Chapter 113: Lady Rhea

A blonde, curly-haired nobleman named Jason strode forward and saluted the king.

Rhaegar squinted at him and nodded. "Thank you, Lord Jason."

Jason smiled and lifted his chin. "Your Grace, this exchange of heirs is truly grand, befitting a prince."

Viserys laughed. "Of course, Rhaegar is my eldest son, the future king. I want this feast to go down in history."

Jason glanced at the empty seat to the King's right. "Where is the Queen? I was hoping to greet her in person."

"The Queen is still preparing for the festivities," Viserys replied casually.

Jason took the opportunity to comment. "That's why men go to war; women would never make it to the battlefield in time."

Turning to Rhaenyra, he asked, "With the burden of being the heir removed, I wonder what the Princess has planned for the future?" He was still thinking of marrying a Targaryen princess.

Viserys opened his mouth to reply, but Rhaegar interrupted. "Lord Jason, what war have you started? Must I ride the dragons to Lannisport?"

Rhaenyra gave him a sideways glance and silently took his hand.

Rhaegar smiled and looked at Jason, who looked a bit stunned.

Jason hesitated. "Uh ... I haven't started any war. There's no need to trouble the prince."

"Really? That's a shame," Rhaegar replied, feigning disappointment. "Do you have any future plans for war? I heard the Ironborn often disturb the coastline."

"The Ironborn are just foolish pirates. The soldiers in the harbor can handle them," Jason replied, sounding perplexed. "With your honor as a prince, you shouldn't be bothered by the Ironborn."

"I see. Lord Jason is truly a lord well-versed in military affairs. I admire you," Rhaegar said, raising his cup in a toast.

Jason looked at the fruity grape juice in the prince's glass and frowned, but he raised his glass to share the drink.

After finishing the wine, Jason, aware that his presence is unwelcome to the prince, left, his mood noticeably dampened.

Watching his retreating back, Rhaenyra whispered into Rhaegar's ear. "An egomaniac, I can deal with that."

"I just can't stand his stupid face," Rhaegar shrugged. "He dared to covet my sister. I'm afraid seawater from Lannisport got into his head."

As soon as Jason left, the Lady of the Vale, who had been holding her tongue and wanted to speak earlier, quickly approached.

"Your Grace, Rhea Royce of Runestone has come to visit with the prince. I offer my blessings to you and your children," the Lady said, raising her glass.

"Thank you, Lady Rhea," Viserys responded. Rhaegar and Rhaenyra said the same thing, with equal respect.

The countess before them was no ordinary person. She was Daemon Targaryen's wife, Viserys' brother, and thus Rhaegar's aunt by marriage. As is proper, they should address her as sister-in-law and aunt.

Rhaegar took a moment to look at Lady Rhea. Her long brown hair framed a slim figure.

Though she wasn't conventionally beautiful, her features had a certain rugged grace, exuding a dry heroic spirit. She was a far cry from the unattractive figure Daemon had described.

Lady Rhea took a sip of wine and said solemnly, "Your Grace, Daemon has committed a grave crime. While I bear no guilt, I feel a shared responsibility."

"Don't worry, Lady Rhea," Viserys replied politely. "Daemon's sins are his own. They won't touch you."

Lady Rhea shook her head. "Your Grace, I know what I am about to say may sound treasonous, but I beg your understanding."

"What is it you wish to say?" Viserys asked, sensing the seriousness of the situation.

Lady Rhea spoke with heavy heart. "I have been married to Daemon for ten years, but our marriage exists in name only. He finds me lacking in beauty and refuses to be with me. The scandal has spread across the continent."

Rhaegar sat up straighter and listened intently. This was Daemon's scandal, and he needed to hear the details.

Lady Rhea continued, "I am the Lady of Runestone, and this stigma has haunted me for years. Now that Daemon has committed treason, I implore you to end our marriage and honor your loyal subject."

She finished up quickly, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She stared at the king with a determined look in her eyes.

"You wish to dissolve the marriage?" Viserys asked, his face grim.

"No! Daemon never considered me his wife," Lady Rhea said.

Viserys clenched his glass, his eyes fixed on Lady Rhea, his breathing becoming more labored. Daemon was indeed a scoundrel, and Viserys hated him for it. But he was also his brother.

If Viserys granted Lady Rhea's request, it would bring shame not only to Daemon but also to the royal family, making them the subject of ridicule.

For the honor of the crown and out of lingering familial loyalty, Viserys hesitated. He didn't want to agree to Lady Rhea's plea for a divorce.

The atmosphere grew tense. Rhaenyra looked at Lady Rhea, filled with both indignation and sympathy. She was noble Lady, who'd been married for years and was the subject of endless jokes.

Leaning close to Rhaegar, she whispered through gritted teeth, "Daemon is scum. Don't ever become like him."

"You're wrong to even compare him to me," Rhaegar replied, clearly annoyed.

Viserys remained silent for a long time before finally speaking in a deep voice, "Lady Rhea, Daemon has not yet been apprehended. Can we wait until he is, so that you and he can personally resolve this matter?"

As an older brother, he was reluctant to make the decision about Daemon's fate while he was away.

Lady Rhea hesitated, wanting desperately to implore the king to end the marriage immediately. She couldn't bear being Daemon's wife for another moment and wanted to be free as soon as possible.

"Lady Rhea, my father has already approved your request. All you have to do is wait until Daemon is captured," Rhaegar interjected, seeing his father's difficulty in making a decision.

Lady Rhea looked at the young prince, her eyes filled with suspicion.

Rhaegar smiled and said, "Runestone has always been a loyal supporter of the royal family. The royal family will not humiliate its followers. Daemon has committed grave errors, and this marriage should end."

Lady Rhea nodded and asked the king, "Your Grace, is what the prince says true?"

Viserys, looking sorrowful, replied, "Yes, Rhaegar speaks for me. When Daemon is brought to justice, you may settle the matter as you see fit."

"Thank you, Your Grace." Rhea was thrilled and turned to Rhaegar. "Thank you for your selflessness, Prince."

"Selflessness?" Rhaegar frowned. What did she mean by that? Was she implying he was betraying his own family?

Seeing his reaction, Lady Rhea quickly tried to clarify her words. "I apologize, that's not what I meant..."

Rhaegar looked at her, still confused.

"I'll take my leave now, Your Grace," Lady Rhea said hastily, realizing she was only making things worse. She made her way down the steps, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Rhaenyra turned to look at Rhaegar, who met her gaze.

"I understand why Daemon doesn't like her," Rhaegar muttered with frustration.

"Uh huh," Rhaenyra smiled, averting her gaze.

A woman with a such sharp tongue was indeed not easy to like.

(Word count: 1,215)