"Master Redd, Princess Rhaenyra, welcome back to King's Landing."
Sir Otto took a step forward and said with thorough courtesy, "His Majesty the King is waiting in the throne room. His Majesty is deeply gratified by your arrival."
"Thanks, Sir Otto."
Redd nodded, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, even with a sense of alienation unique to Eastern rulers, "It is an honor for me to be invited to participate in the royal family's celebration.
I hope we didn't miss any exciting moments." His eyes swept across the courtyard, seemingly casually, but he took in Red Keep's defense layout and the expressions of the attendants.
"The climax of the celebration will naturally wait for the arrival of the protagonist." Sir Otto replied in a flawless manner, turning sideways to lead the way, "Please follow me."
On the way to the throne room, the atmosphere is subtle.
The attendants lowered their heads, but their eyes of curiosity and awe were still secretly cast towards Redd from time to time, and King Ghidorah who was following behind him and exuding an invisible sense of oppression (Syrax had already flown in the direction of Dragonpit).
Rhaenyra walked half a step behind Redd, with his back straight and trying to maintain the prince's demeanor, but occasionally when his eyes met with Redd's, the flash of light revealed more.
In the throne room, Iron Throne stands on a high platform, and the hideous chair back made of countless enemy swords glows coldly under the candlelight.
Viserys I was sitting on it. Compared to the last time Redd saw him, he seemed to be richer and more dignified as a king.
Queen Emma stood next to him, her abdomen was obviously bulging, and her face was gentle with a hint of exhaustion.
The courtiers and nobles lined up on both sides, and countless eyes instantly focused on the two people who walked in...
And behind them were the huge three-headed dragon shadows that were vaguely visible through the gate and entrenched in the courtyard.
"Redd!" Viserys's voice was loud, with exaggerated enthusiasm, trying to dispel the invisible pressure in the air, "and my dear daughter!
I'm so happy to see you all arrived safely!"
He opened his arms as if to hug them, but his body did not leave Iron Throne.
Redd bowed slightly and performed a simplified etiquette that suited his current status.
"Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen. Thank you for your invitation. The East is busy with affairs, but the family celebration cannot be missed."
His words were calm, but the words "Oriental Affairs" seemed particularly weighty.
Rhaenyra took a few steps forward, knelt down and saluted, and said in a clear voice, "Father, mother, I wish you good health."
Viserys looked at Rhaenyra carefully, as if assessing her condition, and then looked at Redd, the smile remained the same, but there was caution hidden in his eyes.
"Have you had a hard time flying all the way? I heard that you guys came together on Syrax? It's really... intimate." There was something in his words.
"It's indeed a bit crowded," Redd said calmly, as if he didn't hear the underlying message, "Syrax's dragon saddle is designed for a single person.
However, walking with the princess, the scenery is unique." His tone was normal, but some courtiers couldn't help exchanging glances.
Sharing a car, especially on a long-haul flight, creates a level of intimacy that is self-evident.
Queen Emma spoke gently at the right time and changed the subject, " Master Redd must be tired after coming from a long distance.
The best guest rooms have been prepared for you. There will be a welcome banquet tonight, so please be sure to enjoy it."
"Of course, Your Majesty the Queen." Redd smiled, but his eyes seemed to inadvertently sweep over the towering Iron Throne, as well as Viserys's seemingly enthusiastic but actually wary face.
"I am looking forward to tonight's banquet and the following... celebrations.
After all, the future of the kingdom is at stake, isn't it?"
His last words were not loud, but they were clearly heard throughout the quiet throne room.
Viserys's smile froze for a moment, Sir Otto's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and Rhaenyra straightened his back slightly.
The welcome ceremony continued in an atmosphere of harmony on the surface but surging undercurrents underneath.
Redd knows that the real confrontation has not yet begun.
But he has already revealed his identity as the ruler of the East, and stepped onto this stage with the power of dragons and wealth that cannot be ignored.
And the flames rekindled in the eyes of the princess beside her are just a small, little-known footprint before the start of this power game.
The night of Red Keep is filled with the complex atmosphere of sea breeze and power.
Redd declined the side palace arranged by the king and lived with his wife Rhaenyra as a matter of course.
The princess's room is still luxurious, but what Redd is most satisfied with is the bed that is large and soft, enough to carry the dragon's power and desire.
Just as he was holding Rhaenyra in his arms and preparing to enjoy another kind of pleasure after the conquest in this castle that symbolized the glory of Targaryen, there was an inappropriate knock on the door.
The arrow was on the string and stopped suddenly.
Redd frowned slightly and opened the door with a hint of displeasure at being disturbed.
There were two well-dressed ladies standing outside the door, which dissipated most of his upcoming anger - after all, getting angry with beautiful women was not his style.
One is Alicent·Hai Tarth, whom I have seen before. She has a usual and unpredictable smile on her face.
Another lady made Redd stare slightly: she has a tall and straight figure, and a cold temperament with a trace of unnoticeable fatigue.
It is Mrs. Rhea·Royce Earl of Vale, the wife of Prince Daemon·Targaryen who has been separated for a long time and their relationship is only in name only.
"Visiting late at night, I wonder if these two beautiful ladies are here to see me, or..." Redd stepped aside, with a hint of playful teasing in his tone, and his eyes flickered between the two of them.
Alicent chuckled and spoke first, his voice soft but meaningful. "I came here to catch up with sister Rhaenyra.
However, this Mrs. Rhea Earl beside me has made a special trip to see you, Prince Redd." She specially emphasized the word "special trip".
Redd looked at Rhea with some surprise.
Most of his impressions of this lady came from rumors: the heir of House Royce, the first wife of Daemon,
Because they couldn't stand her husband's dissolute behavior and indifference, they had been separated for a long time, and the relationship had long since broken down.
Why did she come alone late at night?
"Mrs. Rhea," he stopped teasing and asked politely and directly, "I wonder why you are looking for me?"
Rhea's eyes were calm and firm, and she nodded slightly. "Prince Redd, there are some things that may not be discussed in detail here.
I wonder if... could you lend me a step to speak?" Her voice was not high, but it carried a solemnity that could not be refused.
Let's chat alone? Redd's interest has been piqued.
He turned around and motioned to Rhaenyra and Alicent in the room, "You two ladies will chat first, I will be back later."
Then he followed Rhea and left the room, leaving behind Rhaenyra and Alicent with different expressions.