Lannisters too meant what they said before the King and Queen, a change of attitudes between the Iron Throne and Casterly Rock, now that Lord Tyland Lannister, the traitor had died. The south though, the Tyrells were tricky customers, the regent for young Leo Longthorn was a prickly old harridan whom Viserys trusted little, and knew that the Queen trusted little as well. The Dornish, now they were also very sincere in their platitudes as well, feeling as if they owed the fact that they were not ash in the ground to the king and so dropping everything to do as the King bid.
The King himself seemed very tired to Viserys, his nephew King Matarys was thirty four and was still strong and handsome as he had been when he had ascended the throne, but still there was much that had worn on him over the years. The planning of the tourney itself had taken much time and effort, with the king insisting he plan most of what would happen, for he loved his wife very much so Viserys knew, and so he wished for it to be special. As such the tourney would last for a week, would see a few days of jousting followed by a melee and then an archery contest. The king had at first wished to take part in the tourney, believing himself still young enough to compete, but the Queen had persuaded him against doing so, saying he would unman those who sought to compete as well. Had it been Jaehara who had suggested such a thing, Viserys knew that the King would have ignored her and participated anyway, but Daena seemed to have a greater hold over Matarys, and he seemed willing to do whatever it was she asked of him. Perhaps explaining why the royal family was now brimming with three daughters, Velena who was five years old, Rhaena who was three and Heleana who was two years old.
The tourney itself passed Viserys by in a whirlwind, the jousting was won of course by his own son Prince Aemon, the heir to Summerhall now that Aegon was dead, Aemon crowned his wife the Queen of Love and Beauty having defeated the Queen's own champions. The melee was won by Lord Laenor Baratheon, the man bringing down all with his sword and war hammer, the archery was won by one Asric Dayne a man whom Lord Marius Yronwood claimed was one of the finest archers in the Seven Kingdoms. The feast to celebrate the end of the tourney was in itself a grand one, there were singers, and many courses, and had this been any other occasion Viserys would have worried how the royal coffers would manage, but the coffers were full, trade was booming what with the embargo on Dorne ended, and Valyria at peace. At the feast there were many toasts and much drinking and revelry, it was one of those moments where Viserys did miss and grieve for his son Aegon, though his son was a brute and a lustful man; he did have a certain charm and life to him, that Aemon did not have. And with the king so busy with the queen, it feel to Viserys to make sure that the guests of the Red Keep were kept suitably entertained, he had never felt so out of place before, he knew the dance of politics and intrigue, but not how to keep a hall full of drunken lords and nobles at peace.
It was surprising that no fights broke out, as the alcohol continued to flow, then again Viserys supposed that with his own reputation the lords were quite reluctant to do anything that could put them in danger, or damage the reputation of their house. That was one of the benefits of being so good at the game, he supposed as he watched the banners disappear into the horizon, people learned to fear you, for they knew not what you knew about them, their darkest secrets could be exposed at any moment, and they could lose their lands or their heads for them, at least some the lords could. Still there were times when Viserys found himself yearning for Aleana's embrace, and the chance to leave behind the intrigues of court, no matter how much he lived for them. He missed his wife, he missed Summerhall and most of all he did miss his brothers, all of them. He still woke up at time sweating from head to toe, with the memories of the Dance, and all those who had betrayed his family, and that was what made him continue to play the game, no matter that his nephew's reign was secure, there were still those lurking in the shadows waiting for the moment to strike. He would not let them take away his home and his family, not again, not ever again.
Once the last of the banners have disappeared, Viserys walked toward the small council chamber, Ser Humfrey Hardying and Ser Bryce Toyne of the Kingsguard walking behind him. They nod their heads and stand guard outside the council doors when he enters, he finds the king already present his head bowed low over some piece of paper, "Your Grace." Viserys says softly, and the king looks up then and his eyes which were weary for a moment soften and then harden once more, the King's face as Viserys as heard Queen Daena call it appears once more. "I did not think to find you here now, I had thought you would have seen the Lannisters of."
"They know I bid them farewell at the feast last night. I did not wish to tarry too long. We have important things to discuss." The king says curtly, and Viserys realises then that things are not all well between the King and his goodbrother, as he had first thought. "Sit down nuncle." The King says, gesturing to the chair to his right. Viserys sit, and then a moment passes then the King speaks. "Word came from Valyria whilst we were having the tourney. It seems Aenar Volcarys has given Ibben their independence."
