The ball had not yet fully dispersed, and the atmosphere was still immersed in the afterglow of tipsiness and music, when King Quellon found Euron. His voice was kept very low, carrying an unquestionable command. "Now, escort your fiancée, Lady Ashara, back to rest. Then, come to me immediately. You are coming with me to a place."
Though puzzled, Euron knew well that his father's solemnity at this moment was no ordinary matter. He nodded immediately, walked to Ashara, and gently escorted her back to her brother, Ser Arthur Dayne. After a brief farewell, he returned quickly.
King Quellon said little more. Signaling Euron to follow, he turned and led his son through corridors where the noise was fading, heading toward a deeper, rarely visited area of Harrenhal. Torchlight in the hallway stretched their shadows long against the ancient, rough stone walls, their footsteps echoing in the emptiness.
Finally, they stopped before a heavy stone door.
Two figures stood before the door—Kingsguard Ser Oswell Whent and the "White Bull" Ser Gerold Hightower. Like two silent statues, they merely nodded slightly upon seeing King Quellon, saying nothing. King Quellon responded with his eyes, then pushed open the stone door and led Euron inside.
Behind the door was a spiraling stone staircase leading downward. The air instantly became cold and damp, lit only by sporadic torches on wall sconces providing faint light. They walked down in silence, arriving at a concealed and solemn stone chamber.
Inside the chamber, the atmosphere was heavy and grave. Flickering torchlight illuminated several faces that held the power of Westeros.
Lord Tywin Lannister sat to one side, his golden lion brooch still cold and eye-catching in the dim light. His expression was calm, as if everything was under control. The host of Harrenhal, Lord Walter Whent, stood aside, his face wearing the caution peculiar to a host. Lord Rickard Stark and his young, spirited eldest son Brandon Stark stood in the shadows, Northern fortitude carved into their brows. Lord of the Eyrie and Warden of the East, Jon Arryn, was also present; he looked slightly weary, but his gaze remained sharp.
Seeing King Quellon enter with Euron, the men only nodded slightly without speaking; the silence itself explained the weight of this meeting.
A moment later, the stone door was pushed open again.
The Queen of Thorns, Lady Olenna Redwyne of Highgarden, walked in with her eldest grandson Willas Tyrell. Her worldly shrewdness and Willas's steadiness formed a wondrous complement. Following them was Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun, his steps carrying the steadiness typical of a Riverlands lord. Then came Prince Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper of Dorne, a playful smile on his lips as if this secret gathering was a good show about to open. The last to arrive was Robert Baratheon, bustling in smelling of alcohol and women's perfume.
Almost all the most important rulers of the Seven Kingdoms were gathered in this inconspicuous stone chamber at this moment.
The stone chamber fell into brief silence, broken only by the crackling of torches.
Sitting at the boundary of shadow and light, Lord Tywin Lannister broke the silence first. His voice was steady and cold, devoid of emotion, yet carrying undeniable weight.
"Since everyone is here, let us begin."
He looked around at every powerful lord present, his gaze like cold gold. "We have all witnessed the condition of our current King, Aerys II." His wording was cautious, but the accusation was incomparably sharp. "His conduct grows increasingly erratic and unrestrained. He spends heavily to keep pyromancers, executing subjects with wildfire at the slightest provocation. Surrounding him are nothing but sycophants and incompetents."
He paused briefly, letting the weight of these words press fully on everyone's heart. "Endless exorbitant taxes have long caused complaints throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Everyone here must have suffered from them too. Now, what do people call him in private? — The Mad King."
Immediately, he pivoted to praise, yet it was equally cold and calculated. "Whereas Prince Rhaegar is versed in both letters and arms, wise and benevolent. His talent and virtue are obvious to all. He is the one worthy of the Iron Throne; he should be the true monarch of the Seven Kingdoms."
Finally, he threw out the ultimate conclusion, clear and decisive. "I believe Aerys II is no longer fit to occupy the throne. It is time to invite Prince Rhaegar to replace him."
Lord Rickard Stark's face appeared particularly resolute in the firelight. His voice was deep, carrying the sternness unique to Northerners. "Lord Tywin speaks the truth. The title of King is not a shield for atrocities. Executing subjects arbitrarily with fire... such cruel and harsh acts have deviated from the way of a monarch."
