Chapter 145: Rhaenyra's Marriage
Inside the study of the Red Keep, Daemon toyed with a silver goblet in his hand, looking at Viserys before him.
Viserys had been fond of feasting, fine wine, and good food for years; he had grown increasingly corpulent, and the fat on his belly jiggled like pudding as he sat in the chair behind his desk.
Princess Rhaenyra, born to Queen Aemma, and Aegon, born to Queen Alicent, were growing up day by day, yet Viserys remained oblivious to the risk of this division.
Daemon resolved to warn Viserys.
"Otto Hightower believes his grandson, Aegon, is the true heir to the Iron Throne, and according to the custom of the Great Council, some nobles and commoners will also support Otto Hightower's view, which will threaten Princess Rhaenyra's claim to succession.
Brother, can you not see the risks behind this?"
King Viserys smiled and said, "What risks could there be?
Rhaenyra and Alicent's children are both my own flesh and blood; they may not be as close as we, true brothers, but they will surely love each other.
Rhaenyra will inherit the Iron Throne, and Aegon is the prince from the Green Dream prophecy; he is destined to have an extraordinary life."
So many years had passed, and King Viserys still held a deep obsession with the prince from his dream.
However, Daemon knew very well that the prince who appeared in King Viserys's dream was not Aegon at all, but a certain beggar king of later generations, the brother of the Dragon Queen, famous for melting a golden crown with the fury of a sleeping dragon.
Viserys's eyes were full of longing as he said, "According to the dream's premonition, Aegon will ride across the Great Grass Sea in the future, with the Dothraki following his chariot, and cheese mongers and caravans will be respectful to him.
Therefore, Aegon is destined to forge his own kingdom across the Narrow Sea in Essos, just like you, Daemon."
Because of his misinterpretation of the dream, King Viserys believed that Aegon was the prince of the prophecy, and precisely because of this, King Viserys, Queen Alicent, and even her grandfather Otto Hightower, had always held high expectations for Aegon.
As a young boy, Aegon's performance fell short of expectations, leading to constant reprimands from his elders.
The unrealistic expectations of his parents and elders also damaged Aegon's self-confidence; King Viserys actually thought Aegon could, like Daemon, forge his own kingdom across the Narrow Sea in Essos.
This was, of course, impossible.
Since King Viserys believed that Aegon would have a good future development on the continent of Essos, Daemon decided to go with the flow.
He seized the opportunity to say, "For Aegon to conquer like me, he must first reach the Three Daughters and begin by familiarizing himself with the continent of Essos.
Isn't there a famous saying, 'I came, I saw, I conquered.'?
Aegon should go to the Three Daughters' court, and in a few years, when he is older, he can serve as my squire; I will help you train him."
If Aegon fell into Daemon's hands, Daemon would train Aegon to be his number one admirer, and at crucial moments, Aegon would also be a very useful hostage.
King Viserys nodded slightly, "That's a good idea, but it's a pity Alicent might have a different opinion.
It's unlikely she'd agree to Aegon going across the Narrow Sea at such a young age.
However, I believe Aegon will learn a great deal by being your squire."
"Speaking of squires, Laenor, the Sea Snake's son, was once your squire.
I saw him today at the Red Keep's gate.
Laenor is handsome and a Dragonrider who rides the great dragon Seasmoke.
Daemon, based on your observations, what do you think of Laenor's character?"
Daemon said, "He has good character.
Laenor is diligent and eager to learn, and he never visits brothels for prostitutes."
Laenor indeed didn't visit prostitutes, but whether he visited handsome men was another matter.
King Viserys revealed a satisfied smile, "Daemon, your second son Jaehaerys is already betrothed, and I think Rhaenyra has also reached the age for betrothal.
She is the Princess of Dragonstone, heir to the Iron Throne, and the future Queen of King's Landing and Westeros; her marriage will undoubtedly be the focus of widespread attention."
"Nearly all eligible men in Westeros hope to marry Rhaenyra.
Jason Lannister, heir to Casterly Rock, Harwin Strong of Harrenhal, Paul Blackwood of Raventree Hall, Desmond Manderly of White Harbor...
If those pursuing Rhaenyra were to line up, the queue could stretch from the deserts of Dorne all the way to the Wall."
Among these suitors, the one Daemon worried about most was Harwin Strong, the eldest son of Lyonel Strong, the Master of Laws, and the heir to House Strong of Harrenhal.
There was also the white knight, Ser Criston Cole, who served Princess Rhaenyra.
