A week later, in the Great Hall of the Main Keep on Dragonstone.
Viserys sat at the head of the table, with Duke Clinton, Duke Arthur, and Duke William all in attendance. Just yesterday, the Empire's second contingent of troops had reached Crackclaw Point and begun landing.
This time, Rhaenys sat beside Viserys, studying the map before her intently. Margaery sat farther down the table, holding a roll of parchment-the letter she had just received from Highgarden.
"We've confirmed the strength of the garrison in King's Landing." Duke Clinton pointed to the Red Keep on the map. "Only two thousand Gold Cloaks and one thousand Lannister soldiers. Three thousand men in all."
"What about Tywin?" Viserys asked.
"Still in the Riverlands," Duke Clinton said. "He's facing off against Roose Bolton of the North and can't spare himself."
He looked at King's Landing on the map. "The walls of King's Landing may be high, but its defenses aren't strong. We have dragonfire to breach them. That won't be a problem."
At that point, Duke Arthur spoke up. "King's Landing is densely populated. If we storm it, civilian casualties will be immense."
"Then force them to surrender," Duke William said. "We'll blockade the sea routes, cut off their supplies, and besiege them without attacking. The food in King's Landing won't last two weeks."
"Cersei won't surrender," Viserys suddenly said.
"Cersei Lannister isn't the sort of person who surrenders. She'd sooner burn all of King's Landing than hand over the Iron Throne." He paused before continuing. "And that Joffrey is even crazier than she is. The boy has been spoiled rotten since childhood."
Everyone looked at Viserys, but no one answered.
Viserys continued, "I have someone on the inside in King's Landing. I know their temperaments very well. That leaves us no choice