Chapter 340: House Targaryen Intimidates the Weak

The passionate proclamation ended and the tournament officially began.

Following tradition, the opening event was the preliminary archery competition.

On the high stage, the royal family members found their designated positions. Viserys sat in the main seat, with his wife Alicent and their young son Daren on his left, and Otto on his right.

On the lower right were Sea Snake Corlys and Rhaenys, next to Daemon and Laena. Across from them, on the left, sat Rhaegar and Rhaenyra. Jeyne of the Eyrie and Lady Elenda of Storm's End were seated in the second row, strategically placing the day's important figures.

Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond stood behind Rhaegar, signifying the importance of the oldest and youngest siblings. Laenor, his wife and the Four Storms stood behind their respective elders, looking more like spectators than participants.

Viserys opened the event with a stirring speech of encouragement. Rhaegar, leaning back in his chair, glanced at Grey Worm and asked, "Who's on the field?"

"Robb Blackwood," Grey Worm answered in a low voice.

Rhaegar chuckled, "With Robb in the field, there's no doubt about the winner."

In archery, Robb was unrivaled in Rhaegar's eyes; his arrows were almost magical in their precision.

After Robb became commander of the Royal Guard, Samwell suggested restoring Robb's family name and establishing him as a branch of the Blackwoods of Raventree Hall, known as Blackwood of Stone Mill. Robb readily agreed and ordered a special family crest: an arrow piercing three bleeding crows. This symbolized their remembrance of their origins and their loyalty to Rhaegar.

Viserys finished his speech and raised his wine in a toast. The seated members of the royal family raised their glasses in celebration.

After a sip, Viserys rubbed a touch of fatigue from his brow and addressed Lady Elenda, "Lady Elenda, thank you for arranging your daughter's marriage to the royal family. I believe our two families will support each other for a long time to come."

"My pleasure, Your Grace," Lady Elenda replied with a graceful nod.

Viserys smiled and, feigning skepticism, continued, "The marriage between our houses is a momentous occasion, thanks to you and Princess Rhaenys. However, I still have some crucial doubts."

"Please, speak," Elenda replied calmly.

Viserys gestured to Aemond and Cassandra and said earnestly, "My third son is still young, five years out of wedlock, but sooner or later the two children will be united. What will your child's family name be?"

Aemond, being a boy, would traditionally have his offspring bear the Targaryen name. However, with Cassandra's inheritance of Storm's End, their child would be the legal heir of House Baratheon, and the Baratheons would resist being replaced by Targaryens.

Aemond and Cassandra exchanged glances, their mutual dislike obvious. Aemond's eyes flickered as he prepared to speak, but Rhaegar, seemingly nonchalant, subtly instructed him to remain silent with a "Careful" look.

Aemond, intimidated, swallowed his words and bowed his head. Rhaegar took a sip of his wine, knowing that this was not the time for them to speak their minds.

The subtle exchange was not lost on the sharp eyes of Viserys and Lady Elenda. Both adults, with their delicate sensibilities, focused on the merits rather than the so-called feelings, understanding that alliances were built on pragmatism rather than emotion.

After a cordial discussion, a resolution was reached.

Viserys smiled warmly and declared, "The children will marry in five years. The first heir will bear the Targaryen name, and when there is an heir to inherit Storm's End, the surname will change to Baratheon."

This compromise was fair, preserving Baratheon dignity while ensuring Targaryen influence. The child would grow up with Targaryen loyalties despite the eventual change of family name, ensuring Targaryen interests in the Stormlands for generations to come.

Lady Elenda folded her hands and smiled, "A generous idea, Your Grace."

She was more concerned with her daughter's inheritance of Storm's End and the continuation of the Baratheon line than with political maneuvering. The agreement was mutually satisfactory.

Viserys turned to Jason Lannister and suggested, "Lord Jason, as Wardens of the Realm, it would be fitting for you and Lady Jenny to witness this union. Would you agree?"

Jason, trying to remain unnoticed amidst the dragon spectacle, stood awkwardly and replied, "No problem, Your Grace."

Jeyne then stepped forward, took Cassandra's hand, and said quietly, "You will follow in your father's footsteps and become the first Lady of the Stormlands."

Cassandra, looking formal and slightly nervous, gathered her courage and said, "I will do my best to rule the Stormlands and uphold the honor of our family."

The public endorsement of Cassandra as the successor to Storm's End was clear.

"A splendid declaration for the future Lady of Storm's End!" Viserys exclaimed, leading the applause.

Rhaegar was the second to clap, laughing, "To the marriage of our houses and the prosperity of the realm."

Rhaenys, Daemon, Otto, and others followed. Even Jason, despite his opposition to female heirs, joined in with a stiff smile.

The Stormlands nobles who supported other claimants, such as Lord Dondarrion and Lord Swann, stood sullenly on the sidelines, understanding that the Targaryens' show of force was also a warning not to challenge the royal family.

