True Dragon Returns to the Nest 3

Just some bread!

Still basking in everyone's praise, Mace Tyrell instinctively raised his hand to make a grand gesture, but then... his body stiffened.

He suddenly recalled his daughter's warning. Mathis Rowan's remarks at today's Small Council meeting had actually been House Tyrell's little test of Lord Regent Gryn.

"This..."

Hand of the King Mace somewhat awkwardly withdrew his hand and slowly stroked his beard. He could not help but consider Margaery's "secret" speculation about Gryn.

As he thought, he hesitantly said, "Please allow me to give it some thought."

Pycelle's cloudy eyes widened slightly. The look he gave the Hand of the King held a hint of surprise. Was this still the elegant and exceedingly "generous" Lord of Highgarden? His gaze could not help shifting toward the seat of honor.

Gryn first gestured for the shy youth from the Westerlands to pour him wine before speaking. "I think Hand Mace's achievements are already lofty enough."

Everyone's gazes converged on him. He smiled faintly. "I mean for the period ahead. We are all one of our own, and there are some things I have long wanted to... Well, consider this a friendly reminder from me, gentlemen."

Gryn's brown eyes slowly swept over those seated there as he continued, "We are about to welcome back the Targaryen princess. Free Rose Bread is sweet, but human desire cannot be filled. If most of our people become accustomed to free bread, I fear it may put our princess in a difficult position."

He looked toward Hand Mace. "And it could easily lead to unnecessary misunderstandings. For example... by comparison, might the people of King's Landing come to love and admire another person more for being generous and benevolent?"

Another person?!

The eyes of everyone present shifted subtly. Hand Mace's beard-stroking hand paused, and