King Viserys I Targaryen was silent as he sat on his throne, four of his Kingsguard standing at the bottom of the steps to his throne while the throne hall was almost packed on both sides.
Off to the side, he noticed his beautiful wife Alicent and their children, Aegon looking as aloof as ever while Aemond and Helaena were looking expectantly at the door to the throne hall.
His Queen on the other hand did not look as eager to meet Helaena's betrothed as he was, which was to be expected. After all, he did not talk to her before he made the arrangement.
'The only other choices were a Lannister and a Tyrell. While I do wish that she could have been wedded to Aegon, the fact that she has not bonded with a dragon made him say no,' It was not unexpected for a Targaryen to not have a dragon egg hatch with them, but it was most definitely rare for a Targaryen to be rejected by every young dragon that they had.
On top of that, the older dragons here at the Dragonpit also did not care for her and while he would have loved for them to go to Dragonstone to see if she might tame a dragon there, the only dragons there are far too volatile for him to risk her life.
'In any case, with this marriage, the Starks will now be tied to the royal family by blood. That means that the North and the Crown will be even greater allies than we were before,' Viserys thought as he shifted slightly, his larger stature making it hard for him to sit comfortably.
Yet, he could not show weakness in front of his subjects, knowing that the vultures hidden would most definitely be eager to prey on that weakness.
'Oh, how I could just be done with the lot of them and make Rhaenyra Queen,' He thought with a soft sigh, waving away his wife's concerned glance with a smile while looking at where his eldest were standing.
Right beside her was her husband Lord Laenor Velaryon, their two sons Jacaerys and Lucerys standing patiently in front of them while Rhaenyra had the third son Joffrey in her arms.
Jacaerys carried himself like a young man ready for war despite him just being into his twelfth nameday while Lucerys kept glancing around the room while fidgeting nervously with his sleeve. Joffrey on the other hand made Viserys smile as he saw the boy playing with the frills of Rhaenyra's dress, hiding his chuckle as he saw his daughter smiling before rubbing her nose against his cheek.
Beside her, though, he couldn't help but feel sadness in his heart as he saw the distant look in Laenor's eyes, the young Lord looking thinner than he once did. The grief had hit him a lot harder than most would realize, especially with how close he and his sister have been since their younger years.
If only things had been simpler and the lords and ladies could see Rhaenyra for the ruler that he saw, their whispers and doubts would cease and he could be done with this life as a ruler.
Alas, the world still does not agree with his vision, but thankfully, he still had many years before the Stranger would come to fetch him.
'Hopefully, in a few years, the world has changed and my beloved daughter can finally ascend the throne,' he thought with a smile before looking to the doors as they opened, groans coming from the iron hinges turned.
"Announcing~ Lord Confessor Larys Strong of House Strong, Lord of Harrenhal! Lord Torrhen II Stark of Winterfell, son to Lord Rickon Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden Of The North!", The herald announced as the Lord Commander Westerling stood to the side, allowing two figures to walk past.
Larys Strong entered first, his cane tapping softly against the stone as he walked with deliberate slow grace.
The second that entered made him look more closely as the boy had a stoic look on his face.
The boy was a northerner true and true as he walked upright, solid but not arrogant. No, it was more with the awareness and calculative gaze of one who was wary of the things around him.
Dressed in a cloak in the colours of Winterfell, grey and white wool trimmed in black fur with a silver clasp on his cloak shaped like a direwolf, he knew the boy was hot under his cloak, but he also knew that the boy would not even think of removing the cloak unless asked.
Something that he was not going to do.
Beside him, he could see Alicent shifting slightly in her seat, neither a scowl nor a smile on her face as her gaze flickered from Torrhen to him with her displeasure all but spoken.
It looks like he'd be sleeping with her back to him for a few nights.
The room was silent with naught but a few whispers as the two figures reached just a few feet from the Kingsguard, the Lord Commander and the other two falling in line with them as Larys bowed.
However, he did raise an eyebrow as the boy fell to a knee, turning his gaze to Larys and smiling as he saw the amusement dancing in the man's eyes.
