Chapter 686: The Next Hand

"Oberyn wasn't involved in this matter."

"I believe Prince Doran isn't that foolish either."

Between Viserys and Oberyn, a spectral shadow floated. Jon Clinton gazed mournfully at his wife before settling his eyes on Oberyn.

Oberyn had been his friend. Although they once had a disagreement during a rebellion, Jon never denied their bond.

Now, Jon pondered whether things would have been smoother had Oberyn led the forces to quell the rebellion in Dorne. Given Oberyn's unique status as a Dornish prince, capturing traitors to the Iron Throne would have been a straightforward task. No Dornish House, except House Fowler, would dare oppose him, let alone harbor or protect them.

House Martell's prestige in Dorne was unparalleled. Perhaps they could've apprehended Franklin Fowler without shedding blood. Presented before King's Landing for judgment, considering his surrender, he might've even been given a chance to join the Night's Watch.

Wouldn't that have been a better solution?

No, it certainly wouldn't have been.

Jon knew that the core issue between Dorne and the Iron Throne was far deeper. Otherwise, Prince Doran, father-in-law to the Emperor, would not be so inscrutable.

This matter touched upon Dorne's fundamental interests, tantamount to conquering Dorne without a fight. The Martells wouldn't easily kneel, or their motto wouldn't be 'Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken'.

Jon's campaign, despite its challenges, showcased the martial strength of the Iron Throne, shattering the illusions of some Dornish nobles. If he had successfully retreated, the Dornish issue would have been resolved.

But, Jon had fallen on the battlefield, leading Viserys on a vengeful path of destruction. This disrupted the initial plans between Jon and Viserys.

"To witness one's funeral within one's lifetime," Jon mused, "I believe few have such a privilege."

His spirit, faint and wavering, lingered. Robb, an attendant beside Viserys, felt a sudden chill, an eerie breeze, and coldness on his nape.

"You are already dead," Viserys said, speaking to the void. "It isn't 'within one's lifetime' anymore."

Viserys still stood within the gardens of the Imperial Military Academy, enveloped in a light rain. Soldiers had dug a deep grave, laboring to move Jon's coffin from the carriage.

"Your Majesty? Whom are you speaking to?" A startled red-haired youth, feeling the chill, asked.

On the other side, Empress Arianne, holding Lady Beth's hand, alighted from a carriage. Observing the men, she sensed ambitious individuals stirring after Jon's sudden demise in Dorne. The selection of the next Hand was bound to be bloody.

"Don't grieve, dear sister. Look on the bright side. Thankfully, you carry Lord Clinton's heir, ensuring the legacy of Storm's End," Arianne consoled Beth.

...

"We all mourn Lord Jon's death, Your Majesty," Varys, the Master of Whispers, wearing his vast robe, approached Viserys. Soldiers, chanting in unison, lowered Jon's heavy coffin into the grave. An accident caused one to slip into the watery pit, but he was unharmed.

"Lord Oberyn," Varys greeted and continued, "The position of the Hand is paramount, the emperor's right hand, the empire's chief counselor. I regret bringing this up now, but who do you consider suitable for the role?"

After Jon's unexpected death, the seat of the Hand was vacant. Many, including the Minister of Agriculture, Alistair Florent, began vying for the position. Alistair, with the backing of House Tyrell, considered himself experienced enough to aid the king.

Other governors, like the commander of the Golden Company, Mys Toyn, and Yara Greyjoy of the Iron Islands, also threw their hats into the ring. Some voices in King's Landing even called for the return of previous Hands.

However, the choices were divided: a highly experienced but aged candidate and the unpopular Dornish prince. The voices of support were fragmented.

Among these, Mys Toyn was a likely choice. Although a sellsword by origin, he was a rightful heir to House Toyn. Honest and just, he had led the Golden Company with unity and strength. Jon and Mys had been close allies during their wanderings in Essos.