-Chapter 71-
The queen, noticing Laena raising her eyebrows, frustrated by her response, said:
"Consider yourself lucky that your brother wasn't punished for..."
Princess Rhaenyra, who had been silent until then, suddenly burst into laughter, slightly drawing the attention of the nobles, who were beginning to notice the tense exchange that had so far only captured the attention of those at the main table.
The crown princess said, her tone dripping with sarcasm:
"That's so typical of you, always playing the victim."
'She's not wrong,' I thought, as I too had noticed this exceptionally useful yet irritating talent the queen possessed.
"I'm just speaking the truth," replied the queen, remaining unshaken despite the pressure of facing three furious dragonriders.
'Otto raised her well,' I thought, watching her maintain a steely gaze in front of my wife, my daughter, and my daughter-in-law.
'Having been in her position, I completely understand the overwhelming pressure of facing people capable of controlling those gigantic beasts that could destroy the entire capital.'
"When your champion kills someone, it's an accident, but when your brother dies in an accident, it's murder?" asked Princess Rhaenyra, her tone mocking and full of ridicule as she raised her eyebrows.
Faced with the murmurs of the nobles, who were beginning to understand the nature of the dispute between the four women, the façade the queen had been so keen to maintain began to crack. She replied in a harsher tone, trying to defend herself: "The circumstances were not…"
The king, deciding the matter had gone on long enough, abruptly interrupted his wife, saying:
"Enough!!!"
Everyone fell silent, and he added: "This is an event meant to bring us together, not divide us as you all so skillfully manage to do."
"Forgive…"
"I'm asking you…"
"I haven't finished," he said, to my great surprise, silencing both his wife and daughter simultaneously.
"The circumstances of the deaths of young Joffrey Lonmouth and Gwayne Hightower are certainly complicated and tragic, but both were unfortunate accidents."
Laena wanted to say something, clearly unwilling to accept the king's explanation, but I gave her a warning look, as it was out of the question for us to incur the king's wrath after getting this far.
'Joffrey is already dead. We'll avenge him in due time, but not now—it would serve no purpose,' I thought, frowning as my attention was drawn to the queen.
The queen's previously crestfallen expression had shifted to that of a cunning fox, and following her gaze toward the entrance, I saw Aemon.
'Not now.'
The queen spoke loudly: "You don't seem convinced, Lady Laena. If even the word of your king isn't enough, surely the word of your lord husband should satisfy you."
Her voice was intentionally raised, as she wanted to settle the matter once and for all, and she knew exactly how to do it.
'Using the court's sheep to silence us.'
Aemon, surprised, approached the table and said, "I thought I heard my name."
The queen, with a broad smile, replied, "I was merely saying that, like the king, you believe my brother's death to be murder, unlike that of young Joffrey Lonmouth."
Confused, the prince, surprised by the queen's words, asked, "Did I say that?"
I frowned, daring to hope that Aemon would speak in our favor.
'Even though it would give us the upper hand we lack.'
"No, but I assumed that..." the queen began, flustered, frowning as if Aemon wasn't playing his role correctly.
'Has he allied himself with the Hightowers?' I wondered.
"Sorry to contradict you, Your Grace, but you're mistaken. That's not my opinion at all," he said, sitting down and taking Laena's hand.
Surprised by Aemon's firm statement, I exchanged a glance with Rhaenys, whose eyes gleamed. We were thinking the same thing, and she nodded in agreement. I then asked Aemon:
"What is your opinion on the matter, Aemon?"
He answered directly and simply: "My opinion is pretty straightforward: everyone saw Ser Criston plunge his blade into Ser Joffrey Lonmouth's throat."
I was about to smile when he added: "Did he kill him in self-defense or not? Did he intend to kill him or not? That's not for me to judge."
"So, you're suggesting a trial?" I asked, trying to coax him into saying what I wanted.
Aemon, however, didn't fall into my trap and said, "I'm not suggesting much, because it was unclear. Anyway, few fighters can match Ser Criston Cole, and you don't have that kind of fighter among your knights."
"That's not what my father asked," Laena said, gently nudging her husband to take my side.
"But that's my answer," he replied, disappointing both Laena and me. "Legal action against the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard would be pointless, as he would demand a trial by combat. You would only lose an excellent fighter, Lord Corlys, or even your own son in a misguided attempt to seek justice for someone who is now in a far better place."
I was on the verge of accepting the challenge myself, ignoring Prince Aemon's advice, but I felt my wife's hand take mine.
A subtle gesture telling me that it was over and that I shouldn't push any further.
'Whatever his motive in telling me this, he's right—none of my knights can currently defeat Criston Cole.'
I finally sighed and said, "Thank you, Prince Aemon."
Aemon nodded, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Laena smile slightly at him in thanks for his intervention, to which he responded with an exaggerated roll of his eyes.
'He was honest and supported us to some extent. It's a good start.'
I've already gained so much—let's let this matter rest for now.
As long as Rhaenyra's children and Aemon's children unite, no one will be able to stop us.
"I request a trial, Your Majesty."