The air in the council chambers was thick with tension as the members of the small council gathered around the long table. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across the stone walls, making the room feel colder than usual. King-Regent Cedric Lannister, sitting at the head of the table, was deep in thought as the council meeting began. His gaze often drifted to Auranne Waters, seated beside him, her silver-gold hair gleaming like the sea.

"Your Grace," began Gyles Rosby, his voice weak and strained, his frail form trembling slightly as he leaned forward. "While I respect Lady Waters' naval expertise, we must remember the state of the Crown's finances. Rebuilding the royal fleet as she suggests would plunge us even deeper into debt. The treasury is already stretched thin."

Orton Merryweather, seated next to the king-regent, nodded vigorously. "I second Lord Rosby’s concerns. The Crown cannot afford such expenses at this time. The kingdom’s coffers are practically empty and we are still left with a big debt to the Iron Bank."

Auranne let the murmurs of protest swirl around her for a moment before she leaned forward slightly, her voice smooth and confident. "But, my Lords, the strength of our fleet is paramount if we are to maintain control of the Blackwater and protect King's Landing. I propose we build a new fleet. What say you your grace?" She asks turning towards the King-Regent.