Chapter 63: "Reconciliation" Banquet
The King's pleasure barge slowly entered the harbor of Dragonstone. The Cannibal's corpse was still smoking on the nearby beach, surrounded by four dragons. Silverwing and the Red Queen were angrily tearing at its flesh, while Caraxes and Vermithor rested beside them.
Sunfyre cautiously attempted to approach. After seeing the Red Queen and Silverwing focused on venting their fury on the Cannibal's corpse, and Caraxes and Vermithor ignoring it, he confidently landed on a pile of rocks beside the dragons and comfortably basked in the sun.
"Haha, the scourge of Dragonstone has finally been dealt with. Well done!" King Viserys smiled and briefly embraced Daemon, then turned to look at Dragonzel and Valarr, who were leaning casually nearby. "Cousin, thank you for your contributions to the Realm, cough."
Dragonzel smiled and bowed slightly. "It is only right for those of the blood of the dragon to support one another. After all, only our two families still possess the bloodline capable of riding dragons in this world."
The King returned the smile politely. Dragonzel noticed that the middle-aged King had gained considerable weight, and several joints of his fingers were missing. It was said that wounds inflicted by the Iron Throne had worsened, forcing their amputation.
However, the King did not seem to mind.
Queen Alicent and her maid assisted the heavily pregnant Princess Helaena Targaryen as she slowly disembarked. Princess Rhaenyra had prepared a special wheeled carriage for her, its wheels wrapped in cloth to reduce vibration and lined with thick cushions. Despite her strained relationship with Alicent and her sons, Rhaenyra held no particular ill will toward Helaena—especially now that she was with child.
Several members of the Small Council also arrived. Ser Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, stood expressionless beside the King. Ser Tyland Lannister, Master of Ships, cautiously observed the dragons on the beach. Lord Lyman Beesbury, Master of Coin, was also present.
In the harbor lay a large-bellied cog, flying a white banner adorned with crabs.
When Dragonzel saw the ship, he immediately understood the origin of one of the potential brides arranged for Valarr. House Celtigar of Claw Isle—an ancient Valyrian-descended house. Though not dragonriders, they possessed immense wealth from maritime trade. It was rumored that House Celtigar owned a Valyrian steel axe and a horn said to summon sea monsters. Their vaults were filled with gold, gems, and fine wine. Though not equal to House Velaryon, they were still among the wealthiest noble houses.
"Where is Aegon?" King Viserys counted those disembarking and immediately noticed the absence.
Queen Alicent's expression darkened. She grabbed a nearby servant. "Where is Prince Aegon?"
The servant stammered nervously. "Your Grace, Prince Aegon disappeared after releasing Sunfyre. I… I have not seen him."
"Then go find him at once!" Alicent snapped, pushing him forward. The servant stumbled before scrambling away.
Aemond grabbed the servant by the collar and whispered coldly, "If anyone finds him in a tavern or a brothel, I'll feed you to Vhagar."
"Yes—yes, Your Highness!"
Daemon could not help but laugh aloud, while Rhaenys merely watched in silence.
"My love, let us return to the castle," Alicent said, steadying Helaena and linking arms with her husband. "Helaena needs rest. The voyage was taxing. I have already sent men to find Aegon."
"Very well." Viserys nodded. "My daughter will surely have prepared a fine feast."
"Brother… I still feel uneasy," Valarr muttered as he watched the royal family enter the carriage.
"Uneasy about what?" Dragonzel asked, draping an arm over his younger brother's shoulders.
"The atmosphere within the royal family feels… wrong. Lucerys mentioned it before. Is the matter of succession truly so difficult to resolve?"
Dragonzel walked forward with him, following behind Daemon and Rhaenys.
"I have faced succession disputes myself," Dragonzel said calmly. "Do you remember how I resolved them?"
"That wasn't the same," Valarr scoffed. "No one could truly challenge you. That was a matter of inheritance, not succession. That bastard was cut down by Aemond, and the rest never even made it past the gates—or ended up in the mines."
"So?" Dragonzel raised a brow.
Valarr paused, then muttered, "Absolute force. Loyalty from retainers. And an undisputed claim…"
Dragonzel smiled faintly.
Ahead, Daemon and Rhaenys exchanged glances, both understanding the implication. Neither they nor Rhaenyra fully possessed those conditions.
The feast prepared by Rhaenyra was lavish. After confirming the Cannibal's death, she had returned to Dragonstone to personally oversee the preparations.
"King Viserys I Targaryen, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, accompanied by Queen Alicent Hightower, Prince Aegon Targaryen, Prince Aemond Targaryen, and Princess Helaena Targaryen—has arrived!"
Ser Criston Cole's voice echoed through the great hall.
The King entered arm in arm with the Queen. Aemond dragged along a disheveled Aegon, whose cloak was stained with dirt—clearly caught before reaching wherever he had intended to go.
Viserys tapped his goblet lightly. "Lords and ladies, we have honored guests."
He nodded toward Dragonzel.
"Lord Bartimos Celtigar of Claw Isle, accompanied by his son Ser Clement Celtigar, his nephew Assor Celtigar, and his daughter Lady Laena Celtigar!"
The Celtigars entered.
Lord Bartimos was an energetic old man in fine red-and-white silk. His son appeared stern, his nephew charming, and his daughter—young, with long silver-gold hair—possessed the unmistakable beauty of Valyrian blood.
Viserys smiled and seated the girl beside Valarr.
He raised his goblet. "To the dragonriders who have protected the Realm's greatest treasures."
All raised their cups.
Aegon cheered loudly, as if he himself had slain the Cannibal.
The feast proceeded smoothly. Aemond exchanged formal toasts with Jacaerys and Lucerys. Alicent even danced with Rhaenyra—though the tension beneath the surface was obvious.
Daemon's laughter did little to improve the illusion.
Assor eagerly questioned the princes about the war in Dorne, while Valarr found himself stiffly dancing with Lady Laena.
"Prince," she whispered softly, "I understand my duty. If you choose me, I will give you many children."
Valarr froze, helplessly glancing at Dragonzel for rescue—only to find him occupied elsewhere.
He had never faced such a situation before.
Meanwhile, King Viserys smiled.
"Cousin, I have another proposal," he said to Dragonzel. "Helaena is soon to give birth—likely twins. If one is a girl, I would have her betrothed to Ray."
Before he finished speaking, Queen Alicent's expression changed instantly.
End of Chapter 64
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