Chapter 129: Intelligence from Larys

Larys wore a smile that seemed to hide a world of complexities behind his eyes, giving him the air of an enigmatic genius out of favor.

Taking Larys's hand, Rhaegar smiled, "What news do you bring?"

Having known the family since childhood, Rhaegar was well aware of Larys's tendency to expose secrets.

Larys took a few steps forward, scepter in hand, leaning on his crutch. "Shall we find a quieter place for our discussion?"

"Of course," Rhaegar agreed, intrigued by what Larys had discovered.

Leading the way with deliberate steps, Larys led Rhaegar to the secluded attic, assuring him, "This place sees little traffic, perfect for our conversation."

As they entered, Larys waved away the dust with a theatrical flourish.

Taking a seat near the balcony's glass windows, Rhaegar cut to the chase, "Why the secrecy, Larys?"

Knowing Larys' disinterest in trivialities, Rhaegar anticipated an underlying motive.

Larys sat down with a hint of discomfort and fidgeted in his chair before meeting Rhaegar's gaze with a sarcastic smile.

"Hmm..." Clearing his throat, Larys finally spoke, "Your Highness, I've gathered information from three sources. Which would you like to hear first?"

"In what order?" Rhaegar inquired, leaning forward with interest.

"From the Old Town, the Vale, and Driftmark," Larys revealed with a knowing grin.

"Begin with the Old Town," Rhaegar prompted, intrigued by the unfolding revelations.

Larys nodded, organizing his thoughts before delving into the revelations. "Former Hand of the King Otto Hightower, known for his ties to the Faith of the Seven, has been frequenting the Citadel, engaging in lengthy discussions with the High Septon."

Rhaegar looked confused. "Why is that significant?"

The Hightower family and the church of the Old Town had a long-standing connection, so it wasn't surprising that they were interacting.

Larys shook his head with a knowing smile. "About half a month ago, the Citadel dispatched a group of maesters to King's Landing for service."

"And in Flea Bottom's orphanage, members of the congregation have been performing acts of charity, distributing congee to the needy," Larys continued.

"Winning over hearts?" Rhaegar mused, connecting the dots.

"You've hit the nail on the head. With your reform proposal, Otto is eager to consolidate his power. Queen Alicent has also been lobbying the king privately," Larys confirmed.

"Ah, their commitment to the kingdom is truly commendable," Rhaegar chuckled, before turning his attention back to the matter at hand. "Now, tell me about the next piece of intelligence."

"Are you not curious about Otto's intentions?" Larys asked, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"No need. I've never paid much attention to the so-called Green Faction," Rhaegar replied confidently.

Alicent's green dress stood out conspicuously at the heir exchange ceremony.

With the backing of Oldtown and a few minor nobles and marginalized knights, it was created the Green faction, like Alicent's dress that night.

Alicent's affiliation with the green faction as a Queen was merely a superficial label, Rhaegar believed.

The true division lay between the supporters of Rhaenyra and himself, known as the Blacks, and those aligned with Alicent, labeled the Greens.

Rhaegar dismissed the notion of such factionalism, seeing it as trivial compared to the greater challenges facing the kingdom.

But if she entertained any other notions, the kingdom would remain devoid of any green influence.

King's Landing would never be Green.

"Your broad-mindedness is truly admirable," Larys remarked, visibly impressed by Rhaegar's confidence.

Shifting to the intelligence from the Vale, Larys revealed, "Lady Royce of Runestone is set to marry her cousin and consummate the marriage next month."

"Rhea Royce?" Rhaegar exclaimed, surprised by the news.

Larys nodded, "Yes, Prince Daemon's ex-wife."

Rhaegar paid little mind to the affairs of his former aunt but it seems only fitting for Rhea to remarry, especially considering Daemon's offspring with Laena.

"But our focus isn't on Runestone City," Larys continued

Larys continued, "About six months ago, a heated dispute erupted between the Lady of the Eyrie, Jeyne, and her cousin Arnold Arryn."

"The argument started when Arnold questioned Lady Jeyne's right to female succession, claiming women were unfit to lead the Vale," Larys explained.

"And the outcome?" Rhaegar inquired.

Larys smiled, "The argument ended badly, with Arnold leaving the Eyrie without a trace."

"It's interesting to note that shortly after Arnold's disappearance, the mountain clans of the valley became increasingly aggressive, often raiding the villages below," Larys added.

"Are you suggesting Arnold's collusion with the mountain clans to spark rebellion?" Rhaegar speculated, furrowing his brow.

"It's a possibility, especially considering Arnold's sudden disappearance," Larys replied noncommittally, relishing the challenge of piecing together the puzzle.

"And the final piece of intelligence?" Rhaegar prompted, eager for news closer to Driftmark.

Larys straightened up, adopting a serious demeanor. "According to reliable sources, the Sea Snake's daughter, Lady Laena, returned to Driftmark under cover of night. Lord Corlys himself celebrated the homecoming with a grand reception for his granddaughters."

Rhaegar's expression darkened at the revelation. Just days ago, Rhaenyra had mentioned Laena's plea for assistance to return home. Now, it seemed she had made the journey clandestinely, disregarding any consequences for the royal family.

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Rhaegar spoke icily, "Where is Daemon? Did he accompany his wife and daughter back to Driftmark?"

"I can't say for sure. The scouts only saw Lady Rhaenyra and the two infants," Larys admitted, though he made a guess, "Prince Daemon probably stayed behind, since he's not from the Velaryon House."

"However, I presume you are aware of the developments regarding the Three Daughters," Larys continued, his tone taking on a calculating edge. "With war on the horizon, the Sea Snake's cooperation with the crown seems inevitable."

"So, if he asks to have the warrant against his daughter and son-in-law lifted, I wonder if the King would agree?" Larys asked, looking at Rhaegar.

Rhaegar exchanged a knowing glance with Larys, acknowledging the likelihood of such a scenario.

As Rhaegar rose to depart, Larys met his gaze with a subtle smile, a testament to his dedication and pursuit of excellence.

Confident that his gesture of cooperation would yield favorable outcomes, Larys watched Rhaegar.

"Thank you for the intelligence, Lord Larys," Rhaegar murmured as he prepared to exit.

As the loft door closed behind Rhaegar, Larys's smile faded, his expression briefly vacant but he quickly regained his composure, reflecting on Rhaegar's demeanor.

With a small smile, Larys thought to himself, "What a proud Targaryen!"

...

As night descended, Rhaegar luxuriated in a soothing bath before reclining naked on his bed.

Having parted ways with Larys, he took a leisurely stroll through the streets of King's Landing. Unsurprisingly, he noted an increased presence of followers of the Faith of the Seven in the poorer districts.

"Alicent, Otto, the Sea Snake..."

Rhaegar softly uttered the names that seemed to perpetually trouble him, allowing his mind to gradually empty of thoughts.

As the heir to the throne, he bore a weighty responsibility. While Rhaenyra faced limitations due to her gender, he, as a male and the firstborn by law, enjoyed the favor of the realm's nobility. Yet, the shadows still harbored those with ambitions, ever ready to play their clandestine games.

(Word count: 1,195)