Chapter 66: Manderly of White Harbor
The nights on Dragonstone were always accompanied by the humid sea breeze. The restless wind only made the beach seem more tranquil, while the dragons rested along the shore and cliffs, occasionally releasing low, thunderous rumbles. Yet even that did not disturb the natural calm.
Aegon II Targaryen lay sprawled drunkenly on the beach, his clothes disheveled; he had once again been dragged out of a tavern by his younger brother.
"What exactly are you thinking?" Aemond Targaryen grabbed Aegon by the collar and hauled him upright. "Even if Mother is blinded by her ambitions, have you forgotten her words? You are the rightful king, and now there is a chance to win over a dragonlord house whose strength rivals our own—yet you behave like a fool in front of them and go drinking with whores?"
"As if you weren't there," Aegon muttered, trying to shove Aemond away, only to fail due to his drunken state. "Rightful king? Father named my sister heir. Do you see any sign he intends to change that?"
Aemond shoved him hard, sending him stumbling.
"That is exactly your problem. Do not forget—our very existence is a threat to that woman. Do you think Rhaenyra Targaryen will allow us to live once she ascends the throne? Do you think her Strong bastards will tolerate us?"
Aegon fell silent.
"But… I already stopped Mother. If Helaena gives birth to a daughter, she will be betrothed to Ray. Ray rides a dragon, and Dragonzel's family is… close to us."
"Close?" Aemond's voice turned sharp. "Have you ever asked Helaena if she feels close to you?"
He stepped closer, nearly losing patience.
"Leaving aside whether you will even have a daughter—if you do, Ray is fourteen years older than her. You can wait for that marriage. But what about the throne?"
"Watch your tongue!" Aegon quickly covered his brother's mouth. "Do you want to die for treason? Some things cannot be spoken aloud."
He sighed inwardly.
Why can't I just live as a carefree prince…?
Aemond pulled his hand away.
"Listen carefully. Father also intends to betroth Dragonzel's future daughter to Aegon the Younger—the one who bears your name."
Aegon froze, unable to respond.
Aemond laughed coldly.
"I will say this one last time—if you want to live, you must fight. Do not let me see you drunk and naked in a brothel again. And at Dragon Nest City, during the tourney—watch yourself."
"Aemond, you cannot do this to me!"
Ignoring him, Aemond turned and left, throwing Aegon back onto the sand.
Meanwhile, atop the terrace of Dragonstone, Dragonzel stood overlooking the sea breeze.
Having handed Valarr over to Lady Leila Celtigar, he now spoke with Ser Tyland Lannister, Master of Ships, and Lord Lyman Beesbury, Master of Coin.
They wisely avoided disturbing King Viserys I Targaryen, who required rest, Queen Alicent Hightower, who was clearly displeased, and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, who had gone to see her sons. However, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon dutifully spent time with his mother before coming to attend the discussion, which earned him silent approval from Lord Beesbury.
"Prince," Tyland began cautiously, rubbing his hands, "have you considered the royal fleet proposal? And… regarding my brother, Lord Jason Lannister—I hope you do not take offense at his behavior."
"Lord Jason is… an interesting man," Dragonzel replied calmly, leaning against the stone battlement. "Though I believe the feelings of the ladies involved should also be considered."
He paused before continuing.
"As for the royal fleet—my offer remains the same as at Casterly Rock. If the Crown commissions ships from my shipyards, I will offer a twenty percent reduction. And if the Crown requires my fleet, it may call upon it just as it would the fleets of House Velaryon or House Redwyne."
Tyland hesitated.
Lord Beesbury interjected carefully.
"The Crown is currently funding multiple projects, and the treasury is… strained. Might the discount be increased, or perhaps payment delayed?"
Dragonzel's lips curved faintly.
"My workers must eat as well, Lord Beesbury. I can advance construction, but I will not bear the Crown's losses. Surely you do not intend for me to collect debts in King's Landing atop dragonback."
His gaze shifted to Tyland.
"And you, Lord Lannister, as Master of Ships—the royal fleet falls under your authority."
The two men exchanged glances before sighing in defeat.
After all, expanding the royal fleet was not an immediate priority.
Though the visit to Dragonstone had not fully healed the rift within the royal family, King Viserys was nonetheless pleased.
Two marriage alliances had been secured.
He watched with satisfaction as Dragonzel departed with Jacaerys, flying north toward White Harbor.
Valarr returned to Dragon Nest City with Lady Leila Celtigar and Lucerys Velaryon. Upon learning his daughter had been chosen, Lord Bartimos Celtigar excitedly sent his kinsman Assor Celtigar and a trusted bastard knight, Ser York Waters, to accompany her. That very night, he prayed devoutly within the sept at Dragonstone.
Vermithor roared as he soared across the Narrow Sea, carrying Dragonzel northward.
They passed over the Vale of Arryn, its towering Mountains of the Moon rising beneath them. From the sky, the Eyrie—perched upon the Giant's Lance—appeared like a marble jewel among the clouds.
Yet they did not land.
The cold intensified as they continued north.
Jacaerys adjusted his heavy furs, feeling Vermax's discomfort beneath him. The northern air did not suit the young dragon.
But to Dragonzel, the North was something else entirely.
Vermithor slowed, allowing him to gaze upon the endless forests below—and far beyond, the faint outline of the Wall stretched across the horizon.
"A wonder of the Old Gods…" Dragonzel murmured.
Yet as they crossed into the North, he felt something else.
A presence.
Watching.
Even Vermithor seemed uneasy.
"Or something older…"
The dragons descended over White Harbor.
The city's people stared upward in shock as two dragons circled overhead before landing in the great square near the harbor.
Armed guards quickly cleared the area.
Lord Desmond Manderly stood waiting, his large frame clad in rich garments, his beard thick and well-kept.
"Your Highness," he said respectfully as Dragonzel dismounted. "Your arrival reminds me of the time my grandsire hosted King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. In those days, Vermithor also flew to White Harbor, and a marriage pact was made between our houses… though fate did not favor it."
"Lord Manderly," Dragonzel replied politely, "this visit is not only courtesy—I also bear a purpose."
The lord's expression turned somber.
"My prince… I must apologize. My beloved daughter, Lady Lyanna Manderly, has passed from a winter fever. She has returned to the halls of the Merling King beneath the sea. I fear I can no longer fulfill our agreement."
Dragonzel paused, preparing words of comfort—
But his attention shifted.
Standing beside Lord Manderly was a young man.
Black hair. Grey eyes.
Calm. Unmoved.
Even the presence of dragons did not shake him.
Dragonzel narrowed his eyes slightly.
This boy… is not ordinary.
End of Chapter 66
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you like the story please give it some power stones and reviews. And if you want to read 40+ advance chapters or just want to support me please join my patreon at [email protected]/Translatingfanfics