The chilled ale slid down his throat, but it could not quench the thoughts churning in Earl Lyonel Strong, Hand of the King, on this summer night.
He set down his empty cup, and his gaze passed over the noisy crowd once more to settle on his second son, Larys Strong. Larys still stood in a corner beside his elder brother, Harwin Strong, wearing a gentle smile and occasionally nodding along with the bold declarations Harwin made amid the people surrounding him.
But only Lyonel knew what lay behind those unguarded, heartfelt smiles.
He suddenly recalled a night more than half a month ago.
It had been meant to be an ordinary family dinner. He had specifically asked his dear friend Viserys for leave, securing half a day of leisure. Even after growing displeased at his sons' lateness, he had still had the kitchen prepare Harwin's favorite roast leg of lamb and the lemon pie Larys liked.
Yet by late afternoon, with the sun sinking westward, neither son had returned.
Lyonel sat at the dining table, watching the food slowly grow cold, his expression darkening by the moment.
It was not that he had never considered sending servants to find them, but he truly did not want to spoil the good mood he had looked forward to all morning. Both boys were grown, after all; too strict a hand would only backfire. Especially from an "irresponsible" father who had been absent for most of their lives.
Only when the sun had sunk low in the west did Larys slowly push open the door, leaning on his cane.
Fortunately, he had been clean and carried no trace of alcohol. At the sight of Lyonel's gloomy face, he bowed slightly and quietly said, "Father."
That had barely been enough to get him