Chapter 127 Seducing Alicent, Daemon's Revenge
The celebration banquet for the coronation of King Viserys I continued with fervor in the Red Keep's Great Hall, as singers and court musicians began to play instruments and sing songs, their beautiful music echoing in every corner of the hall.
However, after the quarrel between Hand of the King Ser Otto Hightower and Prince Daemon, the atmosphere at the banquet began to grow tense and subtle.
Daemon ordered his confidant Qidan Massey and his attendant Tyland Lannister to help the drunken Raven Greyjoy, Son of the Wind, away; if Son of the Wind had not been incited by Ser Otto Hightower after getting drunk and speaking carelessly, Daemon and Ser Otto Hightower might not have had a dispute at the King's coronation banquet.
The good-natured King Viserys, always a peacemaker, said to Daemon: "Daemon, you and Ser Otto Hightower are my left and right hands, and you should not be unhappy over a drunkard's nonsense. I will call Ser Otto Hightower over to toast you, and this matter will be over."
Daemon snorted, "Brother, I don't think that's necessary. Ser Otto Hightower slandered me in front of nobles from all over Westeros, claiming I had ambitions for the Iron Throne. In my opinion, he has always been trying to sow discord between us brothers. Ser Otto Hightower is your chosen Hand of the King, and I will maintain a respectful relationship with him in the future, but tonight, I really am not in the mood to drink with him."
King Viserys put his hand on Daemon's shoulder, "Not even at my coronation banquet? Daemon, for my sake, you should forgive Ser Otto Hightower. When you left King's Landing for your expedition, it was Ser Otto Hightower who tirelessly worked hard every day to help me and Grand Maester Runciter govern the realm."
"Ser Otto Hightower is conceited, arrogant, sometimes headstrong, and speaks too frankly, but he also has many merits."
King Viserys, with his natural impulse to please others and tendency to forgive, was the exact opposite of the vengeful Daemon, who planned to take harsh revenge on Ser Otto Hightower.
The cruelest way to take revenge on someone is to take away what they cherish, but what could Ser Otto Hightower cherish? Ser Otto Hightower was the younger brother of Lord Leyton Hightower. As the second son, his elder brother inherited Oldtown, the Hightower, and a series of noble titles such as Lord of the Port, Voice of Oldtown, and Beacon of the South. Ser Otto Hightower could only start as a customs officer. His erudition was considered no less than that of many maesters at the Citadel, and soon Ser Otto Hightower demonstrated outstanding ability in the Oldtown customs and began to make a name for himself.
After Ser Otto Hightower entered King Jaehaerys's court, he quickly caught the attention of King Jaehaerys and entered the Small Council. During Daemon's expedition to the Three Daughters, Ser Otto Hightower even took the position of Hand of the King, assisting Prince Viserys, the Prince Regent. Now Ser Otto Hightower's wife has passed away, leaving only his daughter Alicent Hightower and his several young sons who remained at home in Oldtown.
Alicent Hightower was serving wine at the banquet, dressed in a long green silk gown, her skin fair and radiant. Ser Otto Hightower brought his daughter to King's Landing and quickly sent her to serve as a lady-in-waiting to King Jaehaerys, caring for the aging king. In Oldtown, Ser Otto Hightower had chosen the best septas to teach Alicent, and Alicent became a well-educated, charming, and highly sought-after noble maiden who stirred the hearts of countless men.
Otto's intention in placing his daughter by King Jaehaerys's side was self-evident: he hoped his daughter could find a suitable husband in King's Landing. As long as his daughter married a great lord or heir, Otto could use the power of his daughter's husband's family to consolidate his position in the King's Landing court.
Since Ser Otto Hightower had been overestimating himself and provoking him, Daemon might consider sabotaging Alicent's marriage. Alicent was currently a shining pearl in the King's Landing court, and many young knights and nobles admired her. If Daemon used his charm to coax Alicent across the Narrow Sea and marry her to one of his low-born sellswords, Ser Otto Hightower would surely be furious to death.
