hotmtlnovel Chapter 400: Swans Don’t Mate With Frogs
Chapter 400: Swans Don’t Mate With Frogs
Chapter 400: Swans Don’t Mate With Frogs
Viserys sighed, the golden wine in his mouth suddenly unappetizing.
Fortunately, a few old advisers were seated nearby, sharing wine and conversation.
...
The dinner went on all night.
At this point, Rhaenyra had long been sleepy and yawning, using Rhaegar as a pillow and dozing off.
There was no way around it—her stomach was growing bigger by the day, and she often felt sleepy after eating and drinking.
Rhaegar was happy and looking forward to the birth of their twin children.
Through the cool evening breeze, the two embraced each other and slept.
...
As the night deepened, dark clouds spread, covering the moon.
In the Queen's bedchamber, Arryk, dressed in silver armor and white robes, stood dutifully on night duty.
Through the door, the sound of a heated argument came out.
"She's a good girl; she will make an excellent wife!"
"On what grounds? I don't like that girl."
"......"
Snap!
The argument over marriage had just begun when a crisp slap suddenly rang out.
The retort was abruptly silenced, as if grabbed by the throat.
Arryk's face remained expressionless; he had long grown accustomed to this.
A long moment passed.
The door to the room slammed open, and Alicent stormed out, her green dress swaying.
When she looked back, Aegon was sitting on the floor in a disheveled heap, a red, swollen slap mark on the side of his face.
Apparently, mother and son had had a "good-natured" talk.
"Aegon, when are you going to grow up!"
Alicent gritted her teeth, full of anger.
Her husband was traditionally biased and neglected their children.
Aegon, who had started with so much promise, had settled for the status quo and indulged in idleness all day long.
In the long run, their downfall would only worsen.Visitt (.)co/m for the latest updates
Listening to his mother's reprimand, Aegon froze in place, feeling incomprehensible.
Alicent grew more furious, and coldly said, "Think about it, will you accept my proposal, or will you just arrange for a minor noble's daughter?"
Aegon reddened and stared at the floor for a moment, lost in thought.
He was contemplating whether his mother's words were right or wrong.
Alicent rolled her eyes in exasperation and extreme disappointment, "You are so unlike my son!"
Turning on her heel, she strode towards the hallway beyond.
Arryk stayed quiet the entire time, lifting his foot with the intention of following.
With a wave of her hand, Alicent shrugged without looking back, "No need, Ser. I'll take a walk alone."
"Yes, my lady."
Arryk's face was expressionless, standing straight in place.
Alicent sighed deeply, pressing her chest to calm her anger, and walked away.
Taking advantage of the lull, Arryk glanced slightly into the room.
Alicent raised her hand to stop Terra from closing the door, taking a dim view of the invitation from someone who appeared to be a burgeoning rich man.
"What is your business in seeking an audience with me, Lord Peake?"
Alicent put up a front, exuding nothing but pride.
Unwin's eyes gleamed with a dark cunning, though his demeanor remained sincere. "I heard that Your Grace is troubled, and I am more than willing to serve."
Alicent's eyes narrowed slightly; she wasn't receiving a direct answer. "House Peake is powerful. How much sincerity do you offer?"
She needed allies, but not just anyone would be suitable.
Unwin smiled, self-assured. "My house has three castles, with a very rich annual output."
He paused, adding with a hint of pride, "As a warrior houses with a long history, I command one hundred knights and nine hundred infantrymen. If needed, I could recruit several times that number."
While the number of infantrymen was not particularly impressive, the focus was on the one hundred knights. Knights were elite, specially trained to mount horses, bend bows, and lead soldiers effectively. A single knight could lead a hundred ordinary soldiers and easily form a substantial force.
Alicent found his arrogance off-putting and said impatiently, "You have many castles, but how many times can castles and soldiers withstand Dragonfire?"
House Peake was once a top powerhouse in the Riverlands, but times had changed. Even with three wealthy castles, they were still only second-tier nobles, far inferior to House Hightower.
Unwin, annoyed by her dismissal, momentarily lost his temper. He wanted to retort with something vulgar but caught himself in time, seeing the queen's icy gaze. He took a deep breath and forced a conciliatory smile. "Your Grace, as long as you are willing, HousePeake is ready to go through fire and water for you."
"State your purpose. I don't have time to waste," Alicent said coolly, crossing her arms. "My husband needs my care, and angering him could see you hanged."
Unwin suppressed his irritation and fawned, "I understand you wish to facilitate Prince Aegon's marriage. I have a way to help."
"Who told you that?" Alicent's eyes narrowed.
"With all due respect, your intentions are as clear as an ox pulling a millstone," Unwin replied bluntly.
Alicent signaled him to continue without further comment.
Unwin chuckled, "My father used to say that a disobedient child needs a lesson, and proper means must be applied."
Alicent looked skeptical.
Unwin coughed lightly and adopted a more sophisticated tone. "Your Grace, I have recently made a new friend in Volantis who has acquired potions from Lys’s Pleasure Houses."
The mention of such harsh methods instantly chilled Alicent's expression. She felt offended by the implication and looked at Unwin with renewed disdain.
"Hold your horses," Unwin hastily explained. "Prince Aegon may be immature, but he still has feelings for that girl. He just needs a little push."
"A push?" Alicent queried.
"Exactly!" Unwin pressed on. "If the girl is willing, leave this matter to me. I will ensure a satisfactory outcome."
Alicent pondered deeply. Since it was a marriage proposal, she assumed her niece would be compliant. However, she suspected the methods proposed by Unwin would be less than honorable.
Seeing Alicent's hesitation, Unwin added, "Lord Tyrell of Highgarden is loyal to the Heir Prince. Half the nobles of the The Reach follow his lead. There's no better marriage partner."
Alicent couldn't help but fidget, picking at her nails in thought. Unwin's argument held weight. Rhaegar's prestige was immense, with loyalty from the Crownlands, the Riverlands, the Vale, and the Reach. After the Narrow Sea War, his influence would only grow.
Even the House Beesbury of Honeyholt, direct bannermen to House Hightower, were leaning towards Rhaegar.
Alicent considered this carefully before asking, "What do you want after this is accomplished?"
She assumed House Peake were opportunists, seeking to align with the Green Faction. House Peake's key castle, Starpike, was in the Dornish borderlands. Her son, Aemond, could be a significant help in the ongoing Dornish Rebellion.
Unexpectedly, Unwin shook his head, revealing his true intentions. "My wife died last year, and I heard that Princess Helaena is not yet engaged...."
He trailed off, but the implication was clear.
Alicent's eyes snapped open in surprise. Helaena was her heart. The idea of her marrying a man like Unwin, with his rural manners and cunning schemes, filled her with discomfort.
Without hesitation, she spoke firmly, "Helaena will choose a husband she is satisfied with. I will not force my daughter."
"I am sincere in my desire to marry the princess. Please give me a chance to prove my loyalty," Unwin pleaded.
Alicent, full of resistance, turned away. "I will organize a banquet on Maiden's Day. You can attend and participate."
The so-called exhibition banquet was actually a matchmaking event for Aegon and Helaena. Nobles would present their children of the right age to meet the prince and princess separately.
Unwin might stand a chance in a crowd of young suitors, but Alicent was firm. "Terra, let's go," she said, signaling to her maid.
As she exited, Unwin's face was filled with frustration and urgency.