Originally Posted by
Lord Dread
Ser Otto mused about Larys' proposal and Aemond's wish to fill out a role within a commanding role of the city watch, but nodded after a while.
Promoting Gwayne into this position was one thing, he considered, but not one he considered as wise - House Hightower had always influence over the royal court during the last decades, but there was no need to make it more obvious than it is for the moment. Furthermore it was a task, which Aemond could actually fulfill well. If the city ever would be under attack, Aemond could be an inspiring leader for these men, as he was right. The Goldcloaks needed a strong leadership and the Prince was the most obvious choice for the task at hand.
"If no one objects, then Prince Aemond shall take the position", he replied then, looking through the round, "Unless there aren't any objections, I guess this would be settled then.
As regarding the support of the Crownlands, I also do agree, that it might be wise to award at least one of them for a position within the Small Council. Yet there will be others, whom we have to consider near our borders, especially within the Stormlands and the Riverlands or potentially even the Vale lords. In case of the Vale I await hostilities due to Arryn's relationship with Rhaenyra and their supporters, thus we should also consider potential defences, if we have to expect an army from there. House Hightower will try to convince fellow Reachlords to eventually join the King's cause, should conflict arise and with the Westerlands as our allies, I do not fear an armed conflict. However, we need to wait what news will come from the Riverlands, as their Lord Paramount's decision will show whether we can trust them or not."
"The problem is that we are hardly able to change these circumstances unless we conquer Dragonstone", Ser Otto agreed with the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard bitter, "Against which I would advise for the moment, as all we're talking is speculation, based on relationships and suspicions.
Which brings up in general the question how we should tell Rhaenyra what has transpired in the capital without making us look like we're the root of evil. If it comes to convincing the other kingdoms to support Aegon, we must always keep in mind that we're on the rightful side - even if it isn't necessarily the truth."