The minor episode quickly passed, and the meeting officially commenced.
Corlys, brimming with confidence, offered his advice:
"Your Majesty, the fall of the Three Daughters marks the end of the war between the kingdom and the disputed territories. It is time to discuss reopening the ports and reestablishing trade policies."
The discussion required tact and diplomacy.
He avoided mentioning the distribution of profits, instead subtly using maritime trade as an entry point.
After all, the greatest advantage of the Free Cities lay in their trade networks.
Viserys carefully observed his eldest son, maintaining a constant smile.
"Lord Corlys and I are of the same mind," he said. "Reopening trade with the three cities is imperative."
Prime Minister Lyonel, ever cautious, interjected, "The three cities have yet to fully stabilize. A significant portion of the population still opposes the Iron Throne. Reopening the ports now would be risky."
"If the ports remain closed, who will provide for the cities' basic needs?"
Master of Laws Jasper voiced his opposition, speaking sharply:
"Our ports export an overwhelming amount of supplies every day. Sooner or later, the strain will collapse the royal treasury."
Otto glanced at him briefly before nodding in tacit agreement.
Several ministers joined the discussion, debating the reopening of trade.
Lyonel opposed it, citing the uncertain movements of Braavos and the ongoing Dornish invasion as factors unfavorable to trade expansion.
Jasper countered, arguing the financial strain on the treasury.
Otto secretly supported this stance, while Lyman, Orwyle, and Tormund remained silent.
War is not won by sheer military strength alone—it relies on logistics and supply lines.
The Battle of the Narrow Sea began in late June and ended in early August, lasting just over a month.
Yet in that short time, the financial toll on the treasury reached astronomical figures.
On the eve of the Myr campaign, a massive fleet and countless soldiers launched suicidal diversionary attacks, suffering heavy losses at the hands of Lyseni and Tyroshi forces.
The greatest burden, of course, fell on Corlys Velaryon's house, but the Iron Throne had still shouldered the costs for the soldiers' armor and weapons.
Then came the battle for Lys' harbor. Fleets from ports across the realm, armed with weapons provided by the treasury, stormed the city.
On top of that, the garrisoning of the Stepstones required another substantial financial commitment.
And this did not yet account for the costs of rebuilding Myr and Lys, repairing ports, maintaining ships, and managing merchant relations—
A cascade of internal political challenges.
The debate grew increasingly heated, with Lyonel standing alone, arguing so fiercely that the others were left sweating.
Rhaegar watched with amusement, occasionally glancing at Corlys, whose expression remained stony.
Rhaenyra sat in a daze, stroking her belly with one hand while holding Rhaegar's hand against it.
Meanwhile, Viserys, clearly troubled, furrowed his brows at the growing dispute.
He preferred decisions that received unanimous approval from his council. When conflicts arose, he found them difficult to resolve.
More often than not, he ruled based on personal preference.
Bang, bang…
A firm knocking on the table broke through the noise.
Corlys could no longer hold back. Scowling, he said, "My lords, perhaps we should hear His Majesty and the Prince's opinions."
"The treasury has suffered heavy losses. Reducing expenditures should be the priority."
Viserys immediately voiced his stance, effectively undercutting his longtime ally, Lyonel.
Lyonel's face fell as he begrudgingly returned to his seat, though he showed no visible anger.
Rhaegar nodded in agreement.
"The ports must reopen. We need to be self-sufficient."
Having conquered new lands, failing to generate revenue from them would render the entire campaign meaningless.
With the discussion returning to practical matters, Corlys' expression lightened.
"In that case," he suggested, "we should discuss specific policies and plan accordingly."
The ministers, along with the emissaries from Pentos and Volantis, silently agreed.
"Wait!"
Otto suddenly disrupted the consensus, sharply shifting the discussion:
"Your Majesty, from what I understand, Prince Daemon has taken control of Tyrosh and declared it his personal domain."
"Don't mention that bastard to me!"
Viserys' face darkened instantly, his voice filled with seething anger.
He knew all too well what his dear brother had done.
Launching an unsanctioned invasion, slaughtering Tyroshi civilians who resisted, and unilaterally claiming the city as his own—
A series of atrocities, utterly devoid of knightly honor or duty.
Rhaegar interjected, "Father, I spoke with Daemon. For now, he is merely overseeing Tyrosh."
The emphasis on "for now" was deliberate.
Laying the Groundwork for Future Negotiations
"He's nothing but a scoundrel, utterly shameless!" Viserys fumed.
"Your Grace, Daemon deeply regrets his actions and will abide by your will."
Rhaena finally broke her silence and added, "He was quelling a rebellion. If there is anything to discuss, I can speak on his behalf."
Viserys turned to look at her.
Having recently endured a difficult childbirth and the loss of her child, Rhaena's complexion was terrible.
Her dark skin appeared dull and lifeless, her full lips devoid of color, and her eyes carried an unmistakable exhaustion.
One hand rested on her waist, and she wore only a simple white gown—an image of a fragile beauty.
Viserys' expression softened with sympathy, though he remained reluctant. "If Daemon has anything to say, he should come speak to me himself."
Then, turning to Ser Erryk standing behind him, he gestured and instructed, "Ser, bring Lady Rhaena a chair."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Erryk obeyed promptly, carrying out the order with meticulous care.
Rhaena had attended the Small Council meeting as an observer, which meant she had no designated seat.
Viserys understood the situation perfectly and chose not to make an issue of it.
"Slow down."
Rhaenyra turned back to her friend, gently offering support.
Rhaena smiled faintly, no longer forcing herself to stand.
The difficult childbirth had left both physical and emotional scars.
Her womb had been cut open, and the maesters diagnosed that she had suffered irreparable damage—she was unlikely to conceive again.
Yet, mentally, Rhaena had come to terms with it.
Helping her husband claim the land he long desired, standing alongside Vhagar in her own redemption—her purpose in life had never been clearer.
Rather than relying on her husband and family while battling inner turmoil, it was better to carve out her own achievements.
Otto continued, "Your Grace, Daemon has seized Tyrosh without royal sanction. The Iron Throne must hold him accountable, not continue to indulge him."
Lyman frowned slightly and offered a neutral stance. "Prince Daemon's actions are reckless. A stern warning is in order."
To the members of the Small Council, the three Free Cities were already considered Westerosi land and should rightfully fall under direct Targaryen rule.
Daemon's unilateral occupation of a city-state was, by definition, an act of treason.
Viserys scowled, his tone heavy. "Before the war, I promised to grant him a city, and Daemon delivered on his end."
"But it was not an official royal decree—it was Daemon seizing the city on his own accord."
Otto's sharp gaze held firm, his words cutting straight to the point.
No one could refute this.
Even if the king had promised his brother a city, there should have been a proper process.
Daemon's actions were a blatant challenge to the Iron Throne.
Viserys rubbed his forehead in frustration. "I will summon him back to King's Landing for a discussion later. For now, let's focus on reopening trade and the ports."
Rhaegar silently rotated the stone sphere in its groove, withholding his opinion.
He had already discussed the matter privately with his father. For now, they would not escalate the situation.
With Braavos and Dorne watching like hungry wolves, it was unwise to stir internal conflict.
At these words, the ministers relented, dropping the matter for the time being.
"How long will you keep defending him?"
Alicent's voice was calm yet piercing as she abruptly spoke.
(End of Chapter)