Chapter 115: Black and Green
Viserys's face fell upon hearing the news of Daemon's imprisonment. While it was a relief to have him detained, the scandal of the royal family's infighting was now at risk of becoming public knowledge.
Rhaenyra, eager to prevent rumors of internal conflict, had expressed her support for Rhaegar's claim. The tranquility of the day could not be shattered by Daemon's antics.
Rhaegar approached his father and tugged at his sleeve. Viserys looked down at his son, confusion etched on his face.
"Father," Rhaegar whispered, "the rights of guests cannot be violated. Confiscate his sword and detain him immediately after the banquet."
No matter what Daemon and the Sea Snake might be up to, Daemon's presence in King's Landing made it tough to get away. There was no need to let their anger get the better of them.
Viserys looked at his son for a long moment before turning to Lyonel for advice.
Lyonel nodded. "The prince is right. Daemon can't escape."
Taking a deep breath, Viserys snorted. "Very well, let him have one more comfortable night." He then ordered, "Confiscate his sword and let him in."
"Yes, Your Grace," the guards responded. They took the Dark Sister, Daemon's Valyrian steel sword, and thoroughly searched him for any hidden weapons.
Daemon cooperated, smiling as he said, "Brother, I am here only to send my blessings for my great nephew's celebration."
"Thank you, uncle," Rhaegar replied coldly, signaling the guards to take the sword.
"Find a corner to sit in and grab some wine before the feast ends," Viserys ordered with contempt.
Daemon spread his arms helplessly. "I am your brother."
"You're not worthy," Viserys shot back, not even looking at him.
Daemon looked around the room for a place to sit, but was interrupted by a loud thump.
Lady Rhea rose from her seat, glaring at Daemon with fury. "Rhea, sit down," Jeyne whispered, trying to prevent her from making a scene.
"Hmph!" Rhea obeyed reluctantly, shooting Daemon a look of pure disgust before sitting down.
Daemon smirked. "Isn't this my lady? Concerned about your husband?"
"Vile!" Rhea spat, cursing him.
Daemon laughed coldly and found an empty seat. He wasn't supposed to be here, but he couldn't resist the urge to meet his nephew, the new heir.
As Daemon settled, Viserys tried to restore the festive atmosphere. "All of you..."
Bang...
The door opened again. Alicent, dressed in a striking green gown, walked into the hall, holding Aegon in one hand and Helaena in the other. Her calm, assured demeanor drew everyone's attention.
The room fell silent. Green was a significant color, particularly for House Hightower. When Oldtown called its bannermen to war, the lighthouse on the Hightower would light up green.
Viserys understood the implication of the color and looked puzzled.
Rhaegar, keeping his gaze on Alicent, commented, "Your Grace, your dress is beautiful."
Alicent smiled gently. "I chose it carefully. It's the only one that suits tonight's mood."
"I'm glad you dressed up for my celebration, but I don't like the color of your dress," Rhaegar said, glancing at the Hightower table. "Change it. There is still time."
Otto looked puzzled, not expecting his usually soft-hearted daughter to make such a bold statement. Hobert, on the other hand, seemed pleased, waving to Aegon beside Alicent.
Viserys spoke in a low voice, "Alicent, I left my handkerchief in my room. Fetch it for me."
He did not wish to see his queen in a green dress; it felt like a slight against him.
Alicent approached the main seat, let go of her children's hands, and wiped Viserys's mouth with a handkerchief. "I like this dress and won't change it."
Viserys grabbed her wrist. "You must."
"Unless you want me to remove it right now, I must decline," Alicent replied firmly, her eyes steely.
She knew precisely what her family wanted and was exhausted from their manipulations.
She had endured enough; the sleepless nights and constant strain had worn her down. She was tired of merely surviving in the shadows.
Now, it was time to stand up for herself, live openly and boldly, and fight for her children's future.
Viserys, realizing her determination, let go of her hand. His mood, already soured by Daemon's appearance, worsened.
Alicent ignored her husband's displeasure and took her seat beside him without acknowledging Rhaegar.
Rhaegar scanned the room, his expression unreadable. "Rhaegar, get some rest," Rhaenyra suggested, trying to comfort him.
Rhaegar shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "Someone's in a hurry," he muttered.
He wasn't happy, but he had been prepared for this. Rhaenyra's time as heir had sown discord, and now as the heir, he had to deal with the fallout.
When he became crown prince, the law prevailed.
And the demons lurking in the shadows will be unable to bear it; they will reveal their fangs.
This is good—it's crucial to know who the enemy is.
The feast continued, but there was a bit of an awkward atmosphere. Viserys tried to lighten the mood with a speech, and then the music started and people started dancing.
Rhaegar stayed seated, not in the mood for festivities.
The Kingsguard was carrying the Dark Sister away, but Rhaegar intervened, requesting to let him see it.
Viserys didn't refuse this time; he had contemplated gifting the ancestral sword to his eldest son.
Daemon isn't worthy of it.
The Kingsguard brought the Dark Sister to him, and he examined it closely.
The system beeped. "Quest initiated: explore the Valyrian steel sword, Dark Sister."
Rhaegar smiled slightly, his mood improving. He placed the Dark Sister on the table, his hand resting on the hilt.
Dark Sisters
Exploration progress: 0.5%
The music played, and the earlier tension dissipated as people found dance partners. However, Rhaenyra declined several invitations, citing feeling unwell as her reason.
Among them stand Jason and Tyland, the twin brothers of House Lannister, alongside Lyonel's eldest son, Harwin Strong, among many others.
Eventually, frustrated and annoyed, she left the party early.
Rhaegar watched her leave before turning his attention back to the hall. He observed Daemon dancing with Rhaenys's daughter, Laena, showing affection and Alicent laughing with her family.
Everything seemed normal, but Rhaegar could sense the undercurrents of tension and rivalry. The banquet continued, but the night's events had revealed much about who stood with him and who stood against him.
(Word count: 1,065)