As Maekar gazed at Otto, a thought sharpened in his mind.
'I can use his paranoia and need for control against him.'
"Tell me, Grandfather," Maekar said suddenly, completely ignoring Otto's inquiry.
"Do you believe we share a common goal?"
For the first time, Otto frowned, studying his grandson more carefully. He already suspected where the boy might be leading, but vigilance sharpened his features—after all, the one standing before him was but a boy of ten-and-three, not yet a grown man.
"We are a family, Maekar," Otto finally said.
"Naturally, we share many common goals."
Maekar hummed, nodding slowly, then crossed the room to sit in the chair opposite the Hand.
"That is right. We are a family. Thus, I believe we must work together."
Otto leaned back, measured but approving.
"I will naturally help my grandson as much as I can."
"I wish to join the City Watch," Maekar said. He let the words hang before clarifying.
"The Gold Cloaks. Not as commander, of course, but as his right hand—so I might learn from him."
He went silent, watching the faint gleam in Otto's eyes.
'In his view, this is perfect,' Maekar thought.
'The new commander is his puppet. Having me beneath him means I'll be under his watch at all times. He will believe I seek revenge on Daemon—took his sword, and now aim for his former post.'
Otto leaned back in his chair, feigning deliberation, though inwardly the decision had already been made. He steepled his fingers and spoke with measured calm.
"That can be arranged, Maekar. You are of the age to start earning experience. I will see to it that the commander takes you as his right hand. You will shadow him wherever he goes and obey his word."
Maekar inclined his head.
"Thank you, Grandfather. Is there anything else I may assist you with?"
Otto shook his head.
"No. I have taken too much of your time already. You may leave."
Maekar nodded once more and turned, striding for the door.
'You've just made my life much easier, Otto. I'll be sure to thank you properly in the future.'
With that thought, he disappeared into the corridor.
Otto's gaze lingered on the closed door.
'The boy is dangerous and clever, but still young. He thinks himself ambitious, yet he seeks only revenge. That makes him manageable—for now.'
Maekar awoke to the quiet bustle of servants preparing his bath and laying out his clothes. After completing his morning routine, he made his way to the private dining room, where the family gathered for their usual breakfast.
Inside, he found his mother, Alicent, already seated, along with his grandfather Otto, Aegon, Aemond, and Helaena. Daeron's chair sat empty—he was now in Oldtown, squiring for Lord Hightower at Otto's insistence.
Maekar slid into the seat beside Helaena. Alicent's smile warmed as she turned to him.
"How is your injury, son?"
"The maester examined it this morning," Maekar replied evenly.
"He says it heals well."
Her smile brightened, though the bitterness behind her eyes betrayed her lingering disquiet. something natural for a mother,
Maekar began eating without further comment.
Beside him, Helaena ignored her food, instead toying with a black spider that crawled delicately across her fingers. Aegon grimaced from across the table.
"Helaena, get that disgusting thing off the table."
Helaena paid him no mind.
Alicent sighed.
"Helaena, that is no place to play with such creatures."
Looking lost, Helaena glanced about for a safe place to set the spider down. Maekar quietly extended his palm.
"Give it to me, Helaena. I'll release it in the gardens on my way out."
She hesitated a moment, then gently coaxed the spider onto his hand. Maekar slipped it into his pocket and returned to his meal without comment.
Otto seized the lull in conversation.
"I have already spoken with the commander," he said, voice measured.
"He will gladly take you under his tutelage, Maekar."
Maekar inclined his head. "That is great, Grandfather."
Alicent, puzzled, turned to Otto. "What are you talking about, Father?"
Otto, who had clearly not shared the matter with her before, answered smoothly.
"Maekar has asked me to help him join the City Watch. He will serve as the commander's right hand."
Alicent's gaze flicked between her son and her father.
"And why was I not told of this?"
Maekar spoke before Otto could intervene.
"Because it was decided only yesterday, Mother. I hadn't had the chance to inform you—until now."
Conviction softened her voice as she turned back to Otto.
"Are you certain it is safe? A prince wandering the streets—"
Otto shook his head.
"Maekar will be perfectly safe. I have seen to it. His duties will be mostly administrative, not patrols like a common guardsman."
Alicent exhaled slowly, reluctant but resigned. She looked at Maekar, her voice gentle.
"Then let it be so. This will be a good learning experience, son."
"Yes," Maekar replied, eyes steady. "It certainly will be."
Across the table, Aegon slouched low, face half-buried in his goblet, hoping to escape notice lest he be dragged into his twin's fate. His disinterest was plain.
'As if anyone would allow you with even a shred of real responsibility.' Maekar thought.
Aemond, by contrast, stared at him with wide-eyed surprise and a flicker of longing, no doubt imagining himself at his brother's side in the City Watch.
After breakfast, Maekar accompanied Otto to the Hand's office, where the commander of the Gold Cloaks had been summoned.
They pushed open the doors. Inside stood Ser Dickon Costayne, clad in polished armor that caught the candlelight. A vassal of House Hightower, he bowed low to Otto. "Lord Hand." Then, turning, he inclined his head toward Maekar. "My prince."
Otto settled behind his desk, while Maekar took the same chair he had occupied the night before. Ser Dickon remained standing in the center of the chamber, posture stiff, awaiting his summons.
The room filled with silence broken only by the scratch of Otto's quill across parchment.
Maekar, seemingly detached, slipped a hand into his pocket and drew out the black spider Helaena had given him. It twitched in his grip, legs flicking wildly. He studied it with cold curiosity, gazing at its simple black eyes, then pressed down on its abdomen. The spider thrashed, its frantic movements slowing until its body collapsed with a faint crack. Maekar placed the twitching remains on the desk in front of him, gaze unreadable.
Ser Dickon shifted uncomfortably at the silence, finally speaking.
"Lord Hand, if I may… why have I been summoned?"
Otto set aside his letters and looked up.
"My grandson has asked to join the City Watch."
Dickon opened his mouth to respond, but Otto continued smoothly, his voice carrying quiet weight.
"I believe it would be a fine way for him to gain experience—especially under the guidance of someone as accomplished as you, Lord Commander."
The commander's jaw worked soundlessly before he found his voice again.
"Of course, Lord Hand. I agree. It would be my honor."
Maekar watched, noting how quickly the man bent to Otto's will.
'Is it loyalty… or blackmail?'
Otto nodded.
"He will shadow you. Teach him what you can. He is to try and learn all there is of your work."
Ser Dickon inclined his head.
"Do not worry, Lord Hand. I will take care of the prince and guide him as best I can."
"Good," Otto said.
Maekar rose smoothly to his feet.
"Well then, Lord Commander. I will be in your care. Shall we be off?"
Ser Dickon straightened in his armor and bowed again. "Yes, my prince."
-----
Support me on Patreon and enjoy early access to more chapters with a faster update schedule.
p-atreon.com/magus123
Let's reach 900 power stones for an extra chapter