For nobles, dancing and social exchanges were the most attractive parts of the banquet.
But for knights, guards, and younger attendees, the food, wine, and grand spectacle were far more exciting.
Galladon wasn't particularly interested in the food or drink.
He spent most of the evening dancing with Helena.
They moved gracefully across the floor, their hands clasped, sometimes half-embracing under the pretense of proper form. When tired, they returned to the table to sample delicacies together. Galladon even let Helena taste several kinds of fine wine.
After drinking a little, Helena's cheeks flushed softly. Her eyes grew hazy, making her even more charming.
They whispered to each other while dancing, their relationship heating up quickly.
Compared to Galladon's smooth evening, Robert had little success.
After one dance, Lyanna refused further invitations and remained at the Stark table, chatting and drinking.
Robert felt awkward in front of Lord Rickard and did not dare linger.
Slightly dejected, he returned to drink heavily with Ser Lonmouth, the so-called "Knight of Skull and Kisses."
The Stormlands lords cheered and even began placing bets on who would outdrink whom.
The Dornish Table
The Dornish nobles seemed somewhat isolated.
Different customs, different tempers.
And the infamous Red Viper was present.
Among them sat a dark-haired girl with purple eyes—Ashara Dayne.
She occasionally glanced toward Galladon, who was dancing closely with Helena.
Her expression was complicated.
She had hoped to see him tonight.
But he seemed to have forgotten her entirely.
Arthur Dayne soon joined her.
"Ashara," he said gently, "the young lord of Tarth is already betrothed."
Ashara stiffened.
"His fiancée is Helena Hightower."
The Hightower name weighed heavily.
Ashara's eyes dimmed slightly.
Helena was beautiful. Graceful. Of impeccable lineage.
Arthur sighed inwardly. If not for the engagement, Galladon would have been a fine match.
But reality was reality.
Ashara forced a smile.
"We Dornish women are bold. If he has a fiancée, so be it. I'll find someone better."
She stood abruptly.
"Dance with me, brother."
Soon she became the center of the floor in her purple gown, red heels, and black lace gloves.
Even Galladon glanced at her for two seconds as she passed.
Only two seconds.
He returned his focus to Helena.
That was enough.
Ashara's disappointment deepened.
But she did not retreat.
When Barristan Selmy invited her to dance, she accepted.
Then Jon Connington.
Then others.
Her laughter grew lighter.
Her beauty drew attention from all directions.
Even Oberyn danced with her.
At the Stark table, Brandon eyed Eddard.
"You don't drink. You don't brag. Go dance before people think something's wrong with you."
"Not going," Ned replied flatly.
Lyanna smirked. "You don't dislike women, do you?"
Brandon laughed. "Prove it. Or maybe you and Robert—"
Eddard glared at him in disbelief.
Brandon suddenly clapped his hands.
"What about Ashara Dayne?"
Ned said nothing.
Which meant everything.
Brandon marched off before Ned could stop him.
Lyanna and Benjen held Ned back, grinning.
Moments later, Brandon returned victorious.
"She agreed!"
With no escape, Eddard walked to the dance floor.
He bowed stiffly.
Ashara accepted.
The dance was awkward, hesitant.
When Ned returned, his heart still pounded in his chest.
Brandon roared with laughter.
The banquet continued late into the night.
Night's Watch recruiters moved among the tables, trying to persuade knights and lords.
Everyone found their own joy.
Galladon was satisfied.
His bond with Helena had deepened.
The Hightowers treated him as family.
This alliance would be strong.
Very strong.
Eventually, the banquet ended.
Barius was so drunk he could barely stand, babbling about good wine as Stoin carried him back.
The opening feast of the Harrenhal Tournament concluded smoothly.
For one night, even the Mad King had not caused trouble.
But the next morning—
He did.
The Tournament Grounds
Before tens of thousands gathered outside Harrenhal, the tournament was about to begin.
King Aerys delivered a brief speech.
Then suddenly changed tone.
"On this solemn day, I announce important news."
"Jaime Lannister, step forward."
Jaime, clad in golden armor, stepped out.
Excitement shone in his eyes.
The nobles exchanged uneasy glances.
Tywin Lannister had not attended.
That absence now felt ominous.
Aerys smiled thinly.
"In the name of Aerys II of House Targaryen… I appoint Jaime Lannister to the Kingsguard. Do you accept it?"
Silence.
Then uproar.
Shock rippled across the field.
The Kingsguard take vows of celibacy.
No lands. No heirs.
Tywin had two sons: Jaime and Tyrion.
Everyone knew Tywin despised Tyrion.
This appointment stripped Jaime from succession.
It was humiliation.
A direct blow.
Aerys was forcing Tywin to swallow poison.
Some nobles looked furious.
Some delighted.
Some calculating.
Jaime knelt without hesitation.
"Your Majesty, I do."
The uproar deepened.
Galladon, standing in dark armor among the knights, merely shook his head.
Aerys had crossed a line.
And the old lion of Casterly Rock never forgot a debt.
(End of Chapter 35)
A/N:
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