Chapter 10

However, since it was Aerion who asked the question, Ser Harrold took the initiative to mention the name - "Jason Lannister." Hearing the name, Aerion recalled some vague details about the Duke of the Westerlands, Lord of Casterly Rock, and Tyran Lannister's biological brother. Although he didn't personally know this contemporary leader of House Lannister, he was aware of his arrogant demeanor, high self-regard, and open coveting of beauty and power.

Hearing the name he started recall the scenes of this Lannister's proposal to his sister in the show and immediately under what had caused the quarrel.

With no time to waste on such matters, Aerion noted down the name. "Sir Harold, what did my father say when he was informed of my sister's departure? Has he sent someone else?" Aerion inquired.

A bit confused, Sir Harold responded honestly, "Your Majesty has ordered that the Princess will return, and Sir Cole, a fine warrior and knight, will surely protect the princess."

"Very good," Aerion replied with a cold smile. "Next, I'll ask you to inform my father that I would like to speak with him after we return to King's Landing."

Under Ser Harrold's puzzled gaze, Aerion trotted over to the nearest horse-tying fence. "Prince, I don't understand. Where are you going?" Ser Harrold asked.

Touching the horse's front legs, Aerion replied seriously, " My father may be busy but I'm not, I will return with my sister."

"Your Majesty will not permit you to wander about."

"I'm not asking for his permission. It's not considered wandering about," Aerion retorted coldly.

Hearing Aerion's words, Ser Harrold was momentarily stunned. "My Prince, it could be dangerous."

Aerion smiled mockingly as he gently picked up a handful of horse hair and said softly, "Dangerous! Sir Harold, You had seen how I defeated 20 knights even when they came together to gain my father's approval to participate in the hunt." He said with some arrogance.

As he added" Not only that, I have just returned after venturing deep into the forest, faced three boars together, and killed them. I highly doubt this forest houses anything that poses even a slight danger to me."

As he spoke, Aerion gradually applied pressure with his hands. The well-trained horse understood its task, kicking its hooves restlessly and neighing.

Simultaneously, Sir Harold was internally perplexed. Knowing he couldn't stop Aerion, he decided to accompany him. He turned to a guard nearby and instructed, "Inform the king that I will accompany the prince to search for the princess."

"As commanded, Sir Harold," the guard responded, bowing before rushing into the main tent.

Immediately afterward, Sir Harold also mounted a horse and followed Aerion's horse, saying, "My Prince, allow me to lead the way."

Soon, the horses exited the camp and trotted along the forest path.

"Sir Harold, do you know where my sister is?" Aerion asked, his hair fluttering in the wind.

Sir Harold, looking serious, replied, "The guards have already reported the general direction of their departure. Ser Cole is a clever man. He would surely leave marks on the road."

Hearing this, Aerion felt relieved. It's not easy for anyone to find a person in such a vast forest, but thanks to Sir Harold's guidance, he wouldn't have to aimlessly wander.

As for Ser Cole not leaving any markings, being a qualified member of the King'sGuard, such a simple task as leaving information would be easy for him.

Time passed quickly. The sun was high when they left the camp, and in the blink of an eye, it was already sunset.

Under the setting sun's light, Sir Harold led the horse slowly along the densely pine-covered forest path, soon reaching a lakeside. He looked around in confusion.

Dismounting from his horse, he examined the surroundings more carefully. "My Prince, the markings end here, but I have found two tracks which should belong to Ser Cole and the Princess. I don't understand why Ser Cole didn't continue to leave any markings?"

Aerion frowned at his words and said, "Let's follow the tracks. It's likely my sister who prohibited Ser Cole from marking their forward path."

Sir Harold nodded with a sigh and mentally he decided that once they return to king'slanding he will surely train Criston Cole and let know why they are called king'sgaurd not Princess gaurds.

After traveling with the princess into the forest it can be justified at least as the Princess had ran deeper but even stopped leaving any markings to find them even if under the orders of the princess it is great error in his duty as king'sgaurd assained to protect royal family members.

Sir Harrold and Aerion pressed on through the thick forest. The sky was obscured by the towering trees, their branches interlocking like colossal fingers to form a canopy overhead.

The clear tracks left by Sir Cole and Rhaenyra served as their guide, leading them deeper into the forest. As the moon began to rise, and darkness covered the land, a sense of urgency welled up within Sir Harrold.

Uncertainty clouded his thoughts - he didn't know what had befallen the princess, and why Sir Cole hadn't returned to the camp with her, but instead ventured further into the forest.

As dusk fell, the forest seemed to awaken. The air was filled with the chirping of birds and the buzzing of insects. The rich scent of earth and vegetation permeated the air, and the occasional rustling of leaves caused both Sir Harrold and Aerion to be on high alert.

The seasoned knight comforted his horse, whispering words of encouragement as they continued their journey.

"Sir Harrold, look," Aerion pointed towards the sky.

Following Aerion's gaze, Harrold looked up. Through the dense foliage, he could see smoke rising in the distance. While it wasn't certain that it was Rhaenyra, the tracks led directly there, and the smoke suggested a small campfire.

"My prince, let's investigate. But for safety, you should stay behind me," Sir Harrold instructed as they quickened their horses' pace.

They galloped past the ancient trees, and as they neared the source of the smoke, the sky had darkened considerably.