Mund Hightower knew perfectly well that Dax, that wildling, was deliberately provoking him. But whether to uphold House Hightower's dignity or save his own face, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and go through with it.
"Hmph! Naturally, Dragonriding through the skies would be the honor of my life, Mund Hightower."
"After all, aside from House Targaryen, the nobles in Westeros who have soared through the skies with a Great Dragon can be counted on one hand."
With that, Mund Hightower gave Danyla a courtly bow he considered incredibly dashing and said,
"If the beautiful and noble Princess Danyla would grant my humble request, I would gladly offer one hundred thousand Gold Dragons with both hands."
Before Danyla could respond, however, he turned toward Dax and immediately added a pointed sneer,
"Unfortunately, not every noble house in Westeros has the means to ask the princess for such an opportunity. Wouldn't you agree, you... hmm? Nobles of Skagos!"
Then he put on an air of lofty wisdom and continued showing off,
"So, some people would do well to recognize certain realities sooner rather than later!"
As though he had failed to hear the mockery in Mund Hightower's words, Dax replied calmly,
"Only useless cowards rely on their family's glory to make themselves look impressive."
"We warriors of Skagos earn respect through genuine ability."
"So I hope you can demonstrate House Hightower's fine bearing on the Great Dragon's back, young Master Mund Hightower!"
Dax
Mund Hightower merely gave Dax a disdainful look, then addressed Danyla respectfully,
"Your esteemed Highness, Princess Danyla, might I, Mund Hightower, have the honor of Dragonriding through the skies with you?"
Danyla answered coldly,
"Let me reiterate: I will accept no responsibility for anything unforeseen that happens on the Great Dragon."
"But those one hundred