Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 141 The Grace of a Beauty—Unprovoked Enemies

Their gazes toward Arianne and Ashara were burning with admiration, as if chasing the two brightest stars in the desert. However, when their eyes turned to Euron walking beside the two ladies, the temperature plummeted to freezing, turning into undisguised jealousy and hatred, as if a sea monster had stormed into the sacred land and stolen their most precious treasure of Dorne.

A silent hostility permeated the air, as taut as a fully drawn bowstring.

If it weren't for the two bearded guards, Areo Horta and Sebastian Fernand, who stood like stone statues behind the three, and if it weren't for the large swords in their hands and their conspicuous Martell family insignia, constantly reminding these love-struck young people that this visitor from the Iron Islands was the most distinguished guest personally recognized by Prince Doran.

If it weren't for this inviolable protection, these Dornish youths, blinded by jealousy, probably wouldn't have cared whether they were on a bustling street or not; they would have already drawn their scimitars or spears and launched a desperate challenge against Euron.

Alio Hota's eyes, hidden beneath his thick eyebrows, slowly swept across the crowd. His hand remained firmly on his massive long-handled axe, and his silent intimidation was more effective than any words, temporarily suppressing the simmering conflict.

Euron felt the piercing, jealous gaze behind him, but a barely perceptible smile played on his lips, and he felt no worry whatsoever.

Challenge? When has Euron ever been afraid of a challenge?

Euron's opponents were already renowned figures in Westeros, including Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Dawn, a master swordsman who wielded the sword "Dawn"; and Rhaegar Targaryen, a prince of noble birth and exceptional skill.

There's also the steady and experienced "White Bull" Gerald Hightower. Even the next level of competition involves dealing with unpredictable opponents like "Red Viper" Oberyn Martell, or honing skills in real combat against fierce warriors like Balf and Baron.

These young nobles from Dorne, crowding the streets of Shadow City, all wore arrogant and resentful expressions, but in Euron's eyes, they were no different from moving targets on the training field—nothing more than walking, spare defeat points.

Their hostility wasn't even enough to make Euron's heart beat a fraction faster.

Although they couldn't directly challenge Euron, this did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the Dornish youths to curry favor with Arianne and Ashara. They thronged around the two ladies like peacocks displaying their plumage, vying to show off themselves.

Sweet compliments flowed like Dorne mead; carefully prepared gifts—local sweet pastries and chilled fine wines—were frequently offered; some even began to boast loudly about their martial exploits—which famous knight they had defeated, which distant city-states they had visited, and what strange landscapes they had seen—the clamor and fawning almost drowned out the street.

Euron managed to maintain an indifferent demeanor, but Princess Ariane, standing to the side, frowned impatiently. She suddenly stopped, her pretty face turning away, and waved her hand with undisguised disdain: "Shut up! A bunch of chattering little tagalongs, stop following us!"

She paused, her eyes darting around mischievously, as if she had suddenly changed her mind, and her tone became "kind": "Hmph, fine. Seeing how loyal you are," she said, "I, the princess, will personally take you to see the accommodations arranged for Euron and Ashara." She deliberately drew out her words, adding slowly, "I've picked out the best room for you."

"One room?!"

This word, like a boulder thrown into a still lake, instantly stirred up a thousand waves among the youth.

The suitors looked at each other in disbelief, their faces flushed red. Several impulsive young men trembled slightly with shock and anger as they gripped their swords, their eyes scanning back and forth between Euron and Ashara Dayne in disbelief.

Ashara Dane's cheeks flushed instantly, and she hurriedly clarified, "No! No! We're not—" Her words were somewhat flustered with embarrassment.

Seeing that her prank had worked, Ariane could no longer hold back and burst into a triumphant, clear laugh: "Haha! Just kidding! Look at you guys, so pathetic! Come on, let me show you your rooms!"

Princess Arianne led Euron and Ashara through the intricate corridors of Sunspear City and finally arranged accommodations for them.

Although they did not share a room, their rooms were only separated by a corridor covered with gorgeous Dornish carpets, making them practically neighbors.

That night, the old palace of Yangji City was brightly lit, and noise and music replaced the solemnity of the past.

The grand banquet was held in the main hall next to the fountain courtyard, where the air was filled with the aroma of roasting meat, the freshness of lemons, and the rich fragrance of Dorne's unique spices.

Prince Doran Namelos Martell sat regally in his wheelchair, seated at the head of the table. Despite his ailing health, he remained dignified in his attire, his expression both gentle and authoritative. As the guests were mostly seated and the music paused, he gently raised his hand in greeting.

All eyes immediately turned to him.

Prince Doran's voice, though not loud, carried a steady strength that commanded quiet attention, clearly resonating throughout the hall: "Friends, family," he began, his gaze slowly sweeping over each distinguished guest, finally settling affectionately on his sister, Ilya, "First and foremost, we gather here tonight to celebrate. To celebrate the safe return of my dearest sister, Ilya, after her arduous journey. The sun has finally dispelled the gloom, and her smile once again illuminates Flowing Gardens—a blessing from Dorne, and my greatest comfort as her brother. And to celebrate the safe return of my niece, Rhaenys, Your Highness, to her great health and well-being!"

He paused slightly, letting the warm applause and blessings welcoming Elia and the little princess echo for a moment. Then, he turned his gaze to Euron and Ashara and continued, "Secondly, we welcome a guest from the Iron Islands, Euron Greyjoy. His courage in crossing the Narrow Sea and the flames of Greentree are no secret even in Dorne." There was a hint of scrutiny in his tone, which quickly transformed into clearer praise and affirmation: "And even more joyous is his engagement to our most cherished jewel from Starfall—Miss Ashara Dayne."

He raised his jeweled goblet, a symbol of Dorne's dominion, and his voice rose slightly, filled with heartfelt blessings: "Let us raise our glasses! To the joy of reunion, to our guests from afar, and even more so to these brave young people and their future happiness! May their future be as bright as the Dornish sun!"

"Cheers!"

As Prince Doran finished speaking, the entire hall resounded with enthusiastic responses: "Cheers!"

Cheers, clinking glasses, and the restarting of cheerful music instantly brought the banquet atmosphere to a climax.