Game of Thrones: I Am The Heir For A Day

Chapter 200: Rhaegar Is a Fat Piece of Meat

Chapter 200: Rhaegar Is a Fat Piece of Meat

Jeyne examined the missing page that would have documented Nymeria's first marriage.

As she flipped through the book, a nostalgic smile crept across her lips as she recalled the fleeting moments of her teenage years - years that had, in truth, been far from glorious. Skepticism and doubt had shadowed her youth.

Alicent watched Jeyne calmly, waiting for her to speak. After a brief silence, Jeyne looked up and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, I got lost in thought for a moment."

Alicent responded coolly, "The feast is almost over, Lady Jeyne."

"I wanted to make a gesture of friendship," Jeyne said quietly. "I did my research before coming to King's Landing, and I believe you need an ally."

"I am the Queen. Do you think I am in trouble?" Alicent's tone was calm and confident.

Jeyne replied bluntly, "I've heard the term 'Greens.'"

Alicent's eyes swept over Jeyne and she snorted, "But you're wearing a black dress."

"With all due respect, I don't think much of the Greens, and I don't think they can challenge the Heir," Jeyne said with a knowing smile. "And I'm a confirmed Black, as all seven kingdoms know."

Jeyne's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. "I will be in King's Landing for a while. You and I can benefit from each other."

"I have a husband," Alicent replied, a hint of mockery in her voice. The bond between Jeyne and Jessamyn was well known throughout the Seven Kingdoms.

"Alicent, you need to face reality - no one will help you but me," Jeyne said seriously. "You fear Rhaegar because of your ambition, and I can help you deal with that fear."

Alicent once coveted the Iron Throne, but Aegon had no name, no title, and few supporters. She wanted to give up, but she was afraid Rhaegar would get even with her after he ascended the Iron Throne.

Jeyne's words struck a chord with Alicent. "If you and I are to form an alliance, what do you bring to the table?" Alicent asked, her eyes narrowing.

"It's not just an alliance - it's mutual support," Jeyne insisted. "You are concerned about your children's future, and I can help you to secure it."

Alicent's expression remained guarded, but she listened intently.

Jeyne recognized the look on Alicent's face and knew her instincts were correct.

"The war for the Stepstones has drained the coffers of the kingdom. Eventually that land will come under the rule of the Seven Kingdoms," Jeyne said.

"If you win the war, you could offer the Stepstones as a fief to Prince Aegon, and I'll make the arrangements," she continued.

Alicent frowned. "It's a barren land. Even a proud man like Daemon wouldn't rule it."

"The King plans to build fortifications there. With its strategic location, it will become a lucrative place for taxing passing ships," Jeyne argued. "Keeping Prince Aegon away from King's Landing will prevent him from causing trouble."

Alicent fell silent, weighing the pros and cons.

Jeyne pressed on, "When Prince Aemond comes of age, I can also secure a fief for him in Gulltown."

Originally, Gulltown had three noble families. The Shetts and a branch of House Arryn were involved in the rebellion and had fallen out of favor.

Jeyne intended to install new noble powers to divide House Grafton’s interests. This would bring Alicent to her side and yield significant benefits.

Alicent was clearly tempted by the idea of securing fiefdoms for her two sons. The importance of the Stepstones was undeniable, otherwise the kingdom wouldn’t have waged war against the Triarchy for years. Gulltown, one of the five major ports in Westeros, was the perfect choice for a fief.

Breathing slightly heavier, Alicent said seriously, "Your offer is very tempting. What do you want in return?"

There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Jeyne’s demand must be significant.

Jeyne smiled, her red lips parting to reveal the answer. "Rhaegar."

"What?" Alicent froze, not understanding.

Jeyne expected this reaction. She slowly stood up, a smile playing on her lips. "Rhaegar will become the king of the Seven Kingdoms. I want to be his queen."

Alicent was even more confused, her thoughts in turmoil.

For half a second, Alicent stood numbly, gripping the book in her hand tightly. Her eyes turned cold. "You’re delusional. Rhaegar only has eyes for Rhaenyra. I won’t help you."

For some reason, whenever Rhaenyra was involved, Alicent became subconsciously agitated.

Jeyne’s eyes glinted as she tilted her head. "In what capacity are you saying this? As Alicent or as the Queen?"

Alicent was Rhaenyra’s best friend, but as the Queen, she was the person Rhaenyra hated the most.

Alicent was momentarily stunned, confusion flashing in her eyes. Compared to Jeyne, who aimed to challenge Rhaenyra, Alicent was the first to betray her.

Alicent suddenly laughed. "To have friends like us, Rhaenyra is truly unfortunate."

...

Banquet Hall

Rhaegar hurried to the feast to entertain the bannermen who had traveled from all over the realm. Aegon was also present, though he sat alone in a corner, nursing a glass of wine, far from the Hightower entourage.

