“While he was here in King’s Landing he could do both duties reasonably well, but obviously it is impossible while on Dragonstone.
While in King’s Landing it was easy for him to interact with potential ladies of the court who could serve as wife and continue the Strong line.”
…
The King faltered in a step.
Elaena’s words were clear and direct, but Viserys had to wonder if she had heard rumors of the bastard accusations.
He didn’t want to bring it up himself, but as he gave it more thought, why hadn’t Ser Harwin found a bride?
Men could afford to marry later as childbearing was not an issue, but if he did find a bride it would also curb the malicious stories that had spread.
“You make a good point, but Ser Harwin need not interact in court to find a match.
I will speak with my Hand and inquire as to his plans.
I would not want Ser Harwin to ever regret his service to my family.”
Elaena smiled, “Thank you, father.
On another matter, I was curious as to the future of the Stepstones.
Trade has prospered once again, however now that Dorne has lent their weight to the Triarchy I hear that Uncle Daemon’s forces are hard-pressed.”
Viserys knew of the conflict, as his small council kept him diligently informed.
Daemon fighting in the south kept him out of trouble, but as long as he wasn’t outright defeated, he tied up much of the would-be pirate force of the Triarchy, allowing Velaryon-facilitated trade to continue.
“Hmm, well, our Master of Ships reports that trade is not being harmed, and I have no wish for war with Dorne.
Daemon is of my house, but given his rogue nature, his actions are not considered to have my backing and blessing.
This allows for peace to continue with Dorne.
War is a terrible thing, Elaena, it is one of chief aims as King to not have war break out under my rule.”
“A wise course in general, father, war is wasteful and so many precious resources are lost in it.
Yet, trade has immense benefits.
Every master of a family realizes one should not make at home what would cost him more to make than to buy.
What we can import from the advanced Free Cities is a great boon, and additional markets for our steel, wines, and specific foods not grown in Essos have created an economic boom.
It is not just the additional oversight of monetary matters that has led to the treasury being so robust.
All this is jeopardized if the Triarchy and Dorne mange to defeat Uncle Daemon.”
It was a conversation of surprises for Viserys.
“Where did you get these updates about the situation in the Stepstones?”
“When I visited Driftmark and feasted with Corlys and Rhaenys.
I inquired on the state of the conflict, and Lord Velaryon indicated he would soon need to reinforce Uncle Daemon or it would go poorly.”
“Ah, so he had you speak with me.
The Sea Snake is a clever man.”
But Elaena shook her head.
“No, I doubt he would think me a vessel to communicate to you his concerns.
Viserys chuckled.
Elaena’s perspective of Corlys was probably true, but he wouldn’t put it past the wily old legend not to know about his morning walks with his daughter.
“I suppose that is likely true.
You bring this up, so I sense you have some thoughts on what should be done?”
“I believe we should respond with overwhelming force and remind the Triarchy, Dorne, and the whole world that we have dragons.
Instead of having thousands of men from the Stepstones, Dorne, the Triarchy, Driftmark and more fight and die, we show with dragons and win a sharp victory.”
“We?”
“Yes.
Not all the dragons need to fight, but bringing them all will be a show of power and make clear the cost of continuing the dreadful conflict.
Vhagar, Syrax, Seasmoke, Viktoriya, and Meleys joining Caraxes would send everyone nearby fleeing.
Of course, while arrows, spears, and scorpions can lay low even a dragon, the odds are vanishingly small when having to deal with half a dozen fire breathing weapons of mass destruction.”
The King’s brow furrowed.
“If, and it is a large if, if I wanted to do this thing, you would not be going.”
“I don’t have to fight, father.
Just make the presence of my dragon known.
The more overwhelming our perceived power, the more likely there is less fighting.
You are a man of peace, so bring peace to the Stepstones!
Present the closed fist of Targaryen power with the open hand of generous terms.
No import tariffs for five years from the Triarchy controlled cities.
Allowed safe passage for their ships through the Stepstones.
A permanent envoy in your court.”
Elaena could be very persuasive, and her scheme may even work, but it could also create many problems.
What if Dorne and the Triarchy refused to be cowed?
What if one of the dragon riders were slain?
It was his kin who rode those dragons.
“I will discuss this with the small council.
You have a keen mind, daughter, but even you cannot see all sides of the dilemma in the Stepstones.
Rest assured my council has much experience in matters such as these.”
“Of course, father.”
Viserys grinned.
“Any other realm sweeping suggestions you may have?”
“Now that you mention it… the Iron Bank is profitable.
He had been jesting with that comment, but his daughter’s response was serious.
“Have you been talking with Lyman again?”
“I have, he enjoys our discussions.
A bank has potential to create large amounts of profit, especially since there are so few of them.
There are fiscal dangers in operating a bank.
However, as the royal family, we limit those risks.
The first principal danger is how do we enforce the collection of debts when someone is in arrears?
The King’s authority to call banners, send a dragon, and dispense the King’s Justice limit that difficulty.
The Iron Bank has likely had to spend a fortune to enforce its debt collection prowess to the point that people will regularly say, ‘The Iron Bank will have its due.’ We wouldn’t have to.”
Viserys felt a headache coming on.
Banking was not something he that much of a familiarity with, it had always been his policy to run a surplus in the treasury so his reign never involved the borrowing of sums from others.
“Another layer of risk is a so-called ‘bank-run’ where someone’s belief that their money is secure is challenged.
Again, with the backing of the treasury and the years tax receipts, this should be an unlikely occurrence, and their risk much diminished.
Currently lending opportunities are limited, and rates can be ruinous.
Simply creating an alternative financial institution will create needed competition in the marketplace allow for lower rates, less money going to existing banks, and more wealth in the hands of the people of Westeros.”
“And Lyman agrees this is a good idea?”
“He is… cautious.
The creation of a royal bank will create some animosity to the crown by the existing banking institutions and they may react poorly.
However!” Elaena’s voice perked up a bit.
“Cousin Laena is betrothed to the Sealord’s son, which would create difficulties for the Iron Bank to wage any sort of economic warfare or back the crown’s enemies.”
His daughter had taken an active interest in how the Seven Kingdoms were managed.
He felt a pang of disappointment that it was not his heir who was giving these matters the same level of examination.
Viserys did not know how good either of these ideas were, but they were well thought out and considered the complex realities of governing.
“I admit, I know little of how banks operate, but I will endeavor to rectify that.
You’ve given this much thought, Elaena, and I promise you I will consider all your suggestions seriously.”
“Thank you, father, I appreciate you hearing me out.”
…
Who knew?
So …
just keep tossing them 😉
…