King and King 13

Sow's Horn in the old Crownlands was the fief of House Hogg, whose family castle was a towering fortress with walls over eight feet thick.

Yet at its highest point—the highest point of the castle that day—it was not House Hogg's banner that flew, but House Targaryen's three-headed dragon banner and House Crabb's golden marigold banner.

The red three-headed dragon upon the black banner seemed to soar through the sky, displaying House Targaryen's former ruling status. The golden marigold on the fluttering blue banner appeared to be in bloom, forming a striking contrast with the imposing banner beside it.

Having just stepped down from his carriage, Lord Mace Tyrell straightened his thick waist. He looked up at the black and blue banners fluttering in the wind, a trace of puzzlement and contemplation in his eyes.

He suddenly recalled something: the Targaryen and Crabb banners always seemed to appear together. When had that begun?

He searched his memories hard, but could not recall it for the moment.

"Good day, Lord Hand."

Just then, Princess Arianne Nymeros Martell's voice interrupted the Pufferfish Lord's sudden, brief contemplation.

There was an unusual politeness in Princess Arianne's expression, instantly putting Lord Hand Mace on guard.

He frowned slightly, gave her a brief appraisal, and said, "Good day."

At the same time, suspicion rose in his heart. Could this Martell woman be setting her sights on his son? That would not do. He would never allow his son to have anything to do with a princess of Dorne. Hmph!

With that thought, he glanced at her, stroked his beard, and added, "Your father ought to come to the Red Keep as soon as possible to pay his respects to the Targaryen princess and the Lord Regent."

Seeing his sudden air of arrogance, the small favor Princess