Of course.
"While I do appreciate you kneeling, Lord Torrhen, there is no need to do that when greeting the King," Viserys spoke, smiling as Torrhen looked up and smiled.
"Ah, it appears I was misinformed, your Grace. Still, I wished to only show you the proper respect that you deserve," He had to admit that the young man was quick on his feet and charismatic as well, considering the look of slight approval in his wife's eyes as well as the happy murmurs from the lords and ladies of the court.
'Hmm, that is good. Helaena will need someone skilled in the political arts to protect her.'
"You have ghosts around you," As if to agree, Helaena spoke up, making Viserys blink at her words while the rest of the court looked curious to see how he'd respond.
"Most people do. Few just do not want to admit it."
"Hmm, the world sings for you."
"And yet, it can't help but admire you."
"Your voice sounds like that of the earth."
"And yours like the heavens. The dragons are wary of it."
"As they are of you."
"Then, perhaps we can convince them to like the song."
"Perhaps," Helaena murmured, the rest of the court utterly bewildered by their conversation while Viserys' smile widened with their response until it nearly split his face in half.
'The realm needs ties, not dragons or swords, and perhaps, this one might just be enough to hold two of them together.'
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'They all have magic,' I thought as I spoke to Helaena, not missing the dense thread that connected her to the aether of the universe. Mine was a result of my mind being opened by my reincarnation, but it amazed me that hers was denser than mine.
On top of that, all of the members of her family save for Alicent had threads as well, each of them going out of the window and most likely being the reason why they were able to tame their dragons.
'Wait, if hers is not going out like the others' are…does that mean she does not have a dragon,' If that were to be the case, then that would explain why her thread was as potent as it was.
From what I've learned of aether, the more one does not use their magical abilities until they reach the early years of their teens, the more potent it becomes. That means that since some were bonded to dragons at their birth, their thread was connected to the dragon and thus, the dragon grew more powerful with the more energy they siphoned from their rider.
Compatibility was also a thing since if a soul did not have enough aether for the connection, they would die and the egg would not hatch, which is what I believe happened to Rhaenyra's brother Baelon that died after living for only a day.
However, if one with a potent thread is left unaware of their abilities, their thread stays connected to the aether of the world and thus, their abilities are activated at random times and without warning, which I believe is what Helaena is experiencing right now.
'In other words, if I can help her harness her abilities, I may not have to worry about anyone targeting her.'
"Then, perhaps we can convince them to like the song."
"Perhaps," Helaena answered to my words as I tuned back in, smiling and bowing my head to her before turning my gaze back to Viserys who looked ecstatic at our interaction.
While I was expecting to see the face of the actor in the House of the Dragon show, I was surprised to find myself staring at a plump man with short silver hair and a busy silver-gold moustache.
Not that it was a bad thing as he radiated a joyful and comforting presence that I couldn't help but relax, smiling before I was surprised as the king let out a laugh.
I was not the only surprised one as everyone jumped slightly at the sudden noise, some staring with wide eyes while others laughed nervously to be polite.
"Hahaha! Well then, it appears that the two of you speak a language only you can understand! Perhaps, it is the song of the realm that I've longed to hear," My smile widened at the king's words, standing up at the subtle gesture from Larys.
"I, King Viserys of House Targaryen, hereby welcome you to King's Landing and to the Red Keep, Lord Torrhen, and I thank you for honoring this agreement. I trust that you did not need to wait long?"
"If it is the wish of my King, I would have waited for years until I was worthy."
"Hmm, you are quite patient for your age."
"The snow teaches patience and the wind teaches silence. Both are useful when walking amongst kings and dragons, your Grace," I answered, murmurs coming from the lords and ladies while I noticed Otto Hightower narrowing his eyes at me.
Hey, at least even he looked slightly impressed by my words so I'll take that as a plus.
"Only at his thirteenth nameday and already, he speaks like a maester. I dare say he might even teach us something, my Queen."