Alternatively, Daemon could personally step in, use his charm, and win Alicent's heart, in which case Alicent might become Daemon's mistress, and Ser Otto Hightower would no longer be able to use his beloved daughter to achieve his political ambitions.
As Daemon was filled with thoughts of revenge, King Viserys had already brought Ser Otto Hightower before Daemon. Ser Otto Hightower had a gentle smile on his face, yet everyone could sense that the Hand of the King was forcing a smile.
King Viserys smiled, "We will rule together in the future a vast realm stretching from the Wall to Dorne, and then to the Three Daughters. You are both my trusted confidants; do not begin to scheme against each other over a small conflict."
Ser Otto Hightower raised his wine cup to Daemon, "Prince Daemon, let us toast our great new King! For King Viserys, let me temporarily forget the unpleasantness between us!"
So Daemon and Ser Otto Hightower feigned politeness, toasting and complimenting each other. Daemon praised Ser Otto Hightower for his erudition, diligence, and competence, while Ser Otto Hightower lauded Daemon's valor and ability to strike fear into his enemies. In the presence of King Viserys and hundreds of Westerosi nobles, Ser Otto Hightower and Daemon both pledged with their hands over their hearts that they would respect each other and remain united until the end of time and the universe.
Princess Rhaenys, standing nearby, secretly chuckled, "Daemon and Otto deeply despise each other. Such vows are meaningless; they might well be quarreling again tomorrow."
That night, amidst the singing and revelry, Viserys drank himself into a stupor and was escorted back to the royal chambers by his attendants. The nobles gradually left the hall, some returning to their rooms in the Red Keep, others heading to the brothels on Silk Street in King's Landing for entertainment. Daemon had brought back a group of beautiful courtesans from Lys, who quickly became a striking sight in the King's Landing brothels.
Daemon stood on the walls of the Red Keep, the evening breeze like fingers caressing his face, his black-and-gold cloak flapping in the wind.
Under the bright moonlight, Daemon saw Alicent Hightower approaching, her skirt rustling, and he quickly stepped forward.
"Alicent, you truly shine tonight."
Many court ladies-in-waiting would blush politely upon hearing Daemon's flirtatious praise, but Alicent Hightower did not. She gave a sweet smile, "Prince Daemon, thank you for your compliment. I am very sorry for what happened at the banquet today. My father is just like that; sometimes he speaks too directly, completely disregarding the feelings of others. If my father offended you, Prince Daemon, I formally apologize to you on his behalf."
Daemon looked at the gentle and sensible Alicent before him and couldn't help but wonder if using Alicent to get revenge on Ser Otto Hightower was too cruel. But then he thought, if history were to develop normally, this gentle lady before him would very likely become an ambitious and wicked queen in the future. Daemon decided to continue with his plan anyway, as the plan might not even succeed.
Daemon smiled at Alicent, "You are truly a sensible child. Ser Otto Hightower should learn some manners from you. Alicent, you have served my grandfather, King Jaehaerys, for two years now. Now that my grandfather has passed away, are you planning to return to Oldtown, or continue to stay in the King's Landing court?"
Alicent Hightower said, "I will continue to stay in the court, possibly serving as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Aemma. One of Queen Aemma's ladies-in-waiting from House Arryn has returned home, and there is an opening by her side."
Ser Otto Hightower's arrangements for his daughter Alicent had always been to keep her as close to the King as possible. It was no wonder that rumors in King's Landing circulated that Ser Otto Hightower arranged for Alicent to be King Jaehaerys's lady-in-waiting, dreaming that King Jaehaerys might marry his daughter. Now that King Jaehaerys had just passed away, Ser Otto Hightower immediately set his sights on a position by King Viserys's side.
Queen Aemma had experienced multiple pregnancies and miscarriages in recent years, her body becoming increasingly bloated and her health deteriorating. She needed several ladies-in-waiting to care for her.
