Chapter 289: Conflict Between Hightower’s Father and Daughter

"Your Grace, I do not approve of this matter."

While Lyonel hesitated, Lyman Beesbury raised his hand to express his position. The old man from Honeyholt frowned as he spoke slowly, "In the early days of the kingdom, there was no precedent for advance payments from the treasury. It does not align with our established rules."

Though over fifty years old and gradually slowing in thought, his political acumen remained sharp. He prioritized maintaining the court's dignity above all else.

Viserys, pleased to hear a suggestion that resonated with him, smiled warmly. "Lord Lyman makes a valid point."

Lyonel, after a brief hesitation, responded, "However, without an advance from the treasury, the construction of the Prince's Palace will be delayed."

He pulled a letter from his chest and placed it on the conference table. The letter clearly stated that several nobles had suffered losses, making it difficult to provide building materials. It was filled with excuses and requests.

Viserys frowned. "Can't we rotate the responsibility to other noble houses first?"

Lyonel found himself at a loss for words.

Otto, breaking his silence, subtly reminded, "Your Grace, the noble houses who provided the materials are still dealing with the aftermath of the disaster inland. The coastal houses may also be struggling..."

His meaning was clear: this situation was more than just bad luck; it was likely someone was intentionally causing trouble. Rotating a few noble houses wouldn't resolve the issue.

Viserys, not a fool, sensed the undercurrent of discontent among the Stormlands bannermen. In his mind, he labeled it "malicious provocation."

Without rushing to take a position, he scanned the advisers and asked, "Given your insights, how should the court respond?"

Though his instincts told him one thing, he wanted to hear the small council's opinions.

"Your Grace, the Stormlands did suffer a natural disaster recently. Perhaps a careful and thorough investigation is warranted," suggested Jasper, the Master of Laws, before Lyonel or Otto could propose anything.

Jasper had black curly hair, a shapely beard, and a serious square face.

Lyonel disagreed. "A thorough investigation is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The court should directly assert its authority."

"It's about the court's reputation, and there may be no clear leads for an investigation," Lyonel continued.

Jasper, crossing his arms, smiled lightly. "The nobles of the Stormlands have always been loyal. We could ask Lord Borros to look into thismatter."

"Lord Borros has just assumed his position. He might not have the experience to manage such a complex issue," Lyonel retorted, his tone resistant.

The Baratheon family oversaw the Stormlands, making Borros investigating akin to a thief investigating their own crime.

Jasper, hiding his insecurity, replied, "Lord Lyonel, every region has its own challenges. Beingforceful won't win favor."

Lyonel's face darkened, a fire kindling in his heart. "Lord Jasper, I have reason to suspect you harbor selfish motives to protect your own fiefdom."

A tense silence fell over the council hall.

Mellos and Lyman raised their heads, surprised at Lyonel's rigid and resolute stance.

Otto remained calm and habitually silent.

Bang—

Jasper slammed his hands on the table, his face red with indignation. "Lord Lyonel, I hold the same rank as you. Your insults demean both ofus."

Lyonel remained stern and unmoved, about toretort when someone else interrupted.

Thud—

A stone ball dropped into its slot, the sounddrawing everyone's attention.

Rhaenyra, who had remained silent, rose gracefully, smoothing her skirts. Her bright eyes were icy as she spoke. "Lord Jasper, the blatant defiance of the Stormlands nobles is evident. Is an investigation really necessary?"

Jasper, though intimidated by the imposing princess, continued to argue. "Perhaps there are hidden factors at play."

He had received a letter from Lord Borros, who admitted to struggling with his unruly bannermen and had asked for support in court. In exchange, Borros promised a marriage alliance, offering his daughter to Jasper's son.

"Lord Jasper, your reasoning is insufficient," Rhaenyra said, her voice edged with anger. "This is a test of the local nobles' loyalty to the crown. They must be firmly reprimanded."

The interference with the Prince's Palaceconstruction was a direct affront to the royalfamily. With Rhaegar absent from King's Landing, Rhaenyra felt compelled to assert her stance.

Jasper hesitated, then weakly defended, "Even so, this is not directly tied to Lord Borros."

"Hmph, you're mistaken," Rhaenyra retorted sharply. "At Lord Boremund's funeral, Aegon and Daemon disrupted the proceedings, angeringLord Borros. This incident is well-known acrossthe Seven Kingdoms."

Her blunt statement cut through the formalities, exposing the true issue. Jasper, speechless, satdown in frustration.

