The day after Danyla returned to the Red Keep, the Small Council convened a public trial of House Hightower. This was a major event for the nobles of the Seven Kingdoms, so every noble in King's Landing arrived at the Red Keep early that morning.
The vast Throne Room was already packed with people, who whispered incessantly among themselves about the punishment House Hightower might face.
Most were gloating or simply there to enjoy the spectacle, though some felt uneasy. After all, plenty of nobles from the other kingdoms had been meddling behind the scenes.
In the Throne Hall, King Jaehaerys sat high upon the Iron Throne. Danyla and Audrey attended him respectfully on either side.
Below the Iron Throne sat the Master of Laws, Lady Florence, and the Master of Coin, Earl Beesbury.
"Bring them in!"
King Jaehaerys gave the order to Ryan, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard standing beside him. Nourished by Dragonfire Wine, the Old King's health had improved considerably, and his voice remained strong and clear.
As King Jaehaerys's voice rang out, the noisy hall fell silent in an instant.
Before long, all the adult men of House Hightower were escorted into the Throne Room by the Kingsguard.
After more than twenty days imprisoned in the Red Keep's Black Cells, Otto Hightower's beard and hair had grown into a tangled mass, leaving him looking utterly bedraggled. His thin, luxurious formal clothes were caked with grime. A sour stench rose from his body, making the noblewomen cover their mouths and noses with their fists.
Earl Hightower and the adult men of his house behind him all hung their heads, looking utterly drained.
Among the crowd, Earl Hightower's wife and the other women of the family immediately grew teary-eyed, their hearts filled with worry and apprehension. The