King's Landing

Summer's ninth year.

April 1, 298 Aegon's Landing Calendar.

King Robert was about to arrive at loyal Winterfell.

Lord Eddard Stark, Duke of Winterfell and the king's sworn brother, had prepared everything several days in advance. The ceremony, the servants, the food, the feast—Winterfell had shown its utmost sincerity.

Though Jon Snow the Bastard could not stand in the front row among the House Stark family to welcome the king, he still had to attend the king's arrival with Theon Greyjoy and the others.

There was not much time left.

Jon Snow was alone in the cabin, soothing his Direwolf.

"Ghost, stay here and behave. It'll only be for half a day. Once the ceremony is over, I'll give you your favorite venison, all right?"

He believed his Ghost could understand him.

Ghost, whose fur was as white as snow, blinked his blood-red eyes. He was alert yet quiet.

Good boy. Jon smiled smugly.

Jon walked out of the cabin alone.

The moment he left the room with hot water running through the walls and the fire burning inside, the chill of the North swept over him. He tightened the heavy fur coat wrapped around him.

Naughty little Arya ran over and excitedly tugged at Jon. "Jon, come with me! There are so many singers over there!"

Jon affectionately tousled Arya's hair.

Among Duke Eddard's children, Arya was the closest to him. She did not show the slightest disdain for her Bastard brother.

Bran and Robb were good to him too, but Jon always felt somewhat inferior when he faced them.

Jon had always been unwilling to think about his future. Robb would inherit Winterfell, and Bran could serve his elder brother or receive some other territory. But where would he, a Bastard, go?

Jon let Arya pull him to the East Gate.

Theon Greyjoy sidled over with a malicious grin. "Jon Snow, here's a friendly reminder: don't stand in the wrong place later. We'll all be in the back."

Jon could not be bothered with such a shallow provocation.

Theon was supposedly an adopted son of House Stark, but in reality, he was merely a hostage sent by the Greyjoy family. His status was even lower than Jon's, so it was no wonder his personality was so awful.

Jon's attention was entirely focused on the musicians standing on both sides of the gate, inside and out.

Arya had not been exaggerating. There were indeed a great many musicians carrying all sorts of instruments—nearly a hundred of them. They were quite conspicuous.

Jon was very curious.

His father's arrangements had long since been settled, and he had never heard that so many musicians were needed. Then was this the king's doing?

"Arya, did you just crawl out of a mud pile? My goodness, you're even wearing a dusty helmet. The king is about to arrive. At least dress like a lady."

The eldest daughter of Lord Stark, Sansa, walked over with graceful steps.

Sansa was wearing an elegant gown with exquisite embroidery. Even her tone when reprimanding her younger sister was gentle and pleasant.

When she came closer, she gave Jon a lady's smile, but sensitive as he was, Jon could sense the politeness and distance in it. Of course. How could a lovestruck girl who dreamed of marrying a prince like an dishonorable, half-brother Bastard?

Lady Catelyn glanced over at them, and Jon immediately turned his head away timidly.

Lady Catelyn Tully had borne Lord Eddard three sons and two daughters, yet Lord Eddard had brought his Bastard son Jon back to Winterfell.

Jon wanted very much to try to understand and accept Lady Catelyn's attitude.

But every time he interacted with her, the cold hatred in her eyes made Jon recognize his awkward position even more deeply.

His elder brother Robb walked over at that moment.

Robb had inherited his mother's blue eyes and auburn hair. But Jon knew that Robb was his father's son at heart: he upheld honor, was loyal, and stood by justice.

Robb explained to his younger siblings why the musicians had appeared.

"The Crown Prince composed a new song to present to the king. Its first performance will be here at Winterfell, which is why so many musicians arrived early."

Robb then specifically reminded his two sisters, "The Crown Prince seems to have brought a Giant Lion as a mount. Don't lose your composure and let people laugh at House Stark."

The curiosity and anticipation on Arya's face grew stronger. "I'm not afraid! What is a Giant Lion? What does it look like?"

Sansa clasped her hands, her eyes filled with longing. "I heard Prince Joffrey has golden hair that shines like sunlight..."

Jon began to miss his Ghost. Such a quiet, well-behaved creature—he never made a fuss, never got angry, and never had thoughts as complicated as a human's. I wish today's event would end right away.

More and more people gathered around the East Gate.

Bran nimbly climbed down from the watchtower, shouting all the way as he ran to his father to announce that the king's party was not far away.

All preparations inside the castle were complete. Jon and the others stood straight, waiting for the king's arrival.

The air was utterly silent.

Jon had never seen Winterfell look as it did now.

Hundreds of Northern soldiers stood in two lines outside the Kingsroad, armored and holding spears. Dozens of enormous, beautifully crafted Stag Banners and Grey Wolf Banners hung from Winterfell's walls and inner walls.

All of House Stark stood in the courtyard. Behind them, the knights, nobles, and servants wore solemn expressions.

The musicians adjusted their stances.

Jon was infected by the atmosphere as well. What would the king be like?

The sound of approaching hooves gradually drew nearer.

The cello, viola, and violin sounded together, their melody graceful and restrained.

Jon thought it sounded quite good, more pleasant than the music of most bards, but it did not seem particularly suitable for a moment like this.

But he also noticed that many of the musicians' instruments had not joined in.

Hundreds of knights shimmering with golden, silver, and white light rode along the Kingsroad. Two imposing white-armored knights led the way, escorting a very fat man.

The moment King Robert stepped through the East Gate, everyone dropped to one knee to welcome the king.

The first part of "King's Landing" ended at precisely that moment.

Countless impassioned drumbeats and horn blasts instantly rang across Winterfell.

Jon's heart involuntarily leaped several times, and a warm current surged through his entire body. Many of those present reacted even more intensely.

The graceful melody from earlier had merely been an introduction and foil, just like Winterfell's preparations over the past several days. Everything had been for the arrival of the second half—King's Landing.

The visiting knights poured in like a long dragon.

Countless Baratheon Stag Banners and Lannister Golden Lion Banners slid past their eyes.

The drumming did not stop. It grew even more intense.

A flash of golden light suddenly filled Jon's vision.

Many people let out muffled gasps.

Jon's gaze was firmly captured. It was a Giant Lion, more than twice the size of Ghost's dead mother, the Direwolf!

It truly was a legendary beast!

Jon saw the figure atop the Giant Lion. He wore red-and-gold finery, was tall and powerfully built, and had golden hair that streamed like dazzling sunlight. A sincere, hearty smile spread across his face.

The figure looked toward Jon and gave him a glance whose meaning he could not understand.

Jon knew that this was the Crown Prince, the future king.