This news does surprise Viserys, he never thought he would live to see the day when House Volcarys decided to give a land its freedom, he remembers his uncle in fragmented memories, and he knows Baelon Volcarys would never had agreed to such a measure. "In what level have they given Ibben their independence Your Grace?" Viserys enquires softly.
The King looks at the letter once more and then says. "As a protectorate, but with one condition, they cannot declare war on anybody without Volantis's permission. That is what I do not understand, who would Ibben be able to declare war on now? Valyria is all but complete, and Westeros is strong and safe. Where would they attack? The Summer Islands?"
Viserys looks at his nephew then and says softly. "Most likely yes. Ibben and the Summer Islands though they are far away from one another, have always held a strong dislike of each other. Though I doubt much will come of it now. Both we and Aenar Volcarys have dragons. They will not threaten us, though there is the issue of the Arbor." With that the council door opens and the rest of the council walk in, tall and strong master of laws Alexander Blackrush, master of coin Lord Cregan Stark, master of ships Lord Alyn Velaryon, master of whispers Lord Aelix Stonefyre, Grand Maester Godrick Manderly and finally Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Ser Madden Darry.
Once all the members of the small council are seated, the King speaks once more, this time his tone is strong and confident. "My lords, I trust you enjoyed the festivities of the past week. Whilst I am loath to end them, I know that we must do so to ensure that the realm continues to run peacefully and without too much trouble. I thought you all might like to know that the war between Valyria and Ibben has ended with Ibben being named a protectorate by King Aenar Volcarys."
There is some murmuring at that, and then Lord Aelix speaks. "What of it Your Grace? Ibben is a protectorate but they will not do anything without leave from Volantis we shall have nothing to fear now that the savage Nur Savar is adorning a spike above the walls of the black palace."
Viserys sees his nephew bristle slightly, but thankfully he manages to stay his harsh tongue and merely says. "I know that Lord Aelix, but I simply thought the council would like to know that our worries were unfounded. Now I would like to know how progress is going with the setting up of the royal bank, Lord Stark?" Viserys nods at his nephew then in pride, after Aenar Volcarys had conquered Bravos, the King had decided that it would be in the Iron Throne's interest if a royal bank was set up, and as such it fell to Cregan Stark as master of coin to look into setting such a thing up. As such the bank had been set up some two years ago after Stark had found the relative contacts to make such a thing happen, but as of late the bank had run into a bit of a snag.
Stark's voice is monotone when he replies. "It goes well Your Grace. I have spoken with the envoy from Bravos, and they now understand why we wrote to them to end our agreement with them ahead of schedule. The envoy told me that King Aenar now understands what we wish, and bids us well in our endeavours. The construction of the royal bank on Visenya's Hill is near completion."
The King nods and then asks. "How much will this all cost us Lord Stark?"
Lord Stark remains silent for a moment before saying. "Roughly around 20,000 dragons Your Grace. But with the money coming in from trade and the taxes on the harvest from autumn that we have left over, we shall be able to afford paying it all off within a few months."
"That is good Lord Stark," the king says. "Now how much has this tournament cost us as well? And what crimes have happened in the city whilst we all turned out backs?"
Lord Stark speaks once more. "The tourney cost the royal coffers some 50,000 dragons but with the money coming in from all those who took part in the tourney and the other activities throughout the city, we have more than enough money to cover it all. As for crime well that is the matter for Lord Alexander."
Viserys sees his nephew nod once before turning to look at Lord Alexander Blackrush, Lord of Blackrush castle. He vaguely remembers the boy's grandfather, Lord Daven Blackrush, a close friend of Viserys grandfather and father, and someone who instilled loyalty and truthfulness in all of his children. Lord Alexander is a quiet man, one who rarely speaks unless asked to. "There were two knifings during the week of the tourney Your Grace. One of them was between two common men, Ser Luthor has had them both whipped and one took the black. The second knifing was between a Dornishman and a Reachman, over the war of conquest."
Viserys sighs, and Matarys says. "What did the gold cloaks do about that?"
Lord Alexander swallows once and then says. "They arrested the Reachman who stabbed the Dornishman and had the Dornishman looked at and his wounds tended to, they then brought the matter before their respective lords. The Reachman was sent to the Wall and the Dornishman was pardoned by Lord Yronwood and sent back to Dorne before the end of the tourney."
The King nods, and then the talk turns to the heart of the matter. "Nuncle you mentioned that there were things concerning the Arbor that we needed to discuss I would discuss these issues now."