"Dorne has no objections." Prince Oberyn Martell leaned lazily against the wall, a playful smile still on his lips, but his tone was very clear. "Rhaegar is my sister Elia's husband." This short sentence clearly stated Dorne's position.
Lord Hoster Tully rubbed the ring on his finger, displaying the pragmatic considerations of a Riverlands lord. "Regardless, Mad King or Rhaegar, the bloodline remains Targaryen. Rhaegar is the rightful heir; what we discuss is merely... making the transition of the throne happen a bit earlier."
King Quellon's voice was like grinding iron, carrying the directness and interest considerations of the Lord of the Iron Islands. "I agree. Increasing the taxes on us vassals for no reason just to support that group of warlocks who only know how to play with wildfire is definitely not the act of a wise king. The Seven Kingdoms need a king who knows better how to manage and win the hearts of the people."
Lord Jon Arryn's words were more tactful but equally firm. "His Grace King Aerys II's... mental state is indeed no longer suitable for managing the realm. For the welfare of the kingdom, asking him to enjoy his old age early might be the more appropriate arrangement."
Finally, Robert Baratheon's roar exploded like thunder. His huge fist slammed onto the stone table, grief and hatred intertwining on his young face. "Well said! Overthrow him! My parents died under that madman's absurd orders!"
As soon as his voice fell, the Queen of Thorns, Lady Olenna Redwyne, let out a slight scoff.
Her sharp gaze swept over Tywin, her words like poisoned daggers, piercing precisely toward his unspoken intentions. "We are certainly aware of the discord between you and the Mad King, Lord Tywin. Especially after he refused the marriage between your daughter Cersei and Prince Rhaegar, and you lost the position of Hand of the King." She leaned forward slightly, her tone carrying unconcealed skepticism. "Please do not tell us that your impassioned speech today contains absolutely none of these... personal grudges."
Lord Tywin Lannister kept his hands steadily crossed in front of him, his face calm as deep well water, responding calmly to Olenna's question. "Of course there are personal grudges!" His voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly. "Among everyone present, who does not have grudges against that King? Throughout the Seven Kingdoms, which noble house has not suffered his mistreatment and madness?" His gaze turned to Olenna, his tone sharpening a few degrees. "If not for Aerys II's indulgence and even incitement, would the conflict between the Iron Islands and the Arbor have developed to such a stage?"
With old matters brought up again, the Queen of Thorns remained unmoved. Her gaze swept over the crowd, guiding the topic to the core issue of interest. "Who sits on the throne is not non-negotiable for Highgarden. But allow me to be blunter—doing this, taking such a huge risk, what concrete benefits can we at Highgarden obtain?"
Tywin's answer was cold and concise, carrying an unquestionable authority. "A wise king, a monarch who will no longer levy taxes arbitrarily and tyrannically. This itself is the greatest benefit all subjects—including Highgarden—can obtain."
Lady Olenna pondered for a moment, finally giving a cautious and reserved stance. "In that case, Highgarden will not openly oppose this motion." She paused, emphasizing, "But nor will we explicitly express approval."
Tywin nodded slightly. He seemed to have expected this result and did not force it.
At this time, Lord Jon Arryn pulled the discussion back to the practical level. "Then next, how should we act?"
Tywin had a plan ready, clear and precise. "At this tourney, almost all the prominent nobles of the Seven Kingdoms are gathered at Harrenhal. When the tourney concludes and the crowd has not yet dispersed, we will publicly announce our support for Prince Rhaegar to succeed the throne. Subsequently," his tone held not a ripple, "we will simultaneously 'invite' the 'Old King' Aerys to Dragonstone... to recuperate in peace."
Hearing this, everyone nodded one after another, deeming this plan feasible.
Just then, Euron, who had been listening silently, suddenly spoke up, raising a critical question. "About this matter... is Prince Rhaegar himself... still unaware?"
Tywin looked at him, no surprise in his eyes, as if he had long considered this question. "When we announce it publicly, he will naturally know." His tone was certain, carrying deep insight into human nature and the desire for power. "I believe no one would refuse... becoming the King of the Seven Kingdoms and sitting on that Iron Throne."
Euron said no more. He just nodded gently, retreating once again into the shadows of the stone chamber, maintaining his silence.
---
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