Thread: Rise to Power

Things were turning Dominic's way and all he needed to see to know that he had an advantage in this situation was the subtle signs on anger on his sisters face. Most wouldn't catch it but he had known her his entire life, he had long been forced to put up with her insults and assaults to his dignity while she made nice with those who were more likely to have some power one day. No one might have seen all this coming but now the time for him to take the throne had arrived. If she was allowed to delay it to the traditional time that he came of age then she might be able to find a way to hold onto the throne all for herself... and he didn't fancy what his life expectancy might be should she take the Iron Throne permanently, removing him with a convenient accident would cement her status and keep a challenge from existing. With the others dismissed Dominic decided to drop the regal bearing that he had assumed before the crowd of assembled minor nobility and members of the court. In his opinion the majority of them were nothing but parasites who existed by hanging onto the coat tails of his family, while the seven major houses did all the work, ruling the Seven Kingdoms and providing the tax revenue that maintained the rule that he would soon assume, and of course their armies provided for the defense to ensure that they weren't invaded or conquered by any powers from across the narrow sea while also putting down would be rebellions from places like the Iron Islands. His sister might understand this court, she might have a better understanding of how it all fit together and who the power players were... but Dominic had the influence with the Seven major Nobel families. As much as he hated to admit it he would need to keep her around for a little while so that he might learn how to control the Court and bend them to his will. The show of piousness that removed them from the playing field would not always work, could not always be relied on... but it had served its purpose this time. As she approached he was forced to look up at her, she had about three inches on him but he was still growing and if he was anything like his brothers or father then he would end up being quite tall when compared to most. Still he hardly mattered, she might be taller then him but it would take more then just a few inches and a dress that bordered on the obscene to intimidate him. He smirked a little as he eyes her exposed flesh, there was no doubt at all that she was beautiful and that she would be able to use her appeal to control people with less self control. Another good reason to keep her around he told himself with a small smirk as he brushed past her, moving towards his throne but rather then taking his place upon it just yet he stood before it, taking his time admiring it and running his hands over the edged of the many blades that had been forged together to make it. Cut yourself on the throne? He asked after he judged he had been silent long enough, he could see the small trace of red from her blood. Father always told me that so long as you are ruling with confidence and keeping your mind upon your duties then the Throne will not cut you. Of course women have never had the strength to hold the Seven Kingdoms together... Her threat meant nothing to him at all, her thoughts that she might be able to crush him were little more then a delusion. Turning from the throne he looked back to her as he took his rightful seat carefully, so as not to cut himself or scratch himself at all, the simple black cotton and silk garment that he wore to symbolize his mourning would offer little protection and to cut himself open after admonishing her for a similar mistake would just bolster her confidence. Now allow me to issue my own warning dear Dru, you are already on very thin ice with me... its tempting to make my first official decree as king an order of exile for you, maybe make you the first woman ever to be sent to the Wall. However you could be useful to me, if you beg me on bended knee right now I won't take any further action against you. Her pride of course wouldn't allow for it but that was the entire point, she had to be broken of that stubborn pride.