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Chapter 377 - Chapter 400: The Toad That Wants to Eat Swan Meat  

Viserys let out a sigh, finding that even the golden Arbor wine in his mouth had lost its flavor. 

Fortunately, several elder ministers sat below him, drinking and chatting merrily. 

... 

The banquet lasted through the night. 

By this time, Rhaenyra was already drowsy, yawning repeatedly. She hugged Rhaegar, who was serving as her pillow, and drifted off to sleep. 

There was no helping it. 

Her belly grew larger by the day, and all she could do was eat, drink, and sleep. 

Rhaegar, on the other hand, was completely at ease, eagerly anticipating the birth of the twins. 

Under the cool night breeze, the two of them embraced and fell asleep together. 

... 

The night deepened, and thick clouds veiled the moon. 

The Queen's Chambers. 

Ser Arryk, clad in silver armor and a white cloak, stood dutifully on guard. 

Through the closed doors, the sound of an intense argument echoed from within. 

"She's a good girl! You must marry a worthy wife!" 

"Why? I don't even like her!" 

... 

SLAP! 

The quarrel had barely lasted a few moments before the sharp sound of a slap rang out. 

All objections came to an abrupt halt, as if a throat had been seized. 

Arryk remained expressionless—he was long accustomed to such scenes. 

After a long silence... 

With a bang, the door was flung open. 

Alicent stormed out, her green skirts swaying as she moved. 

As she turned back, Aegon sat slumped on the floor, his face despondent. A bright red handprint was clearly visible on his cheek. 

It was obvious—mother and son had just had a "cordial" discussion. 

"Aegon, when will you finally grow up?" 

Alicent's voice was full of frustration, her patience worn thin. 

Her husband had always been partial, neglecting her children. 

Aegon had been given a strong foundation, yet he wasted it, indulging in idleness and debauchery. 

If this continued, their fate would only worsen. 

Listening to his mother's scolding, Aegon sat frozen, finding her words utterly incomprehensible. 

Alicent grew even angrier, her expression cold. "Think carefully—either you accept my proposal, or I'll arrange for you to marry some minor noble's daughter at random." 

Aegon's eyes reddened. He stared at the floor in a daze, lost in thought. 

Was his mother right or wrong? 

Alicent rolled her eyes, her disappointment palpable. "You're nothing like my son!" 

She turned sharply and strode down the corridor. 

Arryk remained silent, stepping forward as if to follow. 

Alicent waved him off without looking back. "No need, Ser. I need some time alone." 

"As you wish, Your Grace." 

Arryk stood motionless, his face unreadable. 

Alicent sighed deeply, pressing a hand to her chest as she walked away. 

As soon as she left, Arryk shifted slightly, glancing into the room. 

Aegon sat pale-faced, anxiously gripping his hair. 

Even without listening closely, his muttering carried a tone of despair. 

"It's all about the Hightowers… How could I possibly marry a Hightower woman...?" 

His voice trembled with fear, as if he were being forced to drink poison. 

Arryk withdrew his gaze, silently scoffing. 

Serving the Queen meant he often overheard important conversations. 

Ever since the tourney at Harrenhal, Lord Otto had been at odds with Lord Ormund Hightower, the two brothers frequently arguing. 

To secure continued support from her family, the Queen had agreed to a marriage alliance between Aegon and a Hightower relative, reinforcing their ties. 

Though the bride was only a distant cousin, she had been adopted by Lord Ormund, who had few heirs of his own. 

That made her a far more respectable match than the daughters of lesser lords. 

... 

Alicent ascended the stairs alone, her irritation burning like oil-fed fire. 

The war across the Narrow Sea had ended, adding three new city-states to the kingdom's domain. 

The Hightowers had made great sacrifices for this campaign, and her children were now scattered across different territories, governing in the king's name. 

Yet, in the end, they had received nothing in return. 

Aegon's stronghold at the Twin Towers didn't count—it was meant to be the foundation of a prince's rule from the start. 

The stronger Rhaegar's influence grew, the more uneasy she felt. 

