Seeing that Garth Dayne had also been accepted as Princess Rhaenyra's Sworn Warrior, Earl Dayne began to feel that Starfall might truly escape being burned to the ground.
But when Starfall's chief steward saw that neither princess had chosen his champion nephew, he grew anxious. He repeatedly signaled to his nephew, urging Arthur to step forward himself.
Arthur, however, remained unmoved. Stubborn as he was, he already harbored resentment because his father had fallen in the war against Danyla. Having achieved fame so young, why would he rush forward to curry favor?
After Garth finished swearing his oath to Rhaenyra, Danyla turned to Earl Dayne and Arthur Dayne with an apologetic expression.
"In truth, I would also like to take Ser Arthur into my service. But the previous Sword of the Morning did, after all, fall in battle while ambushing my army. Making such a request would put Ser Arthur in a difficult position."
At Danyla's words, Arthur muttered defiantly,
"My father died on the battlefield, fulfilling his honor as a knight! Arthur Dayne would never bear a grudge over that. That is not how an honorable knight should behave."
"Then I am truly sorry. My petty suspicions have insulted your honor, Ser Arthur."
With that, Danyla solemnly bowed to him, which only left Arthur feeling embarrassed.
"Please don't... Your Highness! I... I didn't mean that."
Watching Arthur's face flush with embarrassment, Danyla found him utterly amusing. Then she suddenly asked,
"Then would you also be willing to become my Sworn Warrior, just as Ser Roland has?"
Danyla gazed at Arthur expectantly. Her bright eyes, like a swirling river of stars, made the young man blush at once. His mind all but stopped working, and he could only follow his heart.
"I... I would!"
While Arthur swore his oath to