Maekar & Vira meet Maelys

"All I have are the words he spoke to me, and there are none who will believe the word of a bastard above those of the Prince of Dragonstone," Maekar replied. "I have quietly tried to find some evidence of his actions or plans, but neither me nor my agents have yet to uncover anything; it would likely mean my head if I went to the Queen without such proof."

"I imagine you do have a number of friends among the City Watch; it is indeed whispered on the streets that they are far more loyal to the man from whom they recieved their cloaks, than they are to the replacement that was appointed to lead them," Maekar added. "Any assistance you could provide would be a great boon to myself, and indeed to the realm as a whole. If Prince Aegon does mean to move against the King, the logical time to do so would be before he returns from the east, to place himself above suspicion. They will return within five months, so it is likely that any plan he has in place, will be executed within that time frame."

"I do not know what they are doing in the east, but if Aegon returns to Westeros at the head of an army of sellswords with the banners of the Seven flying above them, the realm will be plunged back into war once again for decades. Such rabble could not hope to contend with the Black Dread, but..." Maekar trailed off, leaving the implication open. No army could stand against Balerion, and if Aegon intended to sieze his father's throne by force in order o institute his religious programs, the King or his dragon would have to be dead first.

"Balerion can take care of himself, I am sure, but Aegon has stripped the King of three of his most loyal family members; the Princesses Laena and Rhaena, and the Lord Commander himself. The word 'vulnerable' does not belong in the same sentence as the King's name, but all the same those closest to him have been sent away."

"You cannot allow your own seat to fall into disrepair based on my suspicions," Maekar agreed. "And I shall endeavor to remain close enough to the King to see that he is well protected, whether he appreciates it or not, but I too have to see to my own seat. Just knowing that you have not been seduced by the Prince, however, is comfort enough for the time being. In truth, I feared that he might have already spoken to you, swayed your support to him. If he intends what I suspect, he will seek the loyalty of every dragonrider that he can. I know he is close with Lady Velaryon, and I fear he may have already brought her into his camp."

Maekar frowned at their mention. "I had heard that the Red sorceress travelled with Aegon and the rest to the east, though I do not know if this is true. As for the other... I do not trust her, and I would sooner avoid entanglements with one such as her, despite the power she wields."

"I have had little occasion to speak with Aerion, though I indend to do so while I remain in the city. I know the Lord Hand relatively well, though I agree that perhaps the subject is best not broached with him, at least for now. There is also Baelon Waters; I do not know him well, but he is friendly with Lady Velaryon as well, and since I do not know if she can be trusted perhaps thought ought to extend to him as well," Maekar replied slowly, thinking over their options. He sighed after a moment, and Maelys could see that it was as if a weight had been lifted from the younger man's shoulders.

"It is good to be able to speak of this, nuncle," he added after a moment. "I had spoken to my concerns with Vira," he said with a tiny smile as he mentioned her name, gently touching her belly again, "but I am glad that you are still a true servant of the crown; I had feared I would be alone in such, when counting men of rank."

He rose to his feet and helped Vira to hers. "We were to inspect the manse that his grace the King has provided for Lord Rhaegar and Vira, so I must beg your forgiveness while we take our leave, but I am certain you will be at the weddings, no? If we can find a quiet moment, we will speak again, and know that you are always welcome at Darkheart, should you find yourself in the Kingswood."

"You are kind, but it won't be necessary," Vira said, rising. She was a little bemused at the idea of a high lord baking his own pies, let alone offering guests to take them when they were leaving. Maybe the highborn weren't quite so different after all. "Thank you for the tea, my lord."