Bang...

The doors swung open, and the rhythmic drumming of the Kingsguard filled the hall. "Lady Jeyne of House Arryn, Lady of the Eyrie and Warden of the East," a herald announced.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Jeyne entered with grace and elegance. Flanking her were Rhaenyra and Alicent, one on each side, their presence commanding attention.

Jeyne and Alicent wore their usual attire, while Rhaenyra wore a striking red strapless gown, her silver hair intricately braided, her violet eyes sparkling.

"The Vale greet you, Your Grace," Jeyne curtsied to Viserys.

"House Arryn is a valued ally. No need for formalities," Viserys replied warmly, obviously pleased.

Jeyne stepped back and, without acknowledging Rhaenyra or Alicent, made her way directly to Rhaegar.

It was time for the dance.

The nobles paired off, and the atmosphere grew lively with music and conversation. Jeyne held out her hand to Rhaegar with a smile. "Aren't you going to ask me to dance?"

Rhaegar looked around the room. The musicians were playing lively tunes and couples were dancing happily. After a moment's hesitation, he took her hand and warned, "I'm not much of a dancer."

"Just follow my lead. I'll guide you," Jeyne reassured him, her smile sweet and encouraging.

As they moved to the center of the hall and began to dance, Jeyne placed her hands on Rhaegar's shoulders. "The dance is much like a battlefield," she whispered. "The difference is there's no blood."

Rhaegar chuckled, puzzled by her analogy, but as he pondered her words, he missed a step and stepped on Jeyne's foot. "I told you, I'm not much of a dancer," he apologized.

Jeyne flinched but remained determined. "Take your time. We have plenty of it."

"I'm not one to waste time on things I'm not good at," Rhaegar muttered, continuing to dance awkwardly.

Jeyne gritted her teeth and clung to Rhaegar's clothing, refusing to give up.

From a distance, Rhaenyra watched them with a puzzled expression. She hadn't yet understood her friend's intentions.

"Rhaegar seems to be enjoying himself," Alicent observed, approaching with a glass of wine.

"Of course he is," Rhaenyra replied with a hint of sarcasm. "He's probably crushing Jeyne's feet."

In just one dance, Rhaegar had already stepped on Jeyne several times, and Rhaenyra couldn't help but laugh. Rhaegar had always been reserved, uninterested in parties, and bad at dancing.

Alicent sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "Aren't you suspicious at all?"

Rhaenyra turned to her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Alicent never spoke lightly. Their years of enmity had taught them both to be careful with words.

Alicent gestured to Jeyne. "She has proposed to your father. The candidate is Rhaegar."

"Are you sure?" Rhaenyra asked, her disbelief obvious.

Alicent nodded, enjoying Rhaenyra's shock. "Jeyne wants Rhaegar. Don't tell me you didn't see that."

Rhaenyra remembered her recent conversation with Jeyne in Runestone. She had sensed Jeyne's interest in Rhaegar, but had hoped her warning would deter her. Clearly, it hadn't.

"Thank you for the information, Alicent," Rhaenyra said, taking a deep breath before walking over to the dancing couple.

"You're welcome, Rhaenyra," Alicent replied, sipping her wine with satisfaction. She had agreed to help Jeyne, but she couldn't resist keeping Rhaenyra informed. Playing both sides allowed her to profit from the unfolding drama and sit back and watch the conflict unfold.

...

Viserys savored the sizzling lamb at the main table, his eyes fixed on Rhaegar dancing with Jeyne. His wide smile revealed his contentment. He adored his eldest son, who was not only handsome and intelligent, but also skilled in the martial arts.

Rhaegar's exceptional qualities were a rarity in House Targaryen. Unlike Viserys, his grandfather Baelon or his great-grandfather Jaehaerys, Rhaegar bore a resemblance to two of their most legendary ancestors:

Aegon the Conqueror and Maegor the Cruel. Perhaps he also reflected Aegon Targaryen, the eldest son of Aenys I, who was murdered by Maegor.

These men were characterized by wisdom, courage, and a strong sense of duty, in contrast to Viserys and his immediate predecessors, who often indulged in pleasures in addition to their responsibilities.

Seeing Rhaegar dancing was a rare sight. It pleased Viserys to witness his son embracing the social joys of being with a woman, especially one of Jeyne Arryn's stature.

Jeyne, as the Lady of the Eyrie and the head of House Arryn, held significant influence. Moreover, she had no parents or brothers, making her an ideal match.

Whoever married her would gain control of the Vale and secure their descendants as legitimate heirs to House Arryn and its lands.

As Viserys enjoyed the moment, a sudden movement caught his eye. Rhaenyra was making her way through the crowd, her expression determined.

She headed straight for the center of the dance floor in a aggressive manner.