Queen to be

Next morning, during the breakfast I see that my father's mood wasn't well. I took my seat and asked him," Why are you in a bad mood early in the morning father? Did something happen?"

"It's the stepstones. Our ship was seized again, and the goods were sold off in various markets of free cities. This time it was very high-quality goods. The losses were high." My father responded while growling. Laena was uneasy seeing my father's mood. Me and my mother just looked at each other and said nothing.

After breakfast, "Follow me to the small council chambers today." My father said in no-nonsense tone.

Soon we reached the small council chambers, The kingguard opened the door and my father went in with large gait followed by me.

"Four ships have now been lost. The last one was flying my banner. The Stepstones have now grown into a conflagration, yet you sit here and dither about court business." My father started raging as soon as he went in.

"If you've something to discuss, Lord Corlys—" Ser Otto was about to say something but my father stopped him in the middle and said,

"I want to know what is to be done about my ships and my men."

"The Crown will compensate you for your ship and crew, and make an offering to the men's families." Ser otto said with a tone as if he is giving some charity.

"I don't want compensation." My father growled. And continued, "I want to seize the Stepstones by force and burn out this Crabfeeder."

"I am not prepared to start a war with the Free Cities." This time it was the king.

"These pirates are not the Free Cities." My father quipped.

"Who do you think provides them with their ships and tender?" The king asked.

"In all of its history, my lord, the Seven Kingdoms have never entered open w*r with the Free Cities. Were that to happen, the losses would be incalculable." Lord Beesbury followed up.

"What reason does the Crabfeeder have to fear us?" My father walked up to him and continued, "The King's own brother has been allowed to seize Dragonstone and fortify it with an army of his gold cloaks. Daemon has squatted there for over half a year without even a protest from The Crown."

'Woah…that was a low blow father.' I thought

"I'll caution you, Lord Corlys, a seat at the King's table does not make you his equal." Ser Otto stated.

"I have acted, Corlys. I've sent envoys to Pentos and Volantis to see if we might find common cause. Ships and men are at the ready. The Stepstones will be settled in time." The king said in a calm manner with a small smile.

"You have dragonriders, father." It was Rhaenyra."Send us."

"It isn't that simple, Rhaenyra." The king said as he diffused her words.

"It would be a show of force." Rhaenyra followed up to prove her point.

"At least the Princess has a plan." My father said crearly inciting her. Which I didn't like.

"I only meant that we should at least—" As Rhaenyra was about to continue Ser Otto interrupted her.

"Perhaps, there's some better use for the Princess's talents, Your Grace."

"Why don't you take the Princess to see about the new Kingsguard posting, Lord Commander?" The king said to the new Lord commander of Kingsguard.

"A fine idea, Your Grace." Lord commander said as he took away Rhaenyra.

After Rhaenyra left, the room was silent and I Interjected,"If I may, your grace." I asked and the King nodded for me to continue.

"In the past few moons I have been travelling Prontos, Bravos and volatis frequently trying to train myself and my men. In these travels I have made some friends in high places and with right amount of gold they were able to share some news to me." I said.

"Go on." Th king said and I saw that the other council members were looking at me including my father who is sitting now.

"Pentos and Volantis see the stepstones as a westeros problem. They are not inclinedto join us and curb the piracy. As you said earlier your grace, Free cities are indeed supplying these pirates with food, weapon and other necessities but they are not doing it so openly. From my sources I found out that it was the Tyrosh this time that are taking the lead. Myr and Lys are only helping." I said.

While looking at Ser Otto, "It was a wise decision to compensate the losses to our house and men. But may I know how long is the crown prepared to compensate for our losses? Because if we let this piracy continue and let the crab-feeder have his way, then the crown should be prepared to compensate by millions to all the houses that are trading in the realm. And as the days and years pass by this will only be increased. I am sure Maester Mellos can help you get the accurate amount of the astronomical sum should you need." This shut him up.

"It is not about the money your grace, these men have served my house with loyalty and we cannot even take revenge on them. I can go with vermithor and lay waste to all the ships and get this over with. But this is not the solution. The power vacuum will soon be filled. More ships will arrive to take their place. So that is why my father is proposing to seize stepstones. Kindly think about this matter. I am sure you will make a wise decision." I concluded.

The king looked at me for a few seconds and said, "You have made fine points Ser Aethan. But know that I cannot openly go to war with Triarchy. This will soon escalate to a war between Westeros and Essos. The realm cannot afford that. But I will tell you this. If the next time there will be such a situation for your house ships, you have my permission to take revenge. Try to keep the damage low."

I just nodded. "I'll take my leave, your grace. Father."

Soon I found my mother in the corridor who was looking at kingsguard selection.

"What are you looking at mother." I asked.

"Nothing. It just reminds me of you selecting your men a year ago." She said.

We both stood in silence and continued to watch.

Rhaenyra finally chose Ser Cristen cole as the new kingsguard.

In the afternoon, My father and mother met with the king to discuss the marriage proposal. And the next day king is to meet with Laena. In the morning before Laena went to meet the King overheard the conversation between my father, mother, and my little sister.

"Here is what you will say. 'Your Grace, it would be a great honor to join our houses as they were in Old Valyria.I would give you many children of pure Valyrian blood so that we might strengthen the royal line and the realm.' You sall say these words word to word." It was my father telling Laena.

"Don't worry my dear, You will not have to bed him until you are ten and for name days." My mother said calming my scared sister.

In the evening I heard about the details from my sister. She was excited to tell that Vhagar is now somewhere along the shores of narrow sea. This is the information given to her by the King.