In the year 266 AC, the realm was at peace.
What had King's Landing experienced in the past few years? It felt like a succession of pregnancies.
For lords and nobles, producing heirs after marriage was the highest priority. Children were precious human resources; as long as they weren't too uncouth, even useless ones could be sent off for marriage alliances.
Queen Rhaella gave birth to two healthy boys, named Aegon and Duncan, honoring their great-grandfather Aegon V and great-uncle Duncan the Tall. Prince Aerys believed his penance had worked, so he banished his lingering thoughts of debauchery and affairs. After all, breaking an oath before the gods was a terrifying prospect.
Lady Joanna gave birth to golden-haired twins, a boy and a girl, whom Ser Tywin named Jaime and Cersei.
Lady Rowena Arryn also gave birth to a healthy baby boy in King's Landing. Lord Arryn named him Raynal Arryn. Lord Arryn, who had never believed in metaphysics, began to feel that Rhaegar truly possessed some immense luck.
After Lady Rowena gave birth, Lord Arryn did not send her back to the Eyrie. Instead, she was cared for by the royal household and resided temporarily in the Red Keep. The high altitude of the Eyrie was not conducive to raising a newborn. A larger issue was that the heir to the Vale had been previously established (his nephew); changing the succession now would inevitably cause unexpected shifts in the Vale. If mishandled, bloodshed was unavoidable.
Though Lord Jon Arryn was noble and stubborn, he knew the rules of power well. The appearance of a new heir would inevitably stir the emotions of the former heir and his supporters—such things happened time and again. He had to quell these disputes before the child came of age.
The biggest event of the past two or three years was the visit of Lord Rickard Stark, Warden of the North, to King's Landing.
Although people disliked the "savages" of the North, Lord Rickard was a Lord Paramount, and Northern lords rarely came south.
Rhaegar also met the Wolf Lord. Duke Rickard had grey eyes, a long face, and dark brown hair—typical features of the Wolf Family.
Lord Rickard's journey south was not at the behest of others; Rhaegar sensed that Lord Rickard seemed attracted by the prosperity and bustle of King's Landing. He did not fully adhere to the ancient Stark tradition of isolating in the North and avoiding southern affairs; he was eager to expand his influence southward.
For King Jaehaerys II, everything was perfect. His hall was full of children and grandchildren, and the realm was brimming with talent. His greatest anticipation now was Rhaegar's future marriage.
Under the leadership of Lord Ormund and the assistance of Ser Tywin, the realm achieved a very harmonious governance through a blend of old and new.
The residents of King's Landing joked that only two people on the Small Council actually managed affairs; the rest were merely gluttons and yes-men who came for the free meals. The future Hand of the King could be none other than Tywin.
Seeing that Prince Aerys was also depressed and without a suitable position, Jaehaerys II appointed him Master of Ships.
The only flaw might be the increasingly strict repayment demands from the Iron Bank. However, Ser Tywin had promised the Westerlands would support the debt repayment, so the issue was not critical.
The Red Keep Training Yard.
A silver-haired youth raised a rapier and a buckler, sparring with a swordsman.
Sessa dodged and weaved, his movements agile and swift.
But Rhaegar was faster and more agile; his rapier moved like a viper, slowly coming to rest against Sessa's throat.
"I yield, Rhaegar. You are much faster than yesterday. I fear soon you will need to find a stronger opponent. Damn it, you truly have dragon blood in your veins; you seem eternally energetic," Sessa said with a laugh, tossing aside his sword.
Barristan gave Sessa a warm smile. Prince Rhaegar was indeed becoming formidable.
For the past few years, Rhaegar had trained, sparred, and studied day and night without pause.
His swordsmanship, spearwork, and archery were improving steadily at an astonishing rate.
Needing to hone his archery, King Jaehaerys II sent an invitation to Ser Brynden Tully. The knight, already troubled by his poor relationship with his brother Hoster, gladly accepted.
On the battlefield, Rhaegar would transform into a sharp sword, a raging fire, and a terrifying dragon, bringing fear to enemies and light to friends.
"Your Grace, you are truly extraordinary. I have never seen a noble lord so dedicated to honing his will and refining his martial arts, nor have I seen anyone with such abundant energy and stamina. The sound of clashing steel seems to bring you joy," Ser Brynden Tully sighed.
Such a child—born to wealth but not arrogant, not spoiled, yet knowing how to struggle—was rare indeed.
"Ser Brynden, the flowers of peace and civilization are destined to be guarded by force," Rhaegar replied. As the years passed, his features grew more handsome and his posture more gallant.
Brynden nodded. After all, the boy was born into a family that bred heroes and legends; the dragonlords were all ambitious, proud, and quick-witted.
Rhaegar put down his rapier, preparing to rest a moment before starting archery practice.
Suddenly, Ser Brynden smiled at him. "Your Grace, your little bride has come to see you."
At the edge of the training yard, two more children appeared: Roberta and her brother Robert.
Seeing Roberta, Rhaegar felt a little awkward.
His childhood sweetheart visited often; Sessa and the others had begun to tease him.
Roberta had the typical dark hair of House Baratheon, skin fair and translucent, and eyes clear as blue seawater like her mother Lady Cassana. She was tall for her age. The little girl in a dress looked adorable, like a doll. However, compared to Rhaegar, she still fell short; Rhaegar's height already matched that of an eleven or twelve-year-old, fueled by heavy eating and fighting. Standing together, the height difference was still stark.
Roberta walked over, followed by her shadow, Robert. Robert's small face looked helpless; he preferred being held by the beautiful handmaidens of King's Landing, or watching tourneys and hunts.
"Sister, if you didn't hit me all the time, I'd really think you were a pretty woman," Robert Baratheon couldn't help complaining.
The Doe Roberta's smile vanished instantly. She grabbed Robert by the ear, and Robert let out a squeal like a pig.
"You'd better shut your big mouth. If you provoke me again, I'll send you to look after our brother Stannis." Robert quieted down immediately. He loved excitement, enjoying feasts, songs, and tourneys from a young age. If made to look after the dour Stannis, Robert would probably go mad within moments.
This was likely why, no matter how beautiful his sister was, in her brother's heart, she remained a demon.
"Oh, Brother Rhaegar, where is your beautiful silver hair? Why is it so short?" Roberta asked.
"I like it short; it's cleaner," Rhaegar replied. He still preferred keeping his silver hair short and choppy for ease of care.
"Hmm, that's not bad either. Short hair looks vigorous."
"Can you play the harp for us? This is a request from a guest from afar, and from your lovely cousin," Roberta said.
Robert rolled his eyes. Is this the same sister who beats me? He knew her favorite things were hitting him, stealing his food, and pestering the master-at-arms for lessons. She didn't like music or needlework at all; she just liked violence.
"Alright," Rhaegar smiled. Since his harp performance became famous, why had it turned into a regular talent show? Everyone loved to watch Rhaegar display his skills.
Squires brought him a harp, and Rhaegar began to play.
The music was cheerful and moving, yet it touched the heart deeply.
Rhaegar looked around: Ser Barristan Selmy, the Blackfish Ser Brynden Tully, the Ronin Swordsman Sessa, and lurking in the shadows, the Ratcatcher Lorken. Rhaegar's Dream Team was growing stronger. The Treasure Hunting Dream Team was ready to depart.
He had already responded to Lord Arryn's request and was preparing to head to the Vale.
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