Thread: Rise to Power

It was strange how quickly the entire world could change around you. Just a short time ago Dominic had been third in line for the Throne, likely to never ascend to it because of the many problems that having healthy and strong elder siblings caused. His eldest brother would likely take the throne when their venerable father died, which had seemed to be a long way off, his next brother would likely take Regency of their home in Anchorstone, and Dominic would need to find a way to keep himself satisfied with what would likely be a vanity appointment to the kings Council, made Lord of the Coin or something else similar where dull men would do most of the real work and he would be expected to give reports on it whenever his brother deigned to care about the little things. But then a single chicken bone had claimed the life of his father, so much sooner then anyone had thought possible and Dominic had hurriedly prepared himself for the journey back to Kings Landing. Tradition dictated that the funeral rights be held quickly and his father interned in the crypt right away... he would never make it in time for that but this was a time of great political change and to be far away from the eye of the storm would be unforgivable. He had been on the road home, just over half of the long journey behind him and the retainers who had been sent with him, to include a vaunted knight of the kings guard, when a messenger escorted by the gold cloaked guards of the city had reached him. The men had ridden hard and fast, their horses near the point of exhaustion and upon reaching him they had fallen on bended knee before him, heads low. His brothers had also made much haste in the journey to see their father buried, only to be caught in an unexpected storm that had sank their ship with all hands lost. Though not yet crowned Dominic was the king in name and would be expected home soon. Everything had changed so quickly, and for most young men of only fourteen it would have overwhelmed, but for Dominic this was fate at work. It was something he had dreamed of for years, scenarios were planned out, politics were studied... his sister also learned the ways of the court but had never paid him much mind and while his brothers and father had enjoyed hunting and chasing skirts around the city Dominic had learned. His sister had built allies on the council but Dominic had chosen a little more carefully, going for the true strength. Being the youngest son he often toured the kingdoms, guest of the many great lords and at their homes he made friends with their sons, made the best impression he could and with the news brought to him he knew he would be able to bring the major lords to his side. With his brother had been lost three members of the kings guard, with the head of the kings guard also stepping down with his fathers death... that left four spots open to be filled and off the top of his head Dominic already knew the sons of four noble houses that had been knighted and had skill that would warrant such a place. Let his sister have the pompous men who thought a kingdom could be ruled with words, he would have steel at his side should she oppose him, and the noble houses to back his steel with their own. Even the Nights Watch, technically above politics, would know from his visits too them that he understood their plight and that he would increase the number of men sent to join their numbers... a silent support that could make a great deal of a difference. The ride up to the city was of course to be his triumphant entrance, he of course had no crown but the journey had been delayed a day so that he could be properly dressed and made ready, riding on the back of a mighty stallion, dressed in clothing that was as impressive as it was somber, he was to play the part of a young man who while ready to rule was saddened at the loss of his family. Trust into a place that he had not wanted but more then ready to accept the responsibility. Disaster had struck though, just before the first flash of light he had caught sight of his sister and the look on her face was a familiar one, the smug smirk that she often wore when she was out to ruin his fun, like when she had informed her father that he had managed to sneak way to a brothel for the night... she had worn that smirk at his dressing down for that and oh so many other times before. Perhaps she had expected him to feel fear as he landed in the mud and had to quickly roll to avoid trampling hooves from his own stallion, oh there had been surprise but instead of fear there was rage. Druscilla had been behind this, the scheming bitch was trying to undermine him before he even took the throne... he wouldn't be of proper age for another six months and she was the one who would rule in his stead until then. That just couldn't be allowed to happen and from the moment Dominic stood and waved away a knight who rushed forward to escort him through the people he was already planning... he had friends among the Septons, men who wanted a chance to expand their own influence and power. What they really wanted was the right to organize their own army again and while he wouldn't allow that... he was sure he could find some men on the council and of the court to turn over to them for crimes against the gods, the pious always did enjoy punishing the decadent. Taking deep breaths to calm himself Dominic hadn't rushed off to clean himself like so many might expect him too, instead he carried on towards the crypt where his father had been laid to rest, stopping only at its entrance to clean his boots and his hands, exchanging a quick word with the High Septon, begging for forgiveness for his state of dishevelment, but that paying his respects to his dearly departed father and brothers was his first priority. An hour had been spent in prayer to the Seven on behalf of his father, candles lit, alms given, and only then when he had finished did he leaved and head towards his personal chamber. Leaving the crypt the crowds had been smaller, but rather then cheers at his return or jeers as his dirty state there was a pious silence, respect for the king who had lost so much of his family. A few members of the high council were even there to pay their respects as well and a few quiet words were exchanged with them. By keeping his calm when others would have raged, by carrying on when others had fled he had earned respect from many. Now feeling much better, having taken time to bathe and change once more, he knew where he would find his sister and when he entered the throne room he wasn't disappointed to see that she was indeed sitting on his throne. Druscilla. He said, eyes narrowed and a small sneer upon his lips. I know that you are likely as over come with sorrow and mourning as I am, but to try and take the throne from me before it has even lost the warmth from our father seems a little cold.