House of the Dragon: Bastard’s Fire

A disowned bastard has been handed a dying hall and a power that cannot create anything at all. It only conserves, senses, and steadies. The Hearthright sits in his chest as warmth or a cold draft — a felt map of his Hold, full while the folk are fed and the faith is kept, thinning the instant a light goes out. It reports weight and direction, never a name. It flags danger to his own people, which means it can be baited, and he cannot switch off feeling their peril. It also judges him. Hoard, or put himself first, and the Rebuke spoils the stores. The Justness is bonded to his own chest and cannot be fooled by anyone, least of all him. Aldric Rivers holds Blackmere by an old law the court has forgotten. It is always easier to seem just than to be just — and Grace rewards the seeming. — Description from novelcodex.orgFull novel: House of the Dragon: Bastard’s Fire — read the rest free on N​o⁠v​e⁠l​C⁠o​d⁠e​x⁠.​o⁠r​g⁠