King Viserys probably never dreamed that the white knight by his side, clad in the pure white cloak of the Kingsguard, might defile his beloved daughter, the Realm's Delight.
Daemon poured a cup of golden Arbor wine from the flask.
He took a small sip, "Brother, Rhaenyra should be betrothed immediately.
Once Rhaenyra is betrothed, the nobles of Westeros should end this game of thrones.
Rhaenyra's betrothed must be a great noble worthy of House Targaryen, and must be of high birth."
In Daemon's opinion, his son, Tyrosh Prince Aegon, was the most suitable candidate.
Viserys joyfully said, "Actually, in my heart, I already have a perfect candidate.
Years ago, I rudely rejected Laena, which caused House Velaryon to remain at odds with the Iron Throne.
Now I am determined to make amends; I intend to propose to the Sea Snake and Princess Rhaenys, to betroth Laenor to Rhaenyra."
Daemon had traveled across the Narrow Sea, returning from the Three Daughters to King's Landing, precisely to arrange the betrothal of his son, Aegon, to King Viserys's daughter, Princess Rhaenyra.
Yet King Viserys intended to marry Rhaenyra to Laenor.
This was not good news for Daemon.
Fortunately, Daemon had already anticipated this.
Daemon revealed a sharp smile, "Brother, Rhaenyra absolutely cannot marry Laenor."
Viserys was very puzzled.
He said, "Why not?
Laenor is of noble birth, handsome, and he is also a Dragonrider.
He is perfectly suited for Rhaenyra."
Daemon raised his goblet and drained it in one gulp.
He slowly said, "However, Laenor is a man who prefers sweet wines.
In the Three Daughters, Laenor was always surrounded by handsome young squires.
Laenor does not like women; he only likes men."
King Viserys's mouth dropped open in shock.
After a long moment of thought, he exclaimed, "How can this be?
I heard that in some brothels in the Three Daughters, handsome men are more popular than beautiful women.
It's a corrupt and depraved place.
Did Laenor become a homosexual in the Three Daughters?"
Daemon shook his head, "Not exactly.
Do you remember Joffrey Lonmouth, that handsome and dashing squire who was always with Laenor?
People called him the 'Kissing Knight.'"
King Viserys thought for a moment, "I remember.
That boy's sigil had a skull and a kiss.
Could Joffrey Lonmouth be Laenor's lover?"
Daemon nodded slightly, "Laenor met Joffrey Lonmouth when he was still on Driftmark.
They were inseparable, practicing swordplay together, bathing together, and praying together.
Joffrey Lonmouth had actually been with Laenor for a long time; they were indeed a couple."
King Viserys rubbed his forehead, saying sadly, "How could Princess Rhaenys and Lord Corlys Velaryon allow Laenor to become such a man?
Were they completely unaware?"
Daemon said, "The Sea Snake is focused on navigation and shipbuilding, and Princess Rhaenys loves soaring on the great dragon Meleys, the Red Queen, too much.
They probably both overlooked their son, Laenor."
King Viserys snorted, "Since Laenor prefers sweet wines, then he is not suitable to marry any woman, and certainly not qualified to be betrothed to my daughter Rhaenyra.
Now I must choose a suitable betrothed for Rhaenyra again."
Daemon stroked his sword belt, "Brother, the choice for betrothal may not need to be sought far.
Do you remember?
Years ago, right in this study, our grandfather, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, sat opposite us, and he advised us that in the future, girls of House Targaryen should try not to marry other nobles.
To maintain the purity of the bloodline, intermarriage within the family should be preferred."
At Daemon's reminder, King Viserys's eyes lit up, "Daemon, you have given me three precious nephews.
Although Jaehaerys is already betrothed to Laena, there are still Aegon and Baelon.
For the love between us brothers, let Aegon be betrothed to Rhaenyra!
In the future, the Three Daughters and the Kingdom of Westeros will be firmly in the hands of our brothers' descendants."
Daemon and King Viserys reached out their hands, gripping them tightly together.
After leaving the study, Daemon wandered aimlessly through the Red Keep.
He climbed the arrow tower of Maegor's Holdfast, then crossed the drawbridge over the dry moat filled with sharp spikes.
Daemon watched the Kingsguard drilling in the training yard, then stepped down to discuss sword fighting with the Red Keep's master-at-arms.
Afterward, Daemon headed towards the Godswood of the Red Keep.
The Godswood of the Red Keep covered tens of acres, planted with lemon trees, oak trees, elm trees, pine trees, and other trees.
It was a sacred place of the old gods, quiet and peaceful.