A gong sounded, signaling the end of the archery contest. Viserys put down his wine and said, "Rhaegar, Daemon, it's time for your duel. The nobles of the realm await your performance!"

"No problem, let me show my nephew how to duel," Daemon said, raising an eyebrow and grinning as he stood, his dragonscale armor gleaming in the sunlight.

Rhaegar replied amusedly, "Uncle, the tournament has only just begun."

"Heh, I'll go warm up first," Daemon said, throwing off his crimson cloak and stepping down from the stage.

Caraxes spread his wings and soared into the air, its scarlet form hovering over the arena as he let out a sharp roar.

The spectators, recognizing the signal, anticipated the arrival of the Rogue Prince. Before the Second Battle of the Stepstones, Daemon was the most renowned figure on the continent, a leading Targaryen.

Even now, many noble second sons, unproductive knights, and downtrodden rangers admired and were willing to serve him.

"Roar--"

A thunderous roar echoed through the martial arts arena, reverberating like a cascade of bells. The Cannibal raised its head, green pupils gleaming with cruelty and disdain. Its black wings spread wide before folding back, as if trying to contain the primal urge to hunt.

The crowd watched in awe, overwhelmed by the sight. The massive black dragon stood tall, its breath hot and torrential, like the oppressive darkness before a storm, leaving the spectators breathless.

Rhaegar sat calmly, a slight smile playing at the corner of his mouth. As he reached for the table beside him, his hand found nothing. He turned, surprised to see the table, once laden with pastries, fruits, and vegetables, now empty.

Rhaenyra, nibbling on a piece of honeydew melon with innocent purple eyes, caught his gaze. She had chosen a black strapless dress, her long hair elegantly pulled back, exuding dignity and nobility. Today, Rhaenyra had eaten her fill and was in a very good mood.

Rhaegar chuckled, "Is it enough? Do you want some more?"

"Shhh~ Don't be loud," Rhaenyra whispered, glancing at Daemon's empty seat. "I'll go to Laena in a while and eat her pastries."

Rhaegar held his forehead with one hand, amused. "You're unbelievable."

With a mindset that indulging in good food was a blessing, he agreed. As the match was about to begin, Rhaegar rose to prepare.

Before stepping down from the stage, he approached Otto and Lyonel, who sat close, one in the main seat and the other behind.

"Prince," Lyonel greeted, forcing a smile, his fatigue evident.

"Lord Lyonel, I have something to show you," Rhaegar said, extending his hand to reveal a tiny golden cicada carving.

Lyonel's eyes widened. "This is..."

He recognized it immediately—the gold ornament from his second son Larys's scepter. Lyonel had bribed a prisoner to monitor Larys during his journey to the Wall, only to lose contact and later learn Larys had been incinerated by Dragonfire.

Otto, too, recognized the golden cicada. Rhaegar held it up, saying, "I found this last night in the secret room under the Widow's Tower. Its owner was killed, but not by Dragonfire."

Lyonel's mind raced, piecing together the implications in an instant. Rhaegar dropped the cicada into Otto's wine goblet with a soft clink and whispered, "Lord Otto, what you couldn't obtain, I have secured for you."

Rhaegar patted Otto on the shoulder and walked away with a meaningful look. 

Larys's death could not be attributed to him, Lary's death itself was not important, but he cannot be known as a man who does not keep his promises.

With Lyonel's wisdom and understanding of his son, this golden cicada carving clarified the situation.

Lyonel looked at Otto, shock and anger in his eyes. He understood Rhaegar's hint. Otto's expression was complicated, and he silently tipped over his wine goblet, refraining from argument, as if distancing himself from the situation.

...

Stepping down from the high platform, Rhaegar's eyes were filled with deep thought.

Lara's escape was undoubtedly connected to Otto, but Rhaegar remained uncertain about Otto's exact role in the affair.

He pored over the records of various dragon lairs and questioned scouts from Storm's End Castle. In the days surrounding the Goldroad Dragonfire incident, three dragons-Dreamfyre, Sheepstealer, and Sunfyre-had traveled on the same day.

Sunfyre had carried Aegon back to King's Landing from Harrenhal, where Aegon spent the night in a brothel. Dreamfyre and Sheepstealer had both left their respective dragon nests at the Isle of Faces and Storm's End, one in the morning and the other around noon. Dreamfyre returned to the Dragon's Nest that night, while Sheepstealer returned to Storm's End Keep two nights later.

As Larys had claimed, both dragons had the time and opportunity to intercept. But why use two dragons? A single dragon traveling stealthily to kill the night watchman and the prisoner would have sufficed without drawing much attention.

Additionally, Otto's reaction to seeing the Golden Cicada carving earlier had been peculiar. His composure remained stable, without the slightest hint of panic that might indicate the plot had been uncovered.

Larys hadn't told the whole truth.

Rhaegar pondered, "I need to find a time to ask Helaena. That little girl won't lie."

(Word count: 1,733)