Ser Otto Hightower came from Oldtown, and he had many friends at the Citadel in Oldtown, having known Grand Maester Runciter for many years. Ser Otto Hightower was clearly well aware of Queen Aemma's health condition. Daemon suspected that Ser Otto Hightower had already realized that Queen Aemma might die young, and therefore deliberately arranged for his daughter Alicent to serve as the Queen's lady-in-waiting, to show herself as much as possible, so that once Queen Aemma passed away, Alicent could take Queen Aemma's place and become the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
However, Daemon would never let Ser Otto Hightower have his way. Daemon already had a perfect plan for revenge. Daemon caressed his sword belt and gave Alicent a gentle smile.
"You've been in the Red Keep's court for a long time. You should go see the lands across the Narrow Sea. In Tyrosh, Lys, and Myr, those are magical and fertile lands. Tyrosh has exquisite brocade and silk, Myr has the most beautiful carpets, tapestries, and glass panes in the world, and Lys has all sorts of magical medicines and perfumes. If you go to the Three Daughters, we can take a flower boat together and cruise on the Myr Sea and the rivers of the Disputed Lands."
Alicent excitedly covered her heart, "Prince Daemon, in King's Landing and Westeros, you are a Prince of House Targaryen. In the Three Daughters, you are the supreme King. Are you really inviting me to the Three Daughters to visit your court?"
Daemon smiled, "Of course. Laena serves as a lady-in-waiting to my wife, Gael, and my sons are very fond of Laena. If you come with me to the Three Daughters, my sons will surely become your admirers. You will become a shining star in the Three Daughters' court. The singers of Tyrosh, Lys, and Myr will sing of your beauty in their thick foreign accents, prostrating themselves at your rose-petal skirt."
Alicent Hightower was clearly moved. After all, she was only a young girl in the prime of her youth. Even if Otto Hightower had taught his daughter well, Alicent Hightower could not escape the innocence and charm that belonged to her age. Young girls always loved ballads, heroes from legends, and magical lands far away.
Facing Daemon's invitation, Alicent Hightower was filled with longing. She said, "Prince Daemon, I am willing to go with you across the Narrow Sea, but I must first discuss it with my father."
"There's no need to discuss such a thing, Alicent. You can only stay in King's Landing." Ser Otto Hightower stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight. He made no sound as he walked, so neither Daemon nor Alicent knew how much Ser Otto Hightower had overheard.
Alicent was a little disappointed, "Father, perhaps I can go with Prince Daemon and travel in the Three Daughters for a while."
Daemon echoed, "Yes! Stay for a few months, and Alicent will surely fall in love with the Three Daughters. Ser Otto Hightower, I promise you, I will take good care of Alicent and protect Alicent from harm by others."
"Then who will protect Alicent from Daemon's harm?" Ser Otto Hightower stroked his thick beard. "Prince Daemon, I only have Alicent, my precious daughter. I don't want my daughter to leave me. How can you bear to separate my daughter from me?"
He had always been at odds with Daemon, believing Daemon to be too dissolute, keeping mistresses and frequenting brothels. If Alicent went with Daemon across the Narrow Sea, Alicent would sooner or later be defiled by Daemon. Moreover, Daemon's fledgling Three Daughters were full of enemies, so he naturally did not want his daughter to go across the Narrow Sea.
Daemon ignored Ser Otto Hightower. He turned to Alicent, revealing a sharp, whip-like smile, "Your father is truly strict. If you change your mind, you can always come to me. Perhaps I'll let you ride my dragon Caraxes and fly across the Narrow Sea!"
Daemon turned and vanished into the night. Alicent gazed wistfully at Daemon's receding figure. Ser Otto Hightower said grimly, "Alicent, you should stay away from Daemon. He is a profligate prince. He has mistresses in King's Landing, Blackwater City, Dragonstone, and the Three Daughters. Most of the brothels in King's Landing are secretly owned by Daemon. I don't want my maiden daughter to get too close to a profligate prince."
Alicent sighed, "Father, I think you have a deep prejudice against Prince Daemon. A few years ago, Prince Daemon's reputation was indeed very bad, but now he has become a liberator, the Father of Dragons, the King of the Three Daughters. Daemon has returned with honor; he is no longer what he once was."
