Chapter 52: Day and Night
In 266 AC, the realm was peaceful.
What could be said about King's Landing in these past few years? It had become a city of pregnancies.
For lords and nobles, procreation after marriage was the highest priority. Children were valuable resources; as long as they were not completely useless, even an unremarkable child could be married off to secure alliances.
Queen Rhaella Targaryen gave birth to two healthy sons, named Aegon and Duncan, in memory of their great-grandfather King Aegon V and their great-uncle Prince Duncan. Prince Aerys Targaryen believed his repentance had borne fruit, so he dismissed his lingering impulses toward indulgence and illicit affairs. After all, with the gods watching, breaking vows was no small sin.
Lady Joanna Lannister gave birth to a pair of golden twins, named Jaime and Cersei by Ser Tywin Lannister.
Lady Rowena Arryn also gave birth to a healthy baby boy in King's Landing, whom Lord Jon Arryn named Rennifer Arryn. Lord Arryn, who had never believed in mysticism before, now began to feel that Prince Rhaegar truly possessed extraordinary fortune.
After Lady Rowena gave birth, Lord Arryn did not send his wife back to the Eyrie. Instead, she was cared for by the royal family and temporarily resided in the Red Keep. The Eyrie's altitude was ill-suited to an infant's health. More importantly, an heir had already been named, and changing the line of succession now could trigger unrest in the Vale. If mishandled, bloodshed would be inevitable.
Even though Lord Jon Arryn was honorable and stubborn, he understood the rules of power. With a new heir born, the former heir and those who supported him would inevitably experience turmoil. Such conflicts were common, and Lord Arryn needed to extinguish those flames before his child grew.
The greatest event of the past few years was the visit of Lord Rickard Stark, Warden of the North, to King's Landing.
Though southern nobles disliked northerners, Lord Rickard was still a Great Lord, and northern lords rarely traveled south.
Rhaegar met the Lord of Winterfell. Lord Rickard had grey eyes, a long face, and dark brown hair—features typical of House Stark.
Lord Rickard's journey south was not solely driven by others. Rhaegar sensed that he was drawn to King's Landing's prosperity and vitality. He did not strictly adhere to the ancient Stark custom of isolation in the North; he sought to extend his influence southward.
For King Jaehaerys II Targaryen, everything was going well. He had children and grandchildren, capable ministers, and a stable realm. What he desired most was Prince Rhaegar's future marriage.
With Lord Monford Velaryon leading and Ser Tywin Lannister assisting, governance flowed smoothly through a balance of old and new blood.
The smallfolk joked that only two men truly governed the realm; the rest of the Small Council merely attended meals. There was no real alternative for the future Hand of the King.
Seeing Prince Aerys Targaryen increasingly gloomy and idle, King Jaehaerys II appointed him Master of Ships.
The only concern was the Iron Bank of Braavos, whose demands for repayment grew firmer. Still, Ser Tywin had promised support from the Westerlands, so the issue remained manageable.
Red Keep Training Grounds
A silver-haired youth raised his rapier and wooden shield, sparring with a swordsman.
Syrio Forel dodged and weaved, his movements swift and fluid.
But Rhaegar was faster still. His rapier, like a venomous serpent, pressed lightly against Syrio's throat.
"I yield, Rhaegar. Your speed surpasses yesterday's again. Soon you'll need a stronger opponent. Seven hells—you truly have dragon blood; your stamina seems endless," Syrio laughed, lowering his blade.
Ser Barristan Selmy smiled warmly. Prince Rhaegar was growing stronger by the day.
Day and night, Rhaegar trained, sparred, and studied.
Swordsmanship, spearwork, and archery all advanced at astonishing speed.
To improve his archery, King Jaehaerys II invited Ser Brynden Tully, known as the Blackfish. Estranged from his brother, Brynden readily accepted.
"In battle, you will be a sword, wildfire, and dragon all at once," Brynden said. "Terror to enemies, hope to allies."
"Ser, the flowers of peace are always protected by force," Rhaegar replied.
Brynden nodded. Dragonlords were born ambitious and sharp.
Rhaegar set aside his rapier, preparing to rest before archery practice.
Then Brynden smiled.
"Prince, your little bride has come."
At the edge of the training grounds stood two children: Roberta Baratheon and her twin brother Robert Baratheon.
Rhaegar felt slightly embarrassed.
Roberta visited often—so often that Syrio and the others had begun teasing him.
Roberta had the dark hair of House Baratheon, fair skin, and clear blue eyes like Lady Cassana Baratheon. Tall for her age and dressed neatly, she looked like a porcelain doll. Still, beside Rhaegar—already built like an eleven-year-old warrior—she appeared smaller.
Roberta walked forward, dragging Robert along. Robert looked helpless; he preferred maids, tourneys, and hunts.
"Sister, if you didn't always beat me up, I might think you were beautiful," Robert muttered.
Roberta's smile vanished. She twisted his ear, drawing a squeal.
"Watch your mouth. Say another word and I'll make you babysit Stannis."
Robert fell silent immediately.
"Oh, Brother Rhaegar, where's your silver hair? Why is it so short?" Roberta asked.
"I prefer it short—easier to manage," Rhaegar replied.
"Mm, it suits you. You look energetic."
"Can you play the harp for us? A guest requested it—and so did your lovely cousin," Roberta said.
Robert rolled his eyes. His sister liked fighting far more than music.
"All right," Rhaegar agreed.
An attendant brought the harp, and Rhaegar began to play.
The melody was bright and stirring.
He glanced around: Ser Barristan Selmy, Brynden Tully the Blackfish, Syrio Forel, and Roken the Rat Catcher lurking quietly nearby.
His circle was growing stronger.
He had already accepted Lord Jon Arryn's invitation and was preparing to travel to the Vale of Arryn.
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