The Red Keep, the queen mother's bedchamber
The air was thick with the cloying sweetness of wine and the heavy scent of incense.
Cersei Lannister reclined on a couch draped in golden silk, toying with a ruby-studded goblet. The deep purple liquid inside swayed gently with her movements.
Varys stood three paces before her, bowing slightly. His face wore its usual expression of flattery and deference, but there was no warmth in the depths of his eyes.
"Your Grace, forgive this intrusion." His voice was soft, touched with just the right measure of concern. "Some news has arrived from the east that may... warrant a little of your attention. It may concern the kingdom's long-term peace."
Cersei raised her eyes, a trace of languid mockery in their golden depths. "Oh? What interesting scent has our Spider caught now? Let us hear it."
Varys withdrew several densely written sheets of parchment from his sleeve and offered them with both hands.
He did not step forward, merely held them slightly aloft.
A member of the Kingsguard stepped forward, took them, and inspected them before passing them to Cersei.
Cersei accepted them casually but did not read them at once, merely swirling her wine. "Read them aloud. I cannot be bothered with that tiny scrawl."
Varys inclined his head slightly. His voice was steady and clear, as though he were reading an inconsequential account:
"Lys, Tyrosh, and Myr, three of the Free Cities, fell completely under the control of a single power three months ago. Its ruler is named Aegon. He claims to be the son of Rhaegar and Elia, of Targaryen blood."
"This power has now consolidated all the warships of the three cities, estimated at more than twelve hundred vessels, including over three hundred large war galleys. Its troop strength is