Abolishing the Chains

Shiryu's voice boomed, his words echoing throughout the tournament grounds.

Immediately, countless curious gazes fell upon him.

This was the first time someone had publicly declared their support for the King's eldest son in front of everyone.

Faced with such sharp words, Viserys pondered for a moment before frankly stating, "Swordsman, I know who you are. If you truly wish to serve my son, you must first swear an oath upon your own faith. Let your heart be pure."

Shiryu drew his iron sword, raising it above his head with both hands, and said solemnly, "I swear!"

Immediately, Shiryu loudly swore to aid Rhaegar. Targaryen in his upbringing and to uphold his authority until he came of age.

Many observant individuals witnessed this scene and turned their eyes to Princess Rhaenyra, who sat at the head of the assembly. They wished to see how the heir apparent viewed someone pledging allegiance to her younger brother.

Rhaenyra maintained a serene smile, seated with grace. She seemed genuinely happy for her brother, unbothered by the event, treating it as if a mere knight had decided to follow a lord.

No one noticed that Rhaenyra was secretly pinching the flesh of her thigh beneath her sleeve.

Viserys also observed Rhaenyra's demeanor. Seeing that she showed no distress, he nodded inwardly.

He took Shiryu's iron sword and placed it on his shoulder, then announced loudly, "I shall appoint you as a Royal Dancer and bestow upon you the title of Sir. May you never forget your oath."

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty," Shiryu replied with a respectful bow.

With that, the tournament held to celebrate the King and Queen's fifth anniversary came to a close.

The nobles and knights descended from the stands, following the King back to the Red Keep for a banquet.

Rhaenyra walked among the crowd, and despite her composed expression, the disappointment in her heart was evident.

Daemon followed behind her, witnessing his niece's dejected state. A hint of triumphant mischief flashed in his eyes.

As night fell, the Great Hall of the Red Keep was filled with music and revelry.

Rhaenyra, with no heart for merriment, took her leave early. She ascended the stairs and, without realizing it, found herself before a familiar door.

Looking at her brother's room, Rhaenyra suddenly came to her senses, realizing where she was. Ever since Rhaegar's injury, she had come here every night to see her brother, who had difficulty moving.

On the other hand, she was wavering on her father's proposal. Compared to marrying a stranger she didn't know, forming an alliance with her brother seemed far more appealing.

As she hesitated whether to knock, she suddenly heard a young girl's laughter from inside the room. Rhaenyra's expression shifted slightly, and without a second thought, she pushed the door open.

She entered to find Rhaegar and Helaena facing each other, propped up on the bed with a chessboard between them.

"Rhaenyra, you're here?" Rhaegar smiled and waved when he saw his sister, inviting her to join their game.

Rhaenyra slowly closed the door and walked over to sit beside Helaena. She gently stroked her younger sister's head and asked, "When did you and Helaena become so close?"

Helaena's large eyes blinked at Rhaenyra as she slowly called out, "Sister."

Rhaenyra returned her smile, also fond of her sister. She was much less of a worry than her brother.

Rhaegar took a pillow and placed it beneath him, saying, "Helaena is always bullied by Aegon. I've allowed her to come here and play with toys whenever she has free time." He gestured to a large pile of toys near the fireplace.

Rhaenyra nodded in understanding. She had noticed the pile of exquisitely crafted toys before, assuming they belonged to Rhaegar. She hadn't realized they were for Helaena.

Rhaenyra didn't dwell on the matter. While guiding Helaena in the game, she inquired about Rhaegar's condition that day.

Rhaegar was in good spirits and happily replied, "It's going well. The wound is starting to scab over, and the Grand Maester says I'll be better soon."

"The Grand Maester said your constitution is special. It seems you'll become a powerful warrior in the future," Rhaenyra murmured to herself, hinting at something. She didn't mention Shiryu, preferring to let her brother encounter him on his own.