"The North has always held its honor and mystery. I only hope that his upbringing included the Faith of the Seven," Alicent spoke up and considering how she and Rhaenyra looked to be the same age, it appears that I was indeed dealing with a mixture of the House of the Dragon series and the ASOIAF universe, which…well, it wasn't bad. However, it was not good either.
"I was raised to serve both the Old and the New Gods. Your Grace. While we Northerners do pray to the weirwood, we do not turn our hearts from the guidance of the Seven, especially in the presence of those who follow their teachers. After all, wisdom can be gained from many sources."
"I see," was all Alicent said in response, but it appears to appease her somewhat as her gaze shifted to Helaena beside her, who was humming a song faint under her breath while…tracing shapes in the air?
'No, she's…she's playing with the aether,' I thought with a look of awe, quickly pushing it away before turning back to the king only to see the amused look in his eyes.
"Good, very good. It pleases me knowing that faith and reason are together in your heart, Lord Torrhen. You may find that such a balance will be tested numerous times in King's Landing.
"Oh, that I do not doubt, your Grace," I answered, watching as the man smiled before he rose to his feet with the help of his cane.
"Then, let it be known from this moment forward!", The man began, his voice carrying across the room as all of us paid attention.
"From this moment and until the end of time, the betrothal between Princess Helaena of House Targaryen and Lord Torrhen II Stark of Winterfell is henceforth recognized by the Crown! A feast shall be held tonight in their honour!"
'Well, that's a good way of showing everyone who he supports,' I thought, hearing half of the crowd clapping earnestly while the other half did so only out of obligation.
Glancing at Helaena's siblings, I watched as Aegon whispered something to Aemond with a smile before I blinked as he narrowed his eyes at me with a frown.
Okay, what the hell did he say now?
'Wait, aren't we supposed to head to a funeral? How in the hell can you have a feast before going to a funeral?'
"Lord Larys, please escort our guest to the chambers near the royal wing and make sure that he is given an armed escort at all times."
"It would be my honour, your Grace."
'So, he's going to hire house guards that are loyal to him and Alicent to make sure I don't try anything. Hmm, to be expected.'
"You honour me more than I deserve, your Grace," I spoke with a smile and the King chuckled as he sat down whilst shaking his head.
"No, I believe it is we who are honoured by your presence. We shall speak later tonight at the feast."
"As you wish, your Grace. Your Grace, Prince Aegon, Prince Aemond, Princess Helaena, Princess Rhaenyra, Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys, Prince Joffrey, Lord Laenor," I made a show of bowing to each member of the family, watching the surprise dancing in Rhaenyra's eyes before she nodded with a smile as did her children.
Turning and following after Larys as we walked back out, I ignored the court's eyes on my back as we left the room, Larys waiting a few moments until we were out of earshot before he spoke.
"Quite impressive, Lord Torrhen. It appears that you may survive your time in King's Landing. However, if I may offer a word of advice?"
"Always. You know I enjoy your words of wisdom, Lord Larys," That was actually the truth as I've come to enjoy the man's quips from time to time, each one having helped me develop in the political sense more and more.
"Keep your words sharp and your eyes sharper. You made quite the impression in there, but not all impressions will win you friends."
"And as usual, your words are music to my ears," I spoke with a smile, seeing the man's soft smile as we walked along the long hall towards the guest wing.
As we did so, I caught sight of a weirwood carving in a stone basin near the window, narrowing my eyes as I saw threads of aether clinging to its roots as well as hearing its melodic hum in my ears.
'Hmm, it appears that there is more to this place than I would expect.'
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'Oh, this is a feast-feast,' I thought in shock at the numerous lords and ladies dancing in the Queen's Ballroom, seated at the end of the head table with Larys seated in between Lucerys and myself.
The room was lit by dozens of golden chandeliers, the scent of roasted meats, spiced wines and sugared fruit wafted in the air while minstrels and dancers provided entertainment for those who did not wish to dance.
Lucerys did look curious as I caught him glancing at me, but as I offered polite smiles, I couldn't help my chuckles as he quickly looked away while mumbling something into his goblet.
Yeah, kids will always be curious about the new addition to the family.