As long as her husband still sat on the Iron Throne, she had to secure the power that was rightfully hers. 

Aemond's marriage to the Lady of Storm's End was settled, requiring no further attention. 

Now, she only needed to arrange Aegon and Helaena's marriages properly to ensure powerful alliances and strengthen her faction. 

That way, even if the Iron Throne changed hands, 

As Dowager Queen, with her children holding key positions, she could stand on equal footing with Rhaenyra. 

Alicent rubbed her face, whispering to herself as if to reaffirm her resolve. 

"Everything I do is for my family!" 

Muttering as she walked, she climbed the stairs to a secluded tower. 

At the door stood a gaunt knight clad in leather armor, his sharp gaze filled with quiet menace. 

Beside him, his personal maid, Tyra, waited cautiously. 

Seeing her arrive, Tyra stepped forward and softly introduced, "This is Ser Mervyn Flowers." 

"Flowers" was the surname given to bastards in the Reach. 

Alicent adjusted her attire and looked him up and down with a cold gaze. 

He was a young man—tall, lean, and athletic, with calloused hands from wielding a sword and drawing a bow. 

The collar of his leather armor bore a sigil: "Three black castles on an orange field." 

This was the emblem of House Peake, an ancient and long-standing noble family of the Reach, known as the "Three Castles." 

Mervyn lowered his head respectfully. "Your Grace." 

"Mm." 

Alicent responded coolly and, with Tyra holding the door open, stepped into the loft. 

She had received an invitation—someone wished to meet her. 

As a courtesy to a fellow Reach noble, she had agreed to this audience, albeit reluctantly. 

Inside the loft, the furnishings were familiar, and the open silk-draped windows let in the evening breeze. 

A young man, dressed in luxurious attire, with deep brown curls and a neatly trimmed beard, had been waiting for some time. 

Alicent glanced at him and frowned slightly. 

His skin had a yellowish tint, and his sharp, slanted eyes were filled with arrogance. His extravagant clothing only emphasized his ostentatious nature. 

"Your Grace, I offer my sincerest greetings on behalf of House Peake," the young noble introduced himself with a deep bow. "I am Urwin Peake." 

Urwin's posture was impeccable, a performance perfected through practice. 

Alicent raised her hand, stopping Tyra from closing the door. She found little to admire in this nouveau riche upstart. 

"Lord Peake, why have you requested this meeting?" 

Alicent maintained her regal composure, exuding an unmistakable air of pride. 

Urwin's eyes gleamed with cunning, though his tone remained earnest. "I have heard that Your Grace is troubled. I would be most honored to assist." 

Alicent narrowed her eyes, ignoring his flattery. "House Peake is powerful. How much sincerity are you offering?" 

She needed allies—but not just anyone could be welcomed into her fold. 

Urwin smiled broadly, clearly pleased with himself. "My family holds three castles, each yielding plentiful harvests year after year." 

He paused for effect before adding, not without a hint of boasting, "As a noble house with a long martial tradition, we command one hundred knights and nine hundred infantrymen. Should the need arise, we can muster many times that number." 

The infantry count was unimpressive—what mattered was the hundred knights. 

Knights were highly trained warriors, skilled in mounted combat and battlefield tactics. 

A single knight could command a hundred foot soldiers with ease, forming a formidable force. 

Alicent, unimpressed by his bravado, responded coolly, "You have many castles, but how many dragonflames can they withstand?" 

House Peake was not without strength—it had once been among the most powerful families in the Reach. 

But times had changed. 

Even with three prosperous castles, the Peakes were now merely secondary-tier nobility, far overshadowed by House Hightower of Oldtown. 

Urwin hesitated, caught off guard, a flicker of irritation flashing in his eyes. 

He instinctively opened his mouth to retort, ready to spit out some crude remark— 

But upon meeting the queen's icy gaze, he quickly swallowed his words. 

Taking a deep breath, he forced a sheepish smile. "Your Grace, House Peake is prepared to serve you without hesitation." 

"Then speak plainly. I do not have time for games." 

Alicent felt a cool breeze and crossed her arms. She did not bother to hide her impatience. "My husband requires my attention. If you anger him, he will have you hanging from a gallows." 

Urwin suppressed his frustration and put on an obsequious smile. "I have heard that you wish to arrange a marriage for Prince Aegon. I may be able to assist." 

"Who told you that?" Alicent's gaze sharpened. 

"With all due respect, Your Grace, your intentions are as obvious as an ox trudging a millstone." Urwin let slip a countryman's saying without thinking. 

Alicent chose not to dwell on it and signaled for him to continue. 

Urwin chuckled. "My father once said, 'A disobedient child simply needs discipline—sometimes, a firm hand is required.'" 

Alicent was unmoved. 

Urwin cleared his throat, feigning an air of mystery. "Your Grace, during my travels, I made the acquaintance of a friend from Volantis. He has access to certain... potions, taken from Lysene pleasure houses." 

At the crude implication, Alicent's expression instantly turned to stone. She felt deeply insulted. 

"Please, do not be alarmed." 

Urwin rushed to explain, "Prince Aegon is young and impulsive. In truth, he already harbors feelings for the girl in question. He simply needs a little... nudge." 

"A nudge?" 

"Precisely!" 

Urwin pressed on eagerly. "If the girl is willing, you may leave the matter in my hands. I assure you, Your Grace, you will receive a satisfactory outcome." 

Alicent fell into deep thought. 

It was a political marriage—of course, her niece would agree. 

However, Urwin's words suggested that his methods would be anything but honorable. 

Sensing the queen's interest, Urwin added fuel to the fire. "The Duke of Highgarden is loyal to the crown prince. Most of the Reach nobility follow his lead. There is no better match." 

Alicent's hands tightened, her nails pressing into her palms. 

She could not deny the truth in his words. 

Rhaegar's prestige was unmatched. The nobles of the Crownlands, Riverlands, Vale, and Reach all swore fealty to him. 

After the War of the Narrow Sea, his influence had only grown. 

Even the sworn vassals of House Hightower, such as House Beesbury of Honeyholt, had begun gravitating toward him. 

A whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind. 

Finally, Alicent pushed aside her doubts and closed her eyes. "If this succeeds, what do you want in return?" 

She had already assumed House Peake was merely looking for an opportunity—eager to climb aboard the Greens' increasingly unstable vessel. 

The timing was convenient. 

The Dornish were in rebellion, and Starpike—House Peake's most important castle—lay on the Dornish border. 

Her son, Aemond, was currently leading the campaign against the Dornish. House Peake's forces could be a valuable asset. 

But to her surprise, Urwin shook his head and revealed his true intentions. 

"My wife passed away last year," he said, a glint of ambition in his eyes. "I have heard that Princess Helaena is yet unbetrothed…" 

He trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid. 

The meaning was clear enough. 

Alison's eyes snapped open in shock. 

She had only one daughter—Helena, the apple of her eye. 

And as for the man before her... 

His appearance was passable, and his status barely acceptable, but his uncouth manners and scheming nature reeked of a country bumpkin. 

She found him utterly repulsive. 

Without hesitation, Alison firmly declined, her tone polite yet unwavering: "Helena will choose a husband of her own liking. I will not force my daughter into marriage." 

"I am sincere in my desire to marry the princess. Please, grant me a chance to prove my loyalty." 

Urwin's expression grew anxious as he pleaded earnestly. 

But Alison felt nothing but resistance. She turned away and stated coldly, "I will host an exhibition banquet on Maiden's Day. You may attend if you wish." 

Though called an exhibition banquet, it was, in truth, a matchmaking event for Aegon and Helena. 

The nobles would present their eligible children, each hoping to win the favor of the prince and princess. 

If Urwin truly had what it took, he would have to stand out among the many distinguished young suitors. 

"Tyla, we're leaving." 

Calling for her handmaid, Alison strode out without a second glance. 

Urwin clenched his fists, frustration written all over his face as he paced in agitation. 

(End of Chapter) 

 

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