Chapter 152

In Westeros, the Small Council usually includes the Hand of the King, the Grand Maester, the Master of Coin, the Master of Ships, the Master of Laws, the Master of Whisperers, and the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

The Hand of the King was the most important of these, the king’s chief advisor and the executor of his commands. The Hand’s duties included issuing orders in the king’s name, exercising authority, commanding the armies, administering justice, and convening the council to manage the kingdom’s daily affairs. When the king was ill or absent, the Hand sat the Iron Throne as regent.

Drogo knew such an office could not be given lightly. Those in the hall were loyal to him—of that he had no doubt—and save for Corlenso, all had proven themselves valiant in battle. But the Hand was not like leading men in war; it demanded breadth beyond the sword.