Game of Thrones: Dance of the Dragons

Early the next morning.

The guards found a body in the royal forest.

It has been confirmed that he was the minor noble lord who was punished by the king yesterday for shouting "Long live Prince Aegon!"

His death was extremely gruesome; not only were all his internal organs gone, but his tongue was also maliciously cut off.

"Tell me what's going on?!" Viserys shouted at the guards, angrily questioning them.

How could such an ominous event as the tragic death of a nobleman occur during a royal hunt meticulously prepared for the prince?

"Your Majesty, we have checked all the accessible entrances, and there are no problems whatsoever."

"Is it possible that it's a black bear from the forest? Or perhaps someone who has a grudge against this nobleman?" the captain of the guards said, offering his guess.

Viserys took a deep breath. He didn't rule out the possibility, but catching the killer was the most important thing right now!

"Otto, you are in charge of this matter. The murderer must be apprehended before the Royal Guard's search concludes!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Otto's brows furrowed noticeably.

Such a death is probably unprecedented across the entire continent of Westerland.

Moreover, this is the Royal Hunting Grounds, where all the nobles of the West Continent gather. A slight misstep could bring unnecessary trouble and enemies to the Hightoar family.

Otto was in a real bind, but he had no choice but to carry out the king's orders.

After Otto left, Viserys prepared to go to the Kingswood with his guards and spies to capture the white deer alive.

The scholars of the City of Learning said that the white deer was not only a royal symbol of the royal guard, but its blood also had the effect of nourishing the human body.

Viserys was fortunate. He thanked the Seven for their blessing, which allowed him to see his firstborn son again, and hoped that this time he would be able to achieve his wish and capture the white stag alive.

"Father, may I go with you to search for the white deer?" The prince loved the scenery of the Imperial Forest and enjoyed breathing the freshest air.

Instead of being trapped in the camp like a bird.

"My child, it will take a very long time to capture the white deer, and your body simply cannot withstand it."

"This time, please forgive your father for not being able to grant your wish," Viserys said patiently, placing his hands on Baylor's shoulders.

"I will obey my father. But may I wander around the surrounding forest? Of course, I will have Sir Illic accompany me," Baylor said, settling for second best.

"Your father has agreed. But you must promise me that you will never go to dangerous places," Viserys said earnestly.

"I swear in the name of the Seven Gods that I will never go to a dangerous place," Baylor replied in the same tone.

Viserys kissed Baelor on the forehead, then turned to mount his horse, looked at Ser Illic, and instructed him, "You must protect the prince's safety. If he is in danger, even if it costs you your life."

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I swear on my white robe that as long as I live, the prince will never be in any danger," Ilik said solemnly to the king, removing his helmet.

The king's hunting party set off in a grand procession, and Baylor also mounted a horse, ready to go for a stroll in the western forest with Ilic.

It is said that by riding a horse uphill, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Imperial Forest.

"Sir, where is my sister?" Beller was about to call Renilla to come along.

"Your Highness, Her Highness the Princess went out with Sir Christon Cole, and I don't know where they went," Illic replied truthfully.

Baylor shook his head. "What a pity, my sister didn't have that blessing. Sir, let's go."

"Yes, Your Highness." Ilik easily mounted his horse, holding the reins with one hand and protecting the prince with the other.

He rode his horse westward toward the Royal Guard.

Time flies, and the sun is gradually setting.

In the forest, Ilic, holding the reins, led Prince Bellor to the mountaintop.

The scenery here is truly breathtaking. Not only can you see the royal camp, but you can also vaguely see King's Landing in the distance.

Baylor said, "Sir Ilic, please lift me down."

Ilik nodded and lifted Belle off the horse.

"Thank you, Sir."

After expressing his gratitude, Baylor slowly approached the edge of the cliff, gently extending his right hand to draw the tiny campsite before him and the distant King's Landing into his palm.

"So that's what 'easy access' means in the book." Baylor always kept in mind the teachings of Maester Orville: reading ten thousand books is like traveling ten thousand miles.

"Prince, the slopes here are very high, you must be careful."

Ilik stayed by Belle's side, fearing that the young prince might accidentally fall off the cliff, which would be a grave offense for him.

"Don't worry, Sir, I won't put myself in such a position..."

Baylor suddenly stopped. He saw a tall, majestic, and noble white deer, about five meters tall, watching him from his left.

"The King of the Forest, the White Deer!" Beller stared in disbelief.

He read extensively in Oldtown, and was certainly well-versed in the history of Westeros.

Before the Targaryen family unified Westeros, this vast Kingswood was inhabited by the white stag, known as the King of Auspiciousness.

"Prince, this white deer is very powerful. I can guarantee that I can successfully escort you to safety in a one-on-one situation," Ilik said cautiously, drawing his sword.

The white deer tilted its head slightly, its amber pupils fixed on the Baylor behind Ilic, and as if suddenly gaining human understanding, it swung its neck back.

"Sir Illicium, I'm sure it's calling me over. Please stay where you are and wait."

With that, Baylor left Sir Illic's protective perimeter and walked unhurriedly toward the White Deer.

"prince!"

How could Ilya let the prince face such a dangerous unknown creature alone? Just as he was about to follow, the gentle white stag suddenly bowed slightly and adopted an attack stance towards him.

"Sir Illic, the White Deer has no hostility towards me. I can sense that he has come to help me. Please do not act rashly."

"But!"

"That's an order."

Baylor's tone was calm, but his attitude left no room for doubt.

Having no other option, Ilik could only sheathe his sword and wait nearby.

As expected, Bai Lu withdrew her attack stance, lowered her head, and sniffed the scent on Belle's body.

Taking this opportunity, the prince gently stroked the legendary King of the Royal Guard.

Its fur is snow-white and soft, and touching it feels like wearing a jeweled gown—gorgeous yet incredibly light.

"May I ask why you came to find me?" Baylor asked curiously.

He believes that the appearance of the white deer was by no means accidental and was very likely related to his dream.

The moment he spoke, a large amount of blood suddenly gushed from his snow-white hair, flowing from Baylor's left and right hands all over his body.

Then, as if returning to their own bodies, they disappeared directly from the skin's surface.

The prince was so frightened that he quickly removed his hand from the white deer.

This retreat caused an extremely blinding white light to flash before his eyes.

When he opened his eyes again, Baylor found himself sitting on a horse, with Ilic in front holding the reins.

"Prince, you're awake."

"We've arrived at our destination. Would you like to get off and enjoy the scenery?" Ilik asked respectfully.

"Oh, okay, please lift me down so I can have a look at you." Baylor was still a little confused.

He didn't understand what had just happened.

Sir Illic lifted Baylor from his horse, just as he had done before.

Instead of heading towards the cliff, Baylor instinctively turned his head to look to the left.

Sure enough, the white deer, the king of the forest, was staring intently at him.

Unlike last time, its fur was not snow-white, but rather the left side was entirely scarlet, with a few drops of undried blood clearly visible on the fur.

This time, however, the white deer did not approach. After noticing that Baylor was watching it, it turned its head and left his sight...

It was at this moment that Baylor clearly felt his palms slowly warming up...