The Iron Bank's envoy and Melisandre entered the Throne Room, one after the other.
A dark red carpet stretched to the foot of the dais.
Atop the dais stood the menacing Iron Throne.
Aegon sat upon it, clad in black armor, with silver hair and purple eyes.
The two stopped before the dais and bowed.
Melisandre offered the salute of a priestess of the Red God, her red robes striking in the dim light.
She stepped aside, her eyes lowered.
After delivering an impeccable bow, the Iron Bank's envoy maintained a respectful bearing, though his eyes discreetly surveyed everything.
"Thank you for making the long journey."
Aegon's voice drifted down from above, level and calm.
"It is no hardship to serve Your Highness."
The envoy raised his head, a practiced smile settling over his face.
"I have come regarding the loan Your Highness previously took out with the Iron Bank of Braavos. All three installments have now been delivered to Lys."
"Under the terms of the agreement, the first interest payment is now due. However..."
He paused briefly, allowing just the right degree of difficulty into his tone.
"The lady governor of Lys claims that funds are tight and that she has no authority to dispose of the pledged assets."
"I therefore had no choice but to cross the sea and come to the Western Continent in person, to seek an audience with Your Highness and resolve this matter properly."
Aegon tapped a finger lightly against the armrest.
"With the Western Expedition imminent, funds are indeed stretched thin everywhere. Moreover, Lys, Tyrosh, and Myr have now been incorporated into my princely domain under my direct rule. Their lands and sovereign rights form the foundation of my power. They are not things to be casually divided up and pledged."
The smile