The Temptation of the Rose 2

Candlelight flickered as the parchment pages turned slowly between Gryn's knobby fingers, making a faint rustling sound.

Pycelle seemed to hesitate, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed, the loose skin of his neck wrinkled like layers of dead leaves.

His fingertips stroked the edge of the page as Gryn glanced at the old maester, his tone still casual. "Is there a problem?"

At the sound of the king's voice, Pycelle's hunched back instantly stiffened, only for his shoulders to shrink reflexively a moment later.

His age-spotted hands clenched the hem of his robe. Pycelle spoke pitifully, "Most wise Your Majesty, that year... after King's Landing fell, Tywin... that traitor allowed his soldiers to burn, kill, and plunder. The blood of innocents stained this city of kings red."

Pycelle wiped at the corner of his eye and said painfully, "He truly deserved to die!"

After a pause, Gryn finally lifted his gaze from the page and said to Pycelle, "The innocent dead should be compensated. Although Aerys II failed in his duty to protect the people, the rebellion has been quelled, and the Targaryen-Crabb royal house naturally has an obligation to offer solace."

Upon hearing this, Grand Maester Pycelle was stunned. He rose from his chair and gave Gryn a deep bow, saying through choked sobs, "Your Majesty is merciful. On behalf of those innocent and pitiable people... I... thank you!"

Tears streamed down his aged face. "Thank you... so very much..."

Gryn raised a hand and pressed it down, signaling Pycelle to sit. "I will have the Great Sept of Baelor assist you. See this matter properly handled, for those departed souls and fallen heroes."

Pycelle wiped away his tears again, his dry lips trembling as he forced out his voice. "Thank you for your trust, my king."

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