Dragonstone's Throne Room was vast and cold, its vaulted ceiling built of blackstone. Firelight flickered along the walls, stretching Aegon and Oberyn's shadows into long, stark silhouettes.
Maester Pylos stood below the steps with his head bowed, holding a letter sealed with the Lannister lion. His expression betrayed a measure of caution.
"Read."
The voice came from the throne, cutting through the cavernous hall.
Aegon Targaryen sat upright on the Blackstone Throne, his violet eyes beneath his silver hair utterly calm, as though he were listening to some inconsequential rumor.
Pylos drew a deep breath, steadied his voice, and read each word distinctly:
"To His Highness Aegon Targaryen of Dragonstone..."
"The Hand of the King, Tyrion Lannister, acting in that office, sends his greetings to Your Highness."
"In the name of Joffrey Baratheon I, the rightful King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, we congratulate Your Highness on your return to Dragonstone and your defeat of the rebel Stannis's fleet."
"We have heard that Your Highness crossed the sea in pursuit of righteous vengeance, seeking justice for House Targaryen and Princess Elia Martell. We deeply admire the sincerity of your devotion."
"Yet accounts of Princess Elia's tragedy differ, and the truth remains obscure. Rumor holds that after the Battle of the Trident, when King's Landing fell, Ser Gregor Clegane was implicated in atrocities committed within the Red Keep against Princess Elia Martell and her young children."
"The Small Council cannot ignore such wickedness. His Majesty believes that, as this matter concerns the bloodline of the former royal house and involves crimes of the gravest nature, it must be thoroughly investigated and judged fairly according to the laws of the realm and the will of the gods."
"Should