Daemon walked towards the weirwood heart tree in the center of the Godswood, only to find Princess Rhaenyra swinging on a tall sentinel tree.
Ser Harwin Strong was responsible for pushing the swing, and Ser Criston Cole of the Kingsguard stood by, attending.
Harwin Strong had clear, deep blue eyes, black curly hair, a bull-like thick neck, and a burly, tall physique.
He wore smoke-grey armor, with a golden cloak fluttering behind it.
Rhaenyra sat on the swing, wearing a wreath of roses.
Harwin Strong continuously pushed the swing with force, and the swing went higher and higher, making Rhaenyra shriek with delight.
Ser Criston Cole, standing by, frowned, "Harwin, be gentler.
What if you hurt the Princess?"
Harwin Strong said carelessly, "It's fine, this is the Godswood.
When I was a child, I often swung on the towers of Harrenhal; that height was comparable to a cliff, much more exciting than this."
When Daemon emerged from the shadows of the forest, he said, "Boy, you can swing from the top of the Wall, or the Moon Door of the Eyrie; that's your freedom.
But you cannot hurt the Princess of Dragonstone.
If the swing rocks too fast, it might throw Princess Rhaenyra off and injure her.
Can you bear the responsibility for that?"
Harwin Strong was so startled that he immediately grabbed the swing, lowered his head, and apologized, "Prince Daemon, I know I was wrong."
Princess Rhaenyra jumped off the swing, "Uncle, why are you here?"
Daemon said gently, "I came to pray.
I am the Rogue Prince; I must pray to the old gods and the new every day."
Then Daemon turned to Harwin Strong and Ser Criston Cole, "I need to speak with Princess Rhaenyra about something.
You two may withdraw."
Harwin Strong and Criston Cole turned and left.
Daemon watched their retreating figures disappear around the bend in the trees, leaving only the sounds of insects and birds.
Daemon said to Princess Rhaenyra, who was beside him, "I know many nobles in Westeros are pursuing you; people call you the 'Realm's Delight.'
Among all these suitors, who pleases you the most?
It wouldn't happen to be Harwin Strong and Ser Criston Cole, would it?"
Princess Rhaenyra pouted playfully, "Uncle, you are too naughty.
Ser Criston Cole is my white knight who protects me; he is a Kingsguard, sworn not to marry or have children.
As for Harwin, he is a captain in the King's Landing City Watch, and he has always treated me very well."
Daemon revealed a profound smile, "Rhaenyra, the Kingsguard are bound by oaths, but how many Kingsguard of noble character like Ryam Redwyne are there?
As far as I know, many Kingsguard secretly have mistresses and visit brothels.
Unless they marry and have children behind the King's back, like Lucamore the Lecher, no one will expose their little secrets.
Your white knight, Criston Cole, he is not an Unsullied.
He guards you every day, and he must be itching with desire."
Rhaenyra twirled her hair with her fingers, her skirt rustling, "Uncle, others say you are the Rogue Prince, and it seems you haven't changed at all."
Daemon asked curiously, "You haven't let Criston Cole, Harwin Strong, and those others get their way, have you?
Rhaenyra, tell your uncle, are you still pure?"
Rhaenyra blushed, "Of course I am.
I'm not Princess Saera."
Daemon breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed Princess Rhaenyra had not gone astray.
Daemon certainly didn't want his son, Aegon, to marry someone else's leftovers.
The great dragon Syrax soared through the sky.
If Aegon married Rhaenyra, Daemon's family would not only gain another great dragon in the future but also a fertile and prolific she-dragon that would continuously lay dragon eggs.
Daemon stroked Rhaenyra's shoulder, "I have good news for you.
Your father has agreed that you will be betrothed to my son, Tyrosh Prince Aegon."
Rhaenyra was too shocked to speak.
Her eyes were filled with fear and unease.
She said hesitantly, "Uncle, this is not good news at all.
I don't want to be betrothed so soon.
Most importantly, I don't like Aegon; he is even younger than me.
I prefer older men; I like mature, strong men."
Daemon chuckled, "Those nobles pursuing you are not interested in you, but in your status.
You are the Princess of Dragonstone, heir to the Iron Throne; they all dream of marrying a queen in the future and ruling the kingdom with her.
If you didn't have a great dragon and were just a farmer's daughter, would they still like you?
Aegon is your best choice."
Rhaenyra was silent for a long time.
She repeatedly considered Daemon's words, then sighed, "Uncle, I am willing to marry Aegon."
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