Chapter 76: Mastering the Dragonpit
The sun was bright and the flowers bloomed profusely as Prince Rhaegar Targaryen once again arrived at his loyal King's Landing.
Standard-bearers marched ahead, holding aloft great banners, including the black dragon on a red field.
The black dragon on a red field, the blue falcon on a white field, the silver seahorse on sea-green, and the silver trout on a blue-and-red field.
The populace cheered for Rhaegar. Rhaegar was clad in black scale armor, covered by a black cloak, which bore the black dragon on a red field sigil. The cloak billowed in the wind from the swift horse, making the Prince appear even more charming and handsome.
Following Rhaegar were five knights: Ser Barristan Selmy, Brynden "the Blackfish" Tully, Lord Jon Arryn of the Vale, Ser Corlys of Driftmark, and Cesar of Braavos.
Their armor shone brightly like the sun. People recognized the sigils, representing wheat, the trout, the falcon, and House Velaryon.
People knew the sky-blue cloaks came from the Vale, that the redhead was Brynden Tully of House Tully, and that the white armor belonged to Ser Barristan Selmy. The knights surrounded the Prince like stars around the moon, yet they could not eclipse his radiance.
In the entourage were also four hundred handsome young men. They were stunned by the enthusiastic display; the impact of the bustling city of King's Landing was immense. Sugar-coated bullets can also be quite harmful.
Rhaegar's silver hair had grown out; it was indeed quite short, and he looked energetic.
Rhaegar's beautiful silver hair, indigo eyes, gentle smile, and handsome face still made him shine like a blade.
The people shouted his names:
"Silver Prince!"
"Lucky Prince!"
"Rhaegar the Spearbreaker!"
"Rhaegar the Victor!"
The cheers rose higher and higher. It just goes to show that good looks are a huge advantage; if he were a half-man, he'd probably be called a Little Demon Monkey.
Most of the populace of King's Landing had no idea where the Mountain Clansmen were based, as King's Landing relies mostly on sea trade. But they all knew the Prince had won a great, decisive victory at the Battle of the Valley Road.
Rhaegar spotted the figure of King Jaehaerys II Targaryen, quickly dismounted, and respectfully stepped forward. The other knights also dismounted and saluted the King.
At home, they were grandfather and grandson; outside, they were sovereign and subject.
King Jaehaerys was surrounded by a group of lords and ministers: the great and small lords of the Crownlands, Lord Ormund Baratheon, Hand of the King, Lord Tywin Lannister, Master of Coin, and Prince Aerys Targaryen, Prince of Dragonstone.
Having not seen him for a while, Tywin appeared even more triumphant. The Laughing Lion was buried, and House Lannister had welcomed a new helmsman. Perhaps only Prince Aerys felt somewhat uneasy, as he currently lacked any prominent official duties.
But Rhaegar knew his grandfather might not be so relaxed. The New Deal of King's Landing was being implemented, and conflicts were deepening.
Heralds loudly announced the identities and names of the victorious knights, sparking waves of cheers among the populace, and brass trumpets sounded. The King had prepared gifts and rewards for everyone.
Cesar handed the gift to the Prince. Rhaegar stepped forward and bowed to King Jaehaerys.
"I killed the usurpers, took their crowns, and present these crowns to the true King."
Before the King, Rhaegar presented the gift—a crude coronet, which came from the Mountain Clansmen tribe. It was made of bronze, rough and unsightly, simply inlaid with diamonds and gold, and sitting crookedly.
But this was Rhaegar's trophy; the leader of the wild tribe was, in their eyes, a king.
If dragons could fly, this ceremony would certainly be even more magnificent.
Jaehaerys II raised Rhaegar, his face full of joy. He then returned the coronet to Rhaegar.
"Thank you for the gift, my grandson, but this trophy should be kept by the victor. It is a symbol of your achievement."
"As your King and elder, I also offer a gift to the descendant of House Targaryen. A warrior needs a great gift, and the time has come for you to formally possess it!"
King Jaehaerys II signaled, and Lord Ormund Baratheon presented a curved sword to Rhaegar.
It was the Valyrian steel curved sword with a dragonbone hilt, known as Shadow of Lys. The blade was jet black and bore ripples.
Lord Tywin's eyes were filled with envy. A skinny dragon is still bigger than a horse—how did House Targaryen still possess Valyrian steel weapons?
Although this curved sword was far less famous than Blackfyre or Dark Sister, and was strangely shaped, not being the longsword popular in Westeros—
—it was still Valyrian steel.
Rhaegar respectfully received the blade with both hands and displayed it to the crowd.
Nobles and commoners let out earth-shattering cheers. The blood of the dragon had not faded.
"How can a warrior not have a fine horse?" Lord Ormund chuckled, and servants subsequently led a black charger to Rhaegar.
Rhaegar's eyes lit up. The charger possessed the majesty of a dragon; it was a beautiful horse.
Applause rang out again, and the atmosphere reached its climax.
After the celebration, the feast continued.
King Jaehaerys specifically held the banquet in the Throne Room, filled with honored guests.
The next day, after the revelry, King Jaehaerys II sent someone to summon Rhaegar to the Small Council Chamber.
Rhaegar had already learned new information about King's Landing from the rat-catchers: the King and the Hand had given Lord Tywin greater power, ushering Westeros into the era of Tywin's reforms.
Lord Tywin's policies included lowering tariffs in the Three Major Port Cities, strengthening ties with the Free Cities, repairing roads, preparing a tourney, and punishing dishonest vendors.
However, the most contentious issue remained the reforms of King Aegon V Targaryen, the Peasant King.
"Yes," Tywin said calmly. "Prince Rhaegar's four hundred guards are a show of force. Let the lords remember that the dragon still has teeth."
"Yes," Prince Aerys added eagerly. "Those who provoke the Crown provoke the Dragon's Wrath."
Lord Ormund's voice was cold. "We repeal the harsh statutes and retain the lenient ones. Any who defy the Crown afterward commit treason."
King Jaehaerys nodded. "So it shall be. Rhaegar, speak."
"I am willing to serve these reforms," Rhaegar said.
"It is decided then," said the King. "We will observe the reactions of the Crownlands—Maidenpool, and others."
Rhaegar's heart stirred.
"I request a place in King's Landing to station my troops," Rhaegar said.
"As long as it is reasonable," King Jaehaerys replied.
"I want the Dragonpit," Rhaegar said.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 40+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at [email protected]/Translatingfanfics