The amethysts set in her crown and jewelry complemented Daenerys's violet eyes. She lifted a slender hand, her voice clear and bright. "A knight's courage is worthy of praise. Let Duke Greyjoy drink a cup of Warrior's Wine."
At the queen's words, an attendant poured the wine. A maidservant then approached with graceful steps and offered the cup to Theon.
Warrior's Wine was served in honor of knights about to depart for war... a new custom of the Targaryen-Crabb royal house, a symbol of honor.
Raising the cup high, Theon proudly swept his gaze over the crowd before finally looking upward. "Long live the queen!"
"Long live the queen! Long live the queen! Long live the queen!" The responding cries swept through the entire hall.
The crimson wine slid down his throat, and Theon could not help but furrow his brow slightly. Sourness wrapped around sweetness, while fiery strength hid within the sweet flavor. The taste was simply far too... unusual.
Warrior's Wine came from the sole specialty of impoverished Crackclaw Point—sour grape wine that had once left the Baron of The Whispers feeling lightheaded.
The benevolent King Gryn had no such perverse sense of humor. After naming this rare product of Crackclaw Point "Warrior's Wine," he had specifically instructed them... to add more sugar.
Later, the sweet-and-sour wine had felt too much like a beverage, straying somewhat from its original meaning of martial valor. With a grand wave of his hand, he had ordered them to add... strongwine.
That was the true origin of the royal Warrior's Wine.
Draining the cup in one gulp, Theon elegantly handed it to the waiting maidservant. His face was flushed red, and the alcohol lent several degrees of fervor to his voice. "Your Grace, I swear here that I will protect every merchant