Lyonel seized the moment, speaking in a grave tone. "The root of the problem lies with Lord Borros and his dissatisfaction with the royal family."

This was what he had been waiting to say.

Lyman then suggested, "Why not summon Borrosto King's Landing so His Grace can address the issue personally?"

Viserys, reluctant to cause offense, looked to hisindignant daughter for reassurance. "Rhaenyra, sit down and listen to the advisers' counsel."

Rhaenyra pursed her lips, then complied, resting her hands on her back. She couldn't fully take Rhaegar's place, but opening the discussion was a significant step.

Sensing the king's hesitation, the advisers avoided direct confrontation. After a brief murmur of conversation, Otto Hightower rapped the table and spoke firmly. "Your Grace, the tension between the Targaryen and Baratheon Houses is the issue. A marriage alliance could resolve it."

Viserys looked intrigued. "What do you propose?"

Otto, glancing at Alicent, smiled. "Prince Aegon is not yet betrothed, and Lord Borros has four daughters. A marriage could foster harmonybetween our houses."

It was a conventional but effective solution.

Viserys' eyes brightened as he considered the benefits of uniting the families through marriage, which was preferable to conflict.

The advisers mulled over Otto's suggestion, each with their own thoughts.

Lyonel, a staunch supporter of the heir, felt uneasy. He feared that a marriage to the Baratheons, who had their own ambitions, could lead to complications. Yet, he chose not to voice his concerns. The royal family's marital decisions were not for court advisers to meddle in.

Just as the advisors thought the king would agree to the proposal, an unexpected voice rose in opposition.

Alicent frowned in displeasure and looked at her father, Otto. She took a deep breath. "I have discussed with His Grace that Aegon should be united with Helaena and not marry an outsider."

"The Small Council is not aware of this," Otto replied coolly. "Besides, there is nothing wrongwith Prince Aegon marrying the daughter of House Baratheon. It will help unite theStormlands."

"I am the mother of the child, and I disagree," Alicent countered, turning to her husband with a plea in her eyes. "Viserys, you know Helaena's situation. She is not fit to marry outside the family."

Her maternal instincts made her fiercely protective. She didn't want either of her children to be used as political pawns, especially Helaena, whose unique beauty and gentle nature madeAlicent wish to keep her close.

Viserys, feeling the weight of the moment, said softly, "Alicent, there's nothing wrong with Helaena. We are discussing Aegon's marriage."

Privately, they had indeed discussed the children's marriages. With Rhaegar and Rhaenyra's unions already settled, Alicent focused on Aegon and Helaena, favoring intrafamily marriages to keep the bloodline pure and strong.

Alicent, frustrated by her husband's evasiveness, snapped. "In short, I do not agree. My children's marriages should be decided by me."

She shot a warning glance at her father, Otto,across the table. Though she was defiant, she still feared opposing him openly. Seeking an excuse, she added, "Aegon and Daemon disrupted the funeral, and Rhaegar was also present. We should wait for Rhaegar to return and discuss it together."

She believed Rhaegar would oppose Aegon's marriage to a Baratheon, allowing her to keep her children close.

Viserys, momentarily distracted by thoughts ofRhaegar, asked, "Rhaegar has been away for a long time. Has there been any word on when he will return?"

"He's been gone nearly a month. I think it will be soon," Rhaenyra replied quickly.

Viserys looked around, his gaze lingering on Alicent and Otto. He murmured, "In that case, let's wait for Rhaegar to come back and discuss ittogether."

The meeting had reached an impasse over the marriage issue. Waiting for Rhaegar's returnseemed a sensible solution.

"I'll go find the children, so I'll leave you now,"Alicent said, her voice tinged with relief as she hurried away.

Rhaenyra picked up the stone ball, her expression serious. "Lord Borros does not honor the royal family. Let's wait for Rhaegar to come back to negotiate a solution."

She was indifferent to the politics of the marriage, but determined to point out the disloyalty of the Baratheon House.

The royal meeting concluded. The advisers stood and bowed before leaving.

Rhaenyra accompanied her father as he walkedback to his chambers. Just as they were about to part ways, a muffled voice called out.

"Princess," Grand Maester Mellos said from behind.

Rhaenyra's heart skipped a beat as she turned. "Is there news from Rhaegar?"

"A letter from Volantis, sealed with the three-headed red dragon," Mellos said, producing an envelope from his pocket. His bald head gleamed slightly as he bowed.

(Word count: 1,532)