Benella's Valor

King's Landing, the Red Keep.

The Council Hall.

"Lady Maris of Storm's End sent a raven, offering to send eight hundred men to support the Crown Prince."

"Lady Margaery of Highgarden feels the same way. She's willing to send fifteen hundred men, along with half the fleet from Blue Anchor Island."

Master of Laws Jasper and Master of Coin Lyman reported one after the other.

"Not bad. Add the Velaryon family fleet, and we'll have an army of over three thousand."

Viserys sat at the head of the table, smiling with satisfaction.

He thought his grandson's declaration of war was a little childish.

An army of three thousand would have no trouble taking the Iron Islands, but the Serpentine Isles would require more consideration.

"Your Grace."

Grand Maester Orvel hesitated, as though he wanted to say something.

Rhaenyra sat at the head of the table on the left and interrupted him. "Father, you should ask about the demands attached to their support."

Her expression was troubled, almost despondent.

Viserys scratched his chin and asked in confusion, "What outrageous conditions?"

"Yes." Rhaenyra sounded impatient. She sneered, "The Black Widow of Highgarden wants to betroth her brother, Duke Lyonel, to Visenya. It's nothing short of blackmail."

Viserys frowned at once.

And that wasn't all. Grand Maester Orvel quickly added, "According to Lady Erryn of Storm's End, Prince Aemond killed Lady Maris's betrothed under the pretext of a tourney. Now they're spending a great deal of time alone together."

The betrothed in question had been the late Cassandra's lover, Ser Steve of the Eyrie.

"What did you say?!"

Viserys was so stunned that he thought he'd misheard.

His third son, Aemond, was already married to Lady Selyse of House Celtigar.

They'd been married for years without having children, and their relationship was on