GOT King of Dragon

Hilary's voice rang loud and clear, echoing throughout the entire tournament arena. 

His words instantly drew countless curious gazes. 

This was the first time someone had publicly revealed the identity of the king's eldest son and openly declared their allegiance to him. 

Faced with such a bold declaration, Viserys appeared contemplative but responded openly: 

"Swordsman, I know your origins. If you truly wish to serve my son, you must first swear an oath with a heart free of shadows." 

Hilary drew his iron sword, held it aloft with both hands above his head, and solemnly declared, "I am willing to swear!" 

Without hesitation, he made a loud and clear vow to support Rhaegar Targaryen's growth and to safeguard his authority until he came of age. 

This scene was keenly observed by many who turned to gauge Princess Rhaenyra's reaction. 

They were eager to see how the crown princess—the heir to the throne—would view someone pledging loyalty to her younger brother. 

Rhaenyra maintained a serene smile, sitting gracefully in her chair. 

She seemed genuinely happy for her brother, as if completely unbothered by the matter. 

It was as though this was nothing more than an ordinary knight choosing to follow a lord. 

No one noticed her hidden hand pinching her inner thigh beneath her sleeve. 

Viserys, too, observed Rhaenyra's demeanor. Seeing no outward reaction, he nodded silently. 

Taking Hilary's iron sword, he placed it on the man's shoulder and announced loudly: 

"I hereby appoint you as a Knight of the Royal Court, bestowing upon you the title of 'Sir.' May you never forget your oath." 

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty," Hilary said respectfully. 

Thus, the grand tournament celebrating the fifth wedding anniversary of the king and queen came to a close. 

Nobles and knights descended from the stands to accompany the king back to the Red Keep for a banquet. 

Rhaenyra wandered through the crowd. Though her composure remained impeccable, she could not entirely hide her inner disappointment. 

Daemon followed behind her, silently observing his niece's forlorn state. 

A glimmer of satisfaction flickered in his eyes. 

---

As night fell, the Red Keep was alive with music and dancing. 

Rhaenyra, unable to enjoy the festivities, left early. Wandering up the staircase, she suddenly found herself standing before a familiar door. 

It was her brother's room. 

Looking at the door, Rhaenyra snapped out of her daze and realized where she was. 

Since Rhaegar's injury, she had come here every night. 

Partly to check on her brother, who had difficulty moving, but also because her father's suggestion had left her conflicted. 

Marrying a stranger felt far less appealing than forming an alliance with her brother. 

Hesitating whether or not to knock, she suddenly heard the laughter of a young girl from inside. 

Her expression changed slightly, and without thinking, she pushed the door open. 

What she saw surprised her: Rhaegar and Helaena were lying face-to-face on the bed with a chessboard between them. 

"Rhaenyra, you're here?" 

Seeing his sister, Rhaegar smiled and waved her over to join them. 

Closing the door behind her, Rhaenyra walked over to Helaena and sat beside her, gently stroking her little sister's head. 

"When did you and Helaena become so close?" she asked curiously. 

Helaena blinked her large eyes at Rhaenyra and called out softly, "Sister." 

Rhaenyra returned the smile. She had always been fond of this younger sister—she was far less troublesome than her brother. 

Rhaegar grabbed a pillow to prop himself up and explained, "Helaena is often bullied by Aegon. I told her she could come here to play with toys whenever she wanted." 

He gestured to the pile of intricate toys by the fireplace. 

Rhaenyra nodded in understanding. She had noticed the finely crafted toys before, assuming they were Rhaegar's. She hadn't realized they were for Helaena. 

She didn't dwell on it, instead focusing on guiding Helaena in the chess game while casually asking Rhaegar about his recovery. 

Rhaegar, in good spirits, replied cheerfully, "It's going well! The wound is starting to scab, and the Grand Maester says I'll recover soon." 

"The Grand Maester also said your constitution is special," Rhaenyra mused. "It seems you're destined to become a formidable warrior." 

She spoke deliberately but didn't mention Hilary. That was something she felt Rhaegar should decide for himself. 

After some idle chatter, Rhaegar suddenly brought up the Dragonpit investigation. "Have they found out anything yet?" 

He had been deeply concerned about the matter and had been seeking updates for days. 

Rhaenyra brought good news this time: "The one who tampered with the shackles was Maester Barth. Father sentenced him to have both hands cut off or to take the black and join the Night's Watch." 

"I knew those Oldtown maesters couldn't be trusted!" Rhaegar fumed, clenching his fists. "Such a man deserves to be executed publicly. Letting him off like that is too kind." 

"I proposed a harsher punishment to Father, but he overruled me," Rhaenyra said with a shrug. 

Rega glanced at her sympathetically, saying nothing more.

He knew his sister's life wasn't easy either. Although she was the heir to the throne, their father had never given her any real power.

Her suggestions were often dismissed, falling on deaf ears.

Rega changed the subject, thinking of the light blue dragon. He asked seriously, "How is Dreamfire? Has the chain been removed?"

"Don't worry," Rhaenyra replied. "Father ordered the removal of all the shackles in the dragon's lair. The dragons' nests have been separated, giving them more space to move around."

When it came to this matter, Rhaenyra agreed wholeheartedly.

She didn't want Syrax to be chained up either, and it was best to allocate a separate area for the dragons to roam freely.

Rega sighed with relief and said, "Dreamfire is so pitiful, locked away in the dragon's lair for decades. I really hope it gets a new rider soon and returns to the sky."

After the recent danger, Viserys had witnessed his eldest son's recklessness.

During a royal meeting, it was decided that they would soon return to Dragonstone with the family to stay for a while.

Rega and his younger brother Aegon would tame the newly hatched dragons.

Two suitable young dragons were available on Dragonstone, perfect for the two sons to ride.

As a result, Rega gave up the idea of taming Dreamfire.

Instead, he looked forward to their upcoming trip to Dragonstone.

Watching her sentimental brother, Rhaenyra smiled knowingly and, out of nowhere, asked, "What would you do if Father decided to arrange a marriage for you?"

Rega paused his game and raised an eyebrow, saying, "If necessary, I would accept my responsibility."

He was still young, and many of life's questions had answers he learned from books.

Looking at the history of the Targaryen family, aside from a few foolish indulgent ones, both men and women were expected to accept arranged marriages.

Conqueror Aegon had two wives.

For duty, he married his sister Visenya; for desire, he married his sister Rhaenys.

Subsequent monarchs either married daughters of noble families to protect their houses or married close relatives.

Even their father Viserys and uncle Daemon followed this tradition.

They had arranged marriages to nobles of the Vale to ensure loyalty to the crown.

In such a tradition, Rega didn't think he could escape the fate of an arranged marriage.

He just hoped to marry a beautiful, gentle woman, within the bounds of what was allowed.

Any more desires would be too greedy.

After hearing her brother's answer, Rhaenyra lowered her head and fell silent.

She knew her brother was right.

Perhaps she shouldn't be so headstrong and should shoulder the responsibility expected of her.

After a while, Rhaenyra smiled again, chatted briefly with Rega, and then left.

Staring at the closed door, Rega was silent for a long time.

He guessed Rhaenyra's purpose for visiting tonight.

She was probably urged by their father to marry and had come to seek some comfort.

But he couldn't give her the answer she was hoping for.

If he spoke falsely just to please her, it could lead to disastrous consequences.

Wearing the crown wasn't about being superior.

It was about shining a light on everyone under the crown.

(End of chapter)