Alyn nodded ‘’Meria Martell of Dornes only child and heir Nymor was slain in a court duel….her new heir is her granddaughter Deria, a girl of 18.’’

‘’Your Grace…if I may, with the turmoil of her heirs death perhaps Meria Martell might be persuaded to surrender her independence without bloodshed…as to not leave her granddaughter alone to face our armies.’’ Lord Jon Rosby stated. Aegon's current plan for the annexation of Dorne was to wait for the 80 year old queen of Dorne to pass, and strike during the succession, Nymors death was significant as he was a competent man that had experience with leadership, but young Deria was less so.

Rhaeneys shook her head ‘’That old bat will never surrender.’’

Aegon nodded ‘’We stick to the current plan, we consolidate our strength until Merias death…then we invade.’’

‘’Your grace knows best.’’ Lord Rosby said, bowing his head.

‘’Another matter…one in the Kingdoms…Lord Brandon Stark, heir to Winterfell has wed Sharra Arryn, the young Ronnels mother, should the marriage bear children the child shall have claims to both the North and the Vale…making them one of the strongest claimants in the damn Kingdoms….too powerful if you ask me.’’Lord Alyn said.

‘’It is likely any potential child would inherit Winterfell in time but Lady Arryn has two sons in line for the Vale, I think it unlikely that we would have to worry about such a powerful vassal holding two of the Kingdoms….Lady Arryn is not exactly young and if a child were to be born, any problems would not present themselves for decades…It is a problem for another time Lord Alyn.’’ Aegon said he was not concerned.

The Spymaster nodded.

‘’One final matter…Vickon Greyjoy has taken many ships to raid and reave in the shivering sea, near Lorath and Ibben.’’ Alyn said.

‘’Keep me apprised….If you have word that any ship traveling to my Kingdom is attacked then I shall be forced to deal with it.’’ Aegon said.

The King then turned to Harlan Tyrell ‘’How are preparations for the expansion of the keep coming?’’ Aegon had plans to vastly improve the Aegonfort into a true keep worthy of a King, though this would be expensive and perhaps take decades.

‘’It shall take time to gather sufficient coin your grace….I feel that within 3 years we can begin construction.’’ The Master of Coin responded.

The meeting went on for another hour, with Brynden Tully explaining the current affairs in the city, while Grandmaester Arlan detailed his latest tour of King's Landing and suggestions on how to improve the city's infrastructure. Ryam and Theo made rounds of the table, refilling cups.

After the meeting, the Small Council began to leave the chamber to return to their duties, Aegon was about to leave as well when Visenya stopped him, a gentle hand on his shoulder.

‘’Brother…I would speak with you.’’ She said, waiting for all to leave, with the exception of Corlys Velaryon.

Aegon raised his eyebrows.

‘’I shall be leaving the capitol for some time.’’ Visenya said nonchalantly.

‘’Leaving…but we've only just gained peace…and where.’’ Aegon said with surprise.

‘’To Essos….I wish to tour the Free cities…or at least some of them...you and I toured some cities in Westeros as children…and we spoke of visiting the Free cities together later….though we never did.’’ Visenya replied.

‘’I have only just consolidated my rule, and you would leave….no Visenya, this tour can wait, there are those that still defy my rule behind closed doors, the absence of one of our Dragons would only embolden them.’’ Aegon said firmly.

‘’Brother….you misunderstand me, I am not requesting this, this journey is one I will undertake.’’ Visenya said sternly.

‘’I am your King…and I say the tour can wait for Visenya.’’ Aegon said, he could not understand why his sister was so adamant about this.

‘’Aegon….it cannot wait…future commitments make it certain that I shall not have the chance to leave the capitol for any length of time for the foreseeable future, perhaps never.’’ Visenya said curtly.

‘’Commitments?’’ Aegon said with bewilderment.

Visenya gave a small nod, and suddenly took the King's hand, placing it upon her belly.

‘’You..You are with child?’’ Aegon asked with shock.

Visenya could no longer keep up her stern front and a smile came onto her face.

‘’Yes Aegon…Grandmaester Arlan has confirmed it…..a little dragon grows within my belly….our little dragon.’’ Visenya said, the King's hand in hers.