"Have you attended a feast at court before, Lord Torrhen?", Larys whispered as he leaned slightly towards me, his goblet untouched as I smiled.
"Not one like this. Winterfell does have feasts, but the halls are colder and the wine flows less freely. I admit that this is a nice change."
"Careful, my lord. Kind eyes in this court are often mistaken for naivety."
"I suppose I'll let the frost keep my tongue sharp, then," I joked, smiling at his quiet chuckle before the man turned his gaze to the side. I did the same as I glanced to where the royal family sat.
Viserys looked as joyful as ever as he was talking animatedly to Alicent and Rhaenyra, who were answering from time to time as they were acting more coldly to the other.
On the other side of Alicent, I saw Aegon slouched in his seat, already half-drowsy as a servant filled his goblet once again. Aemond on the other hand looked a lot less tense than he was earlier as he ate, even smiling from time to time when he ate.
Helaena, who was seated on the other side of Rhaenyra, looked as stoic as ever as she hummed, her fingers dancing over the rim of her goblet or the edge of her plate. I did notice her glancing at me from time to time, not missing the faint glow in her eyes that shimmered with an iridescent glow that I knew no one else could see.
'She really is attuned like me. Huh, I wonder if this is what people would call 'fate',' I thought, but before I could think more on it, I blinked as a servant walked up to me and leaned in, catching Larys' eyes as they whispered.
"Princess Helaena has requested your company for a dance, my lord."
'…Isn't it usually the guy that has to ask for a dance?', I thought as I kept the surprise on my face, catching Larys' raised eyebrow and Lucerys looking intrigued from the other side before I smiled and cleaned myself.
A hush spread in the room as I stood up, walking around the front of the table to the centre of the table where Viserys and the rest of the royal family watched me approach.
"Princess Helaena, will you allow me the honour to step into the song with you?", I asked, standing in front of the table and bowing slightly with one hand extended.
Her expression didn't change as her gaze locked onto mine, Viserys looking excited as she stood up and nodded.
"I will. Let us see what harmony we can create," She spoke as she walked around, placing her hand gently in mine while the court slowly moved out of the way as she turned to me.
I'll admit that I knew nothing of modern or Westerosi ballroom dances, but as I smiled and decided to mirror Helaena's movements, I couldn't help my smile widening as I saw her beginning to smile.
I could hear the murmured whispers of 'Stark sorcery', 'witch-born' and 'dragon-mad' in the court behind fans and goblets, but neither of us cared as I took her hand and twirled her.
"You know, I think I dreamt of this once, but in the dream, your eyes were stars and the floor was made of ice."
"Perhaps it was no dream," I replied, twirling her again before slowly pulling her back. As it ended with her back to me, I smiled as I took her other hand, Helaena humming with a pleased look in her eyes as the two of us danced to the soft tune the minstrels were now playing.
As we danced for a few more moments, the lords and ladies finally remembered that this was a dance for all, everyone falling in line as I expertly took Helaena and I to the edge where the royal family was before she released my hand.
"Thank you, Princess. It was most enjoyable."
"As it was for me. Maybe next time, you'll be star and ice again."
"I would have to start working on achieving that, then," I answered, smiling as she walked before glancing at Alicent as she stood up with a smile.
"Would you care to dance with your Queen, Lord Torrhen?"
'And here comes what I've been waiting for.'
"You honour me, your Grace," I answered with a bow, Helaena sitting down at her seat while I took Alicent's hands and the two of us began to dance.
While I was only a boy of thirteen namedays, I was most definitely a bit taller than the average boy of the Crownlands, coming up to Alicent's chin as she pulled me close.
Unlike the dance with Helaena, this one was a lot more closer as she had placed one on my hands on her hip and the other hand firmly in her own hand, the two of us moving until we were in the centre of the crowd.
To the court, Alicent's movements were elegant and graceful, looking as if she was dancing with her daughter's betrothed as a show of unity.
To me, though, it was anything but that as she had an iron-tight grip on my hand and shoulder while her eyes stared into mine with an unwavering gaze that looked like she meant to read my entire soul in a single gaze.
