Tears of Lys

Tears of Lys is named in the account of a conspiracy to poison King Aegon and his queen, a plot whose stated aim was to place Prince Viserys on the Iron Throne. Its mention comes during the accusation and confession of Lord Thaddeus Rowan; the account identifies the poison but gives no further description of it.

Identification

At Rowan’s public confession, Septon Bernard named the poison as Tears of Lys. Grand Maester Munkun confirmed the identification. The passage provides no details about the poison’s appearance, preparation, or administration.

Role in the Alleged Plot

Rowan was accused of conspiring with three members of House Rogare to poison King Aegon and his queen, with Prince Viserys and Larra of Lys intended to take their place. In his confession, Rowan said that Lotho Rogare had promised him fifty thousand gold dragons once the deed was done and another fifty thousand when Viserys took the throne. He identified Roggerio Rogare as the person who gave him the poison.

Evidence and Consequences

The poison’s identity is presented as part of a confession made under circumstances that cast doubt on Rowan’s condition: his face was badly bruised and swollen, his speech was slurred, and he had lost all his teeth. The account reports his words and Munkun’s confirmation, but does not describe an independent investigation of the poison itself. Bernard also said that Rowan’s plot had cost the life of the king’s young friend Gaemon; the passage does not state that Tears of Lys was used to kill Gaemon. Rowan’s confession left King Aegon III speechless and despairing.