The King's Chambers

[The Smith]

Daemon shook his head, "Nothing now. Thank you."

[Marie]

She smiled and kissed his cheek and left.

[Fel]

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Prince Maekar arrives to speak with the king.

[The Smith]

Maekar was admitted into into the King's presence.

[Fel]

Maekar walked into the room only a few steps and stood with his hands behind his back.

"Daemon..." he said, pausing and looking at his brother a moment, "are there to be any arrangements for the funeral of the Lord Hand? I had been planning to return to the Eyrie several days ago, but would prefer to attend the funeral first."

[The Smith]

Daemon shook his head, "We have not made plans yet. With the investigations I think it just slipped my mind." He rubbed his eyes, "I was hoping you would consider staying longer though, my brother."

[Fel]

"If you have need of me to stay some more time and help with arrangements I shall do so, the Eyrie can wait a few more days or weeks," he said solemnly.

[The Smith]

"I had thought to make you Master of laws since Trant has been removed." Daemon said.

[Fel]

Maekar's head cocked ever-so-slightly to the side. "You had?" he asked, with a note of surprise.

"I won't deny it's a position that attracts me, though I mislike leaving my seat in the Vale. If you think I am the best for the position I will take it, but are you sure Trant's mistake is unforgiveable? He has served you ably for many long years."

[The Smith]

"I terminated him in public, even if I wanted to I could not ask him back so soon." Daemon replied, "I have felt this coming for a long time. Trant is associated with the grim necessity from before I was old enough to reign. I want a new Master of Law for the future."

[Fel]

Something about what Daemon said struck him as odd, but he didn't think about it.

"Then I accept the position."

[The Smith]

Daemon nodded, and continued, "If Trant has not left you speak with him. He was a strong Master of Laws, the growing conflict between us has just grown too large. And his failure to secure the feasts was simply the last straw."

[Fel]

Maekar nodded, agreeing, "yes, I will speak with Lord Trant and see if he left any affairs unfinished that need to be dealt with."

"Will you be keeping the Traitor's Sons as your protection within the castle? The fracturing of the Sons proves their loyalty was to the Lord Hand, there may be some who remain within the keep who could be manipulated against you. Perhaps a new guard should be established, maybe from Dragonstone, and protection of you could be returned to the command of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard."

[The Smith]

"Agreed. I will order Rolf to do so immediately." Daemon replied, "Another of Thatcher's decisions. There is to be a meeting in the small council later, Quentyn is reporting his findings."

[Fel]

"Very well, I will be there. Is that all, Daemon?"