Who Would Sansa Choose for Her Small Council at the Dragonpit?

Imagine a scenario where Sansa Stark ascends to the throne of the Seven Kingdoms from the Dragonpit. As the newly elected Queen, she must build a powerful and balanced small council to navigate the complex political landscape of Westeros. Let's explore the key positions she might consider and the ideal candidates for each role.

The Hand of the Queen: Tyrion Lannister

The Hand of the Queen is a crucial position in the small council, akin to a Prime Minister or a chief advisor. Tyrion Lannister fits this role perfectly, serving as both a master strategist and a skilled diplomat. His intelligence, cunning, and ability to navigate complex relationships would be invaluable to Sansa as she consolidates her power and builds alliances. Although there are concerns about the Lannisters, their alliance has historically provided important support to Stark interests.

The Master of Laws: Bronze Yohn Royce

The Master of Laws oversees legal and administrative matters, acting as the commander of the City Watch and the King's Landing city guards. Bronze Yohn Royce is an excellent choice due to his reputation for competence and fairness. He has the respect of citizens and can effectively manage the day-to-day governance of the capital. His experience and leadership qualities would strengthen the stability of the realm.

The Master of Ships: Rodrik Harlaw

The Master of Ships is responsible for overseeing the sea and maritime defenses, crucial for maintaining control over Westeros. While many House Lords can claim the title, the Ironborn offer a unique perspective. Rodrik Harlaw is a strategic choice, as his commitment to the ironborn and his connections to the coastal regions would provide insights and alliances that Sansa might not have access to. Additionally, Rodrik's scholarly nature, as suggested by the nickname "Rodrik the Reader," emphasizes his administrative skills, making him a versatile choice.

The Master of Coin: Hightower or Redwyne

The Master of Coin governs the financial and economic affairs of the realm, ensuring the state's prosperity. Hightowers or Redwynes are ideal for this role, as they manage Oldtown and are known for their economic acumen. Both families can provide the necessary resources and financial stability that Sansa needs to govern effectively.

The Master of Whisperers: Brandon Stark

The Master of Whisperers is the spy master, ensuring the kingdom's intelligence and information gathering. Brandon Stark is a logical choice, as he has experience with espionage and has worked closely with House Stark's network of spies. His expertise would be crucial in maintaining the small council's strategic advantage.

The Master of War: Stormlands Lord

The Master of War oversees military matters and is a key figure in the small council. A lord from the Stormlands would be an appropriate choice, as the region is known for its formidable military prowess. This position ensures that Sansa has a reliable and powerful figure to manage the kingdom's military forces.

The Lord Commander of the Queensguard: A Dornish Prince

The Lord Commander of the Queensguard is a royal guard tasked with the personal protection of the Queen. An unnamed Martell of Dorne would be a fitting choice, as Dorne is culturally unique and has its own distinct honor code. This position requires someone who can command respect and maintain the Queen's safety without imposing a strict hierarchy.

Conclusion

By assembling a small council with these key positions, Sansa Stark can create a well-rounded and capable team to govern the Seven Kingdoms. The Hand of the Queen (Tyrion Lannister), the Master of Laws (Bronze Yohn Royce), the Master of Ships (Rodrik Harlaw), the Master of Coin (either Hightowers or Redwynes), the Master of Whisperers (Brandon Stark), the Master of War (a Stormlands lord), and the Lord Commander of the Queensguard (a Dornish prince) would provide a balanced and experienced group. This council would not only help Sansa navigate the complex political landscape of Westeros but also strengthen the unity and stability of the realm.