King Jaehaerys looked at Duke Lannister kneeling humbly below the dais and felt thoroughly pleased. Although the Westerlands had long since submitted to House Targaryen, they had always kept their distance and rarely involved themselves in the affairs of the Royal House.
"House Lannister's loyalty is beyond question! Your twin sons are both handsome and distinguished, with commanding bearing. They are just about worthy of our House Targaryen's twin princesses. Why don't we unite our houses through marriage?"
King Jaehaerys's words immediately filled Duke Lannister and the brothers Jason and Tyland with excitement. Duke Lannister crawled straight to King Jaehaerys's feet, pressed his forehead against the Old King's boot, and said reverently,
"An alliance by marriage with House Targaryen would be House Lannister's greatest honor and pride! House Lannister is willing to unite all the strength of the Westerlands and stand firmly behind the Targaryen Royal House."
Jason and Tyland immediately turned their eyes toward Danyla beside King Jaehaerys. They had never imagined such incredible good fortune would simply fall into their laps.
"Tyland, given your standing, getting to marry Princess Rhaenyra would be an extraordinary blessing!"
Jason Lannister whispered into his younger brother's ear. Yet however one listened to it, his words carried an unmistakable warning.
The light in Taylan Lannister's eyes dimmed considerably, but then he resolutely raised his head again.
"Brother, seniority must be respected. Princess Rhaenyra is the elder daughter. Only you, as the eldest son, are qualified to marry her."
Unlike the excited Lannister father and sons, everyone else present was shocked by the King's move. Even Danyla looked at her Great-Grandfather in surprise.
Princess Rhaenyra could barely conceal her emotions. An overwhelming sense of humiliation instantly brought tears to her eyes. But with nobles from all Seven Kingdoms present, she dared not do anything