After a brief pause, Count Mathis chose to speak plainly. "Your Grace, forgive my presumption, but I do not have the ability to manage the royal treasury."
Gryn gave a slight nod, then looked Mathis over again before suddenly teasing him. "Did you come empty-handed?"
At that, Count Mathis's lips trembled slightly. "Your Grace, I..."
He opened his mouth, then gritted his teeth. "Your Grace Gryn, House Tyrell is loyal."
Gryn's brown eyes shifted as he met Mathis's gaze, his lips parting slightly. "As you say, Lord Mace Tyrell and I govern this kingdom together."
Lowering his eyes, Count Mathis could not help avoiding Gryn's frank gaze. After a stretch of silence, he slowly spoke. "Yes, that is a fact known throughout the Seven Kingdoms."
His fists clenched. Raising his eyes, he looked at the king again. "Your Grace, please permit me to resign from my post as Master of Ships."
Looking at him, the corners of Gryn's lips curled faintly. "Mathis Rowan, are you planning to 'bargain' with me?"
Count Mathis first nodded apologetically to the king. After a pause, he said in a slightly weary tone, "I requested this audience for my liege lord, though my presumptuous actions were not approved by him..."
The hearth fire flickered, and silence fell once more.
Gryn stopped tapping the armrest. "No liege lord likes a vassal acting rashly. That is only natural, Mathis."
Rising from his chair, Gryn moved toward the wine cabinet. As he walked, he said, "You look like an honorable knight preparing to march to his death."
Count Mathis's straight back bent slightly. He leaned against the chairback, somewhat weakly, and forced out his words. "I am only doing my best. I know I am foolish, but..."
Gryn picked up the thought. "But your actions have not tarnished