Chapter 130: Khal Drogo's Feast (Part 2)
"The loyalty of House Darry needs no words, Your Grace," Ian said, bowing slightly, his expression resolute and humble. "My three uncles died at the Battle of the Trident, fighting for Prince Rhaegar to the last moment."
"My other uncle, Willem, protected you and your sister," Ian said, glancing at Daenerys, who had stopped crying, and receiving a grateful smile in return. "He protected you all the way to Braavos."
"And just recently, my father heard that you were about to acquire a great host to retake Westeros, and he immediately wanted to gather his banners to join you," Ian said, his voice breaking with emotion.
"Unfortunately, we were betrayed. My two brothers died in battle, my younger brother was murdered, and my father was executed by the usurper for treason after the news leaked. I am the only one left of our house."
"Loyalty is etched into our bones and blood, Your Grace," Ian said, drawing his longsword and kneeling. "I, Ian Rivers, as the last of House Darry's bloodline, offer you my loyalty."
Ian's 'heartfelt declaration' immediately drew applause from the onlookers.
For these highborn nobles, regardless of their allegiance, loyalty was always a commendable quality.
Ian's story was incredibly moving, spanning over a decade and two generations. All of Lord Raymund Darry's brothers and sons had died for their loyalty, and his last son was kneeling before the last Targaryen king, ready to follow his father and brothers in death.
A house of unwavering loyalty!
What lord wouldn't want his bannermen to be like House Darry?
After hearing Ian's words, even a cold-blooded man like Viserys was momentarily stunned. He couldn't help but wonder if the price paid for House Darry's loyalty was too heavy.
Then, Viserys glanced at the onlookers around him, and suddenly, a feeling of truly being a king washed over him.
When was the last time he had been the center of attention like this? The only person who had ever been the center of attention was Rhaegar; he wasn't even worthy to be his shadow.
If he had to name a time, perhaps his coronation at Dragonstone was the only one, but unfortunately, only a handful of courtiers were present.
"Your Grace?"
Viserys snapped out of his reverie when Ian called out to him. "Ian Rivers," he murmured, then blurted out as if he had just realized something, "You're a bastard?"
Ian resisted the urge to cover his face; he simply couldn't bear to witness Viserys's foolishness.
As the first Westerosi lord to swear fealty to him, what benefit would Viserys gain from pointing out his bastard status?
A king's status is enhanced by his vassals; to belittle one's vassals is to belittle oneself, isn't it?
However, Ian wasn't too surprised; after all, he had known for a long time that Viserys had no political sense whatsoever.
"Your Grace," Ian said, already prepared for this situation, "in Westeros, a bastard must have a royal decree to claim his father's name. But our throne has been shamefully usurped, and the true king of the Seven Kingdoms is far away in Essos!" Ian said with passion.
"Father had long wanted to bestow his name upon me, but my two brothers and I remained bastards because Father had no choice! Could he possibly go to the usurper?"
"Of course not!" Viserys roared. "I am the only king of the Seven Kingdoms! No one can steal from a dragon, for dragons never forget!"
"So I have had to endure this shame until Your Grace bestows upon me this honor, allowing me to rightfully inherit the legacy of House Darry," Ian said, presenting the sword. "My sword will only be wielded for the rightful king, and I will fight for you to my last breath."
"Good, good, good!" Viserys's fingers trembled with excitement as he uttered three "good"s in succession. "You are the first person to swear fealty to me, and you will be my most loyal friend."
Viserys gasped for breath, excitedly searching his memory for oaths of fealty, but unfortunately, he couldn't recall them, for the last time he used such oaths was at his coronation on Dragonstone, when he was still a child.
Ian noticed Viserys's predicament and, disregarding the protocol of the king asking questions and the vassal answering, began his oath directly:
"I, Ian Rivers, swear fealty to you. I will serve you with all my life, offering you honest counsel and absolute obedience, protecting your rights and your lands. No matter how treacherous the road ahead, I will always fight alongside you, caring for your people and punishing your enemies. I swear this in the name of the Seven."
"I, Viserys of the House Targaryen, the Third of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, accept your fealty," Viserys suppressed his excitement, loudly proclaiming all his titles as if to prove his legitimacy. "You will surely have a place in the Seven Kingdoms! Rise, my lord, in the name of Ian Darry."
"On the day the true dragon returns to the throne." After hearing the system notification, Ian slowly stood up, looking at Viserys with an almost fervent gaze.
Viserys nodded blankly, then repeated, "The day the true dragon returns to the throne."
Thunderous applause erupted.
Even Khal Drogo, who had drawn closer, stopped and, after listening to Illyrio's translation of Ian and Viserys's exchange, nodded approvingly at Ian.
Looking at the reactions of those around him, Viserys suddenly had a strange sensation, a feeling he had never felt before.
From a young age, Viserys had been told that he was the last hope for the restoration of the Targaryen dynasty, the greatest dynasty in history. From the age of seven, he had shouldered this burden heavy enough to crush anyone.
But no one, all his so-called friends and supporters, had ever given him what Ian gave him now—respect.
Then, Darren Grafton and Jorah Mormont also came over, intending to swear fealty to Viserys after Ian.
But Illyrio didn't give them time, leading Drogo directly to Viserys. He dared not keep Drogo waiting any longer.
Drogo would find the oath-swearing ceremony amusing once, but making him wait two or three times would be considered disrespectful.
Seeing Drogo approach, Viserys hurriedly dismissed Ian: "Come find me later, I want to hear more of your Westerosi tales," then turned and tugged at his sister's sleeve, anxiously telling her, "Smile at him, and hold your head high."
Daenerys glanced back at Ian quickly, then smiled, straightened her back, and followed her brother toward Drogo.
(End of Chapter)
[Reader Support Milestones]
500 Power Stones → +2 Chapters
10 Reviews → +1 Chapter
Enjoyed the read? Leave a review.
30+ advanced chapters on P2treon Soulforger