"If the highest governing body of the Seven Kingdoms can be short almost half its members, I don't know whether to call this Small Council an empty sham meant to fool people, or admire the lords here for being so all-knowing and all-powerful that four of you can perfectly handle the work of seven."
"But that isn't right either! Weren't seven seats established on the Small Council precisely to conform to the teachings of the Faith of the Seven?"
"Oldtown has the Citadel to teach knowledge and the Starry Sept to guide moral conduct. How is it that Lord Otto, who comes from Oldtown's ruling family, pays no heed whatsoever to such fundamental matters of right and wrong, yet still has the time to meddle in other lords' internal affairs?"
Danyla spoke swiftly and mercilessly, her words carried by the bright, lilting voice unique to a young girl. For a moment, several of the ministers present were left utterly stunned.
Having momentarily cowed Otto, Danyla walked slowly up to him and said in a low, contemptuous voice,
"You can't even manage your own duties, yet you insist on watching everyone else. With such confused priorities and such character, it would take a visit from the White Walkers for you to manage relations between two realms properly!"
Mocked and attacked so openly by a ten-year-old girl, the proud Otto could no longer remain seated. He rose to his feet and angrily protested to King Jaehaerys,
"This is simply unbelievable!"
"A royal princess dares to attack and abuse the Hand of the King at a meeting of the Small Council!"
"This is the gravest possible insult and affront to the Small Council."
"And this matter must be discussed by the Small Council!"
Jaehaerys remained entirely unmoved. He raised a hand to stop