77 AC
Kingslanding
Third Person Pov
Queen Alyssane then shifted the focus of the discussion to another pressing matter she had encountered in the North. "Your Grace," she began, addressing the King, "Lord Theon Stark also raised a significant concern regarding the taxes levied upon the Northern territories. He presented a formal petition from the Northern lords, requesting a decrease in the current tax burden."
Septon Barth immediately interjected, his brow furrowed. "With all due respect, Your Grace, those taxes were deemed necessary for the essential functions of the Crown. Funds were required for the ongoing construction of vital infrastructure such as roads to improve trade and travel, the expansion and maintenance of the royal fleet to protect our coasts, the upkeep of the Dragonpit, and, of course, the persistent, albeit less frequent now, skirmishes with Dorne."
Alyssane acknowledged his points but stood firm. "While I understand the need for royal revenue, Septon Barth, the Northern lords emphasized that the taxes have increased fivefold over the past four decades. Such a cumulative increase places a tremendous strain on the North, a region that already faces significant economic challenges due to its climate and vast distances. With the realm currently enjoying a period of relative peace, and the skirmishes with Dorne having significantly lessened, it seems prudent to re-evaluate whether such an exorbitant tax burden remains justified."
Grand Maester Benifer, his voice adding weight to Septon Barth's argument, spoke up. "The needs of the Crown are constant, Your Grace. While overt conflict with Dorne may have subsided, maintaining readiness and ensuring the stability of the realm requires consistent expenditure. The infrastructure projects, once completed, will benefit all regions, including the North, and require sustained funding."
Septon Barth nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Grace. These were not frivolous increases but carefully considered measures to ensure the strength and security of the Seven Kingdoms. To decrease them now could jeopardize essential projects and leave the Crown vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances."
"Is this significant tax increase, this fivefold rise over the past four decades, something that has been applied uniformly across all the Seven Kingdoms?" Alyssane inquired, her gaze sharp as she looked from Septon Barth to the other members of the Small Council. "Are the other regions bearing a similar burden, or is the North being asked to contribute at a disproportionately higher rate?"
Septon Barth shifted uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding Alyssane's direct gaze. He cleared his throat and adjusted the folds of his robes. "The matter of taxation across the Seven Kingdoms is complex, Your Grace," he began, his tone evasive. "Each region has its own unique economic circumstances and contributes to the royal coffers in a manner deemed appropriate by the Crown's advisors over the years."
He then steered the conversation in a different direction. "However, it must also be acknowledged that there was a growing sentiment that the North, with its vast territories and relative isolation, was becoming… somewhat too independent in its affairs. Measures, including adjustments to taxation, were deemed necessary to reinforce the bonds between the North and the Iron Throne, to ensure their continued integration within the realm and their due contribution to its overall stability and prosperity."
Alyssane turned to King Jaehaerys, her expression earnest. "Your Grace," she said, her voice carrying a note of concern, "I understand the desire to ensure the North remains an integral part of the realm. However, there is a vast difference between fostering unity and crippling its people with an excessive tax burden. Fivefold increase in four decades is not a gentle nudge towards integration; it risks breeding resentment and undermining the very loyalty we seek to preserve."
She continued, her gaze pleading with the King. "The North faces its own unique hardships. Winter is a constant threat, and their yields are not as consistently bountiful as those in the South. To place such a significant financial strain upon them, especially during a time of relative peace, seems not only unjust but also strategically unwise. A prosperous North is a strong North, better equipped to contribute to the realm in the long run. We risk killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, Your Grace."
King Jaehaerys listened intently to Alyssane's impassioned plea, his gaze shifting between his Queen and Septon Barth. He stroked his beard thoughtfully for a long moment, the weight of her words seeming to resonate with his own sense of fairness. Finally, he turned to Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Master of Coins.
"Lord Beesbury," the King commanded, his voice firm and carrying the weight of royal authority, "review the current tax levies upon the Northern territories. I want you to ensure that there is a reduction of twenty percent in their overall tax burden, effective immediately. We must ensure that the North remains a prosperous and loyal region of the realm, and the current level of taxation appears to be causing undue hardship."
"Your Grace," Alyssane continued, her voice now imbued with respect, "my visit to the Wall also brought to light the arduous and vital work of the Night's Watch. These men, often forgotten in the comforts of the South, stand as our first and only line of defense against the dangers that dwell beyond the Wall – the remnants of the free folk, yes, but also more sinister things, savage tribes and even cannibals, as Lord Commander Snow informed us."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the Small Council. "Their dedication is unwavering, their conditions harsh, and their numbers dwindling. They perform a service of immeasurable value to the entire kingdom, protecting us all from threats most in the South can scarcely imagine. I believe it is incumbent upon the Crown to acknowledge their commendable service and to consider what more we can do to support them."
