Game of Thrones: The Red Dragon Lord.

Chapter 123 Dragonstone

The Water Gardens is a beautiful place in Sunspear. The trees are lush and green, and tall palm trees sway in the breeze. A clear stream flows through it, sparkling and gurgling like the sound of nature. Colorful flowers compete with each other in beauty, and the fragrance is so rich that countless butterflies dance.

Exquisite fountains are dotted in an orderly manner, splashing water and shining brightly under the bright sunshine. And the tranquil lake is like a huge mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds and the charming surrounding scenery clearly.

In a magnificent room, Prince Doran convened a family meeting, and all direct members of the Martell family were present. Everyone looked at Prince Doran with doubts, full of curiosity about the specific content of the meeting.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Doran, who was sitting in a wheelchair, took out a piece of exquisite parchment from the box beside him and handed it to his eldest son Quentyn Martell. Then he said, "This is a marriage contract we signed with the Targaryen family more than ten years ago. The marriage contract is between you and Daenerys Targaryen. This marriage contract is little known. Now, I want you to go to the Stepstones to find Daenerys Targaryen, ask her to fulfill the marriage contract, and bring her back to Dorne."

Princess Arianne, who was standing by, raised an objection immediately after hearing this: "Father, I heard that Daenerys Targaryen is going to marry Gavin Bellerys, Lord of the Stepstones. He not only has a dragon, but also a huge fleet and army. Even if we have an engagement, if Quentin rashly goes to take away his fiancée, it will surely anger Gavin Bellerys, and I'm afraid that Quentin's safety will be difficult to guarantee."

Prince Doran heard his daughter's objection and waved his hand and said, "I just got the accurate information that Daenerys Targaryen has a red dragon. A Targaryen surname plus a dragon is worth doing this."

Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper, objected, saying, "If Daenerys really had a dragon, Gawen Bellerys would not let it go easily. Such behavior would be a humiliation for everyone. Dorne is likely to go to war with the Stepstones."

Young Trystane Martell chimed in, "Father, my uncle is right. If we do this, Dorne will inevitably go to war with Gawen Bellerys. The Stepstones have a much stronger fleet than Dorne, and they have a dragon. It wasn't that long ago that we suffered the loss of Earl the Black Shark, and the Dornish are not good at naval warfare. I don't think Daenerys's dragon is worth the risk."

Prince Doran nodded and said, "I know that, so I plan to give Gawen Belleris a fiancée." Then he looked at his daughter Arianne and said, "I plan to form a marriage alliance with him and marry you to him. What do you think?"

After hearing this, Arianne was somewhat reluctant. In Dorne's inheritance law, men and women are equal, regardless of gender differences. As the eldest daughter, Arianne is the heir to Sunspear. However, if she chooses to marry Gavin, a powerful lord from the outside world, she may lose her inheritance rights, and the lords under his rule will support her younger brother Quentyn Martell.

Arianne was silent for a moment before she said, “I don’t think Gawen Bellerys will give up the opportunity to marry Daenerys Targaryen and claim Westeros in favor of an alliance with Dorne.”

Prince Doran said calmly, "Gawain Bellerys' Stepstones are controlled by our Broken Arm of Dorne, and one-third of the trade routes are controlled by us. We can cut off the trade routes at any time and strangle Gavin Bellerys' lifeline. The economy of the Stepstones is controlled by us Dorne, and it is reported that he is currently at war with Lys. I don't think he will easily start a two-front war. Moreover, because of Daenerys, the Iron Throne may go to war with the Stepstones at any time. Gavin needs allies at this time, and we in Dorne are the only ones who can help him."

Oberyn Martell immediately said, "If Quentyn succeeds in marrying Daenerys, will we become the primary target of the Iron Throne? Robert Baratheon has even disregarded his honor in order to completely destroy the Targaryen family. Accurate news came from Braavos that Viserys Targaryen was killed by the assassins he sent. Once Daenerys comes to Dorne, without the barrier of the sea, Robert will probably attack immediately." Prince Doran shook his head and explained, "As far as I know, the current Iron Throne is unable to go to war. Robert Baratheon is extravagant, and the kingdom's finances have long been overwhelmed. Even if the Iron Throne goes to war with us in Dorne, the other party will not be able to conquer Dorne." After a pause, he looked at Quentyn Martell and said, "This is just an attempt. Discuss the marriage with Gavin first. If he disagrees, find an opportunity to contact Daenerys privately. It would be best if you can get Daenerys with a dragon. After all, this trip is dangerous. It's up to you to decide whether to go or not."

After hearing this, Quentyn Martell stood up and said firmly: "Father, I want to give it a try. Whether it is marrying Daenerys or marrying Gavin Belleris, it is undoubtedly a good thing for our Martell family."

Daolang nodded and instructed: "That's it, be careful."

On the rough sea, a ship flying the flag of the crown and stag bravely moved forward in the strong wind and waves, riding the wind and waves, and slowly sailed towards Dragonstone.

Dragonstone is like a ferocious beast rising from the sea, with jagged rocks and steep cliffs like sharp fangs, which is daunting. On the steep cliffs stands an ancient and majestic castle, which seems to be a witness of the years, and still stands tall despite the wind and rain. The castle is built on the mountain, winding up, and blends in with the rocks.

A ceremonial guard was the first to disembark. They lined up neatly, dressed in gorgeous clothes, holding colorful flags and spears, and looked solemn. The sea breeze whistled past, and the colorful flags fluttered.

Robert Baratheon also got off the boat, and as soon as he stepped onto the shore, he saw the messenger who came to greet him. However, the person who came to greet him was not Stannis, but Axel Florent, the acting lord of Dragonstone. Stannis' absence made Robert feel a little rude, and his brows slightly frowned, but soon relaxed, and he did not intend to dwell on this matter too much.

Robert asked directly, "Where is Stannis?" Axel Florent hurriedly responded, "Waiting for Your Majesty in the Map Room." Robert snorted, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in his eyes, then he strode past him and walked towards the castle.

He climbed up the winding stairs, his heavy steps were a little difficult. After a while, he was panting slightly, and beads of sweat oozed out of his forehead. He was no longer as young and energetic as he was in the past. Now he was out of breath just by climbing these steps.

Soon, he was led by the waiter through a winding corridor. On the walls on both sides of the corridor were hung ancient portraits and sculptures, as if telling of the splendor and glory of the past.

Finally, they arrived at the map room. Robert reached out and pushed open the ancient and heavy door, and a stale smell came to his face. He saw Stannis waiting there, standing quietly in front of a huge map table with an expressionless face.

(End of this chapter)