After a brief chat, Rhaegar suddenly thought of the Dragonpit and asked, "Have they found anything out at the Dragonpit?" He was very concerned about that matter.

These past few days, I've been gathering information.

Rhaenyra brought good news this time: "The one who secretly exchanged the shackles was Maester Pycelle. Father has sentenced him to have his hands chopped off, or to don the black robes and go to the Wall."

"I knew any Maester from Oldtown would be a scoundrel."

Rhaegar clenched his fist in frustration, saying indignantly, "Someone like that should be beheaded in public. This is too lenient for him."

"I suggested severe punishment to Father, but he rejected it."

Rhaenyra shrugged helplessly.

Rhaegar cast a sympathetic glance at her and said no more.

He knew his sister's life wasn't easy either. Although she held the esteemed position of heir, their father had never granted her any real power.

Her suggestions were always treated as if they were spoken to the wind.

Rhaegar changed the subject, thinking of the pale blue dragon, and asked seriously, "How is Dreamfyre? Have the chains been removed?"

"Don't worry. Father has ordered the removal of all shackles within the Dragonpit, and the dragons' lairs have been separated, giving them more space to roam."

Speaking of this matter, Rhaenyra agreed wholeheartedly.

She didn't want Syrax to be bound by chains either; it was best to designate separate areas for the dragons to move around.

Rhaegar was relieved to hear this and sighed, "Dreamfyre is so pitiful, locked away in the Dragonpit for decades. I truly hope it can find a new master soon and return to the sky."

After this dangerous incident, Viserys had witnessed the recklessness of his eldest son.

Through a decision made by the Small Council, he would soon lead his family back to Dragonstone to reside for a period.

The purpose was to select newly hatched young dragons for his eldest son, Rhaegar, and his second son, Aegon, to tame.

There were two suitable young dragons on Dragonstone, perfect for the two sons to ride.

Therefore, Rhaegar also abandoned the idea of taming Dreamfyre.

Instead, he looked forward to the upcoming journey to Dragonstone.

Seeing her melancholic younger brother, Rhaenyra smiled knowingly and suddenly said, "What would you do if Father decided to arrange a marriage for you?"

Rhaegar paused his hand in the chess game, his eyebrows twitching, "If it's necessary, I am willing to bear my responsibilities."

He was still young, and many of his answers came from books.

Looking through the family history of the Targaryen dynasty, apart from a few foolish individuals who indulged their desires, both men and women had to accept arranged marriages.

King Aegon the Conqueror had two wives.

He married his sister, Visenya, out of duty, and his sister, Rhaenys, out of desire.

Subsequent rulers either married daughters of allied families or practiced incest.

Even in the case of his father, Viserys, and his uncle, Daemon.

Did they not marry daughters of the Vale nobility to ensure the loyalty of those who supported the throne?

Under such customs, Rhaegar didn't believe he could escape the fate of an arranged marriage.

He just wanted to marry a beautiful and gentle wife within the acceptable boundaries.

To wish for more would be greedy.

Listening to her brother's answer, Rhaenyra lowered her head and fell silent.

She knew her brother was right.

Perhaps she shouldn't be so willful and should bear the responsibility on her shoulders.

After a while, Rhaenyra smiled again, chatted with Rhaegar for a few more words, and then took her leave.

Staring at the closed door, Rhaegar remained silent for a long time.

He guessed Rhaenyra's intention for visiting tonight.

She was most likely being pressured by their father to marry and came to him for some comfort.

But he couldn't give Rhaenyra the answer she wanted.

If he spoke carelessly to appease her thoughts, it could lead to immeasurable consequences.

Wearing a crown was not about being superior.

It was about shining upon everyone under the crown's radiance.

Thank you to a digital book friend for the reward of 100 coins.

Yesterday, I received a recommendation notice. Next week, the first round of recommendations will begin. I hope all book friends will try to keep up with the updates and vote for monthly tickets.