Chapter 530: "The Surrender of Storm's End"

Viserys, alone, descended upon Storm's End astride a black dragon.

The ongoing trial in the hall of Storm's End was promptly interrupted. Everyone left the hall, looking skyward in anticipation.

Upon the massive black dragon's landing, a silver-haired young man dismounted. The stormlanders—both nobles and guards—looked on apprehensively, not daring to approach.

"Is that Viserys?" Few within Storm's End had seen Viserys firsthand. Yet, his signature silver-golden hair, light-purple eyes, handsome face, and the immense black dragon he rode were proof enough of his identity.

They still found it hard to believe their eyes.

For some time now, Viserys was the enemy they wished to dismember and whose blood they thirsted for.

Why would he have the audacity to come alone to Storm's End? How could he be so bold?

The stormland nobles exchanged glances, seeing shock and fear mirrored in each other's eyes.

Viserys' arrival was abrupt and impeccably timed. With the presumed death of Stannis, Storm's End lacked leadership. No one was prepared to take charge.

Yet Viserys seemed to anticipate this, making his daring entrance even more audacious.

The mere presence of the dragon, its head raised high, its blood-red eyes glaring down, made any sudden moves risky. A single blast of its fiery breath could incinerate them all.

The nobles of Storm's End were petrified by Viserys' audacious arrival.

They exchanged glances. Lord Morrigen of the Eyrie subtly gripped his sword hilt, glancing at Lord Alexander Stedmon of Longbow Hall.

The latter discreetly shook his head, indicating restraint. Lady Mari Merryweather of Mistwood appeared pale.

All eyes turned to Ser Davos, the Onion Knight.

"Ser Davos..."

It was only then they remembered Davos' exceptional diplomatic skills. As one of Stannis' most trusted advisors, they hoped he could manage the situation. Moreover, Davos was the only one among them who had previously met Viserys.

But seeing Davos' grave expression, they realized the truth of the young dragonlord's identity.

Steeling himself, Davos approached, offering a respectful bow. "Your Grace. May I inquire the purpose of your late visit to Storm's End?"

His words confirmed the identity of the silver-haired youth.

He was indeed the newly crowned king in King's Landing.

"I heard Stannis is dead."

Viserys had been observing Storm's End since he arrived. It lived up to its reputation as one of the most formidable strongholds of the Seven Kingdoms.

When he was younger, Viserys had come to Storm's End to evade a storm that threatened the last Targaryen fleet. Now, the tables had turned.

Seeing the fear in the eyes of the stormland nobles, Davos posed a question, "Was Barron Swann dispatched by you to assassinate Stannis?"

Barron Swann, still bound, looked confused at the accusation.

"No. Barron Swann wasn't sent by me," Viserys replied. "Do you think I need such tactics for Stannis? If I wanted him dead this way, he would have been long gone."

He noticed the trepidation of the crowd and fixed his gaze on Davos once more.

"I saw it with my own eyes," Viserys said, pointing to his eyes. He then patted Davos' shoulder and made his way to the hall, presumably to see Stannis. No one from the stormland dared to stop him, leaving Davos standing there, stunned.