iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 674 The Affectionate Trio

Layton had already informed Daenerys of Velas's private meeting with Lord Roose in the garden, and she was aware of it.

Layton shifted his feet and respectfully placed the book in Daenerys's hands on the small round table covered with velvet: "To be precise, it was a low-branched rose lady of the Tyrell family who was harassed by some drunkards at the 'Blacksmith's Tavern' this evening. Coincidentally, Lord Roose Bolton happened to be there and was interested in helping her out."

As he spoke, a mocking look appeared on Leighton's still slightly immature face; the arrogant nobleman seemed to still habitually look down on Cleber's eyes.

Crash———

Daenerys took the crystal glass from Layton, sipped her juice, and raised an eyebrow slightly: "A beauty in distress, a knight to her aid—it's just like a love story from a ballad?"

"You have keen insight."

At Daenerys's prompting, Layton poured himself a glass of light ale and continued, "The two of them certainly had a very pleasant conversation and have agreed to go out of town together tomorrow morning for a hike up the Blackwater River."

Daenerys paused, then her brow furrowed slightly. "Lydon, how are those so-called drunkards?"

"The Earl of Dreadfort intended to cut off the hands of several drunkards for offending a nobleman, but they were all taken away by the patrolling guards nearby (Chapter 510). According to the new laws, nobles have no right to dispose of commoners in King's Landing on their own. Even for offenses against nobles, they must be tried by the courts of King's Landing."

Finally, Layton, a "half-savage" from Crab Claw Peninsula, said disdainfully, "These barbaric nobles should learn the new laws properly."

Daenerys's lips pursed slightly, then her violet eyes flickered: "Did Earl Bolton obediently release them?"

Upon hearing this, Layton shrugged: "Not only did they obediently release the person, but you could even say they handed them over voluntarily. To be honest, my queen, I was quite surprised when I heard this news."

The Northerners are known for their impulsiveness, and in the minds of most Southerners, they are also known for their stubbornness, including Layton himself. This young intelligence chief even spent a long time reflecting on his misjudgment in the intelligence room.

A sweet smile appeared on Daenerys's face as she learned more about the customs and cultures of the seven countries, because her husband was also an "unexpected" Crab Claw Peninsula native.

Thinking of Green... this longing flowed through her heart like warm water, instantly easing Daenerys's impatience with those "selfish" nobles.

She took a sip of the juice: "The Earl of Bolton is very rational and cautious."

Setting down her cup, she added, "It seems that the meeting between Viscount Tyrell and Earl Bolton has resulted in some kind of deal."

Having said that, the wrath of the dragon surged slightly. Sitting on the menacing Iron Throne, Daenerys could see more clearly the seemingly all-pervasive undercurrents below.

Her husband was currently in the snowy north, unable to be with her because of the survival of the seven kingdoms, while these court ministers were constantly making underhanded moves for their own benefit.

Velas Tilliar, in particular, the heir to Highgarden, has been making increasingly frequent private moves lately.

At least twice, Daenerys had the urge to burn those fake smiles to ashes with dragonfire.

However, she knew it was unavoidable, and she ultimately suppressed the impulse.

Power is an eternal game; even if a new group of players emerges, the trajectory may not change, and history always repeats itself.

This was something Green taught her after one of their sexual encounters, and she accepted that idea.

Because, although she was a queen, she had to admit that she also had her own selfish motives.

Understanding is one thing, but it doesn't mean condoning it.

Daenerys's bottom line has never wavered. Nobles may play their little tricks on the chessboard of power, but they must never sacrifice innocent civilians.

The foundation of the Targaryen-Claybers has never been the kneeling of the nobility, but the recognition of the people—this is Green's motto, and it is now deeply imprinted in Daenerys's heart.

Daenerys pulled her robe tighter around herself and couldn't help but think... if her father and brothers had understood this, perhaps the "wrong spring" wouldn't have happened.

Pulling her slightly off-tracking thoughts back, Daenerys parted her red lips slightly: "Lydon, send the fastest raven to the North and tell Grimm that Bolton is causing trouble in King's Landing, and Tyrell's tentacles are reaching too far." "Yes, sir." Lydon placed his palm on his chest and respectfully accepted the order.

The Queen's voice softened slightly: "Go ahead, I will have Surana (Leyton's mother) personally deliver a plate of your favorite roasted lamb with onions."

.........

……

...

The Wall of Despair, Castle Black.

The servant removed his fur-trimmed cloak and took his leave. Green moved over to the gray stone fireplace where the fire was roaring.

He reached out to warm his hands by the fire, then gestured to Ser Brienne, who was guarding the door.

Squeak—

The heavy oak door was pushed open, and three figures dressed in black robes entered the room.

Hearing the noise, Green turned his gaze and smiled: "Sir James."

The visitors were Jaime Lannister, Jorah Mormont (Chapter 555), and Damon Shad (Chapter 652).

These three are actually together?

His gaze swept over them lightly, and His Majesty Green gave this group a name in his mind—the Affectionate Trio.

Ser James's weary blue eyes lingered briefly on Green's face before he nodded and said, "Your Majesty."

As he did so, Jorah and Damon, who were standing on either side of James, also bowed.

Clearly, the trio is led by James, and Jorah and Damon seem to have been "conquered" by him.

Turning around, Green looked him over with his hands behind his back, his gaze finally settling on Damon's black robes: "Dorn, what crime have you committed?"

Ser Damon glanced at the person beside him, paused slightly, and then scratched the dimple that appeared at the corner of his mouth with his index finger: "Your Majesty, I, well, my crime is attempting to assassinate a Night's Watchman."

"Sir, it seems you've willingly donned the black attire."

As he spoke, Green's gaze fell on James again, and his smile softened: "James, on the edge of this world... have you found your lost path of chivalry and your heart of honor?"

"I'm still searching."

Ser James's expression turned complicated as he fixed his gaze on Green: "King."

Green chuckled: "I thought you would be incredibly grateful, but I think I saw... resentment in the lion's eyes?"

Sir James shook his head: "I have no right to hate you, I know that very well."

Green raised an eyebrow, his tone like a joke between old friends: "Oh, no hatred, but there's still resentment."

Ser James's chest heaved slightly, his fists clenched: "I only blame myself for being a fool, never doubting your chivalry. Yes, I willingly donned the black robes."

Green's expression turned serious: "Don't forget, Sir, your daughter, son, and nephew are all in my hands."

(End of this chapter)