"You've caused quite the stir today. Some believe the North has sent a prince of shadows rather than a lord of snow."
"And here I thought I was being charming," I said with a polite chuckle, mirroring her graceful step despite the fact that her steps were longer than mine.
"You were, but to many, you were a bit too charming. That made some wary," She answered with a tight smile, the two of us spinning as I smiled.
"I only spoke honestly, Your Grace. Your daughter is a rare gem."
"My daughter is not a bauble to flatter in public. She is a dragon of royal blood, even if some dragons sleep longer than others."
'And there it is,' I thought with a stoic look, seeing the scorn and protective nature of a mother trying to protect her children for as long as she can.
Honestly, I could not blame her as her daughter was now marrying a boy from the cold and distant North and from how Viserys looked at her when I first arrived, this was a marriage that was made without her approval.
Well, it seems that while Viserys and Helaena do not mind the marriage, I'll have to win over the mother and brothers to make this work.
'Heh, winning people's opinions. I really am a politician.'
"Of course, your Grace. In the North, we treasure that which is rare and protect them with all we have."
"Then, let us hope your idea of protection aligns with the realm's vision," She answered as we parted with a bow, moving back to my seat next to Larys, who decided to leave me be as I smiled.
Well, it appears that I may get to test out my security runes tonight, after all.
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Surprisingly, there were no late night visitors in the form of assassins and/ or blackmailers like I was expecting, my runes having not been activated after I etched them into the stone of the room.
I could not say that I was an expert in runecrafting, but I have learned how to make an alarm rune, one loud enough to wake the entire castle if they were triggered.
What was the noise? Oh, nothing more than the high-pitch shrieking of a shadowcat, which was a terrifying sound to hear, especially when you hear it in the dead of night at the hour of of the wolf.
Now, I was fully dressed in an outfit more fitting for the warmth of the South, a lighter grey tunic with white embroidery of direwolves along the cuffs and hem, paired with black riding trousers and soft leather boots that barely made a sound as I walked.
Finishing it off was my Stark cloak draped over my shoulder, still as heavy and still as comforting despite the sun bearing down.
In the courtyard, a small retinue of guards and squires awaited, the royal carriage being loaded with provisions as four massive dark brown horses were being put at its front.
"Lord Torrhen, I trust that your night was restful?", King Viserys spoke with a smile, already seated and looking out of breath as he sat in the carriage. He was dressed in the colours of House Targaryen's black and red as expected, but now he also had a black cloak drawn over his shoulder.
"No assassins, no bad food or wine and no spirits to haunt me. To be, that is a very peaceful night, your Grace," I joked, the man letting out a soft laughter as he nodded in approval.
"Good, good. The road to Driftmark will take us the better part of the day and the Velaryons will no doubt expect us before the evening tide."
"Then, I can only pray to the Old and the New that the journey is peaceful," I spoke, the man nodding before I turned my head to where I heard a horse approaching.
Seated on top of it was Aemond, adjusting his gloves with a frown as his eyes flickered to me with a calculative gaze. Helaena and Alicent were already climbing into the second carriage along with Lord Larys, the Queen looking at me for a brief moment before she gave a thin smile in greeting.
Returning it with a jolly one of my own, I knew it bewildered her as she just decided to climb in, Arryk closing it behind her with a shake of his head as I chuckled.
Walking over to my own destrier, a Northern one given to me at my twelfth nameday, I noticed Lord Otto speaking in hushed tones as I climbed onto the horse.
With ease, I made her walk over to Aemond's, who looked surprised before my head snapped up as I heard the sound of wings flapping.
In awe, I watched as Rhaenyra and her family flew overhead, Aegon and Sunfyre not too far behind before I looked back at Aemond to see the envious look on his face.
'…You know what? We're getting him Vhagar.'
A/N: And we're ending it off here~! Whew! A whole lot of political stuff, but thankfully, we're heading off to the funeral for now.
Next chapter: Chaos.
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Ba-Bye~!