Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 205 King of the Stone Steps Islands

Euron stood alone on the beach all night, letting the icy seawater wash over his boots again and again. As the first rays of dawn illuminated the Dornish horizon, his furrowed brow finally began to unfurl.

Amidst the crashing waves and deep contemplation, a simple yet cruel truth became increasingly clear in his mind: weakness itself is the original sin.

To break free from shackles and take control of your destiny, the answer is simple—become powerful enough. Powerful enough to set the rules, powerful enough to make all problems cease to be problems.

As the sun fully rose above the sea the following day, Euron turned and returned to Sunspear City.

The gloom that had shrouded his brow last night had vanished, replaced by a deeper, more determined look.

His steps were as steady as ever, and the corners of his lips once again curled up with that signature lazy smile, but his deep eyes held an undeniable decisiveness and sharpness more than ever before.

Carrying the salty sea breeze and the enlightenment of the night, he stepped once again into the morning light of Yangji City.

Euron stopped a passing servant and asked in a steady voice, "Where are the Prince and Princess now?"

The attendants bowed respectfully and led the way. As they entered the sun-drenched inner courtyard, Prince Doran was with Oberyn Marshall...

Ilya and Arianne were discussing something. The conversation stopped abruptly when Euron appeared, and the expressions of the four people changed instantly. Prince Doran's gaze was deep and unfathomable, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest of his wheelchair; Oberyn's eyes flashed with an undisguised coldness; Arianne frowned directly, her face full of vigilance; Ilya lowered her eyes slightly, without looking up.

What surprised everyone present the most was that Euron not only showed no signs of exhaustion from staying up all night, but also wore an unprecedentedly sharp smile. That smile revealed an all-knowing confidence, as if the sea breeze of last night had not only dispelled his confusion but also tempered his determination.

This unusual composure made the already delicate atmosphere even more eerie.

Euron took his seat with composure, and Prince Doran waved his hand to dismiss the attendants. The stone hall was now empty except for the few of them, with the distant sound of the waves faintly audible.

Prince Doran broke the silence first, his voice steady but scrutinizing: "I heard you sat alone by the sea all night last night."

"You must have figured some things out?"

"Yes." Euron's answer was concise and forceful, his gaze clear and unwavering.

Suddenly, Oberyn leaned forward, his fingers unconsciously tapping the edge of the table. "You always know exactly what you're doing, but this time is different." His voice sharpened abruptly. "How do you intend to explain this to Ashara?"

All eyes were on Euron, awaiting his answer. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow across the table.

Euron's gaze swept over everyone present, his voice steady and firm: "I will not tell Ashara about this now, nor will I allow my child to be born as an illegitimate child."

The hall fell silent, with only the faint sound of waves crashing on the shore in the distance.

Euron continued, a sharp glint in his eyes: "I've had this idea for a long time, and now it's even clearer. I will personally conquer the Stepstone Islands and bring that sea under the banner of the Iron Islands." His voice suddenly rose, "Then, Elia will become the Queen of the Stepstone Islands, and our child will be the rightful heir to the throne."

"6

Prince Doran tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "The Stone Steps Islands?" His tone held both surprise and deep thought. "That archipelago rife with pirates?"

Oberyn and Arianne exchanged a glance, clearly shocked by this audacious plan. Ilya's eyes widened slightly, her fingers unconsciously touching her abdomen, as if imagining a completely different future.

Euron nodded slightly: "Not bad."

Prince Doran did not press further or offer any comment, but simply gestured elegantly to a dish on the table: "Autumn Fish from the Sea of ​​Dorne, just caught this morning, have a taste."

His tone was calm and natural, as if what Euron had just said was unimportant.

Euron nodded knowingly and picked up his silver chopsticks. Everyone else began to eat as well, the knives and forks gently clinking against the porcelain plates. The atmosphere at the table suddenly became unusually calm, everyone focused on savoring the delicious fish, as if the thrilling conversations and unspeakable secrets that had happened earlier had never occurred.

Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, refracting dappled light onto the silver cutlery. The aroma of fresh seafood filled the air, temporarily masking all unresolved entanglements and schemes. In this moment of tranquility, only the soft sounds of chewing and the distant lapping of the waves created a seemingly harmonious scene.

Silence spread across the table, carrying more weight than any words. No one spoke, yet everything was expressed perfectly.

Euron calmly savored the delicious fish, already understanding that Prince Lang didn't need to listen to any flowery promises or empty vows. This prince, who had ruled Dorne for many years, had already witnessed far too many lightly made promises and broken alliances.

What they want to see more is concrete action; what they care about more is the final result presented to them.

Amid the subtle clinking of knives and forks, a silent consensus is forming: plans can be discussed, ambitions can be tolerated, but everything must be proven by actions and results.

Sunlight danced across the silver cutlery, reflecting the unspoken expectations and scrutiny in everyone's eyes. At this seemingly tranquil table, a contest where strength would speak for itself had only just begun.

Breakfast ended in a restrained silence, the light clinking of silverware against porcelain plates sounding particularly clear. Just as the servants cleared away the dishes, Prince Doran took out a letter from his sleeve, just delivered by a raven; the wax seal of the Citadel gleamed with a dull luster in the morning light.

He slowly unfolded the letter, his voice calm yet carrying undeniable weight: "News has come from the Citadel—they call it a false spring." The prince's fingertips lightly traced the words on the parchment. "The harsh winter is not yet over, and the warmth of the long summer is merely a fleeting illusion."

All eyes were focused on the letter. Prince Doran continued, "Winter is about to return, but compared to the cruel season of our memories, this winter will be much milder." His words echoed in the hall, as if a pebble had been thrown into everyone's heart, stirring up ripples.

The sunlight still streamed brightly into the room, but the news sent a chill through everyone.

Prince Doran handed Euron the secret letter bearing the Citadel's crest, the Dornish sunlight casting a play of light and shadow in his deep eyes. "Perhaps," the prince's voice was calm as ever, yet carried an undeniable weight, "it is time for you to return to the Iron Islands."

Euron took the letter, his fingertips able to feel the unique texture of the parchment: "Now?" His voice held a hint of hesitation, as if he were leaving right after learning the truth about that matter.

"Otherwise what?" Prince Doran tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair, his gaze sweeping across the shimmering Dorne Sea outside the window. "There's nothing you can do here. But the Iron Islands—" He paused deliberately, allowing the meaning in his words to fully settle, "need you more."

66

The sea breeze rushed in through the open window, ruffling the edges of the letter.

Euron had originally planned to stay in Dorndor for a while, but circumstances forced him to bring forward his journey. He nodded slightly: "I will set off tomorrow, first escorting Ashara back to Starfall, and then immediately returning to the Iron Islands."

Prince Doran slowly shook his head: "It might be more appropriate to leave Ashara in Sunspear for the time being." Noticing the doubt that flashed in Euron's eyes, he continued to explain: "No one can predict what that mad king of King's Landing will do next. If he takes his anger out on the Dayne family, Ashara's safety will be in jeopardy."

66

Oberyn sneered, his tone clearly displeased: "We Dornish do not call ourselves knights, but we never harm innocent women and children, much less use hostages for blackmail. If you don't believe me, you can take her away."

Euron sensed the anger in Oberyn's words and immediately said, "In that case, I entrust Ashara to your care."

Arianne snorted coldly from the side and said decisively, "She is my best friend, and of course I will protect her."

As Euron's figure was about to disappear around the corner of the corridor, Elia quickly stepped forward and looked at him solemnly: "Don't worry, we will take good care of Ashara. When the time is right, Dorne will prepare a generous dowry for her and await your arrival to marry her."

Euron stopped and glanced back at him. Sunlight streamed in from the archway behind him, gilding his tall figure, and a complex smile slowly spread across his lips: "Thank you."

Without another word, he turned and left decisively. His footsteps echoed rhythmically in the stone corridor, fading into the distance until they merged with the sound of the waves outside Sunspear City. Ilya stood there, watching his figure disappear into the bright light, motionless for a long time.

Only after Euron's figure completely disappeared at the end of the corridor did Ilya return to the dining room and say softly, "Didn't we agree to leave this matter here? Don't look at him like that anymore, as if you have some deep-seated grudge against him. This shouldn't be blamed on anyone."

Oberyn turned abruptly, his eyes blazing with fury: "Of course not! If we don't teach him a lesson, that bastard will only become more arrogant, thinking that the women of the Martell family can be treated with contempt!"

Arianne couldn't help but chime in, "Exactly! I can accept it, but Auntie, you've been wronged so badly—"

'

"Arianne!" Prince Doran suddenly interrupted, his voice as cold as ice, "How dare you say such things? Ultimately, this disaster was caused by you. From this day forward, you will reflect on your actions in the palace and are not allowed to step out of Yangji City for a year. Stay by your aunt's side and take good care of her."

66

Arianne immediately lowered her head, daring not to utter another word. Oberyn's face turned ashen, and he abruptly grabbed the spear from the table and strode out.

"Brother!" Ilya called out hurriedly.

Oberyn didn't stop, leaving only the words: "Don't worry, I'll spare that bastard's life!" His voice was filled with barely suppressed anger, "But he's ruined all the women of our Martell family. I won't be able to get over this until he's half-paralyzed!"

66

"Give him two shots too!" Arianne's voice came through.