Chapter 67: Prelude to the Silver Wedding
Dragon Nest City, Laurel Leaf Tower.
Weeks ago, the residents of this elegant tower had already begun preparing for today's wedding. Maids went to the newly established Summer Market to purchase silk and flowers to adorn the brides-to-be.
The bride's mother, Lady Jane Rowan, had traveled all the way from Horn Hill to assist her daughter in receiving guests. As for Lady Leila Celtigar, she had successfully won Valarr's favor during their months together. In truth, she had done little beyond fulfilling her duties—managing her husband's daily needs and assisting Diana Tarly with household affairs. Diana had also come to recognize Leila's strengths: she possessed remarkable talent in accounting, and under her brother's protection, she remained pure-hearted and naïve, viewing the world through bright, hopeful eyes.
"Sister, try this one." Leila, dressed in a fitted silver-white gown, held up a white shawl adorned with amethysts and rubies, comparing it against Diana. Two silver-haired maids were busy applying Diana's makeup.
"Leila, you should go and have your makeup done as well." Diana gestured with the shawl, nodding in satisfaction. "We cannot keep troubling Mother and the princesses. Once we are ready, we must also take on our responsibilities."
"Mm."
Leila quickly sat before another mirror, and two more silver-haired maids stepped forward to apply Valyrian-style cosmetics to her face.
The room bustled with activity, leaving no space for interruption. Even Lady Jane, who had intended to check on her daughter, abandoned the idea upon seeing the chaos inside and instead continued entertaining guests elsewhere.
Aside from Dorne, nobles, knights, and warriors from across the Seven Kingdoms had gathered. Some pitched tents beyond the city, while others stayed in the newly completed inns of Summerhall.
The royal family had arrived the day before.
Aegon II Targaryen and Prince Aemond Targaryen descended from the sky upon their dragons. It was said that the roars of Vhagar and Vermithor could be heard as far away as Lace Harbor.
Queen Helaena Targaryen also brought her newborn twins, Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Jaehaera. She did not ride Dreamfyre, instead traveling with King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower in the royal carriage. Viserys personally arranged a betrothal between Princess Jaehaera and Ray, though Ray himself appeared utterly speechless at the sight of the swaddled infant.
Lord Borros Baratheon of Storm's End led a grand procession south, accompanied by over a hundred retainers, including his daughters and many prominent stormlords.
The Reach delegation was led by Lord Lyonel Tyrell, accompanied by Lord Hobert Hightower, Ser Ormund Hightower, Lord Thaddeus Rowan, and numerous other nobles. Prince Daeron Targaryen was also present, though his dragon Tessarion remained in Oldtown, unable to make the long journey with passengers.
Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, arrived by sea with Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and their granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena Targaryen. Naturally, Rhaenys, riding Meleys—the Red Queen—reached Dragon Nest City ahead of them and was already conversing warmly with Lady Jane.
Nobles from the Crownlands arrived overland, led by Lord Simon Staunton and Lord Massey, arriving several days after the Velaryons.
The Westerlands and Riverlands delegations arrived together. Lord Jason Lannister personally led his retinue, bringing wagons filled with gold as apology for his earlier offense toward the two grooms. Lord Grover Tully, elderly and frail, came in person carried in a litter, accompanied by his grandson, Ser Elmo Tully. Lord Forrest Frey bore the Tully banners, while Lord Samwell Blackwood and Lord Amos Bracken escorted the procession.
For once, these rivals maintained an uneasy peace.
The Vale and the North delegations also traveled together. Ser Bennard Stark accompanied Lord Cregan Stark southward. With them were Lord Rodrik Dustin and the young Lord Domeric Bolton. Lord Manderly had provided ships for their journey and dispatched his sons and knights from White Harbor to assist.
Lady Jeyne Arryn personally left the Eyrie. Lord Lyonel Corbray and his brother Ser Corwyn Corbray—wielder of the Valyrian steel sword Lady Forlorn—served as her protectors, while young Lord Artys Royce oversaw the Vale delegation.
Even Dorne sent representatives.
Tigaro returned to Dragon Nest City bearing House Yronwood's proposal for alliance. Meanwhile, a steward of House Martell arrived to offer congratulations on behalf of Sunspear. As for House Dayne… rumors claimed that Ser Quentyn Dayne of High Hermitage had been seen nearby, though whether he represented his house officially remained uncertain.
Envoys from across the Narrow Sea also attended.
A Braavosi envoy brought with him the year's profits from Varezes enterprises in the Free City, along with blessings from the Sealord of Braavos. Meanwhile, supporters of the Tiger faction in Volantis once again attempted to offer Dragonzel a crown—an offer that was, as before, firmly refused.
As dawn broke on the day of the wedding, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen descended upon Dragon Nest City's dragonpit astride their dragons. Syrax and Caraxes cast long shadows across the ground, while Tyraxes flew alongside them.
Rhaenyra brought her sons, Joffrey Velaryon and young Aegon Targaryen.
"Diana, I suggest you try that bodice with Valyrian steel ornamentation."
A clear, cold voice came from the doorway.
Diana turned in surprise.
"Obara? Why are you here?"
"If that fool Albin cannot even guard the house, he might as well be dead," Obara said casually, leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed. The sword Dawn rested across her back. Hofa, one of Dragonzel's guards, watched her closely. Though he knew she would not act out of line, her disregard for rules constantly tested his patience.
"I came to witness your wedding—and perhaps to test myself against the Kingsguard. I hear they are the finest knights in the realm." She did not step inside, merely observing the two brides as they donned their intricate gowns. "Congratulations, Diana."
Diana smiled.
"And you, Obara? Have you found someone you favor?"
Obara smirked, patting the hilt of her sword.
"I have already chosen. I am wed to Dawn."
She straightened.
"I still need to inspect the tourney grounds. I will not disturb you further. Hurry, little Diana."
With that, she departed, eager to explore the lists.
The sun climbed steadily toward its zenith.
The wedding hour approached.
Guests filled the great hall of Dragon Nest City—a vast chamber capable of holding the assembled lords, ladies, and knights of the realm.
At its center stood a great brazier, flames roaring brightly.
Then—
The bells began to toll.
End of Chapter 68
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