Ser Otto Hightower snorted, "Daemon's subordinates praise Daemon as if he were as mighty as Aegon the Conqueror. It's a pity that under the siege of his enemies, Daemon's rule in the Three Daughters is destined not to last. If you don't believe me, you can wait and see. One day, Daemon's enemies like Pentos, Volantis, and Braavos will fund the exiled nobles of the Three Daughters, bringing a large army to sweep through Lys, Tyrosh, and Myr, overthrowing Daemon's kingdom. The Dragon Kingdom Daemon built in the Three Daughters will soon fall apart."
The next day, Daemon and Gael, with their sons, rode the dragon Dreamfyre and the Blood Wyrm Caraxes back to his territory, Blackwater City. Icefort was located on the north bank of Blackwater City, and Flame Castle was on the south bank. Unlike the foul-smelling King's Landing, Daemon had designed a perfect sewage system when he first built Blackwater City. The city had marble pavements, and the streets were wide enough for seven knights to ride abreast. The harbor was crowded with fishing boats, Summer Isles swan boats, and ships from White Harbor, Gulltown, and Lannisport.
Blackwater City now had over fifty thousand residents. Daemon implemented a strict household registration system in Blackwater City and strictly audited incoming populations. Kingsguard soldiers patrolled the streets day and night, so Blackwater City's public order was excellent.
The common people, seeing Daemon and Gael's dragons, screamed at Daemon and Gael. Dreamfyre and Caraxes landed on the streets, crawling forward, accepting the cheers of the populace.
In the following days, Daemon attended the Small Council daily. Daemon was no longer the Hand of the King, but in the eyes of King Viserys, he was always the Hand of the King. Daemon helped Lyman Beesbury, Master of Coin, deal with mountains of debt bills, and then helped Lyonel Strong, Master of Laws, judge the prisoners in the dungeon. Daemon judged quickly, always making the prisoners yield under torture. Daemon quickly cleared the dungeon; some prisoners were exiled to the Three Daughters to become laborers.
Then Daemon helped King Viserys arbitrate the disputes between House Blackwood and House Bracken, as well as the border disputes between House Morrigen and House Connington in the Stormlands. Many problems that had been shelved for months, which Ser Otto Hightower was powerless to solve, Daemon resolved within a few hours.
Viserys, seeing his brother's decisive actions, was filled with admiration.
At the same time, many noble second sons, hired knights, and freeriders eagerly followed Daemon to the Three Daughters to start a new military career. Daemon accepted their requests. In Blackwater City and King's Landing, he recruited three thousand noble second sons and warriors, incorporating them into his Three Daughters army. The newly formed legion boarded Lord Corlys Velaryon's fleet, the Sea Snake's fleet, and headed for Tyrosh.
One night, Daemon, with Gael and his three sons, came to the King's study. King Viserys was reading, and Daemon was clad in dark red armor.
"Your Majesty, it's time to part again. I must return across the Narrow Sea."
Viserys put down his book, "Why are you in such a hurry to return?"
Daemon said helplessly, "Lord Rodrik Dustin, the Wolf of the Barrowlands, who is holding Tyrosh and ruling the Three Daughters for me, sent a letter. Qabac, the exiled Myrish governor in Volantis, has recruited six mercenary companies in Volantis and is marching toward the Disputed Lands, heading for Myr. It is said that Qabac has also recruited cavalry from the Dothraki khalasars of the Great Grass Sea. The Dragon's Servants Army and the Three Daughters' Kingsguard, without a dragonrider to assist, will find it difficult to cope with such a formidable enemy. If I don't rush back in time, Myr might fall."
In fact, Daemon had already made various meticulous deployments in the Three Daughters across the Narrow Sea, and he fully trusted the abilities of the Tomb Wolf. The walls of Myr were strong, and it was unlikely that the enemy could breach this prosperous city in a short time. However, Daemon preferred to exaggerate the situation. Daemon knew Viserys too well; unless the situation was urgent, Viserys would not let him leave.
Viserys was a little sad, "Daemon, go! I truly wish I could personally go to the Three Daughters and fight alongside you, but alas, I need to sit on the Iron Throne and rule Westeros. Remember, I and House Targaryen will always be your backing. Anyone who is your enemy is an enemy of the Iron Throne."
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