Game of Thrones: I Am The Heir For A Day

Chapter 206: The Commanders Show Their Loyalty

Chapter 206: The Commanders Show Their Loyalty

Nightfall.

The Red Keep, Queen’s residence.

Alicent sat at the round table, staring straight ahead. Across from her was Otto Hightower, the Master of Civil Affairs. Plates of untouched food lay before them.

"Father, you have to help me," Alicent began, her voice laden with sorrow. "Prince Martell has asked for a princess in marriage, and I can't give Helaena away."

"Don't worry. Viserys hasn't agreed yet, the matter isn't settled," Otto replied calmly.

"But you know he's weighing the pros and cons," Alicent fretted. "Viserys will surely send Helaena to Dorne for the sake of peace."

"And what’s wrong with that? Prince Qoren is wealthy and powerful. Helaena won't be mistreated," Otto said, his gaze unwavering.

Alicent, worried for her children, grew more agitated. "Father, Dorne is at odds with the kingdom. The people there are ruthless. I can't watch Helaena thrown into such a dangerous situation!"

Though Aegon was her primary concern, Helaena was her only daughter—her daughter who resembled her, who grew up mentally ill and subjected to gossip. The thought of such a young girl being sent to Dorne by marriage was unthinkable.

Otto frowned slightly, his tone bland, "Calm down, Alicent. Don't let panic cloud your judgment."

"How can I be calm when my daughter's fate is in his hands?" Alicent rose, her eyes reddening with emotion. "Ten years ago, Viserys would have married Rhaenyra to Dorne. Do you think he cares about Helaena?"

Otto was silent, knowing exactly what his daughter meant. There was a time when Rhaenyra’s marriages were out of her hands. Before the First War for the Stepstones, Viserys had considered marrying Rhaenyra to Qoren to keep the peace with Dorne.

After a moment, Otto spoke, "You have more than one child. If Helaena can bring peace to the kingdom, she might secure the support of the Martells for you."

As a politician, Otto valued profit over affection. To him, trading a girl for the support of the Martells outweighed her personal value.

"Father, do you realize what you're saying?" Alicent's face was stunned, her eyes full of disbelief.

Otto sighed, "Alicent, you’ve always worried about your children's future. Helaena marrying the Prince of Dorne makes her the Dornish heiress, maximizing the return to our family."

"No! Don’t even think about it!" Alicent raged, utterly disappointed in her indifferent father. "You said the same thing to me and sent me to Viserys's room. He doesn't love me. He only sees his late wife and her children. I'm just a tool for bearing children, an old mother running the Red Keep!"

Her eyes were red as she spoke. Her life had become unbearable. She didn't want her daughter to suffer the same fate—hated and disregarded.

Otto watched his daughter calmly, letting her vent. After a while, Alicent, gasping for breath, said dazedly, "If you won’t help me, I’ll find another way."

With that, she quickly left the room. Otto remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

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Alicent climbed the stairs to a secluded loft.

Creak...

The door to the attic opened, revealing the room inside.

Larys Strong, smartly dressed, sat in one of the two solid wood chairs, scepter in hand. He looked at Alicent with a smile, clearly having waited for her for some time.

...

Grey Gallows Island, Central Tent.

Inside the tent, a group of high-ranking officials were engaged in a heated debate.

"We should defend the island to the death and focus on preventing a sneak attack from the Triarchy."

Rhaegar waved his hand and faced the thick-necked, red-faced Borros. "The Navy Commander and the Master of Ships are both gone. Who is in charge on the island?"

Borros glared and replied coldly, "In terms of status, naturally the Prince is the highest authority."

The most honorable person present was Princess Rhaenys, followed by Bartimos Celtigar, the Lord of Claw Isle. The rest, including Borros, were of second rank or knights.

Hearing Borros' answer, Rhaegar let out an "Oh" and tilted his head. "Since I am the highest authority, I said to be ready at all times. Do you wish to disobey me?"

As he spoke, his hand moved to Dragon Claw hilt at his waist.

"Of course not..." Borros started to argue, but Rhaenys cut him off.

"Shut up, Borros!" Rhaenys warned, her eyes fierce. "Remember your father's advice to choose your words carefully!"

Her mind was sharp and she caught Rhaegar's movement instantly. She knew Borros was being made an example of.

Borros simmered with fury, a knot of unspoken words tightening his throat. Rhaegar, his gaze as cold as a serpent's, met Borros's defiance. "Spit it out, then," Rhaegar's voice was a razor's edge, daring Borros to a challenge.

Borros' anger turned to fear, his throat tightening as he realized Rhaegar's intention while holding the hilt of his sword. A cold sweat broke out and his defiance faded.

"He's going to kill me!" Borros thought, swallowing hard.

Suddenly, the tent flap lifted and Laenor rushed in. "Cousin, the Kingdom of the Three Daughters has sent additional troops to garrison Bloodstone Island!"

Rhaegar glanced at him, but remained focused.

With Laenor's intrusion, the tense atmosphere eased slightly. Rhaenys, quick-witted, kicked Borros in the leg socket.

With a thud, Borros fell forward, kneeling before Rhaegar.

Rhaegar looked down at him like a judge.

Fear filled Borros's heart, and he gave up his pride. Trembling, he said, "Prince, your words are the golden rule, and the Stormlands obey your commands!"

Bartimos quickly echoed, "As the Prince commands!"

The scene was shocking, and everyone felt as if they were in an ice cellar.

With one person starting the pledge, others followed.

"At the prince's command..."

Spike Redwyne and several commanders knelt on one knee, offering their loyalty.

Regardless of Rhaegar's reasoning, his tough stance and determination were enough to earn their loyalty.

As he looked at his kneeling bannermen, Rhaegar's icy expression melted into a laugh. "Lord Borros was only joking. Why are you all kneeling?"

He laughed as if it were just a jest.

Borros shivered, forcing a smile onto his face.

The others, though unsure, joined in the laughter. The tent echoed with loud, enthusiastic laughter.

"Hahaha..."