Mastered 2

Alleras shrugged. "Obviously, you already know this was an order issued to me by the Conclave—the Citadel's governing body."

Samwell's eyes widened. Surprise covered his fleshy face, and his mouth fell slightly open. "The Conclave?"

Leo Tyrell stepped forward with elegant strides, placing a hand on Samwell's broad shoulder. He leaned in as though sharing a secret. "He isn't here merely to see you off. He'll be joining you on this journey."

Samwell grew even more bewildered. "You mean... Assistant Maester Alleras is leaving with me?"

"How... how could that be?" His gaze shifted back and forth between Alleras and Leo, trying to find some clue on their faces and unravel this sudden "mystery."

"Are you suddenly thinking they're being terribly rude..."

Leo had barely begun before Alleras, his face full of impatience, reached out and forcefully pushed Leo's handsome face away from Samwell's fat one. Frowning, he cut in, "Enough, Leo. Stop making trouble and let me explain."

His eyes turned to Samwell, his expression becoming slightly grave. "Everyone in the Seven Kingdoms knows that the Lord Regent is about to welcome back Princess Daenerys Targaryen. The Conclave judged that the Princess of Dragonstone, newly returned to Westeros, urgently needed the Citadel's aid. So they decided to send someone to assist her, teach her, and protect her. I am the one they chose."

At this, more sweat beaded on Samwell's forehead. He stammered, "B-but... surely... surely such an arrangement should first have Princess Daenerys's consent? Acting rashly without permission, what if it angers her..."

Leo immediately chimed in, a sly smile at the corner of his lips. "That's why I said they lack manners. I only hope the Targaryen princess doesn't misunderstand their so-called... 'good intentions.'"

As he spoke, he teasingly patted the maester of The Whispers, who was