The King had good reason to be surprised, though he loved his sister, it was well known that he frequented Rhaenys chambers much more often, with it being said for every one night with Visenya he spent 10 with Rhaenys.

‘’Visenya…..if you go….our child will be born in Essos, away from me….away from their birthright.’’ Aegon said, his tone gentler.

Visenya shook her head ‘’The Free Cities are the children of Old Valyria, as will our little prince or princess, they will have their whole lives to live in Westeros, but they are of Essos as well…they are Targaryen.’’ Visenya said.

‘’And if something were to happen while on this journey…I know you can take care of yourself but it is not just you you are responsible for.’’ Aegon said.

‘’I will have Vhagar, and Dark Sister.’’ Visenya said dismissively.

‘’Vhagar cannot protect you inside buildings….as I remember you telling me in the Hightower when you spoke of Balerion…if you go you will take Kingsguard with you and a retinue.’’ Aegon replied.

‘’It's not necessary.’’ Visenya said.

‘’It is….Ser Gregor Goode and Ser Harold Langward will accompany you, as well as 100 men at arms and knights from Dragonstone.’’ Aegon said firmly.

‘’Brother…’’ Visenya started but the King shook his head.

‘’That is my condition.’’ Aegon said, and Visenya nodded curtly, seeing the futility of argument.

‘’I shall make preparations then…and I suppose I should inform Rhaenys she is to be an aunt.’’ Visenya said, kissing the King's cheek before leaving the room.

‘’Congratulations cousin.’’ Corlys Velaryon, who had been standing at guard near the door said.

Aegon nodded, as Corlys bowed and left the room as it was Ser Warrick Manderlys shift to guard the King.

Aegon sat at the table and nodded for Ryam Redwyne to pour him some wine. It had been a long day and he had just learned he was to be a father…he deserved some reprieve, though unfortunately his relaxation would not last long.

There was a knock at the door, to which Ser Warrick had opened it, revealing Lord Alyn Chyttering, his spymaster.

‘’The hour is late, Lord Alyn.’’ Aegon said tiredly.

The man had nodded ‘’Aye it is your grace, and forgive the interruption but I received a raven…and as the saying goes….dark damn wings mean dark damned words.’’ He had said in his usual coarse way of speaking.

‘’Go on then.’’ Aegon said.

Alyn hesitated ‘’Perhaps it is best said in private your grace.’’ With the spymaster giving a not so subtle look to Ser Warrick Manderly.

Ser Warrick had bristled at that and Aegon shook his head ‘’Whatever can be said in my presence can be said in that of my Kingsguard…I have put trust in them.’’

Alyn had nodded ‘’Very well….I received a raven from my network in the North…there's trouble…in White Harbor.’’

Alyn gave another look to Ser Warrick Manderly, whos house was the ruling power in White Harbor.’’

‘’Go on.’’ Aegon said, though understanding of his spymaster's hesitation.

‘’Lord Willem Manderly….father of your kingsguard here… plots to murder Brandon Stark…heir to Winterfell and the North…newly married to Sharra Arryn.’’

‘’You lie spymaster…’’ Ser Warrick suddenly said, his voice with obvious signs of anger at the accusation against his father.

‘’That is enough Ser Warrick…continue Lord Alyn’’ Aegon said, raising his hand to silence his Kingguard.

‘’My best guess as to his reasons are he wishes for his house and descendents to become the New Wardens of the North in time, and he understands that if Brandon Stark and Sharra Arryn should sire a wolf pup, the child would put those plans in danger as both the Vale and North would be joined…to powerful to depose.’’ Alyn explained.

‘’Send a raven demanding he end this plot…I will give him one chance, for his house's contribution in ending the Sisterman rebellion.’’ Aegon commanded and Lord Alyn nodded and set to making preparations.

Two weeks would pass with no response from the Lord of White Harbor, despite multiple ravens being sent so finally Aegon was forced to take action. He tasked Ser Warrick Manderly, his Kingsguard, to sail to White Harbor under the King's own banner with a force of men to take his Lord Father into custody.