Chapter 55: A Dance between the Hunter and the Dragon
Lord Tarly motioned for the servants to begin preparing the feast, then continued speaking.
"I am honored that Your Highness would personally come to Horn Hill to discuss this matter with me."
He glanced toward his wife and daughters seated beside him.
"I have three daughters. My eldest daughter, Samantha Tarly, is married to Ser Monde of House Hightower, who is also the heir to the Hightower."
's expression shifted slightly for a moment before quickly returning to normal.
He quietly watched as the servants of House Tarly brought in dish after dish. Horn Hill was far wealthier than Night Song, and the variety of food was far more impressive.
Roasted quail was merely an appetizer here. There were fruits and vegetables from across the fertile plains of the Reach. Some were prepared as salads, others made into soups, and some were chopped finely and mixed with spices of unfamiliar origin.
The most eye-catching dishes included summer vegetables and apples mixed with walnuts, grapes, star anise, and crumbled cheese. Another salad was prepared with raisins and walnuts.
Of course, a large quantity of wild game was the centerpiece of the feast.
Donald Tarly had personally arranged for hunters to venture deep into the surrounding forests earlier in the day, which was why there was such an abundance of meat on the table.
The whole pheasant was roasted until fragrant and crisp.
The cooks of House Tarly had also adopted techniques from Dornish cuisine, marinating chicken with lemon juice to create a savory lemon-braised chicken.
Alongside the poultry were roasted lamb chops, a staple at feasts throughout the Reach.
More unusual dishes were also present—roasted squirrel, roasted lark, roasted venison chops, honey-braised venison, and even a massive wild boar that had been roasted whole.
The boar's belly had been stuffed with various nuts, while a large apple had been placed in its mouth to enrich the flavor.
For the main course, besides freshly baked bread, Lord Tarly had also ordered a massive lamb pie to be prepared.
The crust was golden and crisp, and when it was cut open, the rich lamb fat sizzled audibly as it flowed from the filling.
"My second daughter, Sansala, is nineteen years old this year."
Donald gestured for his daughter to rise and present herself before Dragonzel.
"No need, my lord. Let Lady Sansala enjoy her meal," Dragonzel said calmly.
"I have already learned about Lady Sansala's situation from Lady Diana."
"The gods be praised," Lord Tarly said with satisfaction.
"Out of courtesy, however, I must still introduce my third daughter, Diana. She is the same age as you, and you have already met her."
"My Lord Tarly, please forgive me," Dragonzel replied politely.
"Due to the expectations of the royal family and the future needs of my own house, my brothers and I cannot bind ourselves exclusively to a single noble house through marriage."
"Therefore, Lady Sansala, I must apologize. After careful consideration—and with the advice of the royal family—I can only establish a betrothal with Lady Diana, with whom I am already acquainted."
"The prince need not apologize," Sansala said quickly.
"To be able to marry into your family is already an honor for House Tarly."
"It is also an honor for my younger sister."
"Your Highness, forgive me for speaking so much as a mother," Lady Jane said respectfully.
"May I understand that you intend to enter into a betrothal with my daughter?"
"Yes," Dragonzel nodded.
"My brother will still have another choice for his own marriage."
"I understand. Thank you for your consideration."
Lady Jane lowered her head in acknowledgment.
Ser Harlon Tyrell, meanwhile, had been pretending to be invisible ever since the topic of marriage alliances was raised.
He slowly ate the food before him with great concentration—very much like Jacaerys.
"Your Highness, this is a tremendous honor for House Tarly."
Donald Tarly could barely conceal his joy.
"I do not know the exact date or location of the wedding. Forgive me, Your Highness—although such matters should properly be decided by you, as a father I cannot help but worry."
"After all, because of my failures as a father, there is already some distance between myself and my children. I hope Your Highness can understand a father's helplessness."
"I understand your concern, my lord."
Dragonzel lifted his wine goblet slightly in acknowledgment.
"I plan to hold a grand tourney approximately four months from now, once Dragon Nest City and Summerhall have largely been completed."
"At that time, I will also hold my wedding with Lady Diana."
Dragonzel smiled slightly.
"In truth, we should first hold an engagement ceremony, but since the dates are so close together, why not double the celebration?"
"What do you think, my lord?"
"This is a great honor for House Tarly."
Donald Tarly nearly burst into laughter from delight.
"You may rest assured, Your Highness. Diana's dowry will certainly match both your status and hers. House Tarly will never forget your generosity."
"There is no need to worry, my lord," Dragonzel replied with a calm smile.
"House Varezes is also pleased to become part of Westeros."
Soon the musicians and bards invited by House Tarly began performing lively melodies.
Among them were songs praising House Tarly such as Hunter's Song, and songs celebrating Dragonzel like Silver Dragon Bloodline and The Prince's Return.
There were also heroic ballads honoring and his brother Jacaerys, such as The Brave Prince.
Many minor nobles sworn to House Tarly soon stepped onto the dance floor.
Even Sansala attempted to invite Dragonzel to dance.
Dragonzel politely declined with a shake of his head.
In the end, Jacaerys stepped forward and danced with Lady Sansala in Dragonzel's place.
Though admittedly, a nineteen-year-old maiden dancing with a nine-year-old boy looked rather awkward.
Still, the guests all appeared delighted.
All except Lord Tarly, who had just finished listening to a report delivered quietly by his maester.
"Your Highness, I suggest you remain at Horn Hill for the New Year before traveling onward to Highgarden," Lord Tarly said quietly.
He leaned slightly toward Dragonzel while holding his goblet.
"I had already planned something similar," Dragonzel replied.
He noticed the hesitation in Tarly's expression.
"Has something else occurred?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Lord Tarly lowered his voice even further.
"Ser Monde of House Hightower—my son-in-law—has arrived at Highgarden together with Prince Daeron."
He glanced briefly toward Sansala, who was still dancing with Jacaerys.
"As you know, Prince Daeron is the son of Queen Alicent Hightower."
"There have long been tensions between him and the sons of ."
"The queen herself also has deep conflicts with the princess."
"I am aware of that," Dragonzel replied in an equally quiet tone.
"The king is not even dead yet, and they are already tearing each other apart over their children?"
"Your Highness… the supporters…"
Lord Tarly suddenly stopped speaking mid-sentence as if he had burned his tongue.
"…many of them are gathering around House Hightower. I fear they may have other intentions."
"So they also do not want me traveling to Oldtown," Dragonzel said thoughtfully.
He had already begun piecing together the political implications.
"My Lord Tarly, I will need more information regarding the conflicts between the princess and the queen."
"My retainers are not yet as familiar with the politics of Westeros as you are."
"I understand, Your Highness."
Lord Tarly glanced once more at the hall full of music and celebration before speaking in a low voice.
"All relevant information will be delivered to your chambers after the banquet."
"You have my thanks, my lord."
Dragonzel nodded slightly.
Lord Tarly returned the gesture and quietly signaled a household knight to retrieve the documents.
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