Septon Barth stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze distant as he considered the Queen's words. "Your Grace raises a valid point," he said finally. "These men dedicate their lives to a thankless vigil. Perhaps we could consider granting the Night's Watch a more sustainable means of support. What if the Crown were to allocate a tract of land south of the Wall, land suitable for cultivation? in addition to Brandon's gift , This would allow them to grow more of their own food and lessen their reliance on the generosity – or lack thereof – of other lords for their sustenance."
Grand Maester Benifer nodded in agreement. "A sensible proposal, Lord Hand. Providing them with a degree of self-sufficiency would undoubtedly improve their morale and their ability to focus on their vital duties."
Lord Lyman Beesbury, however, demurred, his fingers tapping a nervous rhythm on the table. "With respect, my lords, I am not certain this is the most prudent course. The brothers of the Night's Watch are sworn to celibacy and a life of service. Their focus is on guarding the Wall, not tilling fields. Providing them with more land might create more administrative burdens and distract them from their primary duty. They have always relied on the support of the realm; it is their due."
King Jaehaerys listened intently to the differing opinions, his gaze moving from Septon Barth to Lord Beesbury. He stroked his chin for a long moment before speaking. "I believe Lord Hand raises an interesting point, Lord Beesbury," the King said, his voice thoughtful. "While I understand your perspective that their sole duty is to guard the Wall, They must also not rely on lord's favour. They should not beg for supplies."
"Lord Hand," King Jaehaerys then instructed Septon Barth, his voice carrying a note of finality, "see to it that a suitable portion of cultivable land south of the Wall is officially granted to the Night's Watch. Ensure that the arrangements are made in a manner that allows them to manage and benefit directly from its yields."
The King then turned his gaze towards Queen Alyssane, a silent question in his violet eyes. Alyssane offered a small, affirmative nod, signaling her approval and support for the decision.
Turning back to the assembled Small Council, King Jaehaerys concluded the matter. "Let letters be drafted and sent to Lord Theon Stark without delay. Inform him of the Crown's decision to implement a twenty percent decrease in the tax burden upon the North. Furthermore, apprise him of our intention to grant a portion of land south of the Wall to the Night's Watch, as a gesture of our appreciation for their unwavering service to the realm. Ensure the letters convey our hope that these measures will foster greater prosperity in the North and provide much-needed support to the valiant brothers of the Night's Watch."
Queen Alyssane then broached another matter that had been on her mind since her return. "Your Grace," she began, her tone thoughtful, "during my visit to the College of Winterhold, I was struck by the quality of their scholarship and their progressive approach to education. It occurred to me that perhaps sending Vaegon, Daella, and Saera to study there for a time might be beneficial for them."
Grand Maester Benifer immediately frowned, his aged face creased with disapproval. "With all due respect, Your Grace, such a measure seems… unnecessary. Prince Vaegon is already tutored by the finest maesters in the realm, and Princesses Daella and Saera receive instruction befitting their station. Sending them all the way to the North for their education would be disruptive and offer little additional benefit."
Septon Barth nodded in agreement with the Grand Maester. "Indeed, Your Grace. The traditions of royal education are well-established. Our own maesters and septons are more than capable of providing the princes and princesses with the knowledge and guidance they require. The North, while possessing its own unique strengths, follows different customs and beliefs. It would be more appropriate for the royal children to be educated here, in the heart of the Seven Kingdoms, surrounded by the values and traditions of the Crown."
King Jaehaerys listened intently to the contrasting opinions, his gaze shifting between Alyssane, Grand Maester Benifer, and Septon Barth. He stroked his beard slowly, absorbing their arguments. The prospect of sending his grandchildren so far north, away from the familiar comforts and customs of the Red Keep, was a significant one. The Grand Maester and Septon Barth presented compelling reasons to adhere to tradition, while Alyssane spoke with genuine enthusiasm about the merits of the College of Winterhold.
After a long moment of contemplation, the King sighed softly. "This is a matter that requires careful consideration," he said finally, his voice measured. "The education of the royal children is of paramount importance, and we must weigh all perspectives before making a decision. I value the wisdom of the Grand Maester and the counsel of the Hand, but I also respect Queen Alyssane's judgment and her firsthand experience of the College. I will take some time to reflect on your arguments and will announce my decision at a later time."
With that pronouncement from the King, a sense of closure settled over the Small Council chamber. The weight of several important decisions had been addressed, and the path forward, at least for the immediate future, seemed clearer. The remaining discussions were brief, touching upon minor administrative matters and updates from various corners of the realm. As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the room, King Jaehaerys rose from his seat, signaling the end of the council meeting. One by one, the members offered their bows and quiet farewells, each departing to attend to the duties and responsibilities that awaited them, carrying the weight of the day's deliberations. The Queen, too, left the chamber, her mind still occupied with the matters discussed, the welfare of the North, the plight of the Night's Watch, and the potential future of her grandchildren's education all vying for her attention.