GOT King of Dragon

Jason, with his golden curls, strode forward and bowed to the king. 

Rhaegar glanced at him sideways and nodded. "Thank you, Lord Jason." 

As a courtesy, he acknowledged the compliment. 

Jason smiled, raising his chin slightly. "Your Majesty, this succession banquet is truly grand, befitting the prince's stature." 

Viserys chuckled. "Of course. Rhaegar is my eldest son and the future king. I hope this feast will go down in history." 

Jason cast a quick glance at the empty seat to the king's right and asked curiously, "Where is the queen? I was hoping to greet her personally." 

"The queen is likely still preparing for the celebration," Viserys replied casually. 

Jason seized the opportunity to remark, "That's why men wage wars; women can never arrive at the battlefield on time." 

With that, he turned to Rhaenyra and asked, "Now that you've been relieved of the burden of being heir, what are your plans for the future, Princess?" 

He was still scheming to marry a Targaryen princess. 

Viserys opened his mouth, intending to answer on his daughter's behalf. 

But Rhaegar spoke up abruptly. "Lord Jason, have you started any wars recently? Perhaps you'd like me to ride my dragon to Lannisport in support?" 

Rhaenyra glanced sideways at him and quietly took his hand. 

Rhaegar smiled faintly and turned to stare at the somewhat stunned Jason. 

Caught off guard by the question, Jason hesitated. "Uh... I haven't started any wars. There's no need to trouble the prince for assistance." 

"Is that so? What a pity." 

Feigning regret, Rhaegar pressed further. "Do you have any plans for war in the future? I've heard the Ironborn frequently harass the coastline." 

"The Ironborn are nothing more than ignorant pirates. The soldiers at the ports are more than enough to handle them." 

Jason's expression darkened slightly. "A prince of your stature shouldn't concern yourself with the likes of the Ironborn." 

"Understood. Lord Jason, you're truly a military expert. I admire you greatly." 

As he spoke, Rhaegar raised his cup and toasted him. 

Jason frowned at the fragrant grape juice in the prince's goblet but begrudgingly raised his own cup and drank along. 

After downing the wine, Jason was acutely aware of the prince's hostility. Embarrassed, he slinked away down the steps. 

Watching him retreat, Rhaenyra leaned in close to Rhaegar and whispered, "What an arrogant fool. I can handle him." 

"I just can't stand his smug face," Rhaegar shrugged. 

Using the succession ceremony to flaunt his manhood while coveting his sister? It seemed the seawater of Lannisport had seeped into Jason's brain. 

No sooner had Jason walked away than Lady Rhea of Runestone strode forward with purposeful steps. 

"Your Majesty, Rhea Royce of Runestone brings blessings to you, the prince, and the princess," the lady said, raising her goblet. 

"Thank you, Lady Rhea..." 

Her greeting was acknowledged not just by Viserys but also by Rhaegar and Rhaenyra, who spoke with equal respect. 

Lady Rhea was no ordinary figure. 

She was the wife of Viserys' brother, Prince Daemon Targaryen, making her Rhaegar's aunt by marriage. 

Technically, they should address each other as sister-in-law and aunt. 

Rhaegar subtly assessed Lady Rhea. 

With her brown hair, slender figure, and a face that, while not stunning, was well-proportioned, she exuded a sharp, capable energy. 

She was far from the hideous woman Daemon had described—she was certainly no worse than the mountain goats of the Vale. 

Taking a sip of her wine, Lady Rhea spoke solemnly. "Your Majesty, Daemon has committed grave sins. By rights, I should share in his responsibility." 

"You need not worry. Daemon's crimes are his alone. You will not be implicated," Viserys replied graciously. 

Lady Rhea shook her head. "Your Majesty, I know what I'm about to say is treasonous, but I must ask for your permission." 

"What is it you wish to say?" 

Sensing something amiss, Viserys asked cautiously. 

Lady Rhea's tone grew heavier. "I have been married to Daemon for ten years, but our marriage has long been a sham. He despises me for my lack of beauty and has refused to consummate our union. The scandal has spread across the continent." 

Rhaegar sat up straight, listening intently. 

This was one of Daemon's scandals—worth paying attention to. 

Lady Rhea continued, "As the Countess of Runestone, I have borne this disgrace for far too long." 

"Now that Daemon has committed treason, I beg you to dissolve our marriage and restore the honor of your loyal vassal." 

She finished her prepared statement in one breath, as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. 

Her gaze was resolute as she fixed her eyes on the king. 

"You wish to annul your marriage?" Viserys' expression darkened. 

"No! I want a divorce. Daemon has never treated me as his wife," Lady Rhea corrected firmly. 

Viserys clutched the wine glass in his hand, his gaze inexplicably fixed on Lady Rhea, his breathing gradually growing heavier.

Daemon truly was a scoundrel. Viserys wished he could kill him on the spot.

But Daemon was still his brother.

For a woman to file for divorce was a disgrace—not only would it make Daemon a laughingstock, but it would also bring shame to the royal family.

Whether for the sake of the royal family's reputation or the faint remnants of familial affection he still held for Daemon, 

Viserys didn't want to agree to Lady Rhea's divorce request.

The atmosphere grew heavy for a moment.

Rhaenyra watched Lady Rhea with a mix of indignation and sympathy—this nominal aunt of hers.

A countess of great stature, dragged down for years by a political marriage, and subjected to endless ridicule behind her back.

Rhaenyra leaned closer to Rhaegar, gritting her teeth. "Daemon is scum. You'd better not turn out like him."

"Comparing me to him is an insult in itself," Rhaegar retorted, visibly displeased.

Viserys was silent for a long time before speaking in a low voice. "Lady Rhea, Daemon has not yet been apprehended. Could you wait until he's caught, and then resolve this matter with him directly?"

As an elder brother, he was reluctant to make marital decisions for Daemon.

Lady Rhea hesitated for a moment, wanting to plead further with the king to end the marriage decisively.

She could no longer bear the title of "Daemon's wife" for even a moment longer—she simply wanted to be free.

"Lady Rhea, my father has already approved your request. All that remains is to wait until Daemon is captured," Rhaegar interjected at the right moment, seeing his father's hesitation.

Lady Rhea glanced at the young prince, a flicker of doubt crossing her eyes.

Rhaegar smiled and said, "Runestone has always been a loyal supporter of the crown. The royal family would never allow its allies to suffer humiliation. Daemon's transgressions have brought shame, and this marriage should end."

Lady Rhea nodded and turned to the king. "Your Majesty, is what the prince says true?"

Viserys's expression darkened. "Yes, Rhaegar speaks for me. Once Daemon is apprehended, you may resolve things as you see fit."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Lady Rhea's face lit up with emotion. She then turned to Rhaegar and added, "Thank you for your selflessness, Prince."

"Selflessness?"

Her words made Rhaegar frown.

What did she mean by "selflessness"? 

Was this some form of moral righteousness?

Noticing Rhaegar's reaction, Lady Rhea quickly realized her words had been poorly chosen and stammered, "I-I didn't mean it that way..."

What did she mean? 

Rhaegar widened his eyes, staring at her in confusion.

"I'll take my leave, Your Majesty..." 

The more she spoke, the worse it got. Lady Rhea's face turned red with embarrassment as she descended the steps in haste.

Rhaegar turned his head to look at Rhaenyra.

Rhaenyra was also watching him.

Rhaegar's face darkened. "Now I understand why Daemon doesn't like her."

"Mm-hmm~"

Rhaenyra withdrew her gaze with a sly, amused smile.

A woman with a sharp tongue is indeed hard to like.

---

(End of Chapter)