Chương 639: Chapter 639: Name Day
With the monthly routine meeting in the Throne Hall concluded, Viserys, accompanied by his squire Jendry, was preparing to mount his steed for a brief outing to inspect the work at the harbor.
"My love."
Just then, Yalene, cradling their daughter Diana, hurried over with her handmaid Sansa trailing behind.
"Yalene?"
Viserys, seeing his wife, knew what she wished to discuss, and dismounted from his horse.
"Fear not, your father, Prince Doran is not that short-sighted."
"This matter likely doesn't involve Doran. As the Prince of Dorne, he ought to explain this situation."
Viserys' fingers slid through his wife's soft hair, and he rested his forehead against hers, offering words of comfort.
"Is it truly so?"
Yalene, hearing Viserys' reassurance, let out a small sigh of relief. She believed her father wasn't foolish enough to incite rebellion under such circumstances, yet the worry lingered.
"It's alright."
Viserys shook his head.
At this moment, the silver-haired infant in Yalene's arms seemed to wake from her slumber. Her long eyelashes fluttered slightly as she opened her beautiful pale purple eyes, seeing her father's reflection.
"Pa-pa—"
Then Diana, with her sweet, milky voice, called out in a playful tone, her adorable smile appearing as she reached out for her father's embrace.
"Diana."
Viserys, no matter how steely-hearted he appeared in public, couldn't help but soften at the sight of his own daughter.
The young man with silver hair set aside the day's fatigue, taking Diana into his arms from Yalene.
Diana would soon celebrate her second Name Day. During her first, King's Landing had hosted a grand tournament, with a prize of ten thousand golden dragons. Both commoners and nobles were welcome to compete, and the championship was claimed by Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island.
Now, as Diana was a bit older, able to walk, kick a ball, utter simple words, and respond to her parents' inquiries, Viserys planned to take her to the royal forest on her second Name Day, to choose a suitable young dragon as a companion for her journey of growth.
This was a promise Viserys had made to Yalene long ago – that their daughter would have a dragon.
Witnessing her husband cradling their shared joy, playing with Diana, Yalene's worries evaporated, leaving a smile on her face.
Being wed in political alliance, Viserys understood Yalene, and Yalene understood her husband in kind.
Despite their union's nature, Yalene knew Viserys didn't love her deeply, but she also knew, whether out of duty, honor, or basic decency, he would never abandon her and would always stand by her side.
"How wonderful."
"The King and Queen are so fortunate."
On the other side, the red-haired maiden Sansa Stark, Queen's handmaid, who had her hair coiled southern-style and wore a modest light blue gown, cast envious glances at the handsome King and beautiful Queen.
She truly cherished the bustling city of King's Landing and the lavish lifestyle within the court. If possible, she'd wish to reside here forever, never returning to the cold North.
Her life back home couldn't compare; donned in thick animal furs for warmth daily, where even a moment outside at night would leave one shivering in the cold.
As Joffrey, broom in arms, happened to pass by, having recently been chastised by King Viserys for his misdeeds towards the princess, he was tasked with menial chores as part of his punishment.
The blonde lad now served as a humble janitor, sweeping the outer areas of the Red Keep daily, while the central areas like Maegor's Holdfast became forbidden territories for him.
Joffrey, upon seeing the King and Queen, resembled a mouse spotting a cat. His eyes darted anxiously, reflecting deep fear as he scurried away.
Sansa, witnessing Joffrey, felt a trace of disgust. She had heard of the former prince's numerous misdeeds. During Winterfell's fall, she, along with her mother and siblings, had journeyed south to King's Landing.
Back then, she had found Prince Joffrey quite handsome, especially when Queen Cersei proposed a betrothal between them. Yet her mother declined, citing the absence of her father to make such decisions.
Sansa had been disappointed then, even quarreling with her mother. Now, looking back, she was relieved for her mother's foresight that spared her a lifetime of misery, especially after the collapse of the Baratheon reign.
While Sansa observed Joffrey, she didn't notice the dark-haired lad, Jendry, who was holding the King's steed, gazing at her with affection.
The knowing look.
It was only natural for Jendry to fancy Sansa Stark of Winterfell, who was undeniably beautiful. Having a close friendship with her brother Robb, both serving as squires to the King, his affection for Sansa was inevitable.
However, Jendry, being shy and not articulate in expressing his feelings, kept his affection hidden.
Days later, the Hand of the King, Jon Clinton, personally led an expedition with two thousand soldiers from the Second Legion stationed in the royal forest, carrying supplies to suppress the rebellion towards Dorne.
Meanwhile, the ships and sailors prepared for an expedition to Naath Island were also ready, with another two thousand men on board.
As the melodious horn echoed through the Blackwater Bay, the fleet set sail towards the Free Cities, embarking on a journey on behalf of the kingdom to foster relations. The challenges that lay ahead on this voyage were unknown, yet this was merely the first step.
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