Chapter 607: Secrets

"After all, I was acquainted with many assassins bearing the name of Robert Baratheon from a young age."

"Murder, poison, cold arrows, they employed every trick in the book."

"They claimed that upon my death, the castles across the Seven Kingdoms were theirs for the taking."

Viserys's words made Robert's face twitch subtly. Though he cared little for reputations, sending assassins for a child still cast a dark shadow upon his honor.

"Indeed!"

Unable to contain himself, Robert roared in a deep voice, launching himself at Viserys.

"How I wish I had slain every cursed spawn of the dragons!"

Robert Baratheon charged forward, fury in his eyes, swinging his warhammer with the intent to crush Viserys's head, much like he did with Balon Swann, shattering his skull with a single blow.

Robert once thought Rhaegar to be his mortal enemy, stealing his betrothed, pushing him to the brink. Little did he know, it was the unnoticed brother beside Rhaegar who would become his real nightmare.

Facing the fierce King Robert, Viserys's evasion appeared effortless, seemingly anticipating Robert's moves. As he sidestepped, the hefty warhammer thundered against the ground.

Boom—

The metallic clash against the earth was deafening.

Undeterred, Robert dragged his storm warhammer and attacked Viserys once more.

The heavy warhammer swept across, aimed to break bones— a signature of Robert's battle style. As he gained momentum, his attacks resembled a raging tempest.

"Die!"

Whoosh~

Robert's warhammer swung with ferocious momentum, yet once again, Viserys dodged with ease.

The silver-haired youth didn't draw his sword. He dodged and circled behind Robert, smacking his antlered helm with the pommel of his sheathed blade.

Crack—

His helm was sent flying, landing with a clatter that echoed through the field, stirring gasps amongst the onlookers.

"Is that all, Robert?"

"People hailed you as the unparalleled warrior, the demon of the Trident, the most valiant knight across the lands."

Disappointment crossed Viserys's face. He had expected more from Robert, yet compared to the Giant King, Robert seemed lacking. However, a mythic creature was one thing, Robert Baratheon was but a mortal king.

"Enough of your chatter, boy!"

Robert, now disheveled, took a moment to catch his breath, then tightened his grip on his warhammer, his voice booming.

"When I battled your brother Rhaegar, you were probably still suckling at the breast!"

Viserys stood afar, his sword, Twilight, remained sheathed. This was not a battle, but a one-sided mockery.

Robert was more a warrior than a king. He yearned to die standing, as a warrior should, thus he challenged Viserys, who was more than willing to indulge him.

Robert knew deep down, he stood no chance against Viserys. The cold sweat trickling down his forehead was a testament.

He had sensed it from the first exchange; the fact that Viserys had yet to unsheathe his sword was telling.

"You despise Rhaegar because he took your betrothed?"

"Lyanna Stark of Winterfell?"

Silence fell upon the battlefield. The silver-haired youth showed no sign of attacking; his eyes filled with pity as they met Robert's, then he spoke.

"Indeed!"

"Rhaegar took and raped Lyanna. He was a rapist!"

"I had every reason to kill him!"

With a few heaving breaths, Robert lunged forward, attacking once more, his warhammer crashing down.

Clang—

But this time, a dull metallic clang resonated as Viserys parried the attack with his sword's sheath, seemingly effortless.

"No, you're wrong, Robert."

Viserys, upon hearing Robert's words, only shook his head slightly.

"Rhaegar didn't abduct or rape Lyanna Stark."

With a forceful push, he sent the mighty King Robert staggering back, stumbling several steps before regaining his footing.

Robert stood there, warhammer in hand, a look of astonishment painted across his face, as if he had seen a ghost.

Gasps echoed from the Seven Kingdoms' nobles and commoners who had gathered to witness the duel between kings.

Though they were aware of King Viserys's prowess in combat, having allegedly saved the world in rumors, King Robert's strength was also a sight to behold.

They had envisioned Viserys triumphing over Robert with his exquisite swordsmanship and agile combat techniques, but none had imagined Viserys could fling Robert aside as though he was a mere chicken!

"In light of your impending demise, I shall reveal the truth to you, so you may die with clarity."

Thud—

Viserys tossed Robert aside as if he was tossing a small chicken, his sword remained sheathed. Placing the hilt of his sheath on the ground, dust swirled around him.

At the stands, Eddard Stark, clad in black, had been wholly engrossed in the duel of his dear friend.

"The truth?"

Seeing the unfolding situation, Eddard, skilled in combat, knew Robert stood no chance. As sorrow engulfed him, Viserys's words struck a chord, prompting an uneasy feeling.

"It can't be."

It was his most guarded secret, shared only once with his wife when death seemed imminent before the battle at Winterfell.

"Lyanna Aunt? The truth?"

Among the Stark offspring present—Robb, Sansa, Jon Snow, Theon Greyjoy, and even Bran, hardly heard their father speak of Aunt Lyanna. The mention of truth by Viserys sparked their curiosity.

"In truth, Rhaegar didn't abduct or rape Lyanna Stark. Theirs was a 'mistaken love.'"

"Rhaegar was smitten with Lyanna, and she, infatuated with him. They were genuinely in love…"

The nobles of the Seven Kingdoms exchanged puzzled glances.

"It can't be!"

Upon hearing Viserys's revelation, Robert was engulfed in rage, trembling as he lunged at Viserys once more.

But this time, Viserys showed no mercy.

Clang—

Twilight unsheathed, severing Robert's warhammer, then pierced through his chest in a swift, fluid motion.

Squelch—

Blood splattered as the Stag's armor crumbled like paper under the might of Twilight.

"What?"

The events unfolded so rapidly that many among the Seven Kingdoms' nobility couldn't grasp the reality—King Robert had been defeated by Viserys. Some noblewomen couldn't help but scream at the horrific scene.

"Good heavens."

Moments ago, the fierce King Robert had been reduced to a defeated foe in the blink of an eye by Viserys's retaliation.

"Lyanna even bore Rhaegar a child, which she entrusted to his brother Eddard to raise."

Viserys knelt beside Robert, whispering the truth only to him, then turned his gaze elsewhere.

"Jon Snow."