King Jaehaerys II added an even more glorious interlude to the marriage amidst the clinking of countless wine glasses.
The guests paused their glasses, no longer looking at the golden wine.
Prince Rhaegar stood up and faced everyone. The Prince's silver hair shimmered, and though his face still held childish innocence, he appeared even more handsome. He looked around with ease, his electric gaze shifting as if silver flames flowed within them.
Rhaegar wanted a short haircut, but unfortunately, children were not allowed to have their hair cut too short yet. He had no choice but to let his silver hair grow long. He still preferred short, choppy hair, which was easier to manage.
Dragon Kings were already famous for their handsomeness, and Rhaegar had an added advantage: the legacy of Balerion, the Blood of Fire activated, making him even more handsome and powerful. When I grow up, I will bring even greater excitement to the world.
All the guests in the hall looked at the Prince, marveling at the innate qualities of a true dragon.
Rhaegar looked about six or seven years old, much taller and stronger than an average child. Nobles, with good nutrition, generally developed faster than commoners, but Rhaegar was indeed growing rapidly.
However, everyone began to lament that the Old King needed to be careful. It was estimated that by around ten years old, the Prince might start sowing his wild oats everywhere. Great Lords often married very early; Tywin at nineteen was considered a late marriage. Even more caution was needed for those girls who would throw themselves at the Prince for his looks or status. King Viserys married Queen Rogare at twelve, and the beautiful Lysene Queen was nineteen at the time.
Prince Rhaegar bowed to the crowd and even flashed a charming smile. He was a young performing artist. Today, the Lords and wealthy merchants had come, all loyal subjects of the Dragon King, and they relied on them to govern the realm. This was power; genuine emotion and performance were all part of it.
(game of thrones: Little Player, Master's Name, you will navigate grand scenes with ease, without fear.)
"My King, this gift is too precious; I cannot accept it," Ser Tywin and Lady Joanna quickly said, hastily returning the bow. Skills like music and jousting, unless it was a tourney, having the children of great Lords personally perform for guests was itself an honor.
"Ser, there is no need for such formality. Just consider it a child's plaything. If Rhaegar doesn't perform well, please don't laugh," King Jaehaerys II said. He wanted to give Ser Tywin a gift, and also to show off the Crown Prince's harp skills to everyone, no different from old men showing off their children.
"This is a great honor for your humble servant!" Ser Tywin and Lady Joanna were flattered.
The great and small Lords knew that after this performance, Ser Tywin would surely be eternally grateful. Prince Rhaegar playing music for you, and in front of so many people in the Throne Room, was simply too great an honor. King Jaehaerys's actions were certainly meant to bind Tywin completely to the Dragon King's chariot.
However, though the King's plan was good, he still had to see the Prince's skill.
"Your Majesty, you never told me the Prince would be performing," Duke Mond pouted, feeling a little displeased. This was too good for the little cubs of the lion house. If there was to be a performance, it should have been from their family.
King Jaehaerys II smiled, and Duchess Mond immediately tugged at Duke Mond.
Rhaegar walked to the front of the stage, and attendants brought out a harp, preparing it for the Prince.
It was an ancient silver-stringed harp, made of precious wood, with a three-headed dragon carved upon it, baring its fangs and claws.
Rhaegar showed no stage fright, and beautiful music flowed from his plucking.
Bloodline, martial prowess, influence, wealth, nobility, power—these strengths and foundations were enough to make one confident and superior to all others.
All the musicians stopped playing; they served royalty and nobles, and they were not fools.
The musicians understood that even if the Prince played poorly, Ser Tywin would still fully reap this honor. This was about 'face,' publicly bestowing warmth and glory upon Ser Tywin. However, regarding the Prince's talent, they remained skeptical.
Rhaegar strummed the harp. He was already highly gifted, and with the Life Tree template, his harp skills were even more exquisite.
He felt a connection with the harp, excelling most at this instrument among all others.
Rhaegar's silver long hair radiated light, and on his black velvet clothes, the dragon, whose body was made of crystals and diamonds and whose eyes were rubies, seemed to come alive.
The Prince played the silver-stringed harp in the firelight. Rhaegar was forged of silver.
In the Throne Room, Rhaegar playing the harp truly resembled a silver true dragon.
The music was enchanting, and the player even more so. Rhaegar was focused, skilled, and at ease, seemingly with everything under control.
Many noblewomen looked enviously at Lady Cassana; this forbidden fruit, the Prince, was highly likely to become a Baratheon son-in-law. Hatred was useless; the direct heirs of great nobles had very little choice in marriage.
The Prince of King's Landing, arriving gracefully.
Everyone became intoxicated. The music was filled with joy, delight, and happiness. It was as if they saw flowers blooming and birds singing loudly.
The sadness of Summer Hall is a thing of the past; I will bring laughter and prosperity to the world. Rhaegar thought, the past is already distant; I will forge a new history.
The notes captivated everyone, even the musicians became engrossed. This child truly seemed to be a talent. They had thought the King was merely setting the mood and praising his grandson, but Prince Rhaegar genuinely had skill.
After the performance, Rhaegar offered a slight bow to everyone. He was not arrogant; everything was handled with ease.
There was no other way; Rhaegar was not only the true Dragon Prince but also the owner of the dragon kings ring, awakening the Blood of Fire, which was his greatest trump card.
Applause erupted like a tide, rising and falling.
The applause was like a colossal wave, capable of submerging all walls.
Prince Rhaegar's family all showed proud expressions. The Prince had given a splendid performance and added new glory to Ser Tywin. Showing off one's children, that always makes parents proud, doesn't it?
Prince Aerys clapped, dispelling the bitterness of not being able to engage in wedding mischief.
This was Prince Rhaegar's gift. Though the young dragon was still a child, he had already distinguished himself, showing his emerging brilliance.
"Thank you for the Prince's gift; this gift is truly precious," Ser Tywin and his wife came forward. The Ser's broad hand lifted Rhaegar into the air, and he said excitedly, "This is our Silver Prince!"
"Our Silver Prince!"
"Silver Prince Rhaegar!"
Ser Tywin's sworn brothers, Aerys and Steffon, and their families also came forward, embracing each other and paying respects. The Princess of Dorne, as Joanna's companion, also went on stage to gesture.
The name Silver Prince reminded Rhaegar of an old acquaintance. Loyalty was loyalty, but the sexual preferences were somewhat horrifying.
"true Dragon Prince!" The men and women, as if well-trained, brought the atmosphere to its climax.
The Prince was already noble, and the harp and music added to his charming allure. Legend said that Prince Rhaegar loved swords and spears, as if a born warrior. No one expected his musical skill to be so superb.
The name of the Silver Prince now echoed throughout the Throne Room.
Call me Silver Prince. Rhaegar listened to the applause and cheers. Destiny pushed me here, and I will choose the rest of my destiny.
I am a true dragon, and also fire. I am the true Dragon Prince, and also the Silver Prince.
(Title: Silver Prince, tens of thousands call your name, hoping you bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to the world. Legend will be created by you.)
(Title: Born at Summer Hall, Lucky Rhaegar, Silver Prince.)
Everyone understood that this feast had been incredibly successful. The songs and banquet were wonderful, and they represented the union of King's Landing and Casterly Rock, showcasing the wealth and impregnability of the great alliance of the Stag, the Lion, and the Dragon King. Ser Tywin would surely mobilize gold to consolidate the Dragon King's rule. All the Lords of the realm would undoubtedly support the Dragon King's governance.
"Prince! What is the name of this piece?" A Lord boldly asked Rhaegar.
"Let's call it 'A Night at the Red Keep'!" Rhaegar replied.