Danyla's words immediately silenced Earl Hightower. Still, he wanted to do everything he could to secure better terms for House Hightower.
"Ah! I wish I had never fathered that bastard!"
"Your Highness, I just counted. There are thirty-two members of the main Hightower line who must go to King's Landing this time. House Hightower cannot produce so many Gold Dragons all at once!"
"Could you perhaps..."
Danyla interrupted Earl Hightower with a cold laugh.
"Do you take me for a fool because I am young, my lord?"
"As the largest city and trading center in Westeros, Oldtown receives untold wealth every day. Yet you, its lord, are telling me House Hightower cannot come up with a mere sum of less than ten million Gold Dragons?"
At that, Danyla rose from her seat and approached Earl Hightower, her expression icy.
"While a Targaryen is still treating you courteously, I hope you will know when to stop pushing, my lord. After all, I would hate to see prosperous Oldtown meet the same fate as your Hightower gardens."
"Either stealing a Dragon Egg or hiring Faceless Men to assassinate a royal princess would be enough to strip House Hightower of its titles and wipe out your entire family!"
Danyla's powerful, chilling presence instantly brought cold sweat to Earl Hightower's forehead.
"Y-Your Highness, we have been wrongfully accused! We knew nothing of Mund's actions, and we certainly never hired Nameless Men to assassinate you! That is precisely why House Hightower dares to go to King's Landing with clear consciences and explain everything to His Majesty!"
Emily hurried to support him.
"Your Highness, every word my father said is true. We were utterly stunned when we received the news."
"I swear in the name of the Seven that House Hightower is absolutely loyal to His