Journal, Day 4
The feast was wretched. Oh, it was well-executed, the food was lovely and the entertainment a great success. I spent the evening avoiding the High Table and my seat there. The very edge! My place is beside the Queen, beside Aeria. Sister, where are you?
One of William Stark's twin daughters has fallen ill, one of the first downed by a plague which came from Braavos, via a ship full of cloth. Conveniently, the dressmakers' street was one hit by lightning during the feast. Burned entirely to the ground, with the dressmaker in it.
It is all too easy. Polonius Haine's report says the ships crew is dead, and the captain missing? ... Yet few have been stricken as quickly or with such total fatalities as those first. It sticks in my mind... What better way to hide a poison than in a plague? With everyone dying who will question when a few more fall? Materials, dressmakers... women would most often be the ones to buy such things.
Yet Queen Kaelyn is not ill, nor have any others of the royal houses fallen ill- even Princess Gwyn, who is ever in her sister's company is well. Though her temper has not been improved, it must be said.
I have spoken with my tutors, and sent ravens to my brothers. I fear revealing too much of my own education if I offer help but they refused Maester Harmon's request to examine the princess and those others are fools to the man. They wouldn't know the Rosy Death from Maiden's Kiss.
My Ashai tutor suggested we lay our hands upon the dress the princess wore, or other gowns from that maker. I've bribed a few of the laundresses to bring me Princess Genna's dress -- several people remarked that in the Small Feast she wore Arryn blue rather than the Stark colors. There may be some tension in the royal family... I shall have to ask Prosperyn.
I am wondering if this poison does not depend on several exposures? A child would be more susceptible than an adult, and fall faster. The authors of this perhaps did not take that into account? Or perhaps did not care. Who would profit if William Stark's daughters die? ... Perhaps their brother needs a sworn shield sooner rather than later. No, I don't think the children were the targets of this. Far more likely a noble lady. Kaelyn Stark? Now there's a more interesting question: Who would benefit if Kaelyn Stark died? William would need a new queen. ...
I am going to have to ask Kaelyn Stark to allow me to examine her daughter. Well that ought to be amusing.
... and before I forget: the pirate prince becomes ever more interesting. ... though I do hope to see the riverlord again.
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