Viserys nods, and then unfurls a piece of parchment which he had received before the tourney was held. He looks down at it once and then speaks aloud. "A raven came from the Arbor a week ago before the tourney was held for the Queen's nameday celebrations. It states that Lord Derrick Volmark has died along with his wife and his twin children. He leaves behind no heirs either in the form of uncles, aunts or cousins. As such the Arbor is now up for grabs, and Lord Tyrell's regent has requested we look into the matter."
There is a moment silence before the King speaks. "Well then my lords, we know what we must do. With House Volmark of the arbor dead, how likely is it that the mainland Blacktydes will press a claim?"
Grand Maester Godrick speaks then, his voice ponderous. "Not very Your Grace. Lord Borros Volmark was the second son of Lord Gorius Volmark, but when he married the Greyjoy girl on orders of your father, he was disinherited by his father on the belief that no iron islander should wed a Greenlander. As such, King Valarr decreed that House Volmark of the main branch would never hold the Arbor should Borros family come to an end as it has now. As such it seems that either the Greyjoys themselves by ancient degree from King Orys' time could stake a claim. Alternatively the Rowans, the Oakhearts and the Tyrells themselves have a claim to the Arbor through the female line through ancient times."
"That would not do." Lord Aelix says. "To have the Tyrells holding the Arbor. The reason they were never given the Arbor by the Gardener kings of old and even the Conqueror, was because they have always been ambitious, it is not likely that they will stop protesting some Dornish slight if we give them the Arbor, they will then have the fleet to back up whatever aggression they have."
Viserys speaks then and says. "Lord Aelix speaks truly Your Grace. Give the Arbor to the Tyrells, and we will have another war between the Reach and Dorne on our hands. No better to give the Arbor to someone who will not be so foolish to bring death and destruction to Westeros once more. Salem Hightower is wed to Margaery Oakheart is he not? Perhaps he could be given the Arbor?"
Grand Maester Godrick speaks then. "It could work Your Grace. Ser Salem Hightower is your own cousin and fought loyally and bravely for the crown in Dorne, he is a third son with no chance of inheriting the Oldtown. It would do well to heal old wounds as well Your Grace."
Old wounds, Viserys thinks, yes old wounds the Hightowers brought upon themselves when they rebelled alongside the usurper, still he keeps his voice silent and waits for the King to speak. "What say the rest of you? Will Ser Salem Hightower make a good Lord of the Arbor?"
Lord Aelix speaks then. "Such a thing would make sense. The Hightowers fought bravely for Your Grace in Dorne and gave much in the way of knowledge and expertise in regards to our dealings with Valyria. It would be good as well as it would mean the Ironborn do not hold so much power as to cause worry amongst the mainland lords."
Lord Alyn Velaryon who has remained surprisingly quiet during discussion speaks now. "Aye it makes sense Your Grace. The Hightowers are a proud bunch, give them the Arbor and they will be yours till the end. I say we go for it."
Lords Stark and Blackrush agree with the measure and soon enough Matarys ends the meeting by asking Grand Maester Godrick to issue a decree stating that Ser Salem Hightower will be forth known as Lord Salem Hightower, Lord of the Arbor and Commander of the Arbor Fleet. The missive is sent out the next day, and some two weeks later Ser Salem and his wife come to King's Landing to be formally declared as Lord and Lady of the Arbor, thus ensuring the Hightowers remain onside for the rest of time. Lord Maegon Hightower is not such a fool to reject such a prodigious offer for his grandson.
A moon passes by in which Viserys spends time collecting reports and dealing with court and council, as well as ensuring his son will have enough time to become secure in ruling Summerhall once he is no longer alive, in that time, Queen Daena gives birth to yet another daughter, whom she and the king name Serena, the talk begins once more about the lack of a male heir, and how perhaps there might be a need to set the Queen aside, though none say this in the open where the King or the master of whispers can hear, they often forget about Viserys own little mice who scamper the corridors and passageways of the Red Keep. That is how he learns of what Lord Velaryon is attempting and of the man's affair with Lady Sansa Tully, one of the Queen's ladies in waiting.
He begins making plans for dealing with Lord Velaryon when a raven comes from the castellan on Dragonstone, Queen Dowager Baela Targaryen has fallen ill, and requests the King's presence before she passes on, and all falls into chaos in preparation for the King's departure, so much so that Viserys misses the hooded man waiting in his chambers the night he comes back from a council meeting until a sheet is put over his head.