Viserys said nothing. He knew Doran still had more to say.
Sure enough, Doran continued, "You killed Lysa Tully and her son, who was only seven-the last of House Arryn's bloodline. And you used the Moon Door, the very means House Arryn used to execute murderers and traitors. Then you had House Royce take control of the Vale as your future vassals. That part I certainly approve of. House Royce has the strength to govern the Vale."
"But that child, Robert Arryn, was not even eight. In my view, there was no need to go so far. Even in our blood feud over Elia, we never sought to kill every member of House Lannister, only the murderers."
"Sometimes, only by leaving others a chance to live can you earn their acceptance. That has been the unwritten rule on this continent for many years. The only two exceptions, Garth Greenhand and Harlon Blackheart, were both your family's doing. Now we must add the Arryns of the Vale."
Viserys met his gaze. He could tell that Doran did not truly care about any of this. He merely wanted to understand Viserys's attitude-or rather, whether he was another Mad King.
"House Arryn took part in and led the Usurper's war against House Targaryen," he said. "They also pledged allegiance to the False King Baratheon. That is treason."
"Treason." Doran repeated the word, his tone holding no mockery, only scrutiny. "So a traitor's bloodline should be wiped out entirely, including a boy not yet eight years old?"
"Yes. Leave the roots when you cut down weeds, and they will grow again with the spring wind. And do not forget that we signed our marriage pact in Braavos. As for why I was in Braavos, I believe you know the reason. If I remember correctly,