iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 648 The Queen and the Red Castle

The purple gems inlaid on the crown and jewelry shone brightly against Daenerys's purple eyes. She raised her slender fingers slightly and said in a clear voice, "The knight's courage is worthy of praise. Please, Lord Greyjoy, drink a cup of 'Warrior's Wine'."

As the Queen finished speaking, a waiter poured wine, and a maid then gracefully approached and handed the glass to Theon.

Offering "Warrior's Wine" to knights about to embark on their campaigns... a new rule of the Targaryen-Claybers, a symbol of honor.

Raising his glass high, Theon surveyed the crowd with haughty disdain, finally looking upwards: "Long live the Queen!"

"Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen! Long live the Queen!" The cheers of the crowd echoed throughout the hall.

The crimson liquor slid down his throat, and Theon couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly. It was a blend of sour and sweet, with a hint of intensity within the sweetness—the taste was truly...unique.

Warrior's Wine originates from the only specialty of the barren Crab Claw Peninsula—the sour wine that once intoxicated the Baron of Whispering Castle (Chapter 8).

The benevolent King Green had no wicked sense of humor. After naming this rare specialty of the Crab Claw Peninsula "Warrior's Wine," he specifically instructed... to add more sugar.

Later, he felt that the sweet and sour wine was too much like a beverage and deviated a bit from its original meaning of representing martial prowess, so he waved his hand and ordered people to add... strong liquor.

This is the actual origin of the royal "Warrior's Wine".

He downed the glass in one gulp, then elegantly handed it to a maid waiting nearby. His face was flushed, and his voice, tinged with the fervor of the wine, declared: "Your Majesty, I swear here and now that I will protect every merchant ship that sails into the Iron Islands!"

hum!
The sea monsters actually want to abandon their traditional crafts?
Soon, the crowd cheered for the Duke of Pyke's wisdom: "Theon! Theon! Theon!"

Seeing the Queen on the throne nod to herself, Theon stretched out his arms to welcome the cheers of the crowd, enjoying their applause once again.

He has the support of the royal family and is confident that he can clear Ironborn's name of piracy.

Under his rule, the Iron Islands will surely shine with the most dazzling glory of the Seven Kingdoms, and the Greyjoys will undoubtedly join the ranks of the Seven Kingdoms' top families.

At that time, the nobles of the Greenlands will consider it an honor to marry their daughters to the Iron Islands or to marry a lady from the Iron Islands.

He will transform the Iron Islands into a tournament ground coveted by the knights of the Seven Kingdoms, making the name Greyjoy resound throughout every land!
Ambition surged in his chest, and Theon's voice cracked with excitement: "Greyjoy!"

A moment of silence followed, then an overwhelming roar of voices erupted: "Greyjoy! Greyjoy! Greyjoy!"

……

Daenerys was in high spirits today, not only because of Greyjoy's vow in front of everyone, but also because the ravens of Winterfell had brought Grimm's letter.

She cherished the words Green wrote, and even when he wasn't by her side, these ink marks allowed her to feel his deep, burning love... flowing through her heart like a warm current.

Daenerys held the letter in one hand and placed the other on her lower abdomen, her fingertips gently caressing it, revealing a happy smile like the summer sun.

"my child."

She lowered her eyes and whispered, "Your father asked me to tell you that he loves you and is eagerly awaiting your arrival."

As for the words in the letter that made her heart race even more—for example, he told her that she was his eternal and unchanging love.

Daenerys blushed slightly, secretly hiding this shy yet sweet secret in her heart.

The gentle mother only let her child hear the father's longing...

……

after lunch.

Daenerys, who had just fallen asleep, suddenly opened her eyes, breathing heavily with lingering fear. She saw those icy blue eyes that seemed to freeze all warmth and hope.

Her fingertips trembled slightly; the White Walkers had invaded her dream again…

Her eyes reddened. On the bed... there was no one beside her. She missed Green so much, longed to hear his gentle comfort, and to feel his reassuring embrace.

"call……"

Daenerys took a deep breath, forcing herself to slow her rapid breathing.

Lately, it's been like this all the time. She's realized she's become too sensitive, easily wallowing in sadness... She can't let this happen. She's the wife of the strongest knight in the Seven Kingdoms, she's the queen of the Seven Kingdoms, she must be stronger than steel!

Daenerys gently stroked her lower abdomen, feeling the warmth emanating from her silk dress. She instantly regained her composure—she had to protect their child!
Jingle bell, jingle bell.

Before the tinkling of the silver bells had faded, the door was pushed open in response.

Butler Surana entered in single file with her maids, the rustling of their skirts brushing against the Mil carpet adding a touch of life to the space that had just been shrouded in nightmares.

As soon as Daenerys put down the bell, the door to the room was pushed open, and Butler Surana entered with his maids.

As the Queen sat down at her dressing table with the help of her maids, Surana, who was standing to the side, nodded slightly: "Your Majesty Daenerys, Viscount Velas Tyrell (honorary title, Chapter 604) and Grand Maester Paisell have been waiting for some time. The two ministers arrived just as you fell asleep, and they insisted... waiting for you to wake up before I could report to them."

Daenerys had only recently developed the habit of taking a midday nap. She nodded slightly to indicate that she had heard, then glanced at the dresses being held by the maids and thought for a moment: "This one will do."

Before the dressing mirror, the maids removed the Queen's soft gauze skirt and dressed her in a long red gown—golden patterns swirling in the sunlight streaming through the narrow window like burning flames.

Daenerys looked at herself in the mirror from side to side. She was a little unaccustomed to bright colors, but she needed these visually striking clothes right now.

Green was at the front preparing to fight the White Walkers, and as his wife and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, she was obligated to ensure that the royal banners at the rear would always shine brightly.

“Sulana, I will first receive Viscount Velas.”

.........

In the Mega Tower Hall, which connects to the garden, sunlight filters through the stained glass, casting dappled patterns of light.

Viscount Velas, still elegant in his wheelchair, nodded slightly upon spotting Daenerys: "Good day, Your Majesty."

"Good day."

Daenerys paused slightly, glancing at his somewhat tired face, a faint smile curving her lips: "You seem to have brought good news?"

After speaking, she walked to the chair in the main seat and slowly sat down.

Crash———

The maids brought in black tea, and the Rose Attendant pushed Velas's wheelchair to another small round table.

Taking a sip of his red tea, Viscount Velas waited for Daenerys's gaze to fall upon him before speaking slowly: "My Queen, my steward reports that representatives of the Iron Treasury are awaiting me in the Hall of State Affairs. It seems they will soon waive the debts left to the Iron Throne by the usurper."

"Oh?"

Daenerys's violet eyes trembled slightly: "As far as I know, they regard golden dragons as their own lives."

Viscount Velas seemed to be in a good mood, shrugged, and spoke with a rare touch of humor: "Merchants are often preoccupied with immediate profits, but even they occasionally look up and see where they're going."

He paused, then spread his hands: "Please forgive my intrusion, Your Majesty, you are indeed radiant today."

Daenerys was slightly surprised at first, then chuckled softly, "Thank you."

Then, she raised her hand and placed the teacup back on the table, gesturing for him to continue.

"It's because of the Iron Islands. Duke Greyjoy declared that merchant ships flying the royal flag would be protected, and those merchants, who always have a keen sense of smell, naturally 'smelled' the enormous profits involved."

As he spoke, Velas took a sip of tea and continued, "To be precise, when you returned to the Iron Throne with the three-headed dragon, the Iron Treasury already knew about those messy debts... and they were beyond recovery."

He paused, then continued, "They're just waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to gain other benefits."

After a pause, Daenerys smiled and said, "It is indeed good news. The upcoming negotiations..."

Her tone became sincere: "...I'll have to trouble you, my Chancellor of the Exchequer."

Velas smiled gently: "It's my duty."

He glanced at the bright sunlight outside: "My affairs officer complained to me that the government hall was packed with merchants from all over the country, who must also be here for the new policies of the Iron Islands. Your Majesty, if there are no other instructions, please allow me to take my leave."

(End of this chapter)