The King's Strategy

Besides Tywin, Jon, and Robert, Stark was naturally one of Princess Arianne's targets of hatred.

Sometimes, she even felt that the true culprit behind that rebellion had been the utterly foolish Starks.

Love was both wonderful and impulsive.

Rhaegar had merely taken a Stark daughter as his lover, yet Rickard Stark—Eddard's father—had rashly barged into the Red Keep to demand an explanation from King Aerys over the king's heir?!

From her father and uncle, she had learned that Aunt Elia's marriage had been happy and fulfilling.

Moreover, her aunt had already borne Prince Rhaegar Targaryen heirs with Martell blood. So what if Rhaegar had taken an entire battalion's worth of lovers?

This should have become one of Prince Rhaegar's amusing tales passed down throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Yet because of House Stark's recklessness and stupidity, it ultimately turned into a rebellion across the Seven Kingdoms, resulting in the tragic deaths of her aunt, niece, and nephew.

Princess Arianne's hand tightened around the armrest.

She bared her teeth in a faint smile. "To be honest, I can't hold any expectations for Stark."

Mace, the Hand of the King seated opposite Arianne, unusually echoed her view. Stroking his carefully trimmed goatee, he said gravely, "If Winterfell can show greater initiative and move closer to the Red Keep, that would be a good beginning for rebuilding trust between both sides."

Lord Brynden Tully had attended the Small Council as a Small Council Advisor. After hearing the Hand of the King and the Master of Laws speak, his lips moved slightly as though he wanted to say something, but he ultimately remained silent.

Grand Maester Pycelle discreetly observed the king's expression. His maester's chain softly clinked as his aged voice rose. "Your Majesty, my lords, the kingdom has entered autumn, which means winter will