Game of Thrones: Dance of the Dragons

"Helena?"

Seeing her acting strangely, Baylor tentatively called out to her.

Hearing someone call her name, Helena smiled and turned to look at Baylor. Then, she went back to playing with the insects in the jar.

In the little girl's eyes, this was considered a polite greeting to Baylor.

"What's wrong with her?" Beller looked at Renilla beside him in confusion.

Renilla explained, "My brother, don't worry, Helena is like that with everyone..."

Renilla hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped herself.

She wanted to add that the gentleman had examined her and suggested she might have some mental issues, but considering it would be impolite to say it in front of her, she decided against it.

"Hmm...that's it!" Renilla nodded seriously.

Although Baylor was puzzled, he wouldn't be too curious about things as long as it didn't interfere with his personal interests.

After saying goodbye to Helena, the siblings returned to their room, where Renilla explained why she hadn't mentioned it earlier.

"One looks like a glutton, the other looks like an idiot."

"Sister, do you think the Hightoar family is cursed by the Seven Gods? Otherwise, how could they give birth to such strange children?" Beller stroked his chin, thinking seriously.

"My stupid brother, what we should be thinking about most right now is how to make you a healthy child!" Renilla was furious.

Allison is young, the perfect age for having children. Moreover, their father values ​​the continuation of the family line, so the couple will undoubtedly have many more children in the future.

On the other hand, the two siblings were quite different. One was the eldest son, who was seriously ill and physically weak, while the other, although a dragon knight, was constantly suppressed by a group of ministers led by Otto.

"Sister, I feel that this is actually a good thing. I learned a truth from an ancient book in the Academy City: people often strive for and pursue what they lack the most."

"Otto is so eager to suppress us because he's afraid that once we're in power, he'll settle scores with the Hightoar family." Baylor's confidence was not without reason.

During his six years in Old Town, he mainly did two things. The first was to study, and the second was to have Orville gather intelligence, especially about the royal family.

In the same year that Alison gave birth to Aegon, Otto Hightoar attempted to persuade the king, arguing that his eldest son was too weak to inherit the throne, to make Aegon Targaryen, Alison's second son, the heir to the Iron Throne.

The moment the idea was uttered, Viserys unleashed his harshest rebuke.

In his mind, Queen Emma's eldest son and daughter were irreplaceable by any other child. Even though the prince's health was always weak, as long as he was alive, he would be the next heir to the kingdom!

"My brother, you are right." Renilla nodded in agreement.

Otherwise, her father wouldn't have insisted on making her a sommelier at the Imperial Council, which was not only a symbol of status but also an indirect way for her to listen to government affairs.

For the next four days, Baelor was unfortunately imprisoned in the Red Castle by his father, the King.

Viserys, well aware of the dangers of King's Landing, specifically dispatched Illic of the Kingsguard as Baelor's personal bodyguard to protect his safety.

Viserys then ordered that the prince be kept under surveillance and not allowed to go out to play before the Kingsguard hunt.

With no other option, Baylor could only read books in the Red Keep Gardens and learn about the family history of the ancient Valyrian Dragon King.

At these times, Helena would carefully approach Baylor, carrying her jar of insects. She would ostensibly be playing with the insects, but in reality, she was curiously watching the book in his hands.

Baylor wasn't a petty person. Since Helena was curious, he would pretend to read it aloud and explain it.

Gradually, the brother and sister, who were originally unfamiliar with each other, slowly built a friendship that was unique to them, and this friendship lasted until the Royal Hunt four days later.

……

A luxurious royal carriage slowly made its way toward the Royal Guard. The guards were divided into two teams, one in front and one behind, to protect the carriage. The servants followed at the back.

Inside the spacious carriage, King Viserys sat in the center, flanked by the First Prince and Alison on either side.

Renilla sat beside her brother and explained to him the rules and origins of the Royal Hunt.

Aegon looked out the window listlessly. Helena was happily playing with her bottles and jars. The youngest, Imond, was being gently lulled to sleep by a maid.

"Isn't this wonderful? Our whole family will go to the Kingswood to announce and celebrate the return of the King's eldest son to the people!" Viserys patted Baelor on the shoulder, his satisfaction and joy growing with each passing moment.

"Thank you, Father." Baylor turned his head, placed one hand on his other shoulder, and nodded to his father.

"My child, this is the treatment you deserve," Viserys said matter-of-factly, adding, "When you get to the Kingsguard, remember to stay behind Allison."

Prince knew that his father was declaring to all the nobles of the seven kingdoms that his position as heir was unshakeable.

……

The carriage didn't arrive at the Imperial Palace until noon, after traveling from dawn until midday.

The kingdom's nobles had been waiting for a long time. Before getting out of the carriage, Viserys made a point of looking at the Baelor on his left.

"My child, this is your first time facing the nobles of the seven kingdoms. Bravely prepare yourself!"

"Please rest assured, Father." Baylor had just taken a nap and was now wide awake.

Viserys nodded in satisfaction, his clan sword Blackfire slung at his waist, and he stepped off the carriage first.

When the nobles of the seven kingdoms outside saw their king, they immediately cheered and gave him their sincerest greetings and applause.

"Let's go, my children," Alison said with a smile, striking a queenly pose.

Beller and Renilla were clearly disgusted, but since this was an important occasion, they couldn't really lash out.

Beller followed Alison and was the third to step down from the carriage.

When the nobles of the seven kingdoms saw the young prince appear, the applause and cheers grew even louder, with some even shouting:

"Long live Prince Aegon!"

"Long live the King's heir!"

These remarks immediately drew a large number of nobles who had been contacted by Otto beforehand, who joined in the cheers.

Viserys' smile froze instantly, but due to the cheers of his subjects, he could only secretly memorize the nobleman's appearance before continuing on his way.

Alison maintained the decorum of a queen and associated amicably with some noble ladies.

Renilla, sitting in the carriage, couldn't bear to listen any longer. Just as she was about to get up and leave, Baylor gently shook his head.

Under Renilla's bewildered and angry gaze, he looked at Ilic, the Royal Guard standing guard beside the carriage on his right, and said in a low voice:

"Sir, please introduce the king's eldest son to the subjects of the seven kingdoms."

Illic bowed slightly, then stepped forward and proclaimed, "Welcome, Baelor Targaryen, eldest son of Viserys I and heir to the Iron Throne!"

In an instant, the cheers and smiles of the nobles froze on their faces.

His embarrassed expression was like discovering a dead mouse in his plate halfway through breakfast.

Beller ignored them, turned around, took Renilla's hand, and followed his father Viserys to the camp.