The Small Council was already in session when the letter from the Vale arrived — sealed with wax and bearing the sigil of House Arryn.
Ser Otto Hightower broke the seal and read it silently, eyes narrowing slightly as the words settled. He looked up and addressed the council with his usual even cadence:
"Lord Rodrik Arryn has pacified the Vale. The mountain clans have surrendered after a campaign spanning three years. The roads are being cleared. Trade and safety are restored."
A brief pause. Then, Otto added, almost reluctantly:
"It is... an impressive accomplishment."
King Viserys, sitting with tired eyes and wine at his side, brightened. He stood slowly, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"Good. Good. The Vale has long suffered under the weight of that unrest. He's done well. Send word of congratulations… no — better. Invite him to the royal hunt. Let him ride with us for Aegon's nameday."
Otto hesitated for a fraction of a moment. Lord Lyonel Strong gave a slow nod of approval.
"A wise gesture, Your Grace. The boy has proven himself capable. Let him be recognized."
Lyman Beesbury muttered about the economic potential of trade resuming from the Vale. Jason Lannister, ever smug, chuckled.
"Impressive. For someone who couldn't win a tilt to save his life, I'd say he has a decent head for war."
Otto glanced at him with disdain but said nothing. His mind was elsewhere.
Later: Otto & Alicent's Chambers
That night, Otto visited Queen Alicent in her private chambers. She had just put young Aegon to sleep and was reading by candlelight.
"He's done it," Otto said, placing the letter on the table.
Alicent glanced up. "Rodrik?"
"He's won the Vale's peace. Routed the mountain tribes. In three years."
A smile touched her lips. "That's good news. I remember he spoke kindly to me when he was last at court."
Otto didn't return the smile.
"He grows… too quickly. Too clever. Too admired. If he throws his weight behind Rhaenyra, it will strengthen her claim beyond question. The Vale was already inclined to her — now they'll follow her to war, should it come to that."
Alicent's smile faded. She looked down, quiet.
"She is the named heir," she said softly. "You supported that once."
Otto's expression remained carefully neutral.
"And now? Now, she is a woman grown, surrounded by those who whisper treason in pretty words. If Rodrik stands behind her… it becomes more than symbolism. It becomes momentum."
Elsewhere: Rhaenyra's Reaction
Meanwhile, Rhaenyra Targaryen heard of the news in her own solar, via a letter from a loyal contact in the Vale.
She read the scroll with a curious expression. Then, handing it off, she smirked.
"So he had some fight in him after all."
Criston Cole, standing nearby, said nothing.
"I wonder… if he returns to court. Or stays hidden behind those cold mountains."
There was a faint wistfulness in her tone, hard to catch unless one knew her well.
Rodrik's victory sent quiet ripples through the court — admiration from the King, calculation from Otto, cautious praise from the council, and complex thoughts from both Rhaenyra and Alicent. For now, it was a letter. But soon, he would return to court — and the game would change.