Amidst the clinking of countless goblets, King Jaehaerys II added a still more brilliant interlude to the wedding.
The guests paused in their toasts, eyes turning from the golden wine.
Prince Rhaegar stood and faced the crowd. His silver hair shimmered, his face still holding the innocence of a child yet undeniably handsome. His gaze was piercing, as if silver flames burned within his eyes, flickering and alive.
Rhaegar had wanted to cut his hair short, but alas, a child of his status could not wear it too short. He had no choice but to let the silver locks grow. Still, he preferred a somewhat ragged, shorter style for ease of care.
The dragonlords were famed for their beauty, and Rhaegar surpassed them all: inheriting the blood of Belaerys and awakening the Blood of Fire made him even more striking and powerful. When I grow up, I will shock the world even more.
All the guests in the hall watched the Prince, marveling at the qualities of a true dragon he possessed.
Rhaegar looked about six or seven years old, but he was far taller and stronger than most children his age. Noble children, well-fed, usually grew faster than commoners, but Rhaegar's growth was truly astonishing.
However, the crowd began to whisper that the old King needed to be cautious. It was estimated that by the time the Prince was ten, he might be seeking pleasure everywhere. Great lords often married early; Tywin marrying at nineteen was considered late for the time. One had to be extra careful of women throwing themselves at the Prince for his looks or station. King Viserys II had wed Lady Larra Rogare at twelve, and the beautiful Lyseni lady was already nineteen.
Prince Rhaegar bowed to the crowd, flashing a charming smile. He was a young performance artist. Today, the lords and wealthy merchants were all here, the loyal subjects upon whom the dragonlords relied to rule. This was power; both genuine emotion and performance were components of power.
(Game of Thrones: Minor Player. Name of the Master: You will navigate grand scenes with ease, fearing nothing.)
"Your Grace, this gift is too precious; we dare not accept," Ser Tywin and Lady Joanna said hastily, bowing low. Unless it was a tourney, having the heir of a great lord, let alone the blood royal, perform music or martial arts personally for a guest was an honor beyond measure.
"No need for such formality, Ser Tywin. Treat it as a child's game. If Rhaegar plays poorly, please do not laugh," King Jaehaerys II said. He wanted to give Ser Tywin a gift, but he also wanted to show off the Crown Prince's harp skills, just as old men like to boast of their grandchildren.
"It is a supreme honor for this humble servant!" Ser Tywin and Lady Joanna were overwhelmed.
Lords high and low understood that after this performance, Ser Tywin would be bound in gratitude. Prince Rhaegar playing for you before the entire Throne Room was a gesture of immense favor. King Jaehaerys clearly intended to yoke Tywin thoroughly to the dragon's chariot.
However, despite the King's good planning, he still needed to see the Prince's ability with his own eyes.
"Your Grace, you never told me the Prince would perform," Lord Ormund grumbled, a bit displeased. This is too good for the cubs in the Lion's Den. If anyone should perform, it should be our family.
King Jaehaerys II laughed, and Lady Ormund immediately tugged at her husband's sleeve.
Rhaegar walked to the front of the dais, where squires brought out a harp prepared for the Prince.
It was an ancient harp with silver strings, crafted from precious wood and carved with a three-headed dragon baring fangs and claws.
Without a hint of stage fright, Rhaegar plucked the strings, drawing forth a beautiful melody.
Bloodline, martial skill, influence, wealth, nobility, power, these advantages and foundations were enough to make him confident, standing above all.
All the musicians stopped playing; they served royalty and nobility, and they were no fools.
The musicians understood that even if the Prince played poorly, Ser Tywin would still bask in the glory. It was about "face," about publicly bestowing warmth and honor upon Ser Tywin. However, they still harbored doubts about the Prince's actual skill.
Rhaegar plucked the harp. He was naturally gifted, and with the "Tree of Life" template, his harp skills were perfection.
He had a special connection with the harp; of all instruments, he played it best.
Rhaegar's long silver hair shone, and on his black velvet doublet, the dragon made of crystal and diamonds with ruby eyes seemed to come alive.
The Prince played the silver-stringed harp in the firelight. Rhaegar looked as if he were cast in silver.
In the Throne Room, Rhaegar playing the harp resembled a true silver dragon.
The music was intoxicating, and the player even more so. Rhaegar was focused, skillful, and effortless, seemingly in total control.
Many noblewomen looked at Lady Cassana with envy; this "forbidden fruit", the Prince, was highly likely to become the son-in-law of House Baratheon. Hatred was useless; the direct heirs of great houses had little choice in marriage.
The Prince of King's Landing had arrived in all his grace.
Everyone was mesmerized. The music was filled with joy, delight, and happiness. It was as if they saw flowers blooming and heard birds singing happily.
The sorrow of Summerhall is past; I will bring laughter and prosperity to the world. Rhaegar thought. The past is far away; I will create new history.
The notes captivated everyone, even the musicians were engrossed. The boy was truly a genius. They had thought the King was merely setting the mood and praising his grandson, but Prince Rhaegar's skill was genuine.
When the performance ended, Rhaegar bowed slightly to the crowd. He was not arrogant; he handled everything with ease.
There was no other way; Rhaegar was not only a true dragon prince but also the bearer of the Dragonlord Ring, having awakened the Blood of Fire, his greatest ace.
Applause surged like the tide, rising and falling.
The applause was a monstrous wave, enough to drown any wall.
Prince Rhaegar's family wore expressions of pride. The Prince had performed excellently, adding new glory to Ser Tywin. Having one's children in the spotlight always makes parents proud, does it not?
Prince Aerys clapped, dispelling the bitterness of being unable to participate in the bedding pranks.
This was Prince Rhaegar's gift. Though the little dragon was young, he had already shown extraordinary talent, commanding respect.
"We thank you for the Prince's gift; it is precious beyond words." Ser Tywin and his wife stepped forward. Ser Tywin lifted Rhaegar high with his large hands, shouting excitedly, "This is our Silver Prince!"
"Our Silver Prince!"
"The Silver Prince," Rhaegar!
Ser Tywin's sworn brothers, Aerys and Steffon, along with their families, also came forward, embracing and paying their respects. The Princess of Dorne, as Joanna's companion, also stepped onto the dais to gesture her acclaim.
The name "Silver Prince" reminded Rhaegar of an old acquaintance. Loyalty was important, but the man's sexual orientation was a bit creepy.
"The True Dragon Prince!" Men and women, as if trained, pushed the atmosphere to a climax.
The Prince was already noble, and the harp and music added to his charm. Legend had it Prince Rhaegar loved swords and spears, born a warrior. No one expected his musical talent to be so outstanding.
The name of the Silver Prince resounded throughout the Throne Room.
Call me the Silver Prince. Rhaegar listened to the applause and cheers. Fate pushed me here, and I will choose the rest of my destiny.
I am a true dragon, and I am fire. I am the True Dragon Prince, and the Silver Prince.
(Title: The Silver Prince. Thousands call your name, hoping you bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the world. The legend will be created by you.)
(Title: Born at Summerhall, Lucky Rhaegar, The Silver Prince.)
Everyone understood that the feast was a triumph. The song and the banquet were magnificent, symbolizing the union of King's Landing and Casterly Rock, displaying the wealth and invincibility of the Three-Head Alliance of Stag, Lion, and Dragon. Ser Tywin would surely mobilize his gold to consolidate the Dragon's rule. All the lords of the realm would support the Dragon's reign.
"My Prince! What is the name of this piece?" a bold noble asked Rhaegar.
"Call it 'A Night in the Red Keep'